Deciding between whether it’s best to use fixed or variable rate business loans can get really frustrating, really fast.
At least, that’s what most lenders with crumby financing products would have you believe.
The truth is, choosing the right interest rate plan to suit your business needs – while paying the lowest amounts on interest possible – is actually incredibly simple.
Here’s what you need to know:
No changes. No surprises. Just one, flat rate.
Just like fixed rate mortgage loans, student loans, or any kind of personal loan, the amount of interest you pay with ‘fixed rate’ business loans does not change for the entire lifetime of the loan, immune to any market fluctuations.
The straight shooters. The planners.
The business owners that aren’t great at surprise parties.
For those that know exactly how much capital they need to fund their specific goals, and exactly how much they feel comfortable paying back for it with each cycle, this is the loan for you.
So if you have a detailed plan as to how much funding you need to spend, and you know that your cash flow won’t be interrupted by a specified rate of repayment, then fixed rate loans might just be the perfect option for you.
Many of the most sought after business loan types, including SBA loans, equipment loans, and small business term loans follow fixed rates.
While the rates of these loans don’t change once you start receiving capital from them, they are always changing outside of your own funding process.
For example, the famously-low and fixed “prime rate” that SBA loans follow have changed many times – just in the past year.
So, to avoid paying more than you should for a fixed rate loan, talk to a financing advisor to make sure you lock down a desirably low fixed rate while you can – or hold off for another market fluctuation that might change the rates in your favor.
Business loans with rates that fluctuate to match the needs and funding goals of your business.
Variable rate business loans are different than personal loans with flexible rates, as they are less affected by market changes than they are by the terms of a given business loan.
This means while they are subject to change depending on the loan specified (explained further below – see “Types of Variable Rate Business Loans”), business owners still have just as much if not more control over how much interest they need to pay.
This often results in a lower overall cost of capital, and lower interest rates overall than those offered by “fixed rate” loans.
It also gives business owners more flexibility over how much and how often their funds are used, allowing for easier and faster business growth.
The impatient. The insatiable.
The business owner who needs to be prepared to grow at a moment’s notice, without hesitation.
Some business owners need to act faster than others to take the charge in growing their business.
A piece of machinery needs to be repaired, three people just quit, and the roof is on fire – but your vendor is offering a discount on inventory that you could really take advantage of.
For the business owners that are in constant need of extra funds to help grow in multiple different ways at once, business loans with variable rates are the choice for you.
Because many – if not most – business owners don’t actually know how much capital they’ll need before applying.
Most wind up needing more – or less – than the funds they’re given.
Business loans with varying rates of repayment are great for ensuring that business owners are able to fund whatever growth challenge or opportunity comes their way – while making sure that they only pay for exactly the funds they need to spend.
Business lines of credit and merchant cash advances are couple types of variable rate business financing options that have become increasingly popular over time for their greater flexibility over fixed-rate loans, and their overall lower cost of capital long-term.
Rates of repayment for these loan types will vary depending on which specific type you look into.
Here’s the breakdown:
Any funds that you don’t use, you don’t have to pay for, and will remain available to you until you use them.
Need a new piece of equipment? Withdraw funds, and only pay back for what you used. Don’t need anything? Don’t pay anything!
The less you make, the less is taken from your customers’ sales.
Kiss cash flow burdens due to changing seasonal demand and market fluctuations goodbye!
The bottom line is, there is a clear answer as to whether or not a business loan with fixed or variable rates would work best for your business.
However, you’re going to have to do a lot of careful and thorough planning and strategizing to find your answer.
If you’d like some help deciding, National’s team of expert Business Growth Advisors are ready to give you a free consultation 24/7at (877)-482-3008.
If you already know the answer and you’re ready to get funded in as little as 24 hours, click the link below to fill out our 60-second online application, and ensure you get the business loan with exactly the rates and terms you desire!
National Business Capital helps entrepreneurs secure quick and fair financing to save time and cultivate sustainable growth.
Our stress-free online platform is designed for simplicity and speed, helping business owners go from application to approval in a matter of hours. And while we remain a leader in the Fintech industry, our clients agree it’s our personalized service and award-winning team that sets us apart.
From SBA loans to lines of credit, to equipment financing, and more, business owners can access all the different financing programs available to them in one place. Through our streamlined process, we have helped clients secure $2 billion in financing since 2007, and, more importantly, we’ve helped entrepreneurs save a tremendous amount of time and grow faster.
Joseph Camberato, CEO of National Business Capital, developed a passion for business at a young age. Joe started his company in 2007 in his spare bedroom and has grown to secure over $1 Billion dollars in financing for small business owners nationwide. National’s team has an amazing culture and has been name the #1 Top Workplace on Long Island 3 years in a row and counting. Joe is a trusted financial expert who’s published more than 2,000 articles in the last 3 years. His articles have generated over 5 million page views and has been featured on blogs such as Google News, Yahoo, CNBC, Forbes Magazine, etc. His passion has also inspired him to build the "GrowByJoe” YouTube channel where he shares his insights into small business trends and tips for growth. Joe also holds a seat on Forbes Finance Council and is an active member of the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO), a global leadership community.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/growbyjoe/