5.0
★★★★★ 5/5
Small business loans are financial tools designed to support entrepreneurs and business owners in managing and growing their ventures. These loans are tailored to meet the unique needs of small businesses, providing a vital lifeline for both new and established companies. When starting a business, these loans can be instrumental in covering initial costs such as acquiring equipment, leasing office space, or hiring staff. For businesses looking to expand, they offer the necessary capital for scaling operations, increasing inventory, or even marketing and advertising initiatives.
Editorial Lead
Editor’s note: At WorkingCapital, our revenue is partly generated through commissions earned from affiliate links. It’s important to clarify that these commissions have no impact on the views or evaluations made by our editorial team.
Our editorial integrity is paramount. We offer unbiased evaluations and insights, unaffected by advertisers. Our method is based on a data-driven approach, guaranteeing uniform and equitable evaluation of all financial entities and products. To gain insight into our editorial principles and the particular criteria employed in our reviews, please consult our Evaluation Method.
Best 0% APR Credit Card
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Welcome Bonus
$200 Cash Rewards
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR
Credit Score
Excellent, Good (700 - 749)
BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING & EQUIPMENT FINANCING
$5,000 to $500,000
6.75%–13%
550
BEST FOR SHORT-TERM LOANS
$5,000 to $250,000
Not disclosed
625
BEST FOR FLEXIBLE LINES OF CREDIT
On BlueVine's Website
On BlueVine's Website
$6,000 to $250,000
Not disclosed
$625
BEST FOR SHORT-TERM LOANS
$5,000 to $250,000
Not disclosed
625
BEST FOR SHORT-TERM LOANS
$5,000 to $250,000
Not disclosed
625
BEST FOR SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING & EQUIPMENT FINANCING
$5,000 to $500,000
6.75%–13%
550
BEST FOR LOAN OPTIONS
On Biz2Credit's Website
On Biz2Credit's Website
$25,000 to $500,000
Not disclosed
660
BEST FOR ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES
On Business Loans's Website
On Business Loans's Website
$25,000 to $500,000
As low as 7.49%
660
BEST FOR HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
On Business Loans's Website
On Business Loans's Website
$10,000 to $1 million
Not disclosed
660
BEST FOR QUICK APPROVALS
On Fundbox's Website
On Fundbox's Website
$1,000 to $150,000
Start at 4.66%
600
BEST FOR SMALL- TO MID-SIZED BUSINESSES
On National Funding's Website
On National Funding's Website
$10,000 to $500,000
Buy rates start at 1.11%
$600
BEST FOR SHORT-TERM LOANS
$5,000 to $250,000
Not disclosed
625
BEST FOR SMALL AND LARGE LINES OF CREDIT
On American Express's Website
On American Express's Website
$2,000 to $250,000
N/A
At least 660 FICO at the time of application
BEST FOR FAST FUNDING
On QuickBridge's Website
On QuickBridge's Website
Up to $500,000
Factor rates start at 1.11
$600
BEST FOR A LENDER COMPARISON SITE
On Lendio's Website
On Lendio's Website
$500 to $5 million
As low as 3%
560
BEST FOR SHORT-TERM LOANS
On ondeck's Website
On ondeck's Website
$5,000 to $250,000
Not disclosed
625
| Company | Best For | Loan Amount | APR | Min. Credit Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cardiff V2 |
Best for small business financing & equipment financing | $5,000 to $500,000 | 6.75%–13% | 550 |
Recession Proof Capital |
Best for short-term loans | $5,000 to $250,000 | Not disclosed | 625 |
BlueVine |
Best for flexible lines of credit | $6,000 to $250,000 | Not disclosed | $625 |
Driven Funding |
Best for short-term loans | $5,000 to $250,000 | Not disclosed | 625 |
Elevator Funding |
Best for short-term loans | $5,000 to $250,000 | Not disclosed | 625 |
Cardiff |
Best for small business financing & equipment financing | $5,000 to $500,000 | 6.75%–13% | 550 |
Biz2Credit |
Best for loan options | $25,000 to $500,000 | Not disclosed | 660 |
Funding Circle |
Best for established businesses | $25,000 to $500,000 | As low as 7.49% | 660 |
TD Bank |
Best for healthcare professionals | $10,000 to $1 million | Not disclosed | 660 |
Fundbox |
Best for quick approvals | $1,000 to $150,000 | Start at 4.66% | 600 |
National Funding |
Best for small- to mid-sized businesses | $10,000 to $500,000 | Buy rates start at 1.11% | $600 |
Meltzer Funding |
Best for short-term loans | $5,000 to $250,000 | Not disclosed | 625 |
American Express® Business Line of Credit |
Best for small and large lines of credit | $2,000 to $250,000 | N/A | At least 660 FICO at the time of application |
QuickBridge |
Best for fast funding | Up to $500,000 | Factor rates start at 1.11 | $600 |
Lendio |
Best for a lender comparison site | $500 to $5 million | As low as 3% | 560 |
ondeck |
Best for short-term loans | $5,000 to $250,000 | Not disclosed | 625 |
Keep these key points in mind when assessing small business loans:
In our analysis of 25 renowned lending institutions, we evaluated them based on 16 distinct data points across five key categories: specifics of the loan, costs associated with the loan, criteria for eligibility and accessibility, overall customer experience, and the efficiency of the application process. Our selection of the top nine lenders was informed by the relative importance assigned to each of these categories:
Our comprehensive review within these primary categories included examining factors such as available loan amounts, the terms for repayment, and any relevant fees. We also assessed lenders based on their minimum credit score requirements, the required duration of business operation, and the lender’s geographical reach. Additionally, we looked into each provider’s customer support capabilities, advantages offered to borrowers, and features that streamline the loan process, like online application facilities, prequalification features, and mobile application availability.
Lenders were scored on a nuanced scale, with partial points awarded based on their performance against each specific criterion.
In the world of small business, timing is everything. Waiting an extra day to get your online small business loan approved might mean you watch an opportunity pass you by rather than seize it.
Cash flow gaps, seasonal swings, or unexpected expenses can show up quickly. Waiting weeks for bank approval simply isn’t an option. Whether you’re looking to launch a new product, upgrade equipment, cover payroll, or capitalize on a time-sensitive offer, getting access to fast, reliable capital is essential to keeping your momentum.
Working Capital connects business owners like you with top small business lenders offering fast, founder-friendly loans without the red tape. This page is your all-in-one guide to understanding which loan types are best for small businesses, how to qualify, and how to choose the lender that aligns with your goals. We help you prepare to move fast so you stay in control and grow on your terms.
Traditional lenders aren’t a great fit for many small business needs. They rely on legacy underwriting models, rigid documentation requirements, and slow-moving decision processes that don’t reflect how small businesses actually operate. It’s like trying to force a square peg into a round hole.
The best lenders for small business loans understand that small businesses have different needs and provide financing solutions that provide the speed, flexibility, and simplicity that fit small businesses like a glove. They know that loans for small businesses don’t just cover costs; they fuel growth.
Private small business lenders can tailor loan terms and repayments to your business operations. Need a short-term cash advance to buy inventory? Or equipment financing to purchase a POS system? They can do that.
Whether your financial needs are large or small, short-term or long-term, look for lenders specializing in financing small business loans. Their processes and products move at the speed of your business, making them the perfect partner for small businesses. As a small business owner, you deserve access to capital that works with your cash flow, with terms that align with your unique cash flow.
When comparing online loans for small businesses, you’re not just shopping for interest rates. You’re looking for a financing partner who is interested in more than lending you money. You’re evaluating speed, transparency, and the long-term impact of each product on your cash flow.
At Working Capital, we’ve reviewed dozens of lenders offering small business loans, and we focus on the factors that matter most to you, including:
Whether you’re looking for a quick business loan or reliable small business working capital loan providers that will support your business’s long-term growth, we connect you with lenders who understand how your business runs and how fast you need to move.
Business loans for small businesses come in various types, each designed to fill a gap or meet a specific need. The best product for your business will depend on your current financial situation, your revenue, and your industry. Regardless of the financing product you choose or how you use it, every loan begins with the same goal: putting capital in your hands when you need it most.
Here’s what you can typically expect when applying online for a small business loan from the providers we review:
Most fast small business lending solutions don’t require a long credit history, physical assets, or extensive paperwork. However, most lenders will require at least 12 months of operating history to qualify you for a loan. If you don’t have a high credit score or long credit history, that’s ok. Alternative business lenders often focus on your monthly revenue, payment history, and real-time cash flow to determine how much capital you qualify for.
Working Capital is not a small business lender; we’re your advocate. Our platform exists to demystify loans for small business owners. We give you the tools to make informed, founder-first decisions. We don’t push one-size-fits-all offers or bury you in jargon. Instead, we deliver real reviews, transparent comparisons, and curated matches between your business and the lenders who actually get what you’re building.
Here’s how we’re different:
If you’re tired of getting stuck in bank queues or being told “no” without explanation, we’re here to change that. Our mission is to match you with the best lenders for small business loans who keep your growth in mind.
Whether you’re running a food truck in Austin, managing a boutique in Portland, or scaling a consulting firm in Chicago, your financing needs deserve personalized attention. Our lender partners offer online loans for small businesses in every U.S. state, making capital accessible regardless of your zip code.
Being a small business owner in a competitive economy is hard enough. Finding capital shouldn’t be. With Working Capital’s nationwide reach, you can access quick business loans for small businesses with flexible terms, no matter where you’re located or what industry you serve.
The best loan for your small business depends on your revenue, how quickly you need funds, and whether you have collateral or not. Some businesses benefit from short-term online loans with same-day approval, while others prefer structured term loans with fixed monthly payments. At Working Capital, we review lenders that offer flexible, fast, and transparent loan options tailored to your business size and cash flow.
Some lenders approve small business loans in minutes, with funding delivered the same day. Fast small business lending platforms typically offer simple online applications, minimal paperwork, and real-time underwriting. Working Capital connects you with loan providers that offer quick approvals and streamlined funding processes.
Online small business loans are safe as long as you work with reputable lenders. At Working Capital, we only review verified platforms with strong track records, clear repayment terms, and transparent pricing. Always read loan agreements carefully and avoid lenders that hide fees or use aggressive sales tactics.
Credit score requirements vary, but many online lenders approve business owners with less than perfect credit. Some financing options, like revenue-based loans, focus more on cash flow than credit history. If your credit is at least 500, Working Capital can still help you find lenders willing to work with your business based on real-time performance data.
Small business loans can range from $5,000 to $500,000 or more, depending on your monthly revenue, time in business, and repayment ability. Most lenders will assess your bank statements and financials to determine what you qualify for. We match you with providers that offer capital amounts aligned with your growth stage and operational needs.
Common types include term loans, lines of credit, working capital loans, merchant cash advances, and equipment financing. Each loan type serves a different purpose-term loans are great for structured growth projects, while lines of credit offer ongoing flexibility. Working Capital helps you choose the loan that fits your exact use case.
It’s more challenging, but not impossible. Some private lenders and fintech platforms specialize in working with newer businesses by using alternate data like revenue projections or industry trends. If your business is under 12 months old, Working Capital can point you toward startup-friendly lenders that don’t rely solely on time-in-business metrics.
No, there are many online lenders and private companies that offer fast, bank-free loan solutions. These non-bank lenders often have faster approval processes, fewer requirements, and more flexible repayment terms. Working Capital focuses on helping you bypass outdated systems and connect with agile lenders that actually understand small businesses.
Look at more than just interest rates. Compare the total cost of borrowing, speed to funding, repayment flexibility, customer reviews, and transparency. At Working Capital, we review and rank lenders based on these criteria to help you confidently choose the right funding partner for your business.