Working Capital
Editorial Team
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.
Every small business faces financial challenges, and when you need cash, timing is everything. A late-paying client, a seasonal spike in demand, or a new opportunity can all throw you off course if you don’t have the right financing in place. But finding a top-rated working capital financing company and financing product that aligns with your specific needs isn’t always easy. Some lenders move fast but come with high costs. Others offer low rates but have a long list of hoops to jump through.
Cardiff and Funding Circle both fund small businesses. Cardiff aims to be flexible and fast, giving entrepreneurs access to working capital, lines of credit, and term loans without drawn-out applications or strict approval requirements. Funding Circle leans into predictability and structure, offering term loans and credit lines to more established businesses with solid credit histories.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences and answer questions like “How quickly can you get cash?” “Who can qualify?” and “Which loans give you the most control over your finances?” The goal is to help you find the lender who can keep your business running smoothly when timing and flexibility matter.
Financing options tailored to the varied needs of small business owners, including equipment financing, MCAs, business lines of credit, business credit cards, term loans.1
Focuses on short and long term business loans. Also offers business lines of credit and a business credit card through Visa.8
Financing limits vary with the financing product. Term loans can offer loans as high as $500k.1 MCAs offer a broad range from $5,000 up to $500k.2 Equipment financing tops out around $250k.3 Credit limits for lines of credit and credit cards depend on business revenue and history.6
Small business loans can provide £10,000 to £750,000. Lines of credit range from £1,000 to £250,000, and credit card limits can go as high as £250,000 for qualified business owners.10
Quick online application with decisions in as little as an hour, and funding in about 48 hours for loans.8 Same-day access available on credit line draws.11
Short term working capital advances, such as MCAs have short terms (three to 24 months).2 Longer terms available on equipment loans (two to seven years) traditional term loans (avg. 39 months).1 Borrowers have options for fixed or revenue-based payments to suit cash flow.
Business term financing repaid over six month to six year terms. Repayments are typically fixed monthly installments debited automatically.9 Credit lines are revolving with repayment expected over one to 12 months. Interest-only on what you draw.11
Emphasis on business revenue and health over credit. No strict minimum credit score (550+ recommended) and only 12 months in business required. Equipment financing may be available to younger businesses.3
Must have at least one year of trading history and be a UK-registered company or LLP. Personal guarantees required for business loans.10
Financing options tailored to the varied needs of small business owners, including equipment financing, MCAs, business lines of credit, business credit cards, term loans.1
Focuses on short and long term business loans. Also offers business lines of credit and a business credit card through Visa.8
Financing limits vary with the financing product. Term loans can offer loans as high as $500k.1 MCAs offer a broad range from $5,000 up to $500k.2 Equipment financing tops out around $250k.3 Credit limits for lines of credit and credit cards depend on business revenue and history.6
Small business loans can provide £10,000 to £750,000. Lines of credit range from £1,000 to £250,000, and credit card limits can go as high as £250,000 for qualified business owners.10
Notably fast approvals in about five minutes. Qualified business owners may also receive funding the same day.1
Quick online application with decisions in as little as an hour, and funding in about 48 hours for loans.8 Same-day access available on credit line draws.11
Short term working capital advances, such as MCAs have short terms (three to 24 months).2 Longer terms available on equipment loans (two to seven years) traditional term loans (avg. 39 months).1 Borrowers have options for fixed or revenue-based payments to suit cash flow.
Business term financing repaid over six month to six year terms. Repayments are typically fixed monthly installments debited automatically.9 Credit lines are revolving with repayment expected over one to 12 months. Interest-only on what you draw.11
Emphasis on business revenue and health over credit. No strict minimum credit score (550+ recommended) and only 12 months in business required. Equipment financing may be available to younger businesses.3
Must have at least one year of trading history and be a UK-registered company or LLP. Personal guarantees required for business loans.10
Competitive APRs starting around 6.9% for the best-qualified borrowers on term loans. No monthly maintenance fees and no prepayment penalties on its loans.10
As a business line of credit lender, Cardiff provides small businesses with ongoing, on-demand access to funds to manage cash flow fluctuations or cover short-term operational needs. Instead of receiving a single lump-sum loan, businesses are approved for a credit limit and can draw any amount up to that limit as needed. As borrowed funds are repaid, the credit line replenishes automatically, providing continued access without having to apply for another loan. Cardiff only charges interest on the amount used, keeping costs aligned with real borrowing needs.6
Cardiff’s lines of credit come with no hidden fees, including no monthly maintenance fees, draw fees, closing fees, or early repayment penalties.6 This ensures businesses can access capital quickly without unexpected charges.
Approval criteria are straightforward and designed to accommodate small businesses that might not qualify for traditional credit. Businesses generally need a 12-month operating history (two years may be necessary for higher credit limits), consistent monthly revenue, and a credit score around 550 or higher. Cardiff does not limit the product to any specific industry, making it a versatile option for retailers, service providers, and seasonal businesses alike.6
As your business grows, Cardiff can adjust your credit limit, reflecting current revenue trends and operational needs. And for those who keep their account in good standing, Cardiff offers annual auto-renewals on the product.6 With fast approval and near-instant funding, Cardiff’s line of credit is a practical tool for operational liquidity, designed to scale with the business over time.
Funding Circle’s FlexiPay serves as the platform’s revolving credit solution, designed to help businesses manage short‑term cash flow without committing to a long‑term loan. Once approved, you receive a credit limit (up to £250,000) that you can use to pay invoices, bills, supplier costs, or other expenses either by card or by direct bank transfer.11
Unlike a traditional loan, FlexiPay isn’t repaid with fixed installments over years. Instead, you choose how to spread each payment over one, three, six, nine, or 12 months, with one simple flat fee applied to each repayment plan. There’s no interest, no compounding, and no annual or setup fees, so you know the cost upfront before you commit.11
The application is fast and online, with an instant decision often available in minutes. Once your line of credit is active, you can access funds immediately, including same‑day transfers to your bank account if drawn before 2 p.m. on a business day, which helps businesses act quickly on cash flow needs or last‑minute opportunities.11
FlexiPay gives businesses predictable, transparent repayment options and flexibility to repay early and reduce total fees. Because the line is designed for short‑term expenses rather than long‑term investment, it’s particularly useful for managing bills, supplier invoices, bulk stock purchases, or unexpected operating costs without a traditional loan commitment.
The eligibility bar for Flexi Pay mirrors Funding Circle’s term loans.You’ll generally need a solid credit profile and be a limited company or LLP with at least one year of trading history.10 Essentially, they’re offering a bank-like credit product to those who can meet bank-like criteria. Funding Circle may also require a personal guarantee or collateral under some circumstances.13
Funding Circle’s line of credit can be a great choice for established businesses that want a low-cost, on-demand credit facility. The only downside is that qualifying is harder. Younger or less creditworthy businesses might not be approved, or might be approved for only a small line.
When it comes to lines of credit for small businesses, Cardiff takes the lead. Its credit line is built for flexibility and accessibility. You don’t need pristine credit, years of financials, or a long operating history to qualify. Funds are available on demand, repayments can be tied to revenue if needed, and the line automatically replenishes as you repay. This makes it the best line of credit for businesses with variable cash flow, seasonal spikes, or unexpected short-term expenses.
By contrast, Funding Circle has stricter eligibility requirements, including stronger credit, longer trading history, and, in some cases, collateral or personal guarantees. That means many businesses that need a safety net won’t even qualify. Cardiff’s approach opens access to a broader range of entrepreneurs, giving them a reliable, fast, and adaptable credit solution when timing matters most.
For small businesses that want a dependable safety net and the freedom to manage cash flow on their own terms, Cardiff’s line of credit is the clear choice.
Cardiff’s Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) are designed to give small businesses fast, flexible access to cash when unexpected needs arise or opportunities emerge. Approved business owners can choose daily, weekly, or monthly fixed or revenue-based payments, and terms range from as short as three months up to roughly 24 months.2 This gives owners the power to align repayment and revenue.
Applying for a Cardiff MCA is straightforward, digital, and fast. Applicants provide core business details and connect their bank accounts securely through Plaid. Cardiff evaluates the health of the business, including revenue consistency and cash flow trends, rather than relying solely on personal credit scores (although a score of 550+ is recommended).2 Because Cardiff takes a broader approach as an MCA direct lender, many businesses with less‑than‑perfect credit profiles can still qualify when other lenders might decline.
Once approved, Cardiff can often fund cash advances the same day, making the lender a viable option for covering payroll, purchasing inventory, handling surprise bills, or bridging gaps in cash flow.1
For their MCAs, Cardiff uses a factor rate (starting at 1.1) instead of a traditional interest rate, so you know the total cost of the advance before you accept it. Early repayment rewarded. Once you pay off the remaining advance balance, no additional repayments are due, including remaining factor rate fees.2
If clients need additional funds before paying off an MCA, Cardiff can meet those needs as well by approving another advance. This flexible funding model gives businesses even more flexibility without repeating the full application process with a merchant cash advance lender.
Funding Circle’s closest equivalent to an MCA is a standard short term business loan. While these loans can certainly be used for working capital needs (like smoothing cash flow or covering operating expenses), they are fundamentally different in structure.
These loans are essentially short-term installment loans with terms of 6 to 12 months and traditional interest rates. The upside is that Funding Circle designed them around speed and flexibility. They advertise a 7-minute application for amounts up to £250,000 and approval notification within an hour. Although you will have to wait 48 hours to receive funding.12
You only pay interest on the amount you owe, making early repayment attractive. And since Funding Circle does not charge fees for overpayment or early repayment, business owners can choose that option to lower the total interest paid without increasing their borrowing costs by adding fees.12
Funding Circle typically requires a personal guarantee from a business owner or shareholder equal to twice the loan amount. Providing this guarantee allows you to “top-up” your loan (extending more cash without re-applying) as needed but can create risk should you miss payments.12
While Funding Circle offers short-term term loans at competitive rates, these products lack the flexibility and accessibility of Cardiff’s merchant cash advance. Funding Circle’s loans provide predictable monthly repayments and low-cost capital, but they are primarily available to established businesses with strong credit, and the funding process typically takes a couple of days.
For businesses looking for fast, flexible funding to cover daily operations and comparing working capital loan options, Cardiff is the stronger choice. It can often approve applicants within minutes and fund as quickly as the same day, while also accommodating those with lower credit scores.
Funding Circle’s loans may be ideal if you qualify for a larger term loan and prioritize interest rate savings over speed. However, for businesses seeking rapid and accessible cash to bridge short-term needs, Funding Circle simply doesn’t meet that demand.
When speed and broad eligibility matter, Cardiff comes out on top as the best merchant cash advance company in this space when compared to Funding Circle.
Acting as a facilitator for government-backed financing is one of the unique services Cardiff offers its clients. Cardiff helps clients apply for SBA 504, 7(a), and Microloans.4 While it does not directly approve or fund the loan, what Cardiff brings to the table is its ability to streamline the complicated process for busy owners. Cardiff’s faster fintech workflow can make it easier and quicker to get an SBA loan than going through a typical bank.
Normally, applying online for a small business loan through a bank can be very paperwork-heavy and slow. Cardiff uses its fintech approach so you can check eligibility and handle the process online quickly. Their expertise aims to reduce the usual drag of SBA timelines, but you should still expect a few weeks for final approval from an SBA lender to come through.4 While you wait, Cardiff can provide online small business loans, if needed. For example, you could take out a bridge loan from Cardiff to fill cash flow gaps while the SBA application is in process, keeping you funded in the short term.
SBA loans through Cardiff carry the same attractive features you’d find elsewhere, including low rates and long repayment terms. However, eligibility for SBA loans is stricter than Cardiff’s own loans. You’ll generally need decent credit (around 600+), at least a year in business, and $20k+ in monthly revenue.4 If you meet the criteria for this government-backed loan product, Cardiff can help you apply. If not, you may be eligible for no collateral small business loans and other types of financing through the company.
Funding Circle does not facilitate or offer SBA loans. Instead, its government-backed lending activity is focused exclusively in the UK, where it participates in programs such as the Growth Guarantee Scheme (formerly the Recovery Loan Scheme). These loans are partially backed by the UK government and are designed to help eligible small businesses access longer-term, lower-cost financing when traditional bank credit may be difficult to obtain.8
Under these UK programs, Funding Circle acts as a direct lender rather than an intermediary. Approved businesses can access government-backed term loans with repayment periods that extend multiple years, providing predictable monthly payments. However, borrowers must still meet relatively strong qualification standards, including solid credit, sufficient trading history, and healthy business fundamentals.
The tradeoff is that these loans are not fast or flexible funding solutions. Approval timelines are longer, documentation requirements are more involved, and eligibility is narrower than for Funding Circle’s non-government products.
Funding Circle’s government-backed loans serve established UK businesses seeking structured, lower-cost capital for long-term needs. They are not a substitute for SBA loans in the U.S., nor are they designed for businesses that need rapid access to funds or help navigating U.S. government lending programs.
When it comes to choosing the top small business lender to facilitate SBA loans, this isn’t a close comparison. Cardiff wins outright because it actually supports SBA financing. Although it used to, Funding Circle no longer participates in SBA lending.
For U.S. businesses seeking long-term, low-cost capital, Cardiff’s ability to guide borrowers through SBA 7(a), 504, and Microloan programs is a meaningful differentiator. Just as important for business owners, Cardiff doesn’t treat SBA lending as a siloed product. If an SBA loan takes time to finalize, as it often does, Cardiff, as a working capital provider, can offer interim financing to keep the business moving. The borrower can transfer into the SBA loan once approved. That continuity matters for owners who can’t afford to pause growth plans while waiting on government timelines.
Funding Circle’s government-backed offerings are limited to the UK and do not serve U.S. small businesses in any capacity. U.S. business owners comparing these two lenders for SBA access will find only one viable option. In this category, Cardiff is the only one in the conversation.
Cardiff’s dedicated equipment financing and leasing options are a standout service for businesses that need to purchase machinery, technology, vehicles, or other equipment. Cardiff can finance various types of business equipment, including titled vehicles (trucks or cars) and non-titled assets (industrial ovens, durable medical equipment, and others), which sets them apart from most equipment financing companies.3
With Cardiff, you can either structure it as a loan or a lease, depending on whether you want to own the equipment at the end or just use it for a term. Terms are generous (typically two to seven years), which keeps monthly payments low and affordable while the equipment generates income for your business. Cardiff even allows you to roll soft costs (like installation, delivery, training, etc.) into the financing, so you’re not out of pocket for those extras.3
The application is similar to their other products. In fact, Cardiff can provide equipment financing to very young small businesses, even startups, with the right experience. The equipment itself often serves as collateral, which is why Cardiff can advertise rates as low as 5.99% on equipment financing.3
The repayment structure for commercial equipment financing can be fixed monthly payments, but it can also be flexible. Your payments can slowly increase as your equipment generates revenue, adjust to the seasonality of your revenue, or even pause during slow periods.3 Cardiff’s flexibility and understanding of different industries (from construction to medical to landscaping) is a big plus.
Funding Circle does not have a separate equipment financing or leasing product and won’t directly coordinate with equipment vendors or structure leases. However, businesses that need to purchase equipment can still use Funding Circle’s general term loans to finance those purchases. Funding Circle even mentions equipment purchases as a common use for their loans.14
If you go this route, the experience is essentially the same as any term loan. You might apply for a Funding Circle loan for $100,000 to buy a piece of machinery. Upon approval, you’d get the lump sum and pay the seller yourself. You would then repay the loan in fixed monthly installments over a term of up to six years. Since these loans from Funding Circle are unsecured, you will need to provide a personal guarantee and will own the equipment from the start.10 The interest rate on the loan could be quite attractive, and the term length could be as long as the expected life of the equipment (up to six years).
However, there are a few drawbacks compared to a specialized equipment finance program. First, Funding Circle requires the business to meet its usual eligibility standards, including at least one year of trading history, so startups looking to buy equipment won’t be able to get financing here.10
Second, Funding Circle typically won’t finance 100% of soft costs or offer deferred payments aligned with deployment; it just provides a standard loan. As the borrower, you must handle the purchase logistics with the vendor. There’s no option to lease or upgrade equipment via Funding Circle’s loan. It’s purely a loan you must repay regardless of the equipment’s status.
Funding Circle can help established businesses get relatively low-interest funding to buy equipment. Still, it doesn’t offer the tailored equipment financing solutions or special terms that a lender like Cardiff does. It’s a one-size-fits-all loan you can use for any purpose, including equipment, rather than a specialized product.
When it comes to small business equipment loans, Cardiff is the clear winner, since Funding Circle doesn’t directly compete in this category. Cardiff provides a dedicated, purpose-built equipment finance program that can lease or loan, including soft costs, and approve even newer businesses.
Funding Circle, on the other hand, has no specialized equipment loans at all. If you need to finance equipment through Funding Circle, you’re basically just repurposing a generic term loan, which lacks the flexibility and often the accessibility of Cardiff’s offering. For any small business that relies on heavy equipment, vehicles, or expensive machinery, Cardiff’s expertise and willingness to fund those assets give it an unbeatable edge.
Cardiff clearly stands out here, as it offers something valuable that Funding Circle doesn’t provide at all.
In addition to loans, Cardiff can offer small business owners a Business Card or Business Rewards Card that functions like a typical credit card but is designed for business expenses. These cards come with attractive introductory perks, such as 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, placing them among the best credit cards for managing business expenses.5 New cardholders get a year of interest-free financing on their business spending, which can be immensely helpful for managing cash flow or paying down other higher-interest debts.
The convenience of a credit card is that once approved, you can continuously use it for expenses up to your credit limit and avoid having to apply for new loans for smaller needs. Cardiff credit cards extend those benefits with a cash advance feature. Not only can you use it to pay business expenses up to your credit limit, but you can also withdraw funds up to that same limit.5 The cards essentially provide a revolving credit line that businesses can use for everyday purchases or short term financing needs.
Cardiff’s business credit cards for small business don’t have an annual fee and offer additional benefits like travel rewards, cash back (on the Rewards version), expense tracking tools, and 24/7 customer service.5 They also allow business owners to separate personal and business expenses easily while building business credit. Having a credit card option means Cardiff truly covers the full spectrum of financing: very short term credit (via credit card), medium-term working capital loans, and long-term loans.
In this way, Cardiff’s business credit cards complement Cardiff’s loan products by covering smaller, frequent financing needs in a cost-effective way.
Funding Circle does not offer a business credit card in the U.S. market. Its product set is limited to loans and credit lines for small businesses, and it has no credit card or charge card product for everyday business spending.
In recent years, Funding Circle launched a cashback business credit card for UK businesses,15 but this service is not available to U.S. small business owners. What this means is that if you are using Funding Circle for financing, you would still need to turn to a bank or another issuer for a business credit card.
Funding Circle’s absence in this space indicates its focus remains on term financing rather than transactional credit. Any U.S. business owner who prioritizes having a credit card as part of their financing toolkit would need to acquire that separately from any other Funding Circle financing.
In the realm of business credit cards, Cardiff wins the best business credit card offer by default because Funding Circle offers no card product for U.S. business owners.
Cardiff can equip its clients with an in-house business credit card that offers 0% introductory APR and rewards, adding value beyond traditional loans. This is a significant advantage for business owners who want a complete financing suite, as Cardiff can meet large funding needs and provide everyday credit convenience.
With Funding Circle, you’d have to look elsewhere for a credit card, meaning additional applications and separate accounts. Cardiff’s integrated approach provides a seamless experience and potentially better support, as the company can see the full picture of your credit usage and extend benefits accordingly. For any business that values credit card access (which is most businesses), Cardiff is the only one of the two that can meet that need.
For expansion, hiring, marketing investments, or other operational initiatives, Cardiff’s term loans for small business offer flexible access to capital without tying funding to a specific business purchase. These loans provide capital up front that businesses repay in fixed payments, making them well-suited for longer-term growth decisions.
Cardiff’s term loans are built around predictability. Most loans feature multi-year repayment terms with fixed monthly payments, allowing business owners to plan cash flow confidently. With both long- and short-term business loans available online and an average term of roughly 39 months, Cardiff helps align repayment terms with client needs.1 The option for an extended repayment structure can significantly reduce monthly payment pressure.
Flexibility is another key advantage. Cardiff offers both secured and unsecured term loans, allowing borrowers to choose between lower interest rates with collateral or higher rates without it.2 Secured loans can start as low as 5.99%, while unsecured options prioritize accessibility.1
Qualification standards are also more inclusive than many traditional lenders, with approval possible for borrowers with credit scores around 550, provided the business demonstrates consistent revenue, cash flow, and operating history.2 The focus remains on business performance rather than a single credit score.
Cardiff term loans can reach up to $500,000 when revenue supports it, with an average approval amount near $82,000.1 Combined with fast approvals and same-day funding in many cases, Cardiff’s term loans provide a rare mix of speed and flexibility for small businesses.
Funding Circle approaches term lending with a more traditional structure, offering fixed-term business loans designed primarily for established small businesses with at least one year of trading history.10 Its term loans are commonly used for refinancing debt, funding growth initiatives, or covering large one-time expenses.
Repayment schedules are fixed over six-month to six-year terms, which may appeal to business owners who want consistency and a clear payoff timeline.9 Funding Circle debits monthly payments automatically until the full loan amount is paid. Prepayment is an option, as there are no penalties assessed for doing so.
Funding Circle’s loan amounts can be substantial (up to £750,000) for well-qualified borrowers,10 and the online application is quick to fill out. Applicants can expect to get a decision in as little as one hour. Once approved, funding usually takes 48 hours.11 The tradeoff is reduced flexibility. Rates and approval are closely tied to financial metrics, making the platform better suited for established companies with stable cash flow rather than businesses still in a growth or recovery phase.
Both Cardiff and Funding Circle provide legitimate term loan options, but they serve different segments of the small business market. Funding Circle may be a better fit for established businesses with strong credit profiles that are comfortable navigating a more traditional underwriting process.
For most growing small businesses, Cardiff offers the best long and short term business loan option overall. Its willingness to work with lower credit scores and ability to scale loan amounts based on business performance, not just credit, make it more accessible and adaptable. Add in same-day funding and flexible secured or unsecured options, and Cardiff delivers a term loan product that better aligns with how many small businesses operate.
For owners seeking capital with consistent payments and fewer barriers to entry, Cardiff stands out as the more practical and flexible business term loan lender.
While both Cardiff and Funding Circle aim to support small businesses with fast financing solutions, their approaches are very different. Funding Circle focuses on delivering structured, bank-style financing to companies that already meet higher underwriting standards. Its term loans and revolving credit products reward longer operating histories and stable cash flow with competitive pricing and predictable repayment schedules. For established businesses that are comfortable providing personal guarantees, Funding Circle can be a sensible, low-cost option.
Cardiff takes a broader approach to small business financing. Rather than limiting access to a narrow borrower profile, Cardiff built its product suite around speed, flexibility, and common cash flow needs. Business owners can access short-term working capital through MCAs, draw from a revolving line of credit, finance equipment directly, receive guidance on applying for SBA loans, or manage everyday expenses with a business credit card within one lending relationship. That range gives Cardiff the ability to respond to changing needs instead of forcing businesses into a single loan structure.
Timing also plays a critical role. As a business cash advance company, Cardiff prioritizes fast approvals and rapid funding, often delivering capital within hours rather than days. That speed matters when a business needs to cover payroll, secure inventory, repair equipment, or bridge a temporary cash shortfall. Funding Circle’s products, while competitively priced, operate on longer timelines, which can exclude businesses that need immediate support or don’t fit a traditional credit profile.
Another key difference lies in continuity. Cardiff doesn’t treat each product as a standalone transaction. A business can start with a short-term business loan, transition into a line of credit, and pursue equipment financing without restarting the relationship or re-explaining its story to a new lender. That flexibility creates a financing pathway instead of a one-off solution.
In the end, Funding Circle works well for businesses that already qualify for bank-like financing. For owners who want a lender that can meet them where they are today and continue supporting them as their needs evolve, Cardiff stands out as the stronger long-term partner.
Cardiff offers an online application with approval in about five minutes and can fund approved loans as fast as the same day for many applicants.1 For example, a merchant cash advance or working capital loan from Cardiff might be in your bank account the same day you apply. This speed far outpaces traditional banks. It’s one of the reasons businesses turn to Cardiff when time is of the essence.
Cardiff does not impose a strict minimum credit score. They often work with owners who have a credit score around 550, as long as the business is producing income. Cardiff looks at the whole business health, including revenues, cash flow, and growth. This means even if your personal credit score is lower than what most banks require, you still have a good chance of getting funding with Cardiff.
Cardiff helps clients get SBA financing by facilitating 504, SBA 7(a), and Microloans. Through its online platform, Cardiff streamlines the application process, ensuring documentation follows SBA guidelines. If you need the low interest and long terms of an SBA loan and want help navigating the paperwork, Cardiff can assist (and even provide a short term bridge loan while waiting on SBA funds).4
Not for its standard working capital and line of credit products. Those are typically unsecured, which is a huge relief for many small businesses. Equipment financing will use the equipment itself as collateral, securing the loan and opening up the possibility of lower rates. Term loans do not require collateral and can be secured or unsecured. However, securing the loan with collateral can lead to the best rates for well-qualified borrowers.
To qualify for a loan with Cardiff, you generally should have at least six months in business and regular revenue.2 However, Cardiff can finance startups in certain cases. For example, a brand-new company can get equipment financing through Cardiff if the owner has experience in the industry and the equipment secures the loan.3
Without a proven track record, pre-revenue startups won’t qualify for Cardiff’s other loan products. But if you’ve been operating for a few months and have steady revenue, Cardiff may be able to work with you.
Cardiff does not charge monthly service fees on its small business loans or business lines of credit, and there are no prepayment penalties. The exact cost of financing depends on the product you choose.
For short-term working capital products like Merchant Cash Advances, Cardiff uses a fixed factor rate instead of traditional interest. The total cost is disclosed upfront, and if you repay early, you do not owe remaining fees tied to the original balance. Once you repay the advance, the obligation ends.2
For lines of credit, Cardiff charges interest only on the amount used, with no penalties for early repayment.6 As with any lender, you should review your specific agreement to understand the full cost, but Cardiff is transparent about pricing and does not rely on recurring or hidden fees.
Yes. Cardiff’s merchant cash advance (MCA) offers you fast cash upfront that you repay with future revenue. Instead of automatically taking a percentage of daily credit card sales, Cardiff provides options. Repayment of a Cardiff MCA can also mirror that of a fixed-term loan with set payments. This gives you the same quick funding benefit without the unpredictable daily grabs at your revenue.
Funding Circle focuses on term loans and business lines of credit. They do not offer merchant cash advances, invoice factoring, equipment-specific loans, or any kind of credit card for U.S. companies. If you need a lump-sum loan or a revolving credit line and you meet their qualifications, Funding Circle has you covered.
No. Funding Circle requires a minimum of one year of trading history for any borrower. They are geared toward established companies with proven financials. If your business is a startup or less than 12 months old, Funding Circle will not be an option.10
To qualify for a Funding Circle loan, your business must be a UK-registered limited company or LLP with at least one year of trading history. Funding Circle also requires a personal guarantee from one or more directors or shareholders for its business loans.10 Loan approval also depends on a review of your business’s financial health and credit profile, although they don’t list specific thresholds.
Relatively quickly, but it is not instant. For its revolving credit product (FlexiPay), once you are approved and the account is set up, draws can be accessed immediately, with same-day bank transfers available if requested before the daily cutoff time.11
That said, the initial approval process can take several days, as Funding Circle requires more documentation and underwriting than many other lenders. Overall, Funding Circle is faster than traditional banks but slower than lenders that specialize in same-day or next-day funding.8
Yes. Funding Circle’s loans are typically unsecured and require a personal guarantee.14 An owner, usually or shareholder, must sign a guarantee making them personally liable if the business cannot repay. This is standard for Funding Circle’s term loans and even larger credit lines.
Funding Circle offers term loans ranging from £10,000 to £750,000, lines of credit between £1,000 and £250,000, and for UK businesses, credit cards with limits up to £250,000.10
Cardiff’s funding is structured a bit differently, with short-term working capital loans starting around $10,000 and going up to $500,000, with the option for additional advances as your business grows.2 Likewise, term loans can offer up to $500,000. Equipment financing tops out at around $250,000.3 Cardiff’s business line of credit provides ongoing access up to a limit that adjusts based on your revenue, and its business credit cards offer revolving credit up to the approved limit.
In general, Funding Circle can provide larger, bank-style loans to established businesses, while Cardiff emphasizes flexible, accessible funding that adapts to cash flow and growth needs, making it a strong option for a wider range of small businesses.
1https://cardiff.co/
2https://cardiff.co/business-loans/products/merchant-cash-advance/
3https://cardiff.co/business-loans/products/equipment-leasing/
4https://cardiff.co/business-loans/products/sba-loans/
5https://cardiff.co/business-loans/products/business-cards/
6https://cardiff.co/business-loans/products/line-of-credit/
7https://cardiff.co/learn/faq/
8https://www.fundingcircle.com/uk/
9https://www.fundingcircle.com/uk/small-business-loans/
10https://www.fundingcircle.com/uk/businesses/business-finance/
11https://www.fundingcircle.com/uk/payments/flexipay/
12https://www.fundingcircle.com/uk/small-business-loans/short-term-business-loans/
13https://www.fundingcircle.com/uk/legal/borrower-agreement/
14https://www.fundingcircle.com/uk/resources/business-finance/loan-purposes-we-can-help-with-2/
15https://www.fundingcircle.com/uk/payments/cashback/
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