How much do you need?
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 17 small-business lenders
| Lender | NerdWallet Rating▼ | Max loan amount▼ | Min. credit score▼ | Next steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
SBA 7(a) loan with Fundera by NerdWallet | Best for SBA loan lenders | $5,000,000 | 650 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
SBA Express loan with Fundera by NerdWallet | Best for SBA loan lenders | $500,000 | 650 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
Bank of America Business Advantage Unsecured Term Loan | 4.8/5 Best for Business bank lenders | Undisclosed | 700 | Read Review |
Wells Fargo BusinessLine® Line of Credit | 4.9/5 Best for Business bank lenders | $150,000 | 680 | Read Review |
Chase - Business line of credit | Best for Business bank lenders | $500,000 | 700 | Read Review |
Bluevine - Line of credit with Fundera by NerdWallet | 5.0/5 Best for Online small-business lenders | $250,000 | 625 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
Fundbox - Line of credit | 4.9/5 Best for Online small-business lenders | $150,000 | 600 | Read Review |
OnDeck - Online term loan with Fundera by NerdWallet | 4.7/5 Best for Online small-business lenders | $250,000 | 625 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
Headway Capital - Line of credit with Fundera by NerdWallet | 4.7/5 Best for Online small-business lenders | $100,000 | 625 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
American Express® Business Line of Credit | 4.6/5 Best for Online small-business lenders | $250,000 | 660 | Read Review |
Funding Circle - Online term loan with Fundera by NerdWallet | 4.5/5 Best for Online small-business lenders | $500,000 | 660 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
Fora Financial - Online term loan with Fundera by NerdWallet | 4.5/5 Best for Online small-business lenders | $1,500,000 | 570 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
AltLINE - Invoice Factoring | 4.4/5 Best for Online small-business lenders | $10,000,000 | 300 | Read Review |
Triton Capital - Equipment financing with Fundera by NerdWallet | 4.1/5 Best for Online small-business lenders | $250,000 | 575 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
JR Capital Equipment Financing with Fundera by NerdWallet | 4.1/5 Best for Online small-business lenders | $10,000,000 | 620 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
Accion Opportunity Fund - Small Business Working Capital Loan | 4.6/5 Best for Microlenders | $250,000 | 570 | Read Review |
SBA Microloan with Fundera by NerdWallet | Best for Microlenders | $50,000 | 620 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
Here are 17 small-business lenders
Best for SBA loan lenders
Best for Business bank lenders
Best for Online small-business lenders
Best for Microlenders
I'M INTERESTED IN:
Our picks for
SBA loan lenders
SBA loans offer low interest rates and long repayment terms. These loans are issued by banks, credit unions and other participating financial institutions and partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA loan products can be used for working capital, construction, commercial real estate and more.
SBA 7(a) loan
Max loan amount
$5,000,000
Min. credit score
650
Est. APR
11.00-14.50%
Pros
- Large borrowing maximums.
- Interest rates are capped.
- Long repayment terms available.
Cons
- Personal guarantee is required.
- Collateral is typically required.
- Longer processing times than online lenders.
Lowest interest rate
SBA 7(a) loan
Max loan amount
$5,000,000
Min. credit score
650
Est. APR
11.00-14.50%
SBA loans offer low interest rates and long repayment terms. These loans are issued by banks, credit unions and other participating financial institutions and partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. SBA loan products can be used for working capital, construction, commercial real estate and more.
7(a) loans are issued by private lenders and backed by the SBA. They offer long repayment terms and low interest rates.
Pros
- Large borrowing maximums.
- Interest rates are capped.
- Long repayment terms available.
Cons
- Personal guarantee is required.
- Collateral is typically required.
- Longer processing times than online lenders.
Qualifications:
- For-profit U.S. business.
- Unable to access credit on reasonable terms from nongovernment sources.
- Financial qualifications determined by individual lender.
Lowest interest rate
SBA Express loan
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
650
Est. APR
11.00-14.50%
Pros
- Available as a term loan or line of credit.
- Interest rates are capped.
- Faster processing time compared with other government loans.
Cons
- Personal guarantee is required.
- Lower borrowing maximum than other government loans.
- Shorter repayment term for line of credit than 7(a) loans.
SBA Express loan
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
650
Est. APR
11.00-14.50%
SBA Express loans are available in amounts up to $500,000 as either a term loan or line of credit. These loans typically fund faster than standard 7(a) loans.
Pros
- Available as a term loan or line of credit.
- Interest rates are capped.
- Faster processing time compared with other government loans.
Cons
- Personal guarantee is required.
- Lower borrowing maximum than other government loans.
- Shorter repayment term for line of credit than 7(a) loans.
Qualifications:
- Be a for-profit U.S. business.
- Unable to access credit on reasonable terms from nongovernment sources.
- Financial qualifications determined by individual lender.
Our picks for
Business bank lenders
Bank lenders typically offer the most competitive interest rates and repayment terms on small-business loans — but require that you meet strict criteria to qualify. Bank lenders can offer various types of business loans, including term loans, lines of credit and equipment financing.
Bank of America Business Advantage Unsecured Term Loan
Max loan amount
Undisclosed
Min. credit score
700
Pros
- Bank loan with competitive interest rates.
- No collateral required.
- Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program can offer interest rate discounts and other perks.
Cons
- Can be slow to fund.
- Prepayment fees may apply to early repayments.
- Must be an existing Bank of America customer to apply online.
Bank of America Business Advantage Unsecured Term Loan
Max loan amount
Undisclosed
Min. credit score
700
Bank lenders typically offer the most competitive interest rates and repayment terms on small-business loans — but require that you meet strict criteria to qualify. Bank lenders can offer various types of business loans, including term loans, lines of credit and equipment financing.
Bank of America’s term loan offers competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms — with no collateral required.
Pros
- Bank loan with competitive interest rates.
- No collateral required.
- Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program can offer interest rate discounts and other perks.
Cons
- Can be slow to fund.
- Prepayment fees may apply to early repayments.
- Must be an existing Bank of America customer to apply online.
Qualifications:
- Minimum credit score: 700.
- Minimum time in business: Two years.
- Minimum annual revenue: $100,000.
Wells Fargo BusinessLine® Line of Credit
Max loan amount
$150,000
Min. credit score
680
Est. APR
9.75-17.75%
Pros
- Bank line of credit with competitive interest rates.
- Revolving credit line with no scheduled annual review.
- No collateral required; no prepayment penalties.
Cons
- Must be an established business with strong credit to qualify.
- May take longer to fund than online lenders.
- Annual fee and inactivity fees may apply.
Wells Fargo BusinessLine® Line of Credit
Max loan amount
$150,000
Min. credit score
680
Est. APR
9.75-17.75%
This Wells Fargo line of credit offers competitive rates for businesses with at least two years in operation.
Pros
- Bank line of credit with competitive interest rates.
- Revolving credit line with no scheduled annual review.
- No collateral required; no prepayment penalties.
Cons
- Must be an established business with strong credit to qualify.
- May take longer to fund than online lenders.
- Annual fee and inactivity fees may apply.
Qualifications:
- Minimum credit score: 680.
- Minimum time in business: Two years.
Chase - Business line of credit
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
700
Pros
- Bank credit line with competitive interest rates.
- Large maximum line limit of $500,000.
- Can apply online for up to $250,000.
Cons
- Must have a Chase Business Banking account to apply online.
- Not available in Alaska and Hawaii.
- Annual fee may apply.
- Limited information on terms and fees available online.
Chase - Business line of credit
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
700
Chase offers a revolving credit line that allows you to withdraw funds as needed, but you’ll typically need strong credit and at least two years in business.
Pros
- Bank credit line with competitive interest rates.
- Large maximum line limit of $500,000.
- Can apply online for up to $250,000.
Cons
- Must have a Chase Business Banking account to apply online.
- Not available in Alaska and Hawaii.
- Annual fee may apply.
- Limited information on terms and fees available online.
Qualifications:
- Minimum credit score: 700.
- Minimum time in business: Two years with some flexibility.
- Minimum annual revenue: Not disclosed
Our picks for
Online small-business lenders
Online business lenders can offer a variety of different loan types with faster funding times and more flexible qualification requirements than bank or SBA lenders.
Bluevine - Line of credit
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
625
Est. APR
20.00-50.00%
Pros
- Cash can be available within 12 to 24 hours.
- Can be used to build business credit.
- Low minimum credit score requirement.
Cons
- Requires weekly payments.
- Requires personal guarantee.
- Not available in North Dakota, South Dakota or Nevada.
- Rates can be high compared to traditional lenders.
May fund quickly
Bluevine - Line of credit
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
625
Est. APR
20.00-50.00%
Online business lenders can offer a variety of different loan types with faster funding times and more flexible qualification requirements than bank or SBA lenders.
Bluevine's 26-week line of credit provides fast working capital for short-term borrowing needs.
Pros
- Cash can be available within 12 to 24 hours.
- Can be used to build business credit.
- Low minimum credit score requirement.
Cons
- Requires weekly payments.
- Requires personal guarantee.
- Not available in North Dakota, South Dakota or Nevada.
- Rates can be high compared to traditional lenders.
Qualifications:
- Minimum credit score: 625.
- Minimum time in business: 12 months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $120,000.
- No bankruptcies in the past year.
May fund quickly
Fundbox - Line of credit
Max loan amount
$150,000
Min. credit score
600
Est. APR
36.00-99.00%
Pros
- Financing available within one business day after approval.
- Simple application with minimal documentation required.
- Startup-friendly — accepts borrowers with a minimum of six months in business.
- Low minimum credit score requirement.
- No prepayment penalties, account maintenance fees or inactivity fees.
Cons
- Rates are high compared with traditional banks.
- May require personal guarantee.
- Weekly repayments required over a short term (maximum of 24 weeks).
May fund quickly
Fundbox - Line of credit
Max loan amount
$150,000
Min. credit score
600
Est. APR
36.00-99.00%
Fundbox offers a business line of credit to fill a cash flow gap, and qualifying is easier than with other lenders.
Pros
- Financing available within one business day after approval.
- Simple application with minimal documentation required.
- Startup-friendly — accepts borrowers with a minimum of six months in business.
- Low minimum credit score requirement.
- No prepayment penalties, account maintenance fees or inactivity fees.
Cons
- Rates are high compared with traditional banks.
- May require personal guarantee.
- Weekly repayments required over a short term (maximum of 24 weeks).
Qualifications:
- Minimum credit score: 600.
- Minimum time in business: Six months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $100,000.
May fund quickly
OnDeck - Online term loan
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.
- Accepts borrowers with a minimum credit score of 625.
- Streamlined application process with minimal documentation required.
- Can be used to build business credit.
Cons
- Not available in Nevada, North Dakota or South Dakota.
- Requires frequent (daily or weekly) repayments.
- Interest rates can be high compared with traditional lenders.
- Requires business lien and personal guarantee.
May fund quickly
OnDeck - Online term loan
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
625
Est. APR
27.20-99.90%
OnDeck offers a fast term loan for small-business owners with less-than-stellar credit who want to expand.
Pros
- Cash can be available within the same business day.
- Accepts borrowers with a minimum credit score of 625.
- Streamlined application process with minimal documentation required.
- Can be used to build business credit.
Cons
- Not available in Nevada, North Dakota or South Dakota.
- Requires frequent (daily or weekly) repayments.
- Interest rates can be high compared with traditional lenders.
- Requires business lien and personal guarantee.
Qualifications:
- Minimum credit score: 625.
- Minimum time in business: One year.
- Minimum annual revenue: $100,000.
- Business bank account.
May fund quickly
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 offers a fast and flexible line of credit for borrowers who may not qualify for more traditional options.
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.
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.
- Personal guarantee required.
- 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
The American Express® Business Line of Credit is a good option for business owners with fair credit who want access to working capital.
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.
- Personal guarantee required.
- 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.
Funding Circle - 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.
Cons
- Requires business lien and personal guarantee.
- Must be in business for a minimum of two years.
- Minimum credit score is higher than some other lenders.
May fund quickly
Funding Circle - Online term loan
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
660
Est. APR
15.22-45.00%
Funding Circle is an option for established businesses that are financing an expansion or refinancing debt.
Pros
- Cash can be available within two business days.
- Competitive rates among online lenders.
- Terms up to seven years.
Cons
- Requires business lien and personal guarantee.
- Must be in business for a minimum of two years.
- Minimum credit score is higher than some other lenders.
Qualifications:
- Minimum credit score: 660.
- Minimum time in business: Two years.
- Minimum annual revenue: $50,000.
- No bankruptcies in the past seven years.
May fund quickly
Fora Financial - Online term loan
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.
Fora Financial - Online term loan
Max loan amount
$1,500,000
Min. credit score
570
Fora Financial can be a good fit for borrowers who may fall short of qualifying for traditional bank financing or young but established small businesses looking for speedy financing.
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.
Qualifications:
- In business for at least six months.
- At least $20,000 per month in revenue.
- No open bankruptcies or dismissed bankruptcies within the past year.
AltLINE - Invoice Factoring
Max loan amount
$10,000,000
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.
AltLINE - Invoice Factoring
Max loan amount
$10,000,000
Min. credit score
300
AltLINE offers fast invoice factoring with competitive factoring rates.
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.
Qualifications:
- All credit scores may be accepted (ranging from 300 to 850).
- No minimum time in business requirement.
- No minimum annual revenue requirement.
- Must be a B2B business.
Triton Capital - Equipment financing
4.1
NerdWallet rating with Fundera by NerdWallet
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
575
Est. APR
5.99-34.99%
Pros
- Can fund within one to two business days.
- No prepayment penalty.
- Flexible repayment options: monthly, quarterly, annually or semiannually.
Cons
- Typically requires a personal guarantee and UCC lien.
- Requires high minimum annual revenue.
Triton Capital - Equipment financing
NerdWallet rating
4.1/5
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
575
Est. APR
5.99-34.99%
Triton Capital offers fast equipment loans up to $250,000 for businesses in a range of industries.
Pros
- Can fund within one to two business days.
- No prepayment penalty.
- Flexible repayment options: monthly, quarterly, annually or semiannually.
Cons
- Typically requires a personal guarantee and UCC lien.
- Requires high minimum annual revenue.
Qualifications:
- Minimum credit score: 575.
- Minimum time in business: Two years.
- Minimum annual revenue: $250,000.
JR Capital Equipment Financing
4.1
NerdWallet rating with Fundera by NerdWallet
Max loan amount
$10,000,000
Min. credit score
620
Est. APR
6.99-18.00%
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.
- Not ideal for short-term purchases; terms start at three years.
JR Capital Equipment Financing
NerdWallet rating
4.1/5
Max loan amount
$10,000,000
Min. credit score
620
Est. APR
6.99-18.00%
JR Capital provides fast equipment loans and leases, specializing in trucks, trailers and heavy equipment.
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.
- Not ideal for short-term purchases; terms start at three years.
Qualifications:
- Minimum credit score: 620.
- Minimum time in business: Typically two years, but can prioritize industry experience in some cases.
- No minimum annual revenue requirement.
Our picks for
Microlenders
Microlenders are usually nonprofit or local organizations that focus their lending efforts on businesses in their local communities. These lenders provide smaller-sized loans and business training to borrowers who may not qualify for other options.
Accion Opportunity Fund - Small Business Working Capital Loan
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
570
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 to online lenders.
- Not available in all U.S. states.
Accion Opportunity Fund - Small Business Working Capital Loan
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
570
Est. APR
8.49-24.99%
Microlenders are usually nonprofit or local organizations that focus their lending efforts on businesses in their local communities. These lenders provide smaller-sized loans and business training to borrowers who may not qualify for other options.
Accion is a good option for businesses that haven't been able to secure traditional financing. The lender 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 to online lenders.
- Not available in all U.S. states.
Qualifications:
- Minimum credit score: 570.
- Minimum time in business: 12 months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $50,000.
SBA Microloan
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
Max loan amount
$50,000
Min. credit score
620
Est. APR
8.00-13.00%
SBA microloans are small-sized loans funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and issued through approved intermediaries, typically nonprofit and community lenders.
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.
Qualifications:
- Be a U.S. business.
- Show your ability to repay the loan.
- Personal guarantee and collateral likely required.
- Specific financial qualifications determined by individual lender.
How to choose a small-business lender
You’ll want to consider several factors when choosing a small-business lender. But ultimately, there are trade-offs between banks, online lenders and other options, depending on what’s most important to you:
- If you want the least expensive loan: A bank will likely offer the lowest interest rates, but you’ll need to be able to meet tough financial qualifications. Banks can also offer a variety of types of business loans, as well as longer terms than some online lenders.
- If you can’t qualify with a bank: Start with the SBA loan program. SBA loans have competitive rates and long terms, and eligibility criteria can be a little more flexible than bank requirements. However, you’ll still need good credit and strong revenue to qualify, and the application process can be complex — so online business lenders are an alternative option.
- If you need a loan fast: Online lenders will be your top option. Some online lenders can offer funding in as little as 24 hours — although speed can come at a cost of higher interest rates.
- If customer service is a priority: Although a variety of lenders have representatives to help you through the application process, small-business borrowers report having a higher level of overall satisfaction with credit unions and community banks.
- If you’re a new business or have bad credit: Some online lenders, as well as nonprofit lenders, may have more flexible requirements that can accommodate newer businesses or those with bad credit. These businesses may also consider alternative types of funding, such as small-business grants.
What is a small-business lender?
A small-business lender is a third-party entity that loans your company money under an agreement that it will be repaid. These lenders are typically banks, credit unions or nonbank lending institutions that offer financing products that are specifically marketed and tailored toward the needs and circumstances of small businesses.
Although the over 34 million small businesses in the United Statesare considered to be important drivers of the economy, they can face barriers to funding and resources that larger companies don’t experience. They may, therefore, receive specialized resources and opportunities like government contracts, grants, mentorship, training and tailored loan programs.
Types of small-business lenders
Public and private financial institutions, government agencies and nonprofit organizations can all be small-business lenders.
Government small-business lenders
The federal government doesn’t usually lend to small-business owners directly. However, it does guarantee financing issued through the SBA loan program. SBA loans are funded by participating lenders — typically banks and credit unions — and backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Many national, regional and local banks are SBA lenders, including big-name institutions like Chase and Bank of America. Some lenders, like BayFirst Financial, even offer their own specialized SBA lending programs. BayFirst's SBA Bolt loan, for example, can fund faster than other 7(a) loans. The SBA website also has a lender match tool to help you find the best SBA lender for you.
SBA loans offer long terms, low interest rates and can be used for a variety of purposes. To qualify for an SBA loan, you’ll need good credit and financials, as well as a few years in business.
Credit union and bank small-business lenders
Banks and credit unions offer some of the most affordable small-business loans, but these lenders also have lengthy application processes and strict eligibility requirements.
You’ll likely need strong credit, two or more years in business and solid revenue to qualify for a loan from one of these small-business lenders.
Borrowers report higher rates of approval, as well as greater overall satisfaction, with small banks compared to large, national banks — according to a Federal Reserve survey released in 2024.
If you have an existing relationship with a local bank or credit union, you might contact a representative to find out if it offers small-business financing.
Online small-business lenders
Online business lenders can offer a variety of financing options with a streamlined application process. Online lenders are known for their fast access to capital, with some companies offering same-day business loans with funding in as little as 24 hours.
Compared to banks and credit unions, online- or private business lenders have more flexible qualification requirements, but the cost of borrowing is often higher.
Nonprofit and microlenders
Nonprofit organizations can offer loans to small businesses in underserved communities, such as women-owned businesses or minority-owned businesses.
Many nonprofit lenders are also community development financial institutions (CDFIs), which are registered through the U.S. Treasury Department to build wealth in underserved areas through loan dollars and other resources. These organizations typically provide smaller loans — called microloans — but may be more willing to work with newer businesses or those with bad credit.
As part of the SBA microloan program, for instance, the government distributes funds directly to these types of lenders. The lenders are then able to create and manage their own programs.
Small-business lender alternatives
If you’re not sure that a traditional loan is right for you, you might consider these alternative funding options:
- Angel investors or venture capital firms. Instead of going into debt, you could opt for forms of equity financing, which allow you to trade ownership shares in your business for capital. Angel investors are usually wealthy individuals who invest their own money into a business idea, whereas venture capitalists typically invest on behalf of a firm. Equity financing is typically only an option for high-potential, fast-growing companies, and it can cost you control of your business if you dilute your ownership too much.
- Self-funding. If you have the means and want to avoid debt and ownership dilution, you may opt to fund your business yourself. You can use personal savings (sometimes referred to as bootstrapping), or tap into your retirement savings tax free with Rollovers as Business Startups (ROBS). With self-funding, you will likely save money on interest and fees; however, you risk your personal savings or retirement fund if your business fails.
- Friends and family loans. If you have friends and family who are willing and able to support your business with a loan, you may be able to save money on interest, and get funding quickly. Friends and family loans likely won’t help you build business credit, and you may risk putting a strain on personal relationships. If you decide to go this route, put the agreement in writing to avoid personal disputes.
Frequently asked questions
A business lender is an individual, public or private financial institution, government agency or nonprofit organization that loans your company money under an agreement that it will be repaid. You typically repay the funds you’ve borrowed, with interest, over a set period of time.
Although every lender has different qualification requirements, they typically consider similar criteria — such as your personal credit score, time in business and annual revenue. Many small-business lenders will also look at your cash flow, outstanding debt and available collateral.
Small banks and nonbank financing companies approve the highest percentage of small-business loan applications — according to the 2024 report of the Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey. Large banks approve the fewest percentage of applications.
Last updated on August 2, 2024
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.
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.
See Your Loan Options