If you’re staring down the barrel of a large business expense, you’ll want to select the best loan structure possible to protect your future finances. The question is, which structure is that?
In some situations, the true toss-up is asset finance vs. business loan. The former and the latter both come with their benefits and drawbacks, so it’s vital to understand when to choose asset finance over a traditional business loan (or when not to).
To help, we’ve put together this guide that explains the relationship between asset finance and business loans. We’ll explain the difference between the two, analyse the benefits and drawbacks of both loan types, and give you some starter suggestions to point you in the right direction.
(Remember, when in doubt, it always pays to speak to a financial specialist about your goals so they can align you with the best type of loan for your business. But we hope this guide is a great starting point for your own education!)
What is a ‘traditional’ business loan?
A traditional business loan is exactly what it sounds like: a lump sum you can borrow from a bank or lender that’s repaid over time, with interest. Generally speaking, you can use the money you borrow for any application, which means this is one of the most straightforward ways of injecting capital into your business.
Here’s the thing: in the toss-up of asset finance vs. business loan, the latter tends to come out on top in situations where sheer flexibility is required. You can use a business loan for almost anything: expanding your premises, hiring staff, even smoothing out cash flow in busy periods. You just need to be able to present a plan to that effect.
These loans usually come with fixed repayment schedules, either over a short term (six to twelve months) or a long one (several years), depending on the lender and the loan size you choose.
Most traditional business loans also require you to offer some sort of security, which is essentially putting up a piece of collateral to ensure you can pay back the amount even if the loan defaults. This could be a property or a business asset.
When you might want to choose this loan type:
On balance, when it comes to an asset finance vs. business loan, the latter is best when:
- You need general working capital rather than one specific asset.
- You want predictable, fixed repayments each month.
- Your business has a strong credit record and steady cash flow (or your personal finances are strong enough to back up the loan application).
- You’re planning long-term investments like expansion or acquisition and need that flexibility.
Across the board, this is a great all-rounder, especially if you’re running an established business that can handle putting up some collateral. The drawback here is that traditional business loans can be tougher to secure if you’re a new business or don’t want to risk putting up collateral, nor if you need extreme flexibility in your repayment schedule.
What is ‘asset’ finance?
Now, we come to the other option in our asset finance vs. business loan debate. Asset finance works a little differently from a traditional loan, in that instead of borrowing a lump sum, you’re financing the purchase (or lease) of a specific asset you need to run your business. This might be a vehicle, machinery, or even equipment.
The key here is that you’re using the asset you’re buying as the security for the loan, so you don’t have to put up any of your existing business assets as collateral. You can still repay the loan over time. Technically, this means that your lender owns your asset until it’s paid off (much like a bank owns a house that has been mortgaged until it is paid off), but you get to use it right away to start growing.
This structure makes asset finance much more accessible for businesses that need it, especially if you’re running something equipment-heavy. Building a fleet, working in construction, or even building a server bank are all cases where asset finance could be a big help.
When you might want to choose this loan type:
Asset finance is often the better fit when:
- You need a specific piece of equipment or vehicle to operate or expand.
- You’d prefer to keep cash reserves for other expenses or emergencies.
- You want repayments that match the asset’s lifetime use rather than a fixed term.
- You’re looking for faster approval than a standard business loan might allow.
In the asset finance vs. business loan comparison, asset finance is often the winner for businesses that are asset-heavy. So, if you’re in the trades, transport, agriculture, or manufacturing, this is a great way to keep your cash flow flexible and still commit to growth.
As you can see, both of these options have their place for the right business owner. If you need funding for general business growth or long-term stability, a traditional business loan may make sense. But if your goal is to acquire specific, income-generating assets without draining your capital, asset finance is the winner.
Need help with your decision? Talk to New Zealand’s friendliest finance brokers.
If you’re ready to explore your options, talk to one of our friendly team members at Spinach. We understand your industry, and we’re here to help you find your landing place between asset finance vs. business loan.
Get in touch with us today to sort out your next step!