Collateral for a Business Loan: What Banks Accept and How They Value It
What counts as collateral, why banks lend less than the full value, what they check, and how to prepare your assets before applying for a business loan.
Biz Intel Desk
Biz Intel Desk is written and reviewed by a team with hands-on experience in corporate and Islamic banking credit: preparing credit proposals, analysing financial statements and structuring business financing. We explain how banks really assess business loans, in plain English. Read our editorial policy at bizinteldesk.com/editorial-policy/.
Current Ratio vs Quick Ratio: Formulas, Example and How Lenders Read Them
Current ratio, quick ratio and cash ratio explained with one worked example, and why stock can hide a liquidity problem.
Fixed vs Floating Interest Rates on Business Loans
A fixed rate gives you certainty. A floating rate is often cheaper to start with but can rise. See how a 1% rate change affects a $200,000 loan and how to choose.
Break-Even Analysis: How to Calculate It and Why Lenders Ask
Break-even is the sales level where you stop losing money. Learn the formula, see a worked example, and find out how a new loan moves your break-even point.
How Is a Loan EMI Calculated? The Formula, a Worked Example and the Flat-Rate Trap
Your monthly loan payment comes from one formula. See it worked out on a $100,000 business loan, why early payments are mostly interest, and why a "flat" 12% can cost you about 20%.
How to Read a Bank Term Sheet: 10 Terms to Check Before You Sign
How to read a business loan term sheet section by section: pricing, fees, security, guarantees, covenants and conditions, and what you can negotiate.
How Much Can My Business Borrow? The Three Limits Lenders Check
Your borrowing limit is the lowest of three numbers: what your cash flow can repay, how much total debt you can carry, and what your security is worth. Here is how each is worked out.
Term Loan vs Line of Credit: Which One Does Your Business Need?
A term loan pays for things you keep. A line of credit pays for gaps that come and go. Here is how lenders decide which one fits, with worked cost examples.
6 Financial Ratios Banks Use to Judge Your Business (With Examples)
The six financial ratios banks calculate from your accounts, from current ratio to debt to EBITDA, what each one asks, and how to improve them.
Loan Covenants Explained: The Promises You Make After the Loan Is Approved
What loan covenants are, the financial, positive and negative covenants banks use, what happens if you breach one, and how to stay compliant.