Last updated 6 August 2026. This page was reviewed on that date. Prices, rates and opening hours change often in Singapore — confirm anything that matters directly with the business before you travel or spend.
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.
Applying for a business loan can feel like walking into a room full of strangers. You just want someone who gets what you’re building without having to explain yourself three times. The banks here understand that. Some offer a friendly voice on the phone; others let you do everything from your sofa with a cup of kopi. This is about finding a financial partner that leaves you feeling steady, not stressed.
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.
If you’d rather not sit through a meeting, DBS lets you handle the whole application from your phone. The process is clean, no pressure — just you, your numbers, and a decision within days. It suits the solo operator who wants to get things done without an audience.
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.
OCBC gives you a dedicated relationship manager who acts like a sounding board, not a salesperson. It’s comforting when you’re working late and can send a quick message. The digital side is straightforward, so you can choose between face-to-face warmth or quiet afternoons with your laptop.
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.
UOB has a knack for championing local brands, so it feels less like a bank and more like a backer of neighbourhood dreams. The TMRW app’s notifications are gentle nudges, not alarms. You can manage everything while waiting for your teh halia at the hawker centre.
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.
If your business crosses borders, Maybank makes ASEAN feel like a close-knit neighbourhood. Their digital platform is intuitive, and if you need Shariah-compliant options, the process is respectful and clear. You get the sense they want to see your enterprise grow across the region.
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.
Standard Chartered carries a quiet confidence that comes with over 160 years in Singapore. If your trade routes are complicated, they handle the details without drama. The online portal is steady and dependable — the kind of thing that lets you sleep soundly when shipments are out at sea.
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.
RHB feels like the attentive neighbourhood shop that remembers your name. They’re flexible when life gets unpredictable, and the mobile app’s joint account feature means your partner can be looped in without fuss. It’s the sort of bank that doesn’t make you feel small.
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.
While you are sorting out financing, you might also need ERP Software Solutions in Singapore for Elevated Business Efficiency to keep operations tight once the funds land.
HSBC’s global reach is like a well-connected friend who’s lived in every city. If you’re eyeing markets abroad, their trade finance team helps translate local nuances into straightforward paperwork. The app is reliable, so you can check on things while on your long-haul flight.
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.
If your business needs better communication tools, take a look at Business Email Hosting Providers in Singapore for professional correspondence.
Citibank’s mobile app makes managing a loan feel as simple as checking your messages. It’s made for the road — whether you’re between meetings or at a cafe, everything syncs without a hitch. The global network means your business isn’t tied to one shore, and that’s a quiet comfort.
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.
About the figures on this page. Rates, bonuses and qualifying spends were checked against the issuers’ own sites on 5 August 2026. Singapore banks revise these frequently — several cut their headline savings rates more than once in 2026 alone — so treat every number here as correct on that date rather than a standing promise, and confirm on the issuer’s page before you apply or move money.
Types of business loans in Singapore
| Loan type | Typical amount | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| EFS – SME Working Capital Loan | Up to S$500,000, 50% govt. risk-share | Daily operational needs |
| EFS – Trade Loan | Up to S$10 million, 50% govt. risk-share | Trade-related financing |
| Unsecured business term loan | Up to ~S$500,000 | Operations, expansion, no collateral |
| Merchant Cash Advance | Up to ~4x average monthly POS transactions | Retail/F&B with card terminals |
| Invoice financing | Up to ~80% of invoice value | Reliable customers, long payment terms |
| Business overdraft | Varies, interest on amount drawn | Flexible short-term cash flow |
Government-assisted loans: the Enterprise Financing Scheme (EFS)
The Enterprise Financing Scheme, administered by Enterprise Singapore with participating banks, shares your loan’s default risk with the lender, making it easier to qualify. As of April 2026, key parameters are:
- SME Working Capital Loan: up to S$500,000 per borrower, with a 50% government risk-share.
- Trade Loan: up to S$10 million per borrower (individual cap), 50% government risk-share, within an overall S$50 million EFS cap per borrower group across all facilities.
- Fixed Assets Loan: up to S$30 million per borrower, 50% government risk-share.
General eligibility: registered and operating in Singapore, with at least 30% local shareholding, and meeting Enterprise Singapore’s SME size criteria. These caps and risk-share percentages were revised in Budget 2026 — confirm current terms with Enterprise Singapore or your bank, as scheme parameters change periodically.
Other loan types explained
Unsecured business term loans don’t require collateral but often need a personal guarantee from directors — useful for operations or expansion, typically repaid over 1–5 years. Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) suit retail and F&B businesses with card terminals, sized against recent POS transaction volume and repaid via automatic deductions, usually over 6–9 months. Invoice financing lets you draw against unpaid invoices rather than wait for customers to pay — useful if you have reliable customers but long payment terms. A business overdraft is a flexible credit line where you only pay interest on what you draw.
Providers to consider
The banks and platforms below all offer SME financing. Rates and eligibility change frequently — confirm current terms directly.
1. OCBC Business First Loan
A government-assisted loan aimed at newer businesses (typically 6 months to 2 years old), with no collateral required.
- Contact: +65 6538 1111
- Website: ocbc.com/business-banking
Building a track record as a new business, you’ll find government-assisted rates friendlier than most. No need to put up your property or inventory. Suits you if you’re past the six-month mark and your daily takings are steady. Application is straightforward, no song and dance. Value is solid for a first facility.
2. DBS Business Term Loan
Available under the SME Working Capital Loan scheme, with tenures up to 5 years — see our DBS business loan review.
- Contact: 1800 222 2200
- Website: dbs.com.sg/sme
Up to five years to repay, so your monthly outflow stays manageable. The SME Working Capital scheme keeps the interest practical. Best for stable businesses making a considered move—new machinery, a second outlet. You’ll talk to a proper banker, not a bot. The paperwork asks for details, but that means the terms are clear from the start.
3. UOB Business Loan
Bundles SME and other UOB facilities; no collateral required but may need personal guarantees.
- Contact: +65 6259 8188
- Website: uob.com.sg/business
Already have a UOB account? Then this loan slots in easily. No need for collateral, but they will ask for personal guarantees—standard for unsecured. The real value is bundling with your other facilities; one bank, one headache less. Processing is quicker for existing customers. A steady option if your banking is already here.
4. Standard Chartered Business Instalment Loan
An unsecured loan generally aimed at more established businesses, with repayment tenures up to 5 years.
- Contact: +65 6743 3000 (Business Banking)
- Website: sc.com/sg/business
With a few years of accounts and predictable revenue, your business gains access to an unsecured facility that ties up no assets. Repayment stretches to five years, making it easier to budget. The service feels premium, and your application gets individual attention. Best when your credit history is clean and your numbers show consistent growth. Established businesses will find the process smooth.
5. Funding Societies
A digital SME lending platform offering financing up to several million dollars depending on the product, plus smaller quick-turnaround loans that can disburse within 24 hours. Includes startup-oriented financing options.
- Location: 108 Robinson Road #06-01, Singapore 068900
- Contact: +65 6221 0958 · [email protected]
- Website: fundingsocieties.com
Read next
FAQs about business loans in Singapore
Digital from start to finish. Need cash in 24 hours? This platform delivers. Loans scale from small working capital to millions, so it grows with you. Ideal for e-commerce and tech where speed matters. No branch visits, no relationship managers—just punch in your details and see your rate online. You pay for the speed, but when inventory is waiting, time saved is money earned.
What’s the difference between secured and unsecured business loans?
Secured loans require collateral like property or equipment; unsecured loans don’t, though they often require a personal guarantee from directors and typically carry a higher interest rate to offset the lender’s risk.
Can startups get business loans in Singapore?
Yes — options like OCBC’s Business First Loan and Funding Societies’ startup-oriented financing are designed for businesses as young as around 6 months old.
How long does business loan approval take in Singapore?
Digital lenders can approve smaller loans within 24–48 hours; traditional banks typically take a few days to about two weeks, depending on documentation completeness.
What documents are needed for a business loan application?
Typically directors’ NRIC/passport copies, ACRA business registration documents, financial statements, 6 months of bank statements, and personal guarantees from directors if required.
Last updated July 2026. EFS figures cross-checked against multiple public sources as of 22 July 2026, reflecting the scheme update effective 1 April 2026 — confirm current terms directly with Enterprise Singapore, as government scheme parameters change periodically.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not financial advice. Compiled from publicly available sources; while we aim for accuracy, we do not guarantee completeness. Confirm all terms directly with the lender or Enterprise Singapore before applying. Let us know if you spot anything that needs correcting.
About the figures on this page. Rates, bonuses and qualifying spends were checked against the issuers’ own sites on 5 August 2026. Singapore banks revise these frequently — several cut their headline savings rates more than once in 2026 alone — so treat every number here as correct on that date rather than a standing promise, and confirm on the issuer’s page before you apply or move money.
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.
