Thursday, 10th March 2022 | Small business financing Canada
Do short-term loans affect your credit rating?
A credit rating determines how creditworthy an individual or business is. Let's find out how short-term loans affect your credit rating.
What is a Credit Rating?
A credit rating determines how creditworthy individuals, groups, enterprises, non-profit organizations, governments, and even nations are. Special credit rating agencies assess borrowers' financial risk to decide whether or not they will be able to repay short-term loans on time.
A strong credit rating boosts trustworthiness and demonstrates a record of repaying debts on time. In addition, it assists banks and investors in determining whether or not to approve loan applications at a given interest rate.
Why does a Credit Score matter?
Before discussing business financing, let’s talk about credit ratings and why they matter. Most lenders are partial to issuing a company loan based on your credit score. Why? Your credit score and personal financial history will provide information and an accurate picture of your financial responsibility.
Lenders will use your credit score to determine how trustworthy you will be as a borrower.
This is especially true if you are a young entrepreneur. If you have no company credit, a lender can look at your previous ability to pay off past loans to determine your creditworthiness.
How does a credit check affect a Credit Score?
While you may have been aware that personal credit ratings influence your ability to obtain company funding, did you realize that qualifying for a business loan might negatively impact your credit score? This "blow" will affect your ability to obtain the best rates.
The type of credit score performed by the lender determines the influence on your credit score:
- Some credit inquiries from lenders consider variables other than your credit score with a no credit check. This implies that your credit score will not suffer.
- During the pre-approval procedure, a soft credit inquiry will be performed, which will not affect your credit score.
- A hard credit inquiry is the ultimate sort of credit inquiry and occurs just before a company loan is approved. Each inquiry will lower your credit score by 1 to 5 points.
Situations when business loans affect Credit
There are various types of business loans, each with its own impact on personal credit. For example, most business loans will harm your credit if you guarantee a company account.
It is a frequent circumstance for solo owners and couples. The lender has the authority to recover payments from you if the firm defaults. In addition, the lender will record defaulted business debts on your credit reports.
Another situation where business loans may impact your credit score is when you utilize personal borrowing to support your company. For example, if you utilize personal loans to finance your business, such as home equity loans, the payments will appear on your credit reports.
A company line of credit is no different. If you guarantee the line of credit, it may impact your credit. Your credit ratings may be affected in either a good or bad way. If your company has difficulty repaying debt, it will have a negative impact on your credit score.
How Can You Improve Credit Score?
Being authorized for a fair business loan with little to no credit is certainly not impossible. However, if you want a loan with a longer payback period, and cheaper fees and interest rates, raising your credit score can help you get approved.
- Find out what's causing your credit score to suffer
- Create a credit history
- Raise your credit score
How Does iCapital Work?
iCapital offers hassle-free loans to small businesses in as quickly as 24 hours. With minimal paperwork and hold-ups, you can have the money transferred to your account within 48 hours.
iCapital is a one-of-a-kind firm in Canada. Are you prepared to begin the process of obtaining short-term loans in Canada? To get started, give the iCapital team a call today at 1 877-251-7171!
Read Also
Marketing ideas for your business in the new year
As the end of the year approaches, it’s time to revisit your marketing strategy to meet current consumer expectations. Forecasting trends is tricky, but what’s clear is that in 2023, customers value privacy, inclusivity, transparency, and overall authenticity, and it’s your job to show them how your business practices meet these ideals. Read on for six steps you take right now to market your business in 2023.
Understand your changing audience
The first thing you need to do is revisit your market. Review your sales and marketing data to make sure you have a realistic grasp on the size, demographics, and character of your target market. Pay close attention to any changes in your ideal customer and use this updated intel to seek out new opportunities. For example, if your business has grown or taken a new direction in recent years, it might be attracting a new audience. Make sure you’re communicating with the most appropriate market segment.
Update your website
Your website is one of your most valuable marketing assets so it’s crucial that it be in good shape. Review your site to make sure all the content is correct and up-to-date. Check to make sure that it loads quickly and displays correctly across desktop, tablet, and mobile platforms. You probably look at your site regularly so consider getting someone with “fresh eyes” to take a look. Ensure that your site works intuitively and offers a seamless customer experience. A site that’s pleasant to use will help you convert new visitors and retain returning ones.
Maximize the potential of social media
With more than 4.7 billion people using social media, your business cannot afford to ignore it. If you’re just starting out on social platforms, now is the time to claim your presence. Set up accounts for your business on top platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Investigate which sites your ideal customers might be using and ensure you’re on them too. Post relevant content, regularly, and make sure that you keep your profiles fresh and current. Try running contests or promotions to boost engagement, and take advantage of the built-in shopping capabilities available on many platforms. You can communicate a lot about your brand values by aligning yourself with other local small businesses through collaborations or sponsorships.
Leverage video content and live streaming
Video content has been a rising trend for the past several years, and is well-suited to businesses who want to increase awareness, improve lead generation and sales, and reduce support calls. Consider how video content might work for your business, keeping in mind that consumers appreciate being entertained. Live streaming is popular and an effective way to connect with your audience in real time. Engage your audience with quality storytelling. Inform them with a clear and concise script. Be creative.
Get interactive with your audience
When was the last time you did an online quiz or game? How about worked with an online calculator or map? Interactive content is engaging, which is why audiences–and marketers–love it. It’s low-cost and can help you increase brand loyalty, generate leads, and drive sales. Think about ways your business can use interactive content to grab your customers’ attention.
Respect consumer privacy
More than ever, consumers are concerned about privacy. Demonstrate respect for your customers’ privacy by compliance with standards like GDPR, by properly acquiring and using user data, and by continually informing your customers of exactly how you’re handling their information.
If you want to stay ahead of your competitors in 2023, now is the time to fine-tune your marketing efforts to communicate your business’ authentic brand and values. Take an inclusive, transparent, privacy-first approach, to reach your target audience.
Marketing