Lendio is an online marketplace that matches small businesses with lenders, including SBA lenders. Read on to find out how to apply.
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Lendio is an online small business loans marketplace that matches businesses with SBA and non-SBA lenders. Lendio makes it faster and easier to get an SBA loan because it streamlines the application and lets you apply to multiple SBA lenders at once. However, Lendio SBA loans aren’t as fast or as easy to qualify for as some business loans.
Read on to learn how to qualify and apply for a Lendio SBA loan.
What Are Lendio SBA Loans?
SBA loans are some of the best small business loans you can get, as they have low interest rates, long repayment terms, and relaxed qualification requirements.
Lendio is an online loans marketplace that offers SBA loans. Lendio doesn’t issue SBA loans itself; rather, Lendio takes your application and uses it to match you with an SBA lender in the Lendio network.
Types Of SBA Loans Offered By Lendio
The SBA lenders in Lendio’s network offer various types of SBA loans. As follows are the types of SBA loans you can apply for through Lendio:
- SBA 7(a) Loans: One of the most flexible SBA loan types, Standard SBA 7(a) loans include Standard loans up to $5 million, and Small Loans up to $350,000.
- SBA Express Loans: Express loans are faster SBA 7(a) loans that can be funded in as little as 30 days. SBA Express Loans have a maximum borrowing amount of $500,000 and typically have higher rates than Standard SBA 7(a) loans. (You can calculate your total financing cost and monthly payments using an SBA loan calculator.)
- SBA CAPLines Loans: CAPLines are SBA-backed lines of credit up to $5 million. These lines of credit are revolving and can have a maximum term length of up to 10 years.
- SBA CDC/504 Loans: These are real estate and equipment loans with a maximum borrowing amount of $5 million. A 504 loan can have a term length up to 20 years.
- SBA Disaster Loans: If your business has been impacted by a natural disaster, you may qualify for one of these low-interest loans with amounts of up to $2 million.
- SBA Export Express Loans: Exporters may qualify for one of these speedy SBA loans up to $500,000. The SBA guarantees a response within 36 hours, though the loan may take 30 days or longer to fund.
- SBA Microloans: Microloans have smaller amounts ($50,000 maximum) and shorter term lengths (up to six years). Microloans are one of the few SBA loans that startup businesses can qualify for.
If you are eligible, you can borrow as much as $5 million with an SBA loan through Lendio.
The Pros & Cons Of Lendio SBA Loans
Pros
- Easier to apply for than a regular SBA loan
- Faster than a regular SBA loan
- High loan amounts
- Long repayment terms
- Low interest rates
- Relaxed collateral requirements
Cons
- Not as fast as other Lendio small business loans
- Harder to qualify for than other Lendio loans
- Not as fast as SmartBiz SBA loans
Is Lendio SBA Approved?
Lendio is not a direct lender. Lendio is a business loan matchmaking service that works with business lenders, including approved SBA lenders and SBA Preferred Lending Partners, to facilitate SBA loans for businesses that apply for loans through Lendio.
Lendio Requirements For SBA Loans
Generally, you need to meet the following requirements to qualify for a Lendio SBA loan:
- Own a for-profit, US-based business
- 2+ years in business
- Minimum FICO score of 650
- Monthly revenue of at least $8,000
- Have a reasonable amount of equity in the business
- Have proof that you have used alternative financial resources before seeking an SBA loan
Lendio does not have any special qualification requirements for SBA loans beyond the SBA loan eligibility requirements specified by the Small Business Administration. But all individual SBA lenders, including the lenders in Lendio’s network, do have some discretion when it comes to which applicants they will accept.
How To Apply For An SBA Loan With Lendio
Lendio’s loan application process starts with the business owner filling out a 15-minute application on Lendio’s website. In this application, you’ll answer basic questions about your business. After you submit your initial application, Lendio will run a soft check on your credit and then compile loan offers for you. Within 72 hours, Lendio will send you offers to choose from.
After you accept an SBA loan offer through Lendio, the underwriting process will start and you’ll be asked to submit more documentation and information about your business. Lendio also has loan specialists who can provide assistance with your application. The entire time-to-funding to get an SBA loan through Lendio is about 1-2 months after approval.
Understanding the complete SBA loan application process can help you know what to expect when you apply through Lendio or another lender.
What Is The Easiest Lendio SBA Loan To Get?
When it comes to the easiest Lendio loan to receive, it depends on your specific circumstances as well as Lendio’s current loan offerings. Generally speaking, microloans are an easier SBA loan to qualify for – even for startups with bad credit.
However, it may be difficult to find an SBA Microloan lender. Many lenders offer the SBA 7(a) loan, which is one of the most popular SBA loan options.
FAQs About Lendio SBA Loans
Final Thoughts On Lendio SBA Loans
Lendio SBA loans are not qualitatively different from SBA loans you could obtain from another provider.
However, Lendio expedites the application process by letting you apply online and providing assistance with your application. In general, SBA loan approval times are long, and these loans have specific borrower qualifications that not all businesses will meet. And it can take even longer to get an SBA loan through Lendio when compared to some Lendio competitors that also offer SBA loans online, such as SmartBiz or Fundera by Nerdwallet. (SmartBiz in particular can fund SBA loans as quickly as two weeks).
Not sure if you want to apply for an SBA loan through Lendio or another online lender? Compare the top SBA lenders to find the best fit for your small business.