Overview
The bottom line:
Headway Capital’s fast line of credit can be a good option for startups and borrowers with fair credit.
Pros & Cons
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.
Headway Capital is an online lender that issues business lines of credit. The company has a fast funding process and accessible qualification requirements. Newer businesses and business owners with fair credit may qualify. NerdWallet has a lot of positives to highlight about Headway, hence its high star rating. But note that the line amount is small compared with others in the market, and you may have to pay a fee each time you draw from your line.
Consider Headway Capital’s business line of credit if you:
Need fast cash. You can complete Headway’s simple and straightforward application and find out if you qualify for a credit line in minutes. After approval, you can receive funds as soon as the next business day.
Recently started your business. Headway only requires 6 months in business and $50,000 (that’s a little over $4,000 per month) to qualify. And you won’t need to secure your financing with physical collateral, making this credit line well suited for startups that have limited assets.
Have only fair credit. Headway considers several factors when underwriting your loan application, not just your credit score. You’ll only need a minimum personal credit score of 625 to qualify.
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.
How NerdWallet rates Headway Capital
This is one of the top-rated line-of-credit products among our list of partners. Here’s a breakdown of why we’ve given Headway 4.7 out of 5 stars:
*Headway Capital now reports to credit bureaus, so this line of credit can help you build your business credit.
Headway Capital business line of credit details
| Loan amount | $5,000 to $100,000. |
| Estimated APR range | 35% to 80%. |
| Fees | 2% draw fee applicable in most states. A draw fee is charged each time you take funds from your credit line. |
| Terms | 12, 18 or 24 months. |
| Repayment schedule | Weekly or monthly. |
| Funding speed | Within one to two business days of approval. |
You will need a business bank account to apply for a line of credit from Headway Capital. If you’ve been operating for less than one year, you may need to provide six months of business bank statements.
Headway Capital does not provide financing to businesses in the following states: Arkansas, Connecticut, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota and Vermont.
Where Headway Capital stands out
With Headway Capital’s line of credit, you get fast access to working capital. You can submit an initial application in minutes by providing basic information about yourself and your business. Once you’re approved, you can typically receive your funds in one to two business days.
Compared with more traditional business loan options, Headway offers flexible qualification requirements. Banks often require a minimum credit score close to 700 and two years in business. But you’ll only need a credit score of 625 and 6 months in business to qualify for Headway’s line of credit. The lender also doesn’t require you to secure your credit line with physical collateral, which may be appealing to businesses with limited assets.
Although businesses in certain states will be subject to a 2% draw fee, Headway Capital doesn’t charge any other fees. The lender does not charge a monthly or annual maintenance fee, an origination fee or an inactivity fee, for example.
You can also repay your outstanding balance at any time without incurring a prepayment penalty.
Can build business credit
Headway Capital reports your payment history to the commercial credit bureaus. This means you can use this line of credit to build your business credit. Building business credit can be particularly important for newer companies. It can help them qualify for larger loan amounts, more competitive interest rates and longer repayment terms in the future. Where Headway Capital falls short
If you’re looking for a large credit limit, you may want to consider alternative options, as Headway only offers lines of credit up to $100,000. Competitors like American Express and Bluevine provide up to $250,000. Alternatives to Headway Capital
Fundbox
Fundbox
Fundbox - Line of credit
If you have a slightly lower credit score or want to avoid a draw fee, consider Fundbox. It offers a business line of credit in amounts up to $250,000. Annual percentage rates can range from approximately 36% to 99%, which is a bit higher than Headway’s range. But Fundbox doesn’t charge a draw fee. The company offers terms of 3 to 26 months and requires weekly payment. To qualify for a Fundbox line of credit, you’ll need a minimum credit score of 600, at least 3 months in business and a minimum annual revenue of only $30,000.
SBA microloans
U.S. Small Business Administration
SBA microloan
SBA microloans offer competitive interest rates for borrowers who may not qualify for other traditional loan options. SBA microloans are available in amounts up to $50,000 with repayment terms as long as seven years. Interest rates typically range from 8% to 13%, significantly lower than Headway Capital’s rates. Although these are term loans and not lines of credit, they can provide funding for a variety of working capital needs.
Unlike other types of SBA loans, SBA microloans are targeted toward traditionally underserved businesses, including startups and those with bad or limited credit. Specific requirements will vary based on the microlender, but you may be able to qualify with a minimum credit score of 620 and less than two years in business.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions