Quick answer: DBS is the go-to for digitally-savvy SMEs, OCBC offers personalised service with loans up to S$700,000, UOB provides flexible terms, and Maybank is the pick for Islamic banking. Standard Chartered, RHB, HSBC and Citibank each bring strong global trade finance capabilities. Whether you need working capital or a commercial property loan, all eight are reliable options worth a conversation.
This sits inside Best Loans & Financing in Singapore, alongside 11 related guides.
DBS Bank
DBS has been right in the thick of Singapore’s business scene since 1968 and is now the largest bank by assets here. If you run an SME and would rather sort out a loan from your phone than queue at a branch, this is a steady place to begin.
They offer a Business Term Loan for big-ticket items like equipment or expansion, a Working Capital Loan to keep daily operations smooth, Trade Finance for import and export, and a dedicated SME Loan. Their digital tools — DBS Business Online and PayNow Corporate — make transactions faster than ordering kopi. Interest rates typically sit between 7% and 11% p.a.
Address: 712A Ang Mo Kio Ave 6, #01-4066, Singapore 561712
Phone: 1800 111 1111
Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–8:30 PM (excluding public holidays)
Website: dbs.com.sg
Who it suits: SMEs that want a full suite of services and prize digital innovation. If you value a bank that is consistently ranked among the world’s safest, DBS is it.
OCBC Bank
OCBC is Singapore’s second-largest bank and has been around since 1932. They are known for giving your business that personal touch — especially if you are a small or medium enterprise.
Their SME Loan can go up to S$700,000, which is a real shot in the arm when you need a bigger push. They also do business loans for general purposes, commercial property loans, and trade finance. Digital banking through OCBC Business Internet Banking and Pay Anyone means you handle accounts without breaking a sweat. Rates are competitive, roughly 7%–11% p.a.
Nobody paid to appear here. If you think there is a gap in this list, we would rather hear about it than not.
Address: OCBC has branches throughout Singapore — use the branch locator on the website.
Phone: +65 6538 1111 (Business Banking)
Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (excluding public holidays)
Website: ocbc.com
Best for businesses that want a stable, trusted bank with an extensive network and a human relationship manager who remembers your name.
UOB Bank
UOB started in 1935 and they have built a reputation for genuinely caring about their customers. Their Business Term Loan goes up to S$350,000, handy for long-term investments, and they also provide working capital loans, commercial property loans, and trade finance.
They have backed homegrown names like Awfully Chocolate and Mr Coconut, so they get the local hustle. The UOB TMRW for Business app keeps things pretty slick. Use their branch locator to find the nearest outlet; hours vary by branch.
Address: Branches across Singapore — use the branch locator online.
Phone: 1800 222 2121
Website: uob.com.sg
Solid for entrepreneurs who want a partner that understands the SME grind and can offer flexible terms.
Maybank
Maybank has been in Singapore since 1960 and brings a strong ASEAN network — useful if your business crosses borders. They offer general business loans, commercial property loans, trade finance, and SME-specific financing.
One thing that sets Maybank apart: they also provide Islamic banking solutions, so if you need Shariah-compliant financing, they have it. Maybank2u Business keeps operations digital and straightforward. If you are also managing personal finances, you might want to read about Fixed Rate Home Loans in Singapore.
Address: 2 Battery Road, Maybank Tower, Singapore 049907
Phone: 1800 629 2265
Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (excluding public holidays)
Website: maybank.com.sg
Good for businesses eyeing regional expansion or those that specifically require Islamic banking options.
Standard Chartered
Standard Chartered has been in Singapore since 1859 — that is a lot of history. They are especially strong if your business does a fair bit of international trade; their cross-border expertise is solid. The Business Loan goes up to S$500,000, and they also handle property loans and trade finance. Standard Chartered Online keeps things running.
Address: Marina Bay Financial Centre, Tower 1, 8 Marina Blvd, #01-01, Singapore 018981
Phone: +65 6747 7000
Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Website: sc.com/sg
Suits firms with overseas dealings that want a bank that really understands global markets.
RHB Bank
RHB may not be the first name that pops into your head, but they have been quietly serving Singapore businesses since 1961. They are known for flexible loan terms and genuinely helpful customer service. Their business loans cover general financing, commercial property, and trade, plus SME-specific options. The RHB Mobile Banking app has a few thoughtful features, like joint account applications.
Address: 90 Cecil Street, RHB Bank Building, Level 1, Singapore 069531
Phone: 1800 323 0100
Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM; closed Sunday and public holidays
Website: rhbgroup.com.sg
Good for SMEs who prefer a smaller, more attentive bank and value face-to-face service.
HSBC Bank
HSBC has been in Singapore since 1877 and has a massive global network. If your business dreams involve expanding overseas, they know the ins and outs of trade finance. They offer general business loans, commercial property loans, and SME loans. The HSBC Singapore app is reliable for daily banking.
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Address: Branches throughout Singapore — use the branch locator online.
Phone: +65 6227 8889
Operating Hours: Typically Monday–Friday, 9:30 AM–3:30 PM; Saturday, 9:30 AM–12:00 PM (varies by branch)
Website: hsbc.com.sg
Suits companies with international ambitions that want a worldwide banking partner.
Citibank
Citibank has called Singapore home since 1902. Another global player with a knack for cross-border business, they offer general business loans, commercial property financing, trade finance, and SME loans. The Citi Mobile App makes managing a loan on the go genuinely fuss-free.
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Address: Asia Square Tower 1, 8 Marina View, #21-00, Singapore 018960
Phone: +65 6224 5757
Operating Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM
Website: citibank.com.sg
Good for businesses that are already somewhat international or planning to be, and appreciate a smooth digital experience.
Nobody paid to appear here. If you think there is a gap in this list, we would rather hear about it than not.
How to choose
Start by looking at what you actually need. A working capital loan to cover payroll is different from a property loan or trade finance. Interest rates among these banks mostly land between 7% and 11% p.a., though the final figure depends on your credit standing and the loan amount. Loan ceilings matter — UOB’s term loan caps at S$350,000, OCBC’s SME loan can reach S$700,000, and Standard Chartered’s goes up to S$500,000. If you need more, clarify with the bank before you spend too long on an application.
Digital readiness is another factor. DBS and UOB have poured resources into their apps; if you never want to visit a branch, that is a real advantage. On the other hand, RHB still offers a more personal, relationship-driven approach that some business owners prefer. Global reach matters if your supply chain or customer base extends beyond Singapore — HSBC, Citibank, and Standard Chartered shine there. Maybank is the only one here with a full Islamic banking suite, which is essential for some firms.
Consider turnaround time. Some banks process applications within days, while others might take a couple of weeks — ask the relationship manager upfront if speed matters more than rate. Your industry matters too. A bank that has financed similar businesses before will ask fewer irrelevant questions and structure terms that fit your cash-flow cycle. Check whether the loan requires collateral or a director’s personal guarantee; unsecured working capital loans exist at most of these banks but typically cap at lower amounts.
Finally, have a frank conversation with the relationship manager. Ask what documents they need, whether early repayment attracts a penalty, and if they can bundle other services like business accounts or trade facilities at a better overall cost. A good fit feels easy; if it already feels like pulling teeth, keep looking.
| Bank | Best For | Key Loan Types | Max Loan Amount | Interest Rates (p.a.) | Digital Banking Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DBS Bank | Digital-first SMEs | Term Loan, Working Capital, Trade Finance, SME Loan | Check with the business | 7%–11% | DBS Business Online, PayNow Corporate |
| OCBC Bank | Personalised service, wide network | Business Loan, Property Loan, Trade Finance, SME Loan | S$700,000 (SME Loan) | 7%–11% | OCBC Business Internet Banking, Pay Anyone |
| UOB Bank | Flexible terms, local SME support | Business Term Loan, Working Capital, Property Loan, Trade Finance | S$350,000 (Term Loan) | Check with the business | UOB TMRW for Business |
| Maybank | ASEAN network, Islamic banking | Business Loan, Property Loan, Trade Finance, SME Loan | Check with the business | Check with the business | Maybank2u Business |
| Standard Chartered | Global trade, cross-border deals | Business Loan, Property Loan, Trade Finance, SME Loan | S$500,000 (Business Loan) | Check with the business | Standard Chartered Online |
| RHB Bank | Attentive service, flexible terms | Business Loan, Property Loan, Trade Finance, SME Loan | Check with the business | Check with the business | RHB Mobile Banking, RHB Internet Banking |
| HSBC Bank | International expansion | Business Loan, Property Loan, Trade Finance, SME Loan | Check with the business | Check with the business | HSBC Singapore app |
| Citibank | Cross-border, smooth digital | Business Loan, Property Loan, Trade Finance, SME Loan | Check with the business | Check with the business | Citi Mobile App |
Summary
Choosing a business loan in Singapore really comes down to the kind of partner you want. A tech-forward SME might gravitate toward DBS or UOB, while a company with regional ambitions could find a better match in Maybank or HSBC. Take a moment to compare what each bank actually offers — the right financing can smooth out cash flow and give you room to grow.
Disclaimer: All details were compiled from publicly available sources and are accurate to the best of our knowledge. Terms, rates, and availability can change, so please confirm directly with the business before applying.
Frequently asked questions
What types of business loans are available from banks in Singapore?
Most banks offer term loans for large purchases, working capital loans for daily operations, commercial property loans, and trade finance for import and export. SME-specific loans are common; some like OCBC have loans up to S$700,000, while UOB caps its term loan at S$350,000.
How do I qualify for a business loan?
Requirements vary, but banks typically look at your company’s years of operation, annual revenue, credit history, and sometimes the directors’ personal credit scores. Having proper financial statements speeds things up.
What interest rates can I expect?
For the major banks on this list, rates generally range between 7% and 11% p.a. The actual figure depends on your business profile and the loan tenure. Always ask for the effective interest rate, not just the advertised one.
Which bank is the best fit for a new SME in Singapore?
DBS and UOB are often praised for their digital tools and SME support. OCBC’s SME loan allows borrowing up to S$700,000, which can be helpful. Speak to a relationship manager and see who understands your industry best.
Can I get a business loan if my company is less than two years old?
Some banks may still consider your application if you have strong personal guarantees or collateral. It is tougher, but not impossible. Ask the bank about their minimum operating history before you apply.
Do these banks offer unsecured business loans?
Many do, especially for working capital. DBS, OCBC, and UOB, for example, have unsecured options for SMEs. Terms and limits differ, so confirm directly with the bank.
