Our reviewers evaluate products and services based on unbiased research. Top Consumer Reviews may earn money when you click on a link. Learn more about our process.
With all the difficulties in today's economy, many people are choosing to open their own business instead of working for a traditional employer. Whether you're just starting your business, expanding your already-established business, or even hanging out a shingle as an online company, it's likely that at some point you'll need a business loan to successfully meet your customer's needs and your business goals.
In the past, small business owners relied heavily on traditional brick-and-mortar banks in order to finance their business loans. Often that meant that borrowers had to rely on their own reputation and relationship with their local bank. Getting the lowest possible interest rate was also more challenging, since there were few lending options from which to choose.
Wednesday, June 7th
With loan options ranging from $5,000 to $500,000, National Funding is one of the only providers of business loans who can meet the needs of companies big and small (as long as you have annual gross sales of at least $250,000). They even custom-design loans specific for each customer. Their solid reputation with the BBB and ample 5-star ratings from loyal clients indicate that this provider can be trusted to offer business loans that are fair, affordable, and funded as quickly as 24 hours. They earn our highest rating.
Upstart is a professional and organized lending platform focused on helping people and businesses achieve their financial goals. Their loan process is quick and efficient, and their sophisticated artificial intelligence system considers many factors beyond just your credit score. With a solid reputation for success, customers can find answers to many of their financial questions because the site clearly describes how their loans work. They also provide education for those seeking guidance for future financial endeavors.
Started by small business owners in response to their own frustrations with securing business loans to grow their company, Funding Circle uses peer-to-peer lending to fund small business loans. With no hidden fees, clear interest rates, and an A+ rating as an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau, Funding Circle is a great choice for people seeking business loans.
For business owners who want to see a number of possible loan sources in one place, LendingTree is a good site to use. They also offer helpful information about different types of loans: what purpose they serve, the positives and negatives of each loan type, and so on. Lending Tree is not a lender but provides business owners a list of legitimate companies willing to lend money - saving people significant time and effort in the process of borrowing money.
Kabbage uses a unique verification system for businesses looking to qualify for a business loan, making the application process incredibly quick and access to funds almost immediate. While their requirements make them unsuitable for startups, and their total loan amount is smaller than some other lenders, their low fees of 12% or less make them an attractive option for established businesses that need a business loan.
For most e-commerce businesses, Clearbanc provides an attractive alternative to the typical business loan. They use AI to look at the performance of your company (via login information that you provide to your sales and marketing platforms), and to make you a funding offer based on your current successes and projected growth. Repayments are made on a percentage basis from your future revenue stream, along with a flat fee ranging from 6-12.5% of your funded amount. While you'll be out of luck if your company isn't e-commerce, you should absolutely consider Clearbanc if you've already had some wins with your subscription box, app or SaaS product and just need some money to grow your business.
Serving customers since 1998, California-based Balboa Capital has funded nearly $5 billion in financing solutions since its inception. Though some borrowers have expressed frustration with fees and other fine-print items, Balboa's A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and established history make them a company to consider when looking for a business loan.
National Business Capital provides financing to businesses in a variety of industries and credit histories, specializing in helping those who have previously been turned down by banks and other lenders. They maintain an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and have a number of convincing testimonials on their website. Information on their loan terms is hard to come by, and we'd like to see more details with respect to loan amounts, eligibility requirements, and interest rates.
Georgia-based CAN Capital has been providing business loans for nearly 20 years and maintains a perfect A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. However, interest rates aren't readily available, and our research indicates that they may be as high as 85%. We recommend that prospective borrowers make sure to calculate their APR before making a commitment to borrow from CAN Capital.
LendingClub no longer offers peer-to-peer funding of business loans, having undergone a major overhaul in the last few years. Good thing or bad thing? If you're a newer or smaller business, you can get funding by applying for a LendingClub personal loan. More established companies will be referred to Accion Opportunity Fund, which has a less-than-perfect reputation. This new company format doesn't offer you many benefits when it comes to business loans, and we suggest looking elsewhere.
Advanced Commercial Capital is based in St. George, Utah and specializes in a particular type of business loan commonly known as factoring, in which a business sells its outstanding accounts receivable to a financial institution (a "factor") in order to get cash immediately. While this type of business loan may work for some established businesses, especially those with a physical inventory, Advanced Commercial Capital may not meet the needs of other types of businesses, including startups.
Fortunately, business owners today can choose among many lenders to find the best terms and interest rates available. In addition to the old local options, small business borrowers now have much more and better choices through various lenders on the Internet that specialize in small business loans.
There are many factors that you should consider before selecting a lender for your business loan. Some of these include:
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best Business Loan programs available today. We hope this information helps you find the best loan for your small business at an affordable rate!
Select any 2 Business Loan Providers to compare them head to head