Taking on debt can help a business grow, but not all debt works the same way. Some types of debt require collateral—things like equipment or real estate—to secure the loan. Others don’t, but they often cost more.
Understanding the difference between secured and unsecured business debt can help you make smarter decisions about borrowing.
Secured Business Debt: How It Works
Secured debt is backed by something valuable your business owns. This collateral reduces the lender’s risk, so these loans often come with lower interest rates, larger borrowing limits, and longer repayment periods. But if you can’t repay the loan, you may lose the asset used as collateral.
Here are some common types of secured business debt:
Term Loans
With a term loan, a business borrows a lump sum of money and pays it back over a set period, often with a fixed interest rate. These loans are typically secured by property, vehicles, or equipment the business owns.
- Why businesses use it: To fund long-term projects, buy large equipment, or expand operations.
- What to watch out for: If you default, the lender can seize the assets used as collateral.
Equipment Financing
This type of loan is used specifically to purchase equipment. The equipment itself serves as the collateral. That means you don’t need other assets to qualify.
- Why businesses use it: It’s useful for businesses that need machinery or tools but don’t have a lot of upfront cash.
- What to watch out for: You could lose the equipment if you miss payments, which could hurt your ability to operate.
Real Estate Loans
Real estate loans help businesses buy, build, or renovate property. The property being financed serves as the collateral for the loan.
- Why businesses use it: These loans offer longer terms and lower interest rates, making them ideal for big real estate investments.
- What to watch out for: Failing to repay can lead to foreclosure or the loss of business space.
Inventory Financing
Inventory financing lets you borrow against the value of goods you plan to sell. Retailers and wholesalers often use this type of loan to stock up before busy seasons.
- Why businesses use it: It helps keep shelves full without tying up cash.
- What to watch out for: If sales don’t go as planned and you can’t repay the loan, the lender may claim the inventory.
Accounts Receivable Financing
This option allows businesses to borrow money using their unpaid invoices as collateral. It’s sometimes called invoice financing.
- Why businesses use it: It offers quick access to cash while waiting for customers to pay.
- What to watch out for: Fees can be high, and the lender may collect directly from your customers in some cases.
Unsecured Business Debt: How It Works
Unsecured debt doesn’t require collateral. Instead, lenders look at your business’s credit score, financial history, and revenue to decide if you qualify. These loans can be easier to get for companies with good credit but often come with higher interest rates because the lender is taking on more risk.
Here are some common types of unsecured business debt:
Business Lines of Credit
A business line of credit gives you access to a set amount of money that you can draw from when needed. You only pay interest on what you use, not the full amount available.
- Why businesses use it: It’s flexible and can help smooth out cash flow gaps or cover short-term needs.
- What to watch out for: It can be tempting to overborrow, and the interest rates are often higher than with secured loans.
Business Credit Cards
These work like personal credit cards but are designed for business expenses. They usually come with rewards, such as cash back or travel points.
- Why businesses use it: They’re easy to get, can be used for everyday purchases, and may offer perks like spending reports or employee cards.
- What to watch out for: Interest rates can be high, especially if you carry a balance. Late fees and penalties can add up quickly.
Unsecured Term Loans
Like secured term loans, these provide a lump sum that you repay over time, but they don’t require collateral. Banks, credit unions, and online lenders offer them.
- Why businesses use it: Good for covering big expenses without putting assets at risk.
- What to watch out for: Rates are usually higher than secured loans, and qualification often depends on strong credit.
Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs)
An MCA gives your business a lump sum of money upfront. You repay it with a percentage of your daily credit card sales until the balance is cleared.
- Why businesses use it: Fast access to cash, often without a lengthy approval process.
- What to watch out for: These can be very expensive, with high fees and daily repayment schedules that may strain your cash flow.
SBA Loans (Unsecured Options)
Some loans backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration don’t require collateral, especially for smaller amounts. However, SBA loans usually have strict requirements.
- Why businesses use it: They can offer lower interest rates and longer repayment terms than many other unsecured loans.
- What to watch out for: Applications can be time-consuming, and approval isn’t guaranteed.
How Businesses Handle Debt
When business debt becomes hard to manage, there are ways to adjust. The options available depend on whether the debt is secured or unsecured, as well as the business’s overall financial health. Here are some general strategies companies may consider:
Managing Secured Debt
Talk to the Lender
If a business is struggling with payments on a secured loan, it may be possible to work directly with the lender. Some lenders are open to temporary adjustments—like smaller payments or a pause in payments—especially if the business is facing short-term issues.
Refinance the Loan
Refinancing means replacing an existing loan with a new one—usually with better terms, like a lower interest rate or longer repayment period.
Sell the Asset
In more serious situations, a business may decide to sell the collateral backing the loan. This could be equipment, vehicles, or property.
Managing Unsecured Debt
Debt Settlement
Debt settlement involves negotiating with a creditor to accept less than the full amount owed. Some businesses pursue this when they can’t keep up with payments and want to avoid default.
Debt Consolidation
This strategy combines multiple unsecured debts into one new loan. The goal is to simplify repayment and possibly reduce monthly costs.
Bankruptcy
If a business can no longer meet its debt obligations, it may file for bankruptcy. This legal process can lead to either a restructured payment plan or the discharge of certain debts.
How to Weigh Your Options
Choosing between secured and unsecured business debt isn’t always easy. What works for one business might not make sense for another. Here are a few key factors to think about:
What Assets You Can Offer
Secured loans require something valuable—like property, vehicles, or inventory—as collateral. If your business has assets to pledge, you may qualify for lower interest rates and larger loan amounts.
Your Credit Profile
Lenders look closely at your business and personal credit history, especially for unsecured loans. Strong credit may open doors to lower interest rates.
The Purpose of the Loan
What you need the money for can help guide your choice. Large, long-term purchases—like real estate or machinery—are often financed with secured loans. For smaller, short-term needs, unsecured debt may be enough.
Your Comfort with Risk
Unsecured loans cost more, but you don’t risk losing business assets if things go wrong. If you’d rather avoid tying up property or equipment, paying a higher rate may be worth the peace of mind.
Wrapping Up
Understanding how secured and unsecured business debt works can help you make smarter decisions when borrowing. Each type has its own trade-offs: secured loans tend to cost less but put your assets at risk, while unsecured loans offer more flexibility but usually come with higher interest rates.
Before taking on any debt, think about your business’s goals, finances, and comfort with risk. What works for one company might not be the right move for yours.