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Best Small Business Loans to Consider in 2022
Small business owners need money to pay for staff, invest in marketing, and fund business expansions. But what happens if you don’t have enough money in your bank account to cover these expenses? That’s when a small business loan comes in handy.
Reviewed by: Sarah Brooks, Personal Finance Writer and Editor
Fact Checked by: Dr. JeFreda R. Brown, DBA, CFEI, and a highly respected financial expert
Small business loans can be used for a variety of purposes, from covering your day-to-day expenses to investing in your business’ growth. There are also a variety of options, including short-term loans, business lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing, business startup loans, and more.
With so many loans and lenders out there, it can be hard to choose the best small business loan that’s right for your business. Luckily, our experts have done the research for you and found the top online small business lenders with great rates, a wide variety of loan options, and excellent reviews.
Our Top Picks for Best Small Business Loans
- No prepayment penalties and no origination fees
- Easy application process
- Monthly fee : 2-9% for 6 month loans, 7.5-18% for 12-month loans, 15.75-27% for 18-month loans
- Best Overall for Equipment Loans and Leasing
- Fast funding
- Early payment discounts
- Best for bad credit loans
- No monthly fees or prepayment penalties
- Same-day or next-day funding
- Best for business lines of credit
- Multiple loan types available
- Funding in 48h
- Soft credit pull
Best Small Business Loans of 2022 - Full Overview
Check out the 10 lenders below that offer the best small business loans in 2022.
1. Kabbage - Best for Businesses with Fair Monthly Revenues
Kabbage, owned by American Express, offers business lines of credit to small businesses in need of capital. With a business line of credit, you draw against your line, pay it back, and then use it again. It acts similarly to a credit card; and differs from a small business loan in that you only pay interest on the amount you actually use.
Pros
Cons
Kabbage offers a line of credit of $2,000 up to $250,000. Each time you draw from your line, you must repay the money borrowed in six, 12, or 18 months, depending on your agreement. Interest rates vary, depending on the repayment period:
- 6 months: 2-9%
- 12 months: 7.5-18%
- 18 months: 15.75-27%
To qualify, you must have a minimum credit score of 640, be in business for at least one year, and have monthly revenues of $3,000 per month or more.
Kabbage Features
| Amount | Repayment Terms | Monthly Fee | Requirements |
| $2,000-250,000 | 6, 12, or 18 months | 6 month loans: 2-9% 12 month loans: 7.5-18% 18 month loans: 15.75-27% |
Credit score: 640 Monthly revenue: $3,000 Time in business: 12 months |
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a business line of credit up to $250,000 and your monthly revenues are at least $3,000, a Kabbage line of credit could be ideal to help meet your small business financing needs.
Try KabbageLearn more about Kabbage in our comprehensive review.
2. National Funding - Best For Working Capital Loans
National Funding offers working capital loans to help your small business cover everyday expenses like rent, utilities, payroll, and taxes. A working capital loan may also come in handy during slow seasons when you need to manage gaps in cash flow. While you can borrow up to $500,000, you must repay your loan daily or weekly.
Pros
Cons
Watch our National Funding review video
National Funding’s short-term working capital business loans range from $5,000 to $500,000 with repayment terms between four months and two years. The pay rate starts at 1.10. For a chance at approval, you’ll need a minimum credit score of 600, a business track record of at least six months, and $250,000 or more in annual revenue.
Working Capital Features
| Loan Amount | Repayment Terms | Interest | Requirements |
| $5,000 - $500,000 | 4 months - 2 years | Factor rates start at 1.10 | Credit score: 600 Annual revenue: $250,000 Time in business: 6 months |
Equipment Financing Features
National Funding also offers equipment financing and leasing you can use to cover the cost of new or used equipment.
| Loan Amount | Repayment Terms | Interest | Requirements |
| Up to $150,000 | 2-5 years | Factor rates start at 1.10 | Credit score: 600 Annual revenue: $250,000 Time in business: 2 years |
The Bottom Line
To ensure your small business has enough cash to operate smoothly, a National Funding working capital loan can be a smart move. This is especially true if you earn at least $250,000 in annual revenue and feel confident you can repay your loan within 100 days to lock in the early repayment discount.
Try National Funding
Learn more about National Funding in our comprehensive review.
3. Fundbox - Best for Short-Term Financing
Sometimes you need a little monefast and know you can pay it back within a few weeks or months rather than taking years to pay off a loan. If that’s the case, Fundbox offers short-term loans and lines of credit to businesses with a quick funding process and short repayment period.
The application process is simple, and funds can be deposited in as little as one business day. Fundbox offers flexible terms and has no prepayment penalty.
Pros
Cons
Watch our Fundbox review video
Fundbox offers term loans and lines of credit of up to $150,000. The term loan is repaid over 24 or 52 weeks, and the line of credit has repayment terms of 12 or 24 weeks.
Interest rates are 4.66% to 18%. To qualify for a small business loan with Fundbox, you need to have a credit score of 600 or more, $100,000 or more in annual revenue, and be in business for six months or longer.
Fundbox Features
| Amount | Repayment Terms | Interest | Requirements |
| $1,000 - $150,000 |
Term loan: 24 or 52 weeks Line of credit: 12 or 24 weeks |
4.66-18% |
Credit score: 600+ Revenue: $100k+ Time in business: 6 mo+ |
The Bottom Line
If you need money for your business that you know you can pay back in a few weeks or months, Fundbox offers a suitable solution. With the option of either a term loan or line of credit, you can get the capital you need for your business quickly.
Try FundBox
Learn more about Fundbox in our comprehensive review.
4. Biz2Credit - Best for High-Value Loans
Some lenders only offer small business loans up to $100,000, but if you need more, turn to Biz2Credit. With higher value loans available, as well as fast approval times, Biz2Credit offers businesses looking for a little more financing an ideal solution.
In addition to small business term loans, Biz2Credit offers working capital loans and commercial real estate loans. No matter what your financing needs are, this lender can help.
Pros
Cons
Biz2Credit offers term loans of $25,000 to $500,000, with repayment terms up to 36 months. Interest rates start at 7.99%. Applicants are paired with a funding specialist who can help you determine the best financing solution for your needs.
To qualify for a term loan, you will need to have a credit score of at least 660, as well as have annual revenues of $250,000 or more. Your business must also have been in operation for at least 18 months.
Biz2Credit Features
| Amount | Repayment Terms | Interest | Requirements |
| $250,000-$500,000 | 36 months | 7.99% and up |
Credit score: 660+ Annual revenue: $250,000+ Time in business: 18 months |
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for up to $500,000 and aren’t finding it with other lenders, explore what Biz2Credit has to offer. With multiple financing options, you’re sure to find a solution that fits your business.
Try Biz2CreditLearn more about Biz2Credit in our comprehensive review.
5. Bluevine - Best for Business Line of Credit
Sometimes you want to borrow a lump sum all at once, and other times, you need a little money now and a little later. In that case, a line of credit from Bluevine is worth exploring. Borrow what you need, pay it back, then if you need more, you can borrow from the line again and again.
Pros
Cons
Watch our Bluevine review video
Bluevine offers lines of credit up to $250,000, with repayment in either six or 12 months. You can choose either weekly or monthly payments. Interest rates start at 4.8% and go up from there, depending on your qualifications.
To qualify for a line of credit with Bluevine, you must have a credit score of at least 625 and monthly revenues of $10,000 or more. Your business must be in an eligible U.S. state: businesses in Nevada, North Dakota, and South Dakota are not eligible. It must also be in operation for at least six months.
Bluevine Features
| Amount | Repayment Terms | Interest | Requirements |
| Up to $250,000 | 6 or 12 months | Starts at 4.8% |
Credit score: 625+ Monthly revenue: $10,000+ Time in business: 6 months |
The Bottom Line
If you aren’t sure how much money you need to borrow over time, a line of credit from Bluevine can be the flexible solution you seek. Borrow money now and then borrow again down the road when you need it.
Try BlueVine
Learn more about BlueVine in our comprehensive review
6. Credibly - Best for Long-Term Business Loans
If you’re seriously investing in the growth of your business, you may need a sizable loan that you can repay over several years, not months. Credibly is a great lender for long-term business loans.
While Credibly also offers SBA loans, lines of credit, merchant cash advances, invoice financing, and working capital loans, its long-term loans are the ideal solution for a business geared for growth.
Pros
Cons
Credibly offers long-term loans up to $250,000, with repayment periods of 18 to 24 months. Interest rates range from 8% to 25%.
To qualify for a long-term loan with Credibly, you will need a credit score of 500 and a minimum annual revenue of $180,000. Your business must be in operation for at least six months, so startups can qualify.
Credibly Features
| Amount | Repayment Terms | Interest | Requirements |
| Up to $250,000 | 18-24 months | 8-25% |
Credit score: 500+ Annual revenue: $180,000+ Time in business: 6 months |
The Bottom Line
While some loans on this list have to be repaid within just a few months, Credibly lets you repay your loan of up to $250,000 over a couple of years, which gives you a little breathing room with your budget. And with lower credit score requirements, you may qualify, even if you have poor credit.
Try Credibly
Learn more about Credibly in our comprehensive review.
7. Fora Financial - Best For Low Credit Score Requirements
If you or your business don’t have stellar credit scores, you might feel limited in your financing options. But with Fora Financial, that’s not an issue. Fora Financial looks at other criteria, like how long your business has been in operation and how much you make in revenue, to determine eligibility.
Fora Financial also doesn’t have many restrictions on what you must use your business loan for, as long as it’s for your company.
Pros
Cons
Fora Financial offers term loans up to $750,000, with a 72-hour turnaround time on applications. Repayment terms are up to 15 months, with interest ranging from 10% to 30%.
To qualify, your business must be in operation for at least six months. You must make at least $12,000 a month in revenues and have no bankruptcies on your credit report. The minimum credit score requirement is just 500. Keep in mind, though, that the better your credit score, the better the interest rate you’ll receive on your loan. res.
Fora Financial Features
| Amount | Repayment Terms | Interest | Requirements |
| $5,000-$750,000 | Up to 15 months | 10-30% |
Credit score: 500 Monthly revenue: $12k Time in business: 6 months |
The Bottom Line
Just because you have poor credit doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have access to quality small business loans. Fora Financial sees you as more than a credit score and can work with you to get the capital you need to grow your business.
Try Fora Financial
Learn more about Fora Financial in our comprehensive review.
8. Torro – Best for Startup Financing
Startups are often limited in their options for financing, but at Torro, brand new businesses are welcome. Whether you need funds to develop an innovative business idea, get your office outfitted and ready for business, hire staff, or acquire another business, you can get the capital your startup needs with Torro.
Torro is an alternative financial service provider that connects borrowers with lenders, which means you are spoiled for choice when it comes to financing options for your startup.
Pros
Cons
Watch our Fundera review video
Torro’s syndicated network of investors that offer startup loans provide between $5,000 and $575,000. Loan terms are 12 to 48 months, and interest rates can climb up to 36%.
To qualify, a business must be in operation for at least six months, with revenues of $5,000 or more a month. Torro looks for a credit score of at least 700 for start-up loans, but does accept lower scores if your business is not brand new.
Torro Features
| Amount | Repayment Terms | Interest | Requirements |
| $5,000-575,000 | 12-48 months | Up to 36% |
Credit score: 700 Monthly revenue: $5,000 Time in business: 6 months |
The Bottom Line
If you’re getting turned down elsewhere for financing because your business is too new, Torro may be the solution for you. By connecting you to multiple lenders willing to work with startups, you will be able to choose the one that best fits your needs.
Try TorroLearn more about Torro in our comprehensive review.
9. Fundera -Best for Many Loan Options
Fundera is a loan marketplace as opposed to a direct lender. If you’re not sure what type of financing is right for your business and don’t want to spend time researching, we recommend Fundera. They offer a wide range of options, including: term loans, lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment loans, invoice financing, and credit cards.
You can get access to offers from multiple lenders with one application. Once you submit your application, a Funding Advisor will contact you and help you determine which product is the best for your business.
Pros
Cons
Watch our Fundera review video
Term loans with Fundera lenders provide up to $600,000, with repayment periods of one to five years. Interest rates are 7-30%.
Requirements to qualify for a term loan vary from lender to lender. The lowest credit score accepted by some lenders is 500, with $50,000 in annual revenue required. Some lenders require a business to be in operation at least six months, while most require a minimum of one year.
Fundera Features
| Amount | Repayment Terms | Interest | Requirements |
| Up to $600,000 | 1-5 years | 7-30% |
Credit score: 500 Annual revenue: $50,000 Time in business: 6 months |
The Bottom Line
If you like having options in terms of what sort of business financing you can choose, Fundera has many offerings to select from. And with a personal Funding Advisor at your disposal, you can ask all the questions you have to ensure you get the right solution for your needs.
Try Fundera
Learn more about Fundera in our comprehensive review
10. OnDeck - Best for Building Your Credit
OnDeck is known for providing small business lending that’s fast and easy. They have an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, have funded more than $14 billion to businesses globally, and have 4.7 out of 5 stars on customer review site, Trustpilot.
OnDeck also reports to all three major credit bureaus, which allows you to build your business credit while paying off your loan. To build your business credit, simply make your OnDeck loan or line of credit payment on time each month, and over time, you should see your credit score rise.
Pros
Cons
OnDeck provides both term loans and lines of credit. Its term loans range from $5,000 up to $250,000, with repayment terms up to 24 months. Lines of credit are available from $6,000 to $100,000, with a 12-month repayment period.
To qualify for either option, you will need:
- 600 FICO score
- $100,000 in annual revenues
- 1 years or more in business
- A business checking account.
OnDeck Features
| Amount | Repayment Terms | Interest | Requirements |
|
Loan: $5,000-$250,000 Line of credit: $6,000-100,000 |
Loan: up to 24 months Line of credit: up to 12 months |
Loan: 11.98-46.06% Line of credit: 10.99-35.2% |
Credit score: 600 Annual revenue: $100,000 Time in business: 1 years |
The Bottom Line
A loan should help you build credit, not lower it. Because OnDeck reports to credit bureaus, making your loan payment on time each month could boost your scores.
Try OnDeckLearn more about OnDeck in our comprehensive review.
Best Small Business Loans - Main Features Table
| Company | Max/Min Loan | Loan Rates | Special Requirements |
| Kabbage | $2K-$250K | 6 months: 2-9% 12 months: 7.5-18% 18 months: 15.75-27% | Monthly revenue: $3,000 Time in business: 12 months |
| National Funding | Up to $500K | From 1.10 | $250K annual revenue and 6+ months in business |
| Fundbox | Up to $150K | 4.66 - 8.99% | $100K+ in annual revenue, 6+ months in business |
| Biz2Credit | $25,000-$500,000 | Starting from 7.99% | $250K+ in annual revenue |
| Credibly | Up to $250,000 | 8% - 25% | Credit score: 500 Annual revenue: $180,000 Time in business: 6 months |
| Bluevine | Up to $250K | Starts at 4.8% | $10,000+ in monthly revenue, and 6+ months in business |
| Fora Financial | $5,000-$750,000 | 1.1 to 1.3 factor rate | $12K in gross sales, 6+ months in business, no open bankruptcies |
| Torro | $5,000-$575,000 | Up to 36% | 700+ FICO credit score |
| Fundera | Up to $600,000 | 7-30% | Varies based on the lender |
| OnDeck | $5,000-$250,000 | 11.98-46.06% | Credit score: 600 Annual revenue: $100k Time in business: 1 year |
How We Choose the Best Small Business Loan
With so many options available, it can be daunting to choose the right one. Which lender has the best reputation? Which offers the lowest rate? Here are the criteria we looked at to rank lenders.
- Loan Features: Every lender offers different loan amounts and terms. We looked at a variety of types of loans and financial products.
- Application process: We considered whether applying for a loan would result in a hard pull or soft pull on applicants’ credit, as well as how complicated the application was.
- Interest rates and fees: In addition to interest rates, some lenders charge other fees, like origination or late fees.
- Qualification process: We explored what it takes to qualify for a loan, including minimum credit score, annual revenue, and business history requirements.
- Customer support: We looked for lenders that are easy to contact through a variety of channels, including phone, email, and chat.
- Online user reviews: We looked at reviews of lenders from customers on independent review sites like Trustpilot.
- Perks and Bonuses: We also looked at what makes a lender stand out, with perks like payment flexibility, advertising transparency, and advanced technology.
What Is a Small Business Loan?
A small business loan provides the capital your business needs to pay expenses or invest in growth. You are given a lump sum of money, which you repay over an agreed-upon period of time, with interest.
A small business loan may be used to hire employees, buy inventory, pay bills, or rent or buy a property such as equipment for starting a bakery. Each small business lender may have certain requirements to qualify for financing, including credit scores, time in business, and annual or monthly revenue.
How Do Business Loans Work?
If you’ve never taken out a business loan, you might not understand how they work. If you are approved for a loan, you’ll receive a lump sum payment. If you apply for a line of credit, you’ll receive access to a certain amount you can borrow from.
Use those funds for whatever business expenses you may have. You’ll be required to make monthly or weekly payments, including principal and interest until the loan is paid off. Be sure to carefully review your loan agreement to understand how much you will pay in interest and how long you have to repay the loan before you sign it.
Should you not be able to repay the loan, the lender has the right to seize any asset you put up as collateral to cover your debts. That’s why it’s important to only borrow what you are sure you can afford to pay back.
Types of Small Business Loans
There are several types of small business loans available. Which you choose depends on your business needs.
- SBA Loans: These are loans backed by the Small Business Administration, and come with some of the lowest interest rates and most favorable terms. Generally speaking, you need to have good to excellent credit to qualify.
- Term Loans: These are offered by banks and online lenders and may range in their criteria to qualify, as well as their rates and terms. There are term loans available even for businesses with poor credit, though these may charge more interest.
- Lines of Credit: Rather than getting all your money upfront, with a line of credit, you have access to a certain amount of money, which you can borrow from and repay again and again.
- Merchant Cash Advances: This isn’t a loan but rather an advance on future credit and debit card sales. You repay this through automatic payments made daily or weekly from card transactions.
- Invoice Factoring: With invoice factoring, you sell your unpaid invoices to a factoring company, minus a fee. The factoring company then collects the payment on the invoice.
- Equipment Financing: This is specifically for purchasing heavy machinery or company vehicles. The equipment you purchase acts as collateral on the loan, which may help you get a lower interest rate.
Conventional Business Loans vs. SBA Loans
Small business owners with good credit might consider applying for either a conventional business loan or an SBA loan. What’s the difference?
A conventional small business loan is offered through a bank or online lender, such as the ones listed above. Some have strict criteria to qualify, while others may approve borrowers with less than perfect credit. Some require repayment in a few months, while others have repayment periods of a few years.
An SBA loan is backed by the Small Business Administration, which sets the rates and terms. Those rates and terms tend to be the lowest and best option for small business financing, but you’ll need good to excellent credit and a track record of doing business to qualify. Many banks and online lenders offer SBA loans, but they can take weeks or months longer than conventional loans to process and be approved.
How to Get a Small Business Loan
Though the application process may vary a bit from lender to lender, there are a few basic steps you can expect once you choose the right lender for your business.
Step 1: Gather Documents: Start by seeing what your lender requires with the application. Many lenders will ask for:
- Photo ID
- Social Security number
- Bank or accounting records
- Business licenses
Step 2: Apply: Each application may vary in its complexity. Some may take just five minutes to fill out, while others may take a lot longer. If you’ve gathered your documents, this step should be fairly straightforward. Expect to be asked about:
- Business address
- Industry
- Annual revenues
- Time in business
- Personal details, including address, Social Security number, income
- Personal and business tax returns
- Amount you want to borrow
Step 3: Wait: Some lenders approve loans instantly whereas others take a few days. SBA loans have the longest approval rate, typically taking a few weeks or more.
Step 4: Review Loan Agreement: Once you’ve been approved, you will be sent a loan agreement that includes how much you are borrowing, the interest rate, and repayment terms. If you agree with the terms, sign and return to the lender.
Step 5: Get Paid: Once the lender receives your signed loan agreement, the loan funds will be deposited into your business bank account in as little as one business day.
Where Can You Get a Small Business Loan?
There are multiple ways you can get a small business loan, including:
- Banks and credit unions. Most banks and credit unions in your area will offer loans and lines of credit to small businesses. The qualifications are typically more stringent than online lenders, but you will typically receive better interest rates if your credit is in good standing. Also, more documentation is required and funding may take up to a few weeks from loan approval.
- Online lenders. Acquiring a small business loan through an online lender is most likely going to be the quickest form of financing. Qualifications are not as strict, with some lenders catering specifically to businesses with less-than-ideal credit, and start-ups may qualify. Due to the speed of funding and flexible requirements for loan approval, interest rates may be higher than other small business lending options.
- Small Business Administration. The Small Business Administration doesn’t lend to businesses directly, but instead partners with online lenders, banks, community development organizations, and microlending institutions to help fund your small business. Requirements for a loan backed by the SBA are higher than other options, but you most likely will receive better interest rates and longer loan terms.
Which Industries Are Most Likely to Apply for Loans?
Small business loans are available for almost any industry. The type of funding that's available may depend on your specific business type.
According to the 2022 Small Business Credit Survey, companies most likely to seek financing include manufacturing, retail, leisure and hospitality, healthcare and education, and professional services and real estate. The report found that loans and lines of credit are the most common forms of financing sought by applicants.
Other industries that may need financial assistance to help with growth and day-to-day operations include construction, transportation, restaurants, and specialty niches like vending machine businesses and internet-based companies.
What industry-specific loan are you looking for?
Conclusion
Your small business needs capital to thrive. Whether you need money to get through a slow period or to expand your business by opening a second location, there are financing options available. Most lenders offer both small business loans and business lines of credit, so you can decide which type of financing is right for you.
That being said, take the time to shop around because rates and terms can vary wildly from one lender to the next. You want the loan with the terms that best suit your business. Start with the list we’ve provided here.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
What is a business loan?
What credit score is needed for a small business loan?
Credit score requirements vary depending on the lender. Some lenders allow borrowers to qualify with low credit scores, but your odds improve with a FICO credit score of 600 or higher.
Do business loans look at personal credit?
- Your personal credit score may be factored into decisions by lenders for a business loan. This is especially true for sole proprietors and newer business owners without an established business credit history.
What can I use a small business loan for?
How do I qualify for a small business loan?
Written by: Susan Guillory
Susan Guillory is an intuitive business coach and content magic maker. She’s written several business books and has been published on sites including Forbes, AllBusiness, and SoFi.
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Reviewed by: Sarah Brooks
Sarah Brooks is a personal finance writer and editor with more than 10 years of experience. She specializes in personal and business loans, mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards.
More about me
Fact Checked by: Dr. JeFreda R. Brown
Dr. JeFreda R. Brown is more than a financial consultant: she’s an avid teacher and subject matter expert who helps people—individuals and groups in a business setting—master the skills they need to achieve lasting financial wellbeing. As Founder and CEO of Xaris Financial Enterprises, it is her passion and life goal to help others develop and maintain financial wellness.
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