Skip to content
United Settlement
  • Manage Your Debt
    • get-startedGet Started
    • settlementDebt Settlement
    • consolidationDebt Consolidation
    • debt-managmentDebt Management
    • bankruptcyBankruptcy
    • credit-cardCredit Card Debt
    • businessBusiness Debt
    • car-loanAuto Loan Debt
    • student-debtStudent Loan
  • Understand Your Debt
    • credit-cardCredit Card
    • business-2Small Business Debt
    • medicalMedical
    • loansLoans
    • umbrellaCredit Card Relief
    • interest-ratesInterest Rates
    • student-debtStudent Debt
  • Tools & Resources
    • faqFAQs
    • credit-cardCredit Guidance
    • calculatorCalculator
    • call-usContact Us
    • contact-usAbout Us
  • More
    • Debt Settlement
    • Debt Consolidation
    • Reviews
    • FAQs
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Blog
    • Sitemap
    • Debt Relief by State
Professional Debt Relief Programs
Logo
United Settlement
phone icon 888-574-5454
client icon Client Log In
  • More
    • About Us
    • Reviews
    • Contact Us
    • Debt Settlement
    • Debt Consolidation
    • Debt Management
    • Business Debt Relief
    • Credit Card Debt Relief
    • Debt Relief by State
    • FAQs
    • Blog
    • Sitemap
Qualify For Debt Relief
Professional Debt Relief Programs
  • Manage Your Debt
    • get-startedGet Started
    • settlementDebt Settlement
    • consolidationDebt Consolidation
    • debt-managmentDebt Management
    • bankruptcyBankruptcy
    • credit-cardCredit Card Debt
    • businessBusiness Debt
    • car-loanAuto Loan Debt
    • student-debtStudent Loan
  • Understand Your Debt
    • credit-cardCredit Card
    • business-2Small Business Debt
    • medicalMedical
    • loansLoans
    • umbrellaCredit Card Relief
    • interest-ratesInterest Rates
    • student-debtStudent Debt
  • Tools & Resources
    • faqFAQs
    • credit-cardCredit Guidance
    • calculatorCalculator
    • call-usContact Us
    • contact-usAbout Us
  • More
    • Debt Settlement
    • Debt Consolidation
    • Reviews
    • FAQs
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Blog
    • Sitemap
    • Debt Relief by State
United Settlement » Business Debt Relief » Small Business Debt » What is An Unsecured Business Loan?
admin June 7, 2018

What is an Unsecured Business Loan?

There are two general categories of business loans – secured and unsecured. In the case of secured business loans, a small business borrower will post a specific piece of collateral in the form of a valuable asset – including real estate, inventory, or manufacturing equipment – that a lender can potentially seize (and sell) in the event of non-repayment.

This posting of collateral helps mitigate risk to the lender – but in the case of unsecured business loans, borrowers are not required to put up collateral. This benefit does,however, come with a cost – as lenders will attach higher interest rates to unsecured business loans.

Since the absence of collateral increases risk to lenders, they often respond by requiring some form of a personal guarantee that permits a lender to pursue a borrower’s personal assets in the event of non-repayment. So, in essence, an unsecured business loan is a loan that a lender provides without requiring some form of valuable collateral backing. However, rest assured, there are methods that lenders utilize to protect themselves in the event of non-repayment.

What is a Personal Guarantee?

A personal guarantee is commonly included in the terms related to an unsecured business loan. With a personal guarantee, the business owner is effectively co-signing for the unsecured business loan, as the owner’s personal assets – house, car, investment accounts, savings accounts, etc. – become susceptible to seizure and sale by the lender in the event of non-repayment.

Many small businesses simply lack the specific valuable assets that could potentially serve as collateral to a secured loan, leaving unsecured loans as the only viable option. Banks and other lenders must manage lending risk, and personal guarantees help lenders in this manner.

The Various Types of Personal Guarantees

unsecured-loan

In the case of an unlimited personal guarantee, the borrower agrees to allow the lender to recover the full amount of the loan, including interest, along with all corresponding legal expenses incurred. In the case of a limited personal guarantee, most often utilized by multiple business partners, clear parameters are put into place as to the percentage of liability that each individual partner should be responsible for in the event of loan default. Small Business Association guidelines indicate that any business partner with a 20% or greater ownership stake should be included within a limited personal guarantee.

Furthermore, there are two types of limited personal guarantees: several and joint and several. In the several scenario, individual partner liability percentages and the associated possible worst-case scenarios are clearly defined. However, under the joint and several scenario, each individual partner is potentially liable for the full amount of the loan, including interest and legal expenses. The lender cannot pursue more than it is owed, but it can choose which partner(s) to target, and this implies that the worst-case scenario for any of the individual partners is 100% liability – even if that partner’s ownership stake in the business is significantly less.

Business Liens

Virtually all unsecured business loans include a business lien (generally within the fine print) that is designed to protect the lender in the event of default. The existence of a business lien allows the lender to sell certain assets of the business when non-payment occurs.

Certain business liens target only specific assets of the business, generally those that the loan principal helped to purchase. However, a blanket business lien, if included within the terms of an unsecured business loan, permits the lender to sell any and all assets of the underlying business (up to the amount of the loan, plus interest) in order to collect on funds owed to the lender.

Things To Do Before Taking an Unsecured Business Loan

It may sound obvious, but before committing to an unsecured business loan, be certain to research and shop around for the best terms and interest rate available given the credit score and profile of the underlying business and any individuals who may become participants of a personal guarantee.

Be prepared to offer as much detailed financial information as possible on your loan application, and be fully aware of the existence and nature of any personal guarantees and business liens that accompany the unsecured business loan. To get yourself started, consult the related pages on our website related to two of the more popular unsecured business loan lenders in the marketplace.

Are you in debt? we can help

  • Amount
  • Contact

How much do you owe?

Related to: Unsecured Business Debt

  • Small Business Debt Relief 
  • Ondeck
  • Everest
  • CAN Capital
  • Quarterspot
  • Kabbage
  • LoanMe
Excellent

Based on 356 reviews.
Overall 4.4 out of 5 stars

View All Reviews

Buddy Ewing

December 28

Time and again, I did not know how to handle my debt

Time and again, I did not know how to handle my debt. Even when I paid my credit cards off, a few months later I was back in the same situation. But this year is different. I contacted United Settlement...

Lianne Finnegan

December 27

Business debt relief is what I needed when I contacted the United Settlement crew

Business debt relief is what I needed when I contacted the United Settlement crew. They are committed to helping people like me who requires more help with business debt problems. I had several loans out...

Wren Herrera

December 26

Student loan debt was the reason that I reached out to United Settlement

Student loan debt was the reason that I reached out to United Settlement. I had about 200K plus in student loan debt for my business degree. I recognized that I had to do something when I struggled to make...

Jardel Shah

December 20

There is nothing worse than falling ill and then having to deal with super expensive medical bills

There is nothing worse than falling ill and then having to deal with super expensive medical bills that you really do not have the patience or experience to handle. I was pleased with my experience with...

Iain Holt

December 14

I took out a few personal credit cards to open my boutique

I took out a few personal credit cards to open my boutique. When than money ran out, I went on to take out more loans for my business. However, this quickly turned into a disaster. Today, I now have a mountain...

Avaya Adkins

December 12

Who knew that auto loans were so negative for your credit lines

Who knew that auto loans were so negative for your credit lines? Especially, if they are not paid off right away. As a married couple, we had vowed to keep auto loan debt at bay. But, we found ourselves...

Lucien Rojas

December 07

I didn’t have a ton of debt when I contacted United Settlement

I didn’t have a ton of debt when I contacted United Settlement, but what I wanted from them was some information about how to handle my debt management. I knew that I needed some more information to get...

Madiha Matthams

December 04

Federal student loans were the reason I ended up at United Settlement

Federal student loans were the reason I ended up at United Settlement. I had about $200K to pay back and I was not quite sure where to tackle that debt once I got out of school. But I reached out to that...

Asim Horner

December 03

Everyone knows how horrible student loans are

Everyone knows how horrible student loans are. For me and my family, they had become more than just an annoying monthly bill. They had taken over our lives. That’s why I decided to take action and find...

Frankie Mckee

December 03

I wanted to be more informed about my own personal and business debt

The number one reason I chose to contact United Settlement was I wanted to be more informed about my own personal and business debt. When you have credit card debt, it can be extremely frustrating. Especially...

Justine O'Ryan

November 29

I cannot believe I was finally able to find a company to actually help me pay off my debt

I cannot believe I was finally able to find a company to actually help me pay off my debt! I thought I would forever be chained to debt. But United Settlement offered me multiple solutions for paying off...

Jerry Conley

November 21

What your money can do for you.

The great reviews that you have thanks.

Cathal Brett

November 19

Dealing with high interest auto loan debt was difficult for me and my wife

Dealing with high interest auto loan debt was difficult for me and my wife. We thought we got a good deal, but it actually was a horrible loan. So, we reached out to United Settlement, and they got to work...

Aliesha Ward

November 12

No one really wants to go bankrupt, and neither did my family

No one really wants to go bankrupt, and neither did my family. But fortunately, we did not have to go that route. It was our last resort, but United Settlement helped us figure out a way around bankruptcy...

Filip Rosas

November 08

I had been through about 5 different credit counseling agencies before I found United Settlement

I had been through about 5 different credit counseling agencies before I found United Settlement. I had read through their reviews and made the decision to move forward with them. I also was so impressed...

Susanna Fasenmyer

November 07

Save time and money

Just what I needed, already had a company I was working with and I switched because I was able to same some money. Brian and Alfred were really nice and helpful

Warren Hutchinson

November 07

As a business facing some unwanted financial difficulties

As a business facing some unwanted financial difficulties, we were at a loss for what to do next when our debt started to soar. We took a closer look at our financial situation by contacting United Settlement....

Bobbi O'Quinn

November 02

I had no clue how to create a debt management plan

I had no clue how to create a debt management plan and in fact, I didn't even know what a debt management plan was. Fortunately, I reached out to United Settlement before I had too much debt to tackle....

Dawn Mercer

October 31

Being burdened by debt is one of the biggest struggles we faced as a family

Being burdened by debt is one of the biggest struggles we faced as a family. But these people at United Settlement were very helpful in deciphering the different debts we had and then coming up with a debt...

Forrest Guest

October 29

Student loan debt was my worst enemy before I ran into United Settlement

Student loan debt was my worst enemy before I ran into United Settlement. I really thought I would just have terrible credit for the rest of my life because I will never get out from underneath it. It was...

  • Contact Us
  • 241 West 30th Street
    3rd Floor
    New York, NY 10001
  • (888)-574-5454
  • [email protected]
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Debt Relief Services
  • Debt Settlement
  • Business Debt Relief
  • Credit Card Help
  • Debt Consolidation
  • Debt Management
  • Student Loan Help
Learn more about debt relief


    • facebook
    • Google Plus
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • Linkedin
    • facebook
    • Tools & Resources
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Blog
    • Debt Calculator
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Sitemap
    • Reviews
    • Client Login
    Free Savings Estimate
    Apply Here
    Clients who stay according to debt relief program can realize approximate savings of 50% before fees, or 30% including fees, over 12 to 48 months. All claims are based on enrolled debts. Not all debts are eligible for enrollment. Not all clients complete our program for reasons such as: their ability to save sufficient funds. Estimates based on prior results, which will vary based on specific circumstances. We do not guarantee that your debts will be lowered by a specific amount or percentage or that you will be debt-free within a specific period. We do not assume consumer and/or business debt, provide tax, bankruptcy, accounting, legal or credit repair services/ advice. Our program is not available in all states. Please contact a tax professional to discuss tax consequences of settlement. Please consult with a bankruptcy attorney for more information on bankruptcy. If you have any additional questions please contact us.
    Copyright 2020. United Debt Settlement, LLC