Funding Guides
January 28, 2026
· 8 min read

Working Capital Loan vs. Business Loan: Which Is Right for You?

Understanding the difference between working capital loans and traditional business loans is crucial for making the right funding decision. We break down the key differences, costs, and ideal use cases.

Working CapitalBusiness FundingFinancial Planning
Side-by-side comparison of funding options on a whiteboard

One of the most common questions we hear from business owners is: "What's the difference between a working capital loan and a regular business loan?" It's a fair question, since both put money in your business account. But the differences in structure, cost, and purpose can significantly impact your business.

Defining the Two Options

A working capital loan is specifically designed to fund day-to-day operational expenses like payroll, rent, inventory, and supplier payments. A business loan (or term loan) is typically used for larger, specific investments such as equipment, expansion, and acquisitions.

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Elect Capital is a trading name of Elect Capital UK Limited, registered in England and Wales with company number 16106576 and registered address: B1 Vantage Business Park Old Gloucester Road, Bristol, Gloucestershire, England, BS16 1GW. Registered with the Information Commissioner's Office in relation to the processing of personal information, registration number ZB842935. We pay commission to other credit introducers for referring new customers. The commission amount may vary depending on the product, or other permissible factors.

Elect Capital UK Limited provides business funding solutions to UK SMEs, operating transparently in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.