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Compare business financing types
Published criteria first, then the table — so you can see how these categories differ before you read a single row.
How this table is built.
- Typical use case
- Typical funding speed
- Collateral requirement
- Best suited for
| Financing type | Typical use case | Typical funding speed | Collateral requirement | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) loan | General purpose: working capital, equipment, refinancing | 30-90 days (faster via Express) | Often required when available | Established businesses needing flexible, lower-cost financing |
| SBA 504 loan | Real estate and major fixed assets | Often the slowest option | The asset itself, typically | Businesses buying or building commercial property |
| Business term loan | A single defined purchase or need | Days to a few weeks | Varies by lender, often unsecured | Businesses with a clear, one-time funding need |
| Business line of credit | Ongoing or unpredictable working capital | Days to a couple weeks | Varies, sometimes unsecured | Businesses with recurring or seasonal cash flow gaps |
| Equipment financing | Purchasing a specific piece of equipment | Days to about two weeks | The equipment itself | Newer businesses or those with thinner credit files |
| Merchant cash advance | Fast cash against future card sales | As fast as 1-2 days | None, tied to sales instead | Urgent short-term needs when other options aren't available |
This table describes general categories, not specific offers from named lenders. Actual rates, terms and speed vary by lender, and your own credit and revenue profile determines what you'll actually qualify for within these categories.
Next step
Where to compare actual offers once you know what you need
How we make money: some links here are partner or affiliate links and we may be paid a fee at no cost to you. It never changes what we write or how options are ordered — see our disclosure and methodology.
Partner
OnDeck term loans
A US online lender focused on term loans for established small businesses.
See OnDeck options →Partner
National Funding equipment and working capital
US financing aimed at equipment purchases and general working capital needs.
Look at National Funding →