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 reaches a point where extra capital can make the difference between maintaining the status quo and taking the next step forward. Whether it’s covering short-term cash flow gaps, purchasing equipment, expanding into a new location, or investing in long-term growth, choosing the right financing partner is just as important as choosing the right loan.
Small business owners recognize both American Express and Lendistry as supportive financing partners, even though each company takes a very different approach. American Express is an online working capital provider that offers quick and flexible funds through a revolving line of credit and business credit cards. Lendistry is an SBA Preferred Lender that specializes in long-term, low-cost, and government-backed financing for significant investments.
The best option for your business will depend on what your business needs from financing. A company looking for fast access to working capital may have different priorities than one planning a major expansion or long-term investment. Understanding the differences between these two financing options can help you choose the lender that best matches your goals.
Revolving business lines of credit via Amex Business Blueprint, business credit cards, and checking accounts.1 Also partners with non-profits to support small businesses10
Traditional term loans, non-revolving lines of credit, commercial real estate loans, SBA 504 and 7(a) loans.6 Also administers grants and specialized programs.9
At least one year of operations in the U.S., a credit score higher than 660, and at least $3,000 in monthly revenue.1
U.S.-based businesses with at least two years in operations and a 640 credit score can qualify for most products. Requires a credit score better than 680 for the SBA 7(a) Working Capital Loan.5
$2,000 to $250,000 for most business lines of credit, with higher limits only available to strong businesses.1 Sets spending limits for business credit cards based on payments and credit history, with no preset limits.2
$25,000 to $5 million for most products. Can fund up to $10 million for commercial real estate loans.6
Typically approves applications within minutes and deposits funds within three business days. Offers instant funding to Amex business checking accounts.1
Requires significant documentation, and approval times vary for each application.5 May fund SBA 7(a) Working Capital loans and traditional term loans within five days.6 Other loans may take up to 90 days.7
Revolving business lines of credit via Amex Business Blueprint, business credit cards, and checking accounts.1 Also partners with non-profits to support small businesses10
Traditional term loans, non-revolving lines of credit, commercial real estate loans, SBA 504 and 7(a) loans.6 Also administers grants and specialized programs.9
At least one year of operations in the U.S., a credit score higher than 660, and at least $3,000 in monthly revenue.1
U.S.-based businesses with at least two years in operations and a 640 credit score can qualify for most products. Requires a credit score better than 680 for the SBA 7(a) Working Capital Loan.5
$2,000 to $250,000 for most business lines of credit, with higher limits only available to strong businesses.1 Sets spending limits for business credit cards based on payments and credit history, with no preset limits.2
$25,000 to $5 million for most products. Can fund up to $10 million for commercial real estate loans.6
Typically approves applications within minutes and deposits funds within three business days. Offers instant funding to Amex business checking accounts.1
Requires significant documentation, and approval times vary for each application.5 May fund SBA 7(a) Working Capital loans and traditional term loans within five days.6 Other loans may take up to 90 days.7
American Express is primarily a credit provider and does not offer business term loans.1 Businesses that need a lump-sum installment loan rather than a revolving draw structure would need to seek a different lender.
Lendistry’s traditional term loan provides qualifying businesses a lump sum that is repaid through fixed monthly payments over one to five-year terms. Businesses with two years of operating history and a 620 credit score can secure between $10,000 and $350,000 in as little as three days.7
Lendistry also offers term loans up to $5 million to businesses with a credit score above 640 and year-over-year revenue growth. Borrowers can expect to receive funding for these loans in as little as five days.6
To apply for a business term loan of any amount, Lendistry requires three years of business tax returns, one year of personal returns, three months of bank statements, a personal financial statement, and a personal guarantee. Some loans may also need collateral.8 This documentation can extend the underwriting process, so Lendistry does not offer a specific timeline for decisions on applications.5
Lendistry offers very competitive interest rates on its traditional term loans, with fixed rates starting at 11.99% for loans under $350,000.7 Financing higher amounts comes with variable interest rates as low as 2% + WSJ Prime.6 Lendistry sets prepayment penalties on term loans, which start at 5% of the balance in the first year and decrease by 1% every following year.6
When borrowers match the term length to their investment, they can use Lendistry’s business term loans to secure significant amounts of capital at low interest rates for short-term working capital and medium-term growth campaigns.6
American Express offers a revolving business line of credit through Amex Business Blueprint, with eligible businesses able to access up to $250,000 in funding. Borrowers can withdraw between $1,000 and their credit limit at any time and receive the funds within three business days. Businesses with Amex business checking accounts can expect instant deposits.1
Amex structures each draw as a separate loan with its own repayment term, and borrowers can choose to pay the fixed monthly installments over six, 12, 18, or 24 months.1 As businesses make repayments, the amount of available credit replenishes and becomes available for withdrawal.
Rather than charging compounding interest, American Express sets a flat fee for each draw. If borrowers repay the balance early, Amex waives the remaining monthly fees.4 The credit line does not carry any annual, maintenance, inactivity, or renewal fees.1
Businesses with at least one year of operational history, a 660 credit score, and $3,000 in average monthly revenue typically qualify for Amex’s revolving financing. This business line-of-credit provider requires a personal guarantee. Borrowers to apply and receive a decision in minutes.1
American Express offers certain perks to its existing clients who secure a line of credit. Amex card members can be pre-approved for a credit line, securing an initial limit of about $150,000, and instant secure funds.1 These rewards, plus the way borrowers can manage multiple products through a single online platform, make a revolving line of credit especially useful for businesses that currently use American Express.
Businesses with at least two years of operating history and a 640 credit score can typically secure between $25,000 and $3 million through Lendistry’s non-revolving line of credit.6 This product does not have a revolving feature. Instead, each withdrawal reduces the available credit.
Lendistry offers up to a two year draw period, during which borrowers can access funds as needed. Then the borrower enters the repayment term, making fixed monthly payments on the capital they used for up to five years.6
To apply for Lendistry’s non-revolving line of credit, owners submit three years of business tax returns, one year of personal tax returns, three months of bank statements, and a personal financial statement to the online platform. Due to documentation requirements, Lendistry does not publish a specific timeline for reviewing applications or funding credit lines.5
Lendistry charges variable interest rates based on the WSJ Prime Rate plus 2%–6%, but only on funds withdrawn from the line of credit. Borrowers looking to pay off the balance early would also incur a prepayment penalty equal to 3% of the total amount during the first year or 2% during the second year.6
Lendistry’s nonrevolving line of credit could provide access to capital without reapplication during the two-year draw period. Businesses investing in large projects with variable costs can find this product useful.
Because Lendistry is an SBA Preferred Lender, it can independently process and approve certain SBA 7(a) loans, including financing for working capital, general business needs, and real estate purchases. This status means borrowers who provide all the necessary information can secure a government-backed loan within five to 20 days.7
Lendistry offers qualified businesses up to $5 million through SBA 7(a) General Purpose loans with repayment terms up to 25 years.7 The SBA 7(a) Working Capital loan offers borrowers faster access to as much as $500,000 with terms up to 10 years. Lendistry also funds both SBA 7(a) and commercial real estate loans, through which businesses can secure up to $10 million and 25-year terms.6
All of Lendistry’s SBA 7(a) loans feature variable interest rates closely tied to prime market rates, which often results in low double-digit APRs for strong borrowers.7 This is the only borrowing cost for government-backed loans, as they do not come with any prepayment penalties.6
Applying for any government-backed financing, even through Lendistry, requires full SBA documentation. Businesses must provide a personal guarantee, and some borrowers may also need collateral to qualify.8 Lendistry requires a minimum credit score of 640 and two years in business for most SBA loan products. The SBA 7(a) Working Capital loan requires a credit score of 680.6
Collecting the necessary documents and underwriting SBA loans over $350,000 can take five to 13 weeks, even with Lendistry’s online application process and status as a Preferred Lender.7 Still, this lender offers some of the easiest access to government-backed loans for small business owners.
American Express offers special benefit programs to help entrepreneurs invest in growth. Amex partners with Main Street America in a Backing Small Businesses initiative and National Trust for Historic Preservation in a Backing Historic Small Restaurants to award free grants.10
Businesses apply for the programs through external sites rather than through Amex. These grants are only available for a limited time, and interested owners must meet eligibility requirements to compete for the award. Qualifying businesses can secure capital that does not require repayment.10
American Express also helps owners with its year-round Shop Small program. Participating businesses can access free marketing materials, promotional resources, education resources, and payment solutions.10 By providing resources and encouraging the millions of American Express Card Members to support local merchants, Amex supports small businesses.
Lendistry administers several grants to support small businesses in underserved communities. Businesses apply through Lendistry’s platform, though most funding comes from government agencies and private organizations. Grants like these do not require repayment.9
Some entrepreneurs may also qualify for special financing programs through Lendistry. This may include equipment financing for dentists or working capital for Walmart marketplace sellers.9 The exact business Lendistry targets can change, but each loan offers funding that meets their specific needs.
Lendistry also provides free educational resources and connections to boost long-term financial health. Businesses may find connections to improve their marketing or financial guidance, helping owners understand their lending options.9
The special financing, grant programs, educational resources, and loan applications available on the same platform create a community-oriented model that distinguishes Lendistry from most private small-business lenders.
American Express offers a broad range of business credit cards for small businesses. Owners can choose from Amex travel rewards cards, cash back cards, no-annual-fee points cards, and charge cards.2 These products are separate from the business line of credit, though American Express cardholders may be pre-approved for financing and secure funds more quickly than other borrowers.1
Most American Express business cards offer monthly billing cycles with flexible repayment options. Businesses can pay their statement balance in full each month or carry a balance over time by making at least the required minimum payment and paying interest. Some cards also come with annual fees.2
Businesses can earn rewards, points, or cash back by making purchases on their American Express credit card. All Amex business cards also include purchase protection, extended warranty, and expense management tools.2
Owners interested in an Amex credit card can secure pre-approval without affecting their credit score. Because American Express reviews each application individually based on credit profile and revenue, cardholders can expect a hard credit pull after they accept an offer. Amex also sets credit limits and interest rates based on the applicant’s financial profile.2
American Express Business Checking provides small business owners with an online banking option for handling everyday financial tasks, including managing funds, accepting payments, and keeping business finances organized. The account is designed to be accessible, with no monthly maintenance fee or required minimum balance, making it a practical choice for businesses looking for a straightforward banking solution.3
Through the account, businesses can use tools such as mobile check deposits, bill pay, and connections to the American Express Business Blueprint platform. This integration allows account holders to monitor cash flow and manage eligible financial products from a centralized dashboard. Qualifying customers can also earn interest on eligible balances and collect Membership Rewards points on certain debit card purchases if they participate in the rewards program.3
Customers who qualify may also benefit from access to additional American Express offerings and a broader view of their financial activity within the Amex ecosystem.
Lendistry does not provide a traditional business checking account or daily banking services. The company focuses on small business financing, offering products such as SBA-backed loans and other funding options designed to help businesses cover expenses, expand operations, and invest in growth.
Businesses that work with Lendistry will still need a separate bank account for everyday needs like managing deposits, paying bills, and handling routine transactions.
Choosing between American Express and Lendistry ultimately comes down to what a business needs from its financing. Businesses comparing working capital loan options may prefer American Express for its flexible funding solutions that can be used as needs arise. But Lendistry’s SBA-backed loans and extended repayment terms may better suit larger projects.
No matter which lender comes out ahead for a particular business, both American Express and Lendistry have earned strong reputations by doing more than simply providing capital. Business owners looking for a financing partner can confidently turn to either lender for trustworthy capital and meaningful support.
1https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/blueprint/business-line-of-credit/
3https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/checking/
6https://www.lendistrypartners.com/wp-content/uploads/Lendistry-Product-Guide.pdf
7https://lendistry.com/small-business-lending/
8https://lendistry.com/resources/
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