For firms to survive only on equity and owners’ fund is not possible. As a business grows, expands and diversify, more and more funds are required. Owing to the limited funds with the owner, businesses look for external sources and borrowed funds. Availing a loan is a tiresome and lengthy process; firms do not get the debt easily from the market. Lenders will be keen on allocating their money to the business, only when they are sure of uninterrupted growth and return. Here is when a firm’s credit score comes into the picture. Home Business Ideas: 4 Brilliant Work From Home Ideas That You Should Consider Taking Up.
In simple words, a business credit score is a number that indicates whether a company is a good candidate to receive a loan or become a business customer. This score is based on various parameters such as company’s credit obligations and repayment histories with lenders and suppliers; any legal filings such as tax liens, judgments, or bankruptcies; how long the company has operated; business type and size; and repayment performance relative to that of similar companies. Startups in India Bagged $9.3Bn Investments in 2020 Despite COVID-19 Challenges: Report.
Following the separate entity principle of accounting, the process of calculating the score only takes into consideration the financial position and performance of the business. However, in the case of a small business, the lender might check both the businesses’ and owners’ credit scores, since the personal and business finances of such firms are highly influenced by each other.
A good credit score helps businesses in more than one way. Here are three benefits of having a positive credit score –
Quicker Approval of Loans
A good credit score is an evidence of the credit worthiness of an enterprise. If a firm has a positive credit score then it becomes easier for it to get loans, from small to large, without going through a time consuming and lengthy process. Higher credit score creates a credible identity for the business in the eyes of the lender and therefore gives your application a boost, giving quick approvals to loans.
Lower Interest Rate
Apart from the re-payment of the principal amount, a borrower needs to make regular interest payments as well. However, a good credit score allows the borrower to negotiate a lower interest rate. Businesses’ with higher credit scores are generally able to secure the lowest interest rates available at a given time, thereby reducing the repayment burden on the firm.
Easier Terms of Loans
One of the biggest benefits of having a good and high credit score is that it provides the businesses more bargaining power over terms of the loans, including the repayment period, repayment method, collateral requirements among others. Since a good credit score ensures that the business is capable of timely and full repayment, the lenders are comparatively lenient of the borrowers.
Hence a business should maintain a good and higher credit score to meet its funds requirement and avail quick loans at flexible terms of repayment. It highlights the creditworthiness of the business and attract private and institutional lenders.