Best Business Loans for Bad Credit of October 2025

Even if you have a lower credit score, you may still qualify for certain business loan options.

of the best bad credit business loans: More details

Giggle Finance: Best for No credit check icon

Giggle Finance: Best for No credit check

Giggle Finance doesn’t require a credit check because eligibility is based on your bank statements. You must have at least three months in business to qualify.

Giggle Finance - Merchant cash advance

Giggle Finance - Merchant cash advance

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Max loan amount
$10,000
Min. credit score
300
Term length
Undisclosed

Pros

  • No minimum credit score requirement.
  • Same-day funding available.
  • Specifically designed for freelancers and self-employed individuals.

Cons

  • Funding maxes out at $10,000 ($20,000 for repeat customers).
  • Factor rate and fee information not available on website.
  • Charges an origination fee.

Pros

  • No minimum credit score requirement.
  • Same-day funding available.
  • Specifically designed for freelancers and self-employed individuals.

Cons

  • Funding maxes out at $10,000 ($20,000 for repeat customers).
  • Factor rate and fee information not available on website.
  • Charges an origination fee.

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U.S. Small Business Administration: Best for Low interest rates icon

U.S. Small Business Administration: Best for Low interest rates

SBA microloans are offered through nonprofit, community-based organizations which can be more willing to work with borrowers with fair or bad credit. Interest rates on these loans typically range from 8% to 13%.

SBA microloan

SBA microloan

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Max loan amount
$50,000
Min. credit score
620
Term length
Up to 7 years

Pros

  • Can be used for a variety of funding purposes.
  • Designed to finance traditionally underserved businesses.
  • Startups and business owners with bad credit may be able to qualify.
  • Competitive interest rates, low fees and long repayment terms.
  • Intermediaries typically offer business training and educational resources.

Cons

  • Loan amounts max out at $50,000.
  • Can’t be used to pay existing debt or purchase real estate.
  • Collateral is likely required.
  • Slow funding timeline.

Pros

  • Can be used for a variety of funding purposes.
  • Designed to finance traditionally underserved businesses.
  • Startups and business owners with bad credit may be able to qualify.
  • Competitive interest rates, low fees and long repayment terms.
  • Intermediaries typically offer business training and educational resources.

Cons

  • Loan amounts max out at $50,000.
  • Can’t be used to pay existing debt or purchase real estate.
  • Collateral is likely required.
  • Slow funding timeline.

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Fora Financial: Best for Fast funding icon

Fora Financial: Best for Fast funding

You may be able to qualify for a loan from Fora Financial with a minimum credit score of 570. Fora can also offer large loan amounts and funding in as little as 24 hours.

Fora Financial - Online term loan

Fora Financial - Online term loan

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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.
  • Longest loan term is 18 months.
  • Charges an origination fee.

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.
  • Longest loan term is 18 months.
  • Charges an origination fee.

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Expansion Capital Group: Best for Working capital icon

Expansion Capital Group: Best for Working capital

Expansion Capital Group can provide fast access to working capital for borrowers with a minimum credit score of 500. Like all merchant cash advances, however, this product may be expensive.

Expansion Capital Group - Merchant cash advance

Expansion Capital Group - Merchant cash advance

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Max loan amount
$300,000
Min. credit score
500
Term length
Undisclosed

Pros

  • Simple application with minimal documentation required.
  • Low minimum credit score requirement.
  • Daily or weekly repayment available.
  • Offers prepayment discounts.

Cons

  • Business assets required as collateral in some cases.
  • Factor rate and fee information not available on website.
  • Charges an origination fee and a monthly servicing fee.

Pros

  • Simple application with minimal documentation required.
  • Low minimum credit score requirement.
  • Daily or weekly repayment available.
  • Offers prepayment discounts.

Cons

  • Business assets required as collateral in some cases.
  • Factor rate and fee information not available on website.
  • Charges an origination fee and a monthly servicing fee.

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AltLINE: Best for B2B businesses icon

AltLINE: Best for B2B businesses

​​AltLINE can provide funding for B2B businesses who have capital tied up in unpaid invoices. Because AltLINE focuses on the creditworthiness of your customers during underwriting, it has no set minimum credit score requirement.

AltLINE - Invoice factoring

AltLINE - Invoice factoring

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Max loan amount
$5,000,000
Min. credit score
300
Term length
1 to 3 months

Pros

  • Capital available within 24 to 48 hours.
  • No collateral required.
  • Manages payment collection from your customers.
  • Accepts startups and businesses with bad credit.

Cons

  • Fees can become expensive the longer it takes your customers to pay.
  • Difficult to compare factoring costs to other types of business loans.
  • Charges an origination fee.

Pros

  • Capital available within 24 to 48 hours.
  • No collateral required.
  • Manages payment collection from your customers.
  • Accepts startups and businesses with bad credit.

Cons

  • Fees can become expensive the longer it takes your customers to pay.
  • Difficult to compare factoring costs to other types of business loans.
  • Charges an origination fee.

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eLease: Best for Equipment loans icon

eLease: Best for Equipment loans

The equipment you purchase with this type of financing serves as collateral on the loan, meaning online lenders, like eLease, may be more flexible with their credit qualifications.

eLease - Equipment financing

eLease - Equipment financing

4.0 NerdWallet rating

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Max loan amount
Undisclosed
Min. credit score
550
Term length
24 months to 6 years

Pros

  • No loan or leasing maximums.
  • No minimum revenue requirement.
  • Startups and low credit scores accepted.

Cons

  • Must apply over the phone.

Pros

  • No loan or leasing maximums.
  • No minimum revenue requirement.
  • Startups and low credit scores accepted.

Cons

  • Must apply over the phone.

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OnDeck: Best for Short-term loans icon

OnDeck: Best for Short-term loans

If your credit score is at least 625, you may be able to qualify for an OnDeck loan of up to $250,000. These short-term business loans are good for specific, one-time purchases.

May fund quickly
OnDeck - Online term loan

OnDeck - Online term loan

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Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
625
Term length
18 to 24 months

Pros

  • Cash can be available within the same business day (does not apply in California or Vermont).
  • Accepts borrowers with a minimum credit score of 625.
  • Streamlined application process with minimal documentation required.
  • Can be used to build business credit.

Cons

  • Cannot fund North Dakota-based businesses.
  • Requires frequent (daily or weekly) repayments.
  • Interest rates can be high compared with traditional lenders.
  • Charges origination fee.

Pros

  • Cash can be available within the same business day (does not apply in California or Vermont).
  • Accepts borrowers with a minimum credit score of 625.
  • Streamlined application process with minimal documentation required.
  • Can be used to build business credit.

Cons

  • Cannot fund North Dakota-based businesses.
  • Requires frequent (daily or weekly) repayments.
  • Interest rates can be high compared with traditional lenders.
  • Charges origination fee.

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Headway Capital: Best for Startups icon

Headway Capital: Best for Startups

A business line of credit may be available from Headway Capital if your credit score is at least 625. You only need six months in business to qualify.

Headway Capital - Line of credit

Headway Capital - Line of credit

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Max loan amount
$100,000
Min. credit score
625
Term length
12 to 24 months

Pros

  • Flexible qualification requirements.
  • No prepayment penalties.
  • Funds available by next business day after approval.

Cons

  • Most borrowers are subject to a 2% draw fee.
  • Not available in all U.S. states.

Pros

  • Flexible qualification requirements.
  • No prepayment penalties.
  • Funds available by next business day after approval.

Cons

  • Most borrowers are subject to a 2% draw fee.
  • Not available in all U.S. states.

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Accion: Best for Long-term loans icon

Accion: Best for Long-term loans

Nonprofit lender Accion Opportunity Fund focuses on more than just your credit score when determining eligibility. Repayment terms on their loans range from one to five years.

Accion Opportunity Fund Small Business Working Capital Loan

Accion Opportunity Fund Small Business Working Capital Loan

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Max loan amount
$350,000
Min. credit score
600
Term length
12 months to 5 years

Pros

  • Loan amounts from $5,000 to $350,000.
  • Customized loan terms.
  • No prepayment penalty.

Cons

  • Slower processing speed compared with online lenders.
  • Charges an origination fee.
  • Not available in all U.S. states.

Pros

  • Loan amounts from $5,000 to $350,000.
  • Customized loan terms.
  • No prepayment penalty.

Cons

  • Slower processing speed compared with online lenders.
  • Charges an origination fee.
  • Not available in all U.S. states.

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Rapid Finance: Best for Larger loan amounts icon

Rapid Finance: Best for Larger loan amounts

If you need a larger amount of funding, Rapid Finance offers loans up to $1 million. Keep in mind, however, that you may need strong qualifications to access bigger loan amounts, especially if you have a lower credit score.

Rapid Finance - Online term loan

Rapid Finance - Online term loan

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Max loan amount
$1,000,000
Min. credit score
650
Term length
3 months to 5 years

Pros

  • Cash can be available quickly.
  • Borrowers with low credit scores may have some options here.
  • Multiple term lengths for different financing needs.

Cons

  • Loans max out at $1 million.
  • May require a lien.
  • Longest loan term is 60 months.

Pros

  • Cash can be available quickly.
  • Borrowers with low credit scores may have some options here.
  • Multiple term lengths for different financing needs.

Cons

  • Loans max out at $1 million.
  • May require a lien.
  • Longest loan term is 60 months.

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Concerned about tariffs?

Many small-business owners are under increased economic stress and uncertainty following the latest tariff announcements. NerdWallet is here to help you find answers for whatever you're looking for. Here are some resources to help you get started:

A closer look at the top bad credit lenders

Giggle Finance

Best for no credit check
At a glance:
Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Advances up to $10000 ($20,000 for repeat customers).

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Funding in as little as a few hours.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Requires 3+ months in business and doesn’t check your credit score.

🔍 Why we like it:
Giggle Finance can provide capital up to $10000 in just minutes. The advance is repaid using automatic debits from your bank account. Giggle is marketed toward freelancers, contractors and self-employed individuals, but can be used by any small-business owner with at least 3 months in operation.
📋 Key details:
  • Loan type: Merchant cash advance.
  • Repayment term : Payments are based on your business’s revenue. You’ll make weekly payments until you repay the full advance amount.
  • Speed: As fast as the same day.
➡️ Good fit for: Startups, businesses with bad credit that can’t qualify for other options.
Read our full Giggle Finance review.

SBA microloan

Best for low interest rates
At a glance:
Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Loans up to $50000.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Funding in as little as one week.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Requirements vary based on microlender.

🔍 Why we like it:
SBA microloans are issued by participating intermediaries, such as nonprofit organizations or community lenders, who tend to have more flexibility with their eligibility criteria. Many SBA microlenders offer loans to traditionally underserved borrowers, including those with bad or limited credit.
📋 Key details:
  • Loan type: Term loan.
  • Interest rate range: 8% to 13%.
  • Repayment term: Up to 84 months.
  • Speed: As fast as one week.
➡️ Good fit for: Traditionally underserved business owners; business owners who can wait for funding in order to get the lowest interest rates.

Fora Financial

Best for fast funding
At a glance:
Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Loans up to $1.5 million.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Funding in as little as 24 hours.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Requires a 570+ credit score and 6+ months in business.

🔍 Why we like it:
Fora Financial is an online lender that has flexible qualification requirements, making it a good option for startups and borrowers with bad credit. Fora also doesn’t require physical collateral, which can be helpful if your business doesn’t have significant assets to offer as security.
📋 Key details:
  • Loan type: Term loan.
  • Repayment term: Up to 18 months.
  • Speed: As fast as 24 hours.
➡️ Good fit for: Startups, businesses that need fast access to funds.
Read our full Fora Financial review.

Expansion Capital Group

Best for working capital
At a glance:
Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Advances up to $300000.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Funding in as little as 48 hours.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Requires a 500+ credit score and 6+ months in business.

🔍 Why we like it:
Expansion Capital Group (ECG) offers fast access to working capital. ECG’s merchant cash advance can be a good option for businesses that have strong incoming revenue from debit and credit card sales. Like most MCA providers, however, ECG charges interest as a factor rate, which can be expensive. You’ll want to translate your costs into an APR and compare multiple options to ensure this product is a fit for your business.
📋 Key details:
  • Loan type: Merchant cash advance.
  • Repayment term: Payments are based on your business’s revenue. You’ll make daily or weekly payments until you repay the full advance amount.
  • Speed: As fast as a few hours after approval.
➡️ Good fit for: Businesses with strong revenue from credit card sales that can’t qualify for other funding options.
Read more about working capital loan options.

AltLINE

Best for B2B businesses
At a glance:
Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Up to $5 million in invoices per month.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Funding in as little as 24 hours.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: No minimum credit score or time in business requirements.

🔍 Why we like it:
Like other factoring companies, AltLINE underwrites your application largely based on the creditworthiness of your customers, the age of your receivables and the value of your invoices — as opposed to more traditional requirements. In fact, AltLINE does not set minimum requirements for your personal credit score, time in business or annual revenue. The lender may, however, still consider these factors as part of your application.
📋 Key details:
  • Loan type: Invoice factoring.
  • Speed: As fast as 24 hours after submitting invoices.
➡️ Good fit for: Business-to-business companies with slow-paying customers.

eLease

Best for equipment loans
At a glance:
Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Loans starting at $3000.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Requires a 550+ credit score and accepts startups.

🔍 Why we like it:
ELease can help you finance a variety of essential business equipment or machinery. Because the equipment you purchase serves as collateral on the loan, the lender can work with startups and borrowers who have lower credit scores.
📋 Key details:
  • Loan type: Equipment loan.
  • Interest rate range: 7.5% to 22%.
  • Repayment term: Up to 72 months.
➡️ Good fit for: Businesses that need to purchase equipment or machinery.

OnDeck

Best for short-term loans
At a glance:
Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Loans up to $250000.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Funding in as little as hours after approval.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Requires a 625+ credit score and 12+ months in business.

🔍 Why we like it:
OnDeck’s short-term business loan can be a good choice for specific, one-time investments in your business. Although OnDeck requires daily or weekly repayment, payments are fixed and don’t change over the course of your loan.
📋 Key details:
  • Loan type: Term loan.
  • Interest rate range: 31.3% to 99.9% (based on loans originated in the half-year ending March 31, 2024; minimums provided are rates that at least 5% of customers received).
  • Repayment term: Up to 24 months.
  • Speed: As fast as the same day.
➡️ Good fit for: Fast access to capital to be used for a specific purpose.
Read our full OnDeck review.

Headway Capital

Best for startups
At a glance:
Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Credit lines up to $100000.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Funding in as little as 24 hours.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Requires a 625+ credit score and 6+ months in business.

🔍 Why we like it:
Headway Capital offers a business line of credit that’s a good choice for those who can’t qualify for traditional financing. The lender has a simple application process and flexible qualification requirements. Headway also offers three repayment term options — more than other similar competitors.
📋 Key details:
  • Loan type: Line of credit.
  • Interest rate range: 35% to 80%.
  • Repayment term: 12, 18 or 24 months.
  • Speed: As fast as the next business day.
➡️ Good fit for: Startups or low-revenue businesses that want a fast, flexible line of credit.
Read our full Headway Capital review.

Accion

Best for long-term loans
At a glance:
Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Loans up to $350000.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Funding in as little as seven days.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Requires a 600+ credit score and 12+ months in business.

🔍 Why we like it:
Accion issues business loans with repayment terms of up to 60 months, longer than many other bad credit business loans. The lender has flexible qualification requirements, but also offers competitive interest rates.
📋 Key details:
  • Loan type: Term loan.
  • Interest rate range: 8.49% to 24.99%.
  • Repayment term: Up to 60 months.
  • Speed: As fast as seven days.
➡️ Good fit for: Low-income and traditionally underserved entrepreneurs, such as women-, minority- and veteran-owned businesses.
Read our full Accion review.

Rapid Finance

Best for larger loan amounts
At a glance:
Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Loans up to $1 million.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Funding in as little as one to two business days.

Check feedback success inside a green circle

: Requires a 650+ credit score and 36+ months in business.

🔍 Why we like it:
Rapid Finance is an online business lender that offers unsecured term loans, meaning you don’t have to provide physical collateral upfront. Rapid offers larger loan amounts than some other alternative lenders — up to $1 million.
📋 Key details:
  • Loan type: Term loan.
  • Repayment term: Up to 60 months.
  • Speed: As fast as one business day after approval.
➡️ Good fit for: Established businesses with strong revenue.
Read our full Rapid Finance review.

💬 From a lending expert: Don't let bad credit hold you back

Bad credit shouldn’t hold you back. We’ve secured loans for more than 2,000 unique businesses with a credit score of 600 or less.

Through our trusted lender network, we’ll coach you through the funding process, while helping secure the best rate possible.

GET STARTED

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— Mike Ross, NerdWallet Business Loans Team Lead

What is a bad credit business loan?

A bad credit business loan is a loan that’s targeted toward business owners with a personal credit score below 630. These loans allow entrepreneurs to access capital despite credit challenges, but they typically have higher interest rates, shorter repayment terms and lower loan amounts.

What is a bad credit score?

Individual small-business lenders may have varying guidelines for what's considered a bad credit score, based on which scoring model they use. A bad credit score is a score between 300 and 629 (on a scale of 300-800), according to NerdWallet's general guidelines. NerdWallet considers scores of 630 to 680 to be fair credit.

How to get a business loan with bad credit

Here are steps you can follow to get a business loan if you have bad credit.

1. Calculate how much debt you can afford

First, determine how much debt you can reasonably afford. Lower credit scores may result in higher interest rates, which can make it difficult to repay a new loan — and leave you worse off financially than you were when you started.
To figure out how much debt you can afford, you should consider how much funding you need, possible interest rates, additional fees, as well as the repayment schedule (daily, weekly or monthly). You can use NerdWallet's business loan calculator to help estimate these costs.
Your repayment schedule and term length will dictate the size of your payments, but also how much interest you end up paying. A shorter term means larger payments, but less interest, whereas longer terms mean smaller payments, but more interest over the life of the loan.

2. Work to improve your credit score, if you can

Start by checking your score (you can check your personal credit score for free on NerdWallet), and pulling your credit report from the three major reporting bureaus for free at AnnualCreditReport.com.
Established companies should also check their business credit scores from Experian, Equifax and Dun & Bradstreet.
The higher your credit score, the easier it will be to get a loan, especially one with competitive rates and terms. If you're able to wait for financing, take the time to build your score.
Credit-building strategies include looking for errors on your credit reports and disputing them with the appropriate credit bureau, making debt repayments more frequently and being added as an authorized user to a credit card belonging to someone you know and trust who has a good credit score.

3. Strengthen other areas of your application

Although business loan requirements vary, most lenders will use similar criteria when evaluating your application. If you have a lower credit score, these other requirements will be even more important to help you access financing.
Most lenders will consider the following:
  • 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.
Prepare to bolster your business profile in any way possible to help increase your chances of approval.
For example, if you have significant collateral available, consider offering more than the minimum — ooffer physical collateral even if the lender doesn’t require it. Your business’s strengths may make your application more attractive to lenders, even if your credit score is lagging.
You might also consider finding a cosigner to help you secure a loan. If you default on the loan, the cosigner assumes responsibility for repayment. The cosigner should have a higher credit score and ideally strong personal assets to improve your chances of approval.

4. Research and compare bad credit loan options

You may be able to find bad credit business loans from online or nonprofit lenders. As you explore different options, you should compare them based on:
The type of lender you work with may have an effect on building your credit and maximizing your business’s potential for growth. Online lenders can usually streamline your application and offer fast financing, while a CDFI or nonprofit lender may provide hands-on support and offer additional coaching.
APRs on bad credit business loans can vary widely — ranging anywhere between 5% and 99%. You should consider the total cost of borrowing, including the interest rate and any fees — origination fees, closing fees or prepayment penalties — associated with the loan. If your lender provides a factor rate, you can calculate your APR by adding the fees to your total loan amount, or multiplying the factor rate by the total loan amount.
Some lenders don’t require physical collateral to secure a loan, but they will place a blanket lien on your assets and ask for a personal guarantee. Lenders may not always be upfront about these two items, so it’s a good idea to ask about them in your research.
Some types of loans and lenders fund much faster than others. Online lenders typically offer ultra-streamlined processes and fast deposits. Other lenders may take a few days to collect and process an application and take longer to fund. No matter which type of lender you choose, if you are on a timeline, it’s prudent to let them know as soon as possible.

5. Gather your documentation and apply

To complete your loan application, you may need to provide some, if not all, of the following:
  • Basic information about you and your business.
  • Personal and business bank statements.
  • Personal and business tax returns.
  • Business financial statements.
  • Detailed information about your collateral, if applicable.

Types of bad credit business loans

There are several types of business loans available for bad credit. These loans may have low credit score requirements or include collateral, which can make it easier for bad credit borrowers to qualify.
A short-term business loan is a lump sum of capital you borrow from a lender and repay, over a set period of time, with interest. These loans typically have repayment terms ranging from three to 12 months, but may extend as long as 24 months.
Best for: Short-term expenses, specific projects or purchases.
Business lines of credit give you access to a set amount of funds, which you can draw from as needed. You only pay interest on the funds you draw, and once you repay what you’ve borrowed, you can continue to draw on the line.
Best for: Working capital needs, managing cash flow gaps or seasonal slows and emergency funding.
Equipment financing is designed specifically for purchasing equipment or machinery for your business. This is a form of asset-based financing where the equipment you purchase serves as collateral on the loan. Because of this security, you may not need to rely as heavily on traditional eligibility criteria to qualify for equipment financing.
Best for: Buying equipment and machinery.
Invoice factoring involves selling your outstanding invoices to a factoring company at a discount in exchange for an advance of cash. The factoring company then collects repayment from your customers, and once it receives that payment, it sends you the difference, minus the agreed-upon fees. Invoice factoring companies often have flexible qualification requirements because your invoices provide security on the funding.
Best for: Business-to-business companies with slow-paying customers.
Microloans are small-dollar loans, typically available in amounts up to $50,000. These loans are generally issued by nonprofit and community organizations who offer flexible qualification requirements. Many microlenders focus their lending efforts specifically on traditionally underserved borrowers, such as those with bad or no credit.
Best for: Startups, borrowers with poor or no credit, women, minority groups, veterans and entrepreneurs located in low-income communities.
With a merchant cash advance, you receive an upfront sum of capital that you repay using a percentage of your debit and credit card sales, plus a fee. Because MCAs are repaid automatically, merchant cash advance companies tend to focus on sales and cash flow (as opposed to credit history) when evaluating applications. These products can have high annual percentage rates, however, so you’ll want to consider all other options before turning to a merchant cash advance.
Best for: Businesses with high volume credit card sales that can’t qualify for other options.

Pros and cons of bad credit business loans

Pros

  • Can help your business access capital you may otherwise not get to boost operations, grow your business or cover gaps in cash flow.
  • Offer fast access to capital — some within as little as 12 hours of applying.
  • Can help build and improve your business credit (if your lender reports on-time payments), which can help you qualify for more business funding in the future.

Cons

  • Typically have higher rates and fees than traditional loans.
  • Borrowing limits are usually lower.
  • May require collateral to offset lender risk.

Where to get business loans with bad credit

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 less-than-ideal credit history.
Lender type
Best for
Typical credit score requirement
Funding speed
Potential drawbacks
Fast funding, minimal documentation, startups.
500 to 660.
As fast as the same day.
High interest rates, frequent repayment, short terms.
Underserved businesses, those located in low-income communities.
No specific minimum.
As fast as one week.
Longer application process, slower funding timeline.
Startups, local businesses, additional education and support.
No specific minimum.
As fast as one week.
Smaller loan amounts, limited availability by location.

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Frequently asked questions

Most lenders require a minimum personal credit score ranging from 500 to 660, but some have no minimum requirement. Your annual revenue and time in business may also be considered on your application. You should always shop around and compare your small-business loan options to get one that fits your needs.
Yes, online lenders, CDFIs and microlenders may offer startup business loans to borrowers with bad credit. However, your options will be limited, and they can be expensive. To qualify, you’ll generally need at least six months in business and a minimum credit score of 500 or higher.
It is possible to get a business loan with a 500 credit score from certain lenders like AltLINE or Expansion Capital Group. Be aware that these loans may have collateral requirements, minimum revenue requirements or high fees.
Last updated on August 6, 2025
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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.

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See your business loan options

Compare interest rates and repayment terms to choose the best product for your needs.

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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.

Testimonials

"I was on the market for small business funding to help expand my business and they were able to get me funded in record time, with a great amount and better rates than I was getting with other companies."
Osamede Osa Imasuen
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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 bad credit business loans, we selected lenders with a minimum credit score requirement of 629 or lower.
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.