Bad credit business loans are available from alternative sources, like online or nonprofit lenders. If your credit isn’t great, getting a loan from a bank or credit union may be difficult.
Borrowers with poor credit are considered riskier, so available loans will likely be more expensive as a result. If you need a bad credit business loan, shop around to get the best terms possible and make sure the payments will be manageable.
Here are small-business loans for borrowers with bad credit — defined by FICO as a score between 300 and 629 — and more information on how to qualify for financing.
How much do you need?
We’ll start with a brief questionnaire to better understand the unique needs of your business.
Once we uncover your personalized matches, our team will consult you on the process moving forward.
Here are 6 options for you
Lender | Best for | Max loan amount | Min. credit score | Next steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
OnDeck - Online term loan with Fundera by NerdWallet | Best for Short-term loan for bad credit | $250,000 | 600 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
Fundbox - Line of credit with Fundera by NerdWallet | Best for Business lines of credit for bad credit | $150,000 | 600 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
Bluevine - Line of credit with Fundera by NerdWallet | Best for Business lines of credit for bad credit | $250,000 | 600 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
OnDeck - Line of credit with Fundera by NerdWallet | Best for Business lines of credit for bad credit | $100,000 | 600 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
Triton Capital - Equipment financing with Fundera by NerdWallet | Best for Equipment loan for bad credit | $250,000 | 600 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
SBA Microloan with Fundera by NerdWallet | Best for SBA loan for bad credit | $50,000 | 620 | with Fundera by NerdWallet |
Our pick for
Short-term loan for bad credit
If your credit score is at least 600, you may be able to qualify for a short-term loan with amounts up to $250,000. These loans are good for specific, one-time purchases.
OnDeck - Online term loan
Max Loan Amount
$250,000
Min. Credit Score
600
Est. APR
9.00-99.00%
OnDeck offers a fast term loan for small-business owners with less-than-stellar credit who want to expand.
May fund quickly
Our picks for
Business lines of credit for bad credit
Lines of credit may be available from online lenders if your credit score is at least 600. You only pay interest on the funds you draw from the credit line, giving you more flexibility than a term loan.
Fundbox - Line of credit
Max Loan Amount
$150,000
Min. Credit Score
600
Est. APR
10.10-79.80%
Fundbox offers a business line of credit to fill a cash-flow gap, and qualifying is easier than with other lenders.
May fund quickly
Bluevine - Line of credit
Max Loan Amount
$250,000
Min. Credit Score
600
Est. APR
15.00-78.00%
Bluevine's line of credit provides fast working capital for short-term borrowing needs.
May fund quickly
OnDeck - Line of credit
Max Loan Amount
$100,000
Min. Credit Score
600
Est. APR
11.00-61.90%
OnDeck offers a fast line of credit for small-business owners with less-than-stellar credit who need to manage cash flow or buy inventory.
May fund quickly
Our pick for
Equipment loan for bad credit
The equipment you purchase with this type of financing serves as collateral on the loan itself, meaning online lenders may be more flexible with their credit qualifications.
with Fundera by NerdWallet
Triton Capital - Equipment financing
with Fundera by NerdWallet
Max Loan Amount
$250,000
Min. Credit Score
600
Est. APR
4.99-25.00%
Triton Capital offers fast equipment loans up to $250,000 for businesses in a range of industries.
Our pick for
SBA loan for bad credit
Microloans are offered through nonprofit, community-based organizations, which may be more willing to work with you if you have low or poor credit.
SBA Microloan
Max Loan Amount
$50,000
Min. Credit Score
620
Est. APR
8.00-13.00%
The average microloan is roughly $13,000, according to the Small Business Administration.
How Much Do You Need?
It’s possible to get a business loan with bad credit if your company is otherwise in good shape. Lenders have different qualifications, and are likely to consider the following in addition to your credit score:
- How long you’ve been in business.
- What your annual revenue is.
- How strong your cash flow is.
- What kind of collateral you can provide.
The reasons behind your low credit score may also influence a lender’s decision. For example, it will likely be harder to get approved if a recent bankruptcy or loan default is what’s dragging your score down.
- Check your credit. Before applying for a small-business loan, check your credit to know what lenders are going to see. You can get a free credit score on NerdWallet, and pull your personal credit report from the three major reporting bureaus for free at AnnualCreditReport.com. Business credit scores are available from Experian, Equifax and Dun & Bradstreet.
- Wait, if you can. If your credit score is lower than you’d like, consider ways to build it up before applying for business financing. For example, look for any errors on your credit reports and dispute them with the appropriate credit bureau. Other credit-strengthening strategies can include making payments more often and paying down or paying off debt, which can build your business credit as well.
- Shop around. If you need financing now, bad credit will likely mean you’ll have fewer options to choose from. But don’t let that stop you from shopping around. A low credit score may result in a high interest rate, which could make it difficult to repay your new loan — and leave you worse off financially than you started. By working to get the best deal possible, you’ll better position yourself for success.
Banks and credit unions likely won’t approve you if you have bad credit. But these alternative sources may let you get a business loan with a spotty credit history:
- Online lenders. Most online lenders require a minimum personal credit score between 500 and 650. But a few have no minimum credit score requirement, focusing on factors like your business’s cash flow instead. Online lenders offer easier approvals and faster funding than other business lending options, but they typically charge higher rates — even for those with good credit.
- CDFIs. A community development financial institution, or CDFI, receives government funding to provide banking access to low-income or underserved communities. CDFIs are often banks and credit unions, but don’t have the same strict credit requirements for lending those financial institutions have. If you’re eligible for CDFI financing, you could get a competitive interest rate. Funding can be slower than online lenders, though.
- Microlenders. If you have bad credit, you may be able to get a microloan for your business. Microloans typically come from nonprofits. Because profit isn’t these organizations’ primary driver, they may be more willing to work with business owners with a thin credit history. The downside of a microloan is right in its name: Funds typically top out around $50,000, which may not be enough for your company’s needs.
- Your business. Invoice factoring or financing can turn unpaid customer invoices into immediate cash and is best for business-to-business companies. While lenders may still check your credit score, approvals are based mainly on the value of your invoices. A merchant cash advance can also let bad credit borrowers tap into their own business for financing. But this kind of loan should be a last resort, as rates can reach triple digits.
If your company is less than a year old with little revenue, it’ll be tough to find a startup business loan — whether your credit is good or bad.
Nonprofit organizations and CDFIs that participate in the SBA microloan program may be willing to work with newer businesses that have rocky credit histories. Many of these lenders focus on issuing loans to traditionally underserved businesses in their communities.
A few additional lenders offer startup business loans for bad credit, but these options can be expensive. That will also likely be the case for any startup business loans with no credit check or guaranteed approval. Be wary of such promises.
Potential alternative options include business credit cards, which typically provide borrowing amounts up to $50,000. However, approval is based on your personal credit score, and you’ll need a minimum credit score of 630 to qualify for most cards.
If you need to improve your credit score, consider getting a secured personal credit card first.
These cards require a cash security deposit when you open the account. But if you use the card responsibly, you’ll improve your personal credit and get back your deposit.
If none of the loans included here works for you, or if you’d like to compare loan options, NerdWallet has a list of small-business loans that are best for business owners. All of our recommendations are based on the lender’s market scope and track record and on the needs of business owners, as well as rates and other factors, so you can make the right financing decision.
Last updated on December 1, 2021
To recap our selections...
6 Best Business Loans for Bad Credit of May 2022
- OnDeck - Online term loan: Best for Short-term loan for bad credit
- Fundbox - Line of credit: Best for Business lines of credit for bad credit
- Bluevine - Line of credit: Best for Business lines of credit for bad credit
- OnDeck - Line of credit: Best for Business lines of credit for bad credit
- Triton Capital - Equipment financing: Best for Equipment loan for bad credit
- SBA Microloan: Best for SBA loan for bad credit
Frequently Asked Questions
Some online and nonprofit lenders accept borrowers with bad personal credit scores (300 to 629 FICO). A lower credit score may result in a pricier loan, so building your credit first may qualify you for cheaper options.
Most lenders require a minimum credit score ranging from 500 to 650 FICO, but some have no minimum requirement. Your annual revenue and time in business may also be considered on your application. Shop around and compare small-business loans to get one that fits your needs.