Best Business Loans for Bad Credit From Our Partners
Best Business Loans for Bad Credit From Our Partners
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Max loan amount
$1,500,000
Min. credit score
570
Pros
- Cash can be available quickly.
- Get a discount for prepaying.
- No collateral required.
- Low minimum credit score requirement.
Cons
- Charges a factor rate that makes it more difficult to compare costs with other lenders.
- Can’t build business credit.
- Longest loan term is 18 months.
- Charges an origination fee.
Fora Financial - Online term loan
Best for Fast funding
Max loan amount
$1,500,000
Min. credit score
570
Pros
- Cash can be available quickly.
- Get a discount for prepaying.
- No collateral required.
- Low minimum credit score requirement.
Cons
- Charges a factor rate that makes it more difficult to compare costs with other lenders.
- Can’t build business credit.
- Longest loan term is 18 months.
- Charges an origination fee.
Giggle Finance - Merchant cash advance
Best for No credit check
Max loan amount
$10,000
Min. credit score
300
Pros
- No minimum credit score requirement.
- Same-day funding available.
- Specifically designed for freelancers and self-employed individuals.
Cons
- Funding maxes out at $10,000 ($20,000 for repeat customers).
- Factor rate and fee information not available on website.
- Charges an origination fee.
Giggle Finance - Merchant cash advance
Best for No credit check
Max loan amount
$10,000
Min. credit score
300
Pros
- No minimum credit score requirement.
- Same-day funding available.
- Specifically designed for freelancers and self-employed individuals.
Cons
- Funding maxes out at $10,000 ($20,000 for repeat customers).
- Factor rate and fee information not available on website.
- Charges an origination fee.
Expansion Capital Group - Merchant cash advance
Best for Working capital
Max loan amount
$300,000
Min. credit score
500
Pros
- Simple application with minimal documentation required.
- Low minimum credit score requirement.
- Daily or weekly repayment available.
- Offers prepayment discounts.
Cons
- Business assets required as collateral in some cases.
- Factor rate and fee information not available on website.
- Charges an origination fee and a monthly servicing fee.
Expansion Capital Group - Merchant cash advance
Best for Working capital
Max loan amount
$300,000
Min. credit score
500
Pros
- Simple application with minimal documentation required.
- Low minimum credit score requirement.
- Daily or weekly repayment available.
- Offers prepayment discounts.
Cons
- Business assets required as collateral in some cases.
- Factor rate and fee information not available on website.
- Charges an origination fee and a monthly servicing fee.
SBA microloan
Best for Low interest rates
Max loan amount
$50,000
Min. credit score
620
Est. APR
8.00-13.00%
Pros
- Can be used for a variety of funding purposes.
- Designed to finance traditionally underserved businesses.
- Startups and business owners with bad credit may be able to qualify.
- Competitive interest rates, low fees and long repayment terms.
- Intermediaries typically offer business training and educational resources.
Cons
- Loan amounts max out at $50,000.
- Can’t be used to pay existing debt or purchase real estate.
- Collateral is likely required.
- Slow funding timeline.
SBA microloan
Best for Low interest rates
Max loan amount
$50,000
Min. credit score
620
Est. APR
8.00-13.00%
Pros
- Can be used for a variety of funding purposes.
- Designed to finance traditionally underserved businesses.
- Startups and business owners with bad credit may be able to qualify.
- Competitive interest rates, low fees and long repayment terms.
- Intermediaries typically offer business training and educational resources.
Cons
- Loan amounts max out at $50,000.
- Can’t be used to pay existing debt or purchase real estate.
- Collateral is likely required.
- Slow funding timeline.
eLease - Equipment financing
4.0
Best for Equipment loans
Max loan amount
Undisclosed
Min. credit score
550
Est. APR
7.50-22.00%
Pros
- No loan or leasing maximums.
- No minimum revenue requirement.
- Startups and low credit scores accepted.
Cons
- Must apply over the phone.
eLease - Equipment financing
Best for Equipment loans
4.0
Max loan amount
Undisclosed
Min. credit score
550
Est. APR
7.50-22.00%
Pros
- No loan or leasing maximums.
- No minimum revenue requirement.
- Startups and low credit scores accepted.
Cons
- Must apply over the phone.
Max loan amount
$100,000
Min. credit score
625
Est. APR
35.00-80.00%
Pros
- Flexible qualification requirements.
- No prepayment penalties.
- Funds available by next business day after approval.
Cons
- Most borrowers are subject to a 2% draw fee.
- Not available in all U.S. states.
Headway Capital - Line of credit
Best for Startups
Max loan amount
$100,000
Min. credit score
625
Est. APR
35.00-80.00%
Pros
- Flexible qualification requirements.
- No prepayment penalties.
- Funds available by next business day after approval.
Cons
- Most borrowers are subject to a 2% draw fee.
- Not available in all U.S. states.
Max loan amount
$1,000,000
Min. credit score
550
Pros
- Cash can be available quickly.
- Borrowers with low credit scores may have some options here.
- Multiple term lengths for different financing needs.
Cons
- Loans max out at $1 million.
- May require a lien.
- Longest loan term is 60 months.
Rapid Finance - Online term loan
Best for Larger loan amounts
Max loan amount
$1,000,000
Min. credit score
550
Pros
- Cash can be available quickly.
- Borrowers with low credit scores may have some options here.
- Multiple term lengths for different financing needs.
Cons
- Loans max out at $1 million.
- May require a lien.
- Longest loan term is 60 months.
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
625
Est. APR
27.20-99.90%
Pros
- Cash can be available within the same business day (does not apply in California or Vermont).
- Accepts borrowers with a minimum credit score of 625.
- Streamlined application process with minimal documentation required.
- Can be used to build business credit.
Cons
- Cannot fund North Dakota-based businesses.
- Requires frequent (daily or weekly) repayments.
- Interest rates can be high compared with traditional lenders.
- Charges origination fee.
OnDeck - Online term loan
Best for Short-term loans
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
625
Est. APR
27.20-99.90%
Pros
- Cash can be available within the same business day (does not apply in California or Vermont).
- Accepts borrowers with a minimum credit score of 625.
- Streamlined application process with minimal documentation required.
- Can be used to build business credit.
Cons
- Cannot fund North Dakota-based businesses.
- Requires frequent (daily or weekly) repayments.
- Interest rates can be high compared with traditional lenders.
- Charges origination fee.
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
600
Est. APR
8.49-24.99%
Pros
- Loan amounts from $5,000 to $250,000.
- Customized loan terms.
- No prepayment penalty.
Cons
- Slower processing speed compared with online lenders.
- Charges an origination fee.
- Not available in all U.S. states.
Accion Opportunity Fund Small Business Working Capital Loan
Best for Long-term loans
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
600
Est. APR
8.49-24.99%
Pros
- Loan amounts from $5,000 to $250,000.
- Customized loan terms.
- No prepayment penalty.
Cons
- Slower processing speed compared with online lenders.
- Charges an origination fee.
- Not available in all U.S. states.
Max loan amount
$5,000,000
Min. credit score
300
Pros
- Capital available within 24 to 48 hours.
- No collateral required.
- Manages payment collection from your customers.
- Accepts startups and businesses with bad credit.
Cons
- Fees can become expensive the longer it takes your customers to pay.
- Difficult to compare factoring costs to other types of business loans.
- Charges an origination fee.
AltLINE - Invoice factoring
Best for B2B businesses
Max loan amount
$5,000,000
Min. credit score
300
Pros
- Capital available within 24 to 48 hours.
- No collateral required.
- Manages payment collection from your customers.
- Accepts startups and businesses with bad credit.
Cons
- Fees can become expensive the longer it takes your customers to pay.
- Difficult to compare factoring costs to other types of business loans.
- Charges an origination fee.
Concerned about tariffs?
Many small-business owners are under increased economic stress and uncertainty following the latest tariff announcements. NerdWallet is here to help you find answers for whatever you're looking for. Here are some resources to help you get started:
- Need emergency funding? Consider a business line of credit.
- Looking for fast access to working capital? Discover the best working capital loans.
- Want tips on how to mitigate the impact of tariffs? Read our guide.
A closer look at the best business loans for bad credit
Fora Financial
Best for fast funding
Can be a good option if: | May not be a fit if: |
|---|---|
|
|
Fora Financial is an online lender that has flexible qualification requirements, making it a good option for startups and borrowers with bad credit. To qualify for a loan, you’ll need a minimum credit score of
570
and at least 6
months in business. Fora also doesn’t require physical collateral, which can be helpful if your business doesn’t have significant assets to offer as security. Read our full Fora Financial review.
Giggle Finance
Best for no credit check
Can be a good option if: | May not be a fit if: |
|---|---|
|
|
Giggle Finance can provide capital up to $5,000 in just minutes. The advance is repaid using automatic debits from your bank account. Giggle is marketed towards freelancers, contractors and self-employed individuals, but can be used by any small-business owner with at least
3
months in operation. Because Giggle uses your bank account to evaluate your eligibility, it doesn't have any credit requirements — making it a good option if you have a lower credit score. Expansion Capital Group
Best for working capital
Can be a good option if: | May not be a fit if: |
|---|---|
|
|
Expansion Capital Group offers fast access to working capital. You can fill out a simple form and receive a quote within 24 hours. Once approved, you can get funding in just two business days. ECG’s merchant cash advance can be a good option for businesses that have strong incoming revenue from debit and credit card sales. Like most MCA providers, however, ECG charges interest as a factor rate, which can be expensive. You’ll want to translate your costs into an APR and compare multiple options to ensure this product is a fit for your business.
Read more about working capital loan options.
SBA microloan
Best for low interest rates
Can be a good option if: | May not be a fit if: |
|---|---|
|
|
Unlike other SBA loans, SBA microloans are issued by participating intermediaries, such as nonprofit organizations or community lenders. Although these lenders are held to some SBA loan requirements, they have more flexibility with their eligibility criteria. Many SBA microlenders offer loans to traditionally underserved borrowers, including those with limited or bad credit. And with interest rates typically ranging from
8
% to 13
%, SBA microloans can be more affordable than other bad credit loan options. Read more about the SBA microloan program.
eLease
Best for equipment loans
Can be a good option if: | May not be a fit if: |
|---|---|
|
|
ELease can provide equipment loans with repayment terms ranging from
24
to 72
months. Interest rates range from 7.5
% to 22
%. Because the equipment you purchase serves as collateral on the loan, the lender can work with borrowers who have a minimum credit score of 550
. ELease also works with startups and does not have a minimum annual revenue requirement.Read more about equipment financing for bad credit.
Headway Capital
Best for startups
Can be a good option if: | May not be a fit if: |
|---|---|
|
|
Headway Capital is an online lender that offers a simple application process and flexible requirements. You can find out if you’re eligible for a business line of credit in just minutes. After you’ve been approved, you can receive funds as quickly as the next business day. To qualify, you’ll only need a credit score of
625
, 6
months in business and $50,000 in annual revenue. Read our full Headway Capital review.
Rapid Finance
Best for larger loan amounts
Can be a good option if: | May not be a fit if: |
|---|---|
|
|
Rapid Finance is an online business lender that offers unsecured term loans, meaning you don’t have to provide physical collateral upfront. Rapid Finance offers larger loan amounts than some other alternative lenders — up to $1 million. These loans can be a good option for borrowers who have lower credit scores, but strong revenue and at least
24
months in business.Read our full Rapid Finance review.
OnDeck
Best for short-term loans
Can be a good option if: | May not be a fit if: |
|---|---|
|
|
OnDeck’s short-term business loan is available in amounts up to $250,000 with repayment terms up to
24
months. This product can be a good choice for specific, one-time investments in your business. Although OnDeck requires daily or weekly repayment, payments are fixed and don’t change over the course of your loan. Read our full OnDeck review.
Accion
Best for long-term loans
Can be a good option if: | May not be a fit if: |
|---|---|
|
|
Accion issues business loans with repayment terms of up to
60
months, longer than many other bad credit business loans. You can qualify with a credit score of 600
or higher. Despite its flexible qualification requirements, Accion offers fairly low interest rates, ranging from 8.49
% to 24.99
%. Accion focuses its lending efforts on low-income and traditionally underserved entrepreneurs — so it can be a particularly good option for women-, minority- or veteran-owned businesses.Read our full Accion review.
AltLINE
Best for B2B businesses
Can be a good option if: | May not be a fit if: |
|---|---|
|
|
AltLINE offers invoice factoring for business-to-business companies that have outstanding invoices to submit. Like other factoring companies, AltLINE underwrites your application largely based on the creditworthiness of your customers, the age of your receivables and the value of your invoices — as opposed to more traditional requirements. In fact, AltLINE does not set minimum requirements for your personal credit score, time in business or annual revenue. The lender may, however, still consider these factors as part of your application.
Read our full AltLINE factoring review.
What is a bad credit business loan?
A bad credit business loan is a loan that’s targeted toward business owners with bad or limited personal credit. A bad credit score, by industry standards, typically lands in the range of 300 to 629 (on a scale of 300 to 850). Personal credit scores ranging from 630 to 689 are generally considered fair credit.
Individual small-business lenders may have varying guidelines for what defines a bad credit score; however, bad credit business loans usually cater to borrowers with scores below 630.
Types of bad credit business loans
There are several types of business loans available for bad credit. These loans may have low credit score requirements or include collateral, which can make it easier for bad credit borrowers to qualify.
A short-term business loan is a lump sum of capital you borrow from a lender and repay, over a set period of time, with interest. These loans typically have repayment terms ranging from three to 12 months, but may extend as long as 24 months. Short-term business loans can be used for short-term expenses, as well as specific projects or purchases.
Business lines of credit give you access to a set amount of funds, which you can draw from as needed. You only pay interest on the funds you draw, and once you repay what you’ve borrowed, you can continue to draw on the line. A business line of credit may be a good option for working capital needs, managing cash flow gaps or seasonal slows and emergency funding.
Equipment financing is designed specifically for purchasing equipment or machinery for your business. This is a form of asset-based financing where the equipment you purchase serves as collateral on the loan. Because of this security, you may not need to rely as heavily on traditional eligibility criteria to qualify for equipment financing.
Invoice factoring involves selling your outstanding invoices to a factoring company at a discount in exchange for an advance of cash. The factoring company then collects repayment from your customers, and once it receives that payment, it sends you the difference, minus the agreed-upon fees. Invoice factoring companies often have flexible qualification requirements because your invoices provide security on the funding.
Microloans are small-dollar loans, typically available in amounts up to $50,000. These loans are generally issued by nonprofit and community organizations who offer flexible qualification requirements. Many microlenders focus their lending efforts specifically on traditionally underserved borrowers, such as those with bad or no credit.
With a merchant cash advance, you receive an upfront sum of capital that you repay using a percentage of your debit and credit card sales, plus a fee. Because MCAs are repaid automatically, merchant cash advance companies tend to focus on sales and cash flow (as opposed to credit history) when evaluating applications. These products can have high annual percentage rates, however, so you’ll want to consider all other options before turning to a merchant cash advance.
Pros and cons of bad credit business loans
Pros
Can help your business access capital you may otherwise not get to boost operations, grow your business or cover gaps in cash flow.
Offer fast access to capital — some within as little as 12 hours of applying.
Can help build and improve your business credit (if your lender reports on-time payments), which can help you qualify for more business funding in the future.
Cons
Typically have higher rates and fees than traditional loans.
Borrowing limits are usually lower.
May require collateral to offset lender risk.
Where to get business loans with bad credit
Banks and credit unions likely won’t approve you if you have bad credit. But these alternative sources may let you get a business loan with a less-than-ideal credit history.
Online lenders
Most online lenders require a minimum personal credit score from 500 to 660. But a few have no minimum credit score requirement, focusing on factors like your business’s cash flow instead. In general, these lenders offer applications requiring fewer documents, easier approvals and faster funding than other business lending options, but they typically charge higher rates — even for those with good credit.
CDFIs
A community development financial institution, or CDFI, receives government funding to provide banking access to low-income or underserved communities. CDFIs are often banks and credit unions, but they don’t have the same strict credit requirements for lending that those financial institutions have. If you’re eligible for CDFI financing, you could get a competitive interest rate. Funding can be slower than with online lenders, though.
Nonprofit and community lenders
If you have bad credit, you may be able to get a business loan from a nonprofit- or community lender. Because profit isn’t these organizations’ primary driver, they may be more willing to lend to business owners with a thin or uneven credit history. Although these lenders may offer smaller loan amounts than more traditional options, they typically offer competitive interest rates. Most nonprofit and community organizations also provide educational and support resources for small-business owners, including training and mentoring.
How to get a business loan with bad credit
Here are steps you can follow to get a business loan if you have bad credit.
1. Calculate how much debt you can afford
First, determine how much debt you can reasonably afford. Lower credit scores may result in higher interest rates, which can make it difficult to repay a new loan — and leave you worse off financially than you were when you started.
To figure out how much debt you can afford, you should consider how much funding you need, possible interest rates, additional fees, as well as the repayment schedule (daily, weekly or monthly). You can use a business loan calculator to help estimate these costs.
Your repayment schedule and term length will dictate the size of your payments, but also how much interest you end up paying. A shorter term means larger payments, but less interest, whereas longer terms mean smaller payments, but more interest over the life of the loan.
2. Check your credit score
If you know that you’ve had credit challenges in the past, it’s more important than ever to know where your score stands before applying for a business loan. You can get a free personal credit score on NerdWallet, as well as pull your credit report from the three major reporting bureaus for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Established companies should also check their business credit scores from Experian, Equifax and Dun & Bradstreet.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
The higher your credit score, the easier it will be to get a loan, especially one with competitive rates and terms. If your credit score is lower than you’d like, consider taking time to build it up before continuing your search for financing. Credit building strategies include:
- Looking for errors on your credit reports and disputing them with the appropriate credit bureau.
- Making debt payments more frequently.
- Paying down or paying off debt.
3. Understand additional eligibility requirements
Although business loan requirements vary, most lenders will use similar criteria when evaluating your application. If you have a lower credit score, these other requirements will be even more important to help you access financing.
Most lenders will consider the following:
- How long you’ve been in business.
- What your annual revenue is.
- How strong your cash flow is.
- What kind of collateral you can provide.
4. Research and compare bad credit loan options
You may be able to find bad credit business loans from online or nonprofit lenders. As you explore different options, you should compare them based on:
The type of lender you work with may have an effect on building your credit and maximizing your business’s potential for growth. Online lenders can usually streamline your application and offer fast financing, while a CDFI or nonprofit lender may provide hands-on support and offer additional coaching.
APRs on bad credit business loans can vary widely — ranging anywhere between 5% and 99%. You should consider the total cost of borrowing, including the interest rate and any fees — origination fees, closing fees or prepayment penalties — associated with the loan. If your lender provides a factor rate, you can calculate your APR by adding the fees to your total loan amount, or multiplying the factor rate by the total loan amount.
Some lenders don’t require physical collateral to secure a loan, but they will place a blanket lien on your assets and ask for a personal guarantee. Lenders may not always be upfront about these two items, so it’s a good idea to ask about them in your research.
Some types of loans and lenders fund much faster than others. Online lenders typically offer ultra-streamlined processes and fast deposits. Other lenders may take a few days to collect and process an application and take longer to fund. No matter which type of lender you choose, if you are on a timeline, it’s prudent to let them know as soon as possible.
5. Consider offering collateral or adding a cosigner
Once you’re ready to start the application process, prepare to bolster your business profile in any way possible to help increase your chances of approval.
For example, if you have significant collateral available, consider offering more than the minimum — or offer physical collateral even if the lender doesn’t require it. Your business’s strengths may make your application more attractive to lenders, even if your credit score is lagging.
You might also consider finding a cosigner to help you secure a loan. If you default on the loan, the cosigner assumes responsibility for repayment. The cosigner should have a higher credit score and ideally strong personal assets to improve your chances of approval.
6. Gather your documentation and apply
To complete your loan application, you may need to provide some, if not all, of the following:
- Basic information about you and your business.
- Personal and business bank statements.
- Personal and business tax returns.
- Business financial statements.
- Detailed information about your collateral, if applicable.
MORE NERDY PERSPECTIVE
Planning ahead can help you access financing with bad credit
“If you’re struggling with poor personal credit, planning ahead can help you access capital for your business, even if it won’t boost your actual credit score. When I worked in small-business lending, I saw many borrowers with less-than-ideal personal credit who were able to get approved for financing simply by being upfront and honest, building relationships with the right people and demonstrating general knowledge around their score.
- Check your credit score regularly, even if you know it’s low. Although loan officers will pull your credit at some point in the application process, they will also likely ask you what your credit score is. If your answer isn’t consistent with reality, it could signal to them that you’re being intentionally deceitful, even if that’s not the case.
- Have a narrative to explain the circumstances around your score. Make sure you understand everything that’s factoring into your credit score — alternative lenders may be willing to accept poor personal credit if you’re able to point to the circumstances that caused your score to drop.
- Leverage lender relationships. Even with traditional lenders, taking the time to build strong professional relationships can go a long way. It never hurts to have loan officers who know your business and work ethic, and who may even be able to vouch for your business’s finances and payment history.”
Olivia Chen,
lead writer,
Small Business
Alternatives to bad credit business loans
If you’re not sure that a bad credit business loan is right for you — or you simply want to explore other options — you might consider the following:
- Small-business grants. Grants provide free access to capital that doesn’t need to be repaid. Grant applications can be competitive, but awarding organizations don’t typically evaluate businesses based on their creditworthiness. You can find business grants from federal and state governments, private corporations and nonprofits.
- Business credit cards. Business credit cards help you pay for everyday company expenses. If you have a lower credit score, you may still be able to qualify for a secured business credit card — which gives you credit access based on the security deposit you provide.
- Crowdfunding. If your business has a strong customer base or large internet presence, you may be able to leverage your network to get financing. You can use a crowdfunding platform to set up a campaign and share it online in order to gather donations for your business. In exchange, you typically offer your supporters something in return; you might offer a new product or exclusive access to an event.
Frequently asked questions
Most lenders require a minimum personal credit score ranging from 500 to 660, but some have no minimum requirement. Your annual revenue and time in business may also be considered on your application. You should always shop around and compare your small-business loan options to get one that fits your needs.
Yes, online lenders, CDFIs and microlenders may offer startup business loans to borrowers with bad credit. However, your options will be limited, and they can be expensive. To qualify, you’ll generally need at least six months in business and a minimum credit score of 500 or higher.
It is possible to get a business loan with a 500 credit score from certain lenders like AltLINE or Expansion Capital Group. Be aware that these loans may have collateral requirements, minimum revenue requirements or high fees.
Last updated on March 24, 2025
Methodology
NerdWallet’s review process evaluates and rates small-business loan products from traditional banks and online lenders. We collect over 30 data points on each lender using company websites and public documents. We may also go through a lender’s initial application flow and reach out to company representatives. NerdWallet writers and editors conduct a full fact check and update annually, but also make updates throughout the year as necessary.
To come up with our list of the best bad credit business loans, we selected lenders with a minimum credit score requirement of 629 or lower.
Our star ratings award points to lenders that offer small-business friendly features, including:
- Transparency of rates and terms.
- Flexible payment options.
- Fast funding times.
- Accessible customer service.
- Reporting of payments to business credit bureaus.
- Responsible lending practices.
We weigh these factors based on our assessment of which are the most important to small-business owners and how meaningfully they impact borrowers’ experiences.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for our star ratings. Read more about our ratings methodology for small-business loans and our editorial guidelines.