Whether you’re just starting your business or looking to expand, you may find you need more working capital and therefore must increase your cash flow. If you’ve already reduced your business expenses but still need the funds to efficiently run your business, you may opt to take out a cash flow loan. If you’re considering this option, it’s important to understand how a cash flow loan works and the typical qualification requirements to determine if it’s right for your business.
What Is a Cash Flow Loan?
A cash flow loan is a type of business loan used to improve the cash flow of a business so that it can cover its expenses. This type of loan usually covers operating expenses required to run the business (such as rent or office space), utilities, equipment, supplies, and inventory. Cash flow loans are unsecured, meaning property or assets are not necessarily required as collateral to “secure” the loan. Instead, the loan is approved based on cash flow projections or the revenue the business expects to make.
How Does a Cash Flow Loan Work?
Like many other business loans, cash flow loans are generally approved for a specified amount and paid off in installments within a certain period. Generally, the lender takes the payments of the loans directly from the business’s account and a higher interest rate is applied since these loans are unsecured. Cash flow loans work similarly to working capital loans, as the funds are used to cover daily operational expenses. However, instead of using collateral, the cash flow loan is dependent on the business’s actual revenue, and lenders refer to a business’s past and future cash flow projections to decide whether to approve them.
Pros and Cons of Cash Flow Loans
Pros Explained
There are several benefits of a cash flow loan, which can help businesses that may be struggling in certain areas. For example, businesses with bad credit that are unable to secure a traditional loan can qualify for cash flow loans because the focus is on its revenue, not its credit history. Businesses that have good credit but don’t have collateral—and business owners who don’t want their personal assets at risk—also benefit as the business’s revenue serves as the way to back up the loan instead of collateral.
Cons Explained
There are some drawbacks of cash flow loans, depending on your business’s overall standing. For instance, a business is usually required to be open and operational for a certain amount of time (such as one to two years). This proves the history of a business’s cash flow and gives a more accurate representation of projected revenue. Since collateral is not required, lenders rely heavily on the information based on the business’s cash flow projection to make a decision. This lack of collateral also results in higher interest rates than those of secured loans. Along with the higher rates, lenders may also require a personal guarantee to lower their risk. This means that if your business cannot pay back a cash flow loan, you as a business owner will be personally responsible to do so.
When Is a Cash Flow Loan Right for My Business?
Cash flow loans can be a good solution for businesses such as retailers that hit seasonal peaks and need to buy inventory to address a spike in demand. Startups might also consider cash flow loans when trying to expand or develop a new product. If your business has bad credit or not enough credit history, you might consider a cash flow loan, as the credit score is not a major factor in the application process. These loans may also be beneficial for those who don’t have collateral or don’t prefer to use collateral for a loan since revenue is used instead.
How To Get a Cash Flow Loan
Cash flow loans can be easier to obtain when a business shows a healthy cash flow projection. If you decide to move forward, here are some key steps you should take:
