Fundation offers business loans of up to $500,000 with APRs from 7.99% to 24.99%. The qualification requirements are somewhat restrictive, requiring two years of business operations and annual revenues of at least $100,000. We compared Fundation to the top alternatives so you can choose the best financing option for your business.
Fundation & Top Alternatives 2019
Best For | |
|---|---|
Small businesses with at least two years of operations | |
Smaller funding amounts with terms up to three years | |
Businesses with credit scores as low as 550 needing up to $500,000 | |
Businesses with small or recurring working capital needs | |
Lines of credit & invoice factoring with fast approvals | |
SBA loans under $350,000 in 30 days or less | |
Larger SBA loans over $350,000 with an online application process |
How We Evaluated Fundation & Top Alternatives
When evaluating Fundation and the top alternative lenders, our primary focus was on the costs and repayment terms offered. All of the lenders selected have easy online applications. We compared each lender based on the amount they could lend, how much the loan would cost, the available repayment terms, and their qualification requirements.
The criteria we used to evaluate Fundation and the top alternative lenders include:
- Loan amount: The amount you can borrow from each lender.
- Expected APR: The range of the annual percentage rate for each lender (interest rates plus fees).
- Repayment terms: The range of the repayment terms offered.
- Payment frequency: How often you need to make payments (e.g., weekly, monthly).
- Qualification requirements: The factors that determine your eligibility for financing, such as credit score, time in business, and annual revenues.
- Customer reviews: Customer reviews provide insight into the experience that actual borrowers have had with the lender.
Based on these criteria, Fundation is an excellent source of small business financing. However, Fundation’s qualification requirements are nearly identical to those needed to obtain a Small Business Administration (SBA) loan. While SBA loans may take longer to fund, they provide the opportunity for longer repayment terms, making repayment more affordable for a small business.
SmartBiz can provide SBA loans in amounts up to $350,000 and has an expedited approval process that allows small businesses to receive SBA funding in as little as 30 days. You can apply online and be prequalified within minutes.
Fundation Business Loans: Best for Established Businesses
Fundation offers small business loans in amounts up to $500,000 with repayment terms ranging from one to four years. Expected APRs for these loans range from 7.99% to 24.99%. Eligible borrowers will have a personal credit score of at least 620, two years of business operations, and annual revenues of $100,000 or greater.
Fundation Rates & Fees
With Fundation business loans, you can expect an interest rate ranging from 7.99% to 24.99% APR. Included in the APR is a loan origination fee that ranges from 0% to 5% of the loan amount. Fundation does not charge a penalty for prepayment, so you may be able to save money by paying your loan off early.
The rates and fees you can expect with a term loan through Fundation are:
- Expected APR: 7.99% to 24.99%
- Origination fee: Up to 5%
- Prepayment penalty: None
Fundation offers the lowest expected APR range of any of the providers on our list (with the exception of SmartBiz and Celtic, which offer SBA loans). Kabbage, OnDeck, and BlueVine have maximum APR ranges that exceed 70%.
Fundation Loan Terms
Small business loans through Fundation are offered in amounts ranging from $20,000 to $500,000, with repayment terms of one to four years. Payments on Fundation business loans are required to be made every two weeks. If approved, you can expect to receive funding within three days.
The standard terms for a small business loan through Fundation include:
- Loan amount: $20,000 to $500,000
- Repayment term: One to four years
- Repayment schedule: Every two weeks
- Collateral: Blanket UCC filing on business assets
- Personal guarantee: Required
- Time to funding: One to three business days
With a minimum loan amount of $20,000, Fundation will not be able to fund businesses needing smaller loan amounts. Borrowers who need smaller amounts of funding may want to consider OnDeck, LoanBuilder, or BlueVine, all of whom can offer short-term loans in amounts as low as $5,000.
Fundation Qualification Requirements
To qualify for a small business loan through Fundation, borrowers will need to have a personal credit score of at least 620 for amounts under $75,000 or a credit score of at least 640 for amounts over $75,000. Additionally, you will need to have at least two years of business operations and be generating annual revenues of at least $100,000.
The general qualification requirements for a Fundation loan are:
- Credit score: At least 620 for loans less than $75,000; at least 640 for loans greater than $75,000 (check your score for free)
- Minimum annual revenue: $100,000
- Time in business: At least two years
Requiring at least two years of business operations, Fundation has one of the longest time-in-business requirements of the lenders we reviewed. While both SBA lenders, SmartBiz and Celtic Bank, also require a minimum of two years of business operations, BlueVine only requires six months of business operations.
What Fundation Is Missing
The initial application process for a small business loan through Fundation requires being contacted by a Fundation representative after submitting your application, which can take up to a day. While this may increase the time it takes to receive funding, Fundation borrowers consider this feature of the process beneficial. For those who want a faster application process, OnDeck, BlueVine, and Kabbage offer fast online applications.
Fundation Other Products Offered
In addition to short-term loans, Fundation also offers a small business line of credit of up to $150,000 with an 18-month repayment term. To qualify for a line of credit, borrowers must have a credit score of at least 660, one year of business operations, and annual revenues of $100,000 or greater.
Fundation Reviews
There are very few customer reviews for Fundation online, but the few that exist are overwhelmingly positive. Borrowers describe having a positive experience with the company, and enjoy the personal touch of being contacted by a Fundation representative during the application process.
How to Apply for Fundation Business Loans
Fundation has an online application process that is completed in multiple steps. You will need to provide information regarding your business as well as your personal and business credit. After submitting the completed application, you will be contacted by a Fundation representative to verify the information provided. If approved, you can expect to receive loan funds within one to three days.
OnDeck Business Loans: Best for Businesses Needing Small Loans With Terms Up to 3 Years
OnDeck offers short-term loans in amounts up to $500,000 with repayment terms ranging from three to 36 months. The APR for an OnDeck loan can range from 10% to 100%. To be eligible, borrowers must have a credit score of at least 600, one year of business operations, and annual revenues of at least $100,000.
OnDeck Rates & Fees
Interest rates on short-term loans with OnDeck start as low as 9% simple interest. The expected APR ranges from 10% to 100% for short-term loans through this lender. The interest fee for an OnDeck loan is calculated upfront and is payable regardless of whether or not you pay your loan off early.
The rates and fees you can expect with a loan from OnDeck include:
- Starting interest rates: As low as 9% simple interest for term loans up to 12 months and 9.99% AIR (annualized interest rate) for term loans up to 36 months
- Expected APR: 10% to 100%
- Origination fee: 0% to 5% of your loan amount
The APRs associated with a short-term loan through OnDeck are similar to those offered by other lenders. However, Fundation has a much lower maximum APR of 24.99% compared to OnDeck’s maximum of 100%. Eligible borrowers may want to consider a loan through Fundation, or an SBA loan through SmartBiz or Celtic Bank, to receive lower interest rates.
OnDeck Loan Terms
OnDeck offers short-term loans of up to $500,000 with repayment terms from three to 36 months. Payments are collected either daily or monthly. OnDeck will require a blanket UCC filing on your business assets, as well as a personal guarantee from the business owners. If approved, you can receive funding from OnDeck as soon as the next business day.
The terms you can expect with a term loan from OnDeck include:
- Loan amount: $5,000 to $500,000
- Repayment term: Three to 36 months
- Repayment schedule: Daily or weekly
- Collateral: Blanket UCC filing on business assets
- Personal guarantee: Required
- Time to funding: 10 minutes to complete the online application and approval in hours; initial funding as soon as the next day
The loan amounts offered by OnDeck are in line with the other lenders on our list; however, OnDeck can offer loans for much lower amounts than Fundation. While Fundation’s minimum loan amount is $20,000, OnDeck can offer loans for as little as $5,000.
OnDeck Qualification Requirements
To qualify for a small business loan through OnDeck, borrowers will need to have a credit score of at least 600. Additionally, your business must be operational for at least one year and generating annual revenues of $100,000 or more.
The basic qualification requirements for an OnDeck loan are:
- Credit score: At least 600 (check your score for free)
- Minimum annual revenue: $100,000
- Time in business: At least one year
While OnDeck has a shorter time in business requirement of one year compared to Fundation’s requirement of two years, there are other providers that are less restrictive. Kabbage only requires six months of business operations, a credit score of 550 or greater, and annual revenues of $50,000 to qualify.
What OnDeck Is Missing
While OnDeck doesn’t charge prepayment penalties, you don’t benefit from paying off your loan early. This is because, as with LoanBuilder, the amount you owe is determined at the time your loan is originated and based on your full repayment term. You’ll owe the full interest charge if you pay the loan off early, although the lender may offer a prepayment discount.
OnDeck Other Products Offered
In addition to short-term small business loans, OnDeck also offers a small business line of credit of up to $100,000. Repayment terms on an OnDeck line of credit are either six or 12 months, and the qualification requirements are the same as an OnDeck short-term loan.
OnDeck Reviews
Based on customer reviews from around the web and our own website, OnDeck generally has positive ratings. Customers who gave positive OnDeck reviews said its professional and friendly customer service made the loan process quick and easy. Those who provided critical reviews of the company cited that fees were costly compared to other similar companies. You can read more about what OnDeck customers think on our OnDeck reviews page.
How to Apply for OnDeck Business Loans
You can apply for an OnDeck loan online in ten minutes or less, making them a very fast business loan option. During the application process, you will connect your business checking account to OnDeck, which will verify your income and approve you within hours. The entire process from application to funding can be completed within one day.
LoanBuilder Business Loans: Best for Business Owners With Low Credit Scores
LoanBuilder offers small business loans up to $500,000 with flexible terms. You can choose a repayment period between 13 and 52 weeks. To qualify, you need to have been in business for at least nine months, have a personal credit score of 550 or greater, and have at least $42,000 in annual revenue. If approved, you can receive funding within one business day.
LoanBuilder Rates & Fees
LoanBuilder offers single fixed fee loan pricing (called a total interest charge) on its small business loans. While there are no prepayment penalties, you will not benefit from paying your loan off early. Your total interest charge is determined at the time your loan is originated based on your repayment terms. OnDeck uses a similar approach to early terminations.
The typical rates and fees for a LoanBuilder loan are:
- Starting interest rate: 2.9% to 18.72%
- Expected APR: 12% to 136%
- Origination or maintenance fee: None
- Prepayment penalty or termination fee: No prepayment penalty, but you owe the interest regardless of when it’s repaid
- Additional fees: None
The expected APR for LoanBuilder is similar to the other lenders we reviewed, but this could be deceiving. LoanBuilder charges a total interest charge on the amount that you borrow, meaning that the entire amount of interest is accrued upfront and is payable regardless of when you repay the loan. Other lenders, like BlueVine, accrue interest over time, which allows you to save money by repaying the loan before its maturity date.
LoanBuilder Loan Terms
LoanBuilder offers small business loans in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $500,000 with repayment terms from 13 to 52 weeks. Unlike the other providers we reviewed, LoanBuilder allows you to select the repayment term of your loan. Regardless of the length of the term you select, weekly payments will be required.
The standard terms for a LoanBuilder loan are:
- Loan amount: $5,000 to $500,000
- Repayment term: 13 to 52 weeks
- Repayment schedule: Weekly
- Collateral: Blanket UCC filing on business assets
- Personal guarantee: Required
- Speed to funding: 10 minutes to complete its online application with approval in days; ongoing funding within 24 hours of a request
While the maximum loan amount offered by LoanBuilder is the same as that offered by OnDeck and Fundation, the repayment term is capped at 52 weeks. Business owners requiring a longer repayment period to reduce their monthly debt payment may want to consider OnDeck or Fundation, which offer maximum repayment terms of three and four years, respectively.
LoanBuilder Qualification Requirements
To be eligible for a short-term loan through LoanBuilder, you must have a personal credit score of at least 550. Additionally, your business needs to have been operational for at least nine months, and needs to be generating annual revenues of $42,000 or more.
The minimum qualification requirements for a LoanBuilder loan include:
- Credit score: At least 550 (check your score for free)
- Minimum annual revenue: At least $42,000
- Time in business: At least nine months
LoanBuilder has one of the lowest minimum credit score requirements of the providers we reviewed. With a minimum personal credit score requirement of 550, the only other lender on our list that accepts credit scores this low is Kabbage. However, Kabbage requires a full year of business operations, while LoanBuilder only requires nine months.
What LoanBuilder Is Missing
While LoanBuilder business loans are highly customizable, allowing you to select the repayment term that best suits your business needs, terms are limited to a maximum of 52 weeks. Borrowers who need longer repayment terms to keep their loan payments affordable may want to consider a loan through OnDeck or Fundation, which offer maximum repayment terms of three and four years, respectively.
LoanBuilder Reviews
LoanBuilder customer reviews from around the web are generally positive. Positive customer reviews shared that LoanBuilder’s process was quick and efficient, and its representatives were responsive to requests. Critical reviews came from customers who felt that LoanBuilder’s pricing was too expensive. You can read more on our LoanBuilder reviews page.
How to Apply for LoanBuilder Business Loans
You can apply online for a business loan up to $500,000 with LoanBuilder in minutes. If approved, your rates and terms can be customized to fit your business needs. You can expect to make weekly payments for 13 to 52 weeks, with interest rates of approximately 2.9% to 18.72%.
Kabbage Business Loans: Best for Businesses With Small or Recurring Capital Needs
Kabbage offers a $250,000 business line of credit to small businesses. Repayment terms can be either six, 12, or 18 months, and APRs range from 24% to 99%. To qualify, borrowers need to have a personal credit score of at least 550, one year of business operations, and annual revenues of $50,000 or greater.
Kabbage Rates & Fees
Kabbage charges advance fees rather than an interest rate. You can expect to pay 1.5% to 10% of your outstanding balance monthly. On average, you’ll pay 4% for a six-month repayment term and 3% for a 12-month repayment term. Kabbage business loans feature no prepayment penalties, so you can save money by paying your advances off early.
The rates and fees you can anticipate with a loan from Kabbage include:
- Interest rates: 1.5% to 10% per month (average fee is 4% for a six-month term and 3% for a 12-month term)
- Expected APR: 24% to 99%
- Origination or maintenance fees: None
- Prepayment penalties or termination fees: None
- Additional fees: None
While the starting APR for a Kabbage line of credit is higher than all of the providers we reviewed, you only pay interest on the amount you have drawn because it’s a line of credit. Additionally, unlike OnDeck and LoanBuilder, you can save money by repaying the drawn amounts early.
Kabbage Loan Terms
Kabbage offers a small business line of credit in amounts ranging from $2,000 to $250,000, with repayment terms ranging from six to 18 months. Payments on a Kabbage line of credit are due monthly. If approved for a line of credit, you can receive funding from Kabbage as soon as the next business day.
The standard terms for a Kabbage loan are:
- Line of credit amount: $2,000 to $250,000
- Draw amount: $500 to $250,000, or any size with the Kabbage Card
- Repayment term: Six, 12, or 18 months (no prepayment penalties)
- Repayment schedule: Monthly
- Collateral: Blanket UCC filing on business assets
- Personal guarantee: Required
- Speed to funding: As soon as one business day
The maximum loan amount of $250,000 offered by Kabbage is well below the amounts offered by other lenders on our list. However, because it’s a line of credit, you are able to borrow and repay the funds over and over without the need to reapply.
Kabbage Qualification Requirements
To qualify for a small business line of credit through Kabbage, you need to have a personal credit score of at least 550, one year of business operations, and annual revenues of at least $50,000. If you are not yet generating $50,000 in annual revenue but can show that you have at least $4,200 in revenue for each of the past three months, you may also qualify.
The general qualification requirements for a Kabbage loan are:
- Credit score: At least 550 (check your score for free)
- Minimum annual revenue: At least $50,000 (or at least $4,200 per month for the past three months)
- Time in business: At least one year
At 550, Kabbage has one of the lowest minimum credit score requirements of any of the providers on our list. However, Kabbage has a minimum time in business requirement of one year, while LoanBuilder only has a nine-month requirement and BlueVine only requires six months.
What Kabbage Is Missing
While the small business line of credit offered by Kabbage is a great option, to qualify you must have been in business for at least a year. If you’ve been in business for less than a year, you might consider an unsecured business loan from LoanBuilder or BlueVine instead.
Kabbage Other Products Offered
Kabbage offers an easy means of accessing your line of credit funds through its Kabbage Card. Just like a debit card you would use to access your bank account, the Kabbage Card allows you to draw funds from your line of credit while you are on the go. Each transaction made on the card creates a new six-month loan in the same manner that a traditional draw from your line of credit would.
Kabbage Reviews
Customer reviews of Kabbage are largely mixed. Positive customer reviews cited the funding speed and the minimal paperwork required to apply as advantages. Critical reviews came primarily from customers that felt their monthly payments were too high. However, given the short-term nature of the repayment period, higher payments should be expected. You can find out more about what customers think of the company by reading our Kabbage reviews page.
How to Apply for Kabbage Business Loans
Applying with Kabbage takes about 10 minutes with its easy online application. After providing basic personal and business information, you’ll give Kabbage a connection to your business checking account. Once connected, Kabbage will verify your business revenue. You could be approved for up to $250,000 and receive funding in as soon as 24 hours after applying.
BlueVine Business Loans: Best for Fast Funding & Monthly Payments
BlueVine offers small business loans in amounts up to $250,000 with repayment terms of six or 12 months. Interest rates range from 18.2% to 78% APR. To qualify, you must have a personal credit score of at least 600, six months of business operations, and at least $100,000 in annual revenues. If approved, you can receive funding as soon as the next business day.
BlueVine Rates & Fees
BlueVine offers short-term loans at interest rates starting as low as 4.8% simple interest. The expected APR on these loans ranges from 18.2% to 78%. BlueVine does not charge a loan origination fee.
The rates and fees on a short-term loan through BlueVine are:
- Starting interest rates: 4.8% to 47.1% simple interest
- Expected APR: 18.2% to 78%
- Origination fee: None
Interest rates on BlueVine business loans are in line with some of the providers listed, such as OnDeck, LoanBuilder, and Kabbage. However, unlike loans with OnDeck and LoanBuilder, you can save money by paying your loan off early.
BlueVine Loan Terms
BlueVine offers short-term loans in amounts ranging from $5,000 to $250,000, with repayment terms of either six or 12 months. You can apply online in less than 10 minutes and receive loan approval in just hours. If approved, you can receive funding as soon as the next business day.
The loan terms you can expect from BlueVine for its term loan include:
- Loan amount: $5,000 to $250,000
- Repayment term: Six or 12 months
- Repayment schedule: Weekly
- Collateral: Blanket UCC filing on business assets
- Personal guarantee: Required
- Time to funding: 10 minutes to complete the online application and approval in hours; initial funding as soon as the next day
BlueVine offers loan terms of six or 12 months, which may fit the needs of many small businesses. However, borrowers who are seeking longer repayment terms may want to consider a Fundation business loan that offers a repayment term of up to four years, or an OnDeck business loan with a repayment term of up to three years.
BlueVine Qualification Requirements
To qualify for a short-term loan through BlueVine, borrowers will need to have a personal credit score of at least 600. The business must have at least six months of operations and be generating annual revenue of $100,000 or greater.
The general qualification requirements for a BlueVine loan are:
- Credit score: At least 600 (check your credit score for free)
- Minimum annual revenue: At least $100,000
- Time in business: At least six months
While the credit score and annual revenue requirements for a BlueVine loan and an OnDeck loan are the same, BlueVine only requires six months of business operations compared to OnDeck’s requirement of one year. The lower time in business requirement allows newer businesses to qualify for short-term loans through BlueVine.
What BlueVine Is Missing
While BlueVine is able to lend to small businesses with only six months of business operations, at $250,000, it also offers one of the lowest maximum loan amounts of any of the providers reviewed. Borrowers seeking larger sums may want to consider a loan through OnDeck or Fundation, which both offer loans of up to $500,000.
BlueVine Other Products Offered
In addition to offering a short-term loan, BlueVine also offers a small business line of credit of up to $250,000 with the same qualification requirements as its loan product. Additionally, BlueVine also offers invoice factoring. With invoice factoring, you can receive advances of up to $5,000,000 at rates as low as 0.25% per week. If you need financing above the $250,000 offered in a BlueVine loan or line of credit, you can apply for invoice financing to increase your borrowing amount.
BlueVine Reviews
BlueVine reviews around the web are generally positive. Customers share that they are impressed with BlueVine’s responsive customer support team and the ease of application. Critical BlueVine reviews came from businesses that were unhappy about being denied financing, or customers who felt that the rates that they were offered were too high. To find out more about what BlueVine customers think, visit our BlueVine reviews page.
How to Apply for BlueVine Business Loans
BlueVine’s short-term loan of up to $250,000 is great for newer businesses that have only been in operation for six months. The online application can be completed in just a few minutes, and if approved you can receive funding as soon as the next business day.
SmartBiz Business Loans: Best for SBA Loans Under $350,000
SmartBiz is an SBA loan provider that offers an expedited loan process for SBA loans in amounts up to $350,000. Interest rates range from 7.5% to 11% with repayment terms of up to 10 years. If you have a personal credit score of at least 650 and at least two years of business operations, you may be eligible. If approved, you can receive funding in as little as 30 days.
SmartBiz Rates & Fees
With an SBA loan through SmartBiz, you can expect to pay a maximum interest rate of 7.5% to 11%. SmartBiz charges a loan origination fee that ranges from 2% to 4% of the amount borrowed. Additionally, there is a guarantee fee paid to the SBA that ranges from 2% to 3% of the guaranteed portion of the loan.
The typical rates and fees you can expect from a SmartBiz SBA loan are:
- Interest rate: 7.50% to 11.00%
- Estimated APR: 9.50% to 15.00%
- Origination fees: 2% to 4%
- SBA guarantee fee: 2% to 3%
The Small Business Administration (SBA) sets the maximum interest rates that banks can charge on 7(a) loans. The current estimated SBA rates range from 7.50% to 11.00%, depending on the size of the loan and the amount being borrowed, which is the lowest maximum rate on our list. SBA loan rates fluctuate regularly based on the prime rate.
SmartBiz Loan Terms
SmartBiz offers SBA 7(a) loans in amounts up to $350,000. Repayment terms of up to 10 years are available. A blanket UCC on business assets will be required, along with a personal guarantee from all owners of the business. With its streamlined SBA processing, SmartBiz is able to provide funding in 30 days.
The terms you can expect with an SBA loan from SmartBiz are:
- Loan amounts: $30,000 to $350,000
- Repayment terms: Up to 10 years
- Payment schedule: Monthly
- Collateral: Blanket UCC filing on business assets
- Personal guarantee: Required
- Time to apply: 15 to 30 minutes
- Time to get approved: As soon as the next day
- Funding speed: Within 30 days of getting approved
Because SBA loans are highly standardized, the loan terms available from SmartBiz are very similar to those offered by other SBA lenders, like Celtic Bank; however, Celtic Bank can provide loans in higher dollar amounts. The expedited loan process for SmartBiz SBA loans is limited to loans under $350,000.
SmartBiz Qualification Requirements
To be eligible for an SBA loan through SmartBiz, you will need to have a personal credit score of at least 650 and at least two years of business operations. In addition, you will also need to be a small business as defined by the SBA, and complete all of the necessary SBA forms required.
The minimum qualification requirements for an SBA loan from SmartBiz include:
- Personal credit score: At least 650 (check your score for free)
- Time in business: At least two years
- Annual revenue: Be a small business as determined by the SBA
- Additional requirements: All paperwork required by the SBA’s loan requirements
For the most part, SBA loan requirements are standard throughout SBA lenders, though there is some variation among lenders in terms of credit score and time in business requirements. The qualifications for SBA loans are often more stringent than the requirements of online lenders. However, the qualification requirements for Fundation business loans are very similar to the qualifications for an SBA loan through SmartBiz.
What SmartBiz Is Missing
While SmartBiz has an expedited loan approval process for SBA loans in amounts up to $350,000, allowing borrowers to receive funding within 30 days, this may not be ideal for businesses that need faster working capital. For those seeking faster funding, a short-term loan through Fundation, BlueVine, or OnDeck may be a better solution, as those providers can fund within one to two days.
SmartBiz Other Products Offered
In addition to SBA loans, SmartBiz also offers term loans from $30,000 to $200,000 for small businesses through its marketplace. These loans have repayment terms ranging from two to five years, with fixed interest rates ranging from 6.99% to 26.99%.
SmartBiz Reviews
SmartBiz customer reviews from around the web are overwhelmingly positive. Customers enjoy the speed and efficiency of the provider as well as the prompt turnaround times. Critical customer reviews came primarily from customers who did not understand that SmartBiz is not a direct lender, but rather a marketplace for SBA loans. To find out more about what users think of the company, you can review our SmartBiz reviews page.
How to Apply for SmartBiz Business Loans
Applying for an SBA loan through SmartBiz begins with an online application and prequalification. After you have applied, SmartBiz will direct your application to an SBA lender from its marketplace that best suits your loan needs. With this streamlined process, SmartBiz can get your SBA loan funded in 30 days.
Celtic Bank Business Loans: Best for SBA loans Over $350,000
Celtic Bank is one of the top SBA lenders nationally, and offers SBA loans in amounts up to $5 million. Interest rates range from 7.5% to 11%, and repayment terms extend up to 10 years for working capital and 25 years for commercial real estate. You can apply online, and if approved, receive funding within 60 days.
Celtic Bank Rates & Fees
With an SBA loan through Celtic Bank, you can expect to pay a maximum interest rate of 7.5% to 11%. Celtic Bank charges a loan packaging fee of $2,500. Additionally, there is a guarantee fee paid to the SBA that ranges from 2% to 3.5% of the guaranteed portion of the loan.
The rates and fees you can expect with an SBA loans through Celtic Bank include:
- Interest rate: 7.50% to 11.00%
- Estimated APR: 9.50% to 15.00%
- Loan packaging fee: $2,500
- SBA guarantee fee: 2% to 3.5%
As with SmartBiz, the maximum interest rates that Celtic Bank can charge on SBA 7(a) loans is set by the Small Business Administration. The current estimated SBA rates range from 7.50% to 11.00%, and vary based on the size of the loan and the amount being borrowed.
Celtic Bank Loan Terms
Celtic Bank can provide SBA loans ranging in amount from $30,000 to $5 million. Repayment terms can extend up to 10 years for working capital or 25 years for commercial real estate. You can apply online in less than 30 minutes, and find out if you are approved as soon as the next business day. Funding typically occurs within 60 days of approval.
The general terms for an SBA loan through Celtic Bank are:
- Loan amounts: $30,000 to $5 million
- Repayment terms: Up to 10 years (25 years for commercial real estate)
- Payment schedule: Monthly
- Collateral: Blanket UCC filing on business assets
- Personal guarantee: Required
- Time to apply: 15 to 30 minutes
- Time to get approved: As soon as the next day
- Funding speed: Within 60 days of approval
Because SBA loans are highly standardized, the loan terms available from Celtic Bank are very similar to those offered by SmartBiz; the exception is that Celtic Bank can provide loans in higher dollar amounts. The expedited loan process for SmartBiz can only be used for loans under $350,000; loans above that amount are subject to standard loan process, which can take up to 90 days. Celtic Bank has a history of being able to provide SBA funding within 45 to 60 days.
Celtic Bank Qualification Requirements
In general, to be considered eligible for an SBA loan through Celtic Bank, you will need to have a credit score of at least 650 and at least two years of business operations. Additionally, you will need to meet the SBA’s definition of a small business and complete all required SBA documents.
The standard qualification requirements for an SBA loan through Celtic Bank include:
- Personal credit score: At least 650 (check your score for free)
- Time in business: At least two years
- Annual revenue: Be a small business as determined by the SBA
- Additional requirements: All paperwork required by the SBA’s loan requirements
The minimum qualification requirements for an SBA loan through Celtic Bank are standard with most SBA lenders (as with SmartBiz). While these requirements are more stringent than many of the providers we reviewed, they are very similar to the requirements for a loan from Fundation.
What Celtic Bank Is Missing
While Celtic Bank is one of the top SBA lenders nationally, and offers borrowers the ability to apply for an SBA loan online, it still can take 60 days or more to receive funding. Borrowers seeking a faster loan approval process may want to consider an SBA loan through SmartBiz, or a short-term loan through a provider like Fundation.
Celtic Bank Other Products Offered
In addition to SBA loans, Celtic Bank also offers a number of other financing options for businesses. Some of the financing products offered include USDA Business and Industry (B&I) guaranteed loans, asset-based lines of credit, term loans, and equipment financing.
Celtic Bank Reviews
Celtic Bank reviews from around the web revealed a mix of positive and negative ratings. Some customers were impressed with the lender’s customer support team, while others found its customer service difficult to work with. Celtic Bank currently has a B rating with the Better Business Bureau. You can find out more about what Celtic Bank customers think on our Celtic Bank reviews page.
How to Apply for Celtic Bank Business Loans
With Celtic Bank, you can complete your SBA loan application online. You’ll specify the amount you want to borrow and the intended purpose of the loan, along with submitting basic information about your business, such as how long you’ve been operating and your estimated credit score. If approved, you can receive funding in as quickly as 45 to 60 days.
Bottom Line
Fundation and its top competitors all offer similar short-term loan products for small businesses. The right loan option for your small business will be the one for which you are best qualified and that best meets your financing needs.
Fundation is a good financing option if you need funding fast. However, the qualification requirements are quite similar to an SBA loan. Since SBA loans offer lower interest rates and longer repayment terms, they will likely be a more affordable financing option. SmartBiz has an expedited loan approval process that can get you SBA funding in as little as 30 days.
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