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We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.
Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.
Here are 8 best low-revenue business loans
| Lender | NerdWallet Rating▼ | Max loan amount▼ | Min. credit score▼ | Next steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Headway Capital - Line of credit with Fundera by NerdWallet | 4.7/5 Best for fast funding | $100,000 | 625 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
Giggle Finance - Merchant cash advance with Fundera by NerdWallet | Best for freelancers and contractors | $5,000 | 300 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
Fundation - Term loan with Fundera by NerdWallet | 4.2/5 Best for large loan amounts | $500,000 | 660 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
iBusiness Funding - Online term loan with Fundera by NerdWallet | 4.2/5 Best for long-term loans | $500,000 | 660 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
JR Capital - Equipment financing with Fundera by NerdWallet | 4.1/5 Best for equipment financing | $10,000,000 | 620 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
Accion Opportunity Fund Small Business Working Capital Loan | 4.9/5 Best for minority-owned businesses | $250,000 | 600 | Read Review |
American Express® Business Line of Credit* | 5.0/5 Best for low monthly revenue requirement | $250,000 | 660 | Read Review |
Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Secured Line of Credit | 4.8/5 Best for startups | Undisclosed | 670 | Read Review |
I'M INTERESTED IN:
Our pick for
fast funding
Headway Capital requires only $50,000 in annual revenue. If you qualify, you may be approved for a line of credit up to $100,000 in just minutes, and receive funds as quickly as the next business day.
Headway Capital - Line of credit
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
Max loan amount
$100,000
Min. credit score
625
Est. APR
35.00-80.00%
Headway Capital requires only $50,000 in annual revenue. If you qualify, you may be approved for a line of credit up to $100,000 in just minutes, and receive funds as quickly as the next business day.
Headway Capital offers a fast and flexible business line of credit that’s a good option for those who can’t qualify for traditional financing. The lender can work with startups and businesses with low revenue. Headway can fund applications as fast as the next day after approval. Unlike some online lines of credit, however, you’ll likely have to pay a draw fee to access your funds from Headway.
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.
Qualifications:
- Minimum credit score: 625.
- Minimum time in business: Six months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $50,000.
Our pick for
freelancers and contractors
If you’re a freelancer, contractor or self-employed individual, you may be able to qualify for a loan of up to $5,000 with Giggle Finance. It only requires $3,000 in monthly revenue and has no minimum credit score requirement.
Giggle Finance - Merchant cash advance
with Fundera by NerdWallet
Max loan amount
$5,000
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 $5,000.
- Factor rate and fee information not available on website.
- Charges an origination fee.
Giggle Finance - Merchant cash advance
Max loan amount
$5,000
Min. credit score
300
If you’re a freelancer, contractor or self-employed individual, you may be able to qualify for a loan of up to $5,000 with Giggle Finance. It only requires $3,000 in monthly revenue and has no minimum credit score requirement.
Giggle Finance is specifically designed to offer small amounts of capital to freelancers, contractors and self-employed individuals. The company provides same-day funding through a simple application process. Giggle is also a standout option for borrowers with bad credit — as the company does not check your credit and instead uses your bank information to underwrite your application.
Pros
- No minimum credit score requirement.
- Same-day funding available.
- Specifically designed for freelancers and self-employed individuals.
Cons
- Funding maxes out at $5,000.
- Factor rate and fee information not available on website.
- Charges an origination fee.
Qualifications:
- Minimum credit score: All credit scores may be accepted (ranging from 300 to 850).
- Minimum time in business: Three months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $36,000.
Our pick for
large loan amounts
Fundation is an online lender that offers business term loans up to $500,000, allowing you to finance larger amounts even with low business revenue. You’ll need at least $50,000 to qualify. Fundation offers repayment terms up to five years.
Fundation - Term loan
4.2
NerdWallet rating with Fundera by NerdWallet
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
660
Pros
- Can be used to build business credit.
- Long repayment terms available.
- No prepayment penalty.
Cons
- Charges an origination fee.
- Requires a UCC lien.
Fundation - Term loan
NerdWallet rating
4.2/5
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
660
Fundation is an online lender that offers business term loans up to $500,000, allowing you to finance larger amounts even with low business revenue. You’ll need at least $50,000 to qualify. Fundation offers repayment terms up to five years.
If you’re looking for an online loan to fund larger purchases, Fundation may be a good option. The lender offers larger loan maximums and longer repayment terms than some other online lenders. Fundation also works with borrowers with good credit, but provides faster funding than bank or SBA lenders.
Pros
- Can be used to build business credit.
- Long repayment terms available.
- No prepayment penalty.
Cons
- Charges an origination fee.
- Requires a UCC lien.
Qualifications:
- Minimum credit score: 660.
- Minimum time in business: 12 months.
- Minimum annual revenue requirement: $50,000.
Our pick for
long-term loans
iBusiness Funding offers repayment terms up to seven years, and you may be able to qualify with $50,000 in annual revenue. Long loan terms spread your purchase out over a longer period of time, which means lower monthly payments and less burden on cash flow.
iBusiness Funding - Online term loan
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
660
Est. APR
15.22-45.00%
Pros
- Cash can be available within two business days.
- Competitive rates among online lenders.
- Terms up to seven years.
- iBusiness Funding also offers SBA loans up to $5 million.
Cons
- Charges an origination fee.
- Must be in business for a minimum of 24 months.
- Minimum credit score is higher than some other lenders.
May fund quickly
iBusiness Funding - Online term loan
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
660
Est. APR
15.22-45.00%
iBusiness Funding offers repayment terms up to seven years, and you may be able to qualify with $50,000 in annual revenue. Long loan terms spread your purchase out over a longer period of time, which means lower monthly payments and less burden on cash flow.
iBusiness Funding is a good option for qualified business owners who don’t want to wait for bank financing. The lender offers competitive interest rates and long repayment terms, but can fund much more quickly than traditional lenders. And with a large maximum funding amount, this loan can be used for a variety of long-term expansion projects, as well as refinancing existing debt.
Pros
- Cash can be available within two business days.
- Competitive rates among online lenders.
- Terms up to seven years.
- iBusiness Funding also offers SBA loans up to $5 million.
Cons
- Charges an origination fee.
- Must be in business for a minimum of 24 months.
- Minimum credit score is higher than some other lenders.
Qualifications:
- Minimum credit score: 660.
- Minimum time in business: 24 months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $50,000.
- No bankruptcies in the past seven years.
May fund quickly
Our pick for
equipment financing
JR Capital is an online lender that offers equipment loans up to $10 million. Like many self-collateralizing loans — meaning the equipment you purchase with the loan is the only collateral needed — JR does not have set revenue requirements.
JR Capital - Equipment financing
4.1
NerdWallet rating with Fundera by NerdWallet
Max loan amount
$10,000,000
Min. credit score
620
Est. APR
5.99-18.00%
Pros
- Funding available within 48 hours.
- Competitive rates and repayment terms.
- Flexible payment options available, including deferment options for certain industries.
- No down payment required.
Cons
- Must have good credit to qualify for no prepayment penalties.
- Charges an origination fee.
JR Capital - Equipment financing
NerdWallet rating
4.1/5
Max loan amount
$10,000,000
Min. credit score
620
Est. APR
5.99-18.00%
JR Capital is an online lender that offers equipment loans up to $10 million. Like many self-collateralizing loans — meaning the equipment you purchase with the loan is the only collateral needed — JR does not have set revenue requirements.
JR Capital stands out as a specialized equipment financing lender that can fund equipment in a variety of industries. The lender offers competitive rates and repayment terms, as well as flexible payment options. JR Capital also has higher funding maximum than other online competitors and doesn’t require a down payment.
Pros
- Funding available within 48 hours.
- Competitive rates and repayment terms.
- Flexible payment options available, including deferment options for certain industries.
- No down payment required.
Cons
- Must have good credit to qualify for no prepayment penalties.
- Charges an origination fee.
Qualifications:
- Minimum credit score: 620.
- Minimum time in business: Typically 24 months, but can prioritize industry experience in some cases.
- No minimum annual revenue requirement.
Our pick for
minority-owned businesses
Accion Opportunity Fund is a nonprofit lender that works with minority- and women-owned businesses. It offers working capital loans up to $250,000 plus free business mentoring and educational resources. Its minimum annual revenue requirement is $50,000.
Accion Opportunity Fund Small Business Working Capital Loan
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
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
600
Est. APR
8.49-24.99%
Accion Opportunity Fund is a nonprofit lender that works with minority- and women-owned businesses. It offers working capital loans up to $250,000 plus free business mentoring and educational resources. Its minimum annual revenue requirement is $50,000.
Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF) stands out as an affordable option for business owners who can’t qualify for traditional financing. AOF offers competitive interest rates, long repayment terms and flexible qualification requirements. Startups and borrowers with bad credit may qualify. This lender also targets its funding efforts toward minority-, women- and low-to-moderate-income entrepreneurs.
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.
Qualifications:
- Minimum credit score: 600.
- Minimum time in business: 12 months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $50,000.
Our pick for
low monthly revenue requirement
American Express requires $3,000 in monthly revenue to qualify for its business line of credit. There are no annual fees, monthly fees or prepayment penalties, making it a flexible way to access capital when your business needs it.
American Express® Business Line of Credit*
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
660
Pros
- Streamlined application process with minimal paperwork.
- Financing from $2,000 to $250,000 available.
- Accepts borrowers with a minimum FICO score of at least 660 at the time of application.
- Monthly repayment schedule (as opposed to daily or weekly).
- No prepayment penalties, account maintenance fees or draw fees.
Cons
- Must have online checking or PayPal account to verify cash flow.
- Complex monthly fee structure makes it difficult to compare costs to other lenders.
American Express® Business Line of Credit*
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
660
American Express requires $3,000 in monthly revenue to qualify for its business line of credit. There are no annual fees, monthly fees or prepayment penalties, making it a flexible way to access capital when your business needs it.
The American Express® Business Line of Credit is a good option for business owners with fair credit who want access to working capital. This line of credit offers a monthly repayment schedule and no extra fees. Existing American Express customers can login to their accounts to see if they’re pre-approved for funding.
Pros
- Streamlined application process with minimal paperwork.
- Financing from $2,000 to $250,000 available.
- Accepts borrowers with a minimum FICO score of at least 660 at the time of application.
- Monthly repayment schedule (as opposed to daily or weekly).
- No prepayment penalties, account maintenance fees or draw fees.
Cons
- Must have online checking or PayPal account to verify cash flow.
- Complex monthly fee structure makes it difficult to compare costs to other lenders.
Qualifications:
- Minimum FICO score of at least 660 at the time of application. The required FICO score may be higher based on your relationship with American Express, credit history, and other factors.
- Must have started your business at least a year ago.
- Average monthly revenue of at least $3,000.
- All businesses are unique and are subject to approval and review.
- American Express® Business Line of Credit offers two loan types, installment loans and single repayment loans for eligible borrowers. All loan term types, loan term lengths, and pricing are subject to eligibility requirements, application, and final approval. This article contains general information about the American Express® Business Line of Credit installment loan type only.
Our pick for
startups
For businesses that have been operating for six months or longer with at least $50,000 in annual revenue, Bank of America offers a line of credit that can be secured by cash. Revolving capital sources can be a great way for startup businesses to capitalize on new opportunities or access working capital while they’re proving their business concept.
Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Secured Line of Credit
Max loan amount
Undisclosed
Min. credit score
670
Pros
- Available to borrowers with at least six months in business.
- No origination fee.
- Responsible spending can help you graduate to an unsecured credit line.
Cons
- Credit limit is based on the security deposit you provide.
- Must have a Bank of America checking or savings account to apply.
Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Secured Line of Credit
Max loan amount
Undisclosed
Min. credit score
670
For businesses that have been operating for six months or longer with at least $50,000 in annual revenue, Bank of America offers a line of credit that can be secured by cash. Revolving capital sources can be a great way for startup businesses to capitalize on new opportunities or access working capital while they’re proving their business concept.
Bank of America’s Cash Secured Line of Credit is designed specifically for startups. After providing an initial deposit, you can use your credit line to cover working capital needs and establish business credit. If you use your credit line responsibly and make regular payments, Bank of America may be able to transition you to an unsecured line of credit.
Pros
- Available to borrowers with at least six months in business.
- No origination fee.
- Responsible spending can help you graduate to an unsecured credit line.
Cons
- Credit limit is based on the security deposit you provide.
- Must have a Bank of America checking or savings account to apply.
Qualifications:
- Minimum time in business: Six months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $50,000 per year.
- Bank of America checking or savings account required.
- Minimum deposit of $1,000.
Why does revenue matter to business lenders?
Revenue is the amount of money your business brings in by selling your products or services, before expenses are subtracted. It’s one part of understanding business profit, which is the money left over after you account for all your expenses.
Steady and consistent operating revenue, or sales, show that you’re executing on your business plan, demonstrating to would-be lenders that you know how to run a small business.
Revenue is an indicator — beyond just personal credit score or time in business — of your ability to repay debt, which is why it’s an important component of a business loan application.
Many lenders require that you have at least $100,000 in annual business income, or approximately $8,333 in income per month, in order to qualify for a loan. Online lenders may have more flexible revenue requirements, while banks are likely to be stricter.
How much revenue do you need for an SBA loan?
The U.S. Small Business Administration does not set a minimum annual revenue requirement. However, because most SBA loans are issued by banks, many are bound to have similar revenue requirements as traditional bank loans, in addition to more stringent credit score and time in business requirements.
SBA microloans, which are the smallest SBA loans, tend to be the easiest to qualify for, and can be a good option if you have low revenue.
U.S. Small Business Administration
SBA microloan
Max Loan Amount
$50,000
Read Review
Apply now
with Fundera by NerdWallet
Can you get a business loan with no revenue?
Business financing that has low or no minimum revenue requirements typically offers another risk mitigant, like collateral, to a lender; however, even secured loans or secured lines of credit may still have minimum revenue requirements.
Self-collateralizing loans like equipment loans or invoice financing may be more lenient on qualification requirements, including minimum revenue, because they come with built-in collateral. Equipment loans are secured by the equipment being financed, and invoice financing uses the value of unpaid customer invoices as collateral.
Alternative financing options for businesses with low revenue
If you’re struggling with business loan requirements, other types of business financing may be a better fit.
- Business credit cards. If you have good personal credit, business credit card issuers may not consider your time in business or revenue history. A business credit card can be a helpful tool for covering cash-flow gaps and making larger purchases while you’re building your business financial history.
- Small-business grants. Instead of taking on additional debt when your business is struggling to generate revenue, you might consider applying for small-business grants. Grant recipients don’t have to repay the funds they receive, but competition for this free money is stiff and the application process can be time-consuming.
- Friends and family loans. If you can make the case to good friends and family members who are willing and able to help your business, you may be able to access capital with a friends and family loan, even with low or no revenue. Just make sure you put your loan agreement in some form of writing to avoid any personal conflicts in the future.
- Crowdfunding. Crowdfunding is a form of business financing where you raise money for your business from investors, in exchange for small shares of ownership in your business or other rewards.
NerdWallet writer Rosalie Murphy contributed to this article.
Last updated on January 2, 2025
Methodology
NerdWallet’s review process evaluates and rates small-business loans 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 low-revenue business loans, we selected lenders with a minimum annual revenue requirement of $50,000 or lower, and strong NerdWallet star ratings.
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.
Wondering if you qualify?
It’s possible to get a business loan even if you have bad credit. Bad-credit business loans are available from alternative sources, like online or nonprofit lenders.
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