What’s Another Word for Loan? 45 Synonyms and Alternatives

Taking out a loan is one way to access capital to purchase a home, car, or other large expense. But “loan” is just one term for this type of financial arrangement. There are actually many synonyms and related words that can be used in place of “loan.”

Below we’ll explore over 45 alternatives to the word “loan” to expand your financial vocabulary

Loan Synonyms Referring to Borrowed Money

Here are some common synonyms for “loan” when it refers specifically to borrowed money that must be repaid:

• Financing
• Funding
• Credit
• Advance
• Stake
• Investment
• Mortgage
• Note
• Security
• Collateral
• Venture capital
• Principal
• Money
• Cash
• Capital
• Assets

For example

• The bank approved my financing to build a new home.
• I needed extra funding to start my business so I took out a loan.
• The credit will allow me to purchase the car now and pay the money back over time.

Alternatives for the Verb “to Loan”

The word “loan” can also be used as a verb meaning “to lend.” Here are some alternatives when using it this way

• Lend
• Advance
• Stake
• Front
• Float
• Spot
• Subsidize
• Back
• Provide
• Extend
• Give

For example:

• My friend lent me the money I needed to pay my rent this month.
• The bank advanced me $20,000 towards the home renovation project.
• My parents spotted me $5,000 interest-free to buy my first car after college.

Similar Terms for Specific Loan Types

Here are more specific synonyms based on the purpose or type of loan:

• Home loan – Mortgage
• Student loan – Educational loan
• Business loan – Commercial loan, SBA loan
• Personal loan – Consumer loan
• Payday loan – Cash advance, short-term loan
• Auto loan – Car loan, vehicle loan

Antonyms and Opposites of “Loan”

Words with the opposite meaning of “loan” include:

• Repayment
• Return
• Reimbursement
• Recovery
• Restitution
• Refund
• Recompense
• Payment
• Settlement
• Reacquisition

For example:

• After graduation, my first priority was beginning repayment of my student loans.
• The bank demanded return of the loan principal within 30 days per the agreement.

Related Terms for Loan Process Stages

Here are some other financial words related to the loan process:

• Application
• Approval
• Interest rate
• Principal
• Term length
• Disbursement
• Draws
• Payments
• Early repayment
• Default
• Charge-off
• Collections
• Bankruptcy
• Foreclosure
• Repossession

Expanding your vocabulary with loan synonyms, antonyms, and related terms can help you better understand financial arrangements and products. The right wording also allows you to communicate more precisely about loans and borrowing.