Different banks and corporate loan products bear different interest rates. A typical business term loan interest rate ranges between simple interest 3.5% to 7% p.a. (effective interest rate between 6.5% to 13%). Financing products, interest rates and credit criteria are different across all banks in Singapore.
Types of Small Business Loans in Singapore
Typical Business financing criteria and requirements
Minimum average daily balance of $10K maintained in bank account
Operational history of 1 year, preferably 2 years.
Most banks in Singapore will ask the latest 6 months bank statements, latest 2 years financial report, AR and AP ageing list, director’s NOA, list of existing banking offices and GST returns (if applicable). Are you qualified for a business loan?
There are 3 major points out of many other factors that you have to pay careful attention to as they will have a severely impact your eligibility to qualify for a bank loan.
Which Bank Provides Lowest Business Loan Interest Rate?
Although each bank may have different interest rates, many other factors affect the quoted rates. This includes the borrower’s credit profile, the nature of the industry, and the amount of the loan. Depending on its debt-to-income ratio and the type of loan product offered, 2 different companies might receive different rates from the same bank.
There are a few different types of small business loans available in the market.
Temporary Bridging Loan
Unsecured Business Term Loan
Trade Financing
Factoring /Receivables Financing
Property Financing
Equipment Financing
Before applying for any financing, you should do some research before you
apply. Or rather, to engage an experienced loan consultant for advice. It’s
going to save you time and trouble.
Credit Score Advice
There is no equivalent for businesses; each financial credit bureau scores and reports its own way. The most critical factors for scoring businesses are how much debt you are carrying and what kind of industry you pay your bills.
Ways to Improve Your Company’s Business Credit Score
Restrict Credit Usage and Manage Debt Levels on the Low While you may demand a loan or two to boost the business and include certain expenses, it is often advisable to keep any revolving dept low. Keeping low debt levels will lower your credit utilization, which keeps your credit rating high.
How can I improve?
-Always pay loans on time.
-Avoid obtaining multiple loan enquiries in a short time.
-We don’t have too various credit facilities open.
-Never, ever, default on your loans.
-Take and pay a loan to repair damaged credit.
Like with your accounts, your history with paying bills in a promptly can affect your credit score. Get in the habit of paying all of you business bill on time to avoid adverse outcomes.
Doing the BIG THREE MAIN BANKS in Singapore, DBS, UOB & OCBC is where most businesses hold an account that naturally had been where they first approach a business loan.
How long is the application processing time?
Most banks will typically need between 2-3 weeks to prepare a loan application. For more complex cases, processing interval may take up to a month.
If you require a fast business term loan, you can consider engaging an SME loan broker and consultant to help with the application method. Due to experience with the banks’ credit criteria, an expert consultant can help expedite the turnaround time.
The Best Business Loan Singapore
We researched through mysterious shopping calls to their SME credit departments and quick checks on the product page of their website. The results we have here are:
Tittle |
DBS BUSINESS DBS offers an unsecured business term loan for SMEs: |
OCBC Business Loan
OCBC unsecured business term loan product features: |
UOB Business Loan
UOB business term loan product is named Bizmoney loan: |
---|---|---|---|
Maximum Loan amount | 500K | 500K | 350K |
Maximum loan repayment period | 5 years | 5 years | 4 years |
Interest rate | 10.88% p.a. | 10.88% p.a. | 10.88% p.a. |
Processing fee | 2% of loan amount | 2% of loan amount | 2% of loan amount |
Early redemption penalty | 2.5% | 5% | 6.88% |
Most SMEs apply for their loans from either of these 3 banks, which holds a track record to their business finances.
From the above reference, you can see that all three central banks have almost identical loan features and prices, all starting from 10.88% p.a. EIR. The banks might also run periodic promotions where slightly lower rates are offered.
Crowdfunding capital collective efforts by friends, the family, clients and individual investors are a means for raising capital. This approach uses the joint efforts of many – mainly online through social media and crowdfunding platforms – and uses their networks to reach out to them more easily.
- It can be a fast way to increase finance with 0 upfront fees.
- Tossing a project or business through the online program can be a valuable form of marketing and appear in media attention.
- Share your concept; you can often get feedback and expert guidance on how to improve it.
- It is an excellent method to test the public’s reaction to your product/idea – it is a good sign that your idea might work appropriately in the market if people want to invest.
- Investors can track your progress – It can help you to develop your brand via their networks.
- Can fund ideas, not attractive conventional investors easier.
- Often your investors will be your most loyal customers through the financing process.
- It’s an alternative finance option if you have struggled to get bank loans or traditional funding.
Crowdfunding based on loans will bring back investors, usually at the expense of interest. And people put money in, usually to take part in your business, with investment based crowdfunding. They see the value of their shares growing and falling, but their investment is not to be paid back.
Compare 3 Singapore Banks Business Loans

How to find the best loan ?
There are 20+ banks providing SME financing. Every one of them has different credit criteria and risk appetite. There is no best bank, only the most suitable bank, which criteria happen to fit your company’s profile.
Banks have different credit criteria
- Purpose of Funding
- Financials assesment
- Industry Nature
- Years in Business
- Cash Flow Assesment
- Director’s Personal Credit Conduct
Which bank’s business financing should you choose?
All 3 banks SME small business loan product features are very similar. They are also priced almost identically with all 3 banks’ corporate loan interest rate starting from 10.88% p.a. EIR. The banks might also run periodic promotions where slightly lower rates are offered.
How much bank loan can your business get?
UOB business loan features are less attractive with the maximum quantum of $350K compared to both DBS and OCBC at $500K. UOB’s maximum loan tenure is also the shortest at 4 years.
P.S. Although all 3 banks issue their maximum loan quantum, do note in our experience, it’s not easy to pass for their maximum limit. Most borrowers, in our viewpoint, will not be offered the full amount unless financials and all credit aspects are exceedingly strong.
The only reference is given to the above values. Although product financing features are similar, note that the internal credit criteria for all three banks differ.
For example:
The loan of an OCBC business term requires a registration for the applicant company for at least 2 years and a minimum of 3 years for UOB.
The three banks have several other lending criteria, including age limits for the manager, the business nature of the industry, minimum income requirements etc.
Besides our three local banks, about 20+ banks, financial institutions and alternative finance institutions offer financing to small and medium-sized enterprises.
You can easily compare all SME loans from all banks with a free online business lending evaluation in order to help you figure out the different criteria and credit requirements of any financiers and see all of your funding options at once.
Disclaimer: FR Capital claims not to represent in any way any of the three local banks. We cannot guarantee that the information presented here is accurate forever as banks can adapt their product characteristics over time. All information on the three local banks presented in this article on business loans was obtained on their respective websites or via hotline calls in January 2021. The information here presented is not intended exclusively to be relied on. Please check with each bank’s corporate loan department again if in doubt or ask for professional support.
Startup Business Loan in Singapore
You might be disappointed if you have just set up a new company and obtained a startup company loan in Singapore. Limited banks offer a new company without a track record of operation with unsecured business loans.
Most banks demand borrowers to have a minimum operational history of 2 to 3 years before applying for a corporate loan.
A competent SME corporate lending advisor can supply alternative financing options to you if the business has been in service for at least 6 to 2 years and has a positive cash flow. However, be prepared for a limited start in financing options.
For brand new startups, most banks believe the risk of failure is too high. You may want to search for other funding channels instead of entrepreneurs looking for a loan to set up a business.
The familiar sources of startup capital are personal loans by banks, personal savings or friends’ or family funds. If you are a fast-scale technology startup, private financing, angel investors, and risk capital are equally appropriate channels.
The First Step to Success
It all began with an ambitious and revolutionary concept for all entrepreneurs. Regrettably, money has been their biggest problem, stifling their ambitions to succeed. Most of the time, these entrepreneurs don’t have enough money to make their dreams a reality, but finding like-minded or benevolent inventors isn’t easy.
Startup loan is the most popular and effective method of establishing a small business. It’s a financial program offered by a variety of financial institutions to new entrepreneurs, and it has a very flexible choice that new businesses may consider. The accepted sum has typically been large, with a fair fee and a long payout period to enable a new SME to develop. There are certain requirements to apply for a loan, but they are not overly complex or difficult to meet.
How to successfully get a loan
Obtaining a startup loan is subject to certain conditions and procedures. This is a prerequisite that financial institutions must meet to determine if the borrower can repay under the terms and conditions set forth. It assists banks and lenders in determining the highest amount to pay suppliers to maximize their profits.
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- Developing a proper business plan
You must present a well-structured business plan to borrowers to obtain their confidence. The borrower needs to know everything there is to know about the venture, including the goods and services it offers and all related data and details.
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- Professional experience
Banks and lenders may examine the borrower’s profile to determine the provider’s abilities and strength, as well as whether or not he or she is capable of running and managing a company.
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- Managing the personal finances
A person’s credit rating is defined by mortgages, credit card payments, wages, and other related financial information. These are some of the variables that financial institutions consider when determining the total loan sum provided to the borrower. With all of this material, terms and conditions are frequently defined.
Bottom Line
We are here to assist you with a good start by ensuring the best possible start-up loan to achieve your efforts and dreams. By sharing your business plan with us, we’ll be able to measure the variable sum that can be granted to you and carefully draft a loan repayment schedule that will give you enough time to meet your objectives. To boost your business growth, entrepreneurs need time before they start harvesting the rewards and be aware of a payment period’s design and structure. Find the best match for your situation.
Don’t get into a bad deal
We know that it may be a complicated task to start a new business, but we are sure that this is not impossible. Furthermore, it is essential to realize that you must take your time to study which financial entity you appoint to receive funding to begin your company. At the same time, you may need the money desperately. Consider that there are very high interest-ratio financial businesses and low negotiation opportunities, so this decision is crucial.
We invite you to choose and get in touch with us. We are a team of financial experts who know how to handle money properly and are the best on the market in our business and opportunities. Our main priority is our customers, and we know how to care for their projects and proposals with due care to provide the best terms and conditions for their credit.
To visualize the company in the future, we want to evaluate your startup. Please show us your idea in your business plan and share your concerns. Learn more about you to advise you and provide you with a promising startup loan for your dreams.
The best way to start a business
Financial backing and support are critical reasons for good ideas to be transformed into a successful business. Entrepreneurs dream about establishing a trustworthy company that would eventually reap generous returns.
A startup loan accompanied by sound financial and productive management ensures excellent results at new business start-up. That is the purpose of start-up loans to make such undertakings happen.
A good business plan is the best way to get a good credit without mentioning a company’s estimates and anticipated profits. You must also know how to correctly select your team. If you want to receive money loans in the future, having a good financial balance is very important.
Remember, please contact us today, don’t hesitate. Please bring your corporate plan to your aid. Let us help you to fulfill your dreams. We have good strategies and plans to help you in starting your business. Join us and learn the difference.
Business loan with bad credit?
A common question for some businessmen is whether a company or a commercial loan with a bad credit history can be eligible?
If the company owner has a poor credit rating due to past defaults on credit facilities or late payments, this certainly affects the financing of the company’s approval chances too.
You may wish to seek solutions to improve your credit rating score before applying for business financing, if your credit rating score is low because of inadequate payments of credit cards, car loans and home credit etc.
You may still be able to remedy this by clearing out all outstanding duties on your loan facilities, depending on how adverse your credit history is. Only after sorting out credit issues is it advisable to apply for a company loan.
To secure a corporate loan, such as short term credit, you generally need a score of at least 500. For some online lenders, there is no minimum credit score requirement. However, you usually get your credit and check your personal and business details to find any red flags that indicate that you can’t repay your loan.
Yes, if you have bad credit, you can take a fast business loan. But most likely, you’re faced with more considerable fees and loans than well-credited borrowers. Whether you have a poor credit history, if you can put up collateral or show substantial credits in other areas, you can improve your chances of getting a credit (i.e., healthy business revenue and industry experience). For us to finance your business, we will devise an out-of-the-box strategy.
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About FR Capital
FR Capital it is a Singapore-based consultancy that assists SMEs in obtaining bank and financial institution loans. We specialize in SME financing, and we use our experience and network to help clients get low-interest funding quickly and easily. Get fast business loans online now.
FR Capital many Singapore businesses trust us as their chosen SME financing partner. We seek to assist businesses in obtaining the best funding options available on the market, including expert guidance, lower interest rates, and larger loans, to help them meet their financial goals and reach their full potential.
Our team of seasoned financial experts with vast portfolios and networks will help you with simple and convenient applications.
Since our humble beginnings, we have successfully built a team of seasoned financial experts with comprehensive portfolios and networks in our local financing markets. From business loans to mortgage loans, industrial to personal property refinancing loans, we’ve been serving our customers with the same passion and confidence since we first opened our doors, and we’ve earned their trust as their one-stop financing partner.
Frequently asked questions
Guides to business borrowing
Improve your credit score
Business credit cards
Business credit cards
Business credit cards, Unlike personal credit cards, business credit cards are designed exclusively for business expenses. Additional cards for staff, custom spending caps, and cost monitoring are all possible features.
However, there are a few other similarities between the two credit cards. Both provide you with access to funds up to a certain amount and allow you to pay off the balance over time (albeit with interest charges if you fail to make payment on time). They also contain subscription fees and other charges, such as the expense of redeeming rewards.
A business credit card gives you more control and visibility. As a company owner, a business credit card gives you greater leverage and access to your business expenses. It can also assist you in keeping track of your company’s travel and entertainment costs. You may also take advantage of other benefits, such as:
- Rebates or rewards on your spending
- Complimentary travel insurance
- Withdrawal services worldwide
- Complimentary lounge visits
You may also have management and reporting resources at your side, as well as insurance provisions for employee misbehavior.
Having a business bank account is the easiest way to manage your company’s finances. Choosing the best business bank account in Singapore to suit your company’s needs can help to streamline processes and payments.
How is opening a business bank account in Singapore practical?
Opening a business account will make it easier to keep track of your expenses and earnings. This keeps things neat, making accounting, managing your expenses, and analyzing business goals more efficiently.
But how do you know which business bank account is the best for your company?
5 Things to look out for when opening a business bank account in Singapore:
- Monthly fees
- Minimum deposit and balance
- Usability and ease of access
- Limits on transfers and foreign currency conversion fees
- Customer support networks
Your guide to the best business bank accounts in Singapore
With so many possibilities, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. To help you make a more informed decision, we’ve compiled a rundown of the most famous bank accounts for companies in Singapore.
Business Digital Account | Business Growth Account | SGD Current Account | FlexiBiz Account | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Account | ||||
Monthly Fees | $18 | $10 | $35 / year | $0 |
Minimum Deposit | $1,000 | $0 | $1,000 | $1,000 |
Minimum Balance | $0 | $0 | $10,000 | $0 |
Fall-Below Fees | $0 | $0 | $35 | $0 |
Local Transfer | ||||
FAST Transfer | $0.50 | $0 | $0.50 | $0.20 |
Standing Instruction | $10 | $10 | $5 | $10 |
Foreign Transfers | ||||
Handling Fee | $10 | $10 | $10 | $20 |
Processing Fee | $20 | $25 | $30 | $20 |
Inbound Fee | $10 | $10 | $10 | $10 |
FX Markup (Average) | 0.47% | 0.46% | 0.48% | 0.91% |
Account Features | ||||
Card Type | Visa Debit | Visa Debit | Visa Debit | Visa Debit |
Cashback | 0.3% | 0.2% | 0.3% | N/A |
Payment Acceptance | FAST, GIRO, Cheque | FAST, GIRO, Cheque | FAST, GIRO, Cheque | FAST, GIRO, Cheque |
Customer Support | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
What are the documents I need to prepare for a business loan?
- Acra business profile information
- Latest NOA of ALL directors
- Latest CBS report of ALL directors
- Latest 2 year of company’s financial statements
- Latest 6 months of bank statements
Ensuring that you have the right documents on hand before submission may increase your chances of
obtaining the right business loan.
Why are all these documents needed? How to obtain them?
1. ACRA Business Profile Information
(ACRA) – A document shows the information your business, directors, shareholders and paid-in capital of your company has received.
ACRA Financiers are used to identify the directors of the company, to understand the type of industry in which they operate and to identify which of them will provide the necessary guarantee.
2. Latest 2 Years’ Notice Of Assessment (NOA) Of All Directors
Financials are required to understand their declared incomes by (NOA) Notice of Assessment of the directors of the company for the past 2 years.
For the last 2 years, a Financial would need to know about their declared income from the Company Directors’ Notice of Assessment (NOA).
*Please note that here the NOA refers to directors’ personal NOA, not the NOA of the company.
The income of managers in their personal NOA will be considered one of the factors that will determine the amount of the business loan and the company’s tenor.
In conjunction with the CBS report, the NOA gives financiers the overall ratio of debt to income. If the amount of debt that is unsecured exceeds the income of the director, the financiers will not be more likely to borrow, because the directors are not able to repay that loan.
Proceed to IRAS to download your NOA.
3. Latest Credit Bureau Singapore (CBS) Report Of All Directors
(CBS)Credit Bureau Singapore Financiers are asked to view their corporate directors’ history and outstanding loans for repayment.
Their ratings in the CBS report show the borrower’s creditworthiness.
The ratings of the general loan are AA-HH (AA being the best, and HH the worst).
You can either obtain your CBS report on $6 or get free information within 30 days after application if you have previously applied for a credit card.
The highest credit rating risk level possible is AA. Grades B or C indicate crime or late repayment, and grades D or below often lead to defaults (the bank was forced to write off the loan).
Credit scores assist lenders in deciding whether to approve loan applications or not and determine what lending conditions to offer. The scores are generated using algorithms that summarize your borrowing history by using information from your credit reports.
What’s the value of your loan?
As outlined above, your credit behavior is aggregated between 1,000 and 2,000. Those at the lower end of the 1000-point scale are indicated as the most risk of default. You are classified as HH. The lowest risk perceived by those with the highest end of the score range, at 2,000 points. And the best AA credit rating would be for them.
The credit value will be used as one factor in lending decisions by lenders. Your annual salary, employment length, bankruptcy, or litigation information may also be other factors. Your loan score may also influence if the lending company will provide you with loans at the lowest credit rating rate for the borrowers.
You have a 12-month rolling basis for the credit score calculation of your account repayment history. So, if all your payments are due, it is possible to reconstruct your account repayment record for 12 months.
They will, however, retain two years’ inquiries for your credit report from financial institutions. Default records will appear for three years with the status of ‘negotiated’ or ‘full settlement.’ Default records are displayed indefinitely with the level of non-existent partial payment and “sold off.”
How to develop your credit score risk grade in Singapore
To increase (or close to) your credit score to an AA, you should:
Reimburse loans on time
Avoid requesting several loans in a short space of time
Don’t have too many loans open
Do not default on your credit
Take and pay back a loan to repair damaged loans
Credits: Credit Bureau Singapore
4. Latest 2 Years’ Company’s Financial Statements
The financial institutions will also have to determine your company’s historical performance over the last 2 years of your financial statements, which include your final 2 years of profit and loss statements and balance sheets.
*The auditors of your company usually prepare these documents unless accounting software is used.
5. Latest 6 Months Of Bank Statements
The bank statement shows the daily transactions of your company. Financiers measure their ability to repay the loan on time with their revenues & expenses and, At the end of the month, the balance sheet.
It also shows your company’s cash flow.
*The banks responsible for your business accounts can easily retrieve bank statements.
You can also include Accounts Receivables Financing Aging List.
It lists the names of your customers and the number of products or services you are to receive from them.
The Accounts Ageing List also shows how long these debts are overdue and how long your customers are outstanding.
You can use this document for a different form of company loan to determine whether you are eligible for invoice financing.
You can still submit declarations and documents for the last year when your company has been running for less than 2 years to show the financiers what your company has achieved to date.
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