The best cash flow loans for small businesses can issue funding in less than three business days to help you cover shortages in cash flow due to an unexpected expense or reduction in revenue. Depending on the type of loan, you should also have flexible access to additional funding. The best loans will also have a combination of low rates, easy qualification requirements, and a wide range of repayment terms you can choose from.
Here are our picks for the nine best cash flow lenders of 2024:
- Bluevine: Best overall for rates and short-term funding needs
- National Funding: Best for customer service and custom loan options
- QuickBridge: Best for easy application and approval process
- Lendio: Best for multiple loan options
- U.S. Bank Member FDIC : Best for secured loans
- SBG Funding: Best for fast funding and custom loan terms
- Creditfy: Best credit line for large credit limits
- American Express: Best credit line for low revenue businesses
- Payability: Best for ecommerce businesses
Get the Best Business Financing with Expert Guidance from SBG Funding |
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Best Cash Flow Loans for Small Businesses at a Glance
Bluevine: Best Overall for Rates and Short-term Funding Needs
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Rates & Terms | |
Starting Interest Rate | 6.2% |
Estimated APR | 6.2% to 78% |
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 | $480,000 |
Time in Business | 24 months |
Why We Like Bluevine
Bluevine’s rates start at 6.2% and are reflected as a simple interest rate. What this means is that you could effectively pay less if you pay off your loan more quickly, as the rates shown assume a worst-case scenario where you draw the maximum amount of funds possible and make repayments over the longest time allowed. For that reason, Bluevine is an excellent option if you only have a short-term need for funding, something that helped it land a spot on our list of the best working capital loans.
When paired with a Bluevine business checking account, you’ll get instant access to funds drawn. By comparison, using a different bank account could result in a delay of one to three days before the transfer is considered complete and your receiving bank makes the funds available for use. Learn more about Bluevine’s banking product in our Bluevine business checking review.
The provider’s repayment plans default to a 26-week term. If you’d like to make monthly payments over a longer period, you’ll need to meet additional requirements. This includes a minimum credit score of 700, three years in business, and $960,000 in annual revenue.
To learn more or to submit a loan application, visit the Bluevine website.
National Funding: Best for Customer Service and Custom Loan Options
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Rates & Terms | |
Starting Interest Rate | Factor rate as low as 1.11x |
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 We Like National Funding
National Funding places a large emphasis on customer service. It also reviews applications on a case-by-case basis and assigns you a dedicated funding specialist to learn about your unique business needs. This allows it to provide you with a loan structured in a manner suited to your goals.
If you have excellent credit, you could qualify for factor rates as low as 1.11x. 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 of the business. If you fit this description, visit the National Funding website to submit an application or learn more about its product offerings.
QuickBridge: Best for Easy Application and Approval Process
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Rates & Terms | |
Starting Interest Rate | Factor rates as low as 1.11x |
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 We Like QuickBridge
With QuickBridge, you can get a short application process in addition to easy documentation requirements. Paperwork to get approved for a loan is often minimal, limited to a completed application and three months of bank statements. With that being said, paperwork requirements may vary depending on your specific business circumstances.
If you’re unable to get what you need with QuickBridge, you should also consider National Funding. It shares nearly the same set of rates and qualification requirements as QuickBridge but also 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 1.11x. To learn more or to apply, head over to the QuickBridge website.
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 |
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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 We Like Lendio
Lendio is a loan broker with over 75 lenders in its network. This means you’ll not only have multiple chances to get approved, but you’ll also see more options with the potential for better rates. For these reasons, it also made our list of the best business loan brokers.
When you apply, you’ll work with a dedicated funding manager. This individual will learn about your business, its needs, and its goals in order to match you with a lender in its network. This stage is also used to walk you through different loan options so that you can choose the best business loan.
The broker also offers additional services which you may find useful for your business. Some examples include referral services for credit repair, bookkeeping, and legal assistance. Applications can be completed online in under 15 minutes. There are no fees to do so, nor is there any obligation to accept a loan offer.
U.S. Bank: Best for Secured Loans
Rates & Terms | |
Starting Interest Rate (rates expire October 15, 2024) |
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Estimated APR | Varies by loan product |
Loan Amount | Up to $250,000 |
Repayment Term |
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Repayment Schedule | Monthly |
Estimated Time From Application to Funding | Can get decision and funding within minutes |
Financing Type | Business Loan and Business Line of Credit with Secured and Unsecured options available |
Qualifications | |
Credit Score | Varies |
Annual Revenue | $100,000+ |
Time in Business | 2 years |
Why We Like U.S. Bank
U.S. Bank offers a Quick Loan and Cash Flow Manager line of credit that we considered as 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 to other lenders that may only offer unsecured financing options. Funds can be used for a wide 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 included with 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 submit an application. Depending on your qualifications, it’s possible to get a decision and funding within minutes. Keep in mind that the current interest rates are subject to change, see terms for rates. Member FDIC.
SBG Funding: Best for Fast Funding & 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 |
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Repayment Term |
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Repayment Schedule | Bi-weekly, 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 We Like SBG Funding
SBG Funding offers multiple loan options and can provide funding in as little as 24 hours. A representative we spoke with stated that approximately one-third of its applications are approved on the same day, with a larger portion of loans funded within 24 to 48 hours.
The lender also has the ability to issue custom loan terms, including the option for deferred payments for up to three months. This makes it a good option if you’re looking for custom financing to suit your cash flow needs or other circumstances.
One item to note is that while SBG Funding advertises an overall approval rate of 85%, meeting the minimum requirements will not always guarantee a loan approval. Business owners who barely satisfy the eligibility criteria should have compensating factors to improve the odds of landing approval.
Visit the SBG Funding website to apply or to learn more about each of its lending products.
Creditfy: Best Credit Line for Large Credit Limits
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Rates & Terms | |
Starting Interest Rate |
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Estimated APR | Varies based on loan type |
Loan Amount |
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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 We Like Creditfy
A small business line of credit can be one of the best options to help cover cash flow shortages, but few lenders issue credit limits in excess of $500,000. Creditfy is an exception to this, as eligible businesses can get up to $2.5 million in funding, making this a good choice for companies that may occasionally have large funding needs.
Like SBG Funding, Creditfy advertises a high approval rate. It states that 90% of its applications result in an approval. Keep in mind, however, that even if you meet the minimum eligibility criteria, you’ll still likely need to have 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 are required to have a minimum of 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 with securing a more competitive rate.
To learn more or to apply, check out the Creditfy website. Submitting a loan application will not negatively impact your credit score, and applications can be completed in under five minutes.
American Express: Best Credit Line for Low Revenue Businesses
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Rates & Terms | |
Monthly Fees |
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Loan Amount | $2,000 to $250,000 |
Repayment Term | 6, 12, 18, or 24 months |
Repayment Schedule | Monthly |
Estimated Time from Application to Funding | 1 to 3 days |
Financing Type | Line of credit |
Qualifications | |
Credit Score | 660, but can vary |
Annual Revenue | $36,000 |
Time in Business | 1 year |
Why We Like American Express
Previously marketed under Kabbage Funding, American Express offers a business line of credit with a low annual revenue requirement of just $36,000. This makes it a good option for startups that may not yet have sufficient revenue to qualify for other business loans.
In addition to the requirements listed above, you’ll need to have a business checking account to get approved. This can be from any bank, but you can read our American Express business checking review to see our thoughts on its own banking product. American Express also charges monthly fees as opposed to a traditional interest rate or factor rate. Monthly fees are determined based on the strength of your business credit and finances.
One downside with an American Express small business line of credit is that funds you draw may take one to three business days to post to your bank account. If you’re looking to get more instantaneous access to funds, you can consider an alternative, such as Bluevine.
To learn more or apply for an American Express business credit line, visit the provider’s website.
Payability: Best for Ecommerce Businesses
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Rates & Terms | |
Starting Interest Rate | Typically 0.5% to 2% |
Estimated APR | 2% 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 We Like Payability
Payability’s Instant 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.
If you don’t qualify based on your past sales or need additional funding, you can consider revenue-based financing. It is similar to what Payability offers but looks at your future revenue instead.
Payability’s fees are simple as you’ll pay a flat fee averaging anywhere from 0.5% to 2% of your gross sales. Advances can be made daily, with funding that is made available within 24 hours.
To get started, you can submit an application online, a process that 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.
How We Chose the Best Cash Flow Lenders
We 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
You can read our guide on how to get a small business loan to learn more about improving your chances of getting approved. However, if you’re having trouble getting a loan from a cash flow lender, here are some options to consider:
- Small business credit card: Many business credit cards have easier qualification criteria, and credit limits typically range from $5,000 to over $50,000. It’s not uncommon to also get an introductory rate of 0% for a limited time, and you can even earn rewards on purchases. You can view our list of the leading small business credit cards for options.
- Personal loan for business purposes: These loans focus on your personal credit and income rather than that of your business to determine your eligibility. You may want to see our roundup of the best personal loans for business funding as a starting point.
- Loans from friends and family: This type of financing doesn’t carry the typical requirements that lenders may have. However, going this route can carry unintended consequences, so we recommend reading our guide on raising money from friends and family to fund your business to understand the nuances involved.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Most cash flow loans can be funded within 24 to 48 hours. Funding speed often depends on the lender you’re using and the complexity of your business finances.
No. Many cash flow lenders have flexible qualification requirements that allow for things like 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 yet received payment, this type of 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 as a result of seasonality or other factors. The companies we’ve selected offer fast funding within 24 to 48 hours, along with competitive rates and pricing. Qualification requirements will impact the terms you get, so we recommend shopping with multiple lenders so that you can get the best loan possible.
