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Best Online Business Loans for 2026

Compare the best online business loans to access fast funding for a range of needs.

Fundera business loans

Fundera business loans

Get connected with short-term funding, SBA loans, lines of credit and more.

Apply now
on Fundera's secure site
Features
  • No hard credit check to use
  • Bad credit loan options available
  • Good customer reviews online

Online business loans come in many forms and may be easier to qualify for than a bank or credit union loan. Online lenders often offer streamlined applications, relaxed eligibility requirements and a quick turnaround. This means less paperwork for you and funds in as little as 24 to 72 hours. Rates on online business loans vary widely, so be sure to compare lenders to find the best deal.

8 best online business loans

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  • 35+ business loan lenders reviewed and rated by our team of experts
  • 12+ types of business loans analyzed
  • Evaluated under our unbiased rating system covering 10+ categories
  • 20+ years of combined experience covering financial topics

We're big on editorial independence. That means our content, reviews and ratings are fair, accurate and trustworthy. We don't let advertisers or partners sway our opinions. Our financial experts put in the hard work, spending hours researching and analyzing hundreds of products based on data-driven methodologies to find the best accounts and providers for you. Explore our editorial guidelines to see how we work.

Finder Score Loan amount Loan term APR

Best overall for online business loans

Fundera logo
Finder score
Finder score
$2,500 – $5,000,000
3 months to 25 years
Varies by lender
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Compare product selection

Why we like it

Fundera by NerdWallet is a business loan marketplace that connects small business owners with multiple lenders through a single application. Borrowers can compare term loans, SBA loans, business lines of credit and short-term financing from partner lenders with just a soft credit check that won’t harm your credit.

Since its founding in 2013, Fundera has helped over 82,000 small businesses secure more than $6.4 billion in funding. The platform provides dedicated loan specialists for personalized guidance and funding can be as fast as one business day.

Pros

  • Rates and fees aren't advertised upfront
  • Not a direct lender, terms set by partners
  • Limited network compared to larger marketplaces

Cons

  • Rates and fees aren't disclosed upfront
  • Not a direct lender, terms set by partners
  • Limited network compared to larger marketplaces

Best business loan marketplace

Lendio logo
Finder score
Finder score
$1,000 – $10,000,000
3 months to 25 years
Varies by lender
Go to site View details
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Why we like it

If you want to quickly find the best business loan for your situation, consider the Lendio marketplace. Lendio lets you compare options from 75+ partners with just a single application. You can search for SBA loans, lines of credit, merchant cash advances, accounts receivable financing, equipment loans and more.

Lendio is highly rated by past customers, who praise the company for its fast, streamlined application process and its loan officers who can help you narrow down the best loan for your needs. Funding times are fast too, as soon as 24 hours in some cases. But be prepared to receive a large number of follow-up calls and emails from partner lenders after applying.

Pros

  • Network of 75+ lenders
  • Wide range of financing options
  • Options for poor credit

Cons

  • Not a direct lender
  • Origination fees may apply
  • Reports of marketing calls and emails

Best short-term loans

OnDeck Capital  logo
Finder score
Finder score
$5,000 – $400,000
3 to 24 months
Average is 56.4% to 56.6%.
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Why we like it

OnDeck offers two types of short-term loans: lines of credit (LOC) and term loans, with amounts ranging from $5,000 to $400,000. Loans must be repaid within 24 months max with rates that typically run high, averaging around 56.4% APR for term loans and 56.6% APR for LOCs. But this may be a fair tradeoff for fast funding, which can be as quick as the same day.

The company charges a $20 monthly maintenance fee for lines of credit, and origination fees may apply for term loans, but there are no prepayment penalties. To qualify, you must be in business for at least one year with $100,000 in annual revenue and have a minimum credit score of 625.

Pros

  • Low-doc application
  • Same-day funding possible
  • No prepayment penalties or draw fees

Cons

  • Potentially high APRs
  • Origination or maintenance fee may apply
  • Not available in all 50 states

Best for excellent reputation

Fundbox logo
Finder score
Not scored yet
Finder score
Not scored yet
Up to $250,000
12 or 24 weeks
Not stated
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Why we like it

Fundbox offers a revolving line of credit with no origination fees and no prepayment penalties. Borrowers can check eligibility using a soft credit pull, and approved funds may arrive as soon as the next business day. Pricing is structured as a flat fee on each draw, with repayment typically required over 12 or 24 weeks in equal weekly installments.

Fundbox earns consistently high marks across major review platforms. It’s accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating and holds high star ratings on Trustpilot. Many borrowers point to its easy application, predictable costs and responsive support as reasons for the high ratings.

Pros

  • 600 minimum credit score
  • Only 3 months in business required
  • No origination, draw or prepayment fees

Cons

  • $250,000 maximum loan amount
  • Short repayment terms up to 24 months
  • Weekly repayments required

Best line of credit

Bluevine logo
Finder score
Finder score
$5,000 – $250,000
6 or 12 months
Starting at 7.8%
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Why we like it

BlueVine offers lines of credit up to $250,000 with a relatively low starting APR compared to other lenders. To qualify, you need a minimum FICO score of 625 and at least one year in business with a minimum of $10,000 in monthly revenue.

Bluevine's lines of credit are revolving, so you can borrow what you need and repay as you go. But repayments are weekly, which could put a strain on cash flow. If approved, funds typically arrive in one to three business days for free or a few hours for a small fee.

Pros

  • Relatively low FICO requirement
  • Same-day funding for a small fee
  • APRs start at 7.8%

Cons

  • Short repayment terms
  • Weekly repayments required
  • Not available in all 50 states

Best merchant cash advance

Credibly  logo
Finder score
Finder score
$5,000 – $600,000
3 months to 10 years
Factor rates start at 1.11
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Why we like it

Best for newer businesses or those with a low credit score, merchant cash advances from Credibly offer up to $600,000 with factor rates starting at 1.11. The application takes about 10 minutes to fill out, and if you're approved, you could have money in your bank account in as little as 24 hours.

Credibly only requires a minimum credit score of 500 and just 6 months in business. But you must be able to show $15,000 a month in average monthly bank deposits. And be aware that Credibly charges a one-time fee of 2.5% on your total advance amount plus a $50 monthly admin fee.

Pros

  • Low credit score requirement
  • Funding in as little as four hours
  • Overwhelmingly positive reviews

Cons

  • Short repayment window up to 24 months
  • Daily or weekly payments required
  • Origination and admin fees may apply

Best for easy qualifications

United Capital Source logo
Finder score
Finder score
$1,000 – $10,000,000
3 months to 25 years
Varies by lender and loan type
View details
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Why we like it

United Capital Source is a highly rated connection service that specializes in helping business owners with bad credit, newer businesses and higher-risk businesses that perform well but can't show it because they deal mostly in cash.

United Capital offers a wide range of loan types through its network of partner lenders, including merchant cash advances (MCAs), term loans, invoice factoring, lines of credit, SBA loans and more. You only need a credit score of 475 and three months of sales history to qualify (though requirements vary by lender and loan type). Once approved, funding is typically received within two to four business days.

Pros

  • Low minimum credit score requirement
  • Only need three months in business
  • Multiple loan types available

Cons

  • Not a direct lender
  • Payments may be weekly or daily
  • APRs may be high for some products

Best equipment financing

National Funding logo
Finder score
Finder score
$5,000 – $500,000
24 to 60 months
Undisclosed
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Why we like it

National Funding is a direct lender that offers new and used equipment financing and leasing up to $150,000. It offers a streamlined online application process and lending specialists to help you find the right financing. If approved, you can get up to 100% of your equipment funded with $0 down.

The company also offers a lowest-guaranteed-payment promise on its equipment lease payments. If you find a lower payment elsewhere, it will give you $1,000 in cash. Plus, National Funding is accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which gives it an A+ rating, and the lender receives mostly positive reviews from past customers on Trustpilot.

Pros

  • Fair credit accepted
  • Quick turnaround funding
  • No down payment required

Cons

  • Low maximum loan amount
  • Rates not advertised
  • Origination fee may apply
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Methodology: How we chose these lenders

Our lending experts analyze dozens of business loan providers to narrow down the best options for business owners. We weigh lenders against 12 key metrics:

  • Application process
  • Credit score minimums
  • Customer service reviews
  • Eligibility requirements
  • Extra features
  • Fees
  • Funding turnaround times
  • Lender reputation
  • Minimum and maximum loan amounts
  • Products offered
  • Rates
  • Willingness to work with risky industries

We also search for lenders that cater to a range of needs, including those that work with bad credit, newer businesses and high-risk industries.

How to compare online business loans

Here are the top things to keep in mind when comparing online business loans:

  • APRs. These vary wildly by loan type — anywhere from 6% to 80%+ APR — and largely depend on your creditworthiness, income and time in business. Compare multiple quotes on the same loan type to make sure you’re paying a reasonable APR.
  • Origination fees. Depending on the lender and your credit profile, you may be on the hook for origination fees from 0.05% to 10% on your loan. However, not all lenders charge these, and you may not have to pay them if you have good to excellent credit.
  • Additional fees. Ask about any additional fees you may be responsible for, including prepayment penalties, late fees and ongoing administrative fees.
  • Repayment terms. Each loan has its own repayment schedule. A term loan might have monthly repayments, while a merchant cash advance might require weekly or even daily repayments. Make sure you understand how your loan’s repayments work.
  • Customer support options. Navigating the world of business loans can be confusing. If you’re a new borrower, consider a lender that offers personalized support. You may find loans you didn’t know about that may work better for your situation.
  • Digital experience. Most online lenders offer a fast, streamlined digital application, but you may also want to look into whether the lender has a mobile app to help manage your loan and repayments.
  • Customer reviews. Customer reviews on sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website can give you good insights into how other customers fared with a particular lender.

What is an online business loan and how does it work?

An online business loan is financing offered by lenders that operate primarily through digital platforms rather than brick-and-mortar branches. Online lenders rely on technology to process and underwrite your loan. They typically offer streamlined, low-doc applications, where you apply online, submit basic information about your business and finances and often link your bank account for review.

Approval decisions happen quickly — sometimes within hours — with funding arriving in a few business days. You may even be able to find some lenders that offer funding the same day you apply if you qualify.

Online business loans can come as a lump-sum term loan or a revolving line of credit. With a term loan, you receive a fixed amount upfront and repay it over a set schedule. A line of credit allows you to draw funds as needed and pay interest or fees only on what you use. Rates, repayment terms and eligibility requirements vary widely, so comparing offers is key before accepting financing.

Pros and cons of online business loans

Here are some of the top pros and cons of getting an online business loan:

Pros

  • Multiple loan options available
  • Wide range of loan amounts
  • Less stringent eligibility requirements
  • Streamlined application processes
  • Often prequalify with soft credit check
  • Faster approval and funding
  • Personalized support

Cons

  • Potentially high APRs and origination fees
  • May be more expensive than bank or credit union loans
  • May be the target of scammers online
  • May receive marketing calls after applying

Compare other online business loans

Want to see how other online business loans stack up against those on our list? Check out the options below to find out.

7 of 7 results
Finder Score Min. Amount Max. Amount APR Requirements
Finder score
$10,000
$5,000,000
Varies by loan type
525 credit score, 6+months in business, $180,000+ annual revenue
Apply in minutes with funding as fast as 24 hours and zero impact to your credit score.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
Finder score
$2,500
$5,000,000
Varies by lender
$60,000+ of annual revenue, 600+ personal credit score, in business for 6+ months
Get connected with short-term funding, SBA loans, lines of credit and more.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
Finder score
$5,000
$20,000,000
Varies by lender
Minimum credit score of 500, minimum annual revenue of $120,000, preferably one to two years in business
Compare lending options and get funded fast.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
Lendio logo
Finder score
Finder score
$1,000
$10,000,000
Varies by lender
Operate business in US for 6 months or more, have a business bank account, minimum 520 personal credit score, at least $8,000 in monthly revenue.
Submit one simple application to potentially get offers from a network of over 75 legit business lenders.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
Fundwell logo
Finder score
Fundwell
Finder score
$10,000
$40,000,000
Varies by lender and loan type
$180,000 annual revenue, 500+ FICO credit score, 6+ months in business
Fundwell has provided over $1B in fast, transparent funding for business needs. Apply now in 3 minutes or less.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
Best Money logo
Finder score
Best Money
Finder score
$5,000
$5,000,000
Varies by lender
Depends on the lender
Apply in minutes. Get funded fast.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
Advance Funds Network logo
Finder score
Finder score
$10,000
$5,000,000
Varies by lender
6 months in business, at least $10,000 in monthly revenue
A range of funding options for your business
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
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Showing 7 of 7 results

What is the Finder Score?

The Finder Score crunches 12+ types of business loans across 35+ lenders. It takes into account the product's interest rate, fees and features, as well as the type of loan eg investor, variable, fixed rate - this gives you a simple score out of 10.

To provide a Score, we compare like-for-like loans. So if you're comparing the best business loans for startups loans, you can see how each business loan stacks up against other business loans with the same borrower type, rate type and repayment type.

Read the full breakdown

Types of online business loans

Term loans and lines of credit are popular types of financing. But other options may be better for your business, especially if you’re a new business owner or have a lower credit score.

Each lender may offer different minimum or maximum loan amounts and terms. In the following chart, we break down a general idea of what you can expect with each loan type.

TypeTypical loan amountsTypical term lengthsBest for
Short-term loan$2,500 to $500,0001 to 2 yearsBusinesses looking for working capital
Long-term loan$10,000 to $2,000,0002 to 10 yearsBusinesses looking for working capital
Business line of credit$1,000 to $500,0001 to 2 yearsBusinesses needing a flexible source of funding
Business cash advance$5,000 to $2,000,000Up to 2 yearsNewer businesses and those with a lower credit score
Accounts receivable financingTied to receivablesUp to 1 yearNewer businesses and those with a lower credit score
SBA loanUp to $5,000,00010 to 30 yearsBusinesses looking for working capital
Startup loanUp to $150,00030 days to 5 yearsNew businesses
Equipment financing$5,000 to $5,000,0001 to 5 yearsBusinesses that need equipment and don’t want to tie up cash and other loans

Short-term vs. long-term business loans

Long-term business loans tend to offer higher loan amounts with a longer repayment period and potentially lower APRs than short-term loans. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Short term loanLong term loan
Typical loan amount$2,500 to $500,000$10,000 to $2,000,000
Term length1 to 2 years2 to 10 years
Interest rate8% to 36% APRAs low as 6% APR

How to qualify for online business loans

Online lenders typically have more flexible requirements than traditional banks, but you’ll still need to meet basic eligibility standards. Exact criteria vary by lender and loan type, but most look at the following:

  • Time in business. Many online lenders require at least three to 12 months in operation.
  • Minimum revenue. You’ll need to earn consistent monthly or annual revenue that meets the lender’s threshold.
  • Personal credit score. Some lenders accept scores in the mid-500s, while others require 600 or higher.
  • Business bank account. Most lenders require an active business checking account to review cash flow.
  • Legal business status. Your business must be registered and operating in an eligible industry and state.
  • Personal guarantee. Many online lenders require the owner to personally guarantee the loan.

How to apply for an online business loan

Applying for an online business loan typically follows these five steps:

  1. Determine the financing you need. Online business loans come in many flavors. Choosing the right option ensures that you have enough cash, in the right form, when you need it. Talk to a loan officer if you have any questions.
  2. Check your eligibility. This step involves checking your personal and business credit scores, tallying your revenue, verifying your time in business and determining if you have any collateral to pledge if you choose a secured loan.
  3. Gather your documentation. Required documents typically include bank statements, tax returns, financial statements and other documents. You may also need to provide a business plan and personal guarantee for some loans.
  4. Complete the application. Fill out the full application, upload documents or link your financial accounts and review the application for accuracy.
  5. Wait for approval and funding. Next, you need to wait for approval and funding. Online lenders tend to have fast approval and funding times, which means you could have cash in a few business days or even sooner.

How to prequalify for a business loan

Prequalification involves answering a series of questions about yourself and your business to determine your eligibility before you formally apply for a loan.

Here are the general steps:

  1. Visit the lender’s website and fill out the prequalification form.
  2. Provide information about yourself and your business.
  3. View your loan options and compare offers.

Once you’ve narrowed down your options based on your prequalification offers, you can formally apply for a loan with the lender of your choice.

What should I do if I was denied a business loan?

If you’ve been denied a business loan, here are three steps you can take to potentially correct the situation:

  1. Ask the lender why they said no. Call the lender to discuss your application and ask for the specific reasons your application was rejected. You may be able to correct the problems and resubmit your application.
  2. Take corrective action. Once you know the reasons for the rejection, you may be able to rectify the situation. For example, there may have been missing or inaccurate information on your application or your financials or credit score could have been stronger before you applied.
  3. Prepare a new application. When you’re in a position to reapply, you can try for the same loan with the same lender or consider an alternative form of financing that you’re more likely to get approved for.

It’s often easier to get approved for a secured loan backed by business assets. You could also apply for a personal loan instead.

Alternatives to online business loans

Not ready to take out a business loan? Consider these alternatives:

  • Personal loan. You may be able to use a personal loan for business expenses. Personal loans aren’t based on your business financials or time in business, making them ideal for new business owners.
  • Business credit card. For small cash flow needs, consider a business credit card. Not only can they help build your business credit score, you can earn perks like points or cash back on your business expenses.
  • Grants. For free funding, consider a business grant. These are available through federal and state government agencies, as well as private corporations. But they’re competitive and funding can take months.
  • Investor financing. For those in innovative industries, money from an angel investor can give you the cash you need to get your business idea off the ground — but you give up equity in your company in return.
  • Crowdfunding. Crowdfunding is not only a popular marketing tool — it’s a great way to judge interest in your product or service and gain potential customers while you drum up funding for your business.

Frequently asked questions

Top 10 best business guides

Explore the top business loan guides to help you along your business journey. From information on the best business loans on the market or your best startup loan options, to business loans that require little to no paperwork and more.

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To make sure you get accurate and helpful information, this guide has been edited by Megan B. Shepherd as part of our fact-checking process.
Kat Aoki's headshot
Written by

Writer

Kat Aoki was a personal finance writer at Finder, specializing in consumer and business lending. She’s written thousands of articles to help consumers make better decisions on their home loans, bank accounts, credit cards, cryptocurrency and more. Kat is well versed in working with leading brands in the real estate, mortgage and personal finance industries, and her expertise has been featured on Lifewire and financial comparison sites like iSelect and realestate.com.au. She holds a BS in business administration from California State University, Sacramento and enjoys hiking and yoga in her spare time. See full bio

Kat's expertise
Kat has written 135 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Mortgages
  • Home equity loans
  • Mortgage refinancing
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Christi Gorbett is a freelance writer with more than eight years of experience and a master's degree in English. She’s created a wide range of content for banks, financial product comparison sites, and marketing companies on topics like small business loans, credit cards, mortgages, retirement planning, lender reviews, and more. As a former teacher, Christi excels at making complex financial topics accessible and easy to understand. Her interest in finance grew when she returned to the U.S. after living in South Korea for nearly a decade. This shift was driven by several personal financial challenges: rebuilding her financial base after the move home, starting her own business, and catching up on retirement savings. These experiences deepened Christi’s practical understanding of finance and intensified her interest in the field. See full bio

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