
Bank of America offers various business lending options to help entrepreneurs and small business owners achieve their financial goals.
The bank provides Line of Credit loans, which can be used for short-term financing needs, such as managing cash flow or covering unexpected expenses.
Business owners can borrow up to $1 million with a Line of Credit, and interest rates start at 4.99% APR.
To qualify for a Line of Credit, businesses typically need to have a minimum credit score of 660 and a good business credit history.
Bank of America also offers Term Loans, which can be used for long-term financing needs, such as expanding operations or purchasing equipment.
Term Loans can range from $25,000 to $1 million, with interest rates starting at 5.99% APR.
The bank considers factors such as credit score, business revenue, and debt-to-equity ratio when evaluating loan applications.
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Pros and Cons
Bank of America business lending has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some key points to consider:
One major advantage is that Bank of America offers a wide array of business lending products, making it a viable option for many small business owners. You can also get rate discounts if you're a veteran or a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member.
However, the bank's transparency about maximum rate ranges is lacking, which can make it difficult to determine the total cost of a loan. Additionally, the application process can be slow and involved, and you typically need to be in business for at least two years to qualify for financing.
Some business owners may also find it inconvenient that they may need to apply over the phone or in person, rather than being able to do so online.
Here are some specific cons to consider:
- Strict eligibility requirements
- Slow approval and funding process
- Poor customer ratings and reviews
It's worth noting that some states may not be eligible for financing through Bank of America, which could be a major drawback for businesses in those areas.
Pros

If you're in the market for business financing, Bank of America has some great options to consider. One of its strongest suits is its wide array of business lending products.
Bank of America offers a cash-secured credit line, which can be a game-changer for new businesses looking to build credit and establish a business history.
You can also get rate discounts as a veteran or a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, which is a nice perk.
Bank of America has relatively low minimum loan amounts compared to other big banks, making it more accessible to smaller businesses.
Here's a quick rundown of the pros:
Cons
Bank of America has its downsides, and it's essential to be aware of them before considering a small business loan. Strict eligibility requirements can make it challenging to qualify.
The approval and funding process can be slow, taking time to disburse funds. Poor customer ratings and reviews suggest that some borrowers have had a less-than-satisfactory experience.
Some states may not be eligible for financing, which can be a significant limitation. Borrower qualifications might be hard to meet, making it difficult to secure a loan.
Commercial Real Estate
Commercial real estate loans from Bank of America start at $25,000 and can be used for various purposes, including purchasing land or commercial property, or leveraging equity to expand your business.
Rates for these loans begin at 6.25%, plus a 0.75% upfront fee, with potential additional fees and closing costs.
Loan terms can go up to 180 months if you make fixed payments, or 120 months if you choose a loan with a balloon payment.
Balloon payments are usually undesirable, as they involve one large payment at the end of the loan term, but could be worth it if you're able to plan ahead and take on the risk.
You can borrow amounts starting from $25,000 with a term of either 10 years or 15 years, depending on whether you make a balloon payment or have full amortization.
Interest rates start at 6.25%, which is fairly competitive in the current real estate market, and there is an origination fee of 0.75%.
These loans can last for up to 10 years with balloon payments or 15 years with full amortization, giving you options to choose the term that suits your business goals.
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Factors to Consider
Choosing the right lender for your small business loan is a crucial decision, and Bank of America is one option to consider. Bank of America offers a range of loan options, including lines of credit and term loans, to help small businesses grow and succeed.
Before making a decision, consider the factors that can impact your borrowing experience and the overall success of your business. Bank of America is a well-established bank with a long history of serving small businesses.
The bank's reputation for customer service and support is a major factor to consider. Bank of America has a dedicated team of small business bankers who can provide guidance and support every step of the way.
Interest rates and fees are also important considerations when choosing a lender. Bank of America offers competitive interest rates and fees, making it a cost-effective option for small businesses.
The loan application process can also impact your decision. Bank of America has a streamlined application process that can be completed online or in person, making it easy to apply for a loan.
The bank's requirements for loan approval can also vary, so it's essential to understand what's needed to get approved. Bank of America considers a range of factors, including credit history, revenue, and cash flow, when evaluating loan applications.
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Lending Options
Bank of America offers a wide range of small business lending options with decent borrowing amounts. They have an intuitive payment portal and mobile apps, earning them a 4.4/5 star rating.
Some popular small business lending products offered by Bank of America include secured and unsecured business term loans, secured and unsecured lines of credit, SBA loans, commercial lending, equipment financing, business auto loans, and healthcare practice loans.
Here are some key details about Bank of America's lending options:
Bank of America's lending options cater to diverse business needs, from ongoing operations to purchasing equipment or commercial real estate.
Cash-secured Line
A cash-secured line of credit from Bank of America can help companies establish and build business credit, which can be beneficial for future funding.
You'll need to provide at least a $1,000 security deposit to open the account, which is a one-time requirement.
There are no origination fees, but a $150 annual fee (waived the first year) applies, and a 3% international transaction fee is also in effect.
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Late fees range from $0 to $49, depending on your balance, so be sure to stay on top of your payments.
Bank of America will review your line of credit after 12 months, and if you've managed it responsibly, you may be able to upgrade to an unsecured line of credit.
Lines Overview
Bank of America offers a variety of lines of credit to help small businesses manage cash flow and cover short-term expenses.
You can access funds as needed, up to a predetermined limit, with competitive interest rates and repayment terms tailored to fit your business needs.
With a line of credit, you can manage cash flow, cover short-term expenses, and seize new opportunities.
Bank of America's lines of credit come with flexible repayment terms, allowing you to pay down your balance and have that much credit available again.
You can get lower rates with Bank of America's Preferred Rewards for Business, making their business line of credit rates competitive.
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Here are some key features of Bank of America's lines of credit:
- Unsecured lines of credit start at $10,000
- Secured lines of credit start at $25,000
- Interest rates start at 9% for unsecured lines of credit
- Revolving with annual review
Some lines of credit, like the Business Advantage Credit Line, have no cash advance fees and interest rates starting at 9%.
You can also get a cash-secured line of credit starting at $1,000 with variable interest rates.
It's worth noting that you'll need to renew your line of credit annually if you want to keep it active.
Financing Details
Bank of America offers a range of financing options for small businesses, with loan amounts starting at $10,000 for unsecured term loans and $25,000 for secured term loans.
You can choose from various repayment terms, including 12 to 60 months for unsecured term loans and up to 180 months for commercial real estate loans. The estimated interest range for these loans starts at 7.50% for unsecured term loans and 6.25% for commercial real estate loans.
Here are the key details of Bank of America's financing options:
Unsecured Term
Unsecured term loans are a great option for businesses that don't have enough assets to put up as collateral. They offer a fixed interest rate, so your monthly loan payments will remain the same over the entire term.
The loan amounts range from $10,000 to $100,000, making it a good choice for large purchases. This is one of the best unsecured business loans for such needs.
You can expect to pay an interest rate starting at 7.00% with an origination fee of 0.50%.
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Equipment Financing
Equipment financing is a viable option for businesses looking to purchase heavy equipment or vehicles. Bank of America offers equipment financing loans for vehicles weighing over 2.5 tons, starting at $25,000 with terms between 12 and 60 months.
Interest rates start at 7.00%, and there's an additional 0.50% origination fee. This type of loan is a good choice for businesses that need to purchase heavy equipment or vehicles but may not have the funds available.
Loans can be used to buy, repair, or upgrade business equipment, such as production tools, machinery, and heavy vehicles. This is a self-secured loan, so the equipment acts as collateral.
Bank of America offers equipment loans with terms lasting up to five years, starting at $25K, and interest rates starting at 7%. There's also a 0.5% origination fee.
Amounts and Terms
Bank of America offers a range of financing options for small businesses, with varying loan amounts and repayment terms.
The loan amounts offered by Bank of America range from $10,000 to $5 million, as stated in Example 3. This flexibility allows businesses to access the funds required to grow and succeed.
Repayment terms can extend up to 25 years, providing businesses with flexibility in managing their cash flow and repayment schedule, as mentioned in Example 3 and Example 4. This long repayment period may result in higher overall interest costs, however.
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For specific loan types, the repayment terms are as follows:
- Unsecured term loans have a repayment term of 12 to 60 months, as stated in Example 1.
- Equipment financing loans have a repayment term of 12 to 60 months, as mentioned in Example 2.
- SBA 7(a) loans have a repayment term of up to 300 months, as stated in Example 8.
Here's a summary of the loan amounts and repayment terms offered by Bank of America:
Note that these are general guidelines and the specific loan amount and repayment term will depend on various factors, including the business's financial profile and creditworthiness.
Application and Requirements
To apply for a Bank of America business loan, you'll need to provide a variety of information and documents about your company. This includes your business name and address, as well as your business phone number.
You'll also need to provide your business tax ID or Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is a unique identifier for your business. Additionally, you'll need to provide information about your industry and business start date.
To make the process smoother, it's a good idea to gather all required paperwork in advance, including personal information for all owners, guarantors, and controlling managers. This can help speed along the loan application process and get you access to your funds faster.
Here's a list of some of the required documents:
- Business name and address
- Business phone number
- Business tax ID or EIN
- Industry and business start date
- Number of employees
- Annual net profit
- Annual gross sales
- Business' outstanding debts
- Personal information for all owners/guarantors/controlling managers
Note that some variability may exist depending on the state you're based in, so be sure to check the specific requirements for your area.
Necessary Application Requirements
To apply for a Bank of America business loan, you'll need to meet certain requirements. The bank recommends at least two years of business history and minimum annual revenue requirements of at least $100,000.
You'll also need a personal credit score of at least 700, although the bank doesn't publicly share minimum credit score requirements for all of its business lending products.
To qualify for a Bank of America business loan or line of credit, you'll need to provide various documents, including your business name and address, business phone number, business tax ID or Employer Identification Number (EIN), industry and business start date, and date of acquisition (if applicable).
Here's a list of the required documents:
- Business name and address
- Business phone number
- Business tax ID or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
- Industry and business start date
- Date of acquisition (if applicable)
- Number of employees
- Annual net profit
- Annual gross sales
- Business’ outstanding debts, including lender name, account balance and monthly payment amount
- Personal information for all owners/guarantors/controlling managers:
Bank of America also recommends that you have a clear understanding of your business's financial needs and be prepared to provide all required documentation to expedite the application process.
Ownership Requirements
Bank of America requires that your business be under current ownership for at least 2 years to apply for a loan. This ensures that the business has an established track record and financial history, which can strengthen the loan application.
You'll need to have a solid understanding of your business's financial history to meet this requirement. Having a 2-year ownership history demonstrates that you've been able to manage the business successfully, which is attractive to lenders.
To meet the 2-year ownership requirement, your business must have been under your ownership for at least 24 months. This means that if you acquired the business 3 years ago, but sold it and then reacquired it 2 years ago, you'll still meet the requirement.
Here are the key points to keep in mind:
- Business must be under current ownership for at least 2 years
- Established track record and financial history strengthens the loan application
- 24 months of ownership history is the minimum requirement
Application Process & Timeline
Bank of America offers a streamlined application process for small business loans, prioritizing efficiency and convenience. This allows business owners to quickly access the necessary funds for their business's growth and success.

The application can be completed online or in-person, depending on your preference. Bank of America aims to provide quick decisions on loan applications, often within days.
However, the application timeline can vary based on factors such as the type of loan, collateral requirements, and the speed of document exchange. Being prepared with all the required documentation and promptly responding to any requests can help expedite the process.
Existing customers can apply online via an online form, while non-customers may need to apply in person at their local branch or over the phone. This can take a minimum of a couple of weeks, and possibly months in the case of SBA loans.
If all goes according to plan, you can get your funds as soon as five days after being approved. This is relatively fast, especially for a bank.
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Eligibility and Approval
To be eligible for a Bank of America small business loan, you'll need a minimum credit score of 640, although this can vary based on individual circumstances and loan programs.
Having at least two years in business and an annual revenue of $100,000 is also required for most Bank of America business loans and lines of credit. However, the cash-secured business advantage credit line has more relaxed requirements, with six months in business and annual revenue of $50,000 needed.
Here are some specific requirements to keep in mind:
Bank of America also requires that your business be under current ownership for at least 2 years to qualify for financing.
Eligibility
To be eligible for a Bank of America small business loan, you'll need to meet their minimum requirements. A minimum credit score of 640 is typically required, but this can vary based on individual circumstances and the specific loan program.
Bank of America considers other factors when evaluating loan applications, such as the business's financial history, revenue, and profitability. Having a well-documented business plan and financial statements ready when applying for a small business loan is advisable.
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You'll need at least two years of business history to qualify for most Bank of America business loans and lines of credit. Annual revenue requirements vary, but $100,000 per year is the minimum for an unsecured loan or line of credit.
Bank of America uses the 5 C's of Credit to assess borrower qualifications for its loans, which includes character, capacity, capital, collateral, and conditions. Building a relationship with your local branch may also make a difference in some cases.
Here are the minimum requirements for a Bank of America business loan or line of credit:
You'll also need to provide personal and business information when applying for a Bank of America business loan, including tax ID, nature of business, and annual net profit.
Accessibility
Accessibility is a top priority for many small business owners, and thankfully, some lenders are taking steps to make their services more inclusive.
Bank of America is one such lender that offers accessibility features that make it easier for customers to do business with them.

They have a network of branches where customers can go in person to conduct their banking, which can be especially helpful for those who prefer face-to-face interactions.
Additionally, Bank of America's website and mobile app allow customers to bank online, making it more convenient for those who are short on time or prefer to manage their finances from the comfort of their own home.
The lender also provides customers with the option to receive bank statements and other important documents in formats that are more accessible to those with visual impairments, such as audio, large print, and Braille.
Resources
If you're looking for resources to help your business thrive, Bank of America offers a range of options.
For small business loans, Bank of America provides financing for startups and established businesses alike.
You can also explore alternative options, such as business line of credit, which can help with cash flow management.
Bank of America's small business loans review highlights the pros and cons of working with the bank.
To get started, you'll need to meet the borrower requirements, which include having a good credit score and a solid business plan.
If you're not satisfied with Bank of America's services, you can also consider alternatives to Bank of America.
Here are some key features of Bank of America's business lending options:
- Average business loan interest rates
- Business loans for bad credit
- Business line of credit
This can give you a better understanding of what to expect from the bank's services.
Interest Rates & Fees
Bank of America offers competitive interest rates for its small business loans, starting at 2.99% for certain SBA loans, but rates may vary depending on factors such as the loan program, loan amount, and the borrower's creditworthiness.
Bank of America charges an origination fee of $150 for small business loans, and it's essential to review the loan terms and conditions carefully to understand all applicable fees and charges associated with the loan.
For most small business loans, Bank of America requires collateral, which can include real estate, equipment, or other business assets, providing additional security for the loan.
Having a solid credit history and a good credit score increases your chances of approval for a small business loan from Bank of America, with specific credit score requirements varying depending on the loan.
Veterans can qualify for a 25% discount on loan administration or loan origination fees for many of Bank of America's business lending options.
The interest rates and annual percentage rates (APR) associated with different loan options can vary, and it's essential to understand these costs to accurately assess the cost of borrowing.
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Customer Experience
Bank of America's customer experience is a mixed bag. The bank is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and has an A+ grade, but customer reviews on the BBB website reveal widespread dissatisfaction.
Many users have reported difficulty reaching customer support, and the bank's slow response times to customer issues are a major concern.
Bank of America actually excels in merchant services customer satisfaction, ranking first in J.D. Power's rankings.
This suggests that the bank's loan products are a hit with some borrowers, but the poor customer service is a major turn-off for others.
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Overview and Summary
Bank of America offers a range of small business loan options, including term loans, lines of credit, and SBA loans. They cater to businesses of different sizes and requirements, with loan amounts ranging from $10,000 to $5 million.
You can borrow as little as $10,000 for an unsecured term loan, or up to $5 million for an SBA 7(a) loan. The repayment term for these loans varies, but you can expect to pay back an unsecured term loan over 12 to 60 months.
Bank of America's fees are competitive, with some options having no cash advance fees or origination fees. For example, their unsecured lines of credit don't have cash advance fees, and their equipment financing has a 0.50% origination fee.
The bank offers various types of loans, including secured and unsecured term loans, lines of credit, and SBA loans. You can choose from loan amounts starting at $10,000 for an unsecured term loan, or $25,000 for a secured term loan.
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Here's a breakdown of the different loan options and their features:
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need for a Bank of America business loan?
To qualify for a Bank of America business loan, you'll typically need a credit score of at least 700 for unsecured options, but a score of 670 or higher is often accepted by traditional banks. Check our website for more information on credit score requirements and loan options.
Can an LLC get a bank loan?
Yes, LLCs can qualify for bank loans, as business lenders offer financing options to various business types, including LLCs. To learn more about the loan process and requirements, click here.
Sources
- https://www.lendingtree.com/business/reviews/bank-of-america/
- https://www.thefundingfamily.com/blog/bank-of-america-small-business-loan-review
- https://money.com/bank-of-america-small-business-loan-review/
- https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/bank-of-america-coronavirus-criteria-small-business-loans
- https://www.merchantmaverick.com/reviews/bank-of-america-business-loans/
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