While funding seeds can vary based on the loan type and lender, the best quick business loans should be able to issue funds within 48 hours. Additionally, they should have flexible qualification requirements, favorable rates and terms, and a simple application process.
Many types of loans meet the criteria for a fast business loan, although keep in mind that some may have restrictions on allowable uses. I’ve researched multiple lenders and compiled a list of some of the best quick business loan providers and loan types to suit a wide range of business uses.
- QuickBridge: Best overall for easy documentation requirements
- Bluevine: Best business credit line for established companies
- Lendio: Best for startups
- Clarify Capital: Best for multiple loan options
- National Funding: Best for short-term financing
- Credibly: Best for merchant cash advances (MCAs)
- FundThrough: Best for invoice factoring
My knowledge spans five years as a financial professional, working in various roles within the banking industry.
I am committed to delivering expertise-led answers to your small business questions and helping you understand all things business finance.
I ensure that the best answers I provide are based on accuracy, clarity, authority, objectivity, and accessibility. These are aligned with the Fit Small Business Editorial Policy.
Quick comparison of the best fast business loans
Max. loan amount | Est. starting APR | Max. loan term | Min. credit score | Est. time from application to funding | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $500,000 | Varies | 18 months | 600+ | As fast as 24 hours |
 | $250,000 | 7.8% | 12 months | 625 | 24 hours |
 | Varies | Varies | As fast as 24 hours | ||
 | $5 million | 6% | 2 years | 500 | As fast as 24 hours |
 | Varies | 600 | 24 hours | ||
 | $600,000 | Varies | 24 months | 500 | As fast as same day |
 | Varies | 33% to 70% | 90 days | None | As fast as same day |
QuickBridge: Best overall for easy documentation requirements
 | |
Rates and terms | |
Application speed | 10 to 15 minutes |
Approval speed | As fast as 24 hours |
Funding speed | As fast as 24 hours |
Loan amount | Up to $500,000 |
Starting interest rate | Factor rates as low as 1.10x |
Estimated APR | Varies |
Repayment term | Up to 16 months |
Repayment schedule | Daily, weekly |
Financing type | Term loans, working capital |
Qualifications | |
Credit score | 600 |
Time in business | 6 months |
Annual business revenue | $250,000 |
Why I like QuickBridge
QuickBridge is my best overall pick due to its simple application process and funding flexibility. You’ll get to work with a dedicated funding specialist who will guide you through the application and approval process, in which required paperwork is minimal and allows you to get through the process quickly.
When you visit QuickBridge’s website, you can opt to complete an online application in just a matter of minutes. After, you’ll discuss your loan application, needs, paperwork requirements, and funding options with your funding specialist. If approved, you can get funds in as little as one business day. Notably, issued funds can be used for nearly any business-related purpose.
Some key features of QuickBridge include an early payment discount if you pay off the loan ahead of schedule. While a personal guarantee is required as a condition of funding, no additional collateral is needed to receive funding.
To learn more or submit an application to get started, visit the QuickBridge website.
Bluevine: Best business credit line for established companies
 | |
Rates and terms | |
Application speed | 5 minutes |
Approval speed | As fast as 5 minutes |
Funding speed | 24 hours |
Loan amount | Up to $250,000 |
Starting interest rate | 7.8% |
Estimated APR | 7.8% and up |
Repayment term | 6 or 12 months |
Repayment schedule | Weekly, monthly |
Financing type | Line of credit |
Qualifications | |
Credit score | 625 |
Time in business | 12 months |
Annual business revenue | $120,000 |
Why I like Bluevine
Bluevine’s small business line of credit offers a quick application and approval process. You could get instant funding if you pair the credit line with the provider’s own checking account, something we cover in our Bluevine business checking review. It’s my pick as the best credit line for established companies due to its favorable rates and terms for well-qualified borrowers.
While Bluevine already offers low starting rates, you could effectively be paying less if you pay off the loan faster. Rates are calculated as a simple interest rate and assume you draw the full amount of the credit line, making only the minimum required payments for the longest amount of time allowed.
To learn more, you can read our Bluevine Line of Credit review. If you’re ready to submit an application, head over to the Bluevine website.
Lendio: Best for startups
| |
Rates and terms | |
Application speed | 15 minutes |
Approval speed | As fast as 24 hours |
Funding speed | As fast as 24 hours |
Loan amount |
|
Starting interest rate |
|
Estimated APR | Varies by loan product |
Repayment term | Varies by loan product |
Repayment schedule | Varies by loan product |
Financing type | A/R financing, line of credit, term loan, merchant cash advance, equipment financing |
Qualifications | |
Credit score |
|
Time in business |
|
Annual business revenue |
|
Why I like Lendio
I recommend Lendio for startups because of its ability to provide financing to companies with low revenue and little time in business. It can also issue financing to those with bad credit, although you may not qualify for the best-advertised rates and terms. That said, specific eligibility criteria can vary based on the loan program you’re applying for.
Lendio is a business loan broker that has over 75 partnering lenders in its network. As a borrower, you’ll benefit from this because you’ll have multiple loan options to review and only have to submit a single application. This saves you time from applying to lenders separately, improves your approval odds, and increases your likelihood of getting the best available interest rate.
You also won’t have to worry about having to sift through multiple financing options on your own. When you work with Lendio, you’ll be paired with a dedicated loan specialist who will guide you through the process.
By visiting the Lendio website, you’ll see options for completing an online loan application. This should take no more than 15 minutes, after which you’ll be able to speak with a lending advisor to discuss your options, required paperwork, and next steps. Applying online can be done free of charge, has no impact on your credit score, and does not obligate you to accept any loan offer.
Clarify Capital: Best for multiple loan options
 | |
Rates and terms | |
Application speed | 2 minutes |
Approval speed | As fast as 24 hours |
Funding speed | As fast as 24 hours |
Loan amount | $10,000 to $5 million |
Starting interest rate | Varies |
Estimated APR | 6% and up |
Origination fee | Varies |
Repayment term | 6 months to 2 years |
Repayment schedule | Varies |
Financing type | Term loan, line of credit, invoice financing, equipment financing, MCA |
Qualifications | |
Credit score | 500 |
Time in business | 6 months |
Annual business revenue | $120,000 |
Why I like Clarify Capital
Clarify Capital is another broker in this guide that’s similar to Lendio in that it also has over 75 lenders in its network. One of the advantages of working with a broker like this is the ability to get multiple loan options without having to apply separately to different companies, and you’ll also be able to improve your chances of getting approved. For these reasons, Clarify Capital makes the list for the top pick for borrowers looking for multiple loan options.
When you apply with Clarify Capital, you’ll work with a loan specialist who will match you with a lender based on your business qualifications and needs. The specialist can also provide guidance on which type of loan might be best for you.
Clarify Capital offers different loan options, including term loans, lines of credit, equipment financing, and SBA loans. To learn more or submit an application, head over to the Clarify Capital website.
National Funding: Best for short-term financing
| |
Rates and terms | |
Application speed | 10 to 15 minutes |
Approval speed | As fast as 24 hours |
Funding speed | As fast as 24 hours |
Loan amount |
|
Starting interest rate | Factor rates as low as 1.11x |
Estimated APR | Varies |
Repayment term |
|
Repayment schedule | Daily, weekly, monthly |
Financing type | Working capital, term loan, equipment financing |
Qualifications | |
Credit score | 600 |
Time in business |
|
Annual business revenue | $250,000 |
Why I like National Funding
If you’re a business owner looking for short-term financing, National Funding is an excellent option. Although qualification requirements are similar to QuickBridge, it is a good option if you seek monthly repayment options instead of daily or weekly.
It can offer a high level of personalized service, competitive rates, and incentives for loans paid off early. For example, borrowers who get a working capital loan can qualify for a 7% discount on the remaining balance if paid in full within the first 100 days. Equipment financing customers can also qualify for up to a 6% discount if the loan is paid off early.
By working with National Funding, you’ll be assigned a dedicated funding specialist to help you identify the best type of loan for your business needs and walk you through the entire lending process.
To apply, visit the National Funding website. Applications can be completed within 10 to 15 minutes, and eligible businesses can receive funding in as little as 24 hours.
Credibly: Best for merchant cash advances
| |
Rates and terms | |
Application speed | 10 to 15 minutes |
Approval speed | As fast as 4 hours |
Funding speed | As fast as same day |
Loan amount | Up to $600,000 |
Starting interest rate | Factor rates as low as 1.11x |
Estimated APR | Varies |
Repayment term | 3 to 24 months |
Repayment schedule | Varies by loan product |
Financing type | MCA |
Qualifications | |
Credit score | 500 |
Time in business | 6 months |
Annual business revenue | $180,000 |
Why I like Credibly
Credibly, a direct lender rather than a broker, offers a wide range of financing solutions, including working capital term loans, MCAs, lines of credit, and equipment financing. Thanks to its streamlined requirements for credit score, time in business, and revenue, I recommend Credibly if you’re seeking fast funding through an MCA.
Much like National Funding, Credibly provides competitive factor rates starting at 1.11× for well-qualified businesses. Rates can be higher depending on your qualifications, typically starting around 1.30× for less-established companies. While Credibly offers several loan options, its MCAs stand out for their speed and accessibility, making it a strong choice for businesses that need working capital quickly.
To get started, head over to the Credibly website, where the online application process takes just about 10 minutes to complete.
FundThrough: Best for invoice factoring
| |
Rates and terms | |
Application speed | 10 to 15 minutes |
Approval speed | As fast as same day |
Funding speed | As fast as 24 hours |
Loan amount | Varies |
Starting interest rate |
|
Estimated APR | 33% to 70% |
Repayment term | Up to 90 days |
Financing type | Invoice factoring |
Qualifications | |
Credit score | None |
Time in business | None |
Annual business revenue | $100,000 |
Why I like FundThrough
If your business is waiting on unpaid invoices and needs fast access to cash, FundThrough is a standout option. Through its invoice factoring program, FundThrough can quickly advance funds based on outstanding invoices, helping you bridge cash flow gaps without the typical delays of traditional financing. Since approval is based more on the strength of your customer’s credit rather than your own, it can be a financing solution that applies to a wide variety of borrowers.
It offers integrations with popular accounting software, which allows you to select invoices for funding easily. Once approved, the advance is deposited directly into your designated business bank account, often much faster than traditional loan funding timelines.
While providers like Clarify Capital also offer invoice factoring, FundThrough specializes exclusively in this area and serves businesses across a wide range of industries. Check out FundThrough’s list of eligible industries, and see if its offerings align with your business needs.
How I chose the best fast business loans
When choosing the best fast business loan options, I considered the following:
- Speed of application, approval, and funding
- Ease of application process and amount of required documentation
- Maximum loan amount
- Interest rates, fees, and estimated APR
- Repayment terms
- Minimum credit score, time in business, and annual revenue requirements
- Customer reviews and ratings
When to get a fast business loan
It’s worth noting that getting quick business funding usually means paying higher rates and fees to get a fast and easy business loan. However, it can be a good option if your alternative is more costly to the business or if getting access to funds allows you to take advantage of a limited-time business opportunity or cover emergencies.
Below are some other scenarios that could indicate a fast business loan is right for you:
- You require funds to avoid being late on business debt
- You need to restock on inventory to meet demand from customers
- You seek to repair or replace equipment critical to your business operations
- You have a limited-time opportunity to acquire real estate to expand your footprint
- You have other emergency expenses that need to be covered quickly
Common types of fast business loans
A variety of business loan types can offer quick access to funds. Each type carries different terms and requirements, making it better suited for certain use cases.
- Term business loan: With a term loan, you’ll receive a single lump sum of funds that can be repaid over a short or long term repayment period. This can be a good option if you do not have recurring needs for additional funding.
- Business line of credit: This revolving line of credit allows you to draw funds on an as-needed basis. This flexibility can make it a good choice for emergencies or temporary cash flow shortages. See our recommendations for the leading small business lines of credit.
- Merchant cash advance: With an MCA, you can get a cash advance in exchange for a percentage of your daily credit card receipts. You could be a good candidate for this type of financing if you process a large volume of credit card sales. This is an expensive form of financing and should only be used as a last resort. Check out our top-recommended MCA providers.
- Working capital loan: This type of loan can be used to cover a wide variety of daily business expenses. Common examples include rent, payroll, and operational expenses. View our article covering the best working capital loans.
- Equipment financing: If you need business equipment, you can choose between an equipment loan and a lease. With a loan, you retain ownership at the end of the loan term, whereas with a lease, you’ll typically have to return the equipment to the vendor.
- Revenue-based financing: Monthly payments for this type of loan fluctuate based on your company’s monthly revenue. This can be a good option for businesses that have a consistent source of revenue or have cash flow concerns in the event that sales slow down temporarily.
Alternatives to fast business loans
If you decide that a fast business loan might not be the best option for your financing needs or are simply wanting to explore all of your available financing options, consider the following alternatives:
- Small business credit cards: Similar to a line of credit, a business credit card is a revolving credit facility that can be used as needed. You can repay the balance over time and use funds for virtually any business purpose. Many banks also provide a rewards program with options for cash back or travel redemptions. Check out our list of the best small business credit cards.
- SBA loans: These can take 30 to 90 days to fund but can offer some of the lowest rates available. If you have good credit and strong business finances, check out our recommendations of the top SBA lenders.
- Rollover for business startups (ROBS): A ROBS is a way to access your retirement accounts tax- and penalty-free. However, it can be a complicated process that can result in fines and penalties if not properly managed. For that reason, I recommend choosing a company from our roundup of the leading ROBS providers to help walk you through the process.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
If you’re well-qualified for a loan, you can get a loan as fast as the same day. Lenders with fast business loans often have an easy application process that takes less than 10 minutes, and approvals that can be issued within several minutes.
Using an online provider is the best way to get money fast for your business. Compared to traditional brick-and-mortar banks, online providers also typically have more lenient qualification requirements and more streamlined processes for issuing loan decisions.
Online lenders often have more streamlined processes for reviewing and issuing loan decisions. They also usually have more flexibility in the eligibility criteria. However, in exchange for getting fast funding, you’ll usually be charged higher interest rates and fees.