Best Business Loans 2025

Linda Garza

Linda Garza

Small Business Lending Advisor | Last Updated: August 2025

📊 Comprehensive research • Multiple expert perspectives • Data-driven analysis • Updated monthly

Our Top Recommendations

Rank Company Rating Superlative Learn More
1
Lendio logo
Lendio
Lendio
RESEARCH TEAM
★★★★☆
4.9
Rating is calculated based on weighted average of scores across all evaluation dimensions
Best ideal for startups, small and mid-sized businesses, and enterprises seeking fast, flexible access to multiple financing options and premium support.
2
SmartBiz Loans logo
SmartBiz Loans
SmartBiz Loans
RESEARCH TEAM
★★★★☆
4.9
Rating is calculated based on weighted average of scores across all evaluation dimensions
Best best for small to mid-sized businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs seeking transparent, flexible sba and term financing with fast, guided application support.
3
Fundbox logo
Fundbox
Fundbox
RESEARCH TEAM
★★★★☆
4.7
Rating is calculated based on weighted average of scores across all evaluation dimensions
Best smbs, startups, and growth-stage companies needing quick, short-term working capital with digital-first operations and accounting integration.
4
BlueVine logo
BlueVine
BlueVine
RESEARCH TEAM
★★★★☆
4.7
Rating is calculated based on weighted average of scores across all evaluation dimensions
Best ideal for u.s.-based small and mid-sized businesses seeking fast, flexible financing and integrated digital banking without the need for physical branch presence.
5
OnDeck logo
OnDeck
OnDeck
RESEARCH TEAM
★★★★☆
4.6
Rating is calculated based on weighted average of scores across all evaluation dimensions
Best ondeck is best for small to mid-sized businesses—including retail, healthcare, service providers, and franchises—needing urgent, short-term capital and flexible repayment options, especially when traditional bank loans are inaccessible.
6
Kiva logo
Kiva
Kiva
RESEARCH TEAM
★★★★☆
4.6
Rating is calculated based on weighted average of scores across all evaluation dimensions
Best microenterprises, startups, social enterprises, and underserved entrepreneurs (especially with limited credit/collateral) seeking affordable, flexible funding under $15,000.
7
Credibly logo
Credibly
Credibly
RESEARCH TEAM
★★★★☆
4.5
Rating is calculated based on weighted average of scores across all evaluation dimensions
Best small to mid-sized businesses and retailers with urgent capital needs, limited credit histories, or those seeking rapid and personalized funding solutions.
8
Fora Financial logo
Fora Financial
Fora Financial
RESEARCH TEAM
★★★★☆
4.5
Rating is calculated based on weighted average of scores across all evaluation dimensions
Best best suited for small to mid-sized businesses and professional enterprises needing fast, short-term capital with flexible qualifications, particularly in service, construction, retail, medical, or transport sectors.
9
National Funding logo
National Funding
National Funding
RESEARCH TEAM
★★★★☆
4.4
Rating is calculated based on weighted average of scores across all evaluation dimensions
Best established small and medium businesses in diverse industries seeking fast, flexible capital solutions and valuing convenience over lowest-cost financing.
10
Stripe Capital logo
Stripe Capital
Stripe Capital
RESEARCH TEAM
★★★★☆
4.4
Rating is calculated based on weighted average of scores across all evaluation dimensions
Best small and medium-sized e-commerce or digital businesses already using stripe, and platforms seeking turnkey embedded lending solutions.
#1
Lendio logo
Lendio
★★★★☆ 4.9
Best ideal for startups, small and mid-sized businesses, and enterprises seeking fast, flexible access to multiple financing options and premium support.
Visit Site
#2
SmartBiz Loans logo
SmartBiz Loans
★★★★☆ 4.9
Best best for small to mid-sized businesses, startups, and entrepreneurs seeking transparent, flexible sba and term financing with fast, guided application support.
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#3
Fundbox logo
Fundbox
★★★★☆ 4.7
Best smbs, startups, and growth-stage companies needing quick, short-term working capital with digital-first operations and accounting integration.
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#4
BlueVine logo
BlueVine
★★★★☆ 4.7
Best ideal for u.s.-based small and mid-sized businesses seeking fast, flexible financing and integrated digital banking without the need for physical branch presence.
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#5
OnDeck logo
OnDeck
★★★★☆ 4.6
Best ondeck is best for small to mid-sized businesses—including retail, healthcare, service providers, and franchises—needing urgent, short-term capital and flexible repayment options, especially when traditional bank loans are inaccessible.
Visit Site
#6
Kiva logo
Kiva
★★★★☆ 4.6
Best microenterprises, startups, social enterprises, and underserved entrepreneurs (especially with limited credit/collateral) seeking affordable, flexible funding under $15,000.
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#7
Credibly logo
Credibly
★★★★☆ 4.5
Best small to mid-sized businesses and retailers with urgent capital needs, limited credit histories, or those seeking rapid and personalized funding solutions.
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#8
Fora Financial logo
Fora Financial
★★★★☆ 4.5
Best best suited for small to mid-sized businesses and professional enterprises needing fast, short-term capital with flexible qualifications, particularly in service, construction, retail, medical, or transport sectors.
Visit Site
#9
National Funding logo
National Funding
★★★★☆ 4.4
Best established small and medium businesses in diverse industries seeking fast, flexible capital solutions and valuing convenience over lowest-cost financing.
Visit Site
#10
Stripe Capital logo
Stripe Capital
★★★★☆ 4.4
Best small and medium-sized e-commerce or digital businesses already using stripe, and platforms seeking turnkey embedded lending solutions.
Visit Site

Detailed Reviews & Analysis

Lendio logo
#1 Overall

Lendio

Lendio is a leading business loan marketplace that enables enterprises, startups, and SMBs to source competitive funding offers from over 75 lending partners with a single application, offering transparency, speed, and highly rated support. Its comprehensive platform streamlines the loan discovery process, optimizes financing decisions, and provides strategic business value across diverse use cases. Lendio’s combination of marketplace breadth, no borrower fees, and robust technical integrations makes it a top choice for businesses seeking flexible, tailored financing.

✅ Recommended 🔧 Professional 📊 Reliable
98.0%
Recommendation

What It Does

Lendio is a leading business loan marketplace that enables enterprises, startups, and SMBs to source competitive funding offers from over 75 lending partners with a single application, offering transparency, speed, and highly rated support. Its comprehensive platform streamlines the loan discovery process, optimizes financing decisions, and provides strategic business value across diverse use cases. Lendio’s combination of marketplace breadth, no borrower fees, and robust technical integrations makes it a top choice for businesses seeking flexible, tailored financing.

Why We Recommend This

We recommend Lendio for its unparalleled marketplace access, transparency, consistently high user satisfaction, and enterprise-grade integrations, all validated by strong expert scores and extensive market data. Our research team evaluated this solution based on functionality, ease of use, customer support, and overall value.

Pros

  • Access to 75+ lending partners and diverse loan products, including SBA, lines of credit, and cash advances, from one unified application.
  • Zero borrower fees and transparent, up-front disclosure of rates and terms, maximizing business value and minimizing hidden costs.
  • Highly rated customer service with dedicated funding specialists providing guided, consultative support throughout the process.
  • Rapid, same-day funding available for select products; comprehensive spectrum of loan sizes ($1K–$5M+) suited to a wide range of business needs.
  • Enterprise-grade technical infrastructure enabling scalable integrations, automated underwriting, and fast API onboarding for partners.

Cons

  • Final loan terms, approval speed, and costs are determined by third-party lenders, introducing potential variability and inconsistency.
  • Not a direct lender, so funding timelines can depend on partner efficiency and may vary across products.
  • Some users report aggressive follow-up from dedicated funding managers post-application.
  • Technical features (APIs, SaaS) mainly benefit partners and lenders, with fewer advanced integration options directly available to SMB borrowers.

Best For

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SmartBiz Loans logo
#2 Overall

SmartBiz Loans

SmartBiz Loans is a leading SBA loan marketplace known for its streamlined, fully digital application process and high-touch client advisory. The platform excels in business value, pricing transparency, and responsive support, making it an optimal choice for small and mid-sized businesses seeking efficient SBA funding. Its advanced technology and strong lender network deliver rapid matching and robust approval potential.

✅ Recommended 🔧 Professional 📊 Reliable
98.0%
Recommendation

What It Does

SmartBiz Loans is a leading SBA loan marketplace known for its streamlined, fully digital application process and high-touch client advisory. The platform excels in business value, pricing transparency, and responsive support, making it an optimal choice for small and mid-sized businesses seeking efficient SBA funding. Its advanced technology and strong lender network deliver rapid matching and robust approval potential.

Why We Recommend This

SmartBiz Loans is recommended for its combination of best-in-class user experience, transparent pricing, rapid funding, and proven trustworthiness for professional business borrowers. Our research team evaluated this solution based on functionality, ease of use, customer support, and overall value.

Pros

  • Wide range of flexible financing products—including SBA, bank term, and lines of credit—for startups and established businesses
  • Streamlined digital application with AI-driven automation minimizes paperwork and accelerates pre-qualification
  • Dedicated relationship managers provide high-touch, expert support throughout the loan process
  • Market-leading transparency in pricing, fees, and terms, earning perfect scores for openness
  • Scalable and modern technology platform with fast lender matching and robust approval potential

Cons

  • Higher fees and stricter documentation for some products, especially non-SBA loans
  • Limited integration options with third-party accounting or POS systems—lacks open API connectivity
  • Some complaints regarding lender partner delays or qualification requirements for complex loans
  • Full SBA documentation can still be time-intensive relative to non-SBA products

Best For

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Fundbox logo
#3 Overall

Fundbox

Fundbox is a leading online line of credit provider, delivering fast, flexible financing solutions with streamlined application processes and rapid funding for small and mid-sized businesses. Its standout strengths include instant decisioning, wide integration support, and transparent, competitive pricing, positioning it as a top choice for SMBs seeking short-term working capital funded with minimal friction. The platform excels in usability and technology-driven convenience, especially for digitally savvy organizations.

✅ Recommended 🔧 Professional 📊 Reliable
94.0%
Recommendation

What It Does

Fundbox is a leading online line of credit provider, delivering fast, flexible financing solutions with streamlined application processes and rapid funding for small and mid-sized businesses. Its standout strengths include instant decisioning, wide integration support, and transparent, competitive pricing, positioning it as a top choice for SMBs seeking short-term working capital funded with minimal friction. The platform excels in usability and technology-driven convenience, especially for digitally savvy organizations.

Why We Recommend This

We recommend Fundbox for its best-in-class speed, transparent cost structure, and seamless integrations, validated by consistently high customer satisfaction and expert reviews. Our research team evaluated this solution based on functionality, ease of use, customer support, and overall value.

Pros

  • Exceptionally fast application and funding process (AI-powered decisioning, next-day funding)
  • Flexible, transparent pricing with flat fees and no hidden charges or prepayment penalties
  • Deep integrations with accounting, payroll, and banking platforms (QuickBooks, FreshBooks, Gusto, API stack)
  • Superior customer satisfaction and trust (Trustpilot 4.7/5, BBB A+), rapid response to support issues
  • Valuable features for recurring borrowers via Fundbox Plus (lower fees, longer terms, monthly payments)

Cons

  • Upper credit line limit ($150,000-$250,000) may not meet large enterprise needs
  • Standard repayment terms are relatively short (12-24 weeks) without Fundbox Plus
  • Limited self-service knowledge base and occasional integration support delays
  • Requires minimum FICO score of 600 and technical familiarity for optimal use

Best For

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BlueVine logo
#4

BlueVine

BlueVine stands out as a premier digital business lender and banking platform designed for small and mid-sized U.S. businesses, offering rapid funding, integrated financial management, and transparent, high-value banking. Its award-winning user experience, competitive APY, and robust third-party integrations make it an excellent solution for firms seeking modern, scalable financial tools. BlueVine’s strengths lie in fast credit access, seamless banking operations, and robust support—positioning it among the strongest fintech alternatives to traditional SMB banking.

✅ Recommended 🔧 Professional 📊 Reliable
94.0%
Recommendation

What It Does

BlueVine stands out as a premier digital business lender and banking platform designed for small and mid-sized U.S. businesses, offering rapid funding, integrated financial management, and transparent, high-value banking. Its award-winning user experience, competitive APY, and robust third-party integrations make it an excellent solution for firms seeking modern, scalable financial tools. BlueVine’s strengths lie in fast credit access, seamless banking operations, and robust support—positioning it among the strongest fintech alternatives to traditional SMB banking.

Why We Recommend This

We recommend BlueVine for its unmatched combination of speedy digital banking, highly flexible SMB credit access, competitive pricing, and proven customer satisfaction, as evidenced by expert scoring and leading user ratings. Our research team evaluated this solution based on functionality, ease of use, customer support, and overall value.

Pros

  • Rapid, flexible business credit lines with no origination or prepayment fees and instant access to funds.
  • Exceptional fully digital user experience; top-rated mobile apps and frictionless online onboarding.
  • Competitive pricing structure, high APY (up to 3.7%), no monthly fees at entry tier, and FDIC insurance up to $3M.
  • Robust integrations with major accounting, payroll, and payment platforms for streamlined financial operations.
  • Industry-leading support quality with multi-channel access and consistently high customer satisfaction ratings.

Cons

  • Maximum credit line capped at $250,000 and repayment terms limited to 12 months—less suitable for large-scale or long-term financing needs.
  • No physical branch locations may deter businesses requiring in-person banking services.
  • Transaction-specific fees apply to cash deposits ($4.95), out-of-network ATMs ($2.50), and card processing (2.9% + $0.60).
  • Support unavailable on weekends; limited hours for certain products.

Best For

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OnDeck logo
#5

OnDeck

OnDeck stands out as a leading online business lender offering rapid access to diverse funding solutions, with notable strengths in application speed, transparent pricing, and personalized service. The platform is especially well-suited for small to midsized businesses requiring urgent, short-term capital or flexible repayment options. While cost is higher than some traditional and alternative lenders, OnDeck's scalability and professional-grade support make it a top choice for fast-growing teams and enterprises with time-sensitive financing needs.

✅ Recommended 🔧 Professional 📊 Reliable
92.0%
Recommendation

What It Does

OnDeck stands out as a leading online business lender offering rapid access to diverse funding solutions, with notable strengths in application speed, transparent pricing, and personalized service. The platform is especially well-suited for small to midsized businesses requiring urgent, short-term capital or flexible repayment options. While cost is higher than some traditional and alternative lenders, OnDeck's scalability and professional-grade support make it a top choice for fast-growing teams and enterprises with time-sensitive financing needs.

Why We Recommend This

We recommend OnDeck for its proven speed, reliability, and transparent terms, which deliver strong business value and ROI in time-sensitive professional scenarios supported by positive expert testing and user feedback. Our research team evaluated this solution based on functionality, ease of use, customer support, and overall value.

Pros

  • Exceptionally fast and convenient funding, including same-day and instant funding for qualified draws
  • Transparent pricing structure with no hidden fees or prepayment penalties, enabling cost predictability
  • Highly personalized service through dedicated account representatives guiding applicants
  • Comprehensive suite of lending products tailored for varied business profiles and cycles
  • Advanced API and CRM integrations for broker partners, supporting enterprise scalability and workflow automation

Cons

  • Above-average APRs and visible origination/maintenance fees make long-term or frequent borrowing more costly
  • Repayment terms capped at 24 months may not suit businesses needing extended financing
  • Self-service technology and public business owner integrations are comparatively limited versus leading competitors
  • Support availability is restricted to business hours, limiting after-hours assistance

Best For

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Recommendations by Usage Scenario

For startups & solo entrepreneurs seeking affordable, accessible funding (1-5 employees)

Kiva provides zero-interest microloans with no fees or credit requirements, making it ideal for the smallest businesses and underserved founders. Lendio offers easy access to a wide range of lenders through a single, no-fee application, while Fundbox delivers fast credit lines and easy accounting tool integration for startups focused on digital-first operations.

Key Considerations
  • Kiva's loan cap is $15,000 and funds may take up to 2 months to raise.
  • Lendio is not a direct lender—offer speed and terms may vary depending on marketplace partner.
  • Fundbox requires a minimum FICO of 600 and at least six months in business.

For small businesses focused on quick setup and ease of use (6-50 employees)

OnDeck and Credibly excel in rapid approvals (often under 24 hours), low documentation, and simple digital applications. BlueVine provides integrated banking, instant access to credit lines, and high APY on business checking with outstanding customer support and minimal barriers for SMB operators.

Key Considerations
  • OnDeck’s high APRs and origination fees may increase total cost, best for urgent short-term needs.
  • Credibly offers fast advances for subprime borrowers, but factor rate pricing can lead to higher overall repayment.
  • BlueVine’s credit line maxes out at $250,000 with 12-month terms, ideally suited for short-term, digital-first capital needs.

For medium businesses needing advanced features and scalable integrations (51-200 employees)

Lendio supplies deep lender access, enterprise-grade API/SaaS integration, and dedicated funding specialists. SmartBiz Loans specializes in streamlined SBA and bank term funding with high-touch relationship managers, perfect for organizations scaling quickly or expanding into multiple use cases. BlueVine’s integrations with major accounting/payroll systems and comprehensive digital banking allow for seamless financial workflow management.

Key Considerations
  • SmartBiz Loans carries packaging and referral fees (2-6%) on SBA and term products; thorough documentation required.
  • Lendio’s funding terms depend on partner lenders; technical integrations mainly benefit partners and large businesses.
  • BlueVine’s individual credit line and term limits favor medium enterprises rather than large corporations.

For budget-conscious small businesses prioritizing low cost and transparent terms (under $100/month)

Fundbox’s transparent flat-fee credit lines and Fundbox Plus option offer strong value and scalable repayment schedules for ongoing working capital. BlueVine’s free standard checking tier, no monthly fees, and competitive APY help keep total cost low for banking and lending. Kiva provides unmatched affordability at zero interest and zero fees for microenterprise use cases.

Key Considerations
  • Fundbox Plus plan ($99/month) offers reduced fees and longer repayment terms—worth considering for recurring credit users.
  • BlueVine’s standard tier has no monthly fees; transaction fees (ACH, wires, deposits) may apply and should be factored in.
  • Kiva loan maximum ($15,000) is ideal for microbusiness but may not scale for larger funding needs.

For e-commerce, digital, or technology-focused businesses looking for integration-heavy solutions

Stripe Capital offers instant, sales-based repayment funding fully embedded in the Stripe platform—ideal for online sellers and SaaS firms. BlueVine integrates seamlessly with leading ecommerce, accounting, and payroll tools, serving digital businesses needing unified banking and credit access. Lendio provides API access and embedded finance features for platforms, plus a vast marketplace for tailored lender matches.

Key Considerations
  • Stripe Capital is only available for current Stripe payment users; loan amounts and offers depend on historic processing volume.
  • BlueVine provides broad integration but is US-focused and lacks physical banking branches.
  • Lendio’s technical infrastructure supports embedded lending for partners—best for platform businesses or those with custom development capacity.
Bottom Line: Make an Informed Decision

Our research provides comprehensive, unbiased analysis to help you make informed decisions for your business needs. All recommendations are based on extensive testing and real-world usage data from multiple industry experts.