Oct 15, 2025
Oct 15, 2025
A quick guide to how NBFC business loans stack up against traditional bank loans for SMEs
Authored By FlexiLoans | Date: 15/10/2025
- Quick Summary
- What: Comparison of NBFC business loans and traditional bank loans for SMEs.
- Why: NBFCs offer faster approvals, flexible eligibility, and collateral-free options — crucial for SMEs needing quick, tailored funding.
- Who: SME owners, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs evaluating financing sources.
- How: Analyze differences in eligibility, processing speed, documentation, and repayment flexibility.
- Use Case: A manufacturing SME opts for an NBFC business loan to upgrade machinery in just 48 hours, avoiding a month-long bank approval process.
Are you a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) owner seeking financing to expand your business? While traditional banks may be the first option that comes to mind, an NBFC business loan is emerging as an attractive alternative for SMEs seeking quick and flexible funding. With simpler eligibility criteria, faster approvals, and customized loan solutions, NBFCs are transforming how small businesses access capital.
Let’s explore how NBFC business loans compare with traditional bank loans and which option might be better for your business.
Advantages of Getting an NBFC Business Loan
1. Flexible Eligibility Criteria
One of the key advantages of NBFCs is their flexible criteria for business loan eligibility. Unlike banks that have strict lending requirements such as a high credit score (750+), 3-5 years in the market, and a minimum ₹1 crore in annual revenue, NBFCs take a more accommodating approach. This flexibility allows a wider range of SMEs, including younger ventures and those with lower revenues, to access the funding they need to grow.
When you apply with an NBFC, you can expect:
- Lower minimum credit score requirements
- Shorter business vintage (1-2 years)
- Reduced annual revenue thresholds
- Consideration of alternative data points for creditworthiness assessment
This adaptability makes NBFCs well-suited to meet the unique financing needs of SMEs that may not qualify for traditional bank loans.
2. Faster Loan Approval and Disbursal
NBFCs have streamlined processes compared to banks’ lengthy verifications, such as:
- Simplified documentation requirements
- Digital application and submission processes
- Advanced credit assessment models for quicker decisions
- Dedicated relationship managers for personalized support
3. Collateral-Free Loan Options
Many SMEs, especially those in the service sector, lack the fixed assets required to secure a traditional bank loan. NBFCs understand this challenge and offer unsecured loans without requiring you to pledge any collateral. This opens up financing options for a broader set of enterprises that would otherwise struggle to access the formal credit market.
When you apply for a business loan with an NBFC, you can benefit from the following:
- No requirement to mortgage property or equipment
- Funding based on your cash flows and growth potential
- Faster processing times due to no collateral valuation
- Reduced risk of losing assets in case of default
By providing collateral-free MSME business loans, NBFCs empower entrepreneurs to access the capital they need without putting their assets on the line.
4. Specialized Industry Expertise
NBFCs often specialize in specific industry verticals, developing tailored credit assessment models for those sectors.
For example, an NBFC that focuses on lending to manufacturers will have a better understanding of:
- Machinery and equipment financing needs
- Inventory management and valuation
- Typical cash conversion cycles in the industry
- Supplier and buyer relationships
5. Flexible Repayment Terms
NBFCs tailor flexible repayment options to match your business’s cash flow patterns. This flexibility is particularly valuable for SMEs with seasonal or fluctuating revenues, as it allows them to align their loan repayments with their income streams.
Some of the repayment options include:
- Step-up repayment plans with lower initial EMIs
- Bullet repayments aligned with cash flow spikes (e.g., post-harvest for agri-businesses)
- Customised repayment frequency (monthly, quarterly or semi-annually)
- Moratorium periods to defer repayments during venture expansion or transition
6. Loans for Diverse Business Needs
Whether you need quick business loans for urgent requirements or longer-term financing for expansion projects, NBFCs have you covered. They allow:
- Working capital financing to manage day-to-day expenses
- Equipment and machinery purchases to expand production capacity
- Inventory financing to stock up before peak sales periods
- Technology upgrades to improve efficiency and competitiveness
- Expansion or renovation of premises
- Debt consolidation to streamline multiple loans into a single EMI
- Acquisition financing to buy out competitors or expand into new markets
Types of Loans Offered by NBFCs
1. Working Capital Loans
These loans help businesses manage their daily operations, such as paying suppliers, managing overheads and maintaining inventory.
2. Term Loans
These are long-term loans that you can use for expansion, purchasing new machinery or other significant investments.
3. Collateral-Free Business Loans
Also known as unsecured business loans, these loans do not require you to pledge any asset as collateral. This is especially beneficial for small businesses that lack significant assets.
4. MSME Loans
NBFCs are highly supportive of small businesses and offer specialised loans, such as MSME loans. Whether you are an established MSME or a new business, NBFCs provide you with the funds needed to grow.
Why Choose an NBFC Over a Traditional Bank?
1. Lower Documentation Requirements
NBFCs typically require fewer documents than banks. While banks often require detailed financials and multiple years of tax filings, NBFCs normally accept basic KYC, business registration proof, and recent bank statements.
2. Competitive, Context-Based Interest Rates
Rates are customised to the business profile, tenure, and risk. Most NBFCs also provide EMI calculators, allowing you to estimate repayments transparently before applying.
3) Tailored Programs (incl. Women Entrepreneurs)
Many NBFCs run specialized programs for women-led businesses, first-time borrowers, and sector-focused MSMEs, often with flexible repayment options.
Trusted Financial Services: Bajaj Finserv Direct and FlexiLoans
When exploring financial products or applying for business loans, choosing reliable providers is crucial. Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited, a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv, stands out as one of India’s fastest-growing fintech companies.
About Bajaj Finserv Direct Limited:
Bajaj Finserv Direct operates through two main branches:
- Bajaj Markets: A financial marketplace offering a variety of products, including loans, cards, insurance and investments. It serves as “India ka Financial Supermarket,” partnering with trusted financial brands.
- Bajaj Technology Services: A fintech service provider delivering digital technology solutions such as custom and enterprise applications, data analytics, Gen AI, cloud services, and digital agency offerings.
FlexiLoans: Simplifying Your Business Loan Experience
FlexiLoans is an excellent choice for collateral-free and quick business loans. With an easy online application process, FlexiLoans allows you to apply with minimal hassle.
FlexiLoans offers instant loan approval, minimal documentation, and flexible repayment terms, aiming to streamline the loan process for businesses across India. For more information, visit the FlexiLoans website.
SMEs choose NBFCs because speed and flexibility often matter more than anything else. A lender that understands cash-flow realities and can make decisions quickly is a genuine growth partner.
Conclusion
NBFCs offer several compelling benefits over traditional banks when securing business loans for SMEs. From flexible eligibility criteria and faster loan disbursal to collateral-free options and industry-specific expertise, NBFCs are well-positioned to meet the diverse financing needs of small and medium enterprises.
By partnering with an NBFC for your business loan requirements, you can access the capital you need to fuel your growth while benefiting from a more personalized and flexible lending experience. Whether you need a business loan for expansion, working capital, or any other purpose, NBFCs can provide the tailored financing solutions your business needs to thrive.
FAQs: NBFC Business Loans
An NBFC business loan is a type of financing offered by a Non-Banking Financial Company(NBFC) to small and medium-sized enterprises. These loans often have flexible eligibility, quicker approvals, and collateral-free options compared to traditional banks.
Business owners, MSMEs, self-employed professionals, partnerships, and private limited companies are eligible to apply, provided they meet the lender’s criteria.
NBFC loans typically have simpler documentation, faster approval timelines, and more flexible eligibility criteria. Banks, on the other hand, may offer lower interest rates but require stricter compliance and collateral.
Commonly required documents include PAN, Aadhaar, business registration proof, bank statements, and GST details. Some NBFCs also accept alternative documents for credit assessment.
Many NBFCs offer unsecured loans that don’t require collateral, especially for SMEs and service-sector businesses. However, terms may vary by lender.
Interest rates vary based on the loan amount, tenure, and borrower profile. They typically start at around 1% per month, offering flexible repayment plans.
Most NBFCs, including FlexiLoans, allow you to apply online by filling out a short form, uploading documents, and receiving instant eligibility checks.
You can use an online business loan EMI calculator to estimate your monthly repayments for an NBFC loan. Simply input the loan amount, interest rate, and repayment tenure, and the calculator will display your EMI amount. Please note that the actual EMI may vary depending on the specific terms and conditions of your loan agreement.
The eligibility criteria for NBFC loans are typically more flexible than those of traditional banks. Most NBFCs require a minimum operational history of 1-2 years, an annual revenue of ₹50 lakh or more, and a credit score of 650+. However, these criteria can vary depending on the lender and the specific loan product.
Glossary: Key Terms Explained
| Term | Meaning |
| NBFC (Non-Banking Financial Company) | A financial institution that offers banking-like services such as loans, without holding a banking license. |
| Collateral-Free Loan | A loan that does not require the borrower to pledge any asset as security. |
| Working Capital Loan | Short-term funding to manage daily business expenses like payroll, inventory, and rent. |
| Term Loan | A lump-sum loan repaid over a fixed tenure, often used for business expansion or asset purchase. |
| MSME Loan | A business loan designed for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to support their growth and operations. |
| Bullet Repayment | A repayment method where the principal is paid in one lump sum at the end of the loan term, while interest is paid periodically. |
| CIBIL Score | A credit score that indicates the creditworthiness of an individual or business, usually ranging from 300 to 900. |
Recent Posts
-
Unsecured Business Loans in India: A Complete Guide for MSMEs and Startups
Oct 23, 2025 -
How to Get an Unsecured Business Loan in Chennai Without Collateral?
Oct 22, 2025 -
Business Loan EMI Calculator vs. Manual EMI Calculation: Which Is More Accurate?
Oct 21, 2025 -
Understanding MSME Loan Interest Rates: Calculation Methods & Rates (2025)
Oct 20, 2025 -
Business Loan Interest Rates in India: What to Expect in 2025
Oct 18, 2025