8 Best Small Business Loans Of 2024 (2024)

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8 Best Small Business Loans Of 2024 (1)

Micah Murray

December 18, 2023

8 Best Small Business Loans Of 2024 (2)
8 Best Small Business Loans Of 2024 (3)

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W hether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or a seasoned business owner, starting a new small business can be a daunting task.

One of the most difficult challenges you’ll face is finding funding to turn your dream business into a profitable reality.

Luckily, you have many different small business loan options, from government-backed SBA loans to private lenders.

Table of Contents

Top 8 Small Business Loans Of 2024

Small business loans come in many different shapes and sizes, but you’ll want to consider them all before making a choice.

To make it easier, here are the most popular small business loan lenders:-

1. Bank Of America

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Loan Amount

$25,000 to $500,000

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Interest Rate

Variable rates available for revolving period options

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Loan Term

Up to 25-years

Bank of America has been a trusted household name in the banking world for over a century, making it a smart place to begin when looking for a small business loan.

Through Bank of America, you can take out several different types of business loans, each with its own rates and terms, including:-

  • Unsecured business lines of credit
  • Unsecured business loan
  • Secured business lines of credit
  • Secured business loan
  • Small business auto loans
  • Commercial real estate loans

In addition to these offerings, Bank of America also offers SBA loans.

These loans have terms of up to 25 years and can be taken out in amounts as low as $25,000.

2. BlueVine

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Loan Amount

Up to $250,000

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Interest Rate

20% – 50%

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Loan Term

Varies based on your specific arrangement

BlueVine, not to be confused with a bank, is a financial technology company that is designed with business owners in mind.

Although it offers many impressive tools for business owners, its greatest offering might just be its business line of credit.

With this line of credit, small business owners can access a revolving line of credit as high as $250,000 in as little as 24 hours.

To be approved for a BlueVine line of credit, you must have a personal credit score of at least 625 and your business must meet certain eligibility requirements.

3. Credibly

Credibly helps small business owners get the funding they need, with loan amounts ranging from $5,000 to $400,000 and funding in as little as 24 hours.

You can take advantage of funding through Credibly in the form of a working capital loan, a merchant cash advance, business lines of credit, and more.

To qualify for a Credibly small business loan, you must:-

  • Be in business for at least 6 months.
  • Show consistent revenue, including two to three months worth of business account statements.
  • Agree to a term length of 18 months or less.
  • Fill out a loan application.
  • Show your business mortgage or lease statement, if applicable.

4. U.S. Small Business Administration

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Loan Amount

$500 to $5.5 million

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Interest Rate

Can vary depending on the lender

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Loan Term

Varies based on your specific arrangement

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers government-backed small business loans through affiliated lenders, with loan amounts ranging from $500 to $5.5 million.

These loans offer competitive terms and come with unique benefits, such as flexible overhead requirements, low down payments, and collateral-free loans.

To get an SBA loan for your business, you’ll need to meet the eligibility requirements set out by your lender.

5. Funding Circle

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Loan Amount

$25,000 to $500,000

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Interest Rate

11.29%

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Loan Term

6 months to 7 years

Funding Circle offers many different small business loan options, including SBA-backed loans and lines of credit.

Among its offerings is a business term loan, however, that can be funded in as little as two days.

With this, you can borrow from $25,000 to $500,000 and have 6 months to seven years to pay it back.

To qualify for a term loan through Funding Circle, you must have a personal credit score of at least 660.

6. OnDeck

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Loan Amount

Up to $250,000

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Interest Rate

35.40% – 99.90%

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Loan Term

24 months

OnDeck offers some of the quickest funded small business loans out there, with an application and funding process that only takes ten minutes.

With OnDeck, you can borrow up to $250,000 with 24 months to pay it back.

You’ll even have a one-on-one team of loan advisors to help make sure that everything goes smoothly.

Plus, OnDeck has a remarkable track record of over $15 billion in funding to small businesses across the U.S. and an A+ rating by the Better Business Bureau.

7. American Express® Business Line Of Credit

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Loan Amount

Up to $250,000

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Interest Rate

3% to 9%, based on term length

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Loan Term

6, 12 or 18 months

Although not exactly a business loan, the American Express® Business Line of Credit deserves a place on this list.

That is, it can be applied for in just a couple of minutes, it gives you flexible access to money you can use to finance your business needs, and you’ll only be responsible for paying for what you use.

With the American Express® Business Line of Credit, you have the choice of a 6-, 12-, or 18-month long loan term.

However, you must have been in business for at least 12 months and have a valid business checking account to be eligible.

8. Fundbox

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Loan Amount

Up to $150,000

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Interest Rate

4.66%

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Loan Term

3 or 6 months

Fundbox makes quick work of funding your small business, with simple applications and a decision on your acceptance in as little as three minutes.

Through Fundbox, you can access up to $150,000 in revolving credit to help your business, as soon as the next business day after your loan is approved.

To qualify for a Fundbo line of credit for your small business, you’ll need:-

  • a personal credit score of at least 600.
  • $100,000+ in annual revenue.
  • At least three months of transactions in a business checking account.

Types Of Small Business Loans

Small business loans come in many different types, each tailored to cover a different kind of financial need or growth stage.

Here are some of the most commonly used small business loans:-

1. Term Loans: With term loans you receive all of your loan funds upfront, then pay it back over a period of time, referred to as a loan term.

Often, these loans come with fixed interest rates and set repayment schedules.

2. Lines Of Credit: A line of credit works much like a credit card, giving you a predetermined credit limit that you can draw from as needed.

3. Invoice Factoring: Invoice factoring is a way for small businesses to fund invoices that they can’t afford to pay.

These loans work by selling your invoices to a third party at a discount in exchange for cash.

4. SBA Loans: A Small Business Administration (SBA) loan, a government-backed loan, offers low interest rates and longer repayment periods.

To be eligible, you’ll need to meet the SBA’s eligibility criteria.

5. Merchant Cash Advances: Merchant cash advances can give business owners cash for a percentage of their future bank deposits and credit card sales.

With these, your repayment is determined by your daily sales.

6. Equipment Loans: Equipment loans are simply business loans that help you buy equipment for your business.

With these loans, the equipment you purchase with the loan is often considered the collateral for the loan.

7. Microloans: Microloans are small loans that are offered to small business owners through nonprofit organizations, online platforms, and lenders within their community.

These loans are best for businesses with small funding needs.

8. Commercial Real Estate Loans: Commercial Real Estate Loans help you purchase commercial properties, such as a storefront or office space.

9. Personal Loans: A personal loan can help you fund your business, but it isn’t recommended since it can be risky for your personal finances.

How To Choose The Right Small Business Loan?

To choose the right small business loan for you, consider these tips:-

1. Assess your funding needs: Determine why you need to take out a loan and exactly how much you need to borrow before you apply for a loan.

2. Check your credit: You should know where your credit stands before you apply for a loan, that way you know if you’ll meet a lender’s requirements and if you should expect a low rate.

3. Research loan types: You’ll want to compare different loan types and choose the one that best fits your business’s needs.

4. Compare interest rates and terms: By comparing interest rates and repayment terms, you can determine whether or not your business can afford to pay back the loan on the lender’s timeline. If not, you will need to search for a different loan.

5. Look out for extra costs: By carefully reviewing the fine print of potential loan agreements before you sign, you can spot any hidden fees that could impact the cost of your loan.

Small Business Loan Alternatives

Small business loans aren’t for everyone, but that doesn’t leave you without options if they aren’t for you and your business.

These alternatives might be a better option for your business needs:-

  • Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Lending
  • Crowdfunding
  • Angel Investors and Venture CapitalGrants
  • Business Incubators and Accelerators
  • Revenue-Based Financing
  • Personal Savings and Family/Friends
  • Alternative Online Lenders

FAQs

There is no one best small business lender since every small business is different. Instead, you should compare multiple different types of lenders to find the one offering the best rates and terms, plus consider your business’s needs from a lender. Ultimately, the best lender for you and your business will be the one that aligns with your business’s current financial situation and goals.

The easiest SBA loan to get approved for is, hands down, the SBA Microloan program. Designed to help start-ups and small businesses, these microloans are offered through nonprofit community lenders. With the SBA microloan program, it’s important to remember that loan amounts are usually lower than other options, with loans ranging from a few thousand to $50,000.

First-time business owners can get small business loans, but their terms may not be as favorable as those with a long business history. That said, there are small business loans tailored specifically to the needs of first-time entrepreneurs. To get these loans, you should be prepared with a business plan, a personal credit history in good standing, and the ability to prove your business idea is profitable.

Taking out a small business loan can affect both your personal and business credit. When applying for a loan, lenders will typically run a hard pull on your personal credit history to determine your creditworthiness, especially if your business doesn’t have a credit history. Plus, your personal credit history could take a hit if you fail to pay back your loan on time or in full.

The quickest way to get a business loan is often to go through an online lender who offers quick approval. Typically, these lenders have short applications that can be completed online, fast approval decisions, and quicker fund disbursem*nt timelines than traditional lenders.

About

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Micah Murray

Micah Murray is a freelance writer who is passionate about educating readers on how financial literacy can change their lives. Micah has written for sites like MoneyUnder30, RateGenius, Leverage Rx, and more. When not writing, he can be found around a campfire, with a glass of wine, and a true crime podcast

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8 Best Small Business Loans Of 2024 (2024)

FAQs

What is the SBA loan rate for 2024? ›

What is the current SBA loan rate? SBA loan rates vary depending on several factors, including the type of SBA loan, the size, and the maturity date. The current prime rate (as of April 2, 2024) is 8.5%. That means SBA 7(a) loan fixed rates can range between 13.5% and 16.5% depending on your loan terms.

What are the changes in the SBA 2024? ›

Javier Jorge: In 2024, the SBA introduces significant changes benefiting small businesses. These include comprehensive financing options for acquisitions and expansions, waived guaranty fees for loans under $1 million, increased loan limits, and a 90% SBA guaranty for internationally earning businesses.

Who gives the best small business loans? ›

Best Business Loans Of April 2024
  • QuickBridge – Best for Fast Business Loans.
  • OnDeck – Best for Short-Term Business Loans.
  • American Express® Business Line of Credit – Best for Business Lines of Credit.
  • Wells Fargo – Best for Business Lines of Credit From a Bank.
  • Fora Financial – Best for Large Business Loans.
Apr 12, 2024

Which bank is best for small business loan? ›

Top 10 Best Banks for Business Loans
  • SBI (Small Business Loans) The SBI commercial loans are a facility for small and medium-sized businesses. ...
  • HDFC Bank (Company's Growth Loans) ...
  • ICICI Bank (Commercial loan) ...
  • IDFC Bank (Commercial Loans) ...
  • Kotak Bank (Commercial Loan) ...
  • Bajaj Finserv Loan (MSME) ...
  • IndusInd Bank. ...
  • Tata Capital.
Feb 16, 2024

Will loan rates go down in 2024? ›

The expected decreasing inflationary pressure, plus the added impact of a falling federal funds rate in 2024, is likely to push mortgage rates lower. But while the Fed raised its benchmark rate fast in 2022–2023, it's expected to bring rates down at a much more gradual pace in 2024 and beyond.

What should interest rates be in 2024? ›

This reflects an upward revision in Fannie's analysis: Just last month, the mortgage giant expected rates would dip below 6% at the end of this year. All told, Fannie Mae predicts mortgage rates will average 6.6% in 2024 and 6.2% in 2025.

Is the 10k SBA loan a grant? ›

While the SBA refers to this program as an advance, it was written into law as a grant. This means that the amount you are given through this program does not need to be repaid, even if your application is ultimately rejected. There will be no interest charged on this amount.

Why should the SBA be abolished? ›

But the SBA's critics say that the agency's loans do more harm than good. The loans go to only a tiny fraction of the small businesses in the country, for example, and help the recipients compete with small businesses that aren't similarly subsidized.

What are the new SBA loan changes? ›

Beginning May 2023, simplified underwriting can be used for loans $500,000 or less, including: Through an acceptable SBSS score, currently 155 and above. Through cashflow analysis. Through the lender's same policies and processes they use for similar-sized non-SBA guaranteed loans, including use of credit scoring ...

What is the easiest business loan to get? ›

Here are 9 easy business loans
  • Best for Quick easy business loans. Bluevine. ...
  • Best for Easy short-term business loans. OnDeck. ...
  • Best for Easy equipment loans. Triton Capital. ...
  • Best for Easy business loans for bad credit. Fora Financial. ...
  • Best for Easy unsecured business loans. National Funding. ...
  • Best for Easy business lines of credit.

How to get a $200,000 business loan? ›

What You Need to Qualify for $200k Business Loans
  1. Strong Credit History: Aim for a credit score above 680. ...
  2. Consistent Revenue Stream: Demonstrate a steady inflow of income, ensuring you can manage repayments. ...
  3. Business Plan Presentation: Provide a comprehensive business plan showcasing how the loan will be used.

Why is it so hard to get a small business loan? ›

While getting a business loan can be difficult since most require strong personal and business credit scores, reliable cash flow and at least two years in business, there are alternatives available to obtain the cash you need.

What is a good amount for a small business loan? ›

Small business loan amounts by loan type
LenderAverage small business loan amount
Short-term loans$20,000
Medium-term loans$110,000
Business line of credit$20,000
Equipment financingUp to 80% to 100% of the value of purchased equipment
7 more rows
Nov 20, 2023

What is a good interest rate on a small business loan? ›

A reasonable interest rate for a small business loan or line of credit is between 3% and 17%, while an SBA 7(a) loan rate is capped between 11.5% and 16.50%. However, you could expect to pay 35.4% or higher with a bad credit business loan.

What bank is the easiest to get a small loan? ›

The easiest banks to get a personal loan from are USAA and Wells Fargo. USAA does not disclose a minimum credit score requirement, but their website indicates they consider people with scores below 640, so even people with bad credit may be able to qualify.

What is the SBA interest rate right now? ›

Small Business Loan Rates: Comparison
Loan TypeInterest RateLoan Amount
SBA 7(a)9.50% - 11.25%$5,000 - $5 million
SBA 5048.50% ± 1%$125,000 - $20 million
SBA Express13.00% - 15.00%$25,000 - $500,000
Based on current Prime Rate, 8.5%. Last updated Apr 17, 2024. Get a Quote →

What is the average SBA interest rate? ›

Average business loan interest rates
Business loanInterest rate
Business lines of creditAverage 7.43% to 9.18% APR*
SBA loansFixed rate: 13.50% to 16.50% APRVariable rate: 11.50% to 15.00% APR
Merchant cash advance1.04 to 1.32 factor rate
Bad credit business loans20% to 99%+ APR1.03 to 1.52 factor rate
2 more rows
Mar 29, 2024

Why are SBA loan rates so high? ›

Because SBA loans' interest rates are tied to the WSJ Prime, both for fixed- and variable-interest loans, the higher the WSJ Prime, the higher the interest rates for SBA 7(a), 504, and Express loans. See the table below for current rates for SBA-backed small business loans.

What is the SBA 10 year loan rate? ›

2021
2021JanApr
25 Year SBA 5042.6923.073
20 Year SBA 5042.6533.016
10 Year SBA 5042.4382.684
25 Year Refi SBA 5042.7333.114
1 more row

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