How to Get a Term Loan

What it is

A term loan is a common secured commercial loan to a business owner or company that has a fixed maturity, often three to 10 years. This type of loan carries an interest and is usually repaid with regular periodic payments. If the term loan is in the form of a line of credit, the funds are drawn down shortly after the agreement is signed. With this type of loan, a borrower tends to use the newly available funds soon after they become accessible in order to purchase longer-term fixed assets. These are also commonly used for working capital, business expansion investments, and company acquisitions.

With term loans, the amount owed can be repaid in a series of annual, semi-annual or monthly payments, depending on the length and amount of the term loan. Payments can be equal total payments, equal principal payments or equal payments with a balloon payment. The interest on a term loan will be higher than the rate on an operating loan or short term loan to reflect the risk associated with the longer term.

Who it's for

Many businesses will require some extra money at any given time to finance a variety of business needs. Term loans are for businesses looking for a loan for which the borrower's interest rate cost is pre-determined, there exists some flexibility in terms of length and amortization that can be structured to suit an individual business, and cannot be recalled by the lender unless default has occurred.

What you need to do to apply

Applicants for term loans will require a statement of personal financial status, statements of any business financial statements, any past business tax returns, a credit rating report, and documentation of any collateral.

Apply for a Term Loan

Click here to apply for a business loan at PlanetLoan:

Loan Search Engine

Popular Credit Cards

Citi® Platinum Select® MasterCard®

Citi® Platinum Select® MasterCard®

Apply for Citi® Platinum Select® MasterCard®

  • 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 18 months and 0% Intro APR on purchases for 12 months. After that, the APR will be 11.99%-19.99% based upon your creditworthiness. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate*
  • Extra Cash from Citi: enjoy discounts on gift cards, travel, merchandise and more
  • Citi® Identity Theft Solutions
  • Secure, free online account management
  • No annual fee*
  • Read our review or apply online now at Citibank's Web site.
Intro APR Regular APR Credit Needed Annual Fee
0% Intro APR* 11.99% - 19.99%* (Variable) Very Good $0*

Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

Apply for Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express

  • Earn up to 25,000 Starpoints (R) - enough for up to 6 free nights at a category 1 or 2 hotel
  • Use Starpoints(R) for free nights and upgrades at participating Starwood hotels and resorts in 95 countries including Sheraton, W Hotels, Westin and more with no blackout dates
  • No annual fee for the first year and $45 thereafter
  • Transfer Starpoints(R) - almost always on a 1:1 basis - to the frequent flyer programs of over 30 major airlines
  • Earn one Starpoint(R) for every dollar you spend and double Starpoints(R) at participating Starwood properties and retail partners
  • Express Approval. Get a decision in less than 60 seconds
  • Smarter Travel Editor's Choice Award for Best Travel Awards Card for Domestic Use
  • Read our review or apply online now at American Express's Web site.
Intro APR Regular APR Credit Needed Annual Fee
2.90% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 6 months 15.24% variable Very Good $45**

IberiaBank Visa® Classic Card

IberiaBank Visa® Classic Card

Apply for IberiaBank Visa® Classic Card

  • No Annual Membership Fee
  • Low variable rate of 7.25%, 10.25%, or 13.25% (Prime + 4.00%, Prime + 7.00%, or Prime + 10.00%) as of 4/1/10 based on the creditworthiness. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. (If there is an interest charge, the charge will be no less than $1.00).
  • Low Introductory APR on balance transfers of 1.99% for your first 6 billing cycles, this rate will not change during the introductory period. Applies to balance transfers processed within three months of your account open date. After that, your APR will be the same as your assigned purchase rate, based on your creditworthiness.
  • Online Access to Credit Card Account Information
  • Apply online now at the card issuer's Web site.
Intro APR Regular APR Credit Needed Annual Fee
1.99% APR for 6 Months 7.25%, 10.25%, or 13.25%* None $0

American Express® Gold Card

American Express® Gold Card

Apply for American Express® Gold Card

  • Earn 10,000 Membership Rewards(R) bonus points when you spend $500 in 3 months - redeemable for a $100 gift card!
  • The Membership Rewards program - Turn your everyday purchases into Membership Rewards points, and then redeem them for an amazing collection of travel, shopping, dining and entertainment rewards.
  • Gold Card Events - exclusive access to tickets for select concerts, shows, major sporting events, and more in cities nationwide.
  • Express Approval. Get a decision in less than 60 seconds.
  • Read our review or apply online now at American Express's Web site.
Intro APR Regular APR Credit Needed Annual Fee
No Introductory Rate Available No APR Good $125