If you’ve decided to take on a $200,000 business loan, you’ll have a wide range of options, including lines of credit, term loans, SBA loans and more. This loan amount typically requires at least a couple of years in business and six figures in annual business revenue, though requirements differ between lenders. Compare providers to make sure you’re getting the most competitive rates and terms before you apply.
Where to get a $200,000 business loan
Most lenders offer $200,000 business loans, including banks, credit unions and online lenders. Established businesses with strong financials might find more competitive rates and terms with large national banks on this size of business loan.
Newer businesses are more likely to get better terms from alternative online lenders and SBA providers. But keep in mind that it can take up to several weeks to get an SBA loan. If you need money faster, your best bet is to work with an online lender.
Compare $200,000 business loans
Comparing $200,000 business loans is easy. All you need to do is select your time in business, annual revenue and credit score ranges to find lenders you might qualify with. Then select “Go to site” to get started on your application or visit our review page by choosing “More info.”
What is the Finder Score?
The Finder Score crunches 12+ types of business loans across 35+ lenders. It takes into account the product's interest rate, fees and features, as well as the type of loan eg investor, variable, fixed rate - this gives you a simple score out of 10.
To provide a Score, we compare like-for-like loans. So if you're comparing the best business loans for startups loans, you can see how each business loan stacks up against other business loans with the same borrower type, rate type and repayment type.
How to get a $200,000 business loan
The application process for a $200,000 loan varies by lender but generally involves the following steps:
- Determine which type of loan you need. Whether it’s a term loan for one-time costs, a line of credit for ongoing expenses or an equipment loan to cover the cost of new equipment, you’ll have to decide which type of loan fits your needs best.
- Compare lenders. Consider factors such as APR, repayment terms, additional fees and funding speed.
- Check your eligibility. This may involve prequalifying with online lenders using a soft credit check or contacting a bank directly.
- Gather the required documents. This documentation includes personal and business tax returns and bank statements, plus profit and loss statements.
- Fill out the application. Completing the application can take anywhere from a few minutes to over an hour, depending on the lender and loan type.
- Submit any documentation. Documents required vary by lender. Be sure to have your documents ready to submit to help the process run smoothly.
- Review and sign the loan agreement. Once your application has been approved and you’ve reviewed the fine print, you’re ready to sign for your funds.
The turnaround time for $200,000 loans is typically shorter than larger loans, with some lenders offering funding within a few business days to a week. For SBA loans, expect funding to take up to several weeks.
How to qualify for a $200K business loan
While a $200,000 business loan is well below the average borrowing amount of $660,000, it may still be difficult to qualify if you recently started your business. To qualify for a loan of this size, you typically need:
- Good personal credit. A decent personal and business credit score of around 625 to 680 or higher.
- Proof of annual and monthly revenue. As a rule of thumb, lenders will loan you 1x to 1.5x of your monthly revenue.
- At least one to two years in business. Most lenders require you to be in business for one to two years minimum to qualify for a loan of this size.
- A business plan or loan proposal. A business plan shows your lender how you’ll be bringing in revenue.
- A personal guarantee. The lender may also ask you for a personal guarantee, especially for unsecured loans not backed by business assets.
How much a $200,000 loan costs
How much a $200,000 business loan costs depends mostly on your APR and repayment term — which are determined by your creditworthiness, business financials, what type of loan you get and the lender you choose.
Many banks offer rates starting around 6.43% and reaching up to 12.45%. If you apply for an SBA loan, rates are typically capped at the prime rate plus 3% to 6.5%, depending on your loan program, amount and repayment term.
Here’s an example of how APR and repayment term might affect the cost of your loan: if you take out a $200,000 loan with a 7% APR on a 10-year term, your estimated monthly payment would be around $2,322, and you’d pay approximately $78,660 in total interest.
However, if your APR is on the higher end — say 12% — and is being repaid over 15 years, your monthly payment would be similar at $2,400, but you’d end up paying more than $232,000 in total interest.
To find out how much your loan might cost based on different rates and terms, use the calculator provided below.
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9 types of $200,000 business loans
A $200,000 business loan can take many forms, depending on how you plan to use the funds and your business’s financial health. Below are the most common types of loans you may qualify for, along with who they are and aren’t best suited for.
1. Short-term business loan
A short-term business loan provides a lump sum of cash with a repayment period of 18 months or less. These loans typically have higher interest rates than long-term options but offer quick funding — sometimes within a day or two. They are ideal for businesses that need fast cash to cover unexpected expenses or temporary cash flow gaps.
Who it’s good for
- Businesses facing short-term cash flow gaps
- Businesses that need funds quickly
- Those comfortable with higher interest rates in exchange for fast approval
Who should consider other options
- Companies that need lower monthly payments
- Businesses that want predictable, long-term financing
- Borrowers who qualify for lower-interest, longer-term loans
2. Business term loan
A business term loan provides a fixed amount with repayment terms typically up to 10 years (though you may be able to find some longer-term business loans). These loans have lower interest rates than short-term options, making them a great choice for businesses with strong credit and stable cash flow. Term loans can be secured or unsecured, depending on the lender.
Who it’s good for
- Established businesses looking for predictable monthly payments
- Companies that need long-term working capital
- Borrowers who want lower rates in exchange for longer repayment terms
Who should consider other options
- Startups or businesses with lower credit scores
- Businesses needing fast funding
- Those who prefer flexible credit lines instead of fixed-term debt
3. Business line of credit
A business line of credit is a revolving credit option that allows you to borrow as needed, up to a set limit. You only pay interest on the amount you use, making it a flexible option for ongoing expenses. These are ideal for businesses with fluctuating cash flow or seasonal revenue cycles.
Who it’s good for
- Businesses with unpredictable or seasonal expenses
- Those who want to pay interest only on what they borrow
- Borrowers who need ongoing access to funds
Who should consider other options
- Companies that need a one-time lump sum
- Businesses that don’t want variable interest rates
- Those who struggle with credit discipline and might overspend
4. Merchant cash advance (MCA)
A merchant cash advance provides an upfront sum of cash in exchange for a percentage of your daily credit card sales. MCAs are one of the easiest types of business financing to qualify for, even for those with bad credit. However, they come with high fees and interest rates, making them one of the most expensive financing options out there.
Who it’s good for
- Businesses with consistent credit card sales
- Companies that can handle daily or weekly repayments
- Borrowers who don’t qualify for traditional loans
Who should consider other options
- Those looking for a low-cost financing option
- Businesses that don’t process card payments regularly
- Those who want more transparent repayment terms
5. SBA loan
An SBA loan is a government-backed loan that offers low interest rates and long repayment terms. While SBA loans are a great option for many businesses, the application process is rigorous and funding can take weeks to months.
Who it’s good for
- Established businesses with strong financials
- Borrowers looking for low-interest, long-term financing
- Companies that can provide detailed financial records
Who should consider other options
- Businesses that need funding quickly
- Those with poor credit or inconsistent revenue
- Startups without established revenue
6. Equipment financing
Equipment financing is a secured loan used to purchase or lease equipment. The equipment itself acts as collateral, making it easier to qualify for than unsecured loans. This type of financing is useful for businesses that need expensive machinery or vehicles.
Who it’s good for
- Businesses that need to purchase or upgrade equipment
- Borrowers who want a secured loan to reduce risk
- Those looking for tax benefits on equipment purchases
Who should consider other options
- Companies that need funds for non-equipment expenses
- Businesses that don’t want debt tied to specific assets
- Borrowers who need immediate working capital
7. Inventory financing
Inventory financing is a loan secured by your inventory, allowing businesses to borrow money based on the value of their stock. This type of financing is ideal for retailers and wholesalers who need to purchase large amounts of inventory up front.
Who it’s good for
- Retailers and wholesalers with seasonal inventory needs
- Companies looking to free up cash tied to inventory
- Businesses with stable sales projections
Who should consider other options
- Service-based businesses that don’t carry inventory
- Those needing flexible funding for various expenses
- Borrowers with poor inventory tracking and turnover
8. Commercial real estate loan
A commercial real estate loan is used to purchase, refinance, or renovate business property. These loans typically have long repayment terms (10+ years) and require a down payment, making them a good option for businesses investing in property.
Who it’s good for
- Businesses looking to purchase office space or warehouses
- Borrowers who want to refinance an existing property
- Companies looking for long-term investments
Who should consider other options
- Companies needing unsecured financing
- Startups without the required down payment
- Businesses that don’t plan to stay in one location
9. Franchise loans
Franchise loans are designed to help entrepreneurs purchase or expand a franchise business. Some lenders offer specialized franchise financing with favorable terms, but qualification often depends on the franchise’s track record.
Who it’s good for
- Entrepreneurs looking to buy a well-known franchise
- Those who meet franchise lender requirements
- Business owners seeking structured financing
Who should consider other options
- Businesses outside the franchise model
- Borrowers wanting full control over business decisions
- Startups without industry experience
Secured vs. unsecured business loans for $200,000
When considering secured versus unsecured loans, it’s important to note that secured loans are typically easier to qualify for. They require collateral — some type of asset to back the loan — which goes through an appraisal process.
Unsecured loans may be a challenge to qualify for, especially if you have a low credit score, little time in business or limited revenue, since the lender is taking on more risk. You may also face higher interest rates, and unsecured loans may require a personal guarantee.
How to get a $200,000 business loan with bad credit
You may struggle to get a $200,000 business loan with bad credit. Traditional banks and credit unions usually require strong personal and business credit scores, making approval difficult if your credit history has some rough spots.
However, alternative lenders offer options for bad credit borrowers, such as merchant cash advances and invoice financing. Approval for these types of loans is based on your business’s revenue and cash flow rather than your credit score. But keep in mind that they often come with higher interest rates and fees.
You might also want to look into a secured business loan, offering collateral can improve your chances of being approved. But no matter which route you take, make sure to compare lenders carefully and understand the total cost of the loan before signing your loan agreement.
How to get a low APR on a $200,000 business loan
With a loan as large as $200,000, it’s a good idea to shop around and find the lowest APR possible. Here are a few tips to help you secure a lower APR:
- Improve your credit score. Lenders offer the best rates to borrowers with good to excellent credit (typically 670 or higher). Paying down existing debt, making on-time payments and checking for errors on your credit report can help boost your score.
- Demonstrate strong cash flow. Lenders prefer businesses with steady, predictable revenue. Providing detailed financial statements showing a healthy cash flow can help you qualify for lower rates.
- Choose a secured loan. Offering collateral — such as business equipment, property or inventory — can help lower your APR because it reduces the lender’s risk.
- Compare multiple lenders. Don’t settle for the first loan offer. Banks, credit unions, online lenders and SBA lenders all have different rates. Comparing offers side by side helps you find the most competitive APR.
- Build a relationship with a lender. If you already have a business account or past loan with a bank or credit union, they may offer you a better rate as a returning customer.
- Negotiate your loan terms. Some lenders may be willing to negotiate if you have multiple loan offers. Use competing quotes to ask for a lower APR or better repayment terms.
Bottom line
To qualify for a $200,000 business loan, you may need several months in business as well as a good credit profile — though it’s not always required for some loan types. Compare the best business loans to narrow down your options and ensure you get the best deal for your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard to get a $200,000 business loan?
If you’ve been in business for more than two years and have a good credit score plus strong financials, it should be relatively easy for you to get a $200,000 business loan. Newer businesses or those with limited revenue or bad credit may struggle to secure funding, but there are still options available through merchant cash advances and inventory financing.
Can I get a $200,000 SBA loan?
Yes, the SBA offers $200,000 loans. But keep in mind that higher loan amounts typically require more annual revenue to qualify. SBA loans offer low rates, but the process is very competitive and many applicants don’t end up qualifying.
What credit score do you need for a 200K business loan?
The credit score needed for a $200,000 business loan varies by lender, but most banks and SBA lenders look for a minimum personal credit score of 670 or higher. Some alternative lenders may approve borrowers with scores as low as 600 but expect higher interest rates.
How do payments on a $200,000 loan work?
The specific repayment structure depends on the loan type and lender of your choice. Most $200,000 loans are term loans with fixed monthly repayments, while some short-term business loans may require more frequent repayments, such as biweekly, weekly or daily. It’s important to review the repayment terms before finalizing the loan agreement to ensure you can meet payments.
Can I get a loan for $200,000 to start a business?
Yes, but it is rare for startups or new businesses. Your options may be limited to SBA loans. For example, the 7(a) program requires good credit, a down payment of 10% to 30% and a solid business plan. Plus, you’ll have to offer up a personal guarantee.
Lenders such as banks, SBA lenders and online lenders may be open to offering loans to startups seeking this amount. While some lenders provide rapid funding, traditional banks may have a more rigorous application process and longer turnaround times. And you’ll need the right documentation, such as financial statements, to support your application.
Because it can be hard to qualify for an SBA loan, some entrepreneurs use their own savings or take out a personal loan to launch a new enterprise. Personal loans don’t have a business revenue requirement or time in business requirement, making them ideal for startups — if the lender allows the funds to be used this way.
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