Alternative Loans
Fast, flexible funding from non-bank lenders when speed or flexibility matters more than the lowest rate.
- Amounts
- $5K–$500K
- Terms
- 3–24 months
- Cost
- Factor rates ~1.1–1.5; far above bank APRs
- Funding speed
- 1–3 business days
- Typical minimums
- 6+ months, ~$10K+/mo revenue, 500+ credit
Typical market ranges, not a quote. Actual amounts, rates and terms depend on the lender and your business profile.
How alternative loans work
Alternative loans come from online and non-bank lenders rather than traditional banks. Approvals can come within days, and requirements are often more flexible on credit and time in business.
The trade-off is cost: these products usually cost more than bank or SBA financing, so it pays to compare the total cost and the payment schedule before you sign.
Common options
Short-term loans
A lump sum repaid over months rather than years, often with weekly or daily payments.
Revenue-based financing
Repayment flexes with your monthly revenue.
Merchant cash advance
An advance against future card or bank deposits, repaid as a share of sales.
Invoice factoring
Turns unpaid customer invoices into cash now.
Best for
- Businesses that need funding within days
- Owners who don't yet qualify for bank or SBA terms
- Bridging a short-term cash flow gap
- Seasonal or fast-moving opportunities
What lenders look at
- Monthly revenue and bank deposits
- Time in business (often 6+ months)
- Existing advances or daily-payment debt
- Credit, though requirements are usually more flexible
Frequently asked questions
How fast can I get funded?
Many alternative lenders decide within a day or two and fund within a few days of approval.
Why do these cost more?
Lenders take on more risk and move faster, and pricing reflects that. We help you compare offers on total cost, not just the payment.
Can I refinance into a better loan later?
Often, yes. As revenue and credit improve, many businesses move to lower-cost lines of credit or SBA loans.
Find the right alternative loans for your business
Answer a few quick questions and a funding specialist will match you with the options that fit your business.