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Best Working Capital Loans for 2021
As a business owner, it can feel like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders, but a working capital loan can help you find extra funding when your company needs a helping hand. A working capital loan is a different kind of small business loan that is specifically used to give your daily operations some extra financial help.
A working capital loan can be exactly what you need to take your business to the next level, from payroll support and supplies to emergency repairs and advertising campaigns
- Bluevine
APR Range15%–88%Loan AmountUp to $250,000TermVariesOffer Details
1. For businesses organized as a limited liability company or corporation, we do not perform a hard credit pull at any point in our process, which means your credit score will not be impacted. For businesses organized as sole proprietors or general partnerships, we will only perform a hard credit pull after you receive and accept your offer.
2. The rate is a simple interest rate calculated from total repayments over 26 weeks.
3. Once approved, get funds deposited in your bank account in as quickly as a few hours if you choose our bank wire option ($15). Or, choose our free ACH transfer option which typically gets funds deposited the next business day, although it may take up to three.
- OnDeck
APR Range16.9%–99.4%Loan Amount$5K–$250KTermUp to 18 monthsOffer Details
*There are some industries we cannot serve (see list of restricted industries), as well as some industries and states impacted by the Coronavirus to which we are temporarily not lending. In addition, OnDeck does not lend to businesses in Nevada, North Dakota or South Dakota. OnDeck is no longer accepting new Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications. Registration terms and conditions apply. Instant Funding registration and withdrawals are currently supported from your desktop and the OnDeck mobile website. They are not currently supported in the OnDeck mobile app. Occasionally, transfer may take up to 30 minutes to complete due to potential Visa & bank processing lags. This benefit is available at no additional cost with a vast majority of major banks participating. Instant Funding is available for transactions between $1K-$10K.
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These are our picks for the best working capital loans for 2020.
The 5 best working capital loans of 2021
- Best for Bad Credit: Kabbage
- Best for Small- and Medium-Sized Businesses: Fundation
- Best for Veterans: StreetShares
- Best for Startups: Accion
- Best for Online Businesses: PayPal Working Capital
The best working capital loans at a glance
| APR | Loan Amount | Terms | Minimum Credit Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kabbage | Varies | $1,000–$150,000 | 6, 12 or 18 months | 640 |
| Fundation | 7.99%–29.99% | $20,000–$500,000 | 12–48 months | 620 |
| StreetShares | 9%–40% | $2,000–$100,000 | 3–36 months | 600 |
| Accion | 7%–34% | $300–$1M | Up to 25 years | 575 |
| PayPal Working Capital | Varies | Based on Paypal account | Varies | N/A |
Best for bad credit – Kabbage
With an online application and fast funding, Kabbage could be the quick working capital loan that you need for your business.
Kabbage small business loans are a solid option for many funding needs, especially short-term loans for small or large amountsLoans are available for six-, 12- or 18-month terms with rate fees spanning from 1.5% to 10% of the principal loan amount. If you’re looking for a short-term financing option, six-month loans are available for as little as $500.
It’s important to note that Kabbage loans are actually a line of credit. Loans are available for six-, 12- or 18-month terms with rate fees spanning from 1.5% to 10% of the principal loan amount. If you’re looking for a short-term financing option, six-month loans are available for as little as $500.
The benefits of this are that you will only pay fees for the money that you actually use. Additionally, there are no prepayment penalties, making Kabbage one of the best solutions for short-term financing. The company also offers additional business services, including being a full-service payment processing solution.It’s important to note that Kabbage loans are actually a line of credit. The benefits of this are that you will only pay fees for the money that you actually use. Additionally, there are no prepayment penalties, making Kabbage one of the best solutions for short-term financing. The company also offers additional business services, including being a full-service payment processing solution.
Best for Veterans – StreetShares
A military-first focus and flexible loan amounts make Street Shares a great pick if you have a newer business. After all, it’s important to share the wealth.
Based just outside of D.C., StreetShares has a special focus on veteran-owned businesses. Requirements are very reasonable; you only need to be in business for one year with only $10,000 in annual revenue. There is a convenient online application, and funding can be received in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Interest rates are higher than most other lenders, reaching as high as 39% in some cases. Loans are also limited to $250,000, and you will have up to 36 months for your repayment term.
Best for New Businesses – Accion
Accion is a champion for new businesses and startups, whether you need to expand your portfolio or hire new employees to keep growing.
Accion is a lender specially dedicated to startups and newer businesses who need a cash infusion. Loans are available up to $1 million, by far the largest of any lender on our list, although your state may dictate your exact loan limits. What is really notable is the extensive repayment term of up to 25 years. The interest rates cover about the average range for a working capital loan and really run the gamut, so your credit score and business details will determine where you fall on such a wide range of rates.
Best for online sales – PayPal Working Capital
PayPal offers a new kind of loan structure that is based on your sales, and as the frontrunner of online sales, it makes sense for businesses who use the service already.
PayPal knows a thing or two about online business, so it makes sense that it would provide business capital, as well. With PayPal Working Capital, you basically borrow against your own sales. PayPal fronts you the capital upfront, and then you repay the loan with up to 30% of your daily sales. We also appreciate that PayPal caps this amount by adding a maximum of $125,000, so you don’t have to worry about high penalties if you have an incredible month of sales. To minimize your loan fees, you can elect to pay a higher percentage of your daily sales.
Best for small- and medium-sized businesses – Fundation
Fundation is a good option for small- and medium-sized businesses to lay the foundation to turn your business into a large-scale company.
Fundation especially works with small-to-medium-sized businesses. While it is not the lender for new companies, if you have an already established business in need of quick funds, this could be great for you. You will need at least three employees and annual sales of over $100,000 to qualify. The rates are on par with industry averages, but Fundation grants loans up to $500,000. This is double what other lenders like Kabbage and StreetShares offer. There are also reasonable repayment terms that allow up to 48 months for repayment.
What is a working capital loan?
There are times when a business needs extra cash. Sales could be down, or your equity could be tied up in assets. Either way, a working capital loan can get you the cash you need quickly. These funds are designed to cover your daily expenses, like payroll, supplies and utilities. This is a different loan from the one you would use to purchase equipment or real estate because this is cash to keep your business operating.
Working capital loans are generally smaller than other kinds of business loans, so they can also hold shorter terms and sometimes higher rates. Repayment can vary significantly, from terms that stretch over several years to daily payments that use a percentage of your daily sales.
How should I choose the right working capital loan?
When you look for a working capital loan for your business, there’s more to consider than just the amount that you need. Carefully consider your ability to repay the loan. Is it better to take a smaller loan that can be paid off quickly, or do you need an extended repayment term that gives you more time to grow your sales? There are also companies like PayPal that allow you to repay your loan through your daily sales.
The eligibility requirements and application process are important, as well. Many companies, such as our picks here, allow for online applications and fast turnaround for funding.
[Read: Small Businesses Can Apply For PPP Loans Again Thanks to a Second Round of Funding]
When to use a working capital loan
There are many reasons why your business may need a working capital loan. You may have fallen behind on your bills or need extra supplies for an upcoming busy season. The loan can help you make payroll next month or float your seasonal business during a quiet off-season. Another popular use for a working capital loan is for marketing or advertising that can raise your exposure and boost your sales. There may also be times when you need to take emergency precautions or deal with unexpected expenses that can affect your sales.
The beauty of a working capital loan is that it is available in smaller amounts, so you won’t have to mortgage the house in order to keep your business afloat.
How to apply for a working capital loan
- Determine how much you need. While there are many lenders who offer working capital loans, not all of them will offer the kind of terms that you need. Consider not only how much you need but how much you will be able to pay back, because interest will cause your total loan to exceed the actual borrowed amount.
- Be prepared. Before you apply, check your credit score to see where you stand. Your credit score and annual sales will be key determinants in whether you are approved for your loan, so gather all of the documents you will need. This includes everything from your credit report and bank statements to balance statements and tax returns. It is a lot of information that lenders will certainly require.
- Shop your options carefully. There are so many options out there for a working capital loan, but they will not all fit the distinct needs of your business. When you are looking for a lender, the loan terms and amounts will determine whether each company will work for you. Consider the eligibility requirements, as well as the application process and turnaround time for funding. Every bank has different requirements for how much you can qualify for and how long you will pay it back.
- Start the application process. Some companies allow you to apply online while others require you to apply over the phone or in-person at a branch. Many of our picks for the best working capital loans have fast, easy applications that can be completed entirely online, saving you countless hours and travel. You can also receive all of your documents and forms online for easy, secure processing that gets you your funding that much faster.
Too long, didn’t read?
A working capital loan can be an invaluable lifeline for your business, but if you are not careful, it can deeply harm your business. It’s important to remember that no matter how much you borrow, you will be responsible for paying it back with interest, and that interest will only continue to accumulate over time.
We welcome your feedback on this article and would love to hear about your experience with the business loans we recommend. Contact us at inquiries@thesimpledollar.com with comments or questions.
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Methodology
We’ve created the SimpleScore to help you objectively compare products and services here at The Simple Dollar.
Our editorial team:
- Identifies five factors to compare across each brand
- Determines the rating criteria for each factor
- Calculate an average of those five factor scores to get one SimpleScore™
We break down each of these five factors and their rating criteria for our review of the best auto loan companies of 2020.
Why do some brands have different SimpleScore on different pages?
Some brands offer a variety of financial products, which is why they have different SimpleScores on different pages. We rate individual products that brands offer — not the brand as a whole.
For instance, in our American Express personal loans review we rated the company a 4.25 out of 5 based on rates, loan amount, customer satisfaction, customer support and fees. In our review of the best small business loan rates, American Express earned a 3.4 out of 5 SimpleScore based on its business loan product. By tailoring our SimpleScore to each financial solution, we’re able to give you a more accurate view of each brands’ services and how they compare to competitors’ products.
Median APR
Lenders with a lower median APR are awarded higher scores — because even if you’re APR is average, your business is not.
Maximum loan size
Lenders that dole out loans with high maximums are also rewarded with higher scores. It takes money to run a business, and businesses need access to as much capital as it takes.
Product variety
Need more than just a business loan? Lenders that offer more than one type of financial product for businesses score higher than others that don’t.
Educational Resources
We gave out higher scores to lenders that have the following subjects covered in their blogs: loans, marketing, employee and staff, and credit or finance resources.
Fees
Fees can add up fast and eat into operating costs –– that’s why we give a higher score to lenders that have fewer fees.
Reviewed by
Courtney Mihocik
Loans EditorCourtney Mihocik is an editor at The Simple Dollar who specializes in personal loans, student loans, auto loans, and debt consolidation loans. She is a former writer and contributing editor to Interest.com, PersonalLoans.org, and elsewhere.
