Best Business Loans for Excellent Credit in September 2026
A business loan can help fund expansion and bridge financial gaps. Having excellent credit can mean more loan options and better terms, helping you find the best fit for your business.
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- Having excellent credit typically helps borrowers qualify for more competitive business loan rates, but lenders will consider the business’s overall profile before approving a loan.
- Banks, credit unions and the SBA are the best options for lower rates.
- Online lenders offer fast access to funds, but it comes at a cost: higher interest rates.
| Lender | User rating | Best for | Starting rate | Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Working capital | 8.75% |
$10k – $150k |
||
|
Variety of lending products | Special Offer: Prime + 0% on cash advances and purchases for the first 7 billing cycles | Starting at $10k | ||
|
Large loan amounts | 22.45% (APR) |
$25k – $500k |
||
|
SBA loans | 9.50% (variable interest rate) | Up to $5M | ||
|
Fast funding | 35.26% (APR) |
$5k – $400k |
||
|
Business line of credit | 0.55% |
$2k – $250k |
6 best business loans for excellent credit
Best for: Working capital – Wells Fargo BusinessLine line of credit
- Starting rate
- 8.75%
Based on the current prime rate of 7.00% plus 1.75% to 9.75% added by Wells Fargo
- Amount
- $10k to $150k
- Time in business
- 6 months
- Term
- Revolving line of credit (repayment terms vary)
- Min. credit score
- 680
- Annual fee waived for the first year
- Express application process allows quicker access to funds
- No additional fees for transfers or checks
- Requires personal guarantee
- After the first year, annual fees range from $95 to $175
- Somewhat steep eligibility requirements
Wells Fargo’s BusinessLine line of credit is a solid option for business financing with a fast turnaround. This line of credit offers relatively low business loan rates, makes it easy to access cash fast and comes with the benefits of a major banking institution behind them.
The BusinessLine line of credit is best suited for business owners with excellent credit (you’ll need a FICO Score of at least 680 to qualify).
Read LendingTree’s full Wells Fargo Bank review.
In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet Wells Fargo Bank’s eligibility requirements:
- Minimum credit score: 680
- Minimum time in business: 6 months
- Minimum annual revenue: Not Specified
Best for: Product variety – Bank of America
- Starting rate
- Special Offer: Prime + 0% on cash advances and purchases for the first 7 billing cycles
- Amount
- Starting at $10k
- Time in business
- 24 months
- Term
- Revolving with annual review
Revolving with annual review
- Min. credit score
- 700
- Offers a competitive introductory rate on cash advances and purchases for the first seven billing cycles
- Variable monthly payments based on balance
- No fees for cash advances
- Annual fee of $150 (waived the first year)
- Not transparent about APR
- Not an option for new businesses
Bank of America offers a wide variety of lending options for businesses at different stages of growth. Their unsecured business line of credit is a strong option for owners of established businesses who have good credit and could use some extra funds to bridge financial gaps and keep their cash flow moving.
Read LendingTree’s full Bank of America review.
In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet Bank of America’s eligibility requirements:
- Minimum credit score: 700
- Minimum time in business: 24 months
- Minimum annual revenue: $100,000
Best for: Large loan amounts – iBusiness Funding
- Starting rate
- 22.45%
iBusiness has a 7.49% interest rate, 22.45% APR
- Amount
- $25k to $500k
iBusiness Funding offers traditional term loans up to $500,000. SBA loans and USDA loans may offer higher amounts.
- Time in business
- 24 months
- Term
- 6 to 60 months
- Min. credit score
- 660
- Convenient, single-application process for tailored recommendations
- No upfront costs or application fees
- Funding timeline is relatively quick, allowing faster access to cash
- Less transparency on loan terms and conditions than other lenders
- Some fees not disclosed on their site
- May require collateral or a blanket lien
iBusiness Funding is an online lender that’s a strong option for larger business loans for excellent credit. They offer a wide range of options for businesses of different sizes, at different stages. However, since their minimum loan amount is on the higher side, they are best suited for established businesses needing funding for larger purchases.
Read LendingTree’s full iBusiness Funding review.
In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet iBusiness Funding’s eligibility requirements:
- Minimum credit score: 660
- Minimum time in business: 24 months
- Minimum annual revenue: $100,000
Best for: SBA loans – Live Oak Bank
- Starting rate
- 9.50%
Starting at 9.50% variable. Some borrowers may qualify for lower rates. Based on the current prime rate of 7.00% + a rate maximum set by the SBA.
- Amount
- Up to $5M
- Time in business
- 24 months
- Term
- Up to 300 months
- Min. credit score
- 650
- Shorter approval time than some other lenders
- Flexible, long repayment terms
- Offer several types of SBA funding options as part of the PLP (Preferred Lender Program)
- Lack of fee transparency
- SBA loan process can take longer than other loan types
- Application cannot be completed online; you must speak with a loan officer
Live Oak Bank is a strong option for business owners with excellent credit seeking SBA loans. They’re part of the Preferred Lender Program, meaning they offer the same government-backed loans as other SBA lenders, but with an expedited approval process.
Keep in mind, however, that their eligibility requirements are not clearly stated on their website. You’ll have to speak to a loan officer to see if you qualify.
In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet Live Oak Bank’s eligibility requirements:
- Minimum credit score: 650
- Minimum time in business: 24 months
- Minimum annual revenue: Not specified
Best for: Fast funding – OnDeck
- Starting rate
- 35.26%
Minimum APR offered to at least 5% of customers (not the lowest rate offered)
- Amount
- $5k to $400k
- Time in business
- 12 months
- Term
- Up to 24 months
- Min. credit score
- 625
- Convenient online application process
- Predictable payments can help business owners build credit
- Same-day funding may be a available
- Lack of fee transparency prior to application
- Requires an origination fee
- Relatively high starting APR
OnDeck offers a simple solution for business owners with excellent credit who need quick access to funds. If approved, you can start receiving funds as soon as the same day. The downside is that the cost of fast cash is, in this case, steep rates and somewhat limited repayment term options.
Read LendingTree’s full OnDeck review.
In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet OnDeck’s eligibility requirements:
- Minimum credit score: 625
- Minimum time in business: 12 months
- Minimum annual revenue: $100,000
Best for: Business line of credit – American Express Business Line of Credit
- Starting rate
- 0.55%
0.55% – 1.55% of the original principal loan amount is charged monthly during the loan term, along with a portion of the principal.
- Amount
- $2k to $250k
- Time in business
- 12 months
- Term
- 6 to 24 months
- Min. credit score
- 660
- Applicants with excellent credit may qualify for more than $250,000 based on a review of their business profile
- Relatively low revenue requirements
- Low starting rates
- Personal guarantees are required
- Businesses less than a year old don’t qualify
- Confusing repayment term options
American Express Business Line of Credit is a top option for business owners with excellent credit. Their rates are extremely competitive and their funds are issued by the American Express National Bank.
However, while businesses don’t need high annual revenue to qualify, they will need to be established (at least one year) and have strong credit in order to be approved for their low business loan rates.
Read LendingTree’s full American Express Business Line of Credit review.
In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet American Express Business Line of Credit’s eligibility requirements:
- Minimum credit score: 660
- Minimum time in business: 12 months
- Minimum annual revenue: $36,000
What is an excellent credit score for a business loan?
While a personal FICO score of 800 or higher is considered excellent, there are a few business credit models lenders might use when determining your business credit score, including:
- Dun & Bradstreet Scores: These range from 1 to 100 based on your credit behaviors; a score of 80 or more qualifies as low risk, meaning a business is considered credible.
- FICO Small Business Scoring Services (SBSS): FICO’s SBSS range is from 0 to 300; the higher the score, the lower the business’ credit risk.
- Equifax: This credit bureau creates an overall score summary for your business, which takes your business risk assessment, payment index and other pieces of your credit history into account.
- Experian: These scores range from 1 to 100, with the lowest business risk class being between 76 and 100.
Business credit is based on loans, credit cards and payment history associated with your business’s Employed Identification Number (EIN). Personal credit, on the other hand, has to do with non-business credit, loan and payment activity associated with your Social Security number.
Every lender has their own specific criteria to assess a business’ credit risk. In general, lenders look at your business credit, personal credit or both.
There are a few reasons a lender might take both business and personal credit into consideration:
- They require a personal guarantee, which makes you personally liable if you default on your business loan.
- A new business may not have enough credit history on its own to inform a lending decision.
- Certain business credit scoring models take personal credit into consideration.
There’s no one-size-fits-all credit score for securing a business loan, since lenders typically consider the overall business profile. That profile would include credit scores, business age, revenue and other relevant financial details.
Why excellent credit matters for business financing
Excellent credit may not always be required to secure business funding, but it is an important part of the puzzle. Having excellent credit is a considerable advantage during the lending process. The more you can boost your business credit through consistent payments and responsible credit use, the better your chances of qualifying for:
- Lower, more competitive business loan rates
- More funding and repayment options
- Quicker access to capital
How excellent credit compares to good credit for business loans
Having good business credit can help you qualify for certain funding options. Excellent business credit, however, can open the door to bigger loans, more competitive rates and even special discounts.
Here’s how good and excellent credit stack up:
| Factor | Good Credit (670–739) | Excellent Credit (740–850) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical business loan APR | More likely to land at the low to mid end of the lender’s advertised rate | More likely to land at the low end of a lender’s advertised rate |
| Loan access | Qualifies for most online lenders, some banks | Full access, including banks, SBA preferred lenders and premium online products |
| Approval odds | Moderate — may need to compensate with strong revenue/collateral | Highest odds; credit less likely to be the deciding factor |
| Loan amounts available | Often capped lower by lenders wary of risk | Access to higher loan caps and larger credit lines |
| Fees | More likely to see origination fees, higher factor rates | More likely to qualify for $0-fee or reduced-fee offers |
| Perks/extras | Limited — few lenders offer discounts at this tier | Autopay discounts, relationship discounts, faster funding tiers |
| Personal guarantee/collateral | Often required regardless | May be waived by some lenders |
Creditworthiness and getting the best business loan rates may begin with your business credit history, but the full picture is more nuanced than that. When lenders consider issuing a business loan, many take into account the “five Cs” of credit, which are:
- Credit history: Details of your business’ past financial activity
- Capacity: The borrower’s wealth at the time of lending
- Capital: The amount of the loan being requested
- Conditions: Details of the loan, such as payment schedules, interest and fees
- Collateral: Other forms of wealth the borrower has, such as property
The five Cs allow lenders to consider the whole borrower, not just their credit history, which can make a major difference for newer businesses who are still building credit.
Best types of business loans for excellent credit
There are many kinds of business loans depending on what your needs are and your overall creditworthiness. These are some of the best business loans for excellent credit.
SBA loans
These government-backed loan options are suitable for established businesses seeking long-term financing with low rates. Some even offer additional support via counseling and education.
Pros: Lower down payments, competitive rates, flexible repayment terms
Cons: Less transparent about eligibility requirements, approval may take longer than traditional bank loans
Check out LendingTree’s guide to SBA loans here.
Bank term loans
Term loans allow businesses to receive a lump sum, usually for a single, large purchase (such as equipment or opening a second location). They are usually repaid over the course of three or more years.
Pros: Predictable fixed payments, relatively high loan caps (particularly for businesses with excellent credit)
Cons: Stricter underwriting standards, collateral is typically required, you may need to start a new application if you need to borrow more
Check out LendingTree’s guide to business loans here.
Business lines of credit
Business lines of credit offer a set credit limit for businesses, allowing them to use the funds as needed for recurring or unpredictable expenses and repay in installments.
Pros: Ability to use the funds when you need to stock up on seasonal inventory, cover payroll or bridge cash-flow gaps
Cons: Rates can change, so spending must be planned around when you expect to be able to repay based on your projected earnings
See LendingTree’s top picks for business lines of credit here.
Equipment financing
Equipment financing loans allow businesses to make large equipment purchases. The loan covers — or finances — the total cost, and the borrower pays it back over time.
Pros: Ability to make a large purchase without having to cover the whole sum at once
Cons: The purchase itself is used as collateral for the loan, meaning the lender owns the equipment until it’s paid off
See LendingTree’s top picks for equipment financing here.
Commercial real estate loans
These loans can be a strong option for established businesses with excellent credit. They allow a business to finance a new property or refinance an owner-occupied commercial property.
Pros: Often have more flexible terms than other business loans, relatively long repayment terms.
Cons: The property is owned by the bank until it’s paid off, and they require a down payment.
Check out LendingTree’s guide to commercial loans here.
How to qualify for business loans with excellent credit
Personal and business credit
Every lender has its own formula for assessing whether or not they want to approve funding for a business. Your business and personal credit histories will play a major role in determining your loan eligibility. Some lenders will only be interested in your business credit; others will be more interested in your personal credit. Many take both into consideration.
How do these scores affect the loan approval process? In short, borrowers with excellent credit — business and personal — are more likely to qualify for the lowest rates, highest loan caps and most competitive terms. This is because an excellent credit score reflects a responsible borrowing history, with on-time payments and overall financial reliability.
Revenue and cash flow
In addition to your credit status, your business’s overall financial wellness will be taken into account. This is the “capacity” portion of the five Cs. Lenders will look at your business’s revenue, wealth and cash flow to assess your ability to repay the loan.
You’ll need to provide financial details, such as income statements and balance sheets, to prove that your business is financially healthy and dependable. Yearly revenue requirements for lenders catering to businesses with excellent credit can range from $20,000 to $250,000 — or more.
Time in business
The age of your business also plays a part in determining your creditworthiness. Many of the best business loans for excellent credit are only available for established businesses. While some lenders require you to have been in business for at least six months before they’ll consider your loan application, others will only accept applications for businesses that have operated for at least two years.
Collateral and personal guarantees
Some loans require collateral or a personal guarantee from the borrower. Collateral is an asset the lender can legally seize if the borrower fails to pay. In some cases, whatever was purchased using the loan — equipment or property, for example — will act as collateral.
A personal guarantee is an agreement from the borrower to repay the loan even if their business can’t. Therefore, they take personal financial responsibility for their business loan. Personal guarantees are often made by borrowers with limited credit, newer businesses or businesses with less financial stability. Depending on the lender and the loan type, borrowers with excellent credit may not be required to make a personal guarantee.
Read LendingTree’s guides to personal guarantees and collateral to learn more.
Business plan and financial documents
A business plan is more than just an explanation of your business: It’s a road map detailing its finances, competitor research and the market niche your business will fill. A complete business plan will include important financial documents (this may include credit reports, account statements and even expenses).
A business plan is also, to some degree, a way to “pitch” your business to potential lenders, who will use it to assess your business’s outlook and potential profitability.
For qualified users, LendingTree’s small business concierge service connects you with an expert who can help you compare loan options and choose the best fit for your needs. After completing a quick form, you’ll receive personalized recommendations based on your business profile and funding goals.
Using this individualized approach, LendingTree’s small business concierge service has connected more than 5,000 borrowers with over $300 million of loans in the past year.
How to find the best business loans with excellent credit
Compare offers from banks, credit unions, SBA lenders and online lenders
It’s important to shop around before committing to a business loan. Even if you have excellent credit, every lender has its own terms, and it might take some research before finding the one that best fits your business and needs.
Traditional banks and credit unions may offer more attractive rates and terms for businesses with excellent credit, but the tradeoff is the time it can take to be approved for a loan. Alternative lenders’ loan processing and funding time can often be much quicker, but at the cost of higher interest rates.
Look beyond the interest rate
Interest rates aren’t the only feature to compare as you shop around. Be sure to review each lender’s terms and conditions, as they usually detail additional expenses associated with their funding options. These often include origination fees, fees for late payments, prepayment penalties and factor rates, all of which will increase the total amount you’ll ultimately need to repay
On the other hand, certain lenders offer perks, such as early payoff discounts, waived fees and additional services for borrowers with preferred accounts.
Choose a repayment term that fits your cash flow
You want to choose a repayment schedule that fits into your business’s budget. Look at your cash flow. Is your business primarily seasonal or does it operate steadily throughout the year? Your repayment term should match your business’s financial health, how it operates and your capacity to pay.
Use an existing banking relationship when it makes sense
If you already bank with a lender that offers business loans, that established history can work in your favor. Banks may be more likely to move through the loan process more quickly for existing customers.
Apply only when your financial documents are ready
Lenders need a lot of information about your business in order to approve a loan or line of credit. Be sure to have everything you need upfront. This should include:
- Credit report: This will showcase your ability to manage debt.
- Income statement: Many lenders only approve borrowers that meet their revenue threshold, which can vary.
- Bank statements: This offers insight into the other parts of your financial behaviors, such as deposits and withdrawals.
- Budget: This is another piece of your cash flow puzzle, and will give an overall view of how your business operates financially each month.
- Income tax returns: Lenders will use this to determine your debt-to-income ratio.
- Business plan: This is an important document that allows you to explain your plans to set your business up for success and stability.
- Collateral: Provide proof of the value of whatever you’re offering up as collateral, if applicable.
See LendingTree’s guide to business loan requirements for the full list.
You’ll want to have these readily available to reference as you shop around for loan options. Without all the necessary information, you won’t be able to get an accurate quote. This could slow things down and make it difficult to properly compare rates.
How LendingTree can help you find the best rate
Having excellent credit can help you qualify for financing from many different lenders. Instead of filling out multiple applications, you can compare offers from our network of 30+ business lenders in one place.
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Methodology: How we chose the best business loans for excellent credit
We considered more than 30 leading small business lenders to determine the best six business loans for borrowers with excellent credit. To make our list, lenders had to meet the following criteria:
- Credit-tier advantage: We prioritized lenders that offer meaningfully better pricing, higher loan amounts or added perks to borrowers with excellent credit (740+), rather than lenders whose rates stay flat regardless of credit tier.
- Rates and terms: We prioritized lenders with competitive starting rates, fewer fees and flexible repayment terms — particularly those transparent about how excellent credit affects pricing.
- Eligibility requirements: We favored lenders where a stronger credit profile clearly translates to better terms, rather than lenders whose underwriting leans more heavily on revenue or time in business than credit score.
- Repayment experience: We considered each lender’s reputation and business practices, favoring lenders that report to all major credit bureaus, offer reliable customer service and provide perks that specifically benefit high-credit borrowers, like rate discounts, relationship pricing or expedited underwriting.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, depending on the type of loan and the lender you’re working with. Some lenders take personal credit into account, particularly when the borrower is still building business credit.
This will depend on several other factors. Excellent credit may allow you to bypass the need for collateral or a personal guarantee, but it will also depend on what type of loan, whether it’s secured or unsecured and the lender you’re working with.
This depends on whether the lender requires a soft or hard credit pull when processing your application. A hard pull will impact your credit; a soft pull won’t. Those that do require a hard pull will need to get your consent before initiating it.
Excellent credit improves your eligibility for business loans significantly, but it’s not a guarantee. The lender, size of the loan and other parts of your business profile will impact your approval odds in addition to your credit.