CIMB Temporary Bridging Loan (January 2026)
(Product review)

Product Review

CIMB’s temporary bridging loan (TBL) is a tailored financing solution designed to support Singaporean SMEs navigating uncertain economic conditions. With a competitive fixed annual interest rate of 5.5% and no annual fee or penalty charges, this loan product ensures predictable costs with strong financial flexibility.

A key distinction of CIMB’s programme is its no-minimum requirement policy, making the facility accessible to a broader range of businesses. Whether you are a startup with three years of incorporation or a mature enterprise seeking to stabilize operations, CIMB provides streamlined funding with maximum transparency.

Singapore’s Favourite
Loan Marketplace

Up to 1% Cashback*

$100 Grocery Voucher*

Quick 5 Minutes Approval

How much do you want to borrow?

$50,000

$500,000

Over what period would you like to pay?

1 Month

60 Months

Your monthly payment

337

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Rate Disclaimer*

Based on a $20,000 loan at 6.95% APR over 5 years, total repayable amount is $26,940 with $449 monthly payments. Your personal APR will be provided upon application completion. Loan terms available from 3 to 72 months. Maximum APR 8.88%.

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*Based on a $20,000 loan at 6.95% APR over 5 years, read more total repayable amount is $26,940 with $449 monthly payments. Your personal APR will be provided upon application completion. Loan terms available from 3 to 72 months. Maximum APR 8.88%. show less

The maximum loan quantum of S$1,000,000 with a tenure of up to 5 years allows SMEs to manage repayment obligations at a sustainable pace. For example, a principal loan of S$100,000 over 5 years results in a monthly instalment of S$1,910.12 with a total repayment of S$114,606.97.

CIMB’s TBL is structured with growth in mind. The product eliminates lock-in periods, applies only a modest 1.8% processing fee and enables companies to maintain stable cash flow planning during recovery or expansion phases.

Key Factors

Transparent Cost Structure
CIMB offers a fixed annual interest rate of 5.5% with a straightforward processing fee of 1.8%. There are no hidden fees or annual charges. Borrowers are not subject to penalty costs, which allows businesses to plan their finances with confidence and clarity.

No Lock-In Commitment
Borrowers enjoy full flexibility with no lock-in period. They can choose to settle the loan early without facing penalties, making this ideal for businesses with variable cash flows or strong repayment capacity.

Generous Loan Quantum
The maximum loan amount is S$1,000,000. This facility is well-suited for SMEs that require substantial working capital, cash flow support or investment funding without diluting equity.

Flexible Repayment Tenure
The loan tenure extends up to 5 years, giving businesses sufficient time to manage repayments sustainably. For instance, a S$100,000 loan across 5 years translates to a monthly instalment of S$1,910.12 with a total repayment of S$114,606.97.

Low Barrier to Entry for SMEs
CIMB maintains accessible requirements. There is no minimum loan amount. Businesses must have a minimum annual turnover of S$750,000 with at least 3 years of incorporation. This makes the programme inclusive for both mature enterprises and fast-growing firms seeking funding.

• Processing Fee
  CIMB applies a processing fee of 1.8% on the approved loan amount, deducted once at the beginning of the loan term. For example, on a principal of S$100,000, the processing fee amounts to S$1,800. This fee is applied only once and does not recur annually.
• Annual Fee
  Unlike some other SME loans that impose annual service or maintenance fees, CIMB waives this entirely. Borrowers are not subjected to recurring charges throughout the loan tenure.
• Penalty Fees 
  One of the key advantages of this bridging loan is its zero penalty policy. There are no charges for early repayment, no fees for missed payments and no hidden penalties, offering peace of mind for businesses managing unpredictable cash flows.
• Late Payment Charges
  CIMB’s TBL does not impose separate late payment fees beyond the interest already structured into the monthly instalment, as long as the loan remains within agreed repayment terms.

Eligibility for CIMB Temporary Bridging Loan

The CIMB Temporary Bridging Loan is designed to provide SMEs in Singapore with accessible short-term financing support during periods of economic uncertainty. To qualify, businesses must meet a clear set of criteria aligned with government-backed financing schemes.

• Business Incorporation
  Applicants must be entities registered and operating in Singapore. Eligible businesses typically include private limited companies, partnerships and sole proprietorships. A minimum operational track record of at least 6 to 12 months may be required to demonstrate business continuity.
• Local Ownership Requirement
  At least 30% of the company’s shareholding must be held by Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents. This aligns with national objectives to support locally owned and controlled enterprises.
• Annual Revenue or Group Employment Size
  Businesses must not exceed the industry cap of either:
  Group annual sales turnover of S$100 million or group employment size of up to 200 employees.
• Loan Purpose & Sector Relevance
  The CIMB Temporary Bridging Loan is intended for working capital needs, cash flow management and operational continuity. It is especially relevant for businesses affected by global market shifts, supply chain disruptions or tightening credit conditions. Companies should ensure that the funds are used for legitimate business expenses.
• Credit Assessment & Supporting Documents
  While government risk-sharing helps reduce barriers, CIMB will still assess each applicant’s credit profile, existing obligations and financials. Having up-to-date management accounts, bank statements and financial statements can accelerate approval.