Understanding Business Loan Interest Rates

A comprehensive guide to business loan interest rates in Singapore

Introduction

Understanding interest rates is crucial when choosing a business loan. This guide explains the different types of rates available, how they work, and what factors influence them.

Types of Interest Rates

Fixed Rates

Interest rate remains constant throughout the loan term

Advantages

  • Predictable payments
  • Easy budgeting
  • Protection from rate increases

Disadvantages

  • Usually higher than initial variable rates
  • Miss out on rate decreases
  • May have break costs

Variable Rates

Interest rate can change during the loan term

Advantages

  • Often lower initial rates
  • Benefit from rate decreases
  • Usually more flexible

Disadvantages

  • Payments can increase
  • Harder to budget
  • More uncertainty

Split Rates

Combination of fixed and variable rates

Advantages

  • Balance of stability and flexibility
  • Risk management
  • Best of both worlds

Disadvantages

  • More complex
  • Multiple rates to manage
  • May have higher fees

How Interest is Calculated

Simple Interest

Interest = Principal × Rate × Time

Example: On a $10,000 loan at 10% p.a. for 1 year: $10,000 × 0.10 × 1 = $1,000 interest

Compound Interest

Amount = Principal × (1 + Rate)^Time

Example: On a $10,000 loan at 10% p.a. compounded annually for 2 years: $10,000 × (1 + 0.10)² = $12,100

Factors Affecting Interest Rates

  • Business credit history and financial performance
  • Loan amount and term length
  • Security offered (secured vs unsecured)
  • Industry risk assessment
  • Current market conditions
  • Reserve Bank of Singapore policies

Tips for Managing Interest Rates

  • Compare Annual Percentage Rates (APR) not just advertised rates
  • Understand all fees and charges
  • Consider the total cost of borrowing
  • Check early repayment conditions
  • Review rate review periods
  • Assess the impact of rate changes on your business

Business Loan Calculator Singapore

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S$

Minimum S$10,000 - Maximum S$10,000,000

Singapore business loan rates typically range from 3% to 25%

Loan Calculation Results

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Singapore Business Loan Rates Comparison

Current rates from major lenders (updated weekly)

Lender Min Rate Max Amount Approval Time Best For
DBS Bank 3.5% p.a. S$10M 5-7 days Established businesses
OCBC Bank 3.8% p.a. S$5M 5-7 days SMEs with good credit
Bizcap 8.0% p.a. S$500K 24 hours Fast funding needed
Funding Societies 6.5% p.a. S$1M 2-3 days P2P lending

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