Over 60% of Businesses Continue to Use Non-Bank Business Loans Despite High Interest Rates

Yushi Daiko Pro Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Kotaro Okajima) conducted a "Survey on the Actual Use of Non-Bank Business Loans" targeting 100 business owners nationwide who have utilized non-bank business loans.

In recent years, with rising prices and interest rates, cash flow for small and medium-sized enterprises has become increasingly challenging. While bank loans require time for document screening and have relatively strict criteria, there are frequent situations where immediate bridging finance or advance payments for procurement and outsourcing costs are needed. This survey revealed that a certain number of business owners utilize non-bank business loans as a short-term financing method to supplement bank loans.

Key Findings of the Survey

1. The top reason for using non-bank business loans was "faster execution speed than bank loans" (29.0%).

2. The primary dissatisfaction during use was "high interest rates" (31.8%). A total of 72% of respondents felt the interest rates were "high" (single response, n=100).

3. Despite recognizing the high interest rates, 63% of business owners are positive about future use (single response, n=100).

The survey (multiple responses were allowed for reasons for use, merits, and challenges, so percentages are based on the total number of responses) found that the top reason for using non-bank business loans was "faster execution speed than bank loans" (29.0%). This was also reflected in the actual benefits, where "fast execution" (22.6%) was the most cited, indicating that these loans are chosen as a means to compensate for the speed limitations of bank loans.

On the other hand, "high interest rates" (31.8%) was overwhelmingly the most cited challenge or dissatisfaction during use.

Furthermore, in a separate question asking for a single response on the evaluation of interest rates and fees, 72% (n=100) perceived the interest rates as "high," with 38% stating "I feel they are high, but there were no other options" and 34% stating "I am looking for lower interest rate options." This highlights the persistent dissatisfaction with cost.

Nevertheless, 63% (n=100) expressed a positive intention for future use, indicating that these loans continue to be utilized as a financing option despite the burden of high interest rates.

Actual Non-Bank Services Used Include "Card Loans" Among Top Options

When asked, "Please name the non-bank business loan services you have used" (multiple responses allowed), the most frequent answer was self-employed card loans (Promise) at 9.6% (16 cases). This was followed by Docomo Finance, AG Business Support, and Saison Card FandC at 8.4% each (14 cases each), Biz LENDING (MUFG Bank) at 6.6% (11 cases), and Lake de Business and Saison Business Support Loan at 6.0% each (10 cases each).

* This survey included online-only loan services provided by banks, such as Biz LENDING (MUFG Bank).

Among the top options were card loan services (self-employed card loans, Docomo Finance, etc.) where the credit limit is determined based on individual credit information. Unlike "business loans" which are assessed based on the business's actual performance and future prospects, card loans determine the credit limit based on individual repayment ability. Therefore, comparing borrowing limits and interest rates with the same mindset can lead to discrepancies. If you wish to undergo a business assessment based on your company's financial statements, it is advisable to distinguish between these two types and consult with a financial institution or specialist.

Top Reason for Use: "Faster Execution Speed Than Bank Loans," Directly Linked to Actual Benefits

When asked about the reasons for using non-bank business loans (multiple responses allowed), the most common answer was "faster execution speed than bank loans" at 29.0% (40 cases). This was followed by "easier screening than bank loans" at 21.0% (29 cases), "failed bank loan screening" at 14.5% (20 cases), "needed urgent bridging finance" at 11.6% (16 cases), and "could not borrow from banks due to deficit settlement or excess liabilities" at 8.0% (11 cases).

In terms of actual benefits obtained (multiple responses allowed), "fast execution" was the most cited at 22.6% (40 cases), followed by "easier to pass screening" at 16.9% (30 cases). "No need to visit a branch (online completion)" was 12.4% (22 cases), "few required documents" and "able to handle urgent payments" were 10.7% each (19 cases each), and "bridging finance issues resolved" accounted for 9.6% (17 cases).

Both reasons for use and actual benefits were dominated by "speed" and "ease of passing screening," suggesting that non-bank business loans effectively compensate for the long screening periods and strict criteria of bank loans.

"High Interest Rates" Stand Out as a Challenge, with Over 70% Perceiving Rates as High

On the other hand, when asked about challenges and dissatisfactions when using non-bank business loans (multiple responses allowed), "high interest rates" was overwhelmingly the most cited at 31.8% (54 cases). This was followed by "low credit limit" at 13.5% (23 cases), "heavy repayment burden" at 12.4% (21 cases), and "longer than expected execution time" and "difficulty switching to bank loans" at 9.4% each (16 cases each).

In a question asking for a single response on the evaluation of interest rates and fees, "I feel they are high, but there were no other options" was the most common answer at 38%. Combined with "I am looking for lower interest rate options" at 34%, 72% perceived the interest rates as "high." "I think it's reasonable (if it allows business continuity)" accounted for 18%, "I don't care about interest rates" for 9%, and others for 1%.

The fact that "there were no other options" was the most frequent response among interest rate evaluations is noteworthy. It suggests that many business owners used non-banks without any other reliable financing options, despite recognizing the high interest rates.

Over 60% Positive About Future Use, Yet Primarily Seen as "Temporary Measures"

When asked about future usage intentions (single response), "plan to use as needed" was the most common answer at 46%. Combined with "plan to continue using regularly" at 17%, 63% of business owners showed a positive attitude towards future utilization. "Do not plan to use" accounted for 36%, and others for 1%.

It should be noted that many of the positive responses were "as needed," indicating that these loans are positioned as an option when funding needs arise, rather than for regular use.

Industries of respondents included construction, real estate, services, trading/wholesale/retail, and manufacturing. This suggests a strong demand for bridging finance in industries where payments for procurement and outsourcing often precede incoming payments, creating a time lag.

Free-response comments frequently expressed anxiety about high interest rates and urged for planned usage.

Concerns included, "Interest rates are high, so it's easy to be overwhelmed by repayments" (55 years old / Male / Information and Communications Industry).

"I was particularly worried about whether the screening would really pass and if there were any unexpected pitfalls with interest rates or fees" (44 years old / Male / Service Industry).

On the other hand, practical advice from experienced users was also prominent, such as:

"It should only be used temporarily, as borrowing cannot continue indefinitely" (62 years old / Male / Trading/Wholesale/Retail Industry).

"It's best to borrow only half of what you think you can repay" (55 years old / Male / Information and Communications Industry).

"If possible, it would be best to be prepared so that we don't have to use non-banks" (51 years old / Male / Real Estate Industry).

These comments indicate business owners who position these loans as a temporary option, acknowledging the interest burden.

[Survey Results] Structural Issues Surrounding the Use of Non-Bank Business Loans

This survey revealed the following structural issues surrounding non-bank business loans:

While non-bank business loans effectively supplement the strict screening speed and criteria of bank loans, "high interest rates" account for over 30% of challenges and dissatisfactions, with over 70% perceiving rates as "high." In terms of interest rate evaluation, "no other options" was the most common response, suggesting that many business owners used these loans without any other reliable funding sources.

Despite this, over 60% are positive about future use, and they play a certain role as short-term bridging finance. Free-response comments emphasized "should be used temporarily" and "should borrow systematically," indicating that business owners themselves recognize the risks of prolonged use.

It is important to check if there is room to review overall financing, including bank loans and public financing such as Japan Finance Corporation, before dependence on non-bank business loans with high interest burdens becomes long-term. Loan approval and terms are subject to the screening of each financial institution.

Representative Comment from Yushi Daiko Pro Co., Ltd. (Kotaro Okajima)

In my consultations, I frequently hear from business owners who used non-banks due to tight cash flow because bank loan screening took too long. While this survey highlights positive feedback on speed and flexible screening, it also reveals that many business owners accept high interest rates because they "had no other options." This is likely a reflection of having no other reliable means, rather than acceptance of the interest rates themselves. While using non-banks wisely as short-term bridging finance is a valid option, if the burden of high interest rates persists long-term, it is crucial to shift the business towards a state where switching to bank loans or public financing becomes possible.

Survey Overview

Survey Title: Survey on the Actual Use of Non-Bank Business Loans

Survey Period: May-June 2026

Survey Method: Internet survey (monitor survey, multiple responses allowed for some questions)

Survey Target: Business owners nationwide who have utilized non-bank business loans

Valid Responses: 100 individuals (100% business owners/executives / 97 males, 3 females)

Respondent Demographics: Primarily in their 40s (24), 50s (26), and 60s (29) (approx. 90% over 40s) / Top industries include construction, real estate, services, trading/wholesale/retail, and manufacturing.

Note: For the four questions "Services Used" (total selections 167), "Reasons for Use" (total 138), "Benefits Obtained" (total 177), and "Challenges/Dissatisfactions" (total 170), multiple responses were allowed, so percentages are calculated based on the total number of selections. "Evaluation of Interest Rates/Fees" and "Future Usage Intentions" were single responses (n=100). Numbers are rounded to the second decimal place, so the total may not be 100%.

Company Profile

Company Name: Yushi Daiko Pro Co., Ltd.

President and CEO: Kotaro Okajima

Location: 5F, 2-2 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Business Activities: Financial consulting, loan consulting, bank loan content creation

Established: February 2024

Representative Profile

Kotaro Okajima (President and CEO, Yushi Daiko Pro Co., Ltd.)

With a track record of over 6,800 loan consultations. He leads a team of expert consultants, primarily from financial institutions with over 10 years of practical experience, and manages a consulting company that provides practical support from fundraising to terms and conditions design.

[Contact for Inquiries Regarding This Release]

Public Relations Department, Yushi Daiko Pro Co., Ltd. Email: [email protected]

* Email inquiries are recommended (response within 24 hours).

[Regarding Quotation and Reproduction]

Quotation of graphs and figures within this release is permitted provided that "Yushi Daiko Pro Co., Ltd. 'Survey on the Actual Use of Non-Bank Business Loans (July 2026)'" is clearly cited as the source.

Graph images are stored in WebP format in the same folder under 2026-07-03_images/ (available for media).

Inquiries for interviews and additional data can be made via email.

[Important Notes]

Important Notes

This survey does not recommend or broker specific financial products.

Loan approval and terms are subject to the screening of each financial institution.