It is evident that having bad credit is one of the paramount obstacles to obtaining financing for your business because you are considered as a client with risk who might fail to pay a loan back. Until you improve your credit score, you will not fit the standard requirements that conventional banks have to follow.
If your loan application has been rejected or you simply don’t want to pay higher interest rates, here are top 5 alternatives to ponder.
Using a home equity line of credit
Having an enough equity in your assets can help you get a low-interest and tax-deductible line of credit when you are affected by bad credit. Note that interfering with your home equity is risky if you default paying the loan. However, if you have a consistent income and self-discipline about repaying your equity line, this is an economical alternative, irrespective of your credit score.
Apply to credit unions
Credit unions have the same features as banks, but they are managed by their members who typically share something in common. The member can be working in the same company or live in the same geographical region. These are non-profit making organizations that pass along their income to members in the form of low charges and higher client service.
If you have a bad credit record, Visit a credit union in a nearby location to find out what it entails to get a personal loan. Compare the business funding from various financial institutions for you to find out the lowest interest rate possible before signing the final document.
Peer to peer financing
Peer to peer is an online platform that lets you secure a loan directly from a person instead of a financial institution. This form of lending is becoming popular since it is a streamlined procedure that is an excellent alternative for borrowers who want to pay the interest rate and investors who want to get the high-interest rate.
A borrower will be required to post a loan request that includes the amount they want, and they should also indicate why they want it. Then the investor will review the loan request and select the ones that meet his criteria. Peer to peer creditors will screen all the loan requests and check their credit score, which is always part of the loan listing. Therefore, even if your bad credit score is still a determining factor, a personal investor might be more empathetic to your condition than a conventional bank.
Obtain a loan from family members
If an online peer to peer financing fails to work, maybe your family members will come to your rescue. It is important to treat a business loan from a relative just like a serious business transaction that is properly documented and legally recorded.
To circumvent complications, later on, compose a written agreement that shows the agreed interest rates, mode and terms of payment, collateral provided and what happens once you default. Note that a family loan should be beneficial to both parties and it is supposed to be the last resort. You don’t want to risk destroying a good relationship due to bad debt or misunderstanding about finances.
Merchant cash advance companies
Perhaps you might need funds for your business but banks can’t approve your loan due to bad credit. Merchant cash advance companies have programs that can assist any business owner to access the financial support they need for any purpose. Your business must accept credit cards as a payment method for you to get accepted.