Best Working Capital Loans in December 2025

A working capital loan can help you cover one-off and ongoing business expenses.

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Lender Best for Starting rate Amount Term Time in business
iBusiness Funding logo Established businesses 22.45% (APR) $25k –
$500k
6 – 60 months 24 months
OnDeck logo Fast funding 35.26% (APR) $5k –
$250k
Up to 24 months 12 months
Live Oak Bank logo SBA loan 9.75% (interest rate) Up to $5M Up to 300 months 3 years
Fora Financial logo Bad credit borrowers 13.00% $5k –
$1.5M
Up to 24 months 6 months
Fundbox logo Startup companies 4.66% Up to $250k 3 – 12 months 3 months
Bluevine logo Lines of credit 7.80% (interest rate) $1k –
$250k
Up to 12 months 12 months
Accion Opportunity Fund logo Underserved entrepreneurs 9.99% (interest rate) $5k –
$250k
Up to 36 months 12 months

Learn more about how we chose our picks.

Best for: Established businesses – iBusiness Funding

iBusiness has a 7.49% interest rate, 22.45% APR

  • Long repayment terms
  • Relatively quick funding times
  • No application fees or prepayment penalties
  • May charge an origination fee
  • May require collateral, personal guarantee and/or blanket lien
  • Not an option for newer businesses

iBusiness Funding is our top pick for established businesses because it offers a wide range of loan amounts with relatively fast funding and some of the lowest starting rates on this list — but businesses will need to be in operation for at least 24 months to qualify.

With lengthy repayment terms and no prepayment penalties, borrowers can repay their loan at a pace that is comfortable for them. Though it’s not the fastest lender on this list, you can usually receive your funds within two to four business days.

With iBusiness Funding, you can borrow up to $500,000 in working capital. However, you may need to provide collateral or sign a personal guarantee to secure your loan.

Read our full iBusiness Funding review.

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

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

Best for: Fast funding – OnDeck

Minimum APR offered to at least 5% of customers (not the lowest rate offered)

  • No hard credit check to apply
  • Receive funds as soon as the same day
  • Potential to avoid prepayment penalties
  • Requires daily or weekly payments
  • May charge an origination fee
  • Not available in North Dakota

If you’re looking for a fast business loan to take advantage of a limited-time opportunity, OnDeck can deliver funds up to $250,000 as soon as the same day you apply. You can check your eligibility without a hard credit check, and the streamlined application only takes a few minutes to complete. If you don’t qualify for same-day funding, you can still expect your funds to be delivered within two to three business days.

OnDeck has fairly low credit score and time in business requirements. However, interest rates tend to be high and daily or weekly payments are required, so make sure you can handle the repayment schedule before you sign a loan agreement.

Read our full OnDeck review.

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

  • Minimum credit score: 625
  • Minimum time in business: 12 months
  • Minimum annual revenue: $100,000

Best for: SBA loans – Live Oak Bank

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

  • Large loan amounts
  • Long repayment terms
  • Interest rates are capped by the SBA
  • SBA loan applications can be lengthy and time consuming
  • Even with a preferred lender, SBA loans are slower to fund than other loan types
  • May require a down payment up to 10%

If you’re looking to borrow a large amount at a relatively affordable price, working with an SBA Preferred Lender like Live Oak Bank might be one of your best options. With an SBA 7(a) loan, you can borrow up to $5,000,000 in working capital and pay it back with fixed payments over a lengthy term. Interest rates are capped by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), though your exact rate will depend on your qualifications.

SBA loans may be more accessible for business owners who can’t qualify for traditional business financing. However, even with a preferred lender, SBA loans may take a few weeks to fund, so this isn’t the best choice for businesses seeking fast funds.

Read our full Live Oak Bank review.

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

  • Minimum credit score: 650
  • Minimum time in business: 3 years
  • Minimum annual revenue: None, but imposes a debt service coverage requirement

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
  • Opportunity to borrow more after paying off 60% of the original loan
  • Offers early payoff discounts
  • Requires daily or weekly payments
  • Charges an origination fee
  • High annual revenue requirement ($240,000)

Fora Financial is our top pick for borrowers needing a bad credit business loan because it accepts credit scores as low as 570. This lender can provide up to $1,500,000 in working capital, which can be used to cover a wide range of business expenses. You can also enjoy relatively fast funding with Fora Financial, receiving your funds in as little as 24 to 48 hours.

And while some lenders charge prepayment penalties, Fora Financial offers a discount for repaying your debt early. However, your business must generate a significant amount of revenue — at least $240,000 per year — to qualify. Plus, the lender uses a factor rate to represent the cost of borrowing, which can make it harder to compare loan options.

Read our full Fora Financial review.

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

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

Best for: Startup companies – Fundbox

12- to 52-week terms, or up to 104 weeks in certain limited situations

  • Short time in business requirement
  • Receive funds within two business days
  • No prepayment penalties
  • Requires weekly loan payments
  • May require a personal guarantee
  • Charges late payment and non-sufficient fund fees

If you’re looking for a working capital loan for startups, Fundbox’s line of credit only requires 3 months of business history. It can provide up to $250,000 on a revolving basis — only charging interest on the funds you actually withdraw. It’s a great option for new companies with a limited credit profile, though you’ll still need to generate at least $30,000 in annual revenue to qualify.

If approved, you can access your funds immediately, with draws typically arriving in your business bank account within two business days. However, a personal guarantee may be required, and you’ll need to be prepared to make weekly payments on any funds you borrow.

Read our full Fundbox review.

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

  • Minimum credit score: 600
  • Minimum time in business: 3 months
  • Minimum annual revenue: $30,000

Best for: Lines of credit – Bluevine

  • Competitive starting rates
  • Relatively quick funding times
  • Line of credit replenishes with each repayment
  • May require weekly payments
  • Same-day funding could incur a fee
  • Not available in Nevada, North Dakota or South Dakota

If you’re looking for revolving funds you can borrow from again and again, Bluevine’s business line of credit could be a good choice. A working capital line of credit allows you to borrow money as needed, only paying interest on the amount that you actually withdraw. Bluevine’s line of credit can provide up to $250,000.

If you have a Bluevine checking account, withdrawals are deposited immediately. If you’re transferring money to an external bank account, it could take up to three business days — or you could pay a fee to receive your funds in just a few hours. However, you’ll need to generate a minimum of $120,000 in annual revenue to qualify. And unless you’re able to meet even stricter criteria, weekly payments will be required.

Read our full Bluevine review.

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

  • Minimum credit score: 625
  • Minimum time in business: 12 months
  • Minimum annual revenue: $120,000

Best for: Underserved entrepreneurs – Accion Opportunity Fund

  • No hard credit checks
  • Offers business coaching and support in English and Spanish
  • No prepayment penalties
  • Charges an origination fee
  • Requires a blanket lien for loans over $50,000
  • Not available in all states

Accion Opportunity Fund (AOF) is a nonprofit lender focused on helping business owners access the capital they need to start, grow and expand their companies. Though all are welcome to apply, 90% of AOF’s funding goes to underserved communities including minority entrepreneurs, women-owned businesses and companies with low-to-moderate income.

You must have at least 20% ownership in your company to be eligible for an AOF loan — although not all states are eligible for funding. You won’t be able to get a loan if you live in Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont or the District of Columbia.

Read our full Accion Opportunity Fund review.

In order to qualify, you’ll need to meet Accion Opportunity Fund’s criteria of:

  • Minimum credit score: Not specified
  • Minimum time in business: 12 months
  • Minimum annual revenue: $100,000

What is a working capital loan?

A working capital loan is a catch-all term for short-term small business financing. With its flexible nature, working capital funding is an ideal fit for businesses looking to overcome cash flow gaps or cover unexpected expenses.

The term and repayment structure will vary depending on the loan type. Some lenders may require daily or weekly payments or direct payments from your business checking account.

Types of working capital loans

Working capital loans for small businesses can cover operating expenses like payroll, daily costs, inventory and more. Types of business financing to consider for your working capital needs include:

Short-term business loans

Term loans provide a lump sum of cash upfront for working capital purposes. Maximum amounts typically range from $250,000 to $2 million or higher, with repayment terms typically lasting three to 24 months.

Business lines of credit

If you need frequent cash infusions, a working capital line of credit is a form of flexible financing that allows you to borrow as little or as much as you need, up to your credit limit. You only pay interest on the amount you withdraw. In many cases, once you pay down your balance, you can borrow against your credit limit again. 

Merchant cash advances

Though technically not a loan, a merchant cash advance (MCA) is an alternative form of business financing that provides funding in exchange for a percentage of your business’s future earnings (commonly, your debit and credit card sales). However, the factor rate can make this a more expensive option.

SBA loans

The U.S. Small Business Administration offers long-term working capital loans through its popular 7(a) loan, which can be used to cover a wide range of expenses. SBA loans offer favorable terms and large loan amounts to help you fund your various business needs.

Pros and cons of working capital loans

Pros

  •  Can be used to pay for a wide range of business expenses
  • Generally accessible to a wide range of businesses with flexible eligibility criteria
  • Potential for fast funding with online lenders

Cons

  •  Interest rates can be high, especially for businesses with less-than-perfect credit
  • Some lenders may require daily or weekly payments
  • Collateral and/or personal guarantee may be required

How to get a working capital loan

The process for applying for working capital financing varies by loan type and lender. However, here are the steps you will likely need to take to get a small business loan:

  • Decide how much you need
    Write a list of your company’s urgent needs and estimated operating costs. Consider whether you need the funds upfront or if you prefer ongoing access to cash on an as-needed basis. 
  • Determine your eligibility
    Business loan requirements vary widely between lenders, but eligibility will be based on your credit profile (your personal FICO Score and business credit score), time in business and annual revenue. 
  • Get multiple quotes
    You can gather quotes individually or use a marketplace like LendingTree. Our network includes over 30 individual business lenders, so you can fill out one simple online form to identify lenders that might be a match for your business. 
  • Research your top lenders
    Compare interest rates, repayment terms and additional fees to understand the cost of borrowing with each lender. Don’t forget to consider factors beyond cost to find the best option for your business. Our catalog of small business lender reviews is a great way to compare business loan options.
  • Submit paperwork
    Once you decide to move forward with a loan offer, your lender will likely ask you to provide documents that weren’t required in early stages. This might include personal and business bank statements, personal and business tax returns and copies of any applicable business licenses. 
  • Review your loan agreement
    Before you sign on the dotted line, read your business loan agreement carefully and ask questions about anything you don’t understand. Your loan agreement includes details on rates, terms, conditions and collateral. If you discover something you’re not comfortable with at this step, you can choose to pursue one of the other lenders on your list instead.

How to calculate your working capital needs

Net working capital refers to the amount of money you have readily available to cover your operational expenses and business debts. To calculate your net working capital, subtract your liabilities (what you expect to spend on ongoing expenses like payroll, taxes and debt payments) from your current assets (the cash that is currently available in your business bank account plus any outstanding customer payments.)

If the result is a positive number, it usually means you have the funds needed to support your ongoing operations and potentially invest in business growth. Though some fluctuation is normal, negative net capital could mean that your liabilities exceed your current assets — and a working capital loan might help bridge the gap.

That being said, taking out a new loan will add to your liabilities, so it’s important to avoid borrowing more than you can realistically afford to repay. Otherwise, you could end up in a dangerous debt cycle that hurts more than it helps you.

How to compare working capital loans

If you receive multiple working capital loan offers, consider the following factors when picking the loan that best fits your needs:

Interest rate

Working capital loan rates can vary depending on the loan type and lender. Factor rates may be involved, which can make your interest payments higher. It’s worth converting factor rates to simple interest rates to make it easier to compare loan offers.

Additional fees

Some working capital lenders add origination and late fees, as well as prepayment penalties. These additional fees can significantly increase the loan’s overall cost. 

Repayment term

Terms may be short, and repayments may start immediately. To reduce the risk of default, make sure you can afford to repay the debt by the scheduled date(s).

Loan amounts

While you want the approved amount to cover your necessary expenses, it’s important to avoid borrowing more than you need, as that can be unnecessarily expensive.

Time to fund

How soon you need funds can determine which working capital business loan is best for you. For urgent needs, consider same-day business loans. If you can wait, you’ll likely get better rates and terms with an SBA or traditional bank loan.

Lender support

Some lenders offer free business support and coaching as part of the loan process, which may be helpful if you’re still getting your business off the ground or if you’re looking for ways to expand.

Alternatives to working capital loans

While working capital loans can be a great way to cover a range of everyday business expenses, they might not be the best fit for every company. Here are some other ways to get the capital you need to keep your business afloat.

Business credit cards can cover low-cost expenses while helping you rack up some generous rewards. Qualifications are usually more lenient than traditional small business financing, but watch out — credit card interest rates can go quite high. Because of this, it’s best to use business cards sparingly, making sure to pay off the balance each month.

Typically offered by the federal, state and local governments, small business grants can help you access free money for your company. Some private corporations also offer grants or business sponsorships. While these opportunities can be competitive, it can still be worth the time and effort to apply.

Crowdfunding platforms, like Kickstarter, can help you raise donations via friends, family and the general public. It’s free to launch a campaign, though the crowdfunding platform typically takes a small cut for their service. Businesses with a strong online presence that can provide a discounted product or service tend to have better success rates with crowdfunding campaigns.

Frequently asked questions

Ultimately, deciding whether a working capital loan makes sense for your business is a matter of personal choice. However, if you need short-term funding to cover unexpected expenses or to help your operations expand, this type of loan may be a smart option.

The rates on working capital loans can vary widely by lender. However, it’s possible to get an affordable rate, especially if you have a strong financial profile. For example, Fundbox’s rates start at just 4.66% for its three-month term.

Generally, when people talk about working capital loans, they’re referring to a short-term business loan. But in some cases, it’s also possible to take out a line of credit to cover your working capital expenses.

Our methodology: How we chose the best working capital loans

We reviewed more than 20 lenders to determine the overall best working capital loans. To make our list, lenders had to meet the following criteria:

  • Eligibility criteria: Both new and established businesses may find themselves in need of a working capital infusion, so we included lenders with a wide range of credit score, time in business and annual revenue requirements.
  • Flexible loan uses: Because working capital needs can vary, we selected lenders that set minimal restrictions on how loan funds can be used. 
  • Rates and terms: We looked for lenders with competitive fixed rates, fewer fees and flexible repayment terms lasting a minimum of three months.
  • Repayment experience: We considered each lender’s overall reputation and business practices, favoring lenders that report to all major credit bureaus, offer reliable customer service and provide unique perks to customers, like early payoff discounts.