What Is a Cash Flow Loan?
Cash flow loans are an example of unsecured business financing that may be used toward everyday expenses. The money is borrowed to cover operating expenses such as inventory, wages, rent, etc., and is repaid from the company’s incoming cash flow.
There isn’t as much scrutiny placed on a company’s credit history with cash flow loans as there would be with a traditional bank loan. Instead, the conditions of a cash flow loan are determined by the lender based on the borrower’s ability to generate cash flows. Lending options are often determined by a number of variables, including but not limited to: the borrower’s credit history, the borrower’s investment in the company, the borrower’s collateral, and the firm’s profit and cash flow. Lenders look at these to gauge how likely it is that you will repay them, or the level of risk they are taking by lending to you. Even after putting all the time and effort required to complete all of the necessary paperwork, many smaller businesses are denied funding.
This created the opportunity for a new category of lenders to decide your borrowing criteria, focusing nearly entirely on your cash flow rather than your business’s assets.
How a Cash Flow Loan Works
When you apply for cash flow financing, you are essentially borrowing against the money you anticipate receiving in the future, and the lender’s decision to approve you will be based on your projected earnings and your track record. Computer algorithms used by lenders take into account a wide range of information, including the number and timing of transactions, sales trends over time, costs and profits from repeat customers and even Yelp reviews.
Small businesses without an extensive credit history, substantial assets, or a proven track record of success often turn to cash flow loans as a means of financing their operations. Lenders have increased risk of default on cash flow loans due to these variables, thus they often charge higher interest rates in exchange for blanket liens or personal guarantees from the debtor.
Cash flow loans are available even to those with less-than-perfect credit, provided that their businesses generate sufficient monthly cash flow to satisfy the loan payments, regardless of the borrower’s credit history. The application is straightforward, and a response will be sent to you within 72 hours. You may be able to borrow anything from $5,000 to $250,000 from various lenders.
A cash flow loan has a higher origination cost and is charged more for late payments than a standard loan. A cash flow loan should be returned as soon as possible since it is a drain on the resources of a small business that lacks access to other financing alternatives, no matter how vital it may be to take out the loan.
Fees of a Cash Flow Loan
Not only do cash flow loans have very high interest rates, but the vast majority of them also come with exceptionally hefty fees. For the processing of the loan, the majority of cash flow lenders will charge an origination fee equal to around 2.5% of the amount that you are borrowing. When you make a payment that is late or when there are not enough funds in your account to fulfill a planned payment, you will often be subject to significant additional fees.
When Is It Useful?
Many business owners make the blunder of funneling operating money towards expansion projects that ultimately drain financial reserves. If you don’t have a safety net, you shouldn’t put all of your money into capital assets or other risky investments. This may cause serious cash flow issues, which can be avoided if the company employs finance instead. It’s a frequent trap that novice business owners fall into.
If the following apply to you, a cash flow loan might be a good option:
- Your company has a good track record of healthy cash flow, but you’re getting close to exhausting your available credit.
- You’re expanding quickly or producing a new product, but it will take time for sales growth to cover the cost of marketing, new personnel, or R&D.
- The goal is to take advantage of bulk discounts from suppliers without negatively impacting cash flow.
- Your best clients are taking a little longer to pay their bills, and you need to acquire goods to meet a sudden increase in demand.
What Do You Need To Qualify For A Cash Flow Loan?
Each business has distinct needs when it comes to working capital loans for cash flow.
While the majority of lenders prefer an established company with at least one to two years of income, some may consider funding a company with less time in operation if the revenue is significant enough.
As such, a business bank account is often necessary for eligibility. Using a personal bank account for your company’s finances is not recommended.
A personal credit check can be what’s known as a “soft inquiry” which has no impact on your credit ratings. There is often some room for flexibility around the required minimum credit score.
People and businesses with certain types of negative information, such as an open bankruptcy, unreported debt, or other difficulties like tax liens or judgements, may be denied funding based on a credit check.
Quick Pros and Cons of Cash Flow Loans
Pros of Cash Flow Loans
- Fast access to money (hours – days)
- Low credit scores may be OK
- Less effort and documentation needed
- No physical collateral required
- Can improve credit scores
Cons of Cash Flow Loans
- Higher interest rates (11.9% – 90%)
- Lender has direct access to your bank account
- Paying early may not save money
- Typically, must have 1 year in business
Which Cash Flow Loan Is Right For My Business?
When it comes to cash flow loans, there is no one-size-fits-all option. Your company has unique demands, therefore it’s important to choose a solution that fits them.
Do you need a short-term loan with weekly or daily payroll deductions, or are you hoping to get a loan with monthly payments? Do you prefer a lump sum to a line of credit, from which you may withdraw money as you need it?
Simply put, how much do you need? Keeping track of how much money is coming in and going out of your business can help you plan for the unexpected, like adding employees or renovating your office.
If you need money, how soon do you need it? If you need the money quickly, are you ready to spend more to acquire it, or can you wait a few weeks or months and take advantage of cheaper interest rates?
Finally, what kind of cash flow loan is available to businesses like yours? Businesses that are younger than two years will have limited options.
Content Provided By:
Chester
