Businesses now have an easy and computer-based way of entering into loan arrangements, given they face the need to apply for a business loan. The tiresome practice of making personal bank visits and giving out piles of documents has comfortably taken a back seat.
If you’re someone Googling “business loan apply online”, there’s good news. You can complete every bit of applying for a loan from your office or home with less than five clicks! This article will guide you on how to apply for business loans in India via the Internet step-wise as well as inform you about all critical information that is required for informed decisions concerning the same.
Reasons to Apply for a Business Loan Online
Lending has been made easier, especially for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through online business loan applications. This is because it saves time, provides variety as well as enables borrowers to compare different options among lenders within the shortest time possible. That’s not all — some fintech lenders disburse their loans within hours after applying via online platforms.
It’s important that, before searching “business loan apply online” and starting any application process, you understand the basic requirements, documentation and steps to smoothen the path forward.
#1. Understanding the Loan Requirements
The initial step is to determine the loan terms. You should know why you want the loan and how much money you need. Whether it is for expansion purposes, buying new machinery or enhancing the cash flow situation, being clear on your financial demands would assist you choose the right loan product.
Basically, these are the points that need to be taken into account:
- Loan amount required
- The time period of the loan
- Why is the loan needed
Tip: One can use an income tax calculator when calculating their tax dues to enable them to plan for repayment of loans better by understanding their finances post-tax deduction accurately.
#2. Research Lenders and Loan Options
Having clearly defined your loan needs, the next step is to research the different lenders who offer such loans online. While traditional banks as well as financial technology firms offer these types of credit facilities over the Internet, each differs in terms related to interest rates charged, conditions for qualification and related issues. When applying for an online business loan one should consider the following aspects:
- Interest rates: Find out where you can get competitive prices in the market.
- Processing fees: Confirm if there are any hidden charges.
- Repayment terms: What are the options for repayment?
#3. Check Your Eligibility
The requirements for business loans vary across different providers. In India, banks take note of elements such as turnover rates in your enterprise and credit scores when processing such debts. The following are some of the standard criteria for:
- Age: Between 21 to 65 years.
- Business turnover: ₹10 lakh to ₹5 crore per annum.
- Credit scores: A score of above 750 increases lenders’ likelihood to lend money to you.
#4. Getting Together All The Needed Documents
After qualifying based on eligibility criteria, gather all essential documents needed for verification even though only a few financial ones are required during applications online.
The most asked-for papers when applying for this type of loan over the Internet among many others include
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar Card (for KYC)
- Business registration proof (GST Certificate, shop license, etc.)
- Last 6-12 months’ bank statements
- Last 2-3 years’ IT Returns
- Profit and loss statements
- Balance sheets
Online platforms let you upload these documents digitally making the process faster
#5. Submit Your Application Form Online
After getting your own papers in order then go ahead and fill out the loan application form at any preferred lender’s website or mobile app. Once again, almost all websites have easy interfaces that are user-friendly for inputting information.
Here are the steps on how to go about it:
- Provide basic information: Kindly key in your name, phone number and business name among others as well as the amounts you wish to borrow from such institution.
- Upload papers: Some financial documents together with those for KYC have to be uploaded.
- Wait for validation: The lender will check whether you are telling the truth about the documents submitted and your business status.
After submitting the form, usually, you will receive an email or SMS notification confirming receipt of the application. Sometimes during this process, real-time progress report updates by lenders may help in tracking your loan.
#6. Loan Offer Evaluation
Following verification of your loan application, the lender will send you a loan offer that includes the interest rate, the tenure of the loan, the EMI, and other related payments. It is advisable to go through these details carefully before accepting the loan offer.
What to look for in the offer letter:
- Ensure the interest rate is what you expected.
- Find out how much you will be repaying as EMI monthly.
- Are there any penalties attached to early repayment? Familiarize yourself with prepayment options.
- Check for extraneous charges such as processing fees.
- Use a business loan EMI calculator to check how much you will be paying each month.
This way, you can see how much the loan will be affecting your cash flow, ensuring that you don’t over-commit.
#7. Authorization of Loans and Fund Disbursal
Once you agree with the terms of the loan offer, the lender will initiate the fund disbursement process. It might take around 24 to 48 hours for fintechs while traditional commercial banks might take a few days for authorization.
You will receive the total amount in your company’s bank account after which you can start utilizing it. Always keep track of your EMIs and make sure they are paid on time so as not to incur any penalties or compromise your credit score.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, applying for an online business loan in India is simple and effective. The above steps can help you get started with business funding while avoiding unnecessary delays or complications that could arise during financing operations. It is always essential to evaluate your financial status and never forget about the eligibility criteria before making decisions about loans. Thus, review the loan offers carefully to make an informed decision.
For those eager to move forward, compare different lenders and use tools such as income tax calculators available online in order to know how this loan will affect you financially.