Running a construction company is a capital-intensive business. Everyday expenses such as payroll, materials, and heavy equipment can drain the cash flow of any company. To complicate matters, customers often take 30, 60, or even up to 90 days to pay. In addition, some government contracts are issued via purchase orders. Construction company owners must continue to seek capital in order to complete these jobs and stay profitable. They rely on all sorts of loans, including uncollateralized, revenue-based loans.
Collateral has always been the basis of most loans. Commercial and residential mortgages are collateralized by the real estate itself. This means the bank or owner of that loan will repossess the property if the borrower defaults. Borrowers who qualify must make a down payment and have options ranging from 15 to 30 years at a fair interest rate. The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) sets the federal funds rate, which banks then use to determine the prime rate. The borrower then makes a monthly payment with the option to pay off the loan at any time.
Cash loans are considered unsecured loans. These types of loans do not require any collateral and therefore are more expensive due to limited recourse. Traditional banks and SBA 7(a) loans do offer unsecured loans; however, documentation and requirements are very strict due to federal regulations. Other non-traditional sources, such as revenue-based lenders, offer unsecured loans with few requirements and very quick turnaround times sometimes in as little as 24 hours or less.
Overview
- Working Capital Needs: Construction companies require consistent funding to cover payroll, materials, and daily operational expenses.
- Delayed Payments: Client payments are often structured on Net 30, 60, or 90-day terms, creating cash-flow gaps.
- Revenue-Based Solutions: Revenue-based construction loans help bridge these gaps using recent banking activity instead of traditional credit metrics.
- Bank Loan Requirements: Traditional banks typically require collateral to offer lower-cost financing options.
- Fast Unsecured Funding: Unsecured construction company loans provide quicker access to capital without pledging assets.
- SBA Loan Complexity: SBA loans involve stricter underwriting guidelines and longer approval timelines.
The Difference Between A Collateralized Construction Loan and an Unsecured loan for a construction company
A construction loan is a loan product used to finance the construction of any type of building, such as a house, warehouse, shopping center, or office building. As previously mentioned, these loans are packaged as mortgages and secured by the real estate itself. The lender has the option to repossess the property if the borrower defaults on the loan.
An unsecured loan for a construction company is basically a business or working capital loan to meet daily expenses such as rent or payroll. There are a variety of types of unsecured loans ranging from traditional to non-traditional sources. In this case, the borrower must personally guarantee the loan, and in some cases the lender may place a UCC-1 filing on the business.
Overview
- Secured Construction Loans: Construction loans used to fund buildings are typically backed by real estate as collateral.
- Repossession Risk: If the borrower defaults, lenders have the legal right to seize the secured property.
- Unsecured Loan Use: Unsecured construction company loans are designed to cover operational expenses such as payroll, rent, and materials.
- Legal Protections: Personal guarantees and UCC-1 filings may still be required even without traditional collateral.
What Does “No Collateral” Mean in Construction Lending?
In the lending world, the word collateral is any sort of tangible asset that can be pledged toward a loan in the event of a default. Banks typically use real estate as collateral in construction loans. Other assets that can be pledged may include stocks and bonds, savings accounts, and heavy equipment. These assets can then be taken away and sold if the borrower defaults.
A loan that has “no collateral” is also called an unsecured loan. This means that there is nothing worth any real value that would back the loan in the event of a default. In this case, the lender will look entirely at the borrower’s credibility based on a variety of factors. Traditional lenders such as banks and SBA 7(a) offer unsecured loans with more favorable terms; however, requirements can be very stringent. Revenue-based lenders offer a much easier-to-qualify alternative.
The major difference between traditional and unsecured loans is going to be the interest or overall loan cost. Traditional lenders charge standard interest rates and offer longer terms if the borrower can qualify. Unsecured revenue-based loans charge a more expensive factor rate and much shorter terms. A factor rate is basically a straight calculation based on a factor such as 1.29. To calculate your loan cost, multiply the loan amount by the factor rate. The other major difference is your payment frequency. Secured loans are on a monthly frequency while unsecured loans may be subject to a daily or weekly payment, depending on qualifications. Bank and SBA 7(a) loans also have longer terms while revenue based lenders have shorter terms ranging from 3 to 24 months.
A credit card is an example of a “no collateral” loan. However, credit cards do require your personal guarantee. Unsecured loans are no different. That means the lender has the right to take legal recourse and obtain a judgment in the event of nonpayment. Some lenders will also file a UCC-1 filing, as previously stated. Understanding the difference between collateralized and non-collateralized loans will help you make a better decision when the time comes.
Overview
- Collateral-Based Lending: Collateral includes property or equipment that lenders can seize if a borrower defaults on a secured loan.
- Unsecured Financing Model: Unsecured loans rely on credit profile and business cash flow rather than physical assets.
- Cost vs Requirements: Banks and SBA loans typically offer lower costs but come with stricter approval requirements.
- Faster Revenue-Based Approvals: Revenue-based lenders can approve loans quickly, though usually at a higher overall cost.
- Repayment Structure Differences: Secured loans often feature monthly payments and longer repayment terms.
- Frequent Payment Schedules: Unsecured loans may require daily or weekly payments based on risk and lender terms.
- Legal Obligations: Personal guarantees and UCC-1 filings may still apply depending on the lender and loan structure.
Why Construction Companies Look for Collateral-Free Loans
There are many reasons construction companies look for collateral-free loans. One of the primary reasons is time. Running a construction company is cash-intensive, as daily expenses such as payroll, 941 taxes, materials, and equipment rental will use up the cash reserves of some of the best-operated businesses. Money in your bank account when needed can mean the difference between fines or having to stop your construction project, further delaying final payment.
The lack of assets is another reason construction company owners look for no-collateral loans. Many small and medium-sized business owners do not have extensive assets with enough equity. Banks only lend without collateral for the select few business owners who have the required credit, cash flow, and other required documents. In this case, banks will want to collateralize the loan.
Real estate is a common form of collateral that banks look for. They typically lend up to 80% of the value of the property. In the event of a default, the property is sold. However, these types of loans can also take longer due to appraisals and other factors. A construction company that was just awarded a major contract does not have time to wait for appraisals. They need money fast and look toward non-traditional sources such as revenue-based lenders.
Some unsecured lenders also have minimal requirements, making them a much easier alternative than a collateralized loan. Lenders only require three to six months of bank statements as well as a completed credit application. A borrower with good cash flow can have access to loans greater than $100,000 much more easily. Many lenders base your approval around the average of your last three months’ gross deposits.
Overview
- Immediate Cash Needs: Construction companies require fast access to capital for payroll, taxes, and material costs.
- Project Delays Impact Revenue: Payment delays can slow down operations and postpone final project payouts.
- Limited Collateral: Many business owners do not have sufficient assets to qualify for traditional bank loans.
- Slow Traditional Financing: Real estate-backed loans often involve lengthy approval and funding timelines.
- Faster Revenue-Based Options: Revenue-based lenders provide quicker access to capital compared to banks.
- Simple Documentation: Some lenders only require recent business bank statements for approval.
- Stronger Cash Flow, Higher Approvals: Businesses with consistent and strong cash flow are more likely to qualify for larger funding amounts.
How Revenue Based Unsecured Construction Loans Work
Unsecured revenue-based construction company loans are based mostly on revenue. Your credit will determine whether you qualify as A, B, C, or D paper, which will determine your factor rate. Your approval amount is based around the average of your last three months’ deposits. Any other additional loans will be taken into consideration as well.
Application & Pre-Qualification
The application is very standard and straightforward. Information such as your name, Social Security number, federal tax ID, as well as your business name, are required. You will also be asked for your home and business address. In addition, you must submit the last three to six months of business bank statements only. Personal bank statements will disqualify the loan immediately.
Preliminary Credit Review
During the preliminary credit review, the lender will determine if the borrower will pre-qualify for the loan. The pre-qualification is not a guaranteed approval and is based on further factors that will be reviewed during final underwriting. During this phase, the borrower will be presented with the loan amount, factor rate, length of term, and payment frequency.
Loan Docs/Final Underwriting
Final underwriting begins once the borrower signs the loan documents. At this point, the lender will further scrutinize the loan and credit. The lender will electronically look at the current month and determine if any other unsecured loans have been issued, cash flow, and past defaults. The lender will then decide if the loan is approved for final funding.
Approval Timeline & Funding Speed
Approval time for pre-approval is usually within 24 hours or less. In some cases, it may take longer depending on the complexity of the situation. Final underwriting is done the same day, and funding is made to your business bank account via ACH or wire transfer. ACH payments can take two to three days, sometimes less, while wire transfers are the same day or next day at the latest.
Overview
- Revenue-Based Lending Model: Revenue-based loans rely primarily on recent bank deposits and overall cash flow rather than traditional collateral.
- Credit Tier Impact: Your credit tier (A–D) determines factor rates and overall pricing of the loan.
- Loan Size Calculation: Funding amounts are based on your last three months of deposits and any existing loan obligations.
- Application Requirements: Basic business information and three to six months of business bank statements are typically required.
- Business Banking Only: Submitting personal bank statements instead of business statements will disqualify the application.
- Pre-Approval Details: Pre-approval outlines the loan amount, term, factor rate, and payment schedule.
- Final Underwriting Review: Lenders evaluate cash flow, recent debt activity, and any history of defaults before final approval.
- Fast Pre-Approval: Initial approval decisions are often provided within 24 hours.
- Funding Timeline: Funds are typically disbursed via ACH or wire transfer within one to three business days.
What Unsecured Revenue Based Lenders Evaluate
Unsecured revenue-based lenders look at a variety of factors to determine your creditworthiness. They look at everything ranging from personal credit to your personal background to make that determination. These factors will determine how much they will loan or if you are approved or denied. These factors and others make up what underwriters look at. No single factor determines qualification; rather, underwriters look at the complete picture.
Personal Credit
Your personal credit does play a factor in your approval and lending program tier. Credit scores less than 500 will not get approved. However, those with 700 credit scores will qualify for top-tier lenders with the best rates and terms. Those with the best credit will receive top-tier factor rates as low as 1.22, while anyone with a 500 credit score might expect to pay a 1.55 factor rate. Those with past defaults or open bankruptcies will automatically disqualify.
Revenue & Cash Flow
Your revenue plays one of the most critical functions for determining your approval. Lenders look for a minimum revenue of about $10,000 to $15,000 a month. However, your loan amount is limited by your revenue. Your loan is based on the average of your last three to six months’ deposits, less any outstanding unsecured loans. Therefore, the more revenue your business has, the more your loan amount.
Time in Business
Time in business is an important factor as to which loan programs you will qualify for. The longer your business has been in business will allow it to qualify for better programs. However, you may still qualify if your business has at least three months in business. Expect your rate to be higher and the term shorter.
Number of Deposits
Unsecured lenders also look at the number of deposits your construction company makes. Most lenders like to look for a minimum of five deposits per month. This demonstrates stability as well as your ability to repay. A business with infrequent deposits might be seasonal and unable to pay a short-term lender due to the nature of the business.
Average Daily Balance
Lenders also look at your average daily balance. Businesses with a positive average daily balance demonstrate the ability to pay. In addition, it shows that the business is well run and profitable. Those with a negative balance for multiple days show that the business might be running on thin profit margins or poorly managed. Factors such as these determine what lending tier your business will qualify for.
Overview
- Holistic Evaluation: Lenders review the full financial picture, not just a single factor, when assessing loan eligibility.
- Key Approval Factors: Approval depends on credit score, revenue, deposit activity, and overall cash flow strength.
- Minimum Credit Standards: Credit scores below 500 rarely qualify for funding.
- Premium Credit Benefits: Scores around 700 typically receive better rates, terms, and payment structures.
- Revenue Requirements: Monthly revenue generally needs to exceed $10,000–$15,000 to meet minimum eligibility.
- Loan Sizing: Loan amounts are based on recent deposits minus any existing debt obligations.
- Time in Business: Longer operating history improves approval odds, pricing, and available terms.
- New Business Considerations: Newer companies may still qualify but often at a higher cost of capital.
- Deposit Stability: Five or more deposits per month signal consistent business activity and stability.
- Cash Flow Health: Maintaining positive daily balances strengthens your approval profile and lender confidence.
Types of Revenue Based Unsecured Construction Company Loans
There are different types of loans that fall under the revenue based unsecured construction company loan category. Although each loan is classified differently they all serve the purpose of providing working capital when you need it. This industry arose out of the 2008 financial crisis and has served millions of businesses since then. Business owners now have a way to get fast cash with limited stipulations and no collateral. After 2008 banks began to scrutinize loans more diligently. This gave rise to the unsecured loan industry who now offer products such as unsecured term loans, business lines of credit and MCA loans known as a merchant cash advance.
Unsecured Term Loans
Unsecured term loans provide a way for a construction company to obtain working capital based on monthly revenue. Unsecured term loan lenders look at average revenue to determine the size of the loan. These loans can only be used for business purposes such as payroll, 941 taxes, materials such as steel, and anything that is business-related. A loan will be disqualified if it is used for any other purposes. Unsecured term loans range from three to twenty-four months, depending on a variety of underwriting criteria. Payment frequency is going to be weekly or daily, depending on the business. Payments are based on a factor rate and are higher than traditional banks or SBA loans. Funding is also much quicker than traditional loans. Loans can be funded as quickly as four hours after approval; however, most approved businesses are funded in 24 hours or less.
Business Lines of Credit
A business line of credit from an unsecured lender works similar to a traditional line of credit from a bank with one exception. The primary similarity is that you are approved for a credit card-like loan that allows you to withdraw as you need and repay that amount with the ability to draw again. Unsecured lines of credit from revenue based lenders have a similar product however, they will not allow interest only payments. Banks and credit card lenders allow for a min monthly payment that only covers interest. Payments on revenue based lines of credit cover both interest and principal and will service the debt at the end of the term. However, you do not have to take the full amount of the approval and can come back in the future to draw more. Each draw will create its own payment. Payment schedules are also usually weekly. Construction company owners with 650 or better credit will be able to apply for approval.
Merchant Cash Advances
A merchant cash advance is very much like an unsecured term loan. However, merchant cash advance loans are typically geared toward merchants who charge credit cards. These types of loans provide working capital in exchange for future revenue. In exchange for a cash advance, the merchant gives a percentage of credit card revenue. MCA lenders will also loan to a company that does not use credit cards, such as a construction company. The loan is also based on the average of your last three to six months’ deposits and has payment frequencies that are usually daily and sometimes weekly. These loans carry higher costs and should only be used for short-term financing needs.
Overview
- Fast, No-Collateral Funding: Revenue-based unsecured loans provide quick access to working capital without requiring collateral.
- Post-2008 Growth: These financing products expanded significantly after banks tightened lending standards following the 2008 financial crisis.
- Common Financing Options: Popular choices include unsecured term loans, business lines of credit, and merchant cash advances.
- Term Loans: Provide lump-sum funding repaid over 3–24 months, typically with weekly or daily payments.
- Lines of Credit: Offer revolving access to capital with principal-based repayments, often on a weekly schedule.
- Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs): Feature deposit-based repayment structures and higher costs, best suited for short-term cash flow needs.
The Pros and Cons of A Revenue No Collateral Construction Company Loan
Revenue-based, no-collateral construction company loans are helpful financing tools that can be used for a variety of factors. They are best suited to cover income gaps between payments. Should your company run short on payroll three weeks prior to receiving a large payment from an important customer, then this option is suited for you.
Revenue-based, no-collateral loans are also good for growth opportunities. Many contractors work on a purchase order- or contract-type basis. These contracts may require a large amount of capital upfront in order to complete the project. In many cases, it is better to take out a more expensive revenue-based loan than lose the contract itself. Losing a large contract due to lack of working capital can mean the difference between making your personal mortgage or not. As a shade structure contractor, I was often forced to source revenue for school district-related contracts.
Do not use a no-collateral revenue-based loan for a debt that you cannot pay. I often get phone calls from merchants wanting to pay off a credit card with this type of loan. I do not recommend paying interest on top of interest. Stay away from this type of product if your business is in any kind of financial rut. This will only further exacerbate your situation. Daily or weekly payments require strong cash flow. It is sometimes best to look for other options or even shut the doors before taking on debt you cannot afford to pay back.
Overview
- Cash Flow Gap Coverage: Revenue-based, no-collateral loans help bridge cash-flow gaps between customer payments.
- Operational Support: These loans can cover payroll shortages and urgent project-related expenses.
- Upfront Project Funding: Contractors use this capital to finance labor, materials, and other upfront contract costs.
- Opportunity Protection: Access to funding helps prevent losing high-value contracts due to lack of capital.
- Not for Debt Consolidation: These loans are not ideal for refinancing credit cards or existing unsecured debt.
- Frequent Payments: Daily or weekly repayment structures require consistent and strong cash flow.
- Use with Caution: Avoid these loans if your business is already experiencing financial distress or declining revenue.
How Much Can You Borrow Without Collateral?
In revenue based financing your limit is based on your revenue less existing loans or what is known in the industry as positions. Revenue based on collateral lenders will look at the average of your last 3 to 6 months of revenue. Most will look at your last 3 months, while states such as New York or California are required by law to look at 4 months of revenue. Your average, along with other factors such as average daily balance, will determine how much you can borrow. Therefore should you average $75,000 over the last 3 to 4 months then you should be able to borrow around $75,000. Keep in mind that lenders will look at other factors. If your business is burning cash and your account is always overdrawn then you will probably not get approved or will be approved with a very high factor rate.
Lenders also look at other existing unpaid unsecured loans. You will qualify for additional loans so long as your revenue supports the payment. Therefore, a business with an existing loan for $20,000 that has $150,000 in revenue, good daily balances, 5 or more monthly deposits will more than likely be approved for somewhere around $135,000. Your existing loan is deducted from your monthly average. Should you have $150,000 in loans and a $100,000 monthly average then you are upside down. Your liabilities exceed your revenue. This will likely result in non approval.
In the unsecured lending world credit does not play into approval as much as revenue. I have had customers with a 504 credit score qualify for $80,000 because business revenue was strong. Keep in mind that credit does affect your factor rate. A lower credit score will have a more expensive payback.
Overview
- Loan Size Calculation: Loan limits are based on your monthly revenue minus any existing unsecured loan positions.
- Deposit History Review: Lenders analyze the last three to six months of business deposits, with some states requiring a full four-month review.
- Average Daily Balance: Your average daily bank balance plays a key role in determining approval and funding amounts.
- Revenue-Based Limits: Strong average deposits can support borrowing amounts close to your monthly revenue levels.
- Overdraft Impact: Frequent overdrafts may result in denial or higher pricing due to increased risk.
- Existing Debt Consideration: Current loans are deducted from your revenue averages when calculating eligibility.
- Stronger Profile Advantage: High revenue combined with low existing debt significantly improves approval odds.
- Revenue vs Credit: Revenue is the primary approval factor, while credit score mainly affects loan pricing and terms.

Common Mistakes Construction Company Owners Make When They Apply For A No Collateral Revenue Based Construction Company Loan
I see people make quite a few mistakes when they apply for a no collateral revenue based loan. One of the most common is submitting personal bank statements. Lenders require business bank statements only. That is why it is important to establish a business bank account with an FDIC insured bank such as Wells Fargo, Chase or any local bank in your area. Lenders will automatically reject personal bank statements.
Another common mistake is to submit bank statements from your credit card processor such as Paypal or Stripe. These statements do not qualify as a business bank account. In the event that you do use PayPal or Stripe, transfer the funds to a standard business bank account such as Chase or Wells Fargo.
Do not apply for a loan without disclosing all your current positions with any other unsecured lenders. Your loan will either be repriced or not approved at final underwriting. Lenders will look at your most current bank transactions online via a service such as DecisionLogic which allows the lender to download your most recent transactions and any deposits from other lenders will immediately show.
Any past defaults with your current or any past companies will also result in immediate disqualification. Unsecured loans are tied to your social security which is reported to DataMerch, an online database that tracks your current and past activity.
Overview
- Business Bank Requirement: Submitting personal bank statements will result in automatic rejection; lenders require verified business accounts only.
- Approved Banking Institutions: Use an FDIC-insured bank such as Wells Fargo, Chase, or a reputable local bank.
- Processor Statements Not Accepted: Statements from platforms like PayPal or Stripe do not qualify as official business banking records.
- Fund Transfers Required: Transfer processor funds into a standard business checking account before applying for financing.
- Full Disclosure: All existing unsecured loans must be disclosed to avoid repricing or denial during final underwriting.
- Real-Time Underwriting Checks: Lenders electronically review live transactions, and any past defaults may lead to immediate disqualification.
When a Revenue Based No-Collateral Construction Company Loan Makes Sense — and When It Doesn’t
A revenue-based, no-collateral loan should only be used for short-term working capital needs. These types of loans are best used between payment cycles. A construction company is a cash-intensive business that is constantly needing money to cover payroll, taxes, materials, equipment rentals, rent, advertising, and other business-related expenses. Unsecured loans can also be useful for growing your business when other financing options are either unavailable or not available in a timely manner. An unsecured loan should be used as a tool to take on additional work.
Do not use an unsecured, revenue-based working capital loan to pay off credit card debt or to keep your business afloat when it is losing money. These loans are expensive and can create more problems than they solve if they are not used properly. The key is intent and timing. No-collateral loans work best as a bridge—not a crutch. When used strategically to support cash flow and growth, they can be effective. When used to mask deeper financial issues, they usually lead to trouble. Unlike monthly bank loans, many revenue-based products require automatic daily or weekly draws from your bank account, which can be a shock to a construction company’s cash flow if not planned for.
Overview
- Best for Short-Term Needs: Revenue-based, no-collateral loans are most effective for covering short-term cash-flow gaps and supporting growth opportunities.
- Common Use Cases: Contractors use these funds for payroll, materials, and day-to-day operating expenses when traditional financing is too slow.
- Avoid Misuse: These loans should not be used to pay off credit cards or cover ongoing business losses.
- Cash Flow Impact: Higher costs and frequent daily or weekly payments can strain your cash flow if not managed properly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How fast can I get approved for a revenue-based construction loan?
Pre-approval takes 24 hours or less, depending on the complexity of the merchant’s loan profile. Once approved, loan docs are sent, signed and submitted for final underwriting. Final underwriting and funding typically takes 24 hours or less.
What do unsecured revenue-based lenders evaluate?
Lenders evaluate your overall financial health starting with your business revenue, cash flow, credit, time in business, deposit frequency, average daily balance as well as other underwritten factors. No single factor determines approval—underwriters assess the overall strength of your business.
What credit score do I need?
Credit scores below 500 are generally not approved. Borrowers with scores around 700 or higher typically qualify for top-tier pricing and longer terms. Lower credit scores can still be approved if revenue is strong, but usually at higher factor rates as well as shorter terms.
How long are lending terms for unsecured loans?
Terms range from 3 to 24 months depending on your business and overall profile. Typical terms range from 6 to 9 months.
How much revenue do I need to qualify?
Most lenders look for at least $10,000 to $15,000 per month in gross deposits. Loan amounts are based on your last three to six months of revenue, minus existing unsecured loans.
How much can I borrow without collateral?
Lenders approve amounts based on the average of your last 3 to 6 months deposits less any existing loans/positions. Businesses with strong balances and multiple monthly deposits may qualify for larger amounts, while companies carrying heavy obligations or overdrafts may be denied or priced higher.
What types of unsecured construction loans are available?
Common products include unsecured term loans, business lines of credit, and merchant cash advances. All are designed to provide fast working capital without pledging property or equipment.
What is an unsecured term loan?
An unsecured term loan provides a lump sum that is repaid over three to twenty-four months. Payments are usually weekly or daily and are based on a factor rate. These loans can fund payroll, taxes, materials, and other operating expenses.
How do business lines of credit work with revenue-based lenders?
You are approved for a revolving credit limit and can draw funds as needed. Payments typically include both principal and interest, and each draw creates its own repayment schedule. Credit scores of 650 or higher often improve approval odds.
What is a merchant cash advance?
A merchant cash advance provides funding in exchange for a portion of future revenue. Repayments are usually daily and sometimes weekly and are based on your recent deposits. These products carry higher costs and are best for short-term needs only.
When does a no-collateral construction loan make sense?
These loans work best for short-term cash-flow gaps, payroll needs, material purchases, mobilization costs, or taking on new contracts when other financing is not available quickly.
When should I avoid revenue-based loans?
Avoid using them to pay off credit cards, cover long-term losses, or prop up an unprofitable business. Daily or weekly withdrawals can strain cash flow if projects are delayed.
What are common mistakes contractors make when applying?
Submitting personal bank statements, providing processor statements instead of business bank statements, hiding existing loans, applying with a past default, or failing to maintain a business account are some of the most common reasons for rejection.
Does credit matter more than revenue?
Revenue generally matters more for approval, but credit strongly impacts pricing. Strong cash flow can overcome weaker credit, but lower scores usually mean higher repayment costs.


