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SBA.com business loans review
This connection service has over 75 lenders in its network, but don’t be fooled — it has no ties to the government-run Small Business Administration.
- Best for someone who wants to explore a range of business loan options by filling out just one form.
- Pick something else if you’re hesitant to work with a company that was in trouble with the FTC.
How much will this loan cost me?
Since rates and terms vary by lender, you won't know what APRs, terms or loan amounts you qualify for until you fill out SBA.com’s online form and get matched with a potential business loan provider. To get an idea of what monthly repayments might be, you can enter in different terms you're offered in the calculator bel
How it works
Because SBA.com works with a variety of lenders, APRs, terms and fees differ. But generally, if you have an excellent personal credit score over 740, you'll likely qualify for a lower APR than if your credit is under 579 — what most lenders consider poor credit. So if a lender offers APRs from 4.5% up to 28%, you’ll likely qualify for rates closer to 28% with a low credit score.
What do I need to qualify?
Eligibility requirements differ from one lender to the next, though you’re typically asked to meet the following criteria at a minimum:
- Own a business operating in the US
- US citizen or legal resident
- At least 18 years old
- Active eligible bank account
What information do I need to apply?
SBA.com is not a direct lender, so it doesn't require specific documentation to apply. However, when you’re connected with a lender in its network, you may need to provide:
- Government-issued ID
- Business and personal tax returns
- Bank and asset statements
- Personal credit score
- Social Security number or EIN
What industries does SBA.com work with?
SBA.com has over 75 lending partners that work with a variety of industries, though it doesn’t disclose exactly what those are. The industry you work in will likely affect which lenders you’re matched with.
What other types of financing does SBA.com offer?
SBA.com can connect you with a variety of funding through its network of lending partners, including secured and unsecured business loans, as well as business credit cards.
Pros
- Get connected to a network of lenders through one form
- Form only takes 15 minutes to fill out
- More than 75 lenders available in SBA.com's network
- No upfront fees or hard credit pulls to be matched with a lender
Cons
- Received a warning letter from the FTC for misleading coronavirus marketing
- You'll receive marketing from SBA.com and third-party partners unless you opt out
- Doesn’t provide a list of the lenders it works with
See other top business loan options
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Is SBA.com legit?
SBA.com is a legit company that helps business owners get connected to lenders willing to finance their business, as well as online resources to help entrepreneurs succeed. If you have questions about any of its services or programs, you can contact customer support by calling 844-478-0366 or filling out an online form.
SBA.com provides its terms and conditions, privacy policy and company address on its website. However, when we researched this company address, we found multiple website listings, including PersonalLoans.com, E-loan.net and MoneyLoans.com. Each listing has a different contact number for customer support, but each website seems to offer essentially the same services.
And keep in mind that unless SBA.com hears from you after you fill out its online form, it will assume you consent to receive communications from SBA.com and its third-party vendors and affiliates. To opt out, you'll need to send an email to support@SBA.com.
FTC issues warning letter to SBA.com over misleading coronavirus marketing
SBA.com received a warning letter by the Federal Trade Commission in May 2020 over misleading advertisement that implied the connection service was affiliated with the government-run Small Business Administration. In response to this warning, SBA.com added disclosures to its website detailing that it doesn’t directly offer SBA Paycheck Protection Program loans.
SBA.com reviews and complaints
| BBB accredited | No |
|---|---|
| BBB rating | A- |
| BBB customer reviews | 1 out of 5 stars, based on 1 customer reviews |
| BBB customer complaints | 3 customer complaints |
| Trustpilot Score | 4.7 out of 5 stars, based on 121 customer reviews |
| Customer reviews verified as of | 12 October 2020 |
SBA.com gets mostly positive online reviews and few complaints. While some customers are upset that it's not affiliated with the SBA, many business owners say the company offers support that they couldn't find at a local bank.
How do I apply?
You don’t actually apply on SBA.com. You only fill out a form that asks a couple of questions to potentially match you with a lender. SBA.com advertises that the form should only take 15 minutes to complete.
In the form, you'll be asked to provide:
- Loan amount you're requesting
- How long you’ve been in business
- Your average monthly sales
- Your credit score
What happens after I submit its online form?
When you fill out the questionnaire on the SBA.com website, you’ll potentially be matched with one or more lending partners. From there, you'll be asked questions about your business, finances, business history, personal finances and more so that the lender can evaluate your information and provide you with the best rate possible.
The time it takes a lender to get back to you regarding your application can take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days. Likewise, the information you need to provide may also be different, but usually includes your personal and business finances, business history and sales.
How do repayments work with SBA.com?
You won't make repayments to SBA.com because it's not a direct lender. Your repayment schedule will be determined by the lender you choose to work with. SBA.com doesn't charge a fee to use its service, but keep in mind that the lender you choose may charge fees.
If you're still not sure SBA.com is right for you or you just want to compare other options, read our guide to business loans.
Review by
Kathryn Pomroy
kathryn.pomroy@findercrew.comKathryn Pomroy was a writer for Finder, specializing in loans. She has written for dozens of major publications, small businesses and many well-known personal finance companies, including LendingTree, Money Crashers, Quickbooks/Intuit, BankRate, LendEDU and more. Kathryn holds a BA in Journalism and drinks super bold coffee while eating peanut butter and honey toast.
Expert review
SBA.com provides a variety of resources for starting, running and funding a business. But it doesn’t directly offer business loans — instead, you fill out an online form to potentially get matched with lenders that may be able to fund your business. And don’t let it trick you into thinking it offers SBA loans itself.
It’s an independently run website that has no affiliation with the government-run Small Business Administration. In the context of SBA.com, SBA stands for Small Business Advice. In fact, it was warned by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in May 2020 for misleading marketing materials that implied it was affiliated with the Small Business Administration’s coronavirus relief programs.
Wary to work with a company that tried to trick its customers? Explore direct business loan providers instead.