What is an unsecured business loan?
An unsecured business loan is a term loan that is not secured on property or other specific assets. The lender relies on the business's earnings and cash flow to repay it, usually with a personal guarantee from the directors. Unsecured loans typically go up to around £2m and are repaid in monthly instalments over the term.
Because the lender has no asset to fall back on, pricing is higher than for secured lending, and lenders look closely at profitability, trading history and existing debt. For larger amounts, or to lower the cost, a secured term loan, asset based lending or a Growth Guarantee Scheme loan may fit better.
Unsecured does not mean no guarantee
Most unsecured business loans need a personal guarantee from one or more directors. We explain what each guarantee covers, compare lenders that cap or limit it, and look at whether a Growth Guarantee Scheme loan or a secured structure would reduce what you personally sign for.