Confused between business loan and overdraft?

Most organisations, regardless of their nature, size, or industry need to borrow funds at some point of time. Whether it is for growth, expanding operations, or to weather an uneven patch, borrowing is an important and crucial part of running a business.

The type of credit options available to you can be bewildering, particularly if it is the first time that you are borrowing for your company. One of the common questions you may ask is, “Which loan option should I opt for – overdraft or business loan?” The answer is not very simple. The correct credit option depends on your company’s financials and your requirements.

To help you understand better, here is a comparative analysis of the two common business financing options – business loan and bank overdraft.

Usage: A business loan may be a secured or unsecured loan that can be availed for different business purposes such as business expansion, to meet working capital requirements, to buy property or land, to buy machinery or plant, to train employees, to enhance inventory, etc. Overdraft, on the other hand, is a credit option that permits you to withdraw money from your bank account even if your current account balance is nil. This means, you can borrow over and above your current account balance. The option is best to meet your short-term business needs such as paying wages, buying raw materials, etc.

Loan amount: If you are looking for a huge amount then a business loan is a better option. An overdraft is best suited to meet short-term funding requirements. A predetermined credit limit is offered on overdraft options, which you can withdraw bit by bit, at any time, based on your requirements. In the case of business loans, a huge loan amount can be availed in a single shot.

Rate of interest: Usually, the interest rate on overdraft options is higher than business loans. However, in the case of overdraft, interest is levied just on the amount that you withdraw and not on the whole overdraft limit available to you. On the contrary, in the case of a business loan, interest is levied on the entire loan proceeds you borrow, regardless of whether you use it.

Duration: An overdraft is disbursed for a short duration of usually one year. You must renew it towards the end of the repayment tenure if you need the facility for the next year. In the case of business loans, they are usually available for a longer repayment tenure, say up to 25 years, based on the lender’s criteria.

Ending note

Business loans are prudent for long-duration planned purchases. On the other hand, an overdraft is ideal for short-duration requirements as through it you can increase your working capital and boost your cash flow. While both are variants of business credit, they serve distinct purposes. You can choose an overdraft, a business loan, or even both based on your business and cash needs.