Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (2024)

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OnDeck

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (1)

4.5

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (2)

Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Loan amounts

$5,000 to $250,000

APR range

Not disclosed

Minimum Credit Score

625

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (3)

Learn More Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (4)

Via Ondeck’s Website

$5,000 to $250,000

Not disclosed

625

Why We Picked It

OnDeck was founded in 2006 and has since been a leading provider in the business lending space, offering both term loans and lines of credit. To date, the company has extended $14 billion in funding to small businesses.

We picked OnDeck for its variety of business lending products and same-day funding. OnDeck offers a term loan from $5,000 to $250,000 with repayments terms of up to 24 months. You can also access a credit limit of $6,000 to $100,000 through its line of credit with a 12-month repayment term that resets after each withdrawal.

Note: OnDeck does not lend to businesses in Nevada, North Dakota or South Dakota. What’s more, while it lends to over 700 industries, there are some industries it cannot serve.

Pros & Cons

  • Term loans from $5,000 to $250,000; lines of credit from $6,000 to $100,000
  • Same-day funding
  • Low minimum credit score requirement
  • $100,000 minimum annual revenue requirement
  • Must have been operating for at least one year
  • Does not lend to businesses in Nevada, North Dakota or South Dakota.

Details

Overview
OnDeck was founded in 2006 and has since been a leading provider in the business lending space, offering both term loans and lines of credit. To date, the company has extended $14 billion in funding to small businesses.

OnDeck doesn’t lend to businesses in Nevada, North Dakota or South Dakota. What’s more, while it lends to over 700 industries, there are some industries it cannot serve.

Eligibility

  • Minimum Credit Score: 625
  • Time in Business: One Year
  • Minimum Annual Revenue: $100,000

Turnaround time

You can apply and receive a decision from OnDeck on the same day.

Best Online Business Loans of March 2024

BEST FOR SHORT-TERM LOANS

OnDeck

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (5)

4.5

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (6)

Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Loan amounts

$5,000 to $250,000

Minimum Credit Score

625

Time in business

1 year

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (7)

Learn More Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (8)

Via Ondeck’s Website

$5,000 to $250,000

625

1 year

Why We Picked It

OnDeck was founded in 2006 and has since been a leading provider in the business lending space, offering both term loans and lines of credit. Today, they have extended $14 billion in funding to small businesses.

We picked OnDeck for its variety of business lending products and same-day funding. OnDeck offers a term loan between $5,000 and $250,000 with repayments terms of up to 24 months. You can also access a credit limit of $6,000 to $100,000 through its line of credit with a 12-month repayment term that resets after each withdrawal.

Note: OnDeck does not lend to businesses in Nevada, North Dakota or South Dakota. What’s more, while it lends to over 700 industries, there are someindustries it cannot serve.

Pros & Cons

  • Term loans from $5,000 to $250,000; lines of credit from $6,000 to $100,000
  • Same-day funding
  • Low minimum credit score requirement
  • $100,000 minimum annual revenue requirement
  • Must have been operating for at least one year
  • Does not lend to businesses in Nevada, North Dakota or South Dakota.

Details

Overview
OnDeck was founded in 2006 and has since been a leading provider in the business lending space, offering both term loans and lines of credit. To date, the company has extended $14 billion in funding to small businesses.

OnDeck doesn’t lend to businesses in Nevada, North Dakota or South Dakota. What’s more, while it lends to over 700 industries, there are some industries it cannot serve.

Eligibility

  • Minimum Credit Score: 625
  • Time in Business: One Year
  • Minimum Annual Revenue: $100,000

Turnaround time

You can apply and receive a decision from OnDeck on the same day.

BEST FOR A LENDER COMPARISON SITE

Lendio

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (9)

4.5

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (10)

Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Loan amounts

$500 to $5 million

Minimum Credit Score

560

$500 to $5 million

560

Why We Picked It

Lendio is an online business loan marketplace that connects prospective borrowers with traditional banks and nonbank online lenders. By filling out one application, Lendio is able to connect business owners to over 75 lenders. Over its existence, Lendio has helped small business owners receive over $12 billion in funding nationwide.

Applicants may see Lendio as a one-stop-shop. You can apply for business loans, lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing, merchant cash advances (MCAs), commercial mortgages, invoice factoring and business acquisition loans. However, because Lendio is a marketplace and not a lender, it doesn’t publish specific terms. Instead, you’ll have access to its lending partners, and it will help you find the best offer for your specific needs.

Pros & Cons

  • One application connects you to more than 75 lenders
  • Wide variety of loan products, including term loans, lines of credit and SBA loans
  • Some lenders charge prepayment penalties
  • Terms and funding times vary depending on specific lender

Details

Overview

Lendio is an online business loan marketplace that connects prospective borrowers with traditional banks and nonbank online lenders. Over its existence, Lendio has helped small business owners receive over $12 billion in funding nationwide.

Applicants may see Lendio as a one-stop shop. You can apply for business loans, lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing, merchant cash advances (MCAs), commercial mortgages, invoice factoring and business acquisition loans. However, because Lendio is a marketplace and not a lender, it doesn’t publish specific terms. Instead, you’ll have access to its lending partners while helping you find the best offer for your needs.

Eligibility

  • Minimum Credit Score: 560
  • Time in Business: Six Months
  • Minimum Annual Revenue: $50,000

Funding time

Applying through Lendio takes 15 minutes. After you review your offers and are approved by your lender, you can receive your funds in as little as 24 hours.

BEST FOR SMALL AND LARGE LINES OF CREDIT

American Express® Business Line of Credit

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (13)

4.0

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (14)

Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Loan amounts

$2,000 to $250,000

Minimum Credit Score

All businesses are unique and are subject to approval and review. The required FICO score may be higher based on your relationship with American Express, credit history and other factors.

660 FICO at the time of application

Time in business

1 year

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (15)

Learn More Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (16)

Via American Express’s Website

$2,000 to $250,000

All businesses are unique and are subject to approval and review. The required FICO score may be higher based on your relationship with American Express, credit history and other factors.

660 FICO at the time of application

1 year

Why We Picked It

American Express® Business Line of Credit (formerly Kabbage from American Express and Kabbage Funding™) gives business owners the chance to secure funding between $2,000 to $250,000. Repayment terms include six, 12, 18 and 24 months.

Line of credit customers incur a loan fee for each month they have an outstanding balance. Total monthly fees incurred over the loan term range from 3% to 9% for six-month loans, 6% to 18% for 12-month loans, 9% to 27% for 18-month loans and 12% to 18% for 24-month loans.

In addition to its line of credit, American Express Business Blueprint provides other tools beneficial to small business owners, including its own mobile app that provides comprehensive cash flow insights.

Pros & Cons

  • Backed by American Express
  • No prepayment penalty
  • Monthly fees on unpaid balances
  • Requires personal guarantee

Details

Overview

American Express Business Blueprint™ is formerly Kabbage from American Express and Kabbage Funding™. In addition to its line of credit, American Express Business Blueprint provides other tools beneficial to small business owners, including its own mobile app that provides comprehensive cash flow insights.

Line of credit customers incur a loan fee for each month they have an outstanding balance. Total monthly fees incurred over the loan term range from 3% to 9% for six-month loans, 6% to 18% for 12-month loans, 9% to 27% for 18-month loans and 12% to 18% for 24-month loans.

Eligibility

  • Minimum Credit Score: 660 FICO at the time of application
  • Time in Business: One Year
  • Monthly Revenue: monthly revenue of at least $3,000

All businesses are unique and are subject to approval and review.

Turnaround Time

Funds can take up to three business days to appear in your account, depending on your bank.

BEST FOR FLEXIBLE LINES OF CREDIT

BlueVine

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (17)

4.0

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (18)

Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Loan amounts

$6,000 to $250,000

Minimum Credit Score

625

Time in business

24 months

Flex 6 plan

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (19)

Learn More Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (20)

On BlueVine’s Website

$6,000 to $250,000

625

24 months

Flex 6 plan

Why We Picked It

BlueVine is a financial technology company that provides financing solutions to small businesses nationwide. It specifically specializes in business lines of credit and checking accounts. As of December 2021, BlueVine no longer offers invoice factoring as one of its financing methods.

Small business owners looking to access a line of credit on an as-needed basis can receive funds between $6,000 and $250,000. BlueVine offers two payment structures: Flex 6 or Flex 12. Customers who choose Flex 6 make weekly payments over 26 weeks while Flex 12 customers make monthly payments over 12 months. What’s more, after 45 days of payment on Flex 6, or 90 days of payment on Flex 12, you may be eligible for a credit line increase.

BlueVine also charges weekly or monthly fees for its line of credit. Standard pricing is 1.7% per week or 7% per month for line of credit draws.

Note: BlueVine’s line of credit is available in all 50 U.S. states except North and South Dakota.

Pros & Cons

  • Can get a decision within five minutes and funding within hours
  • Lines of credit up to $250,000
  • Low credit score requirement
  • No mobile app for its line of credit
  • Monthly revenue requirement
  • Not available to businesses in North and South Dakota, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories

Details

Overview

BlueVine is a financial technology company that provides financing solutions to small businesses nationwide. It specializes in business lines of credit and checking accounts. As of December 2021, BlueVine no longer offers invoice factoring as one of its financing methods.

BlueVine’s line of credit is available in most U.S. states except North and South Dakota, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories.

Eligibility

Eligibility varies on the specific program a business owner chooses.

Flex 6

  • Minimum Personal Credit Score: 625
  • Must Have Been in Business for: At Least 24 Months
  • Revenue: $40,000 per Month or $480,000 Annually
  • Business Type: Corporation or LLC
  • Bankruptcies: No Bankruptcies Within the Last Three Years

Flex 12

  • Minimum Personal Credit Score: 650
  • Must Have Been in Business For: At Least Three Years
  • Revenue: $80,000 per Month or $960,000 Annually
  • Business Type: Corporation or LLC

Turnaround time

After you submit your application, you can receive a decision in as quickly as five minutes.

BEST FOR SMALL- TO MID-SIZED BUSINESS

National Funding

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (21)

4.0

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (22)

Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Loan amounts

$10,000 to $500,000

Minimum Credit Score

600

Time in business

6 months

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (23)

Learn More Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (24)

On National Funding’s Website

$10,000 to $500,000

600

6 months

Why We Picked It

National Funding offers working capital small business loans between $10,000 and $500,000 with terms of four months to two years, paid daily or weekly. Borrowers can use their funds for all working capital needs, including inventory, payroll, marketing, taxes and more. National Funding also offers equipment financing up to $150,000 but applicants must have a minimum personal credit score of 575 to qualify for that financing method.

Unlike most business lenders, National Funding offers early pay-off discounts. Small business loan customers who repay their total remaining balance in full within the first 100 days of the contract will automatically receive a 7% discount off the total remaining balance. Equipment financing customers who repay the total remaining balance early, at any point during the term, will automatically receive a 6% discount off the total remaining balance.

Pros & Cons

  • Financing up to $500,000
  • Early payoff discounts
  • Requires daily or weekly payments
  • Potentially high borrowing costs
  • Requires minimum gross annual sales of $250,000

Details

Overview

National Funding offers small business loans in all 50 states and allows borrowers to use their funds for all working capital needs, including inventory, payroll, marketing, taxes and more.

Unlike most business lenders, National Funding offers early payoff discounts. Small business loan customers can get a 7% discount off their total remaining balance when repaying the total remaining balance in full within the first 100 days of the contract. Equipment financing customers can receive a 6% discount off their total remaining balance when repaying the total remaining balance early.

Eligibility

  • Minimum Credit Score: 600 (575 for Equipment Financing)
  • Time in Business: Six Months
  • Monthly Revenue: $250,000 Annually

Turnaround Time

Most loans are funded within 24 hours of approval, subject to receipt of required documentation, underwriting guidelines and processing time by your bank.

BEST FOR QUICK APPROVALS

Fundbox

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (25)

4.0

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (26)

Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Loan amounts

$1,000 to $150,000

Minimum Credit Score

600

Time in business

3 months

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (27)

Learn More Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (28)

On Fundbox’s Website

$1,000 to $150,000

600

3 months

Why We Picked It

Fundbox is an AI-powered business lending platform that speeds up the application, decision-making and funding process. It offers decisions within three minutes and funds as soon as the next business day.

Prospective borrowers have two business financing options through Fundbox. Business owners can apply for revolving business lines of credit up to $150,000 with repayment terms of 12 or 24 weeks. Your available credit goes back up as you repay your line of credit.

Pros & Cons

  • Receive a decision within three minutes
  • Low minimum credit score requirement
  • Next-day funding
  • Only short-term repayment terms are available
  • Relatively low lines up credit of up to $150,000

Details

Overview

Fundbox is an AI-powered business lending platform that speeds up the application, decision-making and funding process. It offers decisions within three minutes and funds as soon as the next business day.

Eligibility

  • Minimum Personal Credit Score: 600
  • Minimum Time in Business: Three Months
  • Minimum Annual Revenue: $30,000

Funding time

If you’re getting a line of credit, your funds transfer to your bank account as soon as the next business day.

BEST FOR ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES

Funding Circle

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (29)

4.0

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (30)

Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Loan amounts

$25,000 to $500,000

Minimum Credit Score

660

Time in business

2 years

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (31)

Learn More Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (32)

From participating partners via businessloans.com’s website.

$25,000 to $500,000

660

2 years

Why We Picked It

Funding Circle has been a direct lender specializing in small business loans since 2010. Since its inception, it has helped 100,000 businesses in 700 industries and lent $15.2 billion globally. We chose Funding Circle because it provides fast, affordable loans with a simple application process and funding in as little as 48 hours. Prospective borrowers have three options: business term loan, line of credit or SBA loan.

Funding Circle term loans range from $25,000 to $500,000 with repayment terms from six months to five years. If you choose to apply for a business line of credit, you can access credit lines between $6,000 and $100,000. However, Funding Circle doesn’t specify its line of credit repayment terms. You can also apply for SBA loans, which range from $25,000 to $500,000 with terms up to 10 years.

There are two main drawbacks of Funding Circle. First, there’s a one-time origination fee on each loan ranging from 3.49% to 6.99% of the approved loan amount. Second, due to state lending regulations, Funding Circle does not lend to businesses that operate out of Nevada, making it available in only 49 of the 50 U.S. states.

Pros & Cons

  • Loans from $25,000 to $500,000
  • Funding in as little as 48 hours
  • No minimum annual revenue requirement for most loans
  • One-time origination fee between 3.49% to 6.99% of the approved loan amount
  • Requires two years in business, so it’s not ideal for startups
  • Not available to Nevada businesses

Details

Overview

Funding Circle has been a direct lender specializing in small business loans since 2010. It has helped 135,000 businesses in 700 industries and lent $20.2 billion globally.

Eligibility

  • Minimum Credit Score: 660 (650 for SBA loans)
  • Time in Business: Two Years
  • Monthly Revenue: $400,000 (for SBA loans only)

Turnaround Time

Depending on the loan type, you can receive your funds within two days. However, SBA loan funding may take up to two weeks.

BEST FOR FUNDING OPTIONS

Biz2Credit

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (33)

4.0

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (34)

Our ratings take into account loan cost, loan details, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and application process. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Loan amounts

Up to $2M+

See website for average amounts by product

Time in business

12 months+*

*See Website For Details

Minimum Credit Score

650*

*See Website For Details

Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (35)

Learn More Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (36)

On Biz2credit’s Website

Up to $2M+

See website for average amounts by product

12 months+*

*See Website For Details

650*

*See Website For Details

Why We Picked It

Biz2Credit is a digital funding platform that provides three funding options—term, Revenue-Based Financing and commercial real estate (CRE) loans—ranging from $25,000 to $6 million. It only takes a few minutes to apply and, depending on the product, 24 hours to receive a decision.

Biz2Credit can connect business owners with Revenue-Based Financing loans between $25,000 and $2 million and term loans between $25,000 to $500,000. Revenue-based financing payments are flexible based on business performance, with a right to reconcile against actual business receipts while term loans are repaid through weekly, bimonthly or monthly payments over the course of 12 to 36 months. Biz2Credit also offers CRE loans between $250,000 and $6 million with payment plans ranging from 12 to 36 months; payments are due monthly.

In the event that Biz2Credit cannot provide a financial product, it may present third-party options to qualified prospective borrowers. However, Biz2Credit confirms that “in the vast majority of cases, [it] will make a financing decision without referral to any external party.”

Pros & Cons

  • Less stringent qualification requirements for Revenue-Based Financing
  • Quick application, approval and funding process
  • More stringent qualification requirements for term and CRE loans
  • Revenue-Based Financing require daily, weekly or bimonthly payments
  • CRE loans approvals can take up to 30 days

Details

Eligibility: To qualify for a Revenue-Based Financing loan, applicants must have a minimum personal credit score of 650 (see website for details), have been operating their business for at least six months and have a minimum annual revenue of$250,000 (see website for details). Term loans, on the other hand, require a minimum score of 650 (see website for details), 12 months+ (see website for details) in business and a minimum annual revenue of $250,000 (see website for details). CRE loans share the same minimum requirements as term loans but also require that prospective borrowers already own commercial property.

Funding time: Business owners can typically apply online fast, get a decision fast and fast funding (see website for details). However, CRE loan approvals may take longer.

Summary: Best Online Business Loans of 2024

CompanyCompany - LogoForbes Advisor RatingForbes Advisor RatingLoan amountsTime in businessMinimum credit scoreLearn More CTA textLearn more CTA below textLearn More
OnDeck Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (37)4.5Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (38)$5,000 to $250,0001 year 625Learn MoreVia Ondeck's Website
LendioBest Online Business Loans Of 2024 (39)4.5Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (40)$500 to $5 million 6 months 560Learn MoreOn Lendio's Website
American ExpressBest Online Business Loans Of 2024 (41)4.0Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (42)$2,000 to $250,0001 year 660 FICO at the time of applicationLearn MoreVia American Express's Website
BlueVineBest Online Business Loans Of 2024 (43)4.0Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (44)$6,000 to $250,00024 months (Flex 6 plan) 625Learn MoreOn BlueVine's Website
National FundingBest Online Business Loans Of 2024 (45)4.0Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (46)$10,000 to $500,0006 months 600Learn MoreOn National Funding's Website
FundboxBest Online Business Loans Of 2024 (47)4.0Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (48)$1,000 to $150,0003 months 600Learn MoreOn Fundbox's Website
Funding CircleBest Online Business Loans Of 2024 (49)4.0Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (50)$25,000 to $500,000 2 years 660Learn MoreFrom participating partners via businessloans.com's website.
Biz2CreditBest Online Business Loans Of 2024 (51)4.0Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (52)Up to $1M+12 months+* 650*Learn MoreOn Biz2credit's Website
*See Website For Details

Methodology

We reviewed 15 popular lenders based on 16 data points in the categories of loan details, loan costs, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and the application process. We chose the best lenders based on the weighting assigned to each category:

  • Loan cost: 35%
  • Loan details: 25%
  • Customer experience: 20%
  • Eligibility and accessibility: 10%
  • Application process: 10%

Within each major category, we also considered several characteristics, including available loan amounts, repayment terms and applicable fees. We also looked at minimum credit score and time in business requirements and the geographic availability of the lender. Finally, we evaluated each provider’s customer support tools, borrower perks and features that simplify the borrowing process—like online applications, prequalification options and mobile apps.

Where appropriate, we awarded partial points depending on how well a lender met each criterion.

To learn more about how Forbes Advisor rates lenders, and our editorial process, check out our.

Tips to Compare Online Business Loans

Consider these tips when comparingsmall business loans:

  • Compare dashboards and mobile apps. Some online lending platforms offer dashboards and mobile apps that help you manage your funds, including disbursem*nts and repayment. However, some lending platforms don’t offer mobile apps. Take this into consideration when comparing online business loans as it will play a role in your overall experience.
  • Determine how you want to receive your funds. Two of the most common ways you can receive and access your business funds are through a lump-sum payment or on an as-needed basis. If you want to receive your funds up front, choose a traditional working capital or term loan. However, if you want to use funds only as you need them, consider a business line of credit.
  • Consider the repayment terms and flexibility. Each business financing lender has its own repayment structures. While some types of financing require monthly payments, others may require daily or weekly payments. Take this into account when choosing your preferred lender and business loan.
  • Look out for additional fees. Some lenders offer fee-free business loans that don’t require borrowers to pay origination fees, late payment fees, prepayment penalties or any other common loan costs. However, this is not always the case. Be sure to confirm a lender’s fee structure when shopping for the best terms. Factor additional fees into your decision-making process.
  • Evaluate the lender’s customer support options. If you’ve found a lender that’s prepared to offer the money you need at acceptable terms, consider the lender’s support options before signing the loan agreement. Customer support can make a huge difference down the line if you encounter issues with repayment. Research the lender’s customer service resources and read reviews to make sure it’s a good fit.

What Is an Online Business Loan?

An online business loan is a type of financing business owners can use to fund operational expenses, large purchases and other costs of doing business. Unlike loans from many traditional lenders,online loanscan typically be applied for entirely online without visiting a brick-and-mortar branch and without an existing banking relationship. Online loans also may be easier to qualify for and may come with more competitive fee structures than traditional loans.

Loan amounts generally range up to around $500,000, with repayment terms varying widely by loan type and lender. Business loanannual percentage rates (APRs)generally start around 9%, with origination fees ranging from 3% to 5% of the total loan amount.

Common Types of Online Business Loans

To meet the unique needs of businesses, there are several forms of online loans available to finance operations. Consider these options when choosing an online business loan:

Term Loan

Line of Credit

Invoice Factoring

Pros and Cons of Online Business Loans

Online business loans can offer some advantages over other financing options, but there are drawbacks worth considering before you accept any debt.

Pros

  • Streamlined application process. With an online lender, the application process most often takes place entirely online. This can make applying for a loan quick and easy compared to other lenders.
  • Lower borrower requirements. Online lenders often have less strict borrower requirements for business loans compared to traditional lenders. This can make them easier to qualify for new businesses or businesses with limited revenue.
  • Quick funding. Online lenders offer quick funding times for loans, with some offering loan funding the next day.

Cons

  • No physical branches. Without any physical locations, it can be less straightforward to receive customer service assistance from an online lender.
  • High costs. Online lenders can charge high interest rates and fees compared to other lenders. Before accepting any loan, be sure to understand the fees that you’ll have to repay.
  • Reputation. Although there are trustworthy online business loan lenders, some may be a scam. Research lenders and read reviews before submitting an application with any online lender.

How to Apply for an Online Business Loan

The application process for online business loans varies by lender. However, there are some general steps that prospective borrowers must take to obtain business financing.

1. Evaluate your borrowing needs. Start the borrowing process by evaluating your business’ borrowing needs. First, consider why you need to borrow funds and determine how much you need to borrow. Use abusiness loan calculatorto estimate monthly payments and review your budget to determine how much you can afford in loan payments each month.

2. Review your credit score and reports. Many business lenders check applicants’ personal credit scores and may require a personal guarantee on business loans. So, review your personal credit report and check your credit scores before choosing a lender. If you have an established business, it may have its ownbusiness credit scorethat can improve your approval odds.

3. Familiarize yourself with eligibility requirements. Once you’re familiar with your credit score, compare lenders based on theirbusiness loan requirements. Most business lenders impose minimum credit score requirements, require that borrowers be in business for a minimum amount of time and require a minimum annual revenue. However, others evaluate applicants based on nontraditional metrics and alternative credit data.

4. Compile necessary documentation. The documents necessary to apply for an online business loan depend on the lender. However, many lenders require tax returns for at least two years and financial records like bank statements, accounts receivable and outstanding invoices. It may also be necessary to provide a business plan to demonstrate the business’ ability to make on-time payments, though this is most common with less-established businesses.

5. Submit a loan application. After organizing your business’ application documents, complete an online application and submit the necessary supporting materials. Some online lenders further streamline this process by letting applicants connect their bank accounts and other financial tools.

6. Await verification and approval. Many online lenders offer same-day lending decisions, but the verification and approval process can take longer. For example, it may be necessary to provide additional documentation or speak with a lender representative prior to loan approval, which can extend the approval process to up to 30 days.

Are online business loans safe?

If you work with a reputable lender, online business loans are safe. There are many trustworthy lenders, but to be sure you’re working with one that has a good reputation, read reviews and check with organizations such as the Better Business Bureau.

Can I get a business loan with a 500 credit score?

Getting a business loan with a 500 credit score can be difficult, but is not impossible. In general, prospective borrowers should have a personal credit score of around 700 to qualify for a business loan. However, credit score requirements vary by lender, and some short-term and alternative lenders specialize in borrowers with low credit scores. Some business lenders also offer secured loans that come with less stringent qualification requirements.

Low-credit business owners may also access funds through other types of financing options like invoice factoring or merchant cash advances. This type of financing is generally secured by a business’ invoices or credit card sales, making it easier for less qualified applicants to get funds.

Related:Best Business Loans For Bad Credit

Can you get a business loan with no revenue?

Many business lenders require borrowers to demonstrate minimum monthly or annual revenue. This can make it difficult for newer businesses to qualify for funding. Still, some lenders offer financing to new businesses that don’t yet have established income. This typically requires submitting additional application materials such as a comprehensive business plan and financial projections that demonstrate the business’ ability to make loan payments.

Next Up In Business Loans

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Best Online Business Loans Of 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest small business loan to get? ›

Here are 9 easy business loans
  • Best for Quick easy business loans. Bluevine. ...
  • Best for Easy short-term business loans. OnDeck. ...
  • Best for Easy equipment loans. Triton Capital. ...
  • Best for Easy business loans for bad credit. Fora Financial. ...
  • Best for Easy unsecured business loans. National Funding. ...
  • Best for Easy business lines of credit.

Who gives the best business loan? ›

Best Business Loans Of April 2024
  • QuickBridge – Best for Fast Business Loans.
  • OnDeck – Best for Short-Term Business Loans.
  • American Express® Business Line of Credit – Best for Business Lines of Credit.
  • Wells Fargo – Best for Business Lines of Credit From a Bank.
  • Fora Financial – Best for Large Business Loans.
Apr 12, 2024

What is the SBA loan rate for 2024? ›

What is the current SBA loan rate? SBA loan rates vary depending on several factors, including the type of SBA loan, the size, and the maturity date. The current prime rate (as of April 2, 2024) is 8.5%. That means SBA 7(a) loan fixed rates can range between 13.5% and 16.5% depending on your loan terms.

What is the best online loan company? ›

  • SoFi. : Best online personal loan.
  • Patelco Credit Union. : Best for rate discounts.
  • Upgrade. : Best online loan for bad credit.
  • Discover. : Best for repayment flexibility.
  • PenFed Credit Union. : Best for low rates.
  • U.S. Bank. : Best for existing bank customers.
  • LightStream. : Best for no-fee loans.
  • LendingPoint.

What is the minimum credit score for a SBA loan? ›

SBA-qualified lenders usually set their own criteria when assessing your eligibility. Most lenders will require a minimum FICO score of 620 or higher for their SBA Loans.

What is the quickest way to get a business loan? ›

Online lenders

If you want the fastest option for small business funding, a business loan from an online lender may be the best option. These lenders require minimal documentation and use software to streamline the approval process.

Is it easier to get business loan with LLC? ›

If you have good credit and can meet the lender's eligibility guidelines, getting a business loan with an LLC can often be easy. But new businesses and businesses with limited revenue may have difficulty getting approved, especially with traditional banks and credit unions.

What credit score is needed for a business loan? ›

Minimum credit score by business loan type
Term loanWhile banks and credit unions typically require a score of 670 or above, online lenders may only require a score of 500
SBA loanLenders offering SBA loans require credit scores between 620 and 680
4 more rows
Oct 13, 2023

How can I increase my chances of getting a business loan? ›

A strong credit history, with a good payment track record and low credit utilization, increases your chances of approval. Another crucial factor in getting a small business loan is your business's financial health. Lenders want to see evidence of stable revenue and positive cash flow.

Will loan rates go down in 2024? ›

Mortgage rates are expected to decline later this year as the U.S. economy weakens, inflation slows and the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates. The 30-year fixed mortgage rate is expected to fall to the mid- to low-6% range through the end of 2024, potentially dipping into high-5% territory by early 2025.

What should interest rates be in 2024? ›

Inflation and Fed hikes have pushed mortgage rates up to a 20-year high. 30-year mortgage rates are currently expected to fall to somewhere between 6.1% and 6.4% in 2024. Instead of waiting for rates to drop, homebuyers should consider buying now and refinancing later to avoid increased competition next year.

Do you need money down for an SBA loan? ›

Do SBA loans require a down payment? Yes, the minimum SBA loan down payment requirement is 10% for 7(a) and 504 loans, although this amount can vary based on a business's cash flow and collateral. For example, weak cash flow or low-value collateral can increase the down payment requirement to 30% of the loan amount.

What's the easiest loan to get online? ›

Easiest-to-get personal loans compared 2024
TitleAPRLoan amount
Upstart5.2% to 35.99%$1,000 to $50,000
Avant9.95% to 35.99%$2,000 to $35,000
LendingClub9.57% to 35.99%$1,000 to $40,000
OneMain18% to 35.99%$1,500 to $20,000
6 more rows
Mar 28, 2024

What is the easiest loan to get right now? ›

Key Takeaways
  • Some of the easiest loans to get approved for if you have bad credit include payday loans, no-credit-check loans, and pawnshop loans.
  • Personal loans with essentially no approval requirements typically charge the highest interest rates and loan fees.

What is the easiest instant loan approval? ›

The easiest loans to get approved are loans that don't require a credit check such as payday loans, pawnshop loans, car title loans, and personal loans with no credit check. These types of loans offer quick funding and have minimal requirements, so they're easy to get even for people with bad credit.

How can a small business get a loan for a beginner? ›

You can apply for a small-business loan through banks, credit unions, SBA lenders, online lenders, as well as through some nonprofit organizations. The right option for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your funding needs and qualifications.

Can I get a start-up business loan with a 500 credit score? ›

Yes, startup business loans offer lenient credit requirements as low as the 500s, but your options will be limited. Most startup loans have a minimum FICO score of 600 or higher and require at least six months in business.

How much can I realistically get for a small business loan? ›

How much of a business loan you can get depends on your business's annual gross sales, creditworthiness, current debts, the type of financing, and the chosen lender. In general, lenders will only provide loans up to 10% to 30% of your annual revenue to ensure you have the means for repayment.

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