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Getting a business loan can be challenging, and several factors — cost, speed, repayment schedule — can play a role in deciding which product is right for you. Let us help you through the process.
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- Term length (high to low)
SBA 7(a) loan
Best for established businesses that can’t qualify for bank financing
Max loan amount
$5,000,000
Min. credit score
650
Min. annual revenue
Undisclosed
with NerdWallet Small Business
Pros
- Large borrowing maximums.
- Interest rates are capped.
- Long repayment terms available.
Cons
- Collateral is typically required.
- Longer processing times than online lenders.
SBA 7(a) loans stand out as an affordable option for businesses that can’t qualify for bank financing, but still have good credit and finances. 7(a) loans offer low interest rates, long repayment terms and large funding amounts. These loans can also be used for a variety of purposes, including working capital, business expansions or purchasing equipment and supplies.
- For-profit U.S. business.
- Unable to access credit on reasonable terms from nongovernment sources.
- Financial qualifications determined by individual lender.
altbanq - Online term loan
Best for fast financing
Max loan amount
$10,000,000
Min. credit score
650
Min. annual revenue
$800,000
with NerdWallet Small Business
Pros
- Same-day funding available.
- Prepayment discounts available.
- Accessible to high-revenue startups.
- Accessible to startups.
Cons
- Higher credit score requirement than some online lenders.
- Repayment terms max out at 24 months.
- Minimum revenue requirement much higher than other online lenders.
Altbanq offers short-term loans in large amounts — up to $10 million. These loans can be a good option for businesses with at least 12 months in operation that have strong credit. If you can repay early, you may be able to access prepayment discounts. Keep in mind, though, that repayment terms only go up to 24 months.
- Minimum credit score: 650
- Minimum time in business: 12 months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $800,000.
National Funding - Online term loan
Best for startups
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
600
Min. annual revenue
$250,000
with NerdWallet Small Business
Pros
- Funding in as little as 24 hours.
- Prepayment discounts available.
- Offers loans to startups and borrowers with bad credit.
- No collateral or down payment required.
Cons
- Charges a factor rate that makes it more difficult to compare costs with other lenders.
- Short-term loans require daily or weekly repayment.
- Requires higher annual revenue than other online lenders.
- Can't be used to built business credit.
- Charges an origination fee.
Borrowers who can't qualify for more traditional loan options might consider National Funding for fast access to capital. National Funding has flexible qualification requirements and can fund applications in as little as 24 hours. The lender also offers prepayment discounts for those who can repay their loans early.
- Minimum credit score: 600.
- Minimum time in business: Six months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $250,000.
Fora Financial - Online term loan
Best for flexible requirements
Max loan amount
$1,500,000
Min. credit score
570
Min. annual revenue
$240,000
with NerdWallet Small Business
Pros
- Cash can be available quickly.
- Get a discount for prepaying.
- No collateral required.
- Low minimum credit score requirement.
Cons
- Charges a factor rate that makes it more difficult to compare costs with other lenders.
- Can’t build business credit.
- Aggressive repayment schedule (daily or weekly).
- Charges an origination fee.
Fora Financial stands out as a fast funding option for borrowers who may fall short of qualifying for traditional bank financing. The lender can work with startups and borrowers with bad credit — as long as they have strong revenue. Fora offers large maximum loan amounts and can provide prepayment discounts for those who repay early.
- In business for at least six months.
- At least $20,000 per month in revenue.
- No open bankruptcies or dismissed bankruptcies within the past year.
SBA CDC/504 loan
Best for commercial real estate loans
Max loan amount
$5,000,000
Min. credit score
680
Min. annual revenue
Undisclosed
with NerdWallet Small Business
Pros
- Low down payment required.
- Repayment terms of up to 25 years.
- Competitive interest rates.
Cons
- Must meet job creation or public policy goals to qualify.
- Longer processing times than online lenders.
SBA 504 loans are an affordable option for funding equipment and real estate purchases. These SBA loans offer low interest rates, long repayment terms and large funding amounts. 504 loans also have a fairly low down payment requirement compared to other equipment or real estate loans. To qualify, however, you’ll likely need to be an established business with good credit.
- Be a for-profit U.S. business.
- Net worth of less than $15 million.
- Average net income of less than $5 million for the two years prior to your application.
- Financial qualifications determined by individual lender.
Quantum Lending Solutions - Term loan
Best for low-revenue businesses
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
680
Min. annual revenue
$50,000
with NerdWallet Small Business
Pros
- Can be used to build business credit.
- Long repayment terms available.
- No prepayment penalty.
Cons
- Charges an origination fee.
- Not available in all 50 U.S. states.
- Not available in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Dakota, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania or Tennessee.
If you’re looking for an online loan to fund larger purchases, Quantum Lending Solutions may be a good option. The lender offers larger loan maximums and longer repayment terms than some other online lenders. Quantum also works with borrowers with good credit, but provides faster funding than bank or SBA lenders.
- Minimum credit score: 680.
- Minimum time in business: 12 months.
- Minimum annual revenue requirement: $50,000.
iBusiness Funding - Online term loan
Best for long-term financing
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
660
Min. annual revenue
$50,000
with NerdWallet Small Business
Pros
- Cash can be available within two to four business days.
- Competitive rates among online lenders.
- Terms up to five years.
- iBusiness Funding also offers SBA loans up to $5 million.
Cons
- Charges an origination fee.
- Must be in business for a minimum of 24 months.
- Minimum credit score is higher than some other lenders.
iBusiness Funding is a good option for qualified business owners who don’t want to wait for bank financing. The lender offers competitive interest rates and long repayment terms, but can fund much more quickly than traditional lenders. And with a large maximum funding amount, this loan can be used for a variety of long-term expansion projects, as well as refinancing existing debt.
- Minimum credit score: 660.
- Minimum time in business: 24 months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $50,000.
- No bankruptcies in the past seven years.
Bank of America - Equipment loan
Best for equipment financing
Max loan amount
$750,000
Min. credit score
700
Min. annual revenue
$250,000
with NerdWallet Small Business
Pros
- Competitive interest rates.
- Longer repayment periods.
- Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program can offer interest rate discounts and other perks.
- Fee discounts available for veteran-owned businesses.
Cons
- Charges an origination fee.
- Prepayment fees may apply to early repayments.
- Can be slow to fund.
- Application cannot be completed online.
If you’re looking for an equipment loan from a big bank, Bank of America may be a good option. The lender offers equipment loans starting at $25,000 with no set limit and loan terms of up to five years when secured by business assets. Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards for Business customers may also be able to access discounted rates.
- Minimum time in business: 24 months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $250,000
Chase - Business line of credit
Best for large working capital needs
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
660
Min. annual revenue
Undisclosed
with NerdWallet Small Business
Pros
- Bank credit line with competitive interest rates.
- Large maximum line limit of $500,000.
Cons
- Not available in Alaska and Hawaii.
- Annual fee may apply.
If you’re looking for a line of credit from a big bank, Chase offers a revolving credit line with repayment terms of five years. The lender offers large credit line amounts with variable rates based on the prime rate. To qualify, you’ll need to be an established business and provide collateral. Unlike some bank options, you’ll need to visit a branch location to apply.
- Minimum credit score: 660
- Minimum time in business: 24 months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $100,000.
large business loans: More details
U.S. Small Business Administration: Best for established businesses that can’t qualify for bank financing
SBA 7(a) loans can provide government-guaranteed funding up to $5 million. So far in fiscal year 2026, nearly 25% of all 7(a) loans issued were in amounts greater than $500,000.
Low interest rate
SBA 7(a) loan
with NerdWallet Small Business
Max loan amount
$5,000,000
Min. credit score
650
Term length
Up to 25 years
Pros
- Large borrowing maximums.
- Interest rates are capped.
- Long repayment terms available.
Cons
- Collateral is typically required.
- Longer processing times than online lenders.
SBA 7(a) loans stand out as an affordable option for businesses that can’t qualify for bank financing, but still have good credit and finances. 7(a) loans offer low interest rates, long repayment terms and large funding amounts. These loans can also be used for a variety of purposes, including working capital, business expansions or purchasing equipment and supplies.
- For-profit U.S. business.
- Unable to access credit on reasonable terms from nongovernment sources.
- Financial qualifications determined by individual lender.
altbanq: Best for fast financing
Altbanq offers large business loans (up to $10 million) quicker than most of the other lenders on our list. You can get approved and funded as fast as the same day.
altbanq - Online term loan
with NerdWallet Small Business
Max loan amount
$10,000,000
Min. credit score
650
Term length
Up to 24 months
Pros
- Same-day funding available.
- Prepayment discounts available.
- Accessible to high-revenue startups.
- Accessible to startups.
Cons
- Higher credit score requirement than some online lenders.
- Repayment terms max out at 24 months.
- Minimum revenue requirement much higher than other online lenders.
Altbanq offers short-term loans in large amounts — up to $10 million. These loans can be a good option for businesses with at least 12 months in operation that have strong credit. If you can repay early, you may be able to access prepayment discounts. Keep in mind, though, that repayment terms only go up to 24 months.
- Minimum credit score: 650
- Minimum time in business: 12 months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $800,000.
National Funding: Best for startups
National Funding’s unsecured business loans are available in amounts up to $500,000 for companies that have at least six months in operation.
National Funding - Online term loan
with NerdWallet Small Business
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
600
Term length
4 to 24 months
Pros
- Funding in as little as 24 hours.
- Prepayment discounts available.
- Offers loans to startups and borrowers with bad credit.
- No collateral or down payment required.
Cons
- Charges a factor rate that makes it more difficult to compare costs with other lenders.
- Short-term loans require daily or weekly repayment.
- Requires higher annual revenue than other online lenders.
- Can't be used to built business credit.
- Charges an origination fee.
Borrowers who can't qualify for more traditional loan options might consider National Funding for fast access to capital. National Funding has flexible qualification requirements and can fund applications in as little as 24 hours. The lender also offers prepayment discounts for those who can repay their loans early.
- Minimum credit score: 600.
- Minimum time in business: Six months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $250,000.
Fora Financial: Best for flexible requirements
Fora Financial offers working capital loans of up to $1.5 million with flexible qualification requirements. You may be able to qualify with a personal credit score of 570+ and at least six months in business.
Fora Financial - Online term loan
with NerdWallet Small Business
Max loan amount
$1,500,000
Min. credit score
570
Term length
4 to 18 months
Pros
- Cash can be available quickly.
- Get a discount for prepaying.
- No collateral required.
- Low minimum credit score requirement.
Cons
- Charges a factor rate that makes it more difficult to compare costs with other lenders.
- Can’t build business credit.
- Aggressive repayment schedule (daily or weekly).
- Charges an origination fee.
Fora Financial stands out as a fast funding option for borrowers who may fall short of qualifying for traditional bank financing. The lender can work with startups and borrowers with bad credit — as long as they have strong revenue. Fora offers large maximum loan amounts and can provide prepayment discounts for those who repay early.
- In business for at least six months.
- At least $20,000 per month in revenue.
- No open bankruptcies or dismissed bankruptcies within the past year.
U.S. Small Business Administration: Best for commercial real estate loans
SBA 504 loans are designed specifically to buy or upgrade major fixed assets, like commercial real estate. Although most 504 loans are up to $5 million, small manufacturers and select projects may qualify for up to $5.5 million. So far in fiscal year 2026, nearly two-thirds of all 504 loans issued were in amounts greater than $500,000.
SBA CDC/504 loan
with NerdWallet Small Business
Max loan amount
$5,000,000
Min. credit score
680
Term length
10 to 25 years
Pros
- Low down payment required.
- Repayment terms of up to 25 years.
- Competitive interest rates.
Cons
- Must meet job creation or public policy goals to qualify.
- Longer processing times than online lenders.
SBA 504 loans are an affordable option for funding equipment and real estate purchases. These SBA loans offer low interest rates, long repayment terms and large funding amounts. 504 loans also have a fairly low down payment requirement compared to other equipment or real estate loans. To qualify, however, you’ll likely need to be an established business with good credit.
- Be a for-profit U.S. business.
- Net worth of less than $15 million.
- Average net income of less than $5 million for the two years prior to your application.
- Financial qualifications determined by individual lender.
Quantum Lending Solutions: Best for low-revenue businesses
If you have good credit and at least 12 months in business, but you’re still building revenue, Quantum’s term loan may be an option. The lender offers up to $500,000 for businesses with a minimum of $50,000 in annual revenue.
Quantum Lending Solutions - Term loan
with NerdWallet Small Business
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
680
Term length
12 months to 5 years
Pros
- Can be used to build business credit.
- Long repayment terms available.
- No prepayment penalty.
Cons
- Charges an origination fee.
- Not available in all 50 U.S. states.
- Not available in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Dakota, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania or Tennessee.
If you’re looking for an online loan to fund larger purchases, Quantum Lending Solutions may be a good option. The lender offers larger loan maximums and longer repayment terms than some other online lenders. Quantum also works with borrowers with good credit, but provides faster funding than bank or SBA lenders.
- Minimum credit score: 680.
- Minimum time in business: 12 months.
- Minimum annual revenue requirement: $50,000.
iBusiness Funding: Best for long-term financing
iBusiness Funding provides fast financing up to $500,000. Repayment terms are available for up to five years (longer than many online lenders offer), which can help keep payments affordable for large purchases.
May fund quickly
iBusiness Funding - Online term loan
with NerdWallet Small Business
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
660
Term length
6 months to 5 years
Pros
- Cash can be available within two to four business days.
- Competitive rates among online lenders.
- Terms up to five years.
- iBusiness Funding also offers SBA loans up to $5 million.
Cons
- Charges an origination fee.
- Must be in business for a minimum of 24 months.
- Minimum credit score is higher than some other lenders.
iBusiness Funding is a good option for qualified business owners who don’t want to wait for bank financing. The lender offers competitive interest rates and long repayment terms, but can fund much more quickly than traditional lenders. And with a large maximum funding amount, this loan can be used for a variety of long-term expansion projects, as well as refinancing existing debt.
- Minimum credit score: 660.
- Minimum time in business: 24 months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $50,000.
- No bankruptcies in the past seven years.
Bank of America: Best for equipment financing
Bank of America can fund equipment loans of up to $750,000. These loans can be used for a variety of new or used equipment purchases with competitive interest rates.
Bank of America - Equipment loan
with NerdWallet Small Business
Max loan amount
$750,000
Min. credit score
700
Term length
Up to 5 years
Pros
- Competitive interest rates.
- Longer repayment periods.
- Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards program can offer interest rate discounts and other perks.
- Fee discounts available for veteran-owned businesses.
Cons
- Charges an origination fee.
- Prepayment fees may apply to early repayments.
- Can be slow to fund.
- Application cannot be completed online.
If you’re looking for an equipment loan from a big bank, Bank of America may be a good option. The lender offers equipment loans starting at $25,000 with no set limit and loan terms of up to five years when secured by business assets. Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards for Business customers may also be able to access discounted rates.
- Minimum time in business: 24 months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $250,000
Chase: Best for large working capital needs
Chase’s business line of credit is available in amounts up to $500,000 with a five-year revolving term. While Chase doesn’t disclose its interest rate, traditional banks tend to offer the lowest interest rates for small-business financing.
Chase - Business line of credit
with NerdWallet Small Business
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
660
Term length
5 years
Pros
- Bank credit line with competitive interest rates.
- Large maximum line limit of $500,000.
Cons
- Not available in Alaska and Hawaii.
- Annual fee may apply.
If you’re looking for a line of credit from a big bank, Chase offers a revolving credit line with repayment terms of five years. The lender offers large credit line amounts with variable rates based on the prime rate. To qualify, you’ll need to be an established business and provide collateral. Unlike some bank options, you’ll need to visit a branch location to apply.
- Minimum credit score: 660
- Minimum time in business: 24 months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $100,000.
A closer look at the best business loans over $500,000
SBA 7(a)
Best for established businesses that can’t qualify for bank financing
When should you get a large SBA 7(a) loan?
If you can qualify for — and wait for — an SBA loan, the competitive interest rates and favorable terms are worth it, especially since you are borrowing in large amounts. However, because interest rates and terms for loans from traditional banks tend to be better, SBA loans are generally a next-best option. SBA loans can take longer to qualify for than many other business loans, so you’ll want to make sure your funding timeline works with whatever project you are financing.
Is collateral required?
For 7(a) loans over $350,000, the SBA requires lenders to secure the full loan amount using the assets that are being purchased or improved with the 7(a) loan, plus other business assets if necessary. The SBA also requires a personal guarantee from anyone who owns more than 20% of the business.
Altbanq
Best for fast financing
When should you get a large business loan from Altbanq?
Altbanq can be a good option for those who need capital quickly. The lender can fund applications as fast as the same day you apply. It can also be a good choice if you need a large amount of financing — and you’re confident you can repay it within a maximum of 24 months.
Is collateral required?
No.
National Funding
Best for startups
When should you get a large business loan from National Funding?
If you can’t qualify for traditional funding because your business has been in operation for less than a year, but you have strong revenue, National Funding is worth considering. This lender will work with businesses that have been operating for only 6 months. You don’t need to have stellar credit, but you’ll want to make sure your cash flow can support daily or weekly payments.
Is collateral required?
No.
Fora Financial
Best for flexible requirements
When should you get a large business loan from Fora Financial?
Fora Financial may approve you for financing with a credit score as low as 570. You may also be able to get approved in as little as four hours, with funding as quickly as 24 hours later. It lends up to $1.5 million with no restrictions on the use of the funds.
Fora allows you to borrow more once you’ve paid off 60% of your loan, almost like a line of credit. That may help you finance a large project in waves if you can’t qualify for the full amount all at once. Fora also offers prepayment discounts, which is even more incentive for you to pay down the loan as fast as possible.
Is collateral required?
No.
SBA 504 loan
Best for commercial real estate loans
When should you get a large SBA 504 loan?
You should look at SBA 504 loans when you are purchasing large fixed assets like existing buildings or land, or large equipment. You can also use 504 loans for new construction or to refinance business debt.
Is collateral required?
The SBA requires that the property or equipment being acquired with a 504 loan is used as collateral. Lenders may ask for additional collateral according to their own practices.
Quantum Lending Solutions
Best for low-revenue businesses
When should you get a large business loan from Quantum?
If you have good credit and 12 months in business, but lower revenue, you might consider Quantum. Quantum can fund businesses with at least $50,000 in annual revenue. The lender offers repayment terms up to 60 months and semimonthly payments — which you don’t see with many other online lenders.
Is collateral required?
No.
iBusiness Funding
Best for long-term financing
When should you get a large business loan from iBusiness Funding?
iBusiness Funding can help you access loans with terms up to 60 months much faster than a bank or SBA lender. An 60-month term is long compared with many other online lenders, and longer terms can help lower monthly payments to make your purchase more affordable.
Is collateral required?
No.
Bank of America Equipment Loan
Best for equipment financing
When should you get a large business loan from Bank of America?
If you need a loan to purchase large, high-value equipment, you should look for equipment lenders or lenders who have experience with financing equipment. Bank of America can finance up to $750,000 in equipment, with competitive interest rates and repayment terms up to 60 months.
Is collateral required?
Bank of America uses the equipment being financed as collateral for the loan.
Chase Business Line of Credit
Best for large working capital needs
When should you get a large business line of credit from Chase?
In general, a business line of credit is good to cover working capital needs because the revolving line allows you to borrow and pay as many times as you need to, up to a certain limit. You should get a Chase Business Line of Credit specifically if you have good personal credit and have been in business for a couple of years.
Is collateral required?
Yes.
When to consider a large business loan
A large business loan can be the right fit if you:
- Need to make a major investment in your operations.
- Are looking to expand or open a new location.
- Are purchasing or acquiring another business.
- Need to buy large equipment or real estate.
- Have good credit, established revenue and sufficient collateral.
Not a fit? Compare all of our picks for the best small-business loans or jump down to learn more about alternatives.
What is a large business loan?
A large business loan typically offers $500,000 or more in funding. These loans are available from traditional and online lenders, and are usually used to finance significant investments in your business. These types of loans tend to have long repayment terms and competitive interest rates, but can be harder to qualify for than smaller sized loans.
Types of large business loans
Many different types of business loans can provide large amounts of capital. Here are some of the most common options:
SBA loans
Best for: Low rates and long repayment terms.
SBA loans are partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration and issued by participating lenders, like banks and credit unions.
The most popular type of SBA loan, the 7(a) loan, offers funding amounts up to $5 million. SBA 7(a) loans can be used for a variety of purposes, including purchasing equipment, acquiring or improving real estate, buying a business and debt refinancing.
SBA 504 loans, on the other hand, must be used for large fixed asset purchases or improvements. These loans typically have maximum funding amounts of $5 million — although specific projects and small manufacturers may qualify for up to $5.5 million.
SBA loans offer long repayment terms and competitive interest rates.But, you’ll need multiple years in business, good credit and strong finances to qualify. In many cases, you’ll also need to secure a loan with physical collateral.
Business term loans
Best for: One-time, lump-sum investments.
With a business term loan, you borrow a lump sum of money from a lender and repay it over a specific period, with interest. Business term loans are available from banks and online lenders. Some types of business term loans are more likely to offer large loan amounts, such as:
Best for: Buying or renovating commercial property
Commercial real estate loans provide capital specifically for the purchase or renovation of commercial properties, such as offices, storefronts and warehouses. The amount of funding you’re eligible to receive is based on the loan-to-value ratio (LTV). LTV is calculated by dividing the loan amount by the value of the commercial property you own or are looking to buy.
Best for: Financing machinery or equipment
Similar to commercial real estate loans, equipment loans are used to purchase machinery or equipment for your business. Equipment financing may be available in amounts up to 100% of the value of the equipment you’re looking to buy. The amount you receive, however, will vary based on your lender and qualifications.
Best for: Leveraging collateral to get larger loan amounts
A secured business loan is backed by physical collateral, such as equipment or real estate. The collateral you provide helps reduce the lender’s risk of loaning you money, which enables you to qualify for larger loan amounts and more competitive repayment terms.
Invoice factoring
Best for: B2B businesses with unpaid invoices.
Invoice factoring allows you to sell your unpaid invoices to a factoring company at a discount. In exchange, you receive an advance of capital. The factoring company advances a percentage of the invoice amount, potentially up to 90%.
Then, the company assumes responsibility for collecting repayment on your invoices. Once the factoring company receives payment from your customers, it sends you the difference, minus its fees.
Because the invoices serve as collateral, factoring can be easier to qualify for compared with more traditional business loan options.
Business lines of credit
Best for: Flexible or ongoing capital needs.
A business line of credit provides access to flexible funding. You draw money from a set amount of funds and only pay interest on the money you borrow. After you’ve repaid these funds, you can continue to draw on the credit line.
Because business lines of credit are often used for working capital and short-term expenses, maximum funding amounts are usually lower than what you might get from a term loan. Some lenders, however, typically banks, offer lines of credit in amounts of $500,000 or more.
Certain lenders may also offer SBA lines of credit, which are available in amounts up to $5 million. Often, these products are designed for established companies with greater financing needs.
Pros and cons of large business loans
Pros
- Provides funding for large business investments.
- Typically have long repayment terms with monthly payment schedules.
- May offer competitive interest rates.
- Can be used to build business credit.
Cons
- Can be harder to qualify for than smaller loans.
- May need to be secured with physical collateral.
- Monthly payments will be larger and you’ll likely pay more in interest over the lifecycle of the loan.
- Large loans from banks and SBA lenders can be slow to fund, with lengthy application processes.
How to qualify for a large business loan
To qualify for a large business loan, you’ll often need:
- Good credit. A credit score of 670 or higher will help you access the most competitive options.
- Strong finances. It’s helpful to have annual revenue of $100,000 or more. Although not always required, lenders like to see profitability.
- Multiple years in business. Many large business loans require you to have at least two years in operation.
- Sufficient collateral. You may need to secure your loan with physical collateral, such as inventory, equipment or real estate.
Asset-based loan options — like invoice factoring or equipment financing — may have more flexible eligibility criteria. Because these products are inherently backed by collateral, they reduce the risk for the lender. As a result, some lenders focus less heavily on traditional business loan requirements.
How to get a large business loan
Here are steps you can follow to get a large business loan.
1. Understand your financing needs
Determine exactly how much capital you need and why you need it. You'll also want to calculate how much debt you can afford.
Keep in mind that lenders don't always fund the full amount requested — our study of borrowers approved through NerdWallet Small Business between July 2024 and June 2025 found that, on average, applicants received about three-quarters of what they originally asked for
[1]
If you’re looking for a large amount of funding, you’ll likely have larger monthly payments. Plan for the possibility that you'll receive less than requested and make sure you have the cash flow to manage payments before continuing your financing search.
2. Evaluate your qualifications
Lenders will use your personal credit score, annual revenue and time in business to underwrite your loan application. They may also consider how much collateral you can offer.
You’ll usually need to meet strict criteria to qualify for a large business loan.
Although there are some large business loan options for startups and borrowers with bad credit, these may have higher interest rates and shorter terms, making them more difficult to repay.
By evaluating your business’s qualifications ahead of time, you’ll have a good sense of where you stand with different lenders. Plus, you can ensure that getting a large business loan is the right decision for you.
3. Research and compare lenders
Research and compare several different small-business lenders — starting with those that actually offer financing at the amount you need — to find the best option for your needs.
Consider other factors such as available loan types, interest rates, fees and repayment terms. Also think about the lender’s application process, speed, customer service and reputation.
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If you’re a mid-sized business with large financing needs, you might look for lenders that offer a commercial lending division. Commercial loans are often designed for larger, high-revenue businesses. Through PNC Bank’s commercial division, for example, established businesses can access loans from $15 million to $1 billion.Nerdy Tip
4. Complete and submit your application
Because you’re asking for a large amount of funding, it’s likely that your lender will require more documentation in comparison with other business loans.
You may need to provide:
- Basic information about you and your business.
- Personal and business bank statements.
- Personal and business tax returns.
- Business financial statements.
- Information about your collateral.
- Existing business debt schedule, if applicable.
When applying for real estate financing, you’ll need to provide a valuation of the property you’re looking to purchase or upgrade. Similarly, equipment loans will likely require an equipment quote.
5. Review the loan agreement and get funds
It may take anywhere from a few days to several months to receive approval. Banks and SBA lenders will have a slower underwriting and funding process compared with online lenders.
Once you’re approved, your lender will provide you with a business loan agreement to review and sign. Read the document carefully and make sure you understand the terms and conditions, as well as the repayment process.
If you have questions or concerns, contact your lender for clarification before signing. After you’ve signed the agreement, your lender will transfer your funds.
Alternatives to large business loans
If you can’t get a traditional business loan, you might consider these alternatives.
- For businesses with an established following: Crowdfunding takes place through online platforms where you can pitch your business to potential backers. These investors give you cash in exchange for rewards or even ownership in your company. You might not be able to access as much capital as you would with a traditional loan, but this can be a good option for businesses with an existing online presence.
- For high-growth potential startups: If you want a large investment as well as business guidance, consider angel investors or a venture capital firm. These are both forms of equity financing, where you receive capital in exchange for ownership in your business.
Frequently asked questions
SBA 7(a) and 504 loans offer some of the largest loan amounts, typically up to $5 million. Banks may also issue large business loans, but these offerings vary based on the bank and type of loan product, among other factors.
Loans of more than $5 million may be available from commercial lenders who cater toward mid-sized and high-revenue businesses.
It can be hard to get a large business loan if you don’t have good credit, strong finances and multiple years in business. You may also need to provide collateral. Although eligibility criteria vary by lender and loan type, many lenders ask you to meet stricter requirements to access larger loan amounts.
It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get a large business loan without existing revenue. Large business loans typically have strict eligibility criteria, including monthly or annual revenue requirements. If you’re a new business that isn’t earning money yet, you’ll likely need to consider alternative options.
Learn more about how to get a business loan with no money.
Last updated on August 7, 2026
Fill out one simple application
Answer a 3-minute questionnaire about your business to get personalized lending options. It’s free and won’t impact your credit score.
See your business loan options
Compare interest rates and repayment terms to choose the best product for your needs.
Get your loan
If the lender approves you, you’ll sign closing documents in order to receive funds. Some lenders can approve and fund loans within one business day.
Methodology
NerdWallet’s review process evaluates and rates small-business loan products from traditional banks and online lenders. We collect over 30 data points on each lender using company websites and public documents. We may also go through a lender’s initial application flow and reach out to company representatives. NerdWallet writers and editors conduct a full fact check and update annually, but also make updates throughout the year as necessary.
To come up with our list of the best large business loans, we selected lenders that offer a maximum loan amount of $500,000 or more.
Our star ratings award points to lenders that offer small-business friendly features, including:
- Transparency of rates and terms.
- Flexible payment options.
- Fast funding times.
- Accessible customer service.
- Reporting of payments to business credit bureaus.
- Responsible lending practices.
We weigh these factors based on our assessment of which are the most important to small-business owners and how meaningfully they impact borrowers’ experiences.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for our star ratings. Read more about our ratings methodology for small-business loans and our editorial guidelines.
