Reviews of Business Loan Companies and Direct Lenders
Getting a business loan can be a crucial step for entrepreneurs looking to start or grow a company. With so many lending options out there, it can be tricky to know where to start. This article provides reviews of some top business loan companies and direct lenders to consider.
Kabbage
Kabbage is an online lender that offers business lines of credit up to $250,000. They tout a simple application process that can provide funding in as little as 7 minutes[1].
-Pros:
- Fast application and funding process
- No collateral required
- Flexible repayment structure
Cons:
- Higher interest rates than some lenders
- Lower maximum loan amounts for some borrowers
Customers on Reddit and Quora praise Kabbage’s speed and ease of use, though some note the higher rates.
Fundbox
Fundbox offers business lines of credit and short-term loans from $1,000 up to $100,000. They advertise funding in as fast as 24 hours with “no red tape” [1].
-Pros:
- Quick access to capital
- Manage payments from Fundbox dashboard
- Integrates with accounting software
Cons:
- Rates from 0.4% – 2.5% per week
- Strict eligibility requirements
Reviews on Avvo and Trustpilot indicate easy applications but very high repayment costs.
Lendio
Lendio is an online loan marketplace, connecting borrowers with various lenders. They promote over 75,000 small business loans funded through their platform [1].
Pros:
-- Access to multiple lenders through one application
- Loan options from $500 to $5 million
- Educational resources for borrowers
Cons:
- Not a direct lender
- Rates and options vary significantly by lender
Feedback on FindLaw and Trustpilot is mixed, with some praising the selection but others reporting misleading terms or conditions.
PayPal Working Capital
PayPal Working Capital offers business cash advances based on a company’s PayPal sales. There are no fixed repayments or due dates.
-Pros:
- Quick application and funding process
- Repaid as percentage of PayPal sales
- No fixed monthly payments
Cons:
- High APR of up to 36%
- Only for established PayPal merchants
- Amount based on PayPal volume
According to posts on Reddit and Quora, PayPal Working Capital offers easy qualification and funding but at very high repayment costs.
Other Options
There are many other business loan and business line of credit companies to consider beyond those reviewed above. Traditional banks, credit unions, SBA lenders, and alternative online lenders all offer various financing options.
When choosing a lender, key factors to consider include:
- Rates and Fees: Compare interest rates and origination/admin fees across lenders. Watch out for hidden costs.
- Qualification Requirements: Each lender will have its own eligibility standards regarding time in business, revenues, credit score, collateral, etc.
- Funding Speed: From application to funding in your account, faster is often better. But watch out for lenders promising instant loans without proper vetting.
- Repayment Terms: Understand the repayment schedule and flexibility offered. Options like lines of credit may be better for fluctuating incomes.
- Customer Support: Look for responsive and helpful support via phone, email, chat, etc in case issues come up.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right lending partner is critical for securing business financing. Be sure to research multiple options, read customer reviews, and compare costs and qualifications before applying. The lenders profiled above provide a starting point to help find a financing match.