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Key takeaways
- Business loans are available from a variety of lenders, including banks, credit unions and online lenders.
- Banks and credit unions are ideal for established businesses with good to excellent credit.
- Compared to traditional lenders, online lenders and nonprofits are more willing to work with businesses with poor or bad credit.
If you’re ready for business financing, it can be tricky to decide where to get a small business loan. Loans are available from traditional banks, credit unions, online lenders and third-party lenders like community development financial institutions (CDFIs).
Choosing the best place for a small business loan is key to getting approval. Understanding how each lender differs, what eligibility criteria you have to meet and the pros and cons can help you determine the best place to get a business loan.
Where to get a small business loan
There are several types of lenders available for small business loans. According to the 2024 Small Business Credit Survey, small banks had the highest full approval rate for business loans at 54 percent, followed by finance companies and credit unions at 47 percent, large banks at 45 percent, and online lenders at just 30 percent.
Traditional banks and credit unions
Traditional banks and credit unions offer the most small business loan variety, including term loans, lines of credit, equipment financing, auto loans for commercial vehicles and commercial real estate loans. SBA loans, backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, are also available through many banks and credit.
Business loans from traditional banks are ideal if you have good or excellent credit and your company has been established for at least two years. Your business should also be operating profitably. Otherwise, getting approved for a loan can be more challenging.
Pros
- Can help build business credit.
Offer face-to-face support (for banks and credit unions with physical locations).
Typically offer low interest rates. - Can help build business credit.
- Offer face-to-face support (for banks and credit unions with physical locations).
- Typically offer low interest rates.
- Can provide a variety of loan amounts.
- Can provide a variety of loan amounts.
Cons
- Extensive documentation requirements.
- Less likely to offer prequalification.
- Slower loan approvals and funding times.
- Stringent eligibility requirements.
The 2024 Small Business Credit Survey found that 44 percent of low credit risk businesses — those with good to excellent credit — opted for a loan, line of credit or cash advance from a large bank. Another 31 percent went with a loan from a small bank, while only 11 percent went with a credit union.
Online lenders
Online lenders, including fully online banks and financial technology companies, often feature a more streamlined application process than traditional lenders.
Like banks and credit unions, many online lenders offer term loans and lines of credit. In addition, they may also offer non-traditional financing options — such as merchant cash advances, invoice factoring and invoice financing — to business owners who don’t meet traditional credit scores, annual revenue or time in business requirements.
Pros
- Non-traditional lending options.
- Can offer flexible or more lenient eligibility requirements.
- Rapid approvals and funding times.
- Streamlined virtual application process.
Cons
- May not report payments to credit bureaus.
- No in-person customer support.
- Steep borrowing costs on non-traditional loan options.
- Typically, less favorable interest rates than bank loans.
According to the 2024 Small Business Credit Survey, 24 percent of all businesses looking for a loan, line of credit or cash advance applied for financing with online lenders. When looking at medium to high credit risk applicants — those with fair to poor credit — the number jumps to 45 percent.
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
CDFIs are banks, credit unions or third-party lenders that are certified by the U.S. Treasury Department and target businesses in underserved communities like minority-, women- or low-income businesses. CDFIs can offer all the same loan products you would find with a traditional lender, and often preserve the low interest rates as well.
To find a CDFI near you, you can start with your state government’s website, or look at the CDFI locator offered by Opportunity Finance Network.
Pros
- Accessible by underserved business owners.
- Lower credit score minimums.
Cons
- Slow approval times.
- Small maximum loan amounts.
Nonprofits also provide financial support to small businesses in the form of grants. Many organizations target underserved communities, such as women, minorities and veterans, since they tend to face barriers to accessing capital.
What kind of lender is right for me?
When you’re ready to choose a lender, start by assessing your needs and decide on a loan amount. If you need a sizable loan — think $500,000 or more — you may have more luck with a traditional bank or credit union than an online lender or nonprofit.
Consider the type of loan that’s best for your business
Understanding the right type of loan for your business can help you narrow down your options for business lenders.
| Business loan type | Description | Rating |
| Term loans | Provides one lump sum upfront, followed by regular payments according to the set repayment schedule. | Speed: ★★★★☆ Cost: ★★★★★ Requirements: ★★★☆☆ Funding amounts: ★★★★★ |
| Business lines of credit | Offers flexible access to a line of credit, allowing multiple draws up to the credit limit, with interest paid only on your outstanding balance. | Speed: ★★★★☆ Cost: ★★★★★ Requirements: ★★★★☆ Funding amounts: ★★★★☆ |
| Equipment financing | Loans used for the purchase of business equipment and machinery. | Speed: ★★★★☆ Cost: ★★★★☆ Requirements: ★★★★☆ Funding amounts: ★★★★★ |
| Microloans | If you don’t need a ton of funding, microloans can be easier to access than traditional term loans. They are available through nonprofits, banks and also as SBA-approved microloans. With most microloans, you can access up to $50,000 in working capital or startup funding for your business. | Speed: ★★★☆☆ Cost: ★★★★☆ Requirements: ★★★★☆ Funding amounts: ★★★☆☆ |
Examine your financial health and review lender requirements
Most lenders have minimum credit score, debt-to-income, annual revenue and time in business requirements. Understanding what you qualify for can help you point your efforts to the right lender.
Also, some lenders specialize in working with startups. Along with reviewing requirements, consider using a business loan calculator to ensure you know what repayments your business budget can afford.
Search and compare lenders
Once you know how you’ll use the funds, the amount you need and what types of loans are best, begin your search for lenders offering these lending options. Compile a list of lenders that could work and dig deeper to determine if they’re reputable or if you should look elsewhere. Look for reviews on Trustpilot and complaints on the Better Business Bureau website.
Get prequalified or preapproved
Some lenders allow you to view potential loan offers without impacting your credit score, including monthly payments, repayment periods and interest rates. If you have this option, comparing loan offers before applying will help you decide which lender offers the best deal. You’ll also avoid applying with lenders who aren’t a good fit.
Ultimately, a business loan from a traditional lender or credit union is best for established companies operating profitably. Your credit health is equally important — it must be up to par to qualify for the most competitive terms.
Loans for subprime borrowers
Funding from traditional lenders like banks or credit unions may be out of the question for those with bad credit. As an alternative, subprime borrowers should consider online lenders. These often have flexible lending criteria and offer several types of bad credit business loans, including term loans, equipment loans and lines of credit.
Bottom line
Figuring out where to go to get a business loan can be a big decision. You can get loans from online lenders, large and small banks, credit unions or some nonprofits. Evaluate your credit health and business loan needs and compare several lenders before applying.
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