If you need an emergency small business loan, chances are you’re looking for a lender offering quick access to funds with a flexible repayment schedule. No matter the type of emergency, the best emergency loans for small businesses typically have limited funding restrictions, reasonable qualification requirements, and favorable rates and terms.
I’ve reviewed the best options across various lenders that can support your business emergency needs. Here are the five best emergency small business loans for you to consider.
- Bluevine: Best overall for quick access to funds
- Lendio: Best for multiple loan options
- Clarify Capital: Best for flexible rates, terms, and qualifications
- QuickBridge: Best for a simple application process
- FundThrough: Best for maintaining cash flow for your business
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Best emergency business loans at a glance
Max. loan amount | Est. starting APR | Max. repayment term | Funding speed | Rqd. credit score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $250,000 | 7.8% | 12 months | 24 hours | 625 |
 | 24 hours | ||||
 | $5 million | 5% | 24 hours | ||
 | $500,000 | Varies | 16 months | 24 hours | 600 |
 | Varies | Varies | 90 days | 24 hours | None |
Bluevine: Best overall for quick access to funds
| |
Rates & terms | |
Estimated starting APR | 7.8% |
Maximum loan amount | $250,000 |
Repayment term | 3, 6, or 12 months |
Repayment schedule | Weekly, monthly |
Funding speed | As fast as 24 hours |
Loan type | Line of credit |
Qualifications | |
Credit score | 625 |
Time in business | 6 months |
Annual revenue | $50,000 |
Why I like Bluevine
Bluevine makes the list as the best overall pick for its line of credit offering. This is because you can receive access to funds in as little as 24 hours, making it an excellent choice if you’re facing a business emergency requiring quick and flexible financing options. The application and approval process is simple, and you also may be eligible for instant funding if you pair the credit line with the provider’s checking account, something we cover in our Bluevine business checking review.
If you’re instead looking for a term loan, Bluevine can pair you with one of its lending partners to help you facilitate the loan. It’s worth noting that it’s currently unable to offer financing in Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, and the US territories. Additionally, you must be structured as a corporation or LLC.
In addition to Bluevine’s low starting rates, you could pay less overall if you repay the loan faster. The lender calculates rates as a simple interest rate, and assuming you draw the full amount of the credit line, making only the minimum required payments for the longest period allowed, you can save money overall.
You can visit the Bluevine website to submit an application or speak with a representative.
Lendio: Best for multiple loan options
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Rates and terms | |
Estimated starting APR |
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Maximum loan amount |
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Repayment term |
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Repayment schedule |
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Funding speed | As fast as 24 hours |
Loan type | Line of credit, term loan, cash advance |
Qualifications | |
Credit score |
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Time in business |
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Annual revenue |
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Why I like Lendio
As a broker, Lendio has over 75 partnering lenders in its network that can match you with multiple financing options with only a single application. One perk to working with a broker is that you can review all of your applicable options at once and, in this case, ensure you get the right fit for your business.
Lendio’s dedicated funding specialists can work with you to determine your qualifications and select the best option that meets your emergency financing needs. Additionally, the lender is great for unsecured options. Its small business lines of credit and business term loans are ideal for borrowers needing flexibility when obtaining last-minute financing. Other financing options include accounts receivable financing, SBA loans, cash advances, and equipment financing.
The application process is quick and can usually be completed within 15 minutes. Once you apply, further instructions will be provided via email or phone, and the rest of the process is simple to get you quick access to funds.
Clarify Capital: Best for flexible rates, terms, and qualifications
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Rates and terms | |
Estimated starting APR | 5% and up |
Maximum loan amount | Up to $5 million |
Repayment term |
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Repayment schedule | Daily, weekly, bimonthly, monthly |
Funding speed | As fast as 24 hours |
Loan type | Line of credit, term loan |
Qualifications | |
Credit score |
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Time in business | 6 months |
Annual revenue | $120,000 |
Why I like Clarify Capital
Clarify Capital is a loan broker that has over 75 partnering lenders in its network, like Lendio. The size of Clarify Capital’s network and the combination of low rates and flexible qualifications are why I chose it as the best option for businesses needing flexibility. In fact, it has the lowest credit score requirement of any lender listed in this guide. This can be vital if your business has an emergency and you’re seeking quick financing with less-than-ideal qualifications.
When applying, a dedicated loan advisor will assist you with the application and approval process. They will thoroughly review your application and work with you to determine your business needs to ensure you get the best financing options.
In addition to lines of credit and term loans, Clarify Capital offers unsecured financing options, such as working capital loans and merchant cash advances. It also provides secured loans, including equipment financing, invoice financing, and SBA loans.
You can complete an online application on Clarify Capital’s website in under two minutes. For more details, check out our Clarify Capital review.
QuickBridge: Best for a simple application process
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Rates and terms | |
Estimated starting APR | Varies; factor rates starting at 1.11x |
Maximum loan amount | Up to $500,000 |
Repayment term | Up to 16 months |
Repayment schedule | Daily, weekly |
Funding speed | As fast as 24 hours |
Loan type | Small business loans, working capital loans, and short-term business loans |
Qualifications | |
Credit score | 600 |
Time in business | 6 months |
Annual revenue | $250,000 |
Why I like QuickBridge
QuickBridge offers a variety of loan types that can be applicable to emergency business funding. In fact, it provides flexibility for funds such as paying for repairs, covering payroll or utilities, and replacing equipment. Its streamlined application process allows you to get an approval decision and access to funding in record time. This is due to its limited documentation requirements and a dedicated funding specialist to help you every step along the way.
The lender, which differs from other providers in this guide in that it utilizes factor rates, is also widely known for its personalized lending experience, in which its advisors provide guided support to ensure you get the best financing options suited to your specific needs. If you’re facing an emergency, this can help take the pressure off of securing funds and allow you to focus on your business.
QuickBridge is also in our roundup of the best working capital loans. Its loan offerings include working capital, receivable financing, short-term loans, and daily payment financing. To submit a loan application or learn more about QuickBridge loan offerings, visit its website.
FundThrough: Best for maintaining cash flow of your business
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Rates and Terms | |
Estimated starting rates |
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Advance rate | Up to 100% |
Repayment term | Up to 90 days |
Funding speed | As fast as 24 hours |
Loan type | Invoice factoring |
Qualifications | |
Credit score | None |
Time in business | 3 months recommended |
Annual revenue | Varies |
Why I like FundThrough
FundThrough is a great option if you need invoice factoring to free up cash flow for your business. This is one way to cover funding for emergency expenses since the transfer of invoices is usually a quick process and allows you to keep up with business demand. While other lenders like Clarify Capital also offer factoring services, FundThrough stands out because it specializes in this area, as it’s the only offering.
This lender is known for offering an excellent customer experience and a simple application process, which uses AI to assist with the process of determining your maximum funding amount. It enables you to link supporting accounting software to upload your invoices, which includes QuickBooks and OpenInvoice. However, you can update your invoices manually if you don’t utilize either of those platforms.
If you’re interested in learning more or submitting an application, visit the FundThrough website to begin the process. It involves supplying basic information such as your contact information, funding requirements, and qualifications as a borrower.
How I evaluated the best small business emergency loans
I assessed the best business loans for emergencies using the following criteria:
- Interest rates and estimated APRs
- Maximum financing amounts
- Repayment terms and repayment schedules
- Ease of application
- Funding speed
- Flexibility of qualification requirements (such as credit score, revenue, and time in business)
- Down payment requirements
- Paperwork requirements for approval and funding
- Customer ratings and reviews
How to choose the best emergency loan provider
Alternatives to an emergency business loan
In the event you don’t qualify for an emergency business loan or are simply exploring all of your potential financing options, consider the following alternatives:
- Friends and family loan: Raising money from friends and family is a less formal way of obtaining financing for your business. It’s typically easier to approach since you won’t be limited to qualification requirements set by a traditional lender.
That said, you’ll still need to apply an Applicable Federal Rate (AFR) to ensure you meet tax regulations, along with showcasing plans for your business that make a strong case that you’re worth the investment. For more information, read our guide on raising money from friends and family to fund your business.
- Crowdfunding: Crowdfunding involves raising money from interested donors via a public campaign. This is typically done through a crowdfunding platform in which people interested in your business can supply funding in exchange for various returns, whether debt, equity, donation, or rewards-based. For more information, check out our guide on the best crowdfunding sites for small businesses.
- Home equity line of credit (HELOC): With a HELOC, you can draw funds from a revolving credit line and have the requested funds deposited to your account of choice. This credit facility can be used on an as-needed basis and can be repaid over time in accordance with the repayment period.
The lending limit is tied to the value of the borrower’s home, making it a suitable option for those ineligible for business financing. Read our guide on using a HELOC to fund your business to learn more.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Emergency small business loans are considered to be loans that offer quick access to funds, have flexibility in how those funds are used, and have reasonable qualification requirements. Borrowers seeking an emergency business loan will likely need last-minute funding with repayment terms suitable for their budget. As business emergencies can vary, the utilization of funds should be versatile, with the lender imposing limited restrictions.
Generally, the easiest and quickest business loans to get are lines of credit, business credit cards, and short-term business loans. However, it depends on your financing needs, budget, and qualifications as a borrower.
Yes. If you find yourself in a situation where you need emergency funding for your business and have limited resources or assets to secure the loan, there are applicable financing options. However, this typically requires you to have excellent qualifications and credit history, alongside the budget for higher interest rates and fees common with unsecured business loans.
Bottom line
Getting an emergency loan for your business means finding a lender offering flexible qualifications and quick access to funds. The lenders chosen within this guide offer just that and can help your business recover from setbacks that require immediate financial assistance. Compare rates, terms, and qualifications required of a provider before signing an agreement to ensure you get the best deal.