The best cash flow loans for small businesses can provide quick access to funds in the event of a cash flow shortage, typically in no more than two days. Other features will vary depending on your company’s needs, but many will offer competitive rates, low fees, flexible qualification requirements, and custom repayment terms.
I’ve researched several companies and selected eight of the best cash flow lenders for small businesses.
- Bluevine: Best overall for instant access to funds
- U.S. Bank: Best for fast approval and funding speeds
- Lendio: Best for multiple loan options
- SBG Funding: Best for custom loan terms
- QuickBridge: Best easy application process
- National Funding: Best for customer service
- Payability: Best for ecommerce businesses
- Creditfy: Best credit line for large credit limits
Best Cash Flow Loans for Small Businesses at a Glance
Maximum Loan Amount | Estimated Starting APR | Maximum Loan Term | Credit Score Required | Annual Revenue Required | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $250,000 | 7.8% | 12 months | 625 | $120,000 |
 | $250,000 | Varies | Varies | $100,000 | |
 | Varies | ||||
 | Varies | $350,000 | |||
 | $500,000 | Varies | 16 months | 600 | $250,000 |
 Provider | $500,000 | Varies | 16 months | 600 | $250,000 |
 Provider | 80% of receivables | 12%+ | Varies | None | $60,000 |
 Broker | Varies | ||||
Bluevine: Best Overall for Instant Access to Funds
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Rates & Terms | |
Starting Interest Rate | 7.8% |
Estimated APR | 7.8%+ |
Loan Amount | Up to $250,000 |
Repayment Term | 26 weeks or 12 months |
Repayment Schedule | Weekly, monthly |
Estimated Time From Application to Funding | As fast as 24 hours |
Financing Type | Line of credit |
Qualifications | |
Credit Score | 625 |
Annual Revenue | $120,000 |
Time in Business | 12 months |
Why I Like Bluevine
With some small business credit lines, drawing funds means waiting several days before you can access the money. 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 (read our Bluevine business checking review for more information).
Since the last time I reviewed Bluevine’s credit line product, it has relaxed some of its qualification requirements. Notably, time in business has been lowered from 24 months to 12 months, and the annual required revenue has been changed from $480,000 to $120,000. This expanded eligibility criteria, quick funding speeds, and competitive rates also helped it land a spot on our list of the best working capital loans.
Since payment frequency can impact a company’s cash flow, business owners should 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 Bluevine to apply.
U.S. Bank: Best for Fast Approval and Funding Speeds
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Rates & Terms | |
Starting Interest Rate (subject to change after October 15, 2024) |
|
Estimated APR | Varies by loan product |
Loan Amount | Up to $250,000 |
Repayment Term |
|
Repayment Schedule | Monthly |
Estimated Time From Application to Funding | Can get decision and funding within minutes |
Financing Type | Business Loans and Business Lines of Credit with Secured and Unsecured options are available |
Qualifications | |
Credit Score | Varies |
Annual Revenue | $100,000-plus |
Time in Business | 2 years |
Why I Like U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank offers a Quick Loan and Cash Flow Manager line of credit that I believe to be good options for cash flow loans. You can opt for a secured or unsecured loan, and this flexibility means you’ll be more likely to get a competitive rate compared with other lenders that may only offer unsecured financing options. Funds can be used for a range of uses, including working capital, equipment purchases, inventory expenses, and other short-term cash needs.
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.
Lendio: Best for Multiple Loan Options
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Rates & Terms | |
Starting Interest Rate |
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Estimated APR | Varies based on loan type |
Loan Amount |
|
Repayment Term |
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Repayment Schedule | Monthly but can vary based on loan type |
Estimated Time From Application to Funding | As fast as 24 hours |
Financing Type | A/R financing, term loan, cash advance, equipment financing, line of credit |
Qualifications | |
Credit Score |
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Annual Revenue |
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Time in Business |
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Why I Like Lendio
Lendio offers a wide range of loan programs as a business loan broker. Coupled with its network of over 75 lenders, it’s a good option to get as many financing options as possible with just a single loan application. Lendio has also consistently provided excellent customer service, showcased by its 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot and over 21,000 reviews. For these reasons, it made our list of the best business loan brokers.
When you work with Lendio, you’ll be paired with a dedicated funding specialist. This individual will guide you through the lending process, including any required paperwork, to match you with the lenders most likely to issue a loan approval. Additionally, they can serve as an advisor to ensure you’re getting the right type of loan for your business needs.
You can apply with Lendio online. Applications can typically be completed in under 15 minutes at no cost. Applying does not impact your credit score and puts you under no obligation to accept a loan offer.
SBG Funding: Best for Custom Loan Terms
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Rates & Terms | |
Starting Interest Rate | 1% to 3.75% per month but varies by loan product |
Estimated APR | Varies by loan product |
Loan Amount |
|
Repayment Term |
|
Repayment Schedule | Biweekly, weekly, monthly |
Estimated Time From Application to Funding | As fast as 24 hours |
Financing Type | Term loan, line of credit, bridge capital, equipment financing, invoice financing |
Qualifications | |
Credit Score | 600 (650 for term loans) |
Annual Revenue | $350,000 |
Time in Business | 6 months |
Why I Like SBG Funding
SBG Funding can offer customized payment options to suit your cash flow needs. In addition to customizing the loan term and payment frequency, the provider can allow deferred payments for up to 90 days. If you have unusual circumstances, I recommend you speak with SBG Funding to determine if it can design a payment schedule that suits your needs.
It also states that it can issue same-day funding, although this may depend on when you apply and the complexity of your business loan application. A representative I spoke with indicated that one-third of applications are approved on the same day, with most other loans funded within 24 to 48 hours.
Business owners should note that although the company advertises an approval rate of 85%, meeting the minimum qualification requirements does not guarantee approval. I recommend that business owners with any weaknesses in their loan applications be prepared with documented compensating factors, such as financial reserves or strong credit. Apply with SBG Funding online.
QuickBridge: Best Easy Application Process
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Rates & Terms | |
Starting Interest Rate | Factor rates as low as 1.11× |
Estimated APR | Varies |
Loan Amount | Up to $500,000 |
Repayment Term | Up to 16 months |
Repayment Schedule | Daily, weekly |
Estimated Time From Application to Funding | 1 to 2 days |
Financing Type | Small business loans, working capital loans, shooter-term business loans |
Qualifications | |
Credit Score | 600 |
Annual Revenue | $250,000 |
Time in Business | 6 months |
Why I Like QuickBridge
With QuickBridge, you get a short application process and easy documentation requirements. Approval paperwork is often minimal, limited to a completed application and three months of bank statements. That said, paperwork requirements may vary depending on your specific business circumstances.
If you can’t get what you need with QuickBridge, you should also consider National Funding, which I cover in the next section. It shares nearly the same rates and qualification requirements as QuickBridge but offers a few more types of loans.
Also, like National Funding, you’ll need excellent credit to qualify for the best-advertised rates, currently as low as a factor rate of 1.11×. Apply with QuickBridge online.
National Funding: Best for Customer Service
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Rates & Terms | |
Starting Interest Rate | Factor rate as low as 1.11× |
Estimated APR | Varies |
Loan Amount | $5,000 to $500,000 |
Repayment Term | Up to 16 months |
Repayment Schedule | Daily, weekly |
Estimated Time From Application to Funding | 1 to 2 days |
Financing Type | Small business loans, working capital loans, short-term business loans |
Qualifications | |
Credit Score | 600 |
Annual Revenue | $250,000 |
Time in Business | 6 months |
Why I Like National Funding
National Funding places a large emphasis on customer service. It reviews applications case-by-case and assigns a dedicated funding specialist to learn about your business needs. This approach allows it to provide loans structured in a manner suited to your goals.
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.
Payability: Best for Ecommerce Businesses
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Rates & Terms | |
Starting Interest Rate | Typically 0.5% to 2% |
Estimated APR | 12% and up |
Loan Amount | 80% of receivables from the prior business day |
Repayment Term | Varies (satisfied upon receipt of marketplace payment) |
Repayment Schedule | Varies (satisfied upon receipt of marketplace payment) |
Estimated Time From Application to Funding | As fast as 1 business day |
Financing Type | Revenue advance |
Qualifications | |
Credit Score | None |
Annual Revenue | $60,000 |
Time in Business | 3 months |
Why I Like Payability
Payability’s Free Access product can give you an advance payment based on your past ecommerce marketplace sales. You can be eligible for this type of financing if you conduct business on an ecommerce platform, such as Amazon, Walmart, or Newegg.
The product works by giving you an advance of 80% of your previous day’s ecommerce marketplace sales—and the remaining 20% is made available once you receive payment from the marketplace. This can be beneficial for your business because it can solve the issue of where your company has made sales but may not receive actual payment for several days to weeks.
Payability fees are simple: You’ll pay a flat fee averaging 0.5% to 2% of your gross sales. Advances can be made daily, and funding is available within 24 hours.
Apply online to get started, which should take no more than 10 minutes. Once approved, you can connect your marketplace account with the provider to view and request advances through your new account dashboard.
Creditfy: Best Credit Line for Large Credit Limits
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Rates & Terms | |
Starting Interest Rate | 1.06% monthly |
Estimated APR | 15%+ |
Loan Amount |
|
Repayment Term |
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Repayment Schedule | Monthly but may vary based on loan type |
Estimated Time From Application to Funding | As fast as 24 hours |
Financing Type | Line of credit, equipment financing, term loan, invoice financing, bridge loans |
Qualifications | |
Credit Score |
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Annual Revenue |
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Time in Business |
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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 for companies that 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.
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 cash flow loans for small businesses 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
Alternatives to Cash Flow Loans
Knowing how to get a small business loan can help improve your chances of getting approved. However, you have options if you’re having trouble getting a loan from a cash flow lender.
- Small business credit card: 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 an introductory rate of 0% for a limited time, and you can even earn rewards on purchases.
- 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: 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.
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
The best cash flow loans for small businesses can help cover cash flow shortages due to unexpected emergencies or lower revenue due to seasonality or other factors. The selected companies 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.
