Commercial Loans: Eligibility, Types, Benefits, Working And Application Process

Commercial loans or business loans are popular methods of accessing credit by business establishments. While the terms are interchangeably used, commercial loans generally have a larger credit size than business loans. The market for commercial loans is bigger than it has ever been. The overall commercial loan had a 93% growth in its portfolio value from FY17 to FY21. 

This is due to various causes, including an improving economy, increased employment, and increased demand for small and medium-sized firms. As a result of the increased demand, lenders have expanded their offers and increased the number of financing choices available. 

What Is a Commercial Loan?

A commercial loan is a short-term loan used to increase a company’s working capital and pay for large expenses and operational costs. It is a type of financing that small businesses employ when they need funds but cannot afford to raise them through the stock and bond markets. 

Commercial loans are sanctioned by banks (or a consortium of banks) and other financial organizations based on the debtor’s financials and credit score.

Why Would You Need Commercial Loans?

A company may require funds for the following reasons:

• A commercial loan can help you get the necessary equipment, whether heavy machinery or office PCs. Furthermore, the lender can hold the bought equipment as collateral without requesting additional security.
• Companies with a solid market position can now progress to the next stage: business expansion. For business expansion, companies will require funding; commercial loans can help. Business owners can also consider expanding into a new target market or geographic area.
• Substantial working capital is the foundation of any successful organization, whether micro, small, medium or large. Companies with difficulty maintaining working capital can opt for a commercial loan to offset the negative financial consequences.
• Small businesses might not have the necessary credit profile. Thus, they may have a difficult time obtaining substantial loans from the banking sector. So, to build a good credit profile, they opt for small commercial loans. 

Also Read: What Is Commercial Health Insurance? What Are Their Different types?

Types of Commercial Loans

There are numerous types of commercial loans available to companies; some of them:

1. Bank overdraft facility

If a company needs immediate cash to make a payment but does not have the required amount in the bank account, it can opt for a bank overdraft facility. These loans enable firms to withdraw cash over what is available in their current account. The most significant advantages of bank overdrafts are cheaper interest rates and less documentation.

2. Term loans

As the name implies, term loans are issued for a set period during which the borrower must return the loan plus interest. Further, it can be divided into secured (with collateral) and unsecured loans. The interest rate offered on secured loans is less than on unsecured loans because of the collateral. 

According to terms, it can be categorized into;

• Short-term loans (less than 12 months), 
• Medium-term loans (12 months to 36 months), and 
• Long-term loans (more than 36 months).

3. Letter of credit

A letter of credit is a document issued by a financial organization to the customer’s supplier to guarantee that the customer can make the payment on time for the goods provided. The lender pays the total or remaining sum on the borrower’s behalf if the buyer fails to make the payment. 

It is commonly used in import-export transactions. 

4. SME collateral-free loans

In an SME collateral-free loan, the lender does not require any personal guarantee or collateral to provide a loan; the loan amount and interest rate are based on the borrower’s profile, including age, income, credit score, etc.

5. Commercial mortgage

Commercial mortgages, often known as business mortgages, allow business owners to borrow funds to purchase commercial real estate or land for their company. The property itself secures the loan. 

How Do Commercial Loans Work?

Lending institutions give out commercial loans to help businesses fulfill short-term capital needs, such as working capital needs, operations costs and equipment purchases.

Commercial financing functions similarly to typical business loans in the majority of cases. It indicates that the borrower must pay back the loan amount plus interest within a set period. Lenders usually have a set of criteria and terms and conditions in place for these types of loans.

Features and Benefits of Commercial Loans

A few features of commercial loans are:

• Commercial loans can be categorized into;

• Short-term loans (less than 12 months), 
• Medium-term loans (12 months to 36 months), and 
• Long-term loans (more than 36 months).

• It can be divided into secured (collateral needed) and unsecured loans. The interest rate offered on secured loans is less than on unsecured loans because of the collateral.
• Individual customers are not given commercial loans; they are given to businesses.
• Commercial loans are available with either fixed or floating interest rates. If companies opt for a fixed interest rate, it will stay the same throughout the tenure. However, if the interest rate is floating, it will fluctuate with market changes.
• Lending institutions provide commercial loans to firms to assist them in meeting short-term capital requirements such as working capital, operational costs, and equipment purchases or expansion. 
• Getting a commercial loan is hassle-free with reasonable interest rates, the flexibility of usage, the quick disbursal and improved credit report.

Eligibility for Commercial Loans

For issuing commercial loans, various commercial lending organizations have varying standards. Some of the most basic parameters are as follows:

• In India, single proprietors, self-employed professionals, partnership firms, private limited corporations, and public limited companies can apply for commercial loans. 
• Borrowers must be Indian citizens who are between 21 and 65.
• Businesses must have a continuous revenue stream and a high annual turnover and must meet the minimum yearly income criterion.
• The business must have been in existence for at least a year.

Documents Required for Commercial Loans

When applying for a commercial loan, a company must provide specific documentation to the lender. Depending on the lender, the documentation may vary.

However, the basic documents required are

• Companies/individuals’ GST or VAT statements for a certain period or PAN card. 
• Proof of continuation in business. 
• A duly filled application form.
• Companies’ financial statements for a certain period.

How to Apply for Commercial Loans?

Obtaining a loan has been quite simple and quick in recent years. The money will be credited to your account within a few days if you submit the paperwork and meet the eligibility requirements.

For the loan, both online and offline applications are acceptable.

1. In the online method, visit the lender’s website, click on apply now, fill in the required details, and the lender will get in touch with you.
2. In the offline mode, visit the lender with the required documents, and the lender will verify the documents and will ask you to fill out a form. Once verified, the loan amount will be transferred in a couple of days. 

Also Read: Commercial Property Loan Eligibility, Interest Rates And How To Apply

Fees and Applied charges for Commercial Loans 

A firm or a self-employed individual must pay specific fees and levies when seeking a commercial loan. A borrower may be required to pay pre-payment charges, loan processing fees, stamp duty, late payment charges, etc.

Before applying for a commercial loan, check the lender’s requirements and fees and make an informed decision. 

Bank	Interest Rate	Loan Processing Charges
HDFC Bank	Min 11.90% & Max  21.35%	Up to 2.50% of the loan amount subject to a minimum of Rs.1000/-
Axis Bank	Ranging from 9.40% – 18.50%	Up to 2.00% + Applicable taxes
Tata Capital	Starting at 19% p.a.	Up to 2.50% of the loan amount + GST
ICICI Bank	Up to 17% p.a.	Up to 2% of the loan amount plus GST

Final Word

Before opting for commercial loans, you must consider elements such as interest rate, credit score, and other fees. By examining these criteria, one can determine whatever works for them. It also prevents consumers from making poor judgments, such as selecting an unsuitable lender, selecting an inconvenient term, or borrowing more than they require. Further, when they miss a payment, their credit rating suffers.

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This article has been prepared on the basis of internal data, publicly available information and other sources believed to be reliable. The information contained in this article is for general purposes only and not a complete disclosure of every material fact. It should not be construed as investment advice to any party. The article does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of the information, and disclaims all liabilities, losses and damages arising out of the use of this information. Readers shall be fully liable/responsible for any decision taken on the basis of this article.