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Best Small Business Loans

Explore the best small business loans for working capital, cash flow gaps, expansion, debt consolidation, and other business funding needs.

    Erica Seppala
  • Last updated onUpdated

  • Chelsea Krause
  • REVIEWED BY

    Chelsea Krause

    Expert Contributor

Our content reflects the editorial opinions of our experts. While our site makes money through referral partnerships, we only partner with companies that meet our standards for quality, as outlined in our independent rating and scoring system.

We evaluated small business loan providers based on funding options, borrowing limits, rates and fees, repayment terms, borrower requirements, application speed, and overall value. These are our top picks.

Compare Our Top Picks

ProviderBest ForBorrowing LimitsAPRNext Steps
Best Loan MarketplaceVaries by lender/productVaries by lender/product
Best Mobile Loan Marketplace$15 millionVaries by product
Best For Customer Support$500,000Varies by product
Best Revenue-Based Funding$2 millionFactor rates start at 1.1
Best For Bad Credit$3 millionUndisclosed
Show More Options
Best For Fast Funding$400,000Starts at 29.9%
Best For SBA LoansVaries by productVaries by product
Best Lines Of Credit$150,000Fees start at 4.66%
Best Bank Line Of CreditVaries by loan typeVaries by loan type
Best Nonprofit Lender$250,000Starts at 9.99%
Best For Crowdfunded Loans$15,0000%
Show Fewer Options

Lendio

Best Overall

Best Loan Marketplace

Lendio is a small business loan marketplace for borrowers that want to compare multiple offers without applying to each lender separately.

With one application, businesses can access a large lender network, compare potential offers, and use Lendio’s matching service for free. Rates, terms, and requirements vary by lender and loan type.

Type Of Funding
Term loans, short-term loans, LOCs, MCAs, equipment financing, SBA loans
Term Lengths
Varies by lender/product
Credit Score
N/A

PROS

  • Multiple types of financing available
  • High borrowing limits
  • Lower-credit options available

CONS

  • Rates can be expensive
  • Funds can take a while to disburse

Lendtek

Best Mobile Loan Marketplace

Lendtek is a mobile-friendly loan marketplace for businesses that want to compare funding options through an app.

Borrowers can apply from a mobile device, connect with multiple lending partners, and potentially receive funding in as little as a few hours. Lendtek also offers access to HELOCs, which is less common among business loan marketplaces.

Type Of Funding
Term loans, SBA loans, HELOCs, LOCs, MCAs, invoice financing, business credit cards
Term Lengths
Varies by product
Credit Score
450+

PROS

  • Strong mobile apps
  • Multiple types of financing
  • Same-day funding available

CONS

  • Funding isn't always instant
  • Nontransparent rates & fees

AdvancePoint Capital

Best For Customer Support

AdvancePoint Capital is a business loan marketplace for borrowers who want guided support while comparing funding options.

Businesses can apply online, connect with lending partners, and potentially qualify for short- or long-term financing. Rates, terms, and requirements vary by lender, and AdvancePoint does not clearly publish all revenue or time-in-business requirements.

Type Of Funding
Term loans, SBA loans, STLs, LOCs, MCAs, equipment financing, invoice financing
Term Lengths
Varies by product
Credit Score
650

PROS

  • High borrowing amounts
  • Fast funding available
  • Lower-credit options available

CONS

  • Nontransparent borrowing requirements

Revenued

Best Revenue-Based Funding

Revenued is a financing option for established businesses that may not qualify based on personal credit alone.

Instead of focusing mainly on credit score, Revenued uses business revenue to determine eligibility for its Flex Line. Approved businesses can access funds through the Revenued Business Card, with costs based on the amount used.

Type Of Funding
Lines of credit
Term Lengths
6 - 12 months
Credit Score
N/A

PROS

  • Eligibility based on revenue
  • Funds are disbursed quickly
  • Excellent customer support

CONS

  • Not for sole proprietors
  • No long-term funding options

BusinessLoans.com

Best For Bad Credit

BusinessLoans.com is a small business loan marketplace for borrowers who want to compare funding options through one application.

The marketplace works with businesses at different credit levels, including some lower-credit borrowers. Funding options, rates, terms, and requirements vary by lender, and stronger applicants may qualify for more favorable offers.

Type Of Funding
Short-term loans, long-term loans, LOCs, MCAs
Term Lengths
3 months - 5 years
Credit Score
N/A

PROS

  • Fast funding possible
  • No minimum credit score required
  • Quick and easy application

CONS

  • Nontransparent rates & fees
  • Funding can take a while to disburse

OnDeck

Best For Fast Funding

OnDeck is a direct online lender for businesses that need fast access to working capital.

Borrowers can apply online for a term loan or business line of credit, with same-day funding possible in some states. OnDeck’s rates can be high, but the lender offers clear terms, repeat-borrowing options, and reports payments to business credit bureaus.

Type Of Funding
Term loans, LOCs
Term Lengths
Up to 24 months
Credit Score
625

PROS

  • Multiple types of financing
  • Same-day funding available
  • Reports to credit bureaus

CONS

  • Rates can be expensive
  • Not available to all industries

SmartBiz

Best For SBA Loans

SmartBiz is a loan marketplace for established businesses that want a more streamlined way to apply for SBA funding.

Through one application, eligible borrowers can connect with bank lenders for SBA loans and other business financing options. Requirements are higher than many online lenders, but qualified businesses may access lower-cost, longer-term funding.

Type Of Funding
SBA loans, bank term loans, LOCs
Term Lengths
Varies by product
Credit Score
Varies by product

PROS

  • High borrowing amounts
  • Low rates
  • Long-term financing options

CONS

  • Strict borrowing requirements
  • Funds can take a while to disburse

Fundbox

Best Lines Of Credit

Fundbox is a direct online lender for businesses that need a line of credit with relatively low borrower requirements.

Eligible borrowers can apply online, receive a quick approval decision, and potentially get funds by the next business day. Fundbox may work for newer businesses or lower-credit borrowers, but rates and repayment terms should be reviewed carefully.

Type Of Funding
Lines of credit
Term Lengths
12 or 24 weeks
Credit Score
600

PROS

  • Low credit score requirements
  • Funds are disbursed quickly
  • Fast and easy application

CONS

  • Rates can be expensive
  • No long-term financing

Wells Fargo Business Loans

Best Bank Line Of Credit

Wells Fargo is a traditional bank option for businesses that want a line of credit with bank-backed rates and terms.

Creditworthy borrowers may qualify for lower-cost lines of credit, while newer businesses may still have options through Wells Fargo’s smaller credit lines. Wells Fargo also offers SBA loans for businesses that need larger, longer-term financing.

Type Of Funding
Lines of credit, SBA loans
Term Lengths
Varies by loan type
Credit Score
680

PROS

  • Competitive rates
  • Long-term financing
  • High borrowing limits

CONS

  • Strict borrower requirements
  • Funds can take a while to disburse

Accion

Best Nonprofit Lender

Accion Opportunity Fund is a nonprofit lender for small businesses that may need more flexible underwriting than a traditional bank offers.

Accion is startup-friendly and focuses on expanding access to capital for underserved entrepreneurs. Borrowers may also get access to business coaching, educational resources, and support beyond funding.

Type Of Funding
Working capital loans, equipment financing
Term Lengths
12 - 36 months
Credit Score
600

PROS

  • Startup-friendly
  • Flexible underwriting
  • Additional business resources

CONS

  • Rates can be expensive
  • Origination fees apply

Kiva U.S.

Best For Crowdfunded Loans

Kiva U.S. is a crowdfunding-based lender for small businesses that want access to interest-free financing.

There are no minimum credit score, revenue, or time-in-business requirements. Borrowers start with private fundraising through friends and family, then move to public fundraising through Kiva’s lender network if eligible.

Type Of Funding
Crowdfunded loans
Term Lengths
Up to 36 months
Credit Score
N/A

PROS

  • 0% interest
  • Available to startups
  • No credit score requirements

CONS

  • Low borrowing limits
  • Private fundraising required

Our Rating Methodology

Each provider gets 10–15 hours of research, is scored by a subject-matter expert, and is reviewed by a second expert before publication. Ratings are not influenced by our referral partnerships.

Rates & Fees
20%
Services
20%
Eligibility Requirements
20%
Application
15%
Sales & Advertising Transparency
10%
Customer Service
10%
User Reviews
5%

The 5 Best Small Business Loans

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best small business loan?

The best small business loan depends on how much funding you need, how fast you need it, and what your business can qualify for.

SBA loans often offer strong rates and longer repayment terms for qualified borrowers. Online lenders may be better if you need faster funding, while lines of credit or revenue-based financing can work well for short-term working capital needs.

What are the types of small business loans available?

Common small business loan types include term loans, business lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing, merchant cash advances, invoice financing or factoring, and microloans.

The best option depends on how much funding you need, how quickly you need it, what you plan to use it for, and what you can qualify for.

How do I qualify for a small business loan?

To qualify for a small business loan, lenders usually look at your credit, time in business, revenue, cash flow, existing debt, and how you plan to use the funds.

Traditional banks and SBA lenders typically have stricter requirements, while online lenders may be more flexible. Strong revenue, a solid repayment history, a clear business plan, or collateral can improve your chances of approval when you apply for a loan.

How long does it take to get a small business loan?

Small business loan funding can take anywhere from 24 hours to several months, depending on the lender and loan type.

Online lenders are usually the fastest, while traditional bank loans often take a few weeks. SBA loans usually take the longest because they require more documentation and underwriting.

What interest rates should I expect for a small business loan?

Small business loan rates vary based on the lender, loan type, your credit, revenue, and overall business finances.

Bank and SBA loans usually offer the lowest rates for qualified borrowers, while online loans, short-term loans, and merchant cash advances usually cost much more.

Erica Seppala

Erica Seppala

Editor & Senior Staff Writer at Merchant Maverick
Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
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