Cardiff vs QuickBooks Capital:
Small Business Financing Comparison Guide

Working Capital

Working Capital

Editorial Team

Working Capital
The Working Capital Promise

At Working Capital, we believe access to funding should be simple, transparent, and designed around your business not the other way around. We’re committed to helping entrepreneurs make smart financial decisions with tools, guidance, and lending partners they can trust.

Overview

Choosing the right partner to fuel your growth shouldn’t feel like a chore, but the choice often boils down to a fundamental question: Which lender offers lending that can support your business growth and align with your cash flow?

While both Cardiff and QuickBooks Capital function as notable working capital lenders, they occupy two very different corners of the fintech world. Cardiff operates as a high-speed engine for diverse, flexible funding, while QuickBooks Capital leverages the data you already have to offer a seamless, “one-click” experience. Both can bridge your cash flow gaps, but the best fit depends on whether you prioritize product variety or software integration.

This guide serves as a decision-making tool for busy small business owners by breaking down how Cardiff and QuickBooks Capital compare across product depth, speed, eligibility, and cost.

Features Snapshot

Cardiff Loan
QuickBooks Capital
Financing Products
Product Range
Comprehensive: Offers short-term working capital loans, MCAs, invoice financing, business lines of credit, equipment financing, and business credit cards.1
Selective: Products limited to business term loans and lines of credit.2
Loan Size Range
Loan Size
Range

Ranged for Growth: Can fund as little as $5,000 for MCAs3 and up to $500,000 for term loans.4 Equipment loans can scale to high amounts depending on asset value.5

Early-Stage: Lines of credit range from $1,000 to $100,00,6 and term loans range up to $200,000.7

Speed Approval Funding
Speed of Funding
Same-Day Possible: Reviews applications in less than five minutes and often funds loans the same day.1

Within Days: Approves loans within a few minutes and deposits funds in one to two business days.2

Repayment Terms
Repayment Terms
Flexible: Provides regular daily, weekly, or monthly repayment options for loans,3 and revenue-based options for invoice financing, MCAs, and equipment financing.5 Average term length is 39 months,1 with options from three months,3 up to seven years,5 depending on the product.

Structured: Automatically deducts weekly or monthly payments for both loan products.8 Loan terms range from six months to two years.7

Cost Rates Fees
Fees and Interest

Upfront: Clearly outlines borrowing costs, which include interest on loans starting at 5.99%,1 and a factor rate on advances starting at 1.1.3 No monthly maintenance or closure fees on lines of credit,9, and no prepayment penalties on any product.10

Transparent: No origination, application, late, or early payoff fees.2 Charges interest starting at 9.99% APR for term loans7 and 13.49% APR for lines of credit.6

Eligibility
Eligibility

Accessible: Uses financial data, founder experience, and revenue quality to assess overall business health.10 Businesses usually qualify with at least six months of operating history,3 a 550 credit score,5 and $20,000 in monthly income.10 Collateral is not required.4

Exclusive: Must be an active QuickBooks user to apply.8 Typically requires $50,000 over the last 12 months,7 a FICO score of 580,8 and no bankruptcies in the previous two years.8 Does not require collateral.7
Eligibility
Partner Programs
SBA: Partners with SBA preferred lenders to facilitate the 504, 7(a), and Microloan Program.11

A marketplace in QuickBooks can refer you to partner lenders for other, unspecified types of loans.2

Financing Products
Financing Products
Cardiff Loan

Comprehensive: Offers short-term working capital loans, MCAs, invoice financing, business lines of credit, equipment financing, and business credit cards.1

QuickBooks Capital

Selective: Products limited to business term loans and lines of credit.2

Loan Size Range
Loan Size
Range
Cardiff Loan

Ranged for Growth: Can fund as little as $5,000 for MCAs3 and up to $500,000 for term loans.Equipment loans can scale to high amounts depending on asset value.5

QuickBooks Capital

Early-Stage: Lines of credit range from $1,000 to $100,00,6 and term loans range up to $200,000.7

Speed Approval Funding
Speed of Funding
Cardiff Loan

Same-Day Possible: Reviews applications in less than five minutes and often funds loans the same day.1

QuickBooks Capital

Within Days: Approves loans within a few minutes and deposits funds in one to two business days.2

Loan Size Range
Repayment Terms
Cardiff Loan

Flexible: Provides regular daily, weekly, or monthly repayment options for loans,3 and revenue-based options for invoice financing, MCAs, and equipment financing.5 Average term length is 39 months,1 with options from three months,3 up to seven years,5 depending on the product.

QuickBooks Capital

Structured: Automatically deducts weekly or monthly payments for both loan products.8 Loan terms range from six months to two years.7

Cost Rates Fees
Fees and Interest
Cardiff Loan

Upfront: Clearly outlines borrowing costs, which include interest on loans starting at 5.99%,1 and a factor rate on advances starting at 1.1.3 No monthly maintenance or closure fees on lines of credit,9, and no prepayment penalties on any product.10

QuickBooks Capital

Transparent: No origination, application, late, or early payoff fees.2 Charges interest starting at 9.99% APR for term loans7 and 13.49% APR for lines of credit.6

Eligibility
Eligibility
Cardiff Loan

Accessible: Uses financial data, founder experience, and revenue quality to assess overall business health.10 Businesses usually qualify with at least six months of operating history,3 a 550 credit score,5 and $20,000 in monthly income.10 Collateral is not required.4

QuickBooks Capital

Exclusive: Must be an active QuickBooks user to apply.8 Typically requires $50,000 over the last 12 months,7 a FICO score of 580,8 and no bankruptcies in the previous two years.8 Does not require collateral.7

Eligibility
Partner Programs
Cardiff Loan

SBA: Partners with SBA preferred lenders to facilitate the 504, 7(a), and Microloan Program.11

QuickBooks Capital

A marketplace in QuickBooks can refer you to partner lenders for other, unspecified types of loans.2

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

cardiff.co

cardiff

Lender Pros

Cardiff Loan
QuickBooks Capital

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

cardiff.co

cardiff

Side-by-Side Breakdown

Business Term Loans

Cardiff's Overview

Cardiff offers short-term and long-term business loans that can extend from 18 months to multiple years, with 39 months being the average term.1 They can fund term loans between $10,000 and $500,000.4 This financing typically features fixed monthly repayment schedules but can be structured to match your revenue with monthly, weekly, or daily payments.4

As a private lender for small businesses, Cardiff reviews applications, sends funds, and receives repayments directly. This allows them to approve loans in five minutes and transfer funds as fast as the same day.1 Cardiff focuses on overall business health in their applications, evaluating real-time financial strength through a Plaid connection to your bank account without pulling your credit.10

Cardiff provides no collateral small business loans as well as secured options. To qualify for unsecured term loans, business owners typically need one year in operation, consistent revenue, and a 550+ credit score.4 Cardiff offers interest rates starting at 5.99% for longer terms and higher loan amounts on secured loans. Eligible borrowers may also leverage their interest-free early payoff options.4

Overall, Cardiff’s long- and short-term small business loans offer fast funding, flexible repayment terms, accommodating requirements, and competitive rates for growing companies.

QuickBooks Capital Overview

QuickBooks term loans range from $1,500 up to $200,000 with short repayment terms.7 They offer weekly or monthly repayment schedules lasting from six to 24 months. Payments are automatically debited from the bank account connected to your QuickBooks account.8

These short-term loans carry traditional interest rates, ranging from 9.99% to 36% APR.7 QuickBooks Capital doesn’t charge any other borrowing costs, including origination, administration, maintenance, late, or prepayment fees.2 Borrowers only pay principal and interest.

QuickBooks Capital ties eligibility to its accounting software, so only current QuickBooks users can apply.8 They pull data like your sales, invoices, and cash flow trends directly from your books, usually looking for $50,000 revenue over the last year,7 a credit score above 580, and two years of operating history without bankruptcies.8 They don’t require collateral.7

Because the application integrates with their accounting software, applying is quick and easy.2 Applying won’t impact your personal credit score, either, since QuickBooks uses a soft credit pull.7 They can fund approved loans within one to two business days via a bank transfer.7

Essentially, QuickBooks term loans provide convenient working capital solutions for those small businesses with moderate funding needs who already maintain their finances through QuickBooks.

The Capital Call

These two business term loan lenders offer transparent and fast short-term financing options; however, Cardiff surpasses QuickBooks Capital’s offerings in terms of funding speed, term lengths, loan amounts, and approval requirements. The Capital Call goes to Cardiff for business term loans.

For businesses already using QuickBooks, its term loans can be a great low-fee option for bridging short-term needs under $10,000. QuickBooks Capital will fund term loans as low as $1,500. And if you qualify for interest rates in the low double digits, a QuickBooks term loan could save you time and money.

But Cardiff’s term loan offers more for the majority of borrowers. Any business owner can apply, regardless of their accounting software, and many can qualify based on Cardiff’s holistic approach to finances. You can secure up to $500,000 as soon as the same day and set repayment terms ranging from six months to several years. And strong businesses that secure term loans can qualify for interest rates lower than QuickBooks Capital’s.

Cardiff expands QuickBooks Capital’s offerings and opens its application to a broader audience. Between these two lenders, Cardiff has the best term loans for businesses.

Business Lines of Credit

Cardiff's Overview

Cardiff offers a revolving business line of credit that you can draw on whenever you need additional funding. You can receive capital as fast as that same day, you only pay interest on the amount you’ve drawn, and as you repay what you have borrowed, you can access funds again.

Limits on Cardiff’s business credit lines automatically scale with your business, and auto-renew as long as you stay in good standing.9 They do not charge any maintenance fees, prepayment penalties, or closure fees. You typically repay each withdrawal as a short-term loan with fixed payments, though Cardiff offers a revenue-based repayment option as well.9

To approve lines of credit, Cardiff evaluates your overall financial strength for qualifications using their Business Health Score. If you have at least 12 months in business, a 550+ credit score, and consistent monthly revenue, you may qualify for their business line of credit.9

Cardiff stands out among business line of credit providers for their tailored product options. They offer unsecured and secured revolving credit lines,9 as well as an equipment line of credit for owners purchasing multiple items over time,5 and a merchant line of credit that ties repayment to your credit card sales.9

Cardiff’s line of credit is flexible and straightforward, offering a cash safety net with fast draws and no surprise fees.

QuickBooks Capital Overview

QuickBooks Capital’s business line of credit provides a revolving credit limit you can draw against as needed, only pay interest on what you use, and access funds as you repay the borrowed amount.6

Credit limits range from $1,000 up to $100,000.6 Interest rates for QuickBooks lines of credit range roughly from 13.49% to 35.99% APR,6 and you only pay interest since they do not charge any origination, monthly, draw, closure, maintenance, or prepayment fees.2 QuickBooks treats each withdrawal as a separate loan with its own fixed repayment schedule, typically monthly.6

QuickBooks also offers an invoice advance feature through its business line of credit. With this option, you can select an unpaid invoice in your QuickBooks that is at least $258 and less than 30 days past due to get an advance on that specific invoice.6 You don’t pay any interest on the advance if the customer pays within 30 days.6 Otherwise, you accrue interest and make payments like a regular line of credit draw.

To qualify for a business credit line, your business must be using QuickBooks Online.2 They will do a soft personal credit check and evaluate your QuickBooks accounting data to approve your application.8 Qualified applicants typically have a 580+ FICO score and no bankruptcies in the past two years.8 Once approved, you can secure funds within one to two business days from your QuickBooks account.

QuickBooks Capital’s business line of credit is very convenient for QuickBooks users who have cash flow needs, such as those with $100,000 or frequently delayed invoice payments.

The Capital Call

Both business lines of credit lenders offer fast, flexible funding without hidden fees. And both provide unique services through that product: an invoice advance feature through QuickBooks Capital and equipment or merchant credit lines through Cardiff. They both can be excellent options, but Cardiff takes the Capital Call for its universality and potential to scale.

Cardiff’s line of credit is more accessible. Any business can apply, while QuickBooks Capital limits its applications to current users. Cardiff also offers more flexibility in qualification criteria. They accommodate businesses with less-than-perfect credit and consider businesses that QuickBooks might turn away.

Cardiff’s line of credit also stands out for its scalability. Cardiff doesn’t cap the credit limit at $100,000 like QuickBooks. It auto-adjusts the funds available based on real-time financial data. A credit line through Cardiff has the potential to grow with your business.

With broader eligibility and larger funding options, Cardiff wins the best line of credit for businesses looking for a robust safety net as they establish and expand their operations.

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

cardiff.co

cardiff

Merchant Cash Advance

Cardiff's Overview

Cardiff built its reputation as one of the most trusted working capital loan providers with fast and transparent merchant cash advances (MCAs). With its MCA, business owners can receive a lump-sum advance of between $5,000 and $500,000.3 After applying, businesses can be approved within five minutes and secure funds on the same day.1

Cardiff structures its merchant cash advance loans with two repayment options. Business owners can choose to pay a portion of their card sales in daily, weekly, or monthly increments.3 These repayments flex with your revenue. Cardiff also offers fixed daily, weekly, or monthly repayments, like a short-term loan.3 Both options have terms ranging from three to 24 months, with 18 months as the average length.

Many business cash advance lenders, Cardiff included, express the borrowing cost as a factor rate rather than an interest rate. Cardiff’s factor rates start as low as 1.1 with no origination or admin fees.3 So on a $10,000 advance with a 1.1 rate, you would pay back $11,000 total. You know that amount before signing your financing agreement.

Cardiff approves these business working capital loans based on real-time business performance,3 usually through a Plaid connection to your bank account.10 They don’t pull your credit or require much documentation. Cardiff typically approves MCAs for businesses with credit scores higher than 550, more than six months in business, and at least $240,000 in yearly revenue.3

For business owners who need more capital, Cardiff offers renewals and additional MCAs. Borrowers typically need to be current on their repayments and meet current eligibility requirements to qualify.3 Cardiff really stands out among merchant cash advance lenders for incentivizing early repayment. If business owners pay off their MCA before the end of the term, Cardiff forgives the remaining interest or fees.10

In all, Cardiff offers business-friendly MCAs so owners can meet their working capital needs quickly while choosing repayment schedules that match their revenue cycles.

QuickBooks Capital Overview

QuickBooks Capital doesn’t offer an MCA product, but its short-term loans serve a similar purpose.2 QuickBooks quickly funds six to 24-month loans for up $200,000.7 Business owners repay the principal and interest in fixed weekly or monthly installments,8 without fees or penalties.7

Businesses interested in a merchant cash advance specifically could look at QuickBooks Capital’s Marketplace.12 When you connect with your QuickBooks data, lending partners send you customized offers. These lenders provide a variety of funding options, but no information is provided on which types of financing they provide.12

So, business owners looking for an MCA specifically will need to dig deeper to find the solution they want. Those looking for short-term working capital options could consider a term loan from QuickBooks.

The Capital Call

As the only MCA loan company between the two, Cardiff clearly stands out. QuickBooks Marketplace may be able to connect business owners with an MCA lender, but it is undisclosed. QuickBooks Capital is limited to short-term loans to meet working capital needs. And both options are only available to current QuickBooks users.

Cardiff, on the other hand, offers choices through its MCAs. Business owners can choose between revenue-based and fixed-term repayment options. They can renew their merchant cash advance loan, apply for an additional advance, or pay off their MCA early without penalty. Even business owners with less-than-perfect credit or limited operational history can typically secure a Cardiff merchant cash advance.

For businesses seeking larger advance amounts, flexible terms, same-day funding, and flexible repayment terms, Cardiff offers the best merchant cash advance in this Capital Call.

Equipment Financing

Cardiff's Overview

Cardiff includes a dedicated commercial equipment financing program in its range of products, which includes leases, loans (also known as equipment financing agreements), lease sales-backs, and lines of credit for acquiring physical assets.5 The goal of each product is to spread out the purchase price over the life of the loan. Cardiff offers fixed monthly payments on terms between two and seven years.5

Cardiff looks at financial data, founder experience, time in the industry, and revenue quality to determine if and how much equipment financing borrowers qualify for. Because the physical asset acts as collateral, Cardiff can often finance equipment of around $250,000.5 In general, they approve businesses with six months of operating history and a credit score higher than 550, but Cardiff also opens equipment financing to startups.5

Borrowing costs remain low with Cardiff’s leases and loans for business equipment, as interest rates can be as low as 5.99%.5 Owners with a lease may have an option to purchase the equipment at the end of the term. But Cardiff does not charge any prepayment penalties on its equipment loans or lines of credit.5

Cardiff offers fast and comprehensive equipment financing. Business owners can receive approval in five minutes and secure funds that same day,1 even for untitled or used equipment.5 No industry is exempt either. Cardiff offers equipment financing for doctors, manufacturers, contractors, and restaurateurs.1

They stand out among equipment financing companies for capital that goes beyond the purchase price. Cardiff can roll soft costs, like installation, delivery, taxes, or training, into their financing for business equipment and offers equipment lines of credit if business owners need to purchase multiple assets over time.5

Cardiff’s financing for business equipment is a strong option for owners in any industry who need to access machinery, technology, or vehicles while spreading the cost over several years.

QuickBooks Capital Overview

QuickBooks Capital only offers short-term business loans and business lines of credit, not a dedicated equipment financing program.2

In theory, a business could use a QuickBooks term loan to buy a piece of equipment. The loan would offer up to $200,000 over a 24-month repayment schedule.7 but would lack the collateral benefits of true equipment financing.

QuickBooks does have a Marketplace where it connects users to partner lenders.2 Whether or not any of these third parties offer equipment financing is unclear, and they would not be QuickBooks loans.12

Essentially, QuickBooks Capital only offers a general short-term loan that business owners could choose to use for equipment or a referral to a different lender through its Marketplace.

The Capital Call

On small business equipment loans, Cardiff is the clear winner. QuickBooks simply doesn’t offer the right kind of financing. Business owners typically require more than two years to finance major equipment, and rely on the low rates they can secure with a self-collateralizing loan. If you use QuickBooks for accounting, it might be useful to check its Marketplace for equipment financing offers. But there is no guarantee that you’ll get an offer or who will fund it.

Cardiff actively offers useful equipment leases and loans. It can finance the equipment, bundle associated costs, offer competitive rates, match payments to the life of the asset, and give you flexible end-of-term options. Cardiff has specialized funding so owners in any industry can finance titled and non-titled, used and new equipment.

For any small business with significant equipment or vehicle financing needs, Cardiff is the go-to choice over QuickBooks Capital.

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

cardiff.co

cardiff

SBA Loans

Cardiff's Overview

Cardiff provides a bridge between small businesses and long-term business loans from the Small Business Administration (SBA). They partner with SBA-approved lenders so owners can secure the benefits of SBA 7(a), 504, and Microloan programs. These loans offer up to $5 million with terms as long as 10 years and competitive interest rates.11

Qualifying for an SBA loan typically takes detailed documentation and several months. Business will need 12 months of operating history, a 600 credit score, and $20,000 in monthly revenue to qualify, but Cardiff uses their streamlined application process to speed up the process.11

Cardiff acknowledges that while they handle the heavy lifting, SBA approvals are not instant. However, the company offers many non-SBA products as interim solutions. Business owners can automatically receive offers for top-rated working capital loans by filling out an application with Cardiff.11

Cardiff offers its partner program with SBA-approved lenders so they can offer the full range of small business capital loans for growing and scaling companies. They add value to the process by streamlining the application and filling any gaps.

QuickBooks Capital Overview

QuickBooks Capital offers business lines of credit and short-term loans, but not SBA loans.2 A QuickBooks user could check for any SBA offers on the QuickBooks Capital Marketplace. A third-party lender might connect you with a government-backed loan, though that information is not specified.12 And owners will likely have to go to third-party sites since the SBA loan application requires more documentation than QuickBooks Capital’s model supports.8

Overall, QuickBooks Capital does not offer SBA loans or advertise any connection to SBA-approved lenders.

The Capital Call

For SBA loans, Cardiff is the clear choice between these two lenders. Cardiff actively facilitates SBA lending, helping businesses access long-term small business loans. QuickBooks Capital does not offer an SBA option at all.

Even beyond default, Cardiff stands out as a top small business lender by integrating SBA offerings into its range of products. They connect owners with long-term financing options through their partners and fund working capital and specialized loans directly. It’s a level of service QuickBooks doesn’t attempt to offer.

Any business owner who wants to secure an SBA loan benefits from Cardiff’s level of service and its expertise in the application process.

Business Credit Cards

Cardiff's Overview

Cardiff offers a Business Card and a Business Rewards Card.13 Both include attractive perks such as 0% introductory APR for 12 months, no annual fee, 24/7 cardmember service, travel benefits, and online account management services. The Rewards card also offers cash back rewards on spending.13 They are valuable tools for small businesses looking to separate their personal and business accounts.

To qualify for a Cardiff Card, business owners use Cardiff’s fast, online application process and can hear back in five minutes or less.1 Cardiff approves credit card limits based on their overall business health score, and typically looks for one year of business performance and a minimum 550 FICO score.13

Cardiff allows business owners to carry a balance, and typically bills payments each month. However, they can adjust repayments to match revenue cycles.13 After the first year, a variable APR applies. But Cardiff prioritizes transparency and outlines fees and terms in their agreements.13

Cardiff’s business credit cards for small businesses also offer a unique cash advance feature. Cardholders can access an MCA up to the amount of their available credit as a lump sum of capital.13 Then, as business owners repay the advance and borrowing fee, they replenish their credit limit. Cardiff’s business cash advance cards act as on-demand MCAs, like lines of credit act as on-demand term loans.

Cardiff’s business credit cards offer comparable benefits to most major credit cards, but they are tailored toward small businesses with accessible requirements, flexible repayment options, and on-demand financing attached to the card.

QuickBooks Capital Overview

QuickBooks Capital offers short-term loans and business lines of credit,2 neither of which could act as a credit card. They partner with third-party lenders to provide additional funding options, but QuickBooks does not clarify if a business credit card offer is an option.12

Therefore, QuickBooks Capital does not have anything to compare in this category.

The Capital Call

For the best business credit card for business expenses, Cardiff is the default winner. QuickBooks Capital does not offer any kind of business credit card, and its line of credit would not work well for small business purchases. Business owners may find an offer on QuickBooks Capital Marketplace, but that information is not public.

Even on their own, Cardiff’s cards compete with the best credit cards for business. Their rewards and benefits stack up well against big-bank credit cards but are tailored toward small business owners. Their accessible requirements, tailored repayment terms, and cash advance features combine the flexibility and speed of Cardiff loans with a credit card.

The Capital Closeout

QuickBooks Capital proves highly useful for businesses already embedded in the QuickBooks ecosystem. The integration ensures minimal paperwork, quick decisions, and no hidden costs. For a well-qualified borrower who only needs a relatively small, short-term loan or a revolving credit line, QuickBooks Capital offers a convenient, trustworthy solution.2

That said, Cardiff brings a far broader product mix, greater flexibility, and faster speed than QuickBooks Capital. Cardiff can cater to nearly every financing scenario a small business might encounter: their merchant cash advance loan can bridge seasonal gaps, their equipment loan can finance new machinery, their business credit card can fund everyday purchases, and their SBA loan partnership can help secure low-interest financing for expansions. The ability to choose from and combine multiple products means Cardiff can meet businesses where they are at.

Importantly, Cardiff’s same-day funding capability and inclusive approvals make it a lifeline for businesses that might be overlooked by traditional lenders. Cardiff delivers options and money to any small business when they need it.

In this direct comparison, Cardiff emerges as the best lender for small business loans, especially for those looking for flexibility, speed, and the potential to scale their financing as they grow. QuickBooks Capital offers unbeatable convenience for QuickBooks-centric operations needing a simple loan or line. However, Cardiff delivers a more robust and versatile financing solution. It combines fintech speed with a wide range of products and an openness to funding businesses with real-world challenges.

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

cardiff.co

cardiff

Frequently Asked Questions

Cardiff offers a diverse suite of small business financing options. These include short-term working capital loans, business lines of credit, equipment financing, merchant cash advance (MCA) loans, business credit cards, invoice financing, and revenue-based financing (RBF).1

They also facilitate SBA 7(a), 504, and Microloan Programs through their lending network. Cardiff has set itself up as a lender for every business, no matter the stage of growth, industry, or funding need.

Lightning fast. By streamlining paperwork and using underwriting technology, Cardiff delivers funds extraordinarily quickly to meet any urgent financing need. They give you a decision in as little as five minutes after submitting an online application. Once approved, they can fund most working capital products on the same day. SBA loans or other complicated financing solutions may take longer.

Businesses choose Cardiff as a small business working capital loan provider because of their flexible requirements. Cardiff creates a business health score for each application by looking at financial data, founder or industry experience, and revenue quality rather than just credit scores.

In general, businesses with better than a 550 credit score, $240,000 in yearly revenue, three bank deposits a month, and more than six months in business can qualify for Cardiff’s working capital products.3 And even if you have less than perfect credit or limited revenue, Cardiff reviews every application and can suggest different products or terms to help every small business owner find the funding they need.

Cardiff’s merchant cash advance (MCA) provides a lump sum as an advance on your future revenue and repays the borrowed amount plus borrowing costs. They multiply the advanced sum by a factor rate to calculate the total repayment amount. For example, a $10,000 MCA with a factor rate of 1.1 (Cardiff’s starting rate) would cost a total of $11,000.3

Traditionally, business owners typically repay the borrowed capital through a portion of their daily, weekly, or monthly sales over a three to 24 month period. Cardiff offers this flexible repayment option as well as a fixed payment plan.3 Cardiff lets you choose the repayment method that works best for your revenue cycle.

While Cardiff is not an SBA loan provider, it does facilitate SBA 7(a), 504, and Microloan programs by helping you through the application and connecting you with its network of approved SBA lenders.

SBA loans typically have term lengths up to 10 years and can fund amounts up to $5 million.11 Because the Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees a portion of the loan, you can secure interest rates in the low double digits without much of a down payment.

When you apply for an SBA loan through Cardiff, they streamline the application process and package your application to speed up the funding process. The SBA may still take several weeks for approval, so Cardiff also offers fast working capital loans to bridge any financing gaps.11

No. QuickBooks Capital only offers short-term loans and business lines of credit.2 They partner with third-party providers through the QuickBooks Capital Marketplace for other loan types, but do not disclose if these lenders offer long-term or SBA loans.12

QuickBooks Capital does not have a dedicated equipment loan or leasing product. They only offer short-term working capital loans and revolving lines of credit.2 And the term loans through QuickBooks only offer 24-month terms and up to $200,000, limiting their usefulness for purchasing equipment.7

You may be able to secure an equipment loan or lease through QuickBooks Capital Marketplace, but that is not guaranteed. QuickBooks doesn’t list which types of funding options its lending partners offer.12

Not a true cash advance. QuickBooks Capital only provides business lines of credit and short-term business loans.2 A term loan can potentially work in the place of an MCA as a working capital product. You can secure between $1,500 and $200,000 in one to two business days and repay the loan in less than 24 months.7 But QuickBooks Capital’s loans only feature fixed repayment schedules,8 not an MCA’s typical revenue-based payments.

Yes. QuickBooks Capital is exclusively available to business owners who have used QuickBooks Online or Desktop for their accounting for a minimum of six months.8 Eligible businesses can then apply for QuickBooks Capital through their accounting dashboard.2

QuickBooks Capital offers term loans up to $200,000,7 and business lines of credit up to $100,000.6 They can also service very small financing needs as they will fund loans as low as $1,500.7 Strong businesses may be able to qualify for two term loans at the same time, making the maximum borrowing amount possible $400,000, though eligibility is on a case-by-case basis.7

QuickBooks Capital prides itself on transparent pricing with no hidden fees. They do not charge origination, application, prepayment, or late fees on their loans and lines.2 You simply pay interest on the amount you borrow.

The interest rates depend on your credit and business financials. For term loans, typical APR ranges from about 9.99% for very qualified borrowers and up to 36% for higher-risk borrowers.7 Interest rates start slightly higher for business lines of credit, starting at 13.45% and ranging up to 35.99% APR.6

Applying to Cardiff or QuickBooks Capital will not impact your personal credit score,8,10 though making regular payments will improve your FICO rating as Cardiff and QuickBooks Capital report to major credit bureaus.1,8

Cardiff’s application connects through Plaid to your bank account and may include a soft pull on your personal credit score. They will connect you with a loan representative before pulling your credit, and offer products where that is not necessary.10 Cardiff gives you control over your credit history.

QuickBooks Capital pulls your financial data from its accounting software and makes a soft pull on your personal credit when you apply.2 They may also make a hard credit pull when you accept the loan, which is standard, but they do not specify.

For most of Cardiff’s financing products, you will need to sign a personal guarantee promising to repay the debt if the business fails.10 Most of these products are also no collateral loans. Cardiff offers secured financing options on their business term loans4 and revolving lines of credit3 and can generally offer longer terms, better rates, and higher funding amounts. For equipment financing, the equipment itself serves as collateral and does not require additional assets.5

Often, yes. Cardiff stands among the best working capital providers for serving businesses that traditional banks might turn away. They focus on the overall strength of your business, like revenue quality and founder/industry experience, not just your credit score. Cardiff will consider businesses with credit scores around 550 and as little operating history as six months.3 They also have a reputation for structuring deals with smaller loan amounts or shorter terms to start, and then offering better terms on renewals. Cardiff tries to say “yes” when others say “no.”

Sources:

1https://cardiff.co/
2https://quickbooks.intuit.com/business-banking/loans/
3https://cardiff.co/business-loans/products/merchant-cash-advance/
4https://cardiff.co/business-loans/products/short-term-working-capital-loans/
5https://cardiff.co/business-loans/products/equipment-leasing/
6https://quickbooks.intuit.com/business-banking/loans/line-of-credit/
7https://quickbooks.intuit.com/business-banking/loans/term-loans/
8https://quickbookscapital.intuit.com/app/capital/faqs
9https://cardiff.co/business-loans/products/line-of-credit/
10https://cardiff.co/learn/faq/
11https://cardiff.co/business-loans/products/sba-loans/
12https://quickbooks.intuit.com/business-banking/loans/marketplace/
13https://cardiff.co/business-loans/products/business-cards/

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