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GoKapital Reviews - Expert Analysis & User Insights for 2024

GoKapital is an excellent option for a wide variety of small businesses, including niche industries. The company provides financing in all 50 states regardless of credit score, in addition to fast funding times and high loan amounts.

GoKapital review
gokapital review
4.1
Min. Credit Score
Min. Credit Score 630+
Loan Amount
Loan Amount $20K- $5M
Loan Repayment
Loan Repayment 3 - 18 months
Gordon Scott
Written by:Gordon Scott
Chartered Market Technician (CMT)

Reviewed by: Sarah Brooks, Personal Finance Writer and Editor

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Expert Reviewers' Verdict

GoKapital offers six different types of small business loans to choose from ranging from $20,000 to $5 million. Its straightforward application process and tailored solutions are great not only for existing businesses, but for start-up companies, as well. The company is willing to work with anybody regardless of credit score, and about 95% of applicants end up being connected with the lender of one type or another.

In this review, our team of expert reviewers has thoroughly analyzed and evaluated GoKapital small business loans. We will share our findings and provide our expert recommendations on whether GoKapital small business loans are worth considering.

Summarized Ratings

Qualification Leniency3.1
Application Process4
Soft-pull Impact on Credit Score 5
Customer Support4
User Reviews4
Loan Features3.9
Perks Bonus 5

This parameter considers minimum credit score, annual revenue, and business history requirements. For each financing arrangement offered, each of these features was evaluated using the five-point scoring system. Then, the various scores were aggregated and averaged to establish an overall qualification leniency score.

On Qualification Leniency, GoKapital has a below average rating of 3.1. This reflects the average of the following measures: 2.3 for a relatively strict credit score requirement (600-700), 1.0 for a very stringent minimum annual revenue requirement of > $150K, and 4.3 for a fairly accommodative business history requirement of 6-12 months.

GoKapital Loan Reviews

It’s quite difficult to find online reviews of GoKapital, despite it being an industry veteran. Trustpilot only has six reviews in total with an average rating of 4.2 out of 5. However, this small pool of reviews isn’t really enough to get a representative opinion.

The platform is better served on Google reviews where 43 customers have voiced their thoughts leading to an average score of 4.4 out of 5. Borrowers appreciated the lengths GoKapital goes to in order to understand its customers’ needs, including consideration of different credit scores and backgrounds. Others have commented on the professionalism of the staff and the straightforward application process.

Some borrowers have complained about high fees, contradictory information on certain loan types, and unsolicited contacts. However, these instances are rare and are often due to the practices of the partner lenders.

Positive ReviewsNegative Reviews
Straightforward application processContradictory information on offers
Consideration for different backgrounds and credit scoresHigh fees from some lenders
Excellent customer serviceReceipt of unsolicited emails

GoKapital Pros and Cons

Pros
Wide range of loan offers
Simple application process
Startups may apply
High approval rates
Instant pre-approval
Flexible payment options
Attentive customer service
Cons
Rates can be high
High annual income requirements on some products

GoKapital Loan Features

There are six different loan products available and GoKapital is able to give you a general idea of rates and terms which we’ve outlined below. However, you need to bear in mind that your final offer could be quite different from the rates below.

Merchant Cash Advance

This is one of GoKapital’s most popular and most accessible funding options. A merchant cash advance is a promise of a lump sum of cash now in exchange for a percentage of your future credit and debit card sales.

Term length3 - 18 months
Repayment periodDaily or weekly
APR rangeFactor rates from 1.20 to 1.49
Min - Max amount$20,000 - $5 million

Business Line of Credit

Business line of credit is a flexible type of small business loan offered by GoKapital. It works like a credit card, you’ll have access to a designated funding limit that you can draw on when you need it. You’ll pay a small fee to take out cash and only pay interest on the money you actually withdraw.

Term length6, 9, or 12 months
Repayment periodWeekly
APR range15% - 18%
Min - Max amount$5,000 - $55,000

Startup Business Loans

Designed to get your business off the ground, it can be used for renting your first property, buying equipment, purchasing inventory, and more.

Term length1 - 5 years
Repayment periodNot disclosed
APR range6% - 18%
Min - Max amount$20,000 - $500,000

Small Business Term Loan

The most traditional loan type available, a small business term loan can be used for just about any purpose across any industry. Borrowing limits are generous and applications are open to those with bad credit.

Term length2 - 10 years
Repayment periodMonthly
APR range25% - 75%
Min - Max amount$10,000 - $250,000

Equipment Financing

A very easy-to-understand type of lending in which you purchase a piece of equipment that will then be used to secure the loan. GoKapital will usually be able to fund between 80% and 100% of the asset’s value.

Term length1 - 5 years
Repayment periodMonthly
APR range6% - 35%
Min - Max amount$20,000 - $5 million

SBA Loan

SBA loans are a good type of funding if you’re looking for low rates, this type of borrowing is backed by the federal government, making it less of a risk for lenders. However, it requires a relatively higher credit score and you’ll need to factor in long wait times before you receive your funds.

Term length5 - 25 years
Repayment periodNot disclosed
APR range5% - 9%
Min - Max amount$250,000 - $5 million

GoKapital Interest Rates and Fees

Naturally, the interest rates will vary depending on what type of loan you apply for. While GoKapital offers some of the lowest rates available on the market, customers with lower credit scores will probably not qualify for the 5% rate. However, if you have excellent credit and prior experience with alternative lending, you might find incredibly competitive rates through GoKapital. 

The loan repayment schedule can vary between one and 25 years, depending on the type of loan you receive. For example, SBA loans can come with longer terms, while unsecured or startup loans would have shorter repayment periods.

How to Qualify for a GoKapital Loan

Because GoKapital is interested in established businesses, the company requires the following information as part of their application process:

  • Personal identification
  • Three to six months of business bank statements
  • Personal and business tax returns
  • Evidence of no recent bankruptcies
  • Profit and loss statement

However, there are some minor differences depending on the loan type and how much you’d like to borrow. The good news is that those with poor credit scores are welcome, and even brand new businesses are able to apply. Simply fill in your details during the application stage and you’ll automatically be matched with the best offers.

Even though GoKapital states on its website that loans can be applied for regardless of credit score, the reality is that credit scores do matter for most loans. The higher your credit score, the better the rate you’ll receive.

So while GoKapital doesn’t disclose all of its qualification criteria, we’ve outlined the basics below.

 Merchant Cash AdvanceBusiness Line of CreditStartup Business LoansSmall Business LoansEquipment FinancingSBA Loans
Minimum credit score550620700500580680
Minimum annual revenue$360,000$240,000$50,000$240,000$360,000$500,000
Minimum time in business1 year3 yearsNo minimum2 years1 year2 years

The GoKapital Loan Application Process

 To apply for a loan from GoKapital, you’ll fill out a simple online application and submit six months of bank and/or credit card statements. You’ll receive a lending decision within 24 hours of submitting your application.

Here is a step-by-step process on how to apply for a loan with GoKapital. 

1. First, you'll have to fill in basic information like your name, phone, credit score, time in business, monthly revenue, and the loan amount you want to request.

2. As you can see, the requested information is very basic. However, depending on how you fill these fields, other customized fields may come up.

Overall, the application process is quite comprehensive. In fact, GoKapital is gathering a lot of information because they are going to send your application out to numerous lenders.

3. Once you provide all the necessary information, including your recent income and tax return statement, you would have to e-sign the application.

This is a little unusual for an online lender, but is done because GoKapital is going to ship your application out to other lenders who might require a signature.

How Does GoKapital Determine the Loan Amount?

GoKapital doesn’t reveal how loan amounts and rates are determined. Not only does the platform have its own methods, but each individual lender will also apply different criteria, too. This can get even more complex if you’re offered funding from two different platforms at the same time. If you’ve got any questions, we recommend getting in touch with GoKapital customer service to find out more.

Customer Support

You can get in touch with GoKapital customer service over the phone at 1-866-257-2973 or via email at info@gokapital.com. The platform offers a Spanish language application service, too, which you can request when you get in touch. Operating hours are between 9 AM and 6 PM ET, Monday through Friday.

The service is generally very good and the agents go out of their way to get you matched with the best loan product. You’ll need to bear in mind that should you choose an offer from a lender other than GoKapital, you’ll need to direct any loan-specific queries to that lender.

GoKapital Perks and Bonuses

Flexibility

GoKapital promises small business loans with no hidden charges, no extra fees, and no delays. Many of their loan options can be funded in 24 hours or less, although you cannot modify loan terms after your funds have been disbursed. While GoKapital does not offer a rewards program, they do have a Loan Broker Referral Program that lets eligible professionals earn money for referring other business owners.

Transparency

The GoKapital website is chock full of information, and the company offers a loan prequalification tool that lets customers check their rate before they apply. GoKapital is transparent when it comes to their eligibility requirements, rates,  and payment plans. GoKapital is accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), where they also have an A+ rating. The company has not received any complaints with the BBB to date.

Technology

The GoKapital website does provide mobile functionality, yet the company falls short of offering their own mobile app. The company does not have an online portal or dashboard that lets you pay your bill online. Insead, GoKapital automatically deducts your payment from your eligible business account depending on your chosen repayment plan, whether you chose to pay daily, weekly, or monthly.

GoKapital Alternatives

National Funding

National Funding offers small business loans and equipment financing with funding in as little as 24 hours. Minimal paperwork is required to apply and early payment discounts are available. Small business loans from National Funding range from $5,000 to $500,000 with terms of four months to two years. Equipment financing loans are up to $150,000 with terms of two to five years. To qualify, you’ll need a minimum credit score of 600 and a minimum annual revenue of $250,000. 

Read the full National Funding Review

SmartBiz

SmartBiz is known for its SBA loans, but it offers many other small business loan products, as well. SBA loans range from $30,000 to $350,000 with terms of 10-25 years. This product typically takes longer to get funded than with other types of loans, but the interest rate is usually substantially less. If you need funds quicker, SmartBiz offers term loans ranging from $30,000 to $500,000. Repayment terms are two to five years, so expect larger monthly payments with this type of financing. Overall, SmartBiz is an excellent option for those who have been in business for at least two years and have a decent credit score.

Read the full SmartBiz review

Final Thoughts

Applying for a small business loan through GoKapital is an excellent option for a wide variety of customers, including those working in niche industries. The company offers six different types of loans with varying amounts, qualifications, and payment plans. Whether you’re looking for a small loan to cover slow periods in your business or you’re in need of a large loan to cover a major renovation, GoKapital can provide you with the funding you need.

About the Author

Gordon Scott

Written by: Gordon Scott

Chartered Market Technician (CMT)

Gordon Scott is an author, trading instructor, trading coach and curriculum developer for financial education. He served as the managing director for the CMT Association from 2013 to 2018, overseeing the development and production of the CMT exams and their curriculum.

More about me
Sarah Brooks

Reviewed by: Sarah Brooks

Personal Finance Writer and Editor

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