Article
10 Best Business Loans for Small Businesses in 2025
Find the best business loans of 2025 with competitive rates, fast funding, and flexible terms. Compare top lenders for startups, working capital, equipment, and SBA loans.
Business loans provide the capital you need to grow, manage cash flow, purchase equipment, or handle unexpected expenses. With options ranging from traditional SBA loans to quick online financing, there’s a solution for every business need.
Our team analyzed over 60 business lenders, comparing rates, terms, speed, and customer experiences. Here are the 10 best business loan providers for 2025.
Quick Comparison
| Lender | Best For | Loan Amount | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Bluevine | Best for Lines of Credit | $6,000-$250,000 | ★4.9/5 |
| 2. Kabbage (American Express) | Best for Quick Funding | $2,000-$250,000 | ★4.8/5 |
| 3. OnDeck | Best for Term Loans | $5,000-$250,000 | ★4.7/5 |
| 4. Fundbox | Best for Invoice Financing | $1,000-$150,000 | ★4.7/5 |
| 5. Lendio | Best Loan Marketplace | $500-$5,000,000 | ★4.6/5 |
| 6. SBA Loans via SmartBiz | Best for Low Rates | $30,000-$500,000 | ★4.6/5 |
| 7. National Funding | Best for Equipment Loans | $5,000-$500,000 | ★4.5/5 |
| 8. Credibly | Best for Bad Credit | $5,000-$600,000 | ★4.5/5 |
| 9. Rapid Finance | Best for Large Loans | $5,000-$1,000,000 | ★4.4/5 |
| 10. Accion Opportunity Fund | Best for Startups | $5,000-$250,000 | ★4.4/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
Bluevine
Bluevine offers flexible lines of credit with quick approvals and same-day funding. Their draw-as-needed model means you only pay interest on funds you actually use.
Pros
- ✓Fast approval and funding
- ✓Pay only on what you use
- ✓No prepayment penalties
- ✓Simple online application
- ✓Repeat draws available
Cons
- ✗Higher rates for lower credit
- ✗Limited to line of credit
- ✗Minimum revenue required
Kabbage (American Express)
Now backed by American Express, Kabbage provides lightning-fast business lines of credit with automated approvals and same-day funding for qualified borrowers.
Pros
- ✓Automated approval process
- ✓Same-day funding available
- ✓Low minimum requirements
- ✓Backed by American Express
- ✓Easy online application
Cons
- ✗Higher rates than banks
- ✗Shorter repayment terms
- ✗Monthly fees apply
OnDeck
OnDeck specializes in term loans with predictable fixed payments. Their loyalty program offers better rates for repeat borrowers with strong payment history.
Pros
- ✓Fixed term loan options
- ✓Fast 24-hour funding
- ✓Clear repayment schedule
- ✓Builds business credit
- ✓Loyalty discounts available
Cons
- ✗Higher APR range
- ✗Daily or weekly payments
- ✗Origination fees apply
Fundbox
Fundbox excels at turning unpaid invoices into immediate working capital. Their low requirements make them accessible to newer businesses.
Pros
- ✓Invoice financing available
- ✓Low minimum requirements
- ✓No personal guarantee for some
- ✓Quick approval process
- ✓Flexible repayment options
Cons
- ✗Smaller maximum amounts
- ✗Weekly payment schedule
- ✗Limited to 6-month terms
Lendio
Lendio connects you with 75+ lenders through a single application. Their marketplace approach helps you find the best rate for your specific situation.
Pros
- ✓Compare 75+ lenders
- ✓One application process
- ✓Wide range of loan types
- ✓Personal loan advisor
- ✓Free to use platform
Cons
- ✗Approval varies by lender
- ✗May receive multiple offers
- ✗Not a direct lender
SBA Loans via SmartBiz
SmartBiz streamlines SBA loan applications, offering the lowest rates available. While slower than online lenders, the savings are substantial for qualified borrowers.
Pros
- ✓Lowest rates available
- ✓Long repayment terms (10 years)
- ✓Government-backed security
- ✓Build business credit
- ✓Large loan amounts
Cons
- ✗Lengthy approval process
- ✗More documentation required
- ✗Higher credit requirements
National Funding
National Funding specializes in equipment financing, offering up to 100% financing on new and used equipment with dedicated support throughout the process.
Pros
- ✓Equipment financing specialty
- ✓100% equipment financing
- ✓Flexible terms up to 5 years
- ✓Working capital options too
- ✓Dedicated account managers
Cons
- ✗Higher revenue requirements
- ✗Collateral may be required
- ✗Rates vary significantly
Credibly
Credibly focuses on overall business performance rather than just credit scores, making them a lifeline for businesses with past credit challenges.
Pros
- ✓Accepts credit scores as low as 500
- ✓Fast approval process
- ✓Multiple product options
- ✓Merchant cash advances available
- ✓Consider overall business health
Cons
- ✗Higher rates for lower scores
- ✗Revenue requirements
- ✗Daily payment options
Rapid Finance
Rapid Finance lives up to its name with fast funding on loans up to $1 million. Their size and speed make them ideal for larger capital needs.
Pros
- ✓Up to $1 million available
- ✓Multiple loan products
- ✓Quick funding speed
- ✓Flexible qualification
- ✓Repeat borrower benefits
Cons
- ✗Higher rates possible
- ✗Daily payment schedules
- ✗Fees can add up
Accion Opportunity Fund
Accion Opportunity Fund is a nonprofit lender focused on underserved entrepreneurs. They consider your potential, not just your credit history.
Pros
- ✓No minimum credit score
- ✓Startup-friendly
- ✓Nonprofit mission-driven
- ✓Business coaching included
- ✓Competitive rates
Cons
- ✗Longer approval process
- ✗Limited geographic areas
- ✗Smaller maximum amounts
How We Evaluate Business Lenders
Our evaluation process examines:
Rates and Costs
- APR and factor rates
- Origination and processing fees
- Prepayment penalties
- Total cost of borrowing
Speed and Convenience
- Application simplicity
- Approval timeline
- Funding speed
- Online account management
Qualification Requirements
- Credit score minimums
- Revenue thresholds
- Time in business
- Documentation needed
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need for a business loan?
Requirements vary widely. Online lenders may approve scores as low as 500-550, while SBA loans typically require 680+. Higher scores unlock better rates and terms.
How much can I borrow for my business?
Loan amounts range from $1,000 to over $5 million depending on the lender and loan type. Most small businesses qualify for $10,000-$500,000 based on revenue and creditworthiness.
How fast can I get a business loan?
Online lenders like Bluevine and Kabbage offer same-day or next-day funding. Traditional bank and SBA loans take 2-4 weeks. Speed often comes with higher rates.
What documents do I need to apply?
Typical requirements include: business bank statements, tax returns, financial statements, business licenses, and ID. Online lenders often require less documentation.
Should I choose a term loan or line of credit?
Term loans work best for one-time purchases with fixed payments. Lines of credit suit ongoing needs where you want to draw funds as needed and only pay interest on what you use.
Can I get a business loan as a startup?
Yes, though options are more limited. Look for startup-friendly lenders like Accion, or consider SBA microloans, business credit cards, or invoice financing if you have receivables.