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Finding capital to grow or stabilize a business can involve many options, but not every loan works the same way. Some loans require collateral, while others do not. Unsecured business loans are loans that do not require collateral, such as real estate or equipment, to back the loan.
For business owners exploring unsecured financing, credit scores play a central role in the approval process. Lenders use credit scores to estimate how likely a borrower is to repay. This is especially important for unsecured loans, since the lender has no physical asset to repossess if the loan is not repaid. Unsecured business loan interest rates span an exceptionally wide range from 7% to 75% APR, depending on borrower creditworthiness and lender type.
Both personal and business credit scores are usually reviewed as part of the application. Each tells a different story about the financial reliability of the business and its owner.
Credit Score Requirements for Unsecured Business Loans
Unsecured business loans don't require any collateral, meaning the lender has no physical asset to claim if you can't repay. Without this safety net, lenders rely heavily on credit scores to judge whether you're likely to pay back the money. The unsecured business loans market was valued at approximately $5.58 trillion in 2025 and is projected to reach $8.52 trillion by 2029, representing a compound annual growth rate of 11.2%.
Most lenders look at two types of credit scores: your personal credit score and your business credit score. Personal credit scores range from 300 to 850, with higher numbers showing a better track record of managing debt. Business credit scores work differently, they might use a scale from 0 to 100 or 0 to 300, depending on which credit bureau creates the score.
Here's what each score tells lenders:
- Personal credit score: Shows how you've handled personal debts like credit cards, mortgages, and car loans
- Business credit score: Reflects how your business pays suppliers, vendors, and other business debts
- Combined evaluation: Lenders use both scores to get a complete picture of financial responsibility
For new businesses without much credit history, your personal credit score carries more weight in the decision. Established businesses with strong business credit may find their business score plays a bigger role.
Credit Score Bands and What They Unlock
Different credit score ranges open different doors when it comes to unsecured business loans. Think of these ranges as tiers with each one coming with its own set of loan options, loan interest rates by credit score, and terms.
700 and above
A credit score of 700 or higher puts you in the best position for unsecured business loans. Traditional banks and online lenders offer their lowest interest rates and longest repayment terms to borrowers in this range. You'll see the highest approval rates and can often qualify for larger loan amounts.
650 to 699
Scores between 650 and 699 still qualify for most standard loan products. While interest rates might be slightly higher than the premium tier, you'll still have access to reasonable terms from both banks and online lenders. Most lenders consider this "good credit."
600 to 649
This range limits your options somewhat. You'll likely work with online lenders or alternative financing companies rather than traditional banks. Expect higher interest rates, shorter repayment terms, and possibly lower loan amounts. Additional documentation requirements are common.
Below 600
Scores under 600 present the biggest challenges for unsecured business loans. Your options narrow to specialized lenders who work with higher-risk borrowers. Interest rates tend to be high, loan amounts small, and personal guarantees almost always required.
Factors Lenders Weigh Beyond Credit
Credit scores matter, but they're not the only thing lenders examine. Several other factors help lenders understand whether your business can handle loan payments.
- Annual revenue requirements vary by lender type. Traditional banks often want to see at least $100,000 in yearly revenue, while some online lenders accept businesses earning $50,000 or less annually.
- Time in business also influences approval odds. Most lenders prefer businesses that have operated for at least one to two years. A longer operating history suggests stability and reduces perceived risk.
- Cash flow analysis involves reviewing your bank statements and financial records to see if your business consistently generates enough money to cover expenses and loan payments. Lenders want to see steady, predictable income streams.
- Personal guarantees are common requirements where you personally promise to repay the loan if your business cannot. This gives lenders additional security even on "unsecured" loans.
Unsecured Loan Options by Credit Range
Different types of unsecured financing work better for different credit profiles. Here's how the main options typically align with credit scores:
- Term loans provide a lump sum of money repaid over a set period with fixed monthly payments. These typically require credit scores of 650 or higher and work well for major purchases or business expansion.
- Business lines of credit function like business credit cards—you can draw money up to a credit limit and pay it back as needed. Most lenders want to see credit scores of 680 or above for unsecured lines of credit.
- Revenue-based financing ties repayment to your business sales rather than fixed monthly payments. This option often works for businesses with lower credit scores because lenders focus more on consistent revenue than credit history.
- Business credit cards are often the easiest unsecured option to qualify for. You might get approved with a personal credit score as low as 600, though better scores unlock higher limits and lower interest rates.
How to Qualify with a Low Credit Score
Lower credit scores don't automatically disqualify you from unsecured business loans, but you'll need to work harder to demonstrate creditworthiness.
- Additional documentation can help offset credit concerns. Lenders might request recent financial statements, business tax returns, and several months of bank statements to verify your business's financial health and cash flow patterns.
- Co-signers or business partners with stronger credit can strengthen your application. The co-signer becomes legally responsible for repayment if your business defaults, which reduces the lender's risk.
- Smaller loan amounts are easier to get approved for when credit scores are low. Starting with a smaller unsecured business loan and repaying it successfully can help build a relationship with the lender for future, larger requests.
Fast Ways To Improve Personal and Business Scores
Credit score improvements can happen relatively quickly if you focus on the right areas.
- Paying down credit card balances has one of the fastest impacts on credit scores. Try to keep your credit utilization, the percentage of available credit you're using, below 30% on all revolving accounts.
- Disputing credit report errors can provide quick score boosts if inaccuracies are dragging down your scores. Review reports from all three major credit bureaus and dispute any incorrect information directly with the reporting agency.
- Adding positive payment history through new business credit accounts or vendor relationships that report to business credit bureaus can gradually improve your business credit profile over time.
How Fundwell Simplifies the Process
Fundwell streamlines the unsecured business loan application process by connecting you with multiple lenders through a single platform.
The pre-qualification process uses soft credit pulls, which means checking your eligibility won't impact your credit scores. You only face a hard credit inquiry when you decide to move forward with a specific loan offer. Once pre-qualified, you can compare multiple loan offers side-by-side in one dashboard. Each offer shows clear terms, rates, and requirements, making it easier to evaluate your options. Then lastly, real funding advisors provide guidance throughout the process, answering questions about specific offers and helping you understand different loan terms and requirements.
Understanding credit score requirements for unsecured business loans helps you approach the process with realistic expectations. While higher credit scores unlock better terms and more options, businesses with lower scores can still access funding through specialized lenders and alternative products.
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Beyond credit scores, lenders evaluate factors like revenue, time in business, and cash flow to make lending decisions. Personal guarantees are common even on unsecured loans, especially for newer businesses or those with credit challenges.
Fundwell allows you to explore pre-qualified offers without affecting your credit score and provides access to funding advisors who can guide you through the decision process. To check your options and start the application process, visit https://www.fundwell.com/apply.
FAQs About Unsecured Business Loan Credit Scores
Can I get an unsecured business loan without providing a personal guarantee?
Most unsecured business loans require personal guarantees, especially for businesses with limited credit history or lower credit scores. Some revenue-based financing options may not require personal guarantees, but these are less common.
Which credit bureau do most business lenders check when reviewing applications?
Most business lenders pull personal credit from all three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and business credit from Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, or Equifax Business, depending on their preferred reporting sources.
How long does it take to see credit score improvements after making positive changes?
Credit score updates typically appear within one to two billing cycles after positive changes are reported to credit bureaus. Major improvements like paying down high balances can sometimes show results in under two months.
Does checking pre-qualified offers through lending marketplaces hurt my credit score?
Reputable lending marketplaces use soft credit pulls for pre-qualification, which don't impact your credit scores. Hard credit inquiries only occur when you formally accept and apply for a specific loan offer.