Best Large Business Loans

Large business loans can help cover major business expenses, but typically come with stricter qualifying criteria and higher interest rates.

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Lender Starting rate Amount Term Time in business
Bank of America logo 9.75% $200k –
$5M
Up to 300 months 24 months
Live Oak Bank logo Not specified $1M –
$15M
Up to 300 months 36 months
Fora Financial logo 13.00% $5k –
$1.5M
Up to 24 months 6 months
QuickBridge logo Not specified $10k –
$500k
3 – 18 months 6 months
BHG Financial logo 8.69% $20k –
$500k
12 – 144 months None
iBusiness Funding logo 22.45% (APR) $25k –
$500k
6 – 60 months 24 months
PNC logo Not specified $20k –
$1B
24 – 300 months 24 months
Lender Bank of America logo Live Oak Bank logo Fora Financial logo QuickBridge logo BHG Financial logo iBusiness Funding logo PNC logo
Starting rate 9.75% Not specified 13.00% Not specified 8.69% 22.45% (APR) Not specified
Amount $200k – $5M $1M – $15M $5k – $1.5M $10k – $500k $20k – $500k $25k – $500k $20k – $1B
Term Up to 300 months Up to 300 months Up to 24 months 3 – 18 months 12 – 144 months 6 – 60 months 24 – 300 months
Time in business 24 months 36 months 6 months 6 months None 24 months 24 months

Best large business loan lenders: More details

Best for: SBA (7a) loan – Bank of America

Some borrowers may qualify for lower rates. Based on the current prime rate of 6.75% + a rate maximum set by the SBA. Maximum rates for variable-rate SBA 7(a) loans are: 13.25% for loans $50,000 or less; 12.75% for loans $50,001 to $250,000; 11.25% for loans $250,001 to $350,000; 9.75% for loans above $350,000

  • SBA Preferred Lender with fast turnarounds
  • Rate discounts available for veterans and Bank of America Preferred Rewards members
  • Capped interest rates
  • No prepayment fees (except on commercial real estate)
  • May need to apply over the phone or in person
  • A guaranty (upfront) fee may apply
  • Long time-in-business requirement

Backed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), an SBA 7(a) loan with Bank of America can provide multi-million-dollar business loans to tackle expenses like general operating costs, equipment, expansions and commercial real estate.

As an SBA Preferred Lender, Bank of America typically processes and funds SBA 7(a) loans within two weeks instead of the average 30 to 90 days. And with all SBA loans, you can enjoy competitive fixed rates, flexible terms and additional support through the SCORE Business Mentoring program.

Bank of America also offers business lines of credit, term loans, credit cards, checking accounts, merchant services and more, as well as in-person support, making it a good fit for businesses who want to handle all of their financial accounts with one bank.

In order to qualify for an SBA 7(a) loan, you’ll need to meet Bank of America’s criteria of:

  • Minimum credit score: Not specified, but it’s recommended to have a score of 0 or higher
  • Minimum time in business: 24 months
  • Minimum annual revenue: $250,000

Best for: SBA 504 loan – Live Oak Bank

  • Large 504 loan amounts
  • SBA Preferred Lender with quick turnarounds
  • Low down payment
  • Long business history required
  • Doesn’t have physical branches
  • Most loans have an annual service fee

While most SBA 504 loans max out at $5,500,000, Live Oak Bank provides up to $15,000,000 to help fund commercial real estate, renovations or large equipment. As with all SBA loans, a portion of the SBA 504 loan is guaranteed by the government, with rate and term maximums determined by the SBA.

Since Live Oak Bank is an SBA Preferred Lender, loans are typically processed and funded three to four weeks faster than standard SBA lenders timelines.

If you need quicker access to cash, the Live Oak Bank Express loan provides up to $350,000 with an expedited closing process. Although Live Oak Bank offers business checking and savings accounts, it lacks the full range of business products, solutions and in-person support available with traditional banks.

In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet Live Oak Bank’s criteria of:

  • Minimum credit score: 680
  • Minimum time in business: 36 months
  • Minimum annual revenue: $250,000

Best for: Bad credit borrowers – Fora Financial

Fora Financial’s minimum rate is a 1.13 factor rate. This means you’d repay 13.00%, plus any additional fees, on top of the amount borrowed.

  • Low minimum credit score requirement
  • Short business history requirement
  • Quick funding times
  • Factor rate makes it hard to compare against competitors
  • Charges an origination fee
  • Short repayment terms compared to other large business loans

Alternative lender Fora Financial is our top pick for those needing a bad credit business loan because it accepts credit scores as low as 570. In addition, startups are welcome to apply after only 6 months of operation — although the minimum annual revenue requirement is steep. Funds can be used for operational costs, supplies, equipment, emergency bills and more.

Note that Fora Financial uses a factor rate instead of interest or APR, making it hard to estimate the total cost of borrowing. Also, the short repayment terms could be a strain on your budget, especially if you borrow a large amount.

In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet the Fora Financial’s criteria of:

  • Minimum credit score: 570
  • Minimum time in business: 6 months
  • Minimum annual revenue: $240,000

Best for: Startups – QuickBridge

  • Short business history requirement
  • Accepts fair credit scores
  • Quick funding
  • Early payoff discounts
  • Lack of information on rates and fees
  • Low maximum loan amounts compared to other lenders
  • High annual revenue requirement

If you need startup financing with large amounts and quick turnarounds, QuickBridge could be for you. Early-stage startups can qualify after only six months of operating, with fair to excellent credit scores accepted. Funding goes up to $500,000 and can be used for startup expenses like hiring and training staff, marketing, supplies and more.

QuickBridge supports diverse businesses, offering customized working capital loans and resources for women-owned businesses, minority entrepreneurs and veteran business owners. However, QuickBridge’s steep annual revenue requirement could be a dealbreaker for new or small-scale businesses.

In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet the QuickBridge’s criteria of:

  • Minimum credit score: 580
  • Minimum time in business: 6 months
  • Minimum annual revenue: $250,000

Best for: Long-term business loans – BHG Financial

  • Wide range of loan terms available
  • Fast funding
  • No annual revenue or business history requirements
  • Doesn’t share details on credit score requirement
  • Charges a prepayment penalty
  • Requires a blanket lien/UCC filing

BHG Financial offers long-term business loans up to $500,000, allowing you to take up to 144 to repay your debt. While SBA loans offer even longer terms, you can’t beat BHG Financial’s lenient eligibility criteria, making it an ideal choice for early-stage startups and low-revenue companies. Funds can be delivered within a few business days.

However, you may be subject to a fee if you repay your loan early. And because BHG places a lien against your business, you may find it more difficult to get additional financing, like a business auto loan, while repaying your loan.

In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet the BHG Financial’s criteria of:

  • Minimum credit score: Not specified
  • Minimum time in business: None
  • Minimum annual revenue: None

Best for: Debt consolidation loans – iBusiness Funding

iBusiness has a 7.49% interest rate, 22.45% APR

  • One application for multiple financing options
  • Extended repayment terms
  • No upfront or prepayment fees
  • Collateral, personal guarantee and/or blanket lien may be required
  • Not ideal for startups or low credit borrowers

If you’re exploring business debt consolidation options, iBusiness Funding provides up to $500,000 to help streamline your business finances. Every applicant is paired with a dedicated account manager to help guide you through the entire funding process. In addition, terms go up to seven years, with no fees for repaying the debt early.

However, iBusiness’s minimum business history and credit score requirements are on the higher end compared to other alternative lenders. That said, its lenient annual revenue requirement makes it ideal for low-revenue companies.

In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet the iBusiness Funding’s criteria of:

  • Minimum credit score: 640
  • Minimum time in business: 24 months
  • Minimum annual revenue: $50,000

Best for: Traditional bank loans – PNC Bank

2 years in most cases Varies based on loan type

  • Approximately 2,200 branches nationwide
  • Wide range of business products and solutions
  • Larger loan amounts compared to competitors
  • Secured with business assets
  • Lack of transparency about eligibility requirements
  • Not ideal for startups
  • Doesn’t disclose interest rate range

PNC Bank is our top pick for a traditional bank business loan with a wide range of small business and commercial banking products, plus nationwide in-person support when you need it. If you generate over $5 million a year, you can apply for PNC’s commercial business loan — with funds going as high as $1,000,000,000.

For lower-revenue companies, PNC’s secured business loans start at $100,001 with terms extending to 84. You can use business assets to secure your PNC business loan, meaning you won’t be personally responsible for payment if your business defaults.

In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet the PNC Bank’s criteria of:

  • Minimum credit score: Not specified
  • Minimum time in business: 24 months in most cases
  • Minimum annual revenue: Not disclosed for small business financing; $5,000,000 for commercial financing

What is a large business loan?

As the name suggests, large business loans are a type of business financing that provide a substantial amount of funding. Typically, large business loan lenders can provide up to $500,000 or more in financing.

These loans are available from a wide variety of sources, including government programs, banks and online lenders.

Types of large business loans

SBA loans

Since SBA loans come with a partial guarantee from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), lenders are able to offer more lenient eligibility criteria and larger loan amounts — all with long repayment terms and capped interest rates. Applying for an SBA loan could be a smart option for those who can’t qualify for a traditional bank loan.

The SBA 504/CDC loan is best for financing expensive fixed assets, like real estate or equipment. However, if you need flexible financing for working capital costs or debt consolidation, the SBA 7(a) loan might be a better fit. The SBA Express loan offers smaller amounts but can help get you the funds you need within 36 hours.

Note that you’ll likely need to secure your SBA loan with collateral or a personal guarantee.

Business term loans

Business term loans are installment loans, which means the principal and interest is repaid over a set period of time. Term loans are typically one of the most common types of small business loans available.

Some term loans are more likely to provide larger loan amounts than others, including:

This is because these loans are secured by physical assets, which can be repossessed if you default on the loan. As a result, they’re often seen as less risky in the eyes of the lender.

How to get a large business loan

Here are the key steps to help you get a large loan for your business.

1. Determine how much you need. Before you apply for a loan, make a list of your most essential business needs and goals. A business loan calculator can help estimate your monthly payments, and doing a business cash flow analysis can ensure your business is able to meet any new debt obligation. If in doubt, borrow less than you need to keep your business credit profile in good standing.

2. Evaluate your qualifications. Although large business loan requirements vary by lender and loan type, you can expect lenders to review the following when considering your application:

  • Business history
    For large loans, you typically need to be in business for at least six months to qualify. If you’re just starting a business, you may want to explore other options like microloans or crowdfunding for business.
  • Personal and business credit scores
    It’s possible to get a large business loan with a low personal credit score, but be prepared to pay a higher interest rate. You can check and monitor your credit score for free with LendingTree Spring to see where you stand.
  • Annual revenue
    Lenders usually want to see a robust income stream for anyone seeking a large business loan, with requirements ranging from around $50,000 to $5 million.
  • Available collateral
    Large loans typically require collateral — either as real estate or cash assets. If you can’t provide collateral, you can consider an unsecured business loan instead.

3. Shop around for a lender: It’s always a good idea to compare lenders to find the best small business loan for your needs. Start by reading LendingTree reviews or asking fellow business owners in your industry for suggestions. You typically have a 14- to 45-day window to rate shop without further impact to your credit score.

4. Submit an application: Applications can usually be done online or over the phone, although some banks may require an in-person appointment. You’ll typically need to provide identifying information about you and your business, supplemental documentation like a business plan and business tax returns, as well as information about collateral.

How to compare large business loans

Picking the best loan for your business can be challenging. Here are some metrics to consider before signing the dotted line.

Interest rate

Business loan interest rates can be variable or fixed. The lender can also charge a factor rate instead of simple interest. In either case, be sure to crunch the numbers in advance to understand the total cost of borrowing.

Repayment term

You can typically reduce interest charges by going with a short-term business loan. But if you need extra time to repay the debt, a long-term business loan could be the way to go, although you’ll likely pay more interest over the life of the loan.

Funding time

Some alternative lenders have the capacity to offer same-day funding, while others may take a few days to process your request. With traditional bank and SBA loans, you can expect the funding timeline to take anywhere from two weeks to a few months.

Added fees

Watch out for additional fees, like origination fees or business loan prepayment penalties. These charges can add up so make sure to thoroughly review the business loan agreement before moving forward.

Lender perks

Occasionally, lenders may offer certain perks, like business coaching, member rewards or rate discounts. While these benefits may not make or break your loan decision, they can be an added bonus worth considering.

Pros and cons of large business loans

Pros

  • Access the funding you need for large expenditures
  • Most loans will have predictable monthly repayment schedules
  • Repaying responsibly can help build business credit

Cons

  • High monthly repayments could strain your business budget
  • May require collateral or a personal guarantee
  • Eligibility criteria is typically stricter for large loans

Our methodology: How we chose the best large business loans

How we chose the best large business loan

We reviewed more than 20 lenders to determine the overall best seven large business loan loans. To make our list, lenders must meet the following criteria:

  • Maximum loan amount: All of the lenders on our list offer at least up to $500,000 to help your business fund large expenses like commercial real estate, equipment, expansions and more.
  • Rates and terms: We selected lenders with more competitive fixed rates and fewer fees, as well as more options for repayment terms, loan amounts and APR discounts.
  • Repayment experience: When looking at repayment experience, we consider each lender’s reputation and business practices. We also prioritize lenders that report to all major credit bureaus, offer reliable customer service and provide any additional perks to borrowers, like business coaching or membership rewards.

Best large business loan summary