Oct 18, 2025
Oct 17, 2025
Loan rates matter more than you think. Here’s what to expect in 2025 before you borrow
Authored By FlexiLoans | Date: 18/10/2025
- Quick Summary
- What: Business loan interest rates in India range from 12% to 24% annually.
- Why: Interest rates directly impact your EMI and overall borrowing cost.
- Who: SMEs, MSMEs, and business owners looking for funding in 2025.
- How: Compare rates from NBFCs and banks, check eligibility, and apply online.
- Use Case: A small business securing a ₹10 lakh loan at 15% interest saves more over time compared to a 21% rate option.
When planning to take out a business loan, the interest rate is one of the most significant factors influencing your monthly expenses and long-term affordability. But the biggest dilemma: what is the interest rate on a business loan in India today, and what can one expect in 2025? With the rise of digital lending and shifting RBI policies, understanding how SME loan interest works is crucial for selecting the right lender. This guide examines the key factors that impact business loan interest rates, the average business loan interest rate in India, and how platforms like FlexiLoans streamline the borrowing process for growing businesses.
Business Loan Interest Rates in India: An Overview
If you plan to borrow for your business in 2025, understanding interest rates is one of the most important considerations. They affect your total repayment, monthly instalments, and even your decision on how much to borrow. In India, business loan interest rates typically range between 12% and 24% annually. The exact rate depends on factors like your credit score, loan amount, repayment tenure, and financial profile.
FlexiLoans offers business loans at customized rates starting from 1% per month, tailored to suit growing businesses. These rates are transparent and come with flexible repayment options, making them accessible to a broader range of entrepreneurs. Knowing the rate structure in advance helps you make smarter financial decisions and reduces surprises later in the repayment cycle.
Key Factors That Influence Business Loan Interest Rates
Interest rates are never one-size-fits-all. They vary from one borrower to another based on how lenders assess your business’s ability to repay. Here are the key factors that can influence the rate you are offered:
- Credit Score (CIBIL)
A higher credit score, typically 700 or above, signals strong repayment behaviour. It increases your chances of getting better interest rates. - Business Turnover and Vintage
Lenders prefer businesses with a monthly turnover of ₹2,00,000 or more and a proven operational history. A longer business vintage often translates to a lower perceived risk. - Loan Amount and Tenure
The size of your loan and the repayment period affect the rate. Shorter tenures may attract slightly lower rates but with higher EMIs. - Documentation and Financial Clarity
Complete and up-to-date documents, including GST returns and bank statements, can help support a lower interest rate by providing lenders with a clear financial picture. - Type of Loan
Unsecured Business loans usually carry higher interest rates than secured ones. However, platforms like FlexiLoans offer collateral-free business loans with competitive rates, based on a business’s performance and financial health.
Average Business Loan Interest Rates in India in 2025
In 2025, the average interest rate for business loans in India ranges from 14% to 20% annually, depending on the lender and borrower profile. While public sector banks may offer slightly lower rates for established businesses, digital lenders like FlexiLoans focus on making credit accessible to MSMEs through flexible eligibility and faster processing.
Here’s an indicative snapshot:
| Lender Type | Typical Interest Rate Range | Target Segment |
| Public Banks | 11% to 15% p.a. | Larger, established businesses |
| Private Banks | 13% to 18% p.a. | SMEs with firm credit profiles |
| NBFCs | 14% to 24% p.a. | MSMEs, retailers, service providers |
With FlexiLoans, you get rates starting from 1% per month, depending on your business health, turnover, and creditworthiness. More importantly, the application process is 100% digital, and funds can be disbursed in as little as 48 hours.
Lowest Interest Business Loans in India: Compare Rates & Offers (2025)
For MSMEs, finding the lowest interest rate isn’t just about saving money—it’s about improving cash flow and ensuring sustainable growth.
Here’s a comparison of competitive rates from leading NBFCs and fintech lenders in 2025:
| Lender / Platform | Interest Rate Range (p.a.) | Loan Amount Range | Key Features |
| FlexiLoans | From 1% per month | ₹50,000 – ₹50 lakh | Fully digital process, approval in 24–48 hrs, collateral-free, sector-specific underwriting |
| LendingKart | 14% – 20% | ₹50,000 – ₹2 crore | AI-driven credit checks, flexible repayment, and quick disbursal |
| IIFL Finance | 14% – 18% | ₹1 lakh – ₹50 lakh | Hybrid offline+online support, doorstep KYC |
| Indifi | 15% – 22% | ₹50,000 – ₹50 lakh | Industry-specific loans, tailored repayment schedules |
| NeoGrowth | 16% – 24% | ₹1 lakh – ₹75 lakh | Revenue-linked EMIs, daily/weekly repayment options |
| Kinara Capital | 16% – 22% | ₹50,000 – ₹30 lakh | Focus on micro & women-led businesses, multilingual support |
Pro Tip:
Public sector banks may offer lower rates, but they often have longer processing times and stricter eligibility requirements. NBFCs and fintechs provide a faster and more flexible route for MSMEs that prioritize speed and convenience.
Smart Ways to Reduce Your Business Loan Interest
Reducing your loan interest doesn’t always require perfect credit or heavy collateral. With a few strategic actions, you can qualify for better rates and lower your total borrowing cost. Here are some practical ways to do that:
- Improve Your Credit Score
Aim for a CIBIL score of 700 or higher. Paying bills on time and avoiding overuse of credit limits can help you gradually boost your credit score. - Maintain Consistent Business Revenue
A monthly turnover of ₹2,00,000 or more shows financial stability and builds lender confidence. - Keep Your Documents Updated
Lenders rely on GST returns, bank statements, and income tax filings to assess your financial health. Accurate, recent documents can lead to faster approvals and better terms. - Choose the Right Loan Tenure
Shorter tenures may carry slightly lower interest rates. However, ensure that the EMI remains manageable in relation to your monthly cash flow. - Apply with a Trusted Digital Lender
Platforms like FlexiLoans utilize performance-based underwriting models, which means that your business potential, not just your credit history, is taken into consideration.
How to Apply for a Business Loan with FlexiLoans?
Here’s how it works:
- Step 1: Fill out the Online Application
Visit the FlexiLoans website and enter your business details, including your turnover, the loan amount required, and contact information. - Step 2: Upload Required Documents
Provide soft copies of your PAN, Aadhaar, business proof, and last 6 months’ current account statements. GST details may also be needed, depending on the loan type. - Step 3: Business Credit Evaluation
FlexiLoans will assess your financial health, credit score, and business performance to offer the most suitable loan options. A loan officer may contact you to explain the terms clearly and thoroughly. - Step 4: Loan Approval and Disbursal
Once the documents are verified and the agreement is signed, funds are transferred directly to your account, often within 48 hours.
This seamless process offers rapid access to capital, eliminating the need for collateral or lengthy bank visits.
Understanding interest rates is more than a numbers game. It’s about ensuring your loan fits your business goals without creating financial strain. The right rate gives you the confidence to borrow smartly, plan better, and grow faster.
Final Thoughts
Understanding how interest rates work is essential before taking a business loan. In 2025, MSMEs will have access to a wide range of financing options, with lenders offering flexible rates based on business performance, not just credit history. Instead of focusing solely on the lowest rate, consider the complete loan structure, including processing fees, tenure, documentation, and disbursement timelines.
With digital platforms like FlexiLoans, you can access competitive interest rates, faster approvals, and minimal paperwork. Whether you’re planning to expand, manage working capital, or invest in new equipment, choosing the right loan at the correct rate will help you grow without financial stress.
FAQs: Business Loan Interest Rates
Interest rates for business loans in India typically range between 12% to 24% per annum. FlexiLoans offers customized rates starting from 1% per month, depending on your business profile and eligibility.
Lenders generally use the reducing balance method, where interest is applied to the remaining loan amount, leading to lower EMIs over time.
Yes. A strong financial profile and clean credit history can help you negotiate a lower interest rate with your lender.
Yes. A higher CIBIL score (ideally above 700) can improve your chances of getting better interest rates and faster approvals.
Not always, but having GST returns can improve your eligibility and boost your chances of getting a better rate.
Both are important. A CIBIL score reflects an individual’s credit behaviour, while turnover indicates a business’s financial stability. Lenders evaluate both when setting rates.
They may carry higher annualized rates, but often result in lower total interest paid if repaid early.
Be aware of processing fees, prepayment penalties, and late fees. FlexiLoans maintains complete transparency with all charges.
Glossary: Key Terms Explained
| Term | Definition |
| Business Loan Interest Rate | The percentage charged by lenders on the borrowed amount over a specific tenure. |
| Reducing Balance Method | An interest calculation method where interest is charged only on the outstanding principal. |
| Credit Score (CIBIL) | A numeric representation of creditworthiness used by lenders to assess risk. |
| Turnover | The total sales or revenue generated by a business over a specific period. |
| Loan Tenure | The duration over which the loan is to be repaid, usually in monthly instalments. |
| Collateral-Free Loan | A loan that doesn’t require the borrower to pledge assets as security. |
| Processing Fees | Charges applied by the lender for evaluating and processing a loan application. |

