Business Finance Singapore: Complete Guide to ALL Options

Compare ALL business finance options in Singapore - not just one lender. Expert comparison of major financing solutions.

✓ Major Lender Comparison ✓ Independent Reviews ✓ Real Rate Comparisons

🎯 Get Matched with the RIGHT Lender

Don't waste time applying to the wrong lenders. Get matched with pre-qualified options based on your specific situation.

✓ Free service ✓ No obligation ✓ 60-second application

Why Compare ALL Business Finance Options?

⚠️ The Single-Lender Trap

Most businesses make a costly mistake: they apply to just one lender (often whoever has the flashiest ads). This leads to:

  • Higher rates than necessary
  • Rejected applications damaging credit
  • Missing better-suited products
  • Wasted time with wrong lenders

Singapore has multiple business lenders, each with different:

Interest Rates

5.5% - 45% APR range

Approval Criteria

Credit score, turnover, industry

Speed

Same day to 8+ weeks

Loan Amounts

$5K to $50M+

Complete Business Finance Types Guide

1. Term Loans (Traditional Business Loans)

Best For

Equipment purchase, expansion, acquisition

Rates

5.5% - 18% (varies by lender/risk)

Terms

1-7 years typically

Fixed monthly payments, set interest rate, ideal for specific purchases or investments.

Top Term Loan Lenders:

Lender Min/Max Amount Rate Range Key Feature
DBS Business $10K - $3M 5.5% - 12% Relationship rates
UOB Business $5K - $5M 6% - 13% Fast pre-approval
OCBC Business $10K - $10M 5.8% - 14% Industry specialists
Funding Societies $25K - $1M 12% - 25% P2P lending platform
Validus $30K - $500K 12% - 20% Data-driven lending

2. Business Overdrafts

Best For

Cash flow gaps, seasonal businesses

Rates

8% - 22% (only pay when used)

Limits

$5K - $500K typically

Flexible credit line - only pay interest when you use it. Perfect for managing cash flow fluctuations.

3. Invoice Finance (Factoring)

Best For

B2B businesses with 30-90 day payment terms

Advance

80-95% of invoice value

Cost

1-5% of invoice value

Get paid immediately instead of waiting 30-90 days for customers to pay invoices.

4. Equipment Finance

Best For

Vehicles, machinery, IT equipment

Rates

6% - 15% (equipment as security)

LVR

Up to 100% of equipment value

Equipment serves as security, enabling competitive rates and 100% financing options.

5. Trade Finance

Best For

Import/export businesses

Products

Letters of credit, documentary collections

Currency

Multi-currency support

Specialized financing for international trade transactions.

6. Merchant Cash Advances

Best For

Retail, hospitality, urgent funding

Speed

24-48 hours approval

Cost

15-45% APR equivalent

Fast funding based on card sales history. Repaid as percentage of daily card sales.

⚠️ High Cost Warning

MCAs are expensive but fast. Only use for genuine emergencies when no other options available.

Complete Singapore Business Lender Comparison

🏛️ Big 4 Banks

Bank Min Amount Rate From Approval Time Pros Cons
DBS Business Banking $10,000 5.5% 2-6 weeks Lowest rates for qualified borrowers Strict criteria, slow process
UOB Business Banking $10,000 6.0% 1-4 weeks BizMoney for startups, digital platform Requires banking relationship
OCBC Business Banking $10,000 5.8% 2-5 weeks Strong business focus, industry knowledge Conservative lending approach
OCBC $10,000 5.7% 2-6 weeks Competitive rates, good service Slow decision process

Best For: Established businesses with strong financials, lower rates, long-term relationships

Typical Requirements: 2+ years trading, $500K+ turnover, good credit history

🏪 Regional Banks

Bank Min Amount Rate From Approval Time Specialty
Maybank $5,000 6.5% 1-3 weeks Singapore bank, competitive rates
Standard Chartered $50,000 6.8% 2-4 weeks International banking, business focus
CIMB Bank $50,000 9.88% 2-3 weeks BizGrow loan program, SME specialist

🏢 Non-Bank Lenders

Lender Min Amount Rate From Approval Time Specialty
CapitalMatch $50,000 10% 5-7 days SME marketplace lending
Invoice Interchange $25,000 14% 2-5 days Invoice financing specialist
QuickFund Asia $25,000 15% Same day Fast approval, working capital

⚡ Alternative Lenders

Lender Min Amount Rate From Approval Time Key Feature
Bizcap Singapore $50,000 15% 24 hours Online platform, fast funding
LendingSpace $30,000 19% 48 hours Revenue-based lending
Funding Societies Express $25,000 18% Same day Express lending product

Complete Interest Rates Guide 2025

💡 Understanding Rate Ranges

Rates vary significantly based on your risk profile. Here's what determines your rate:

Rate Factors

Lower Rates (5-10%)

  • 3+ years trading
  • $1M+ annual turnover
  • Strong credit score (700+)
  • Security/collateral
  • Banking relationship

Medium Rates (10-20%)

  • 1-3 years trading
  • $250K-$1M turnover
  • Average credit (600-699)
  • Some security
  • Non-bank lenders

Higher Rates (20%+)

  • Under 12 months trading
  • Under $250K turnover
  • Poor credit (under 600)
  • No security
  • Alternative lenders

Rate by Product Type

Product Rate Range Why
Secured Term Loan 5-12% Security reduces risk
Unsecured Term Loan 8-20% Higher risk
Equipment Finance 6-15% Equipment as security
Invoice Finance 2-8% Short-term, low risk
Business Overdraft 8-22% Flexible, higher cost
Merchant Advance 15-45% High risk, fast funding

Smart Application Strategy

⚠️ Don't Make These Costly Mistakes

  • Applying to multiple lenders simultaneously (damages credit)
  • Starting with the hardest-to-qualify lender
  • Not preparing proper documentation
  • Accepting the first offer without shopping around

Step-by-Step Process

1

Assess Your Situation

Know your credit score, turnover, and what you can afford

2

Choose Right Product Type

Match your need to the most suitable finance type

3

Prepare Documentation

Get all paperwork ready before applying

4

Apply Strategically

Start with most likely approvers, one at a time

5

Compare Offers

Look beyond rates - consider fees and terms

Required Documentation

Financial Statements

2-3 years of profit & loss, balance sheet

Tax Returns

Business and personal (last 2 years)

Bank Statements

6-12 months business and personal

Business Plan

Use of funds, repayment plan

ID & Verification

Personal ID, business registration

Business Finance Calculator

Calculate your potential loan repayments across different lenders and products.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main types of business finance available in Singapore?

The main types include business loans, overdrafts, invoice finance, equipment finance, trade finance, merchant cash advances, and alternative funding options. Each serves different business needs and cash flow situations.

How do I choose the right business finance option?

Consider your specific needs: working capital (overdraft/invoice finance), equipment purchases (equipment finance), expansion (business loans), or urgent cash flow (merchant advances). Compare rates, terms, and eligibility across multiple lenders.

What's the difference between banks and alternative lenders?

Banks typically offer lower rates but stricter criteria and slower approval. Alternative lenders provide faster decisions, more flexible criteria, but often at higher rates. The choice depends on your urgency and qualification profile.

How quickly can I get business financing approved?

Approval times vary significantly: Banks (2-8 weeks), non-bank lenders (3-7 days), alternative lenders (24-48 hours), merchant cash advances (same day). Faster usually means higher cost.

What factors affect my interest rate?

Key factors include: trading history, annual turnover, credit score, security offered, industry type, loan purpose, and lender type. Established businesses with strong financials get the best rates.

Should I use a broker or apply direct?

Brokers can save time by matching you with suitable lenders and handling applications, often at no cost to you (they're paid by lenders). However, direct applications might get you better rates with some lenders.

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