The best banks for small business loans in 2026: Top picks and how to choose

Gerri Detweiler's profile

Written byGerri Detweiler

Robin Saks Frankel's profile

Reviewed by Robin Saks Frankel

Updated August 12, 2026|34 min read
create an LLC in Florida

Summary

  • Small business loans from banks are often considered the most desirable type of financing due to attractive repayment terms and competitive rates.
  • There is a wide variety of products available to small business owners including term loans, lines of credit, commercial real estate (CRE) loans, commercial vehicle loans, equipment financing, and SBA loans.
  • Nav’s list of best bank small business loans can help borrowers find loans that match their business need.

Best banks for small business loans

Bank

Rating

Notes

Bank of America

5.0

Bank of America earns a 5-star rating, the top score in this comparison, reflecting its complete product lineup, published rate transparency, and a startup-friendly credit-building path most competitors don't offer.

Chase

5.0

Chase also earns a 5-star rating in our comparison, the top score in this comparison, driven by the largest small-business lending volume in this review, a full SBA product suite, and near-national branch coverage.

U.S. Bank

4.0

U.S. Bank earns a 4-star rating, reflecting strong marks for its transparent equipment and vehicle financing and a startup-friendly SBA program, offset by its more limited regional footprint.

Truist Bank

3.0

Truist earns a 3-star overall rating in this comparison. Its small-business auto loan is genuinely one of the most transparent on this list, but its overall SBA lending volume and geographic footprint are more limited.

Capital One

3.0

Capital One earns a 3-star overall rating. Its customer satisfaction score is the highest of any bank here, but limited published rate and eligibility information holds down its overall score

Huntington Bank

3.0

Huntington earns a 3-star overall rating in this comparison. Its SBA lending track record is among the strongest of any bank we reviewed, though its conventional loan products are only available within its 14-state branch footprint.

TD Bank 

3.0

TD Bank earns a 3-star overall rating, reflecting a genuinely complete small-business product lineup and strong SBA Express volume, balanced against its lending footprint of 15 East Coast states plus D.C.

American Express

3.0

American Express earns a 3-star overall rating in this comparison. It leads this review in both small-business lending volume and customer satisfaction, but its single-product, no-SBA approach limits its overall score against full-service bank lenders.

Lending categories

Bank

Highlights

Overall

JP Morgan Chase

Diverse product mix; large number of branches; strong customer satisfaction score

Lines of credit

American Express

Specific focus on business lines of credit $2000 to $250,000 with online preapproval available

Secured line of credit

Bank of America

Line of credit with refundable security deposit to help build business credit 

Equipment loans

U.S Bank

Up to $200,000 with term of up to 84 months, and financing up to 125% to cover soft costs

Small business auto loan

Truist

Up to $250,000 with term of up to 75 months and financing of up to 110% to cover soft costs

Customer service

Capital One 

Ranked highest in small business banking customer satisfaction by JD Power last three years

SBA 7(a) loans (all types)

Huntington Bank

Second largest volume of SBA loans in both loan amounts and number of loans originated FY2025

SBA Express loans

TD Bank

First in terms of number of loans and second in total dollar volume of SBA Express loans originated FY2025

Chase: Best bank for business loans overall

Chase currently offers one of the most complete small business lending menus among the major banks. Its core products include term loans with repayment periods of up to seven years, business lines of credit up to $500,000 on a five-year revolving basis, and commercial real estate loans for purchase, renovation, or refinance — all secured by a lien on the property. Businesses that need more than $500,000 in revolving credit can access a commercial line of credit at a 0.15% origination fee, capped at $3,000.

On the government-backed side, Chase is an SBA Preferred Lender, which means it can approve SBA loans in-house rather than waiting for SBA review — typically a faster path to funding. It currently offers all three main SBA programs: the standard 7(a) loan up to $5 million for general business purposes, the SBA Express loan for amounts under $500,000 with a streamlined process, and the SBA 504 loan for major fixed-asset purchases like real estate and heavy equipment.

It ranked ninth overall in terms of total amount of SBA 7(a) loan funding, and first for total amount of SBA Express loan funding originated in FY2025. 

For business owners who want to visit a branch, Chase currently operates more than 5,000 branches in 48 states and Washington D.C., making it one of the few lenders in this review with near-national branch coverage. The bank is actively expanding, and has stated it is accelerating growth in central states and underserved regions, aiming for 75% of Americans to be within a reasonable drive of a branch and over 50% within each state.

American Express: Best for lines of credit

While it may be best known for premium credit cards, American Express takes a focused approach to small business lending. Rather than competing across every product category, it currently offers a single core product: the Business Line of Credit, available through its Business Blueprint platform. 

Businesses can borrow between $2,000 and $250,000, drawing funds as needed and repaying on terms ranging from one to 24 months. Each draw creates its own separate loan with a fixed fee rather than a traditional interest rate, which means costs are predictable but early repayment won't reduce what you owe on shorter-term draws.

The product is available online nationwide, with no branch visits required, and requires a minimum FICO score of 660 and at least one year in business. It is best suited to established businesses that primarily need flexible working capital and already have a relationship with American Express as the platform is designed to sit alongside Amex business cards and checking.

Bank of America: Best for secured credit line

Bank of America currently offers one of the most comprehensive small business lending menus of any bank, covering virtually every product category a growing business might need. Its core lineup includes both unsecured and secured term loans, two lines of credit, SBA loans, equipment financing, commercial auto loans, and commercial real estate loans, all available through its Business Advantage and Business Banking platforms.

We picked Bank of America here for its Cash Secured Line of Credit, a unique product that offers a credit-building pathway for newer businesses. It requires a $1,000 refundable deposit and as little as six months in business, with account reviews beginning at 12 months for potential graduation to an unsecured line. 

Most other Bank of America small business loan products require at least two years in business and a personal credit score above 700, with annual revenue minimums of $100,000 for unsecured products and $250,000 for secured ones — higher thresholds than several competitors in this review.

For government-backed financing, Bank of America is an SBA Preferred Lender offering 7(a) loans up to $5 million, SBA 504 loans, and SBA Express loans — with fully fixed rates and longer terms than conventional loans. It ranked fourth in terms of total SBA Express loan amounts approved in FY2025.

Bank of America currently operates approximately 3,700 branches across 39 states, making it one of the largest branch networks in the country and plans for expansion into new markets and underserved communities.

U.S. Bank: Best for equipment and vehicle loans

U.S. Bank currently offers one of the most clearly documented equipment financing products of any bank in this review. Its Equipment Quick Loan provides up to $1 million for purchasing new or used equipment — covering everything from construction machinery and manufacturing equipment to computers, medical devices, and office furniture — with flexible terms of up to 84 months and a flat $375 origination fee. 

A standout feature is financing of up to 125% of the equipment cost, meaning soft costs like installation, delivery, and training can be rolled into the loan rather than paid out of pocket. For amounts up to $750,000, U.S. Bank offers a streamlined one-page application, with larger requests handled through a full underwriting process.

Vehicle financing is available as a separate product — the Vehicle Quick Loan — covering new and used vehicles from $5,000 to $250,000 with terms up to 84 months and no upfront costs for purchase or refinance. That dedicated structure, with its own product page and published terms, is more transparent than most banks in this review, where business vehicle financing is either bundled into equipment loans or handled informally through a relationship banker.

Beyond equipment, U.S. Bank is an SBA Preferred Lender that notably charges no processing fees on SBA loans and accepts businesses with as little as six months of operating history for certain SBA programs, which is an unusually accessible threshold for a bank of its size. It ranked sixth in the amount of SBA Express loan funding originated, and for total 7(a) loan amounts originated in FY2025.

Its lending pages publish fee schedules and product structures more clearly than most competitors, making it easier to compare costs before speaking with a banker.

U.S. Bank operates more than 2,000 branches across 26 states, concentrated in the Midwest, Mountain West, and Pacific regions, with its headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is not available in most of the Northeast or Southeast, so business owners outside its footprint will need to consider other options on this list.

Truist Bank: Best for small business auto loans

Truist currently stands out among traditional banks for the transparency and borrower-friendliness of its small business auto loan. While most banks either bundle vehicle financing into a general equipment loan or require a branch conversation before disclosing any terms, Truist publishes its product structure clearly and offers a dedicated small business auto loan with features that compete directly with specialized vehicle lenders.

The loan covers the purchase or refinance of cars, vans, light trucks, and SUVs used for business purposes, with loan amounts up to $250,000 and terms of up to 75 months. A standout feature is financing of up to 100% of the vehicle purchase price, plus an additional 10% to cover eligible soft costs, including add-on equipment, delivery fees, taxes, and tag and license costs, so business owners don't need to bring cash to the table to cover the incidentals that typically come with a vehicle purchase. Truist also carries no prepayment penalty on this product, meaning businesses that pay off the loan early pay only the interest accrued to that point. The vehicle typically serves as collateral, and payments are tracked online through Truist's digital banking platform.

Truist provides a representative rate example directly on its product page: a $40,000 loan over 75 months at 8.59% results in monthly payments of $691.11, giving prospective borrowers a concrete benchmark for budgeting, even though final rates are subject to credit approval. That level of upfront disclosure is notably better than most competing banks in this review.

Businesses with larger vehicle financing needs — amounts above $250,000 or annual revenues over $2 million — are directed to Truist's commercial lending division rather than the small business product, so this loan is purpose-built for the small end of the market.

One important consideration: Truist currently operates approximately 2,000 branches across 17 states, concentrated in the South and Mid-Atlantic. Business loans are only available in states where Truist operates a branch, so business owners outside this footprint will need to look at other options in this review. For those within the coverage area, Truist allows online applications for most loan types including the auto loan, with a branch visit required only to finalize the loan, a more accessible process than banks like Capital One or Citibank, which require in-person applications at the start.

Capital One: Best for customer service

Capital One stands out in this review for its ranking as first in the nation for small business banking customer satisfaction in the J.D. Power U.S. Small Business Banking Satisfaction Studysm for three consecutive years, most recently in 2025 with a score of 737 out of 1,000 — ahead of Fifth Third Bank (729) and Chase (726). Though the focus of the study is broader than just small business loans, it’s likely a similar level of service applies across product lines. 

On the lending side, Capital One currently offers a full suite of small business products including term loans, lines of credit, SBA 7(a), 504, and Express loans, equipment financing, and commercial real estate loans up to $5 million. 

It holds SBA Preferred Lender status, enabling faster in-house approval on government-backed loans. 

However, there are two significant practical constraints to understand before applying. 

  1. Capital One publishes almost no rate, fee, or eligibility information online. Terms are disclosed only through the application process. 
  2. You need to fill out a form to find out whether you are eligible to work with a small business banker. 

Huntington Bank

For small business owners whose primary goal is securing an SBA loan, Huntington National Bank is the most experienced traditional bank lender in the country. Huntington was the #1 SBA 7(a) lender nationally by loan count for seven consecutive years from October 2017 through September 2024, a record built on a deliberate strategy of making a high volume of smaller-dollar loans to a wide range of businesses, including startups. 

In fiscal year 2025, Huntington dropped to number two in overall 7a loan volume (both loan count and dollars), but remains one of the most active SBA lenders in the country. It is also notable as a startup-friendly lender with a significant percentage of loans going to newer businesses. As an SBA Preferred Lender it can approve loans in-house, reducing the approval timeline compared to non-preferred lenders.

Beyond SBA, Huntington offers a full conventional lending suite including term loans, lines of credit, equipment financing, commercial real estate loans, and its Lift Local Business program — a dedicated initiative offering $1,000 to $150,000 specifically for minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses, with expanded access criteria designed for businesses that may not qualify under standard underwriting.

One important caveat: conventional business loans — term loans, equipment financing, lines of credit — are primarily available only within Huntington's branch footprint, which currently spans 14 states. SBA loans, however, are available nationwide through Huntington's dedicated SBA specialist team, meaning a business owner anywhere in the country can access Huntington's SBA expertise even without a local branch.

TD Bank

For small businesses that need SBA financing but want a faster, less paperwork-intensive path than a standard 7(a) loan, TD Bank is a strong choice on this list. The SBA Express program, which offers loans up to $500,000 with a streamlined application, faster SBA response times, and less documentation than a full 7(a), is where TD Bank truly excels. 

According to SBA lender data for fiscal year 2025, TD Bank approved 3,242 SBA Express loans totaling approximately $255.9 million, ranking first nationally by loan count among all lenders. Its average Express loan size of roughly $79,000 reflects a focus on smaller-dollar financing, which means TD Bank is approving more loans for more businesses, rather than concentrating mainly on larger transactions.

It is an SBA Preferred Lender, enabling in-house approval decisions that reduce turnaround time compared to non-preferred lenders.

Beyond SBA, TD Bank offers a standard small business lending suite including term loans, business lines of credit, SBA 504 loans, and USDA loans. Term loans run one to five years at fixed rates, and lines of credit are secured by cash or accounts receivable. TD also offers online application for SBA Express loans up to $250,000 — one of the few banks in this review with a digital path for government-backed financing.

The major limitation here is geographic. As of this writing, TD Bank operates over 1,000 branches across 15 East Coast states plus Washington D.C. Business lending is restricted to states where TD operates branches

How we chose the bank small business loan banks (methodology)

We started with data, not opinions. Using bank call reports filed with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC), we identified the banks most active in small-business lending — specifically, loans of $1 million or less to U.S. businesses, based on the most recent data available as of March 6, 2026. We excluded Synchrony, WEX, and Ally, since these are specialty financing providers rather than direct small-business lenders.

From that pool, we scored the eight most active lenders across five weighted categories:

  • Lending activity (25%): Total small-business loan volume from FFIEC call reports.
  • Product breadth (20%): How many core small-business loan types each bank confirms offering — term loans, lines of credit, SBA 7(a)/504/Express loans, equipment financing, vehicle financing, and commercial real estate loans.
  • SBA program strength (20%): Each bank's rank in SBA 7(a) and Express lender reports for fiscal year 2025, by loan count and dollar volume.
  • Accessibility and transparency (20%): Whether a bank publishes real rate examples, offers an online application path, serves newer or lower-revenue businesses, and reaches customers nationally (branch footprint or fully digital access), plus SBA fee waivers where applicable.
  • Customer service (15%): Each bank's score in the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Small Business Banking Satisfaction Study.

Each bank received a 0–10 score in every category; category scores were weighted and combined into a single composite score. Star ratings reflect each bank's performance relative to the other banks in this comparison, not an absolute scale — we set the cutoffs at the two largest natural gaps in the actual results, after every bank was scored, rather than picking round numbers in advance. All research is current as of July 31, 2026, and lending terms can change; confirm current rates and requirements directly with any bank before applying.

Star ratings reflect each bank's overall small-business lending profile; our 'best for' picks highlight where a bank stands out even if its overall rating is lower.

What bank business loans are best for

Getting financing for your small business isn't usually a matter of "if" but "when." Sooner or later, your business is likely to need capital, whether it's to cover essential expenses until revenue comes in, or to expand when business is booming. 

You're in good company: 60% of small employer firms applied for financing in the 12 months leading up to the Federal Reserve's most recent Small Business Credit Survey (SBCS), most often to meet operating expenses (56%) or to pursue an expansion or new opportunity (46%).

For many small business owners, a bank loan is their first choice when it comes to finding a business lender. That makes sense. Banks often offer small business loans with competitive interest rates and terms. Here we'll help you understand how bank business loans work so you can find the right fit for your business.

Before you scroll through bank profiles, though, it helps to know whether a bank is even the right kind of lender for your situation.

Banks usually win when you want:

  • Lower cost. Bank borrowers were the least likely to be surprised by their borrowing costs, according to the SBCS. Only 32% of large bank borrowers and 37% of small bank borrowers said actual costs were higher than expected, compared to 60% of online lender borrowers.
  • Longer terms. Banks offer products that can stretch for years or even decades. SBA loans made through banks can run up to 25 years for real estate.
  • Larger amounts. Through the SBA alone, approved banks may offer 7(a) loans up to $5 million and 504 loans up to $5.5 million. As of July 4, 2026, qualified borrowers can even combine 7(a) and 504 loans for up to $10 million in SBA-backed financing.
  • A relationship. A bank that holds your deposits can see your full financial picture, and applicants at small banks were more likely to be fully approved (57%) than applicants at any other lender type.

Banks usually lose when you have:

  • A young business with a thin file. Banks often lean on financial history, and overall full-approval rates remain below pre-pandemic levels.
  • An urgent funding need. Bank underwriting is thorough, and thorough takes time. If you need money in days, an online lender may fit better — which is one reason the share of applicants using online fintech lenders grew from 17% in 2020 to 29% in 2025.
  • Messy books. Banks will often ask for financial statements and tax returns, and disorganized records can slow everything down.

If you fall into the second group, don't give up on banks forever. The habits that get you bank-ready — clean books, steady revenue, and healthy business credit — are worth building now so you have better options later.

Types of small business loans banks offer

Many banks earn a spot on "best of" lists because of the variety of funding options they offer. Looking at the long list of loans, lines of credit, and financing options can be overwhelming, however. Getting to know a bit about each one will make the search process much less stressful.

Bank loan types compared

Loan type

Best for

Typical term range

Collateral

Key pros

Key cons

Term loan

One-time purchases, expansion, refinancing

Varies by lender and purpose

Sometimes

Predictable monthly payments

Less flexible than a credit line

Business line of credit

Seasonal gaps, working capital

Revolving, often renewed annually

Sometimes

Pay interest only on what you use

Fees and renewal requirements

SBA 7(a) loan

Flexible working capital, general purposes

Up to 10 years for working capital, up to 25 years for real estate

Yes - if available

Up to $5 million with SBA-capped rates [S1][S9]

Lengthy application process

SBA 504 loan

Real estate and major fixed assets

Long-term, fixed rate

Yes — the asset financed

Up to $5.5 million, fixed rates

Restricted uses

SBA Express

Faster SBA decisions

Same purposes as 7(a)

Varies

Up to $500,000 

Lower loan cap than standard 7(a) 

Equipment loan

Machinery, tools, vehicles

Tied to the asset's useful life

Yes — the equipment

Collateral is built in

Limited to the equipment purchase

Commercial real estate loan

Buying or improving property

Long-term

Yes — the property

Long repayment periods

Down payment and heavy documentation

This table reflects general guidance. Confirm timelines and requirements with each lender.

Term loans

A business term loan is probably the most straightforward loan option. Term loans offer a specific amount of money with a specific time frame to repay the funds. It’s common for one of these loans to offer a monthly payment schedule that's consistent throughout the term of the loan.

Term loans often work well for expansion projects, refinancing existing debt, and one-time purchases where you know the total cost upfront and want predictable monthly payments.

Term loans can come in varying lengths, including long-term loans that are similar to a home mortgage, as well as medium-term and short-term loans. As the names suggest, each will give you a different amount of time to repay the loan. 

Ask your banker:

  • Is the rate fixed or variable? If it’s a variable rate, how often can it change, and by how much?
  • How is the loan amortized? Will it be fully paid off at the end of the term?
  • Are there prepayment penalties if I pay the loan off early?

Business lines of credit

A business line of credit is often like an insurance policy: you may get one hoping you don’t need to use it, but if you do, you’ll be glad it’s available. Rather than getting a lump sum of funding, you can access the credit line as you need it, repay what you've borrowed, and access it again. What's more, you only pay interest on the part of the credit line you use.

A business line of credit can be a good tool for bridging occasional cash flow challenges, like a seasonal slowdown or a gap between paying suppliers and getting paid by customers. It can also be helpful for short-term financing like purchasing inventory or supplies, 

It has the flexibility of a credit card in that you can borrow against whenever you need it. Stay below your established credit limit, make on-time monthly payments, and you may even see improvement in your business credit scores. Most major banks and some smaller ones report these accounts to the Small Business Financial Exchange (SBFE). Some also report directly to major business credit bureaus.

What to watch for:

  • Annual fees that apply whether or not you use the line
  • Draw requirements or minimums
  • Renewal reviews — many lines must be renewed each year
  • Collateral thresholds, where larger lines require you to pledge assets

SBA loans through banks

The SBA isn't really a lender (except for SBA Disaster Loans) but works with SBA-approved lenders, mostly banks. In fiscal year 2025, the SBA guaranteed a record of roughly 85,000 7(a) and 504 loans totaling about $45 billion. Loans backed by the U.S. Small Business Administration vary in length, amount, rate, and intended purpose. 

Here's how the main SBA loan programs match up with common financing goals:

  • SBA 7(a) loan: flexible working capital and general purposes. This is the SBA's primary loan program, with loans up to $5 million. Repayment terms run up to 10 years for most purposes and up to 25 years for real estate. Interest rates are negotiated with your lender but are subject to SBA maximums, and balloon payments aren't allowed. Most 7(a) term loans are repaid with monthly payments of principal and interest from the business's cash flow.
  • SBA 504 loan: real estate and major fixed assets. The 504 program provides long-term, fixed-rate financing of up to $5.5 million for major fixed assets that promote business growth, delivered through Certified Development Companies (CDCs) and lenders. The most common uses are real estate and heavy equipment. 
  • SBA Express: faster decisions. Express loans max out at $500,000, and lenders with delegated authority can make the credit decision without prior SBA review. The SBA responds to an Express loan application within 36 hours — but that's a response window, not a funding date, so plan for the full process to take longer.
  • SBA Microloans: smaller amounts. Not every business needs to borrow millions. Microloans provide up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediary lenders, and the average microloan is about $13,000. Proceeds can't be used to pay existing debts or purchase real estate.

One more recent change worth knowing: under a rule effective July 4, 2026, qualified borrowers can get both a 7(a) and 504 loan for up to $10 million in total SBA-backed financing, up from the prior $5 million cumulative limit.

SBA loans have a more involved application and approval process than many other options, though when compared to bank loans, they are often similar. They aren't ideal for anyone needing money in a few days. Still, they can be well worth it, since the rates are capped by the SBA and the terms are among the longest available.

SBA readiness checklist:

  • Clean, current financials and up-to-date tax returns
  • A strong cash flow story (current cash flow or projections) that shows how you’ll repay the loan
  • A clear, eligible use of funds
  • Good credit for all owners with at least 20% ownership
  • Patience for the process and the ability to wait for funding

Equipment loans and vehicle financing

Equipment loans or leases, or vehicle loans or leases, can help your business acquire new machinery, manufacturing tools, tech equipment, appliances, or vehicles, without a large outlay of cash. 

These are secured loans, since the equipment being financed is also collateral for the loan. That built-in collateral can make approval simpler. The lender knows exactly what it’s financing and what it can recover if the loan isn’t repaid. Understand, though, that banks don’t want to repossess equipment or vehicles. This type of collateral loses value (depreciates) quickly, and it can be difficult to retrieve, store, and sell. 

In other words, the bank still needs assurance you can pay back financing from cash flow. 

Come prepared with details the bank often wants to see: a formal quote or invoice, the vendor’s information, and specifics of the asset itself, like model, age and expected useful life. Repayment terms are often matched to the useful life of the equipment. 

Commercial real estate loans (CRE)

If you have a mortgage for your home, you already know basically how these loans work. Business real estate loans are considered long-term financing because they typically include longer repayment terms to help with the higher costs of purchasing real estate. 

Expect the process to be more involved than other types of loans. Lenders treat owner-occupied property (where your business operates in the space) differently from investment property, and owner-occupied deals generally get more favorable treatment. Banks like to see that your business has invested in the loan in the form of a down payment, and you should prepare for an appraisal and a longer underwriting time than with a standard term loan. 

The SBA 504 program can be an excellent option if you’re looking to finance owner-occupied real estate, with long-term, fixed-rate financing. 

Common reasons these deals stall:

  • Appraisal gaps, where the property appraises below the purchase price, or is difficult to appraise because it is unique. 
  • Environmental reviews
  • Debt-service coverage concerts, where projected cash flow doesn’t comfortably cover the new loan payment

Bank loans vs. online lenders

When it comes to getting cash for your business, it may seem that online lenders — with their simplified applications and shorter approval times may be a suitable option for funding, especially if you need a decision quickly. 

They're also increasingly popular: the share of loan, line of credit, and cash advance applicants who went to online fintech lenders grew from 17% in the 2020 survey to 29% in 2025. 

But transparency and cost are where banks shine. Sixty percent of borrowers at online lenders reported that actual borrowing costs were higher than expected, compared to 37% at small banks, and 32% at large banks. And applicants at small banks were more likely to be fully approved (57%) than applicants at any other lender type. 

Bank loans vs. online lenders comparison

Bank

Online lender

Best for

Established businesses that can wait for lower-cost capital

Businesses that need speed or don't meet bank criteria

Typical speed

Slower, more thorough underwriting

Faster decisions and funding

Typical documentation

Full financial statements, tax returns, bank statements

May only require proof of revenue and soft credit check

Pricing approach

Generally lower cost, fewer surprises 

Higher cost more common 

Repayment cadence

Usually monthly

May be monthly, weekly, or daily, depending on the product

Common tradeoffs

Time and paperwork

Cost and repayment pressure

Be sure you understand the repayment terms of any  loan before you sign on the dotted line, no matter where you apply. With bank loans and online loans, some types of financing require daily or weekly payments, and paying off the financing early may not save you money depending on how it is structured.

What banks look for and how to qualify

Once you narrow down the list of loan products you’re interested in, you’ll want to eliminate any you don’t qualify for. Banks often look at three main factors when evaluating applications:

1. Credit

There are only a few types of bank loans that don’t involve credit checks, and bank loans aren’t often among them. Banks often require a combination of personal and/or business credit checks. For example, a bank may require a personal credit check of all major owners and principals when extending the loan, then check business credit each year to evaluate the loan. 

2. Revenue and cash flow

The key question banks want to answer is whether your business will have enough cash to make loan payments on time. It may look at revenue for the past 3-6 months, documented with bank statements; business tax returns. Business and personal financial statements may also be used as part of the evaluation. 

3. Time in business and industry

Banks generally prefer to lend to established businesses with an operating track record of at least two years. That doesn’t mean startups are out of luck, but if your business is new you’ll have to make a convincing case that you’ll be able to make your payments from future cash flow. In FY2025, 15% of SBA 7(a) loans went to businesses with less than 2 years in business. 

They also will often have preferences in terms of the types of businesses they will and won’t lend into. Your industry is often identified with a NAICS code; make sure the one listed on your application or credit report is correct. Requirements vary by bank and product.

4. Collateral, down payments and personal guarantees

Collateral, down payments, and personal guarantees are often part of the bank’s decision. SBA loans can’t be rejected because you don’t have collateral, for example, but if you have collateral, you’re required to pledge it. 

And banks often ask for personal guarantees. They are required for SBA loans above $25,000.

Keep in mind that qualifying is genuinely competitive right now. The Fed reports that the share of applicants who were fully approved for the financing they requested has held steady but remains below pre-pandemic levels. If your credit needs some work, consider taking some time to pay down or work on your credit scores before you apply. 

Similarly, if your revenues have been declining recently it may be harder to get the loan your business may have been eligible for when business was stronger. 

What you need to apply for a small business loan

Once you've decided which bank you want to apply with and know which type of loan you want, gather what you'll need for the in-person or online application.

Traditional lenders such as banks often require more detailed financial statements, such as profit and loss statements, and copies of personal and business tax returns. If your bookkeeping is up to date, you or your accountant should be able to produce these statements. If they are not, get caught up before you apply. 

Business bank statements for the last three to six months will almost always be required to document revenue. 

An online lender may need less documentation, but all lenders will need to verify the identity of the applicant(s) to meet requirements for anti-money laundering regulations. You'll also need to provide details for your business bank account so funds can be deposited once you're approved for a loan.

A quick checklist to prepare:

  • Business and personal tax returns
  • Profit and loss statement and balance sheet
  • Business bank statements
  • Legal documents like licenses and formation paperwork
  • Details on collateral, if the loan is secured
  • A clear explanation of how you'll use the funds

How to compare bank loan offers

You can download and print this sheet to compare up to three different offers at once.

What to compare

Offer A

Offer B

Offer C

Interest rate

Interest structure (fixed or variable)

Fees (origination, annual, other)

Term length

Collateral required

Personal guarantee required

Prepayment terms

Covenants or ongoing requirements

Funding timeline

Estimated payment

Payment frequency (daily, weekly, monthly)

Balloon payment or limited draw period

What matters most will depend on your scenario:

  • Working capital. Flexibility and total cost are often priorities. Watch the repayment cadence.
  • Equipment. Match the term to the useful life of the asset, and confirm exactly what the equipment collateral covers.
  • Real estate. Prioritize the interest structure and term length as small rate differences add up over decades. Understand the down payment, appraisal, and covenant requirements before you commit.

Alternatives

If your business doesn’t meet typical bank criteria, you’ll often need to consider alternative business funding options. If you have less-than-perfect credit, or your business is not generating much revenue, qualifying for many types of business funding will be tougher. You may need to consider more creative options like crowdfunding or loans from friends and family. 

Other popular paths to funding include:

Business credit cards

Business credit cards work like personal credit cards, but they may offer an advantage in that most of them report payment history to business credit bureaus, but not to personal credit. This may allow you to build business credit with on-time payments, and it can help separate your business and personal credit. You may want to consider 0% intro APR business credit cards to provide inexpensive short-term financing. 

Add callout for credit card marketplace. 

SBA microloans 

As covered above, these offer up to $50,000 through nonprofit intermediaries, with an average loan around $13,000 and rates generally between 8% and 13%.

Business cash advances

New businesses may not qualify for traditional loans, but if yours can demonstrate steady sales revenue, you may qualify for a merchant cash advance. These aren't loans but instead are an advance on future sales. You'll repay the advance daily or weekly from your debit and credit card sales.

Online lenders 

As mentioned above, online lenders often offer speed and lighter documentation — just make sure you clearly understand the cost. 

Vendor or supplier credit

Many suppliers offer payment terms where you can buy goods or services and pay for them later. Net-30 terms mean you’ll have 30 days to pay (usually from the invoice date, but sometimes the delivery date). While you don’t get cash deposited in your business bank account, it may allow you to get what you need to complete an order without paying upfront. Some vendors also report to business credit bureaus. 

Frequently asked questions

© 2026 Nav Technologies, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

California loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection & Innovation Lenders License 60DBO-98588

Nav Technologies, Inc. is a financial technology company, not a bank.

Credit building results vary. Scores are calculated based on multiple factors, and some users may not see improved scores.

1

Nav Technologies, Inc. is a financial technology company and is not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC. FDIC deposit insurance covers the failure of an insured bank. The Nav Visa® Business Debit Card is issued by Thread Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used anywhere Visa cards are accepted. The Nav Prime Charge Card is issued by Thread Bank, Member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used anywhere Visa cards are accepted. Certain conditions must be satisfied for pass-through deposit insurance coverage to apply. See Cardholder Terms for additional details. All other features of the Nav Prime membership are not associated with Thread Bank.

Select Nav Prime plans include one business tradeline. The ability to apply for additional tradelines is limited to customers on eligible plans and is subject to availability and approval.