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🏦 Business Loan Calculator

Calculate your business loan monthly payment, total interest, and full amortization schedule. Compare different loan terms side-by-side to choose the best financing option for your business.

Business Loan Payment Formula

PMT = P × r × (1 + r)ⁿ ÷ ((1 + r)ⁿ − 1)

P = Principal (loan amount)  |  r = Periodic interest rate (annual rate ÷ payments per year)  |  n = Total number of payments

Tips for Getting the Best Business Loan

  1. 1
    Check Your Credit
    Both personal and business credit scores matter. A score above 680 usually qualifies for prime rates. Review reports for errors before applying.
  2. 2
    Prepare Financial Docs
    Lenders typically require 2 years of tax returns, profit & loss statements, balance sheet, and bank statements.
  3. 3
    Compare Multiple Lenders
    Compare banks, credit unions, SBA-approved lenders, and online lenders. Even a 0.5% rate difference matters significantly over a 5-year term.
  4. 4
    Understand All Fees
    Look beyond the interest rate — origination fees, prepayment penalties, and annual fees all impact the true cost of the loan.
  5. 5
    Right-size Your Loan
    Borrow only what you need. Larger loans mean more interest cost. A shorter term also saves substantial interest despite higher payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lenders evaluate several factors: personal and business credit scores (typically 650+ for traditional banks), time in business (usually 2+ years), annual revenue (often a 1.25x debt service coverage ratio minimum), collateral, and a solid business plan. SBA loans have more flexible requirements but involve more paperwork.

A fixed rate stays constant throughout the loan term, making payments predictable and budgeting easier. A variable rate fluctuates with a benchmark index (like Prime or SOFR), meaning payments can rise or fall. Fixed rates are generally better for longer loans or when rates are expected to rise. Variable rates may start lower but carry more risk.

Amortization is the process of paying off a loan with regular payments over time. Each payment covers interest accrued since the last payment plus a portion of principal. In early payments, most goes to interest; in later payments, most reduces principal. This is why paying extra early in the loan term saves the most interest.

Traditional bank loans: 6–13%. SBA 7(a) loans: 11–14.5% (Prime + 2.25–4.75%). Online lenders: 10–40% depending on credit and loan type. Credit unions often offer competitive rates for qualified borrowers. Rates depend heavily on creditworthiness, time in business, and loan type.

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