Collateral Free Loans

Collateral-free loans (unsecured loans) are loans that do not require the borrower to pledge an asset as collateral to get the loan. The loans are issued based on the borrower's creditworthiness rather than hard assets. Collateral-free business loans specifically referred to unsecured business loans are availed by businesses and companies without pledging any security.

Collateral-free business loans allow businesses to access capital based on their financials alone, without tying up assets. This allows them to tap into funds for various business needs, like working capital, equipment purchases, renovations, or expansions. The unsecured nature provides flexibility in the utilization of the loan amount toward diverse business expenses.

Need for Collateral Free Loans

Collateral-free loans for businesses are MSME Loans that are most suitable for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). On the other hand, collateral free unsecured loans to individuals seeking financing for personal needs are well known as personal loan.

For businesses unlike large corporations that can secure huge capital loans in crores of rupees against assets, MSMEs, and individuals often require smaller unsecured loans.

On the personal front, salaried employees and entrepreneurs can avail of collateral-free loans for needs like:

• Purchasing vehicles with partial financing required
• Covering medical bills not insured
• Paying children's higher education fees
• Unanticipated personal or household expenses
• Consolidating other outstanding loans

So, whether it is smaller business loans or personal financing needs, collateral-free loans serve an important purpose. The unsecured nature allows borrowers to obtain funds without asset constraints. This is especially useful for MSMEs, employees, and individuals who may lack hard assets to pledge.

Collateral Free Business Loans Interest Rates

Interest rates on collateral-free business loans tend to be higher than traditional secured loans that require collateral. Additionally, interest rates are determined based on the financial profile of the individual business.

Collateral Free Business Loan Lenders

Collateral-free loans for businesses offer flexible access to capital without putting your assets at risk. Explore various lenders and unlock the financial freedom to grow your business. Here is a comparison of business loan interest rates offered by top banks and NBFCs:

Government Collateral Free Loan Schemes

The Indian government offers several collateral-free business loan schemes to support entrepreneurs and small businesses. Here are some of the most popular schemes:

Loans For Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs):

• Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY): This flagship scheme provides loans ranging from Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 10 lakh to micro and small enterprises under three categories: Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun.
• Credit Guarantee Fund Scheme for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE): This scheme provides collateral-free loans up to Rs. 2 crore to MSEs with credit guarantees from the government.
• National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC): This government enterprise offers a variety of financial and non-financial assistance to small businesses, including collateral-free loans up to Rs. 10 lakh under the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP).
• Stand Up India: This scheme focuses on providing loans between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore to women entrepreneurs from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
• Ban Fund for MSMEs: This scheme offers collateral-free loans up to Rs. 10 crore to MSMEs engaged in manufacturing activities under the "Make in India" initiative.

Business Loan For Women Entrepreneurs:

• Bharatiya Mahila Bank Business Loan: This scheme provides collateral-free loans up to Rs. 20 lakh to women entrepreneurs for starting or expanding their businesses.
• Dena Shakti Scheme: This scheme offers collateral-free loans up to Rs. 50 lakh to women entrepreneurs for setting up new businesses or expanding existing ones.

Eligibility for Collateral Free Loans

While specific requirements vary across lenders, some general eligibility criteria apply to most collateral-free business loans. These are:

General Business Loan Eligibility:

• Registered business: Your business must be legally registered and compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
• Minimum operational period: Most lenders require your business to be operational for a minimum period, typically ranging from 6 months to 2 years.
• Profitability: You may need to demonstrate profitability for a certain period, depending on the loan amount and lender.
• Positive credit score: A good credit score (typically above 650) indicates your financial responsibility and creditworthiness.
• Strong business plan: Having a well-defined business plan demonstrates your understanding of the market, competitive landscape, and financial projections.

Documents Required for Collateral-Free Loans

By preparing your documents beforehand, you can streamline the application process and increase your chances of securing a collateral-free business loan. While specific requirements vary across lenders, here's a general list of documents typically required for a collateral-free business loan application:

Business Registration and Identification:

• Business registration certificate (e.g., GST registration, company registration)
• PAN card for business and all partners/directors
• Aadhaar card for business and all partners/directors
• Proof of business address (e.g., rental agreement, utility bills)

Financial Documentation:

• Audited financial statements for the past 2-3 years (income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement)
• Income tax returns for the past 2-3 years
• Bank statements for the past 6-12 months

KYC Documents for Owners/Directors:

• Proof of identity (e.g., PAN card, passport, voter ID)
• Proof of address (e.g., Aadhaar card, utility bills)
• Proof of residence (e.g., rental agreement, property ownership document)

Features & Benefits of Collateral Free Business Loan

Collateral-free business loans offer several attractive features for entrepreneurs and businesses:

• No collateral required: This is the most significant feature, as it allows businesses to access financing without putting up any assets as security. This is particularly beneficial for startups and small businesses that may not have significant assets to pledge.
• Flexibility: Collateral-free loans often offer flexible repayment terms and loan amounts, allowing businesses to tailor the loan to their specific needs.
• Quick access to funds: Compared to secured loans, collateral-free loans can be approved and disbursed faster, making them ideal for meeting urgent business needs.
• Support for diverse businesses: These loans cater to a wide range of businesses, including startups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and even larger companies facing temporary financial constraints.
• Simplified application process: The application process for collateral-free loans is typically less complex than for secured loans, requiring fewer documents and faster approval times.
• Boosts entrepreneurial activity: By facilitating access to capital, collateral-free loans can encourage entrepreneurship and fuel economic growth.

Steps to Apply for Collateral-Free Loans

Applying for a collateral-free business loan is simple. Just follow the below-mentioned steps and get the funds you need for your business.

Step 1: Visit buddyloan.com or Download & install the Buddy Loan app (Android or iOS).

Step 2: Open the business loan application page. Enter your mobile number and OTP.

Step 3: Specify the desired loan amount and email. Next, choose the Business Loan option.

Step 4: Choose if you have a Business Proof (Yes/ No)

• If ‘Yes’ (If you have a business proof), enter your business and personal details.
  Or
• If ‘No’ (If you do not have a business proof), choose the profession type and enter your personal details.

Step 5: Provide income details and Click the ‘Submit’ button.