Cardiff vs BHG Financial:
Small Business Financing Comparison

Working Capital

Working Capital

Editorial Team

Overview

Business financing is evolving to keep up with the way growing businesses operate. While many lenders claim to offer the financial solutions you need, few names stand out for delivering innovative funding for today’s business leaders. Cardiff and BHG Financial both promise to make it easier for small businesses to access the capital they need, but they take very different paths to get there.

Each lender represents a distinct approach to modern business funding. One prioritizes speed and flexibility, while the other leans into structure and long-term stability. The right fit depends on your business goals, cash flow needs, revenue cycle, and how you prefer to manage growth.

This guide explores how Cardiff and BHG Financial compare, from funding models and approval speed to borrower requirements and overall accessibility, so you can find the top rated working capital financing company that best supports your business.

Features Snapshot

Cardiff Loan
BHG Financial
Financing Products
Financing Model

Online small business lender with multiple business loan products that include term loans, equipment financing, MCA, business lines of credit, and business credit cards with flexible terms.1

Specialized non-bank lender focusing on long-term business loans with fixed monthly payments.8

Repayment Terms
Products Offered
Merchant cash advance, business lines of credit, equipment financing and leasing, and business credit cards.1

Businesses can apply for a credit card or a term loan for debt consolidation, expansion, business acquisition, etc. Lacks MCA, line of credit, and SBA options.8

Loan Size Range
Loan Amounts
Loan ranges depend on the product. Term loans and working capital capped at ~$500k; equipment financing up to $250k; can facilitate specialty loans up to $5 million. Average funding ~$82K on short term loans.1

Qualified applicants can get up to $500,000 per loan (most approvals ≤ $250K for average borrowers). High credit clients may qualify toward the upper end.8

Speed Approval Funding
Repayment Terms
Short-term options available (e.g., three to 24 months for working capital loans; two to seven years for equipment financing).2
Loan terms can be as long as 144 months (12 years), which can mean lower monthly payments but longer commitment.8
Cost Rates Fees
Funding Speed

Approval decisions in about five minutes and funding often the same day as approval. Ideal for urgent cash flow needs.1

On approval, loans may be funded in as few as three days—quicker than a bank loan, but not instant.8

Cost Rates Fees
Repayment Frequency

Flexible daily, weekly, or monthly payment options for short term loans (matched to cash flow). Monthly billing for longer-term products (term and equipment loans).2,3

Fixed monthly payments only using a standard amortization schedule. Suited for predictable long-term budgeting.8

Eligibility
Eligibility

No minimum credit score. Business performance and cash flow matter more. Will work with newer businesses and those denied by banks across many industries.1

Approvals limited to established businesses (typical borrower has nine to 21 years in business, 700+ FICO).8

Repayment Terms
Collateral

Working capital and credit line products are generally unsecured (approval based on revenue);2 equipment loans use the equipment as collateral.3 No blanket liens on assets for short term loans.4

Files a lien on business assets for each loan via a UCC filing. All current and future assets secure the debt, which may limit additional financing until the loan is paid.8

Cost Rates Fees
Costs and Interest

Factor rate pricing for short term loans (e.g., repay 1.1–1.2 times the principal over the term). Interest rates may start at 5.99% for secured loans.1 No hidden fees or prepayment penalties.

Charges a fixed interest rate and advertises APR starting ~8.69% for well-qualified borrowers. Interest is often simple interest, keeping payments the same for the life of the loan.14

Financing Products
Financing Model
Cardiff Loan

Online small business lender with multiple business loan products that include term loans, equipment financing, MCA, business lines of credit, and business credit cards with flexible terms.1

BHG Financial

Specialized non-bank lender focusing on long-term business loans with fixed monthly payments.8

Repayment Terms
Products Offered
Cardiff Loan

Merchant cash advance, business lines of credit, equipment financing and leasing, and business credit cards.1

BHG Financial

Businesses can apply for a credit card or a term loan for debt consolidation, expansion, business acquisition, etc. Lacks MCA, line of credit, and SBA options.8

Loan Size Range
Loan Amounts
Cardiff Loan

Loan ranges depend on the product. Term loans and working capital capped at ~$500k; equipment financing up to $250k; can facilitate specialty loans up to $5 million. Average funding ~$82K on short term loans.1

BHG Financial

Qualified applicants can get up to $500,000 per loan (most approvals ≤ $250K for average borrowers). High credit clients may qualify toward the upper end.8

Speed Approval Funding
Repayment Terms
Cardiff Loan

Short-term options available (e.g., three to 24 months for working capital loans; two to seven years for equipment financing).2

BHG Financial

Loan terms can be as long as 144 months (12 years), which can mean lower monthly payments but longer commitment.8

Cost Rates Fees
Funding Speed
Cardiff Loan

Approval decisions in about five minutes and funding often the same day as approval. Ideal for urgent cash flow needs.1

BHG Financial

On approval, loans may be funded in as few as three days—quicker than a bank loan, but not instant.8

Cost Rates Fees
Repayment Frequency
Cardiff Loan

Flexible daily, weekly, or monthly payment options for short term loans (matched to cash flow). Monthly billing for longer-term products (term and equipment loans).2,3

BHG Financial

Fixed monthly payments only using a standard amortization schedule. Suited for predictable long-term budgeting.8

Eligibility
Eligibility
Cardiff Loan

No minimum credit score. Business performance and cash flow matter more. Will work with newer businesses and those denied by banks across many industries.1

BHG Financial

Approvals limited to established businesses (typical borrower has nine to 21 years in business, 700+ FICO).8

Repayment Terms
Collateral
Cardiff Loan

Working capital and credit line products are generally unsecured (approval based on revenue);2 equipment loans use the equipment as collateral.3 No blanket liens on assets for short term loans.4

BHG Financial

Files a lien on business assets for each loan via a UCC filing. All current and future assets secure the debt, which may limit additional financing until the loan is paid.8

Cost Rates Fees
Costs and Interest
Cardiff Loan

Factor rate pricing for short term loans (e.g., repay 1.1–1.2 times the principal over the term). Interest rates may start at 5.99% for secured loans.1 No hidden fees or prepayment penalties.

BHG Financial

Charges a fixed interest rate and advertises APR starting ~8.69% for well-qualified borrowers. Interest is often simple interest, keeping payments the same for the life of the loan.14

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

cardiff.co

cardiff

Lender Pros

Cardiff Loan
BHG Financial

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 (Long-Term Financing)

Cardiff's Overview

Cardiff’s long-term business loans provide small businesses with predictable repayment schedules and flexible amounts tailored to their growth needs. Term loans can range from $5,000 to $500,000, with repayment terms averaging 39 months.1 Because repayment happens through fixed payments, they give business owners certainty while still accommodating fluctuating revenue streams through underwriting based on real-time business performance.

Applications are fully online, and Cardiff often disburses funding the same day as approval, making Cardiff term loans a fast term loan option for small businesses that need capital quickly to invest in inventory, marketing, or expansion.1 Cardiff uses overall business health and revenue trends to approve loan applicants, giving businesses with lower credit scores a pathway to financing that traditional lenders might not provide.

Cardiff offers secured and unsecured term loans. When secured, loan rates can start as low as 5.99%, making the cost of borrowing low and payments predictable. However, an unsecured loan can be attractive to borrowers who do not want to pledge collateral.

BHG Financial Overview

BHG Financial specializes in long-term business loans designed for larger financing objectives. Loan amounts top out at $500,000, with the average borrower securing $250,000. Repayment terms can be quite long, extending up to 12 years.8

Though BHG does not stipulate a time in business requirement or credit score, these loans cater to established businesses with strong credit profiles and predictable revenue streams. The average loan recipient has a credit score over 700 and over nine years in business.8

In most cases, BHG files a UCC lien in connection with its loans, and the underwriting process emphasizes creditworthiness and financial history.8 These criteria can make BHG loans less accessible to smaller or newer businesses.

Once approved, BHG’s term loans typically fund in about three days, which is faster than some bank loans.8 However, it may not meet the emergent needs of growing businesses. It reflects the lender’s focus on long-term loans and multi-year financing projects like facility expansion, equipment purchases, or major business investments.

The Capital Call

For small businesses seeking accessible, predictable, and relatively fast long term financing, Cardiff’s term loans clearly stand out. They offer fast, flexible underwriting and transparency in repayment. These features allow smaller or newer businesses to access capital quickly and manage cash flow effectively.

BHG Financial’s long-term loans are better suited to established businesses with substantial financing needs and strong credit profiles. While they provide access to larger loan amounts over multi-year terms, their slower approval process and stricter eligibility criteria make them less accessible for growing businesses that may need capital quickly but may not have much credit history yet.

Ultimately, Cardiff wins with long term small business loans that offer speed, flexibility, and accessibility, making it the preferred choice when it comes to rapid support for day-to-day operations and growth opportunities.

Working Capital Loans (Short-Term Financing)

Cardiff's Overview

Cardiff’s short term working capital financing is a modern take on the merchant cash advance (MCA), a traditionally revenue-based loan. While this MCA may require repayment through a variable cut of daily, weekly, or monthly sales, Cardiff also provides a fixed-term loan with a clearly defined repayment schedule. Businesses can repay through automatic payments over a set period (as short as three months or up to 24 months).2 This structure combines cost predictability with the speed and flexibility of an MCA.

Approval and funding speed are major selling points for Cardiff compared to other top lenders for working capital financing. Applications are online, and applicants can receive approval in under five minutes, with funds often available the same day.1 This rapid turnaround can help cover urgent expenses like payroll, inventory, or taxes on short notice.

Cardiff does not impose a strict credit score cutoff, and it leverages real-time business data in underwriting, making working capital qualification more lenient than many bank loans. Even if your credit isn’t perfect, you might still obtain a loan based on your revenue and business health.

Loan sizes range from $5,000 to $500,000 with an average of around $82,000, which is higher than many competitors, and there’s flexibility to renew or top-up the loan when you need more funding. In terms of cost, Cardiff charges factor rates (starting around 1.1) instead of a traditional APR.1 This flat fee structure makes the cost clear upfront. The speed, ease of access, and lack of collateral requirement (in most cases) can make Cardiff an attractive business cash advance company for many business owners.

BHG Financial Overview

BHG Financial advertises loans for working capital. However, it does not offer traditional MCA or short term working capital loans with revenue-based repayment. Its working capital financing comes in the form of longer-term installment loans. In BHG’s model, businesses still get a term loan (with a minimum borrowing amount of $20K) and likely a multi-year term, rather than a three to six-month cash advance.

BHG’s working capital is not for quick, small cash infusions to cover a rough patch or a seasonal gap. The fastest BHG can fund is usually about three days, so it’s better suited for planned needs than last-minute emergencies.8 In practice, most small, short term needs aren’t a match for BHG’s product.

BHG’s loans are geared toward larger financing objectives, such as financing a major purchase, expansion, or refinancing debt over several years.

Additionally, BHG’s underwriting is geared toward strong borrowers, not a business owner with a sub-600 credit or very new businesses, who often turn to MCA-like products when they can’t get conventional financing. These borrowers would struggle to qualify with BHG.

The Capital Call

Cardiff clearly stands out in the working capital financing category. BHG Financial simply does not offer an equivalent to Cardiff’s fast, short term working capital loans. If your business needs a quick cash injection or a bridge to cover operational expenses, Cardiff is the better option because it can deliver funds within hours and structure repayment to your cash flow. BHG’s long-term loan product doesn’t fit this scenario. For short term funding speed and flexibility, Cardiff has the best merchant cash advance option.

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

cardiff.co

cardiff

Business Lines of Credit

Cardiff's Overview

With a line of credit from Cardiff, you get ongoing access to funds for a variety of business needs. You can draw funds on demand up to your approved credit limit, only paying interest on the amount you draw. This line of credit can help you maximize cash flow year-round, handling seasonal needs or unexpected expenses by ensuring you have a consistent flow of capital.

Notably, Cardiff’s line of credit has no hidden fees. There are no maintenance or inactivity fees, no prepayment penalties, and no closure fees associated with this lender’s business lines of credit.6 This transparency and flexibility make it a very useful tool for businesses that experience ebbs and flows in cash needs.

As you repay what you’ve borrowed, that credit becomes available to use again, which is ideal for managing expenses like purchasing inventory, bridging slow receivables, or covering cyclical operational costs. It essentially serves as a safety net. Furthermore, Cardiff credit lines can scale up or down to meet your needs.

To obtain a Cardiff credit line, you’d still go through an application and receive a credit limit determined by your business’s financials. Interest rates are simple annual rates starting around 9.9%. While the highly-qualified candidates will receive the best rates, Cardiff’s overall line of credit is available to business owners with a credit score of 550 or above.6 You might still secure a line with less-than-perfect credit. If your account remains in good standing, your line may be eligible for renewal annually.

BHG Financial Overview

BHG Financial does not currently offer a business line of credit. Its offerings for businesses are limited to lump-sum term loans. This makes BHG less convenient for ongoing working capital management.

It’s worth noting that many businesses use lines of credit to avoid repeatedly borrowing and underwriting. With BHG, since every disbursement is a new term loan, you’re subject to new loan agreements, possibly new fees, and potentially another credit inquiry each time. Moreover, BHG’s absence of a credit line underscores its focus on predictable, installment credit rather than on-demand liquidity. Businesses that require a standby source of funds for emergencies or opportunities will find BHG lacking in this regard.

The Capital Call

Cardiff wins by offering the best business line of credit. Cardiff provides a true revolving line of credit with no maintenance fees, giving small and growing businesses flexible access to cash on demand. BHG Financial offers no comparable product. If you value the peace of mind of funds always available with the benefit of only paying when you use them, Cardiff’s line of credit is the clear choice. It allows you to handle cash flow swings proactively, something BHG’s one-time loans cannot support.

Equipment Financing

Cardiff's Overview

Dedicated equipment loans and leases for small business, is one area where Cardiff shines. Many small businesses need expensive equipment, including vehicles, machinery, and medical, diagnostic, or IT equipment. Cardiff’s approach is to help you spread out these costs over time rather than paying the full cost up front.

With Cardiff, you can finance or lease equipment with low monthly payments over two to seven years. Notably, you can also roll in associated soft costs, such as equipment installation and delivery or training for employees, into the financing, alleviating the financial burden of acquiring or updating equipment.3

Cardiff provides the option to choose between an equipment lease and a loan. A lease allows you to make fixed payments over the term and potentially purchase or upgrade the equipment at lease end. With a loan, you own the asset from the outset and pay it off over the life of the loan. The best fit depends on whether you want to own the asset or prefer to upgrade frequently. This flexibility is ideal for industries like trucking, construction, or healthcare, where equipment needs and costs are high.

One standout feature is Cardiff’s experience with titled and non-titled equipment. The company highlights its ability to finance both titled and non-titled transactions. They are comfortable financing assets like vehicles that have a title document (e.g., trucks, trailers) as well as standard equipment. Many lenders shy away from titled equipment or require extra steps due to DMV processes, but Cardiff handles it in stride.

Cardiff uses the equipment as collateral for equipment loans and leases, allowing it to offer lower rates than on an unsecured loan. Rates as low as 5.99% on Cardiff’s secured financing apply to well-qualified equipment finance customers.3 These low rates, combined with terms up to seven years, makes payments manageable. Cardiff’s loans for business equipment allow you to get the equipment now, and the income it generates can help cover the financing cost over time.

BHG Financial Overview

BHG Financial does not have a separate equipment financing product. It does, however, allow clients to use the proceeds of its general business loans for equipment purchases. You can use a loan to buy new equipment or invest in business assets as needed. So if you wanted to buy a piece of equipment through BHG, you could take out a BHG business term loan and use that cash to buy the equipment you need.

BHG would need to secure the loan with a lien on your business, including the new equipment, because they don’t specifically secure the loan with just that equipment or offer specialized terms for it.8 The implications are that BHG’s option may be less advantageous for equipment needs.

Additionally, BHG’s loan terms can be much longer (up to 12 years), which you likely wouldn’t need for equipment that might only have a useful life of five years.8 Paying interest for extra years could be inefficient. If you want a shorter term, you could pay BHG off sooner, but as noted, their loans often don’t reward early payoff with interest savings.

Another difference is that there is no leasing option with BHG, which eliminates the possible benefits of lower payments or tax advantages and the option not to keep the equipment. With BHG, you are outright purchasing via a loan. Also, because BHG’s loan isn’t tied to the equipment’s value, very large equipment purchases might hit BHG’s loan cap ($500K).8 If you needed more, BHG couldn’t fund above that amount.

The Capital Call

Cardiff has a clear edge in equipment financing because it offers a dedicated solution with terms tailored specifically for equipment purchases. Cardiff’s expertise in handling equipment purchases, including vehicles and other non-titled assets, means you’re likely to get a smoother process and potentially better rates (down to ~5.99% on secured deals).

By contrast, BHG Financial has no specialized equipment loan. Through BHG, you could get a generic long-term loan to buy equipment, but it lacks the flexibility and efficiency of Cardiff’s program. For any business planning to acquire or upgrade equipment, Cardiff’s equipment financing for doctors, entrepreneurs, construction companies, retail store owners, and more is flexible and equipment-friendly, making it the superior choice in this category.

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

cardiff.co

cardiff

SBA Loans (Government-Backed Financing)

Cardiff's Overview

Cardiff distinguishes itself from other financing institutions by streamlining the process to get long and short term small business loans. SBA loans are desirable because they offer small-businesses low interest rate financing (often Prime plus a small percentage) over 10-25 years.

Through Cardiff, a business can access SBA programs like the 504, 7(a) loan, and SBA Microloan Program, all of which are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration.4 These loans can provide funding for working capital, debt refinance, or even commercial real estate.

Cardiff facilitates these online loans for small businesses, but approval ultimately comes from SBA lenders. In other words, you fill out one application, and Cardiff helps match you to an SBA lending partner to secure the SBA-backed loan. The benefit of going through Cardiff for an SBA loan is that you can leverage its all-in-one application approach. Cardiff can quickly determine if you might qualify for an SBA option and, if so, guide you through it. If not, they can suggest an alternative Cardiff financing product to meet your needs.

SBA loan amounts can be up to $5 million, so offering this product vastly increases the funding potential for those who need larger loans. The trade-off, of course, is time and eligibility. Cardiff is candid that SBA approvals can still take time, require substantial documentation, and have strict qualification requirements. Generally, to get an SBA loan, you should have:

  • Decent credit (550 credit score as a baseline, but 680+ is usually preferred)
  • A year or two in business (12+ months)
  • Sufficient income to service the debt ($20K+ monthly revenue)4


Cardiff offers SBA loans to serve businesses that want the most affordable capital and have the time to pursue it. It’s an important option because not all online lenders offer SBA programs due to their complexity. By including SBA in its product lineup, Cardiff shows a commitment to covering the full spectrum of loans for small business owners.

BHG Financial Overview

BHG Financial is not a facilitator or provider of any type of government-backed financing, including SBA loans. BHG’s loans are all through its own funding channels (or institutional network) with no outside guarantees. BHG cannot provide direct access to an SBA loan or help with your application. If you want this type of loan, you would need to apply through a bank or other facilitator.

It’s worth considering when a borrower might choose BHG over an SBA loan, since both can potentially provide large amounts and long terms. The primary reason might be speed and ease. SBA loans, while cheap, are notoriously slow and paper-intensive. BHG’s selling point is that you can get, say, a $250K loan in a week.

Also, SBA loans require borrowers to meet certain qualifications. BHG requires a personal guarantee and lien, but not specific collateral, and they don’t have explicit financial covenants. If you have solid credit and recurring income, you may be eligible for a long term loan through BHG.

All that said, if you do qualify for an SBA loan and can afford to wait, it’s generally a better deal to get an SBA loan. In cases where one can get an SBA loan, it comes with a fraction of the cost and can offer larger loan amounts than BHG.

The Capital Call

By offering SBA loan access, Cardiff takes the lead here. For businesses that meet the qualifications, SBA loans via Cardiff can provide far lower interest rates and longer terms (up to 10–25 years) than anything BHG can do. It is the most affordable financing option in the market, offered by top small business lenders, and a top reason to choose to apply for an SBA through Cardiff.

BHG Financial does not help businesses apply or get approved for SBA loans. Any business owner seeking this type of small business financing would have to choose Cardiff over BHG. Cardiff wins on SBA capabilities because it can help you secure low-cost capital—a service that BHG simply doesn’t offer.

Business Credit Cards

Cardiff's Overview

Cardiff Cards are true business credit cards that small business owners can use to manage expenses, earn rewards, and build business credit. Cardiff currently offers two main card options. Both cards come with an attractive 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, which can be incredibly useful for financing short term needs interest-free. With no annual fee for the cardholder, they are low-cost to keep open.5

The Business Card provides core benefits like travel perks, 24/7 customer service, and detailed statements to help separate business expenses from personal ones, which is important for liability and credit-building reasons.5

The Business Rewards Card includes all those features plus an exclusive rewards program, including cash back on purchases. Cardiff ties credit limits to business performance, and although billing is monthly, repayment can match revenue cycles.

Cardiff’s business credit cards for small business owners also include a cash advance option, giving fast access to working capital when unexpected costs arise.5 This unique cash advance feature provides immediate liquidity without the need to apply for a separate loan because it draws directly from your existing credit line.

Funds are available quickly, making it ideal for emergencies or time-sensitive opportunities. And since the advance is tied to your business credit account, payments and reporting still contribute to building your company’s credit history.

Cardiff Cards give owners the ability to smooth out cash flow and cover smaller expenditures. They are a convenient financing tool for day-to-day expenses that complement their loans.

BHG Financial Overview

BHG Financial’s offerings in the credit card space have been quite niche. When launched, the BHG Power MasterCard® line of credit cards was exclusively for healthcare providers. Essentially, BHG partnered with Pinnacle Bank, a subsidiary of Pinnacle Financial Partners, to create credit card options specifically tailored for licensed professionals like doctors, dentists, and veterinarians.13

However, these cards seem to have been short-lived, leaving business owners in or outside the healthcare field without an option for a business credit card. BHG Financial has not really ever been a source of general-purpose business credit cards.

The Capital Call

Cardiff decisively wins in the business credit card category. Cardiff offers regular business credit cards that any small business can apply for, which offer 0% introductory APR, no annual fees, and rewards. Cardiff’s business cards help with everyday financing needs and expense management.

BHG’s credit cards, by contrast, were limited-access and tailored to a narrow segment (primarily healthcare professionals). If you didn’t squarely fit that profile, BHG wasn’t an option for credit cards. Without a business credit card option that caters to a broader range of business owners, BHG falls short in this category.

For a typical business owner seeking a convenient business credit card to manage company spending, Cardiff’s cards are accessible and useful, making them the best credit card for business in this comparison.

The Capital Closeout

By offering long term loans up to $500,000, BHG Financial has carved out a specific niche in the business lending space.8 However, its more stringent approval criteria make it a lender best suited for established businesses and professional practices that can’t wait for a bank loan but still want a sizable, long-term loan. If you are a highly qualified borrower with strong credit and a long operating history needing a large financial infusion with a seven to 12-year payoff, BHG’s offering is a convenient alternative to consider.

The company’s strength lies in its extended terms and large loan amounts, which can be ideal for consolidating high-interest debts or financing a major expansion with comfortable monthly payments. In its niche, providing loans for doctors, dentists, and other well-established entrepreneurs, BHG has proven it can deliver funds relatively quickly and reliably.

Cardiff, on the other hand, is a more versatile financing partner for most small businesses. Cardiff brings to the table a broader mix of fast small business lending options, from ultra-fast working capital loans that fund the same day, to lines of credit that support ongoing cash flow, to equipment loans, business credit cards, and can even facilitate low-cost SBA loans for big projects through its partners. With so many lending and repayment options, Cardiff can meet businesses wherever they are in their journey.

Equally important to many business owners is Cardiff’s accessibility and speed. It is willing to work with businesses that banks might turn away, using alternative data points (rather than just a credit score) to approve financing with no minimum credit barrier. And once approved, funding is lightning-fast, which can be the difference between seizing an opportunity or missing it.

When searching for the best provider for business term loans, MCA, business line of credit, or other small business financing products, our recommendation for the vast majority of small businesses is Cardiff. Unless your company specifically needs the kind of 10+ year, half-million dollar term loan that BHG specializes in, and you qualify for it, Cardiff’s speed, flexibility, and breadth of financing options offer more value.

Cardiff can grow with your business, providing quick capital when you need it and scalable solutions as your needs evolve. Cardiff’s broad capabilities and fast funding make it the better pick for most scenarios.

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

cardiff.co

cardiff

Frequently Asked Questions

No. BHG Financial limits its business financing to traditional term loans. The company does not provide a merchant cash advance (MCA) or revenue-based financing tied to sales performance.

Instead, BHG loans feature fixed monthly payments and set repayment terms, giving borrowers predictable payment schedules over the life of the loan. BHG’s focus on conventional term loans highlights its preference to fund loans directly rather than relying on sales-based repayment models.

No. BHG Financial’s lending products are lump-sum installment loans, which provide the full loan amount up front and require fixed monthly repayments over a predetermined term. These term loan products meet one-time financing needs such as expansion, debt consolidation, or working capital. They may not be ideal for businesses seeking flexible revolving credit.

BHG Financial is not an SBA lender nor does it participate in SBA lending programs. The company privately funds its business loans and prioritizes speed, convenience, and accessibility for qualified borrowers. Business owners seeking SBA advantages would need to apply through a lender authorized to issue SBA-backed loans.

According to BHG, there are no formal revenue or time-in-business minimums, but their typical borrower has a 700+ credit score and a decade or more in business.8 BHG doesn’t publish hard-and-fast requirements, but it targets well-established, credit-strong businesses. Newer businesses or owners with credit issues will likely find it difficult to get approved.

BHG Financial prides itself on being transparent about loan fees. They advertise no application fee and highlight the fact that loan agreements do not include prepayment penalties,15 meaning you are allowed to pay off the loan early without an extra fee. Always review loan terms carefully to understand the costs and penalties before accepting the loan.

Yes. BHG Financial will file a lien on your business assets when you take a business loan.8 This lien gives them a security interest in your business property (equipment, receivables, etc.). They do not require specific collateral like real estate. However, you may need to provide a personal guarantee.

BHG Financial’s funding speed is relatively fast, given the larger loan size. They often fund within three to five business days after approval.8 However, many Cardiff loans fund faster, with many working capital loans funded as soon as the same day. So, if speed is critical, Cardiff is typically quicker.

Cardiff prides itself on speed and aims to provide funding very quickly. You can fill out a simple application online and often get approved in under five minutes.1 Once approved, you may receive funds the same day. This rapid turnaround is a huge advantage of Cardiff’s working capital loans.

Cardiff offers a wide variety of small business financing products:

  • Working Capital Loans/MCA (short-term funding with daily/weekly repayment)
  • Business Lines of Credit (revolving credit you can draw as needed)
  • Equipment Financing and Leasing (loans to buy equipment, vehicles, machinery)
  • Business Credit Cards (Cardiff’s own business card with 0% intro APR and rewards)

This product range is much broader than what most competitors offer, covering both short-term and long-term financing needs.

Yes, Cardiff helps package your application and expedite finding SBA loan options issued by a lending partner. The SBA loans you get via Cardiff will have lower interest rates and longer terms than typical online loans. According to Cardiff, SBA loans can go up to $5 million, depending on the program.4

To qualify, you will need to meet SBA eligibility (good credit ~550+, a couple of years in business, sufficient revenues, etc.). If you qualify, it’s one of the most affordable ways to borrow, and Cardiff will guide you through it alongside its own offerings.

Cardiff does not require a specific credit score for many of its products. They emphasize that if your personal credit score is 550 or above, you still have a chance of approval if your business is doing well (solid revenues, growth, etc.).2 Cardiff regularly funds clients with imperfect credit, including entrepreneurs denied by traditional banks.

Cardiff does not have prepayment penalties on its financing. In fact, they encourage fast repayment by offering to renew loans with more capital at better terms if you pay off early. Also, Cardiff forgives the remaining interest owed on some loans, such as MCA, when you pay the advance off early. Always check the specific contract, but Cardiff’s approach is very borrower-friendly on prepayment compared to many lenders.

Cardiff’s rates depend on the product you use:

  • For short term working capital loans or MCAs, Cardiff uses factor rates, starting around 1.10.2
  • For equipment financing, rates can be lower since the loan is secured by the equipment. Cardiff advertises rates around 5.99% for secured loans to well-qualified borrowers.3
  • SBA loans facilitated by Cardiff carry SBA-regulated interest rates, varying with the market prime rate because they are bank loans with government backing.
  • Credit cards typically have variable interest. Cardiff’s business credit card, for instance, has a 0% intro APR for 12 months. After that, the APR would depend on market rates and your creditworthiness.5
  • The line of credit likely has a competitive rate for a revolving product with simple interest rates from around 9.9%.6

Cardiff’s costs cover a range, so you can balance speed, leniency, and cost. Always review the specific terms Cardiff offers you. They’re transparent about factor rates and will show the total cost of funds upfront.

For most small businesses, Cardiff is the better all-around choice due to its versatility and speed. Cardiff can fund businesses with less-than-perfect profiles, offer many types of financing, and get money in your hands faster.

BHG Financial is a more specialized solution. It’s mainly beneficial if you need a large loan with a 10+ year term and you have the credentials to qualify. BHG’s one product is quite rigid and caters to a narrow band of borrowers.

Cardiff’s offerings are flexible and scalable to different situations. Unless a business owner fits BHG’s niche exactly, Cardiff’s broad product suite, plus its lack of prepayment penalties and faster funding, will provide a better experience and value for growing a small business. Cardiff can serve as a long-term financing partner across your various needs, while BHG is more of a one-time, niche loan option.

Sources:

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://bhgfinancial.com
9https://bhgfinancial.com/small-business-loans/working-capital
10https://bhgfinancial.com/small-business-loans/business-acquisition
11https://bhgfinancial.com/small-business-loans/business-debt-consolidation
12https://bhgfinancial.com/commercial-loans
13https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bankers-healthcare-group-introduces-the-bhg-power-mastercard-exclusively-for-healthcare-professionals-300075195.html
14https://bhgfinancial.com/personal-loans/simple-interest-vs-compound-interest
15https://bhgfinancial.com/personal-loans/debt-consolidation/debt-consolidation-in-a-high-rate-economy

Up Next
Cardiff vs Square: Small Business Financing Comparison

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod

Cardiff vs Square: Small Business Financing Comparison

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod

Cardiff vs Square: Small Business Financing Comparison

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod

Cardiff vs Square: Small Business Financing Comparison

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod