Best Business Loan Lenders of 2025
Compare top lenders to find the best rates, terms, and funding options for your business
Staff Writer
Arorix Editorial Team
Updated: June 14, 2025, 5:29pm
Best for Fast, High-Limit Loans
- $120K/year + 625+ credit
- $250K max, 5-min approval
- 6+ months in business
9.8
2
Best for Amex Cardholders
- No fees, pre-qualified offers
- $3.5K–$75K loans
- Amex users only
9.5
- No credit check, no revenue req.
- Loan access via integrated tools
- U.S. entities only
- Ideal for $50K+ revenue
- APIs, virtual cards, fintech stack
- FDIC-backed up to $5M
5
Best for In-Person Lending Support
- SBA, term loans, lines of credit
- Branch support, $300 bonus
- 2+ years in business preferred
8.5
6
Best for Digital-First Founders
- $36K+/year waives fees
- From $10K — strong discount perks
- Stronger credit history preferred
8.0
- $1M+ or venture-backed
- No personal guarantee
- Spend controls + expense tools
8
Best for Freelancers & ATM Access
- $50K+ to waive fees
- No credit check, SSN-based
- ATM refunds + SBA loans
7.5
9
Best for Finance Teams & Credit
- $1M+ revenue or spend
- Registered business required
- Revolving credit + CFO tools
7.0
10
Best for Solo Founders
- No credit check, freelancer-friendly
- Built-in tax tools
- 4.15% APY (Lili Pro)
6.8
1
9.8
Bluevine – Best for fast, flexible loans with same-day approvals for businesses earning steady revenue
- $120,000+ ($10K/month) for loan qualification
- 6+ months in business, 625+ credit score
- $250,000 — approvals as fast as 5 minutes
2
9.5
American Express Business – Best for Amex users seeking fee-free, pre-qualified loans
- No set minimum for checking; varies for credit products
- Must be an existing Amex cardholder
- No hard credit check; loans from $3,500 to $75,000
Relay – Best for teams managing budgets and seeking easy access to integrated financial tools
- No revenue requirement
- U.S. business entity; no credit check
- Not direct lenders, but integrates with funding platforms — strong user reviews for team finance tools
- Ideal for $50K+ but no formal minimum
- Virtual cards, API access, and integrations with popular business tools
- FDIC-insured up to $5 million through partner banks
5
8.5
Chase Business – Best for business owners wanting in-person support with full-service lending options
- Preferably 2+ years in business; stronger credit history
- Varies by product; SBA loans, lines, and term loans available
- SBA loans + lines of credit — $300 bonus + branch support
6
8.0
Best for Digital-First Businesses
- Preferably $36K/year+ to waive monthly fees
- Stronger credit history; established business preferred
- From $10,000+ — robust tools and relationship discounts
- $1M+ or venture-backed status
- No personal guarantee; requires business validation
- Venture credit and spend management — no fees + great reviews from tech founders
8
7.5
Axos Bank – Best for freelancers and remote businesses seeking simple financing with ATM fee reimbursements
- $50K+ to avoid monthly fees
- U.S. business with SSN; no credit check
- SBA loans available — fast processing + unlimited ATM refunds
9
7.0
Rho – Best for finance-driven teams needing advanced spend controls and high-limit credit access
- Typically $1M+ or high operational spend
- Registered business; high-volume spend preferred
- Revolving credit options — great for CFO teams with streamlined reviews
10
6.8
Lili – Best for freelancers and sole proprietors looking for built-in tax tools and high-yield savings
- No requirement for standard account
- Freelancer or sole proprietor; no credit check
- 4.15% APY with Lili Pro + great reviews from solo founders
Looking for a Complete All-in-One Solution?
Best Overall Business Launch Solution
- EIN, docs, & custom branding included
- Access to Arorix OS™ business dashboard
- Website, CRM, and automation tools built-in
9.9
*The business loan products featured on this page—such as term loans, lines of credit, and equipment financing—are provided by third-party lenders and subject to individual eligibility criteria, approval processes, and final underwriting decisions. Loan terms, amounts, and interest rates may vary based on your credit profile, time in business, revenue, and other factors. This content is intended to provide general information only and does not guarantee loan approval. Each business is unique and may be required to meet additional criteria to qualify.
What Do Business Lenders Typically Require?
Most business lenders have standard criteria to assess risk and eligibility. Here’s what they usually look for:
Annual Revenue
Most lenders require your business to generate at least $50,000–$250,000 per year. Some online lenders may accept lower revenue if other factors are strong (e.g., high credit score or solid cash flow).
Time in Business
Lenders typically require at least 6 months to 2 years of operating history. Newer businesses may qualify for microloans, equipment financing, or fintech credit lines.
Credit Score
A personal credit score of 600–650+ is commonly required. SBA and bank loans usually require 680+, while alternative lenders may go as low as 500 for certain products.
Business Structure
Must be a legal U.S. entity (LLC, Corporation, or Sole Proprietor) with an EIN and a dedicated business bank account.
Financial Documentation
Expect to provide bank statements, tax returns, profit and loss reports, and sometimes a business plan or forecast.
What Types of Loans Do Business Lenders Offer?
Term Loans
Lump-sum funding repaid in fixed installments over 1 to 5 years. Ideal for large purchases like equipment, renovations, or business expansion.
Business Lines of Credit
Gives you access to a revolving pool of funds to draw from as needed. You only pay interest on the amount you use—great for managing cash flow.
SBA Loans
Government-backed loans offering low interest rates and long repayment terms (up to 25 years). Best suited for established businesses with strong credit.
Equipment Financing
Helps you purchase vehicles, machinery, or tools. The equipment itself acts as collateral, often allowing for lower rates and minimal upfront cost.
Invoice Financing
Unlocks cash from unpaid invoices by advancing a percentage of the total amount. Great for B2B businesses with slow-paying clients.
Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs)
Provides quick funding in exchange for a percentage of future daily sales. Easy to qualify for, but comes with high fees and aggressive repayment terms.
Startup Loans
Designed for new businesses without much history. Often offered by online lenders or nonprofits and may require a strong personal credit score or business plan.
Tips for Comparing Small Business Lenders
Look beyond just the APR. Consider origination fees, closing fees, servicing charges, and any early repayment penalties that can increase the true cost of the loan.
Speed of Funding
If you need fast access to capital, prioritize lenders that offer same-day or next-day approvals. Online lenders typically move faster than traditional banks.
Loan Flexibility
Some lenders offer early payoff options with no penalties or allow for credit line renewals. Flexibility matters if your funding needs change over time.
Transparency
Trustworthy lenders provide clear repayment schedules, fee disclosures, and terms upfront. Avoid any lender that hides costs or gives vague answers.
Customer Support
Responsive support is key before, during, and after funding. Choose lenders that offer live customer service, not just chatbots or email forms.
Reputation & Reviews
Research each lender’s reputation using platforms like Trustpilot, BBB, and Reddit. Patterns of poor service, surprise fees, or hidden terms are red flags.
5 Steps: How to Get a Small Business Loan
Know Your Numbers
Understand your credit score, revenue, and monthly cash flowChoose the Right Loan Type
Match your need (equipment, working capital, growth) with the best productCompare Lenders
Use marketplaces or side-by-side comparisons to check rates, terms, and reviewsPrepare Your Documents
Gather financials, tax returns, bank statements, and legal business paperworkApply and Respond Quickly
Submit your application and be ready to answer follow-up questions or provide more docs
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Business Loan
Applying Without Knowing Your Numbers
Lenders want to see your revenue, expenses, and credit history. Applying blindly can lead to rejections or high-cost offers.
Choosing the Wrong Loan Type
Using a short-term loan for long-term needs (or vice versa) can create cash flow problems. Match the loan to your business goal.
Ignoring the Fine Print
Hidden fees, prepayment penalties, or daily repayment terms can seriously hurt your bottom line if you’re not paying attention.
Applying to Too Many Lenders at Once
Submitting multiple full applications can trigger hard credit pulls, which may lower your score. Use comparison tools or marketplaces when possible.
Borrowing More Than You Can Afford
Getting approved doesn’t mean it’s a good deal. Make sure your business can comfortably handle the monthly payments.
