Our Take
4.5
NerdWallet rating
The bottom line:
Backd offers a business line of credit and merchant cash advance for entrepreneurs seeking quick access to large funding amounts, but prepare for high financing costs.
Backd - Line of credit
Max Loan Amount
$750,000
Min. credit score
600
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Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fast application and funding process.
- Responsive and helpful customer support.
- Prepayment discounts.
- Its line of credit requires a lower credit score than most online competitors.
Cons
- Charges draw and origination fees.
- Can’t be used to build business credit.
- High minimum revenue requirements for its line of credit.
- Its MCA requires a higher credit score than many online competitors.
Full Review
Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Backd provides small-business loans through a fast and straightforward online application process. Qualified applicants may receive funding in as little as 24 hours. But speed and convenience may come at a cost. Like many online lenders, its offerings are expensive compared with traditional lenders.
Backd’s business line of credit offers up to $
750000
in working capital to cover short-term expenses, while its merchant cash advance (MCA) allows business owners access of up to $2 million in funding, with fixed repayments based on a borrower’s business revenue.Backd’s business funding is best for borrowers who:
- Need large funding amounts. Backd's lines of credit and merchant cash advance limits are higher than those offered by many other online lenders.
- Need quick access to cash. Qualified borrowers can receive funds in as little as 24 hours.
- Can afford higher borrowing costs. Backd’s business funding options will likely be more expensive than traditional bank loans.
- Prefer a streamlined online process over applying in person. In our experience, the application is straightforward, and customer service via phone and email is prompt.
Backd loan qualifications
To qualify for a line of credit or MCA from Backd, you’ll need to meet the following minimum requirements:
- Credit score:600for a line of credit; 630 for a merchant cash advance.
- Time in business:12months.
- Annual revenue: $300000for a line of credit; $100,000 for a merchant cash advance.
Backd loan features
Here’s what you can expect from Backd’s line of credit and merchant cash advance.
Backd line of credit
4.5
NerdWallet ratingLoan amount | $ 10000 to $750000 . |
Estimated APR* | 42.08 % to 63.17 %. |
Fees |
|
Terms | 6 to 12 months. |
Repayment schedule | Weekly. |
Funding speed | As fast as 24 hours. |
*Estimated APR includes draw fee. | |
Backd merchant cash advance
Advance amount | $10,000 to $2 million. |
Estimated factor rate | 1.18 to 1.28. |
Fees |
|
Terms | On average, borrowers repay their advances within 16 months. |
Repayment schedule | Daily, weekly or semimonthly. |
Funding speed | As fast as 24 hours. |
» Learn more about different types of business loans
Where Backd stands out
High business funding limits
Backd offers generous business funding limits compared with many online lenders. Its business line of credit goes up to $
750000
, and its merchant cash advance can reach $2 million. These high limits may appeal to businesses with significant financing needs. However, the cost of borrowing will likely be much higher than traditional bank financing. This is especially true for its MCA as MCAs are among the costliest forms of business financing. Receiving an advance this high can result in a significant repayment burden.» MORE: Best large business loans
Quick access to funds
Backd’s streamlined digital application and fast turnaround can be a big advantage for business owners trying to seize an opportunity or cover an unexpected expense. Qualified borrowers may receive approval and funding within 24 hours, offering a speed advantage over traditional bank or SBA loans.
» MORE: Best fast business loans
Responsive customer support
Backd offers customer assistance through a dedicated phone line and online contact form. When NerdWallet tested both, a representative answered the phone in under a minute and responded to a contact form submission via email in just over 10 minutes. In both cases, Backd’s representatives were friendly, helpful and well-informed.
Where Backd falls short
High borrowing costs
Backd’s financing options come at a premium, especially when compared with traditional bank loans. Small-business owners with tight profit margins or those who qualify for lower-cost funding (such as bank or SBA loans) should explore other options.
Can’t be used to build business credit
Backd doesn’t report payments to any of the major commercial credit bureaus. This means on-time payments won’t help you build or improve your business credit score, something that can help you unlock better terms and rates on future business loans.
Alternatives to Backd
Headway Capital
Headway Capital
Headway Capital - Line of credit
NerdWallet Rating
4.7
Min Credit
625
Read Review
Apply now
with Fundera by NerdWallet
Headway Capital is another online lender offering lines of credit to small-business owners. It may be a better fit for newer businesses, as it accepts applicants with just
6
months in business and a minimum annual revenue of $50000
, far lower than Backd’s 12
-month and $300000
requirements. However, Headway Capital’s line of credit tops out at $100000
, well below Backd’s $750000
maximum. Its APR may also be higher than Backd’s line of credit.Forward Financing
Forward Financing
Forward Financing - Merchant cash advance
Min Credit
500
Read Review
Apply now
with Fundera by NerdWallet
Forward Financing’s MCA is more accessible for business owners with bad credit. It accepts applicants with a credit score as low as
500
, compared with Backd’s 630 credit score requirement. Like Backd, it may approve applicants in as little as 24 hours, however, it requires a slightly higher annual revenue of $120000
and has a lower maximum advance limit ($300000
versus Backd’s $2 million limit).» Want more options? Check out our list of best online business loans.
Apply now
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