Best Business Loans of 2026

[Student]

Business loans in 2025 offer a wide range of options for small to medium businesses, from low-interest SBA-backed loans to fast online funding. Rates are trending down after Fed cuts (prime rate ~7.00% in December), making this a good time to borrow. The top picks focus on low fees, high approval rates, bonuses, and flexible terms.

Key trends from 2025 reviews (Forbes, Bankrate, NerdWallet, LendingTree):

• Online lenders dominate for speed (same-day funding).
• SBA loans best for low rates/long terms.
• Business lines of credit most flexible.
• Average rates: 6.7–11.5% bank loans, 9–27% online/alternative.

Top Business Loans Comparison (December 2025)​

Rank	Lender/Product	Type	Starting Rate	Loan Amount	Term	Bonus	Best For	Key Pros	Key Cons
1	Bluevine (Business Checking + Line)	Line of Credit	6.2%+	$5k–$250k	6–12 months	Up to $500	Fast funding + high yield	No fees, same-day, high APY savings	Revenue req. $480k/year for best rates
2	Chase Business Complete	Line/Term Loan	Prime + 0.25% (~7.25%)	$5k–$500k+	Up to 5 years	Up to $500	Branches + bonus	Nationwide branches, Zelle Business	Monthly fee (waivable)
3	American Express Business Checking/Line	Checking + Line	6.98%+	$2k–$250k	Revolving	None	No fees + interest	1.3% APY checking, unlimited transactions	No cash deposits
4	Fundbox	Line of Credit	4.66%+ (factor)	$1k–$150k	12–24 weeks	None	Startups/low credit	No revenue min, fast	Short terms
5	OnDeck	Term Loan/Line	9.99%+	$5k–$250k	3–24 months	None	Established businesses	Loyalty discounts	Higher rates
6	SBA 7(a) via Live Oak/Wells Fargo	Term Loan	7.5–10.5%	$5k–$5M	Up to 25 years	None	Long-term/low-rate	Government guarantee, long terms	Slow approval (weeks)
7	Funding Circle	Term Loan	7.49%+	$25k–$500k	6 months–7 years	None	Medium businesses	Competitive rates	Strict credit
8	Lendio (Marketplace)	Various	Varies (6%+)	$1k–$5M	Varies	None	Comparing options	One application → multiple offers	Not direct lender

Rate notes (December 2025):

• Bank loans: 6.7–11.5% average.
• Online lenders: 9–27% (factor rates for short-term).
• SBA: 7.5–10.5% (prime + 2.25–4.75%).

Best by Category (December 2025)​

• Lowest Rates/Long-Term: SBA 7(a) via Live Oak or Wells Fargo (7.5%+ , up to 25 years).
• Fastest Funding: Bluevine/Fundbox (same/next day).
• No/Low Fees: American Express, Bluevine, Relay.
• Best Bonus: Chase ($500).
• Startups/Low Credit: Fundbox or OnDeck.
• High Limits: Funding Circle or SBA.

How to Get the Best Deal:

1. Check your credit – 680+ personal score for best rates.
2. Prepare docs – 2 years tax returns, P&L, bank statements.
3. Compare 3–5 lenders – use marketplaces like Lendio.
4. Time it – rates falling after Fed cuts.

Apply directly on lender sites for current offers (bonuses expire).

Your choice.