2026 Business Loan Provider Reviews
Where can you get the best business loans? Anyone who is in business for themselves knows that sometimes getting access to outside funds is essential to keeping their business moving in the right direction. From one-man operations to storefronts, from services to ecommerce, small business owners must be able to find reputable and trustworthy sources when the need for additional funds arises. In the past, such options were only available from the local bank, relying on personal relationships to secure financing.
Average
- Loans available in amounts from $20,000 to $5 million
- Same-day funding available for small business loans
- Term lengths from three to 24 months
- Require 1 year in business, $300,000 in revenue, and 620 FICO score
- Equipment financing, commercial financing, small business loans, SBA loans, vendor financing, franchise financing, and equipment leasing
- "A+" rating from the BBB
- In business since 1988
Georgia-based Ameris Bank acquired Balboa Capital Corporation in 2021 and now the company has been rebranded as Ameris Bank Equipment Finance. Delivering over $8 billion in funding nationwide, Ameris Bank Equipment Finance is a bank-owned lender that provides multiple options for businesses seeking equipment financing, commercial financing, small business loans, SBA loans, vendor financing, franchise financing, and equipment leasing.
Just one year in business but higher revenues required
With competitive rates, flexible repayment terms, and rapid funding, Ameris Bank Equipment Finance offers loans to businesses who have been around for at least a year, have $300,000 in annual revenue, and a FICO score of at least 620. Those terms are quite a bit stricter than most of the business loan providers on our list.
Speedy same-day loan of up to a quarter-million
Boasting a simple, quick process that doesn't require you to "jump through hoops to get approved," Ameris Bank Equipment Finance says their applications get right to the point to enable quick completion - just minutes, they say. Once it's approved, you will be matched with a small business funding specialist to discuss options and answer questions. Their small business loans are available in terms from 3 to 24 months in length. To apply for one of these, provide your personal information plus basic business stats and credit score to get a no-obligation loan quote from $20,000 up to $250,000 funded the same day with one-hour approval during regular business hours. We appreciate the fact that a company making enough revenue can quickly borrow more to grow their business.
Requirements are different for higher loan amounts
If you need more than that amount (and with an SBA loan you can get up to $5 million), you'll have to provide two years' tax returns, financial statements, and interim documents, and may be asked for other documentation. Additionally, Ameris Bank Equipment Finance also offers two types of SBA loans with their related higher borrowing amounts, lower APRs, and longer repayment terms. The SBA 7(a) and 504 loan options, two of the most widely used SBA funding options, are available to for-profit businesses physically based in the United States that fall under the SBA definition of a small business, with borrowers who have good personal and business credit. This process has more steps and will take longer to complete, with a business development manager from Ameris Bank Equipment Finance to walk with you through the process, which can take close to 90 days.
Online perk to help all loan seekers
We appreciate that Ameris Bank Equipment Finance has a small business loan calculator on their website to help you see estimated payments based on the amount borrowed and length of term. An equipment financing calculator is also available to do the same thing, should you borrow for that purpose. They also offer a blog with tips for small business owners, including holiday marketing help and expansion strategies.
Reputation has taken a hit in recent reviews
Ameris Bank has been around for more than half a century and has its own "A+" rating from the BBB. Ameris Bank Equipment Finance doesn't have a listing, though Balboa Capital Corporation ranks with an "A+" and only two complaints in the past year. Online reviews across user platforms are mixed, though. On Google, they earn above average 3.7 stars out of 5 from 464 reviews, while Trustpilot ranks them a dismal 2.1 out of 5 stars from 304 reviews. Pleased customers mention by name those who helped with their loans, "highly professional and efficient, ensuring a smooth process from start to finish." However, with those reviews being more than a year old, more recent ones complain about shady business practices. We recommend making certain you review all agreements carefully before signing, as some reviewers were shocked at pre-payment penalties incurred.
Just an average option
While the speedy funding of $250,000 is a standout in the field, Ameris Bank Equipment Finance's reputation has suffered in recent years. We recommend checking out higher-ranked options on our list before pursuing a loan here.
Continued from above...
Where Can You Get the Best Business Loans?
Anyone who is in business for themselves knows that sometimes getting access to outside funds is essential to keeping their business moving in the right direction. From one-man operations to storefronts, from services to ecommerce, small business owners must be able to find reputable and trustworthy sources when the need for additional funds arises. In the past, such options were only available from the local bank, relying on personal relationships to secure financing.
In recent years, more and more entrepreneurs have seen things shift in their favor. The rise of online lenders who offer competitive terms without the mounds of paperwork once needed to gain approval for a small business loan means that they now have access to multiple options.
Without any brick-and-mortar location expenses, many online lenders are able to keep their costs lower, passing along savings to their borrowers in the form of lower fees, streamlined processes, and even same-day funding. It's easier than ever before to apply online, upload documentation, and receive the funds in your business account before the end of the day.
Savvy businesspeople find that this enables them to take advantage of sweet deals or make a move to improve their companies as the opportunity arises. The accessibility online lenders make available to business owners nowadays reduces wasted time and allows their borrowers to get back to the business of making money.
Flexibility is another key factor in the trend toward online business loans. In the past, the business owner's credit score was a driving factor. Now, many digital lenders consider other factors in their assessments, allowing companies to build credit through borrowing. Opening up more opportunities for a wide range of businesses and financial conditions to access financing means companies grow and economic conditions improve.
With a myriad of options offered to small businesses to get loans funded, these companies will compete, leaving the borrower as the overall winner. Here are some of the things to consider when deciding where to get your business loan:
- Loan amount and terms of the deal. Lenders have a minimum and maximum amount they are willing to loan to your company. If the one you're looking at doesn't offer what you need, look elsewhere. Also, be sure to read all of the terms about fees, annual interest rate, and total amount borrowed. You don't want any surprises when it's time to pay off the loan.
- Payment frequency and amount. This is something that some people don't realize, but for small loans, you may be required to make weekly or even daily payments. Before you sign anything, be certain you are comfortable with the arrangement.
- Application length and process. How long does it take to get approved? What is involved? Can it be completed online or will you need to meet with someone? If time is of the essence for your financial opportunity, you'll want to make this criterion one of the more important parts of your search. Good news: many online lenders list the time it takes front-and-center on their websites, making it easy to know who can help you quickly, sometimes on the same day you apply.
- Business eligibility requirements. Before you apply, look for the minimum requirements to borrow from an online lender. You don't want to waste your time applying or give out your details unless they are willing to provide funds.
- Lender reputation. What do borrowers say about this online financier? Can you trust them or are they a bit shady? Check their rating with the BBB and compare to other industry standards.
At Top Consumer Reviews, we want to see your business succeed. If that means securing a loan for growth, we've got a list of the best options available today. This curated list should be a helpful tool to help you obtain financing for your small business at terms you can accept, boosting your company to the next level.
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