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The Best Cash Flow Loans For Small Businesses

Cash flow shortages can slow your momentum, but a business cash flow loan can help. Keep reading to see which lenders can help you resolve your cash flow issues.

    Erica Seppala

  • Last updated onUpdated

    • Chelsea Krause

  • REVIEWED BY

    Chelsea Krause

    Lead Staff Writer

Our content reflects the editorial opinions of our experts. While our site makes money through referral partnerships, we only partner with companies that meet our standards for quality, as outlined in our independent rating and scoring system.

Unpaid invoices, emergency expenses, and low profits during a slow season are just a few of the factors that contribute to cash flow shortages in small businesses. At some point, nearly every business faces a cash flow issue.

If this happens to your business, you can wait out the storm, or you can take action with a business cash flow loan.

Unsure of where to start? Kick off your search with our picks for the best cash flow loans for small businesses.

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  • Maximum Borrowing Amount: $3M
  • FICO: N/A
  • APR: Varies
  • Maximum Borrowing Amount: $3M
  • FICO: N/A
  • APR: Varies

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  • Maximum Borrowing Amount: $250K
  • FICO: 625+
  • APR: Starts at 29.9%
  • Maximum Borrowing Amount: $250K
  • FICO: 625+
  • APR: Starts at 29.9%

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  • Maximum Borrowing Amount: $5M
  • FICO: Varies
  • APR: Varies
  • Maximum Borrowing Amount: $5M
  • FICO: Varies
  • APR: Varies

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  • Maximum Borrowing Amount: $150K
  • FICO: Not disclosed
  • Borrowing Fee: Starts at 2.9%
  • Maximum Borrowing Amount: $150K
  • FICO: Not disclosed
  • Borrowing Fee: Starts at 2.9%

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  • Maximum Borrowing Amount: $250K (LoCs)
  • FICO: 625+
  • Simple Interest: 7.8%+
  • Maximum Borrowing Amount: $250K (LoCs)
  • FICO: 625+
  • Simple Interest: 7.8%+

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  • Maximum Borrowing Amount: $150K
  • FICO: 600+
  • Borrowing Fee: Starts at 4.66%
  • Maximum Borrowing Amount: $150K
  • FICO: 600+
  • Borrowing Fee: Starts at 4.66%

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Read more below to learn why we chose these options.

The 6 Best Cash Flow Loans For Small Businesses

If you need to boost your business’s cash flow, consider one of these cash flow loans. From installment loans to flexible lines of credit, you’ll find the funding you need with these lenders.

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The Best Cash Flow Loans Compared

Max. Borrowing AmountAPRTerm LengthFICO
BusinessLoans.com$3 millionVariesVariesN/A
OnDeck$250KStarts at 29.9%Up to 24 months625
AdvancePoint Capital$5 millionVariesVariesVaries
LoanBuilder$150KStarts at 2.9%Up to 1 yearNot disclosed
Bluevine$500KStarts at 7.8%Up to 24 months625
Fundbox$150KStarts at 4.66%12 or 24 weeks600

BusinessLoans.com: Best Marketplace For Cash Flow Loans

BusinessLoans.com

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Total Rating 4.0
Rates & Fees4.6

Services4.0

Eligibility Requirements4.1

Application3.0

Sales & Advertising Transparency3.6

Customer Service4.1

User Reviews4.4



Pros

  • No minimum credit score requirements
  • Fast & easy application
  • Multiple types of financing available

Cons

  • Nontransparent rates & fees

Why We Chose BusinessLoans.com As Best Marketplace For Cash Flow Loans

BusinessLoans.com is a great way to save time when comparing loan options. If you want the best rates and terms for a variety of cash flow loans, BusinessLoans.com simplifies the process. With just one application, this loan marketplace connects you with multiple funding partners that offer everything from long-term installment loans to flexible lines of credit.

BusinessLoans.com can even help you get funded if you're a new business, don't meet revenue requirements for traditional lenders, or have a low personal credit score.

BusinessLoans.com Services

BusinessLoans.com is a loan marketplace that can help you find funding up to $3 million with products like:

  • Long-term loans
  • Short-term loans
  • Merchant cash advances
  • Lines of credit

BusinessLoans.com Rates & Fees

Because BusinessLoans.com partners with numerous lenders, rates and fees vary.

BusinessLoans.com Eligibility Requirements

Since numerous funding options are available, there are no hard credit score requirements.

BusinessLoans.com recommends businesses be in operation for at least six months and have annual revenue of at least $100,000.

However, funding options may be available even if you don’t meet these minimum requirements.

Choose BusinessLoans.com If ...

  • You want to easily compare your loan options with one simple form
  • You have a low credit score or other challenges and want to explore funding options

Get Started With BusinessLoans.com

Read our in-depth review

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OnDeck: Best For Fast Funding

OnDeck

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Total Rating 3.9
Rates & Fees4.6

Services2.9

Eligibility Requirements3.8

Application4.5

Sales & Advertising Transparency3.8

Customer Service4.1

User Reviews4.0



Pros

  • Fast & easy application
  • Same-day funding available
  • Multiple types of financing available

Cons

  • Rates can be expensive
  • Some industries are ineligible for funding

Why We Chose OnDeck For Fast Funding

If you need to improve your cash flow without delay, OnDeck is worth considering. The application takes 10 minutes or less, and you can get approved and receive your funds as quickly as the same day.

Additionally, OnDeck offers two types of loans to best fit your needs, whether you need a lump sum for an upfront purchase or a flexible line of credit to use as working capital.

OnDeck Services

OnDeck offers the following lending services:

  • Term loans up to $250,000
  • Lines of credit up to $100,000

OnDeck Rates & Fees

Rates for OnDeck’s term loans start at 29.9%, although the company notes that the average rate is 56.1%. An origination fee of up to 5% may apply.

Rates for lines of credit also start at 29.9%, but the average for borrowers is 55.9%.

OnDeck Eligibility Requirements

The minimum requirements for an OnDeck loan or line of credit are as follows:

Time In Business 12 months
Personal Credit Score 625
Annual Revenue $100,000

Choose OnDeck If ...

  • You want fast (potentially same-day) funding
  • You have fair credit and want a term loan or flexible line of credit

Get Started With OnDeck

Read our in-depth review

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AdvancePoint Capital: Best For Flexible Funding Options

AdvancePoint Capital

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Total Rating 4.3
Rates & Fees4.1

Services4.5

Eligibility Requirements3.8

Application4.5

Sales & Advertising Transparency4.2

Customer Service4.3

User Reviews4.9



Pros

  • Multiple types of funding available
  • Funding options for less-than-perfect credit
  • Fast & easy application

Cons

  • Lack of transparency surrounding borrowing requirements

Why We Chose AdvancePoint Capital As Best For Flexible Funding

AdvancePoint Capital isn't a direct lender but is a loan marketplace that allows you to connect with its network of lender and receive multiple offers with one application. The application is fast and easy, some funding is available in as little as 24 hours, and you'll receive great customer support throughout the process.

AdvancePoint offers a wide variety of funding options through its lending network, from long-term business loans for businesses with solid credit to revenue-based funding (such as merchant cash advances) and invoice financing for businesses with less-than-perfect credit.

AdvancePoint Capital Services

Some of the products available through AdvancePoint’s lender network include:

  • Term loans up to $5 million
  • Lines of credit up to $2 million
  • Equipment financing up to $350,000
  • SBA loans up to $5 million
  • Revenue-based financing up to $2 million
  • Invoice financing up to $5 million

AdvancePoint Capital Rates & Fees

Rates and fees vary based on the lender and product you select. Long-term business loans have repayment terms up to 10 years and rates starting at 5.5%. Equipment financing and revenue-based financing have factor rates of 1.09% to 1.45%. SBA rates are based on the prime rate plus a lender markup.

AdvancePoint Capital Eligibility Requirements

As with rates and fees, eligibility requirements vary based on the product and lender you select.

Some funding (like invoice financing) does not have credit score requirements. Revenue-based financing also has lower time in business requirements (at least six months) and credit score requirements (at least 550).

Terms with the most favorable repayment terms, highest borrowing amounts, and lowest rates (such as long-term business loans and SBA loans) are generally available to established businesses with good to excellent credit history.

Choose AdvancePoint Capital If...

  • You want to receive offers from multiple lenders with a single application
  • You’re unsure of what you qualify for and want to explore your funding options

Get Started With AdvancePoint Capital

Read our in-depth review

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LoanBuilder: Best Cash Flow Loans For New Businesses

LoanBuilder

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Total Rating 3.5
Rates & Fees4.1

Services2.9

Eligibility Requirements3.4

Application3.8

Sales & Advertising Transparency3.8

Customer Service2.8

User Reviews4.1



Pros

  • Fast & easy application
  • Next-day funding available
  • No extra fees

Cons

  • No discounts for repaying early
  • Requires a blanket lien

Why We Chose LoanBuilder For New Businesses

Most lenders require borrowers to have been in business for 12-24 months, but LoanBuilder works with businesses that have been in operations for as little as nine months.

LoanBuilder isn't just a good option for newer businesses. With credit and revenue requirements that are lower than banks (and even other online lenders), businesses that can't receive funding elsewhere may be approved. LoanBuilder uses a single fixed-fee payment model with no hidden fees and also offers funding as quickly as the next business day.

LoanBuilder Services

LoanBuilder provides short-term business loans up to $100,000. Repeat borrowers may be eligible for up to $150,000.

LoanBuilder Rates & Fees

LoanBuilder charges a single fixed-rate borrowing fee for its loans. These fees range from 2.9% to 18.72% of the borrowing amount. There are no origination fees or hidden fees.

LoanBuilder Eligibility Requirements

To receive a LoanBuilder loan, you must meet these minimum requirements:

Time In Business 9 months
Personal Credit Score Undisclosed
Annual Revenue $33,300

LoanBuilder no longer discloses a credit score requirement. However, in the past, borrowers had to have a credit score of at least 620 to qualify.

Choose LoanBuilder If ...

  • You want a simple loan with terms and fees that are easy to understand
  • Your business has been in operations for less than one year

Get Started With LoanBuilder

Read our in-depth review

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Bluevine: Best For Lines Of Credit

Bluevine

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Total Rating 3.7
Rates & Fees3.8

Services3.6

Eligibility Requirements3.6

Application4.5

Sales & Advertising Transparency3.4

Customer Service3.4

User Reviews3.4



Pros

  • Next-day funding available
  • Fast & easy application
  • Good customer support

Cons

  • Repayments are required quickly
  • High monthly revenue requirements

Why We Chose Bluevine For Best Lines Of Credit

We like Bluevine for its flexible lines of credit. Bluevine offers an easy application process, good customer service, and fast funding. Its borrowing requirements aren't as stringent as banks or other lenders when it comes to personal credit score. However, the time in business requirement and higher monthly revenue requirements are barriers for newer businesses.

If you'd prefer an installment loan, you're in luck --  Bluevine offers those, too. You can even sign up for a business checking account through Bluevine if you don't already have one.

Bluevine Services

BlueVine provides business lines of credit up to $250,000. Term loans up to $500,000 are also available.

Bluevine Rates & Fees

Unfortunately, Bluevine isn’t very transparent when it comes to its rates and fees. The lender charges simple interest rates starting at 7.8%. A draw fee applies when you withdraw funds from your line of credit, although these fees aren’t disclosed publicly.

There are no setup fees, maintenance fees, subscription fees, or termination fees.

Bluevine Eligibility Requirements

Borrowers must meet these minimum requirements to qualify for a Bluevine line of credit:

Time In Business 24 months
Personal Credit Score 625
Monthly Revenue $10,000

Choose Bluevine If ...

  • You want a flexible line of credit
  • You want a loan or line of credit that’s easy to apply for and is funded quickly

Get Started With Bluevine

Read our in-depth review

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Fundbox: Best Lines Of Credit For New Businesses

Fundbox

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Total Rating 3.8
Rates & Fees3.1

Services3.6

Eligibility Requirements4.5

Application4.8

Sales & Advertising Transparency3.8

Customer Service3.0

User Reviews4.4



Pros

  • Low credit score requirements
  • Suitable for new businesses & startups
  • Fast & easy application process

Cons

  • Rates can be expensive
  • Frequent repayments required

Why We Chose Fundbox For Best Lines Of Credit For New Businesses

If you don't meet the requirements for a Bluevine line of credit, Fundbox has you covered. With low borrowing requirements, Fundbox provides lines of credit to businesses that might not meet the revenue, time in business, and credit score requirements of other lenders.

Fundbox has a fast and easy application process, and you may be able to receive funds from your first draw as quickly as the next business day -- perfect for businesses that need fast funding for improved cash flow.

Fundbox Services

Fundbox specializes in business lines of credit up to $150,000.

Fundbox Rates & Fees

Fundbox charges a borrowing fee when funds are drawn from the line of credit. Fees start at 4.66% for 12-week terms and 8.99% for 24-week terms.

Fundbox Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for a Fundbox line of credit, you must meet these minimum requirements:

Time In Business 6 months
Personal Credit Score 600
Annual Revenue $100,000

Choose Fundbox If ...

  • You operate a new business and have trouble finding funding elsewhere
  • You want a line of credit with an easy application, relaxed borrowing requirements, and fast funding

Get Started With Fundbox

Read our in-depth review

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Business Loan & Funding Products Review Methodology

We spend hours researching and evaluating each business loan and funding product that we review at Merchant Maverick, placing special emphasis on key characteristics to generate our ratings.

Weighted Rating Breakdown

Rates & Fees 20%
Services 20%
Eligibility Requirements 20%
Application 15%
Sales & Advertising Transparency 10%
Customer Service 10%
User Reviews 5%

When rating lenders and funding providers, we use a 31-point rubric that looks at rates and fees, services, eligibility requirements, application, sales and advertising transparency, customer service, and user reviews. We weigh each section differently to calculate the total star rating. This rubric is applied to traditional term loans, as well as short-term loans, start-up loans, lines of credit, online lending products, merchant cash advances, and equipment financing products.

  • Rates & Fees: 20% of the total star rating
  • Services: 20% of the total star rating
  • Eligibility Requirements: 20% of the total star rating
  • Application: 15% of the total star rating
  • Sales & Advertising Transparency: 10% of the total star rating
  • Customer Support: 5% of the total star rating
  • User Reviews: 5% of the total star rating

Each section is further broken down into granular, weighted subsections, in which we examine specific attributes like terms lengths, conditions of repayment, credit score and revenue requirements, ease of application, length of time to funding, the ethics involved in promoting the lending product, customer support, and the overall reputation of the lender or funding provider.

Read more about how we rate small business lenders.

Best Types Of Cash Flow Loans

Before you choose a lender, you should be aware of the types of cash flow loans available. There are several types of loans that are ideal for increasing cash flow.

Installment Loans

Installment loans, also called term loans, are loans in which the borrower receives a lump sum of money that is paid back in regular installments.

Installment loans are paid back in regular installments, usually monthly. Most installment loans have term lengths between one and 25 years.

Because of the extended term lengths, installment loans are considered higher risk than other types of loans, and young and unstable businesses might have trouble qualifying. These loans are best for established businesses that want a longer period to repay debt.

Short-Term Loans

A short-term loan is a lump sum of money that is paid back in frequent, regular installments over a short timeframe.

Short-term loans are paid back in regular fixed installments on a weekly, or even daily, basis. For this reason, short-term loans are ideal for businesses with enough cash flow to afford frequent payments. Most short-term loans have term lengths between three and 18 months (with some up to 24 or 36 months).

Short-term loans are considered low-risk and are generally known for low borrower requirements, fast funding, and no specific collateral. This type of loan can be ideal for businesses in need of extra cash that have the existing cash flow to make frequent repayments.

Lines Of Credit

When you are approved for a line of credit, a lender gives you access to a credit line, which you can draw from at any time, up to the credit limit. 

Any draws made on a line of credit are paid in regular installments. Most lines of credit are revolving — as soon as you pay off the amount you used, it gets added back into the total amount available on your credit line.

Lines of credit are relatively easy to qualify for because such a wide variety of lenders offer them. They are ideal for nearly any type of business in need of a cash flow solution or looking for peace of mind regarding unexpected expenses. The only downside is that if you use up your credit line all at once, you may not have access to the cash you need until you pay some of it back.

Invoice Factoring

Invoice factoring is a cash flow solution in which you sell your unpaid invoices to an invoice factor in exchange for immediate cash. The tradeoff is that the invoice factor keeps a portion of the cash from the invoice on reserve until your customer pays. Once paid, the factor will return that reserve minus a small fee.

Contract lengths and the invoices eligible for factoring vary by lender.

Invoice factoring is a great solution for businesses that suffer from slow-paying customers and need immediate cash. You do lose a small portion of your invoice sale to the factor’s fees, but this can be more than worth the cost for many businesses that rely heavily on invoices.

The Bottom Line On Small Business Cash Flow Loans

With so many great options, it can be hard to know which is right for your business. When choosing a cash flow loan, ask yourself these questions:

  • What is the purpose of the loan?
  • Which type of loan is best for my business needs?
  • What’s my credit score and monthly/yearly revenue?
  • How much do I need to borrow?
  • How much can I afford to borrow?
  • How quickly do I need the funding?

All of these factors will play a role in choosing the best loan for your small business.

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Erica Seppala

Erica Seppala

Editor & Senior Staff Writer at Merchant Maverick
Erica began writing on small business topics in 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and focuses on loans, accounting, and POS. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll. She has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a graduate of Limestone University and resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
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