Short-Term Business Lenders Aren’t Created Equal
Don’t forget to check these 6 things before you apply for financing
Read MoreWhat Is a Short-Term Business Loan?
A short-term business loan is a business loan that’s intended to be paid off much faster than a regular business loan. While longer-term loans from a traditional bank or lender can take several years or decades to be paid off, short-term business loans are often paid off in a matter of months, although some can last 18-24 months (or more). Exact repayment terms will vary, but most short-term business loans last for one year or less. Short-term commercial loans are often used to help small business owners cover temporary cash flow gaps. Seasonal businesses are particularly prone to inconsistent cash flow and make a large portion of their annual revenue in a short period (such as the summer). These businesses may benefit from a short-term loan that provides cash upfront without the longer-term debt of traditional financing options, such as bank loans or SBA loans.The Best Types of Short-Term Business Loans
Line of Credit
This is a flexible loan that provides businesses with access to a fixed amount of money, which can be used when needed. Interest is only paid on the amount used, making it a cost-effective solution for many businesses.Invoice Financing
This loan type allows businesses to borrow money against outstanding invoices. This can be a great option for businesses with a lot of unpaid invoices, needing to smooth over cash flow.Merchant Cash Advance
While not technically a loan, a merchant cash advance allows a business to sell a portion of their future credit card sales for a lump-sum advance to a buyer. The business must then remit a portion of their future receivables to that buyer on a daily or weekly basis.Short-Term Loan
These loans are typically for a year or less and are best for businesses needing quick, temporary cash flow. They often have higher interest rates but can be approved quickly.Equipment Financing
This type of loan is specifically for businesses that need to purchase or upgrade equipment. The equipment itself acts as collateral, which can make these loans easier to obtain.
How Do Short-Term Business Loans Work?
Short-term business loans are a type of financing designed to provide quick cash flow to businesses in need. These loans typically have terms that are around a year and a half or less, and they can be great tools for handling unexpected expenses or capitalizing on sudden opportunities. When a business applies for a short-term loan, it typically goes through an online application process that can take just a few minutes. After the application is submitted, approval can often be secured rapidly – sometimes even on the same day the application is placed. This is one of the main advantages of short-term loans: they allow businesses to get the funds they need very quickly. Once the loan is approved and the funds are received, the business is required to start making payments. Unlike other types of loans, the repayment schedule for short-term loans can be quite frequent. This could be as often as once a week, or in some cases, every business day. While the frequency of the repayment schedule might be burdensome for some businesses, it can also mean paying less in interest and fees overall, and the chance to improve a bad credit rating.Pros and Cons of Short-Term Business Loans

Pros of Short-Term Business Loans
Faster, Easier Application Process
Short-term business loans offer a much faster and easier application process than regular business loans. Applying for a business loan through a bank involves filling out extensive paperwork and having to wait weeks or months to be approved and receive the funds. When business owners are facing a sudden, unexpected expense, applying for a traditional business loan simply might not be a viable option.Lower Eligibility Requirements
Short-term loan lenders offer, typically, more relaxed requirements for short-term business loans, making it easier for businesses that don’t meet the qualifying criteria for a long-term business loan to receive financing. This can be especially helpful if you have a lacking credit history or don’t meet the credit score requirement for other loans.Flexible Loan Amounts (and Lower Costs)
Short-term loans are also an option for business owners who need to borrow a relatively small amount of money. In many cases, business owners are turned down for traditional business loans because they aren’t seeking loans large enough to generate enough of a profit for the lender (and, frankly, you’ll be better off not paying the hefty prepayment penalties for paying off your loan early).
Pay It Off Fast
Some business owners use short-term business financing specifically because it’s short-term in nature. Since many business owners only need funding to get over temporary financial hurdles, they don’t like the idea of being stuck paying off a loan years after the original need for that funding has passed.Improve Your Credit Score
Small, short-term business loans can also be used to improve your business credit score. As you make progress on paying off a short-term loan, your regular payments will be reflected on your credit score. With an improved credit score, you’ll have an easier time qualifying for larger business loans with better terms later on if needed.Cons of Short-Term Business Loans
The biggest downside to short-term financing is higher short-term business loan rates (and possibly origination fees) than regular business loans. Because of the fact that these loans have shorter terms, you’ll need to make larger, more frequent payments, sometimes on a daily or weekly basis. Although collateral is often not required for short-term loans, some short-term loan lenders ask for collateral, especially for equipment loans and other collateral loans.Uses for Short-Term Business Loans
Funds from short-term commercial loans can be used for many different purposes, including:- Buying equipment
- Furniture
- Inventory
- Paying employees
- Emergency repairs
- Enhancing your products and services
- Other general business needs
Applying for Short-Term Small Business Loans
Applying for a short-term business loan is much simpler than applying for a regular business loan. The loan application and application process will vary depending on the short-term loan lenders. If you choose an online lender, you will likely be able to complete the entire application process online. As an applicant, you’ll be expected to provide things like proof of ownership of your business, bank statements, tax returns, P&L statements, and a copy of your driver’s license. Short-term business lenders will also check your business or personal credit score. Although your business credit score is still a factor with short-term business loans, lenders who offer them often place less of an emphasis on it. You may potentially be asked to provide collateral. If approved for a short-term business loan, the business owner can receive their funds within 1-2 business days and often as a direct deposit to their bank account.Frequently Asked Questions About Short-Term Business Loans
How Can I Get a Short-Term Business Loan?
You can start off by filling our easy online application. Rather than fixating solely on your credit score or revenues, we look at the big picture—your business potential. Within just a couple of days, you could have the funds you need in your account.
How Long is a Short-Term Business Loan?
Typically, a short-term business loan lasts anywhere from 3 to 18 months. These quick turnaround loans are your best bet to address immediate needs and fuel growth, all without the long-term commitment that comes with traditional loans.
What Are Common Short-Term Loan Interest Rates?
The rates on short-term financing can vary based on several factors, like supply and demand for loans. The rate may also be expressed as a “factor rates”. To calculate the total repayment amount, the factor rate is multiplied by the loan principal. Credibly offers factor rates as low as 1.11.**
**Factor rates are included in your daily estimate to simplify remittances and account monitoring. Best factor rates available to merchants with excellent credit and financial strength. Rates, pricing, requirements, and other terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.