Cash flow loans can help your small business by providing it with quick access to funds that can be used for a wide variety of business purposes, especially in the event of a cash flow shortage. I’ve researched several companies and selected eight of the best cash flow lenders for small businesses. They offer fast funding within 24 to 48 hours, with competitive rates and pricing. Qualification requirements will impact your terms, so I recommend shopping with multiple lenders to get the best loan possible.
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Best cash flow loans for small businesses at a glance
Bluevine: Best overall for instant access to funds
Why I like Bluevine
With some small business credit lines, drawing funds means waiting several days before you can access working capital. This is not the case with a Bluevine small business line of credit, as funds can be made available immediately with a complimentary Bluevine business checking account.
Its flexible eligibility criteria, quick funding speeds, and competitive rates also helped it land a spot on our list of the best working capital loans. As a revolving credit facility, you can borrow funds on an as-needed basis and repay the balance over time. This can be a great way to cover fluctuating business expenses, whether for financing an emergency, covering payroll, or purchasing inventory.
Since payment frequency can impact a company’s cash flow, know that the updated requirements are for the provider’s default weekly repayment plan. Companies wanting to qualify for a monthly payment plan must meet more strict requirements, including revenue of $960,000 annually, three years in business, and a credit score of over 700.
Visit the Bluevine website to apply.
Lendio: Best for multiple loan options
Why I like Lendio
Lendio is a loan broker with over 75 partnering lenders in its network, providing a wide variety of lending options through a single application. Depending on the specific type of financing you’re looking for, it’s a great option if you seek flexible qualification requirements, as you can review multiple financing offers at once. For these reasons, it also made our list of the best business loan brokers.
It has also consistently provided excellent customer service, showcased by its 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot and over 21,000 reviews. This is largely attributed to working with its dedicated funding specialists. These individuals will guide you through the lending process, including any required paperwork, to match you with the lenders most likely to issue a loan approval.
You can apply with Lendio online. The application process is simple and can typically be completed in under 15 minutes at no cost to you. Applying does not impact your credit score, and there’s no obligation to accept a loan offer.
QuickBridge: Best easy application process
Why I like QuickBridge
If you’re looking for an easy application process with limited documentation requirements needed to get started, consider QuickBridge. It’s known for its streamlined processes, which can help you get quick access to funding. That said, paperwork requirements may vary depending on your specific business circumstances.
While it offers a few different types of loans, if you can’t get what you need with QuickBridge, you can also consider National Funding, which I cover later. It shares nearly the same rates and qualification requirements as QuickBridge, but offers a few more types of loans.
To qualify, you’ll generally need excellent credit to qualify for the best-advertised rates. To learn more or submit an application, visit the QuickBridge website.
U.S. Bank: Best for fast approval and funding speeds
Why I like U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank, which has the fastest estimated time from application to funding in this guide, makes the roundup as it offers Quick Loan and Cash Flow Manager lines of credit that can be good options for cash flow loans. You can opt for either a secured or unsecured loan, and this flexibility means you could potentially receive a competitive rate when compared with other lenders that may only offer unsecured financing options.
Funds can be used for a range of uses. These include working capital, equipment purchases, inventory expenses, and other short-term needs that can be remedied with access to cash flow.
U.S. Bank charges no origination fees for its term loan and has a $0 annual fee for credit lines larger than $50,000. Otherwise, smaller credit lines are subject to a $150 annual fee. A notable feature of its credit line product is the ability to lock in a fixed rate on a portion of your balance. U.S. Bank’s Quick Loans also have SBA financing options available.
You can visit the U.S. Bank website to apply. Depending on your qualifications, it’s possible to get a decision and funding within minutes. Member FDIC.
Clarify Capital: Best for flexible qualification requirements
Why I like Clarify Capital
Clarify Capital is a loan broker similar to Lendio in that it has a network of over 75 lenders, offering a wide range of financing options that are great for improving small business cash flow. Whether you need funds for payroll, inventory, or managing seasonal expenses, you can compare multiple loan offers with a single application.
Since it partners with many providers, it can match you with flexible rates and terms based on your qualifications. This is especially helpful if you have less-than-perfect credit. Available financing options in addition to term loans include lines of credit, SBA loans, and merchant cash advances.
The broker is known for its strong customer service. In fact, a dedicated advisor will guide you through the entire process, and the simple application only takes a few minutes to complete. To learn more or apply, visit the Clarify Capital website.
SBG Funding: Best for custom loan terms
Why I like SBG Funding
I chose SBG Funding as it can offer customized payment options to suit your cash flow needs. In addition to customizing the loan term and payment frequency, it can allow for deferred payments of up to 90 days. If you have unusual circumstances, you can speak with SBG Funding to determine if it can design a payment schedule that suits your specific cash flow needs.
Depending on the type of loan you apply for and the complexity of your application, you may be eligible for same-day funding. That said, even if same-day funding is unavailable, most of its loans are funded within 24 to 48 hours.
Note that although the company advertises an approval rate of 85%, meeting the minimum qualification requirements does not guarantee approval. I recommend that if you have any weaknesses in your loan application, be prepared with documented compensating factors, such as financial reserves or strong credit.
To learn more or apply, visit the SBG Funding website.
National Funding: Best for customer service
Why I like National Funding
National Funding makes the list, as it places a large emphasis on customer service. It reviews applications on a case-by-case basis and assigns a dedicated funding specialist to learn about your business needs. This high level of service approach allows it to provide loans structured in a manner suited to your goals and budget.
If you have excellent credit, you could qualify for factor rates as low as 1.11×. National Funding typically focuses on short-term loans and offers an early payment discount of 7% on the remaining balance if paid in full within the first 100 days. No collateral is required, although a personal guarantee will be needed.
This provider generally works with businesses that are already performing well and primarily need funding for continued expansion and growth. If you fit this description, visit the National Funding website to submit an application or learn more about its product offerings.
Creditfy: Best credit line for large credit limits
Why I like Creditfy
A small business line of credit can be one of the best options for covering cash flow shortages, but few lenders issue credit limits over $500,000. Creditfy is an exception, as eligible businesses can get up to $2.5 million in funding, making it a good choice if you occasionally have large funding needs.
Like SBG Funding, Creditfy advertises a high approval rate. It states that 90% of its applications result in approval. Keep in mind, however, that even if you meet the minimum eligibility criteria, you’ll still likely need compensating factors to offset any weaknesses in your loan application.
Creditfy is a broker with multiple lending partners in its network. When you apply, you’ll be assigned a dedicated loan advisor to walk you through your options and pair you with a suitable lender. Loan advisors must have at least two years of industry experience to ensure you receive the best guidance on loan options. The company also has exclusive partnerships with certain lenders, which can help secure a more competitive rate.
You can apply with Creditfy online. Submitting a loan application will not negatively impact your credit score, and applications can be completed in under five minutes.
How I chose the best cash flow lenders
I chose the best small business cash flow loans using the following criteria:
- Interest rates, fees, and estimated APRs
- Application, approval, and funding speed
- Types of loans offered
- Loan amounts offered
- Qualification requirements
- Repayment terms
- Customer reviews and ratings
How to choose a cash flow lender for your small business
Choosing the right provider for your business involves considering a few key factors.
Check out our guide on how to get a small business loan for more information.
Alternatives to cash flow loans
If you are having trouble getting approved for a cash flow loan or want to explore other types of financing, consider the following alternatives:
- Small business credit card: A business credit card is a revolving credit facility similar to a line of credit in that it can be used on an as-needed basis and be repaid over time. Many of the best small business credit cards have easier qualification criteria, and credit limits typically range from $5,000 to over $50,000. It’s not uncommon to get favorable introductory rates, and you may even be able to earn rewards on purchases.
- Personal loan for business purposes: Instead of applying for business loans, you may be eligible to utilize a personal loan for business purposes. The best personal loans for business funding focus on your personal credit and income rather than that of your business to determine your eligibility.
- Loans from friends and family: If you’re looking for a less formal way of obtaining financing, you might be able to approach friends and family. This type of financing doesn’t carry the typical requirements that lenders may have. However, raising money from friends and family to fund your business can have unintended consequences, so you’ll want to understand the nuances, including an applicable federal rate and repayment expectations.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Most cash flow loans can be funded within 24 to 48 hours. Funding speed often depends on your lender and the complexity of your business finances.
No. Many cash flow lenders have flexible qualification requirements for lower credit scores, low-revenue businesses, and startups. However, the lowest advertised rates are usually reserved for more highly qualified companies.
Cash flow loans can be more expensive than some other business loans. If you have sufficient sales but haven’t received payment, this loan can quickly get you funding to cover a cash flow shortage. However, this comes at the cost of higher rates and fees.
Bottom line
Business cash flow loans can be used to help bridge the gap of capital shortages. Whether it be to cover emergencies, payroll or inventory expenses, or other business needs, they can be used as a financing solution to sustain your business finances and operations. The best cash flow loans for small businesses will offer funding within days, and offer competitive rates and fees, alongside flexible qualification requirements.