- Date : 08/04/2023
- Read: 4 mins
Factors every SME seeking a loan should be aware of.
As a small or medium enterprise (SME) owner, you may require funds at any given point in time to expand your business, buy new equipment, or simply manage your working capital. That’s where an SME loan comes in handy. However, the interest rate charged on such loans can make a significant difference in the overall cost of borrowing. In this article, we will discuss four essential factors that affect SME loan interest rates.
1. Credit Score
Your credit score plays a significant role in determining the interest rate of an SME loan. A good credit score indicates that you have been managing your finances responsibly and are less likely to default on the loan. Therefore, lenders are more likely to offer you lower interest rates if you have a higher credit score. In contrast, if you have a poor credit score, lenders may consider you a high-risk borrower and charge you a higher interest rate.
Suppose you have a credit score of 800 and you apply for an SME loan. The lender considers you a low-risk borrower and offers you an interest rate of 10%. On the other hand, if you have a credit score of 500, the lender considers you a high-risk borrower and may offer you an interest rate of 15%.
2. Business Experience
The length of time your business has been operating can also affect the interest rate of an SME loan. Lenders tend to favour businesses that have been in operation for a longer period of time, as they have a proven track record of stability and profitability. Newer businesses may be considered higher risk and may be charged a higher interest rate.
Suppose you have been running a successful business for the past ten years and apply for an SME loan. The lender sees that you have a proven track record of stability and profitability and offers you an interest rate of 9%. In contrast, if you just started your business six months ago, the lender may consider you a higher risk and offer you an interest rate of 12%.
Also Read: Different Types Of SME Loans Available In India
3. Collateral
Collateral is an asset that you pledge as security for the SME loan. It gives lenders a sense of security and reduces the risk of default. If you have collateral to offer, lenders may be willing to offer you a lower interest rate, as they have a way to recover their funds in the event of a default. However, if you do not have collateral, lenders may charge you a higher interest rate to compensate for the higher risk.
Suppose you offer your commercial property as collateral for an SME loan. The lender sees that you have a way to repay the loan in case of a default and offers you an interest rate of 8%. In contrast, if you don't have any collateral to offer, the lender may charge you a higher interest rate of 13%.
4. Economic Conditions
Economic conditions such as inflation rates, interest rates, and market trends can also affect SME loan interest rates. In a high-inflation environment, lenders may increase their interest rates to compensate for the loss in purchasing power of the money lent. Similarly, if the central bank increases interest rates, lenders may also increase their interest rates. On the other hand, in a low inflation environment or during a recession, lenders may lower their interest rates to encourage borrowing and stimulate economic activity.
Suppose you apply for an SME loan during a period of high inflation. The lender sees that the purchasing power of the money they lend may decrease over time and charges you an interest rate of 12%. In contrast, if you apply for the same loan during a period of low inflation, the lender may charge you a lower interest rate of 10%.
Keep in mind that SME loan eligibility criteria may differ from one lender to another, so make sure you do your research and choose the lender that offers you the best deal. Applying for an SME loan can help you achieve your business goals, but make sure you understand the terms and conditions before signing on the dotted line.
As a small or medium enterprise (SME) owner, you may require funds at any given point in time to expand your business, buy new equipment, or simply manage your working capital. That’s where an SME loan comes in handy. However, the interest rate charged on such loans can make a significant difference in the overall cost of borrowing. In this article, we will discuss four essential factors that affect SME loan interest rates.
1. Credit Score
Your credit score plays a significant role in determining the interest rate of an SME loan. A good credit score indicates that you have been managing your finances responsibly and are less likely to default on the loan. Therefore, lenders are more likely to offer you lower interest rates if you have a higher credit score. In contrast, if you have a poor credit score, lenders may consider you a high-risk borrower and charge you a higher interest rate.
Suppose you have a credit score of 800 and you apply for an SME loan. The lender considers you a low-risk borrower and offers you an interest rate of 10%. On the other hand, if you have a credit score of 500, the lender considers you a high-risk borrower and may offer you an interest rate of 15%.
2. Business Experience
The length of time your business has been operating can also affect the interest rate of an SME loan. Lenders tend to favour businesses that have been in operation for a longer period of time, as they have a proven track record of stability and profitability. Newer businesses may be considered higher risk and may be charged a higher interest rate.
Suppose you have been running a successful business for the past ten years and apply for an SME loan. The lender sees that you have a proven track record of stability and profitability and offers you an interest rate of 9%. In contrast, if you just started your business six months ago, the lender may consider you a higher risk and offer you an interest rate of 12%.
Also Read: Different Types Of SME Loans Available In India
3. Collateral
Collateral is an asset that you pledge as security for the SME loan. It gives lenders a sense of security and reduces the risk of default. If you have collateral to offer, lenders may be willing to offer you a lower interest rate, as they have a way to recover their funds in the event of a default. However, if you do not have collateral, lenders may charge you a higher interest rate to compensate for the higher risk.
Suppose you offer your commercial property as collateral for an SME loan. The lender sees that you have a way to repay the loan in case of a default and offers you an interest rate of 8%. In contrast, if you don't have any collateral to offer, the lender may charge you a higher interest rate of 13%.
4. Economic Conditions
Economic conditions such as inflation rates, interest rates, and market trends can also affect SME loan interest rates. In a high-inflation environment, lenders may increase their interest rates to compensate for the loss in purchasing power of the money lent. Similarly, if the central bank increases interest rates, lenders may also increase their interest rates. On the other hand, in a low inflation environment or during a recession, lenders may lower their interest rates to encourage borrowing and stimulate economic activity.
Suppose you apply for an SME loan during a period of high inflation. The lender sees that the purchasing power of the money they lend may decrease over time and charges you an interest rate of 12%. In contrast, if you apply for the same loan during a period of low inflation, the lender may charge you a lower interest rate of 10%.
Keep in mind that SME loan eligibility criteria may differ from one lender to another, so make sure you do your research and choose the lender that offers you the best deal. Applying for an SME loan can help you achieve your business goals, but make sure you understand the terms and conditions before signing on the dotted line.
