Getting a small business off the ground may be a challenge. They take a lot of effort, patience, and forethought, not to mention a great deal of money than you had initially budgeted.
Fortunately, there’s good news for small company owners looking for assistance. “Bank loans and private loans are two of the most frequent types of credit. Even though they appear almost identical and may be used interchangeably, there are still some significant differences.” notes small business lender Shane Perry of Max Funding.
What Are Bank Lenders?
Banks make a profit by taking in money from depositors, paying back at the lowest interest rate (if any), and lending it out to other people at somewhat higher interest rates. Federally chartered banks can loan funds from the government at a low-interest rate when necessary. Most of the time, banks impose interest rates of 5% p.a. and above, while private lenders charge interest rates that fluctuate widely.
What Are Private Lenders?
Investors and banks, or a combination of the two, provide most of the capital for private lenders. Some private lenders take funding from various investors and use that money to provide personal company loans.
Investors anticipate a good return on their investments, and banks charge investors a much higher interest rate on the money they borrow from them. As a result of these factors, the private lender’s costs rise, which is conveyed to the final borrower.
Banks vs. Private Lenders: Loan Processing Time
In an emergency, you can use only a personal loan. Speed is of the utmost significance when an individual needs a short-term loan.
Online lenders are considered to be private lenders as well. You may find out if you’re eligible for a loan from an online lender in just two minutes, and the money is sent into your business bank account for an LLC within 24 hours after authorization. This is feasible since the whole loan application procedure is carried out online, and there is no need for you to visit an outlet or provide paper copies of documentation.
On the other hand, banks that process loans in an old-fashioned manner might take somewhere between 3 to 7 days to complete. Many banks have also developed online avenues for personal loans, but these are only available to current clients who fulfill specific eligibility requirements.
Expenses for Processing
The processing fee levied on the loan is another essential component of the loan’s total cost. There is a cost associated with getting a loan from both private lenders and banks. Banks charge processing fees from 0.5% to 2.5% of the transaction. The processing cost for private lenders may be slightly higher.
Bottom Line
You can seek private lenders or apply for a loan in a bank to support the costs of starting a small business. How much money you need, the best interest rate available, and whether or not you’re willing to risk your personal credit might all play a role in your decision.
If you’re looking for a private loan, make sure you read the terms carefully to ensure you can use the money for business reasons. If you’re not sure, you can directly ask the lender. Spend some time developing a business strategy and a financial plan that might help you identify your priorities.