How long does it take to get a fast business loan?

Some online lenders can fund loans in less than a week — some in as little as a single business day. These lenders have streamlined processes that require minimal documentation. By contrast, while some banks are becoming faster, many still have applications that can take weeks or months to fully process.

Compare top fast lenders that offer the turnaround you need and have all your information prepped before you apply. This will help ensure a quick response and a fast turnaround on your next loan.

How long does getting a fast business loan take?

Lenders that boast fast approval speeds are able to process and fund your loan within a week. Their quick underwriting process means they are able to disburse funds to your business bank account as soon as your loan paperwork is signed.

Step 1: Applying

Depending on the lender, it may take less than thirty minutes to apply for a loan. But this assumes you have prepared ahead of time. If not, this portion of the application process can be the most grueling.

Fast lenders may still require important documents and information like your business plan, profit and loss statements, tax returns and bank statements. Gather these before you get started to move swiftly through the process.

Before you start an application, explore the types of fast business loans available to you. It’s never one-size-fits-all funding, and there are plenty of options that are both fast and flexible.

The documents you need to apply include:

• Business information
• Owner details
• Business financial statements
• Personal finances
• Collateral
• Personal guarantee

Step 2: Underwriting

Underwriting involves checking your business’s financial records and creditworthiness. It may also involve digging into each owner’s credit history and assessing your collateral, if applicable. This may be done by a human, but online lenders may use computer software to quickly go through the information you submit. Some lenders advertise near-instant funding decisions powered by their software.

For short-term business loans like invoice financing, a lender may simply need access to your bookkeeping software. For other loans, an underwriter will need a variety of documents.

To help the underwriting process move swiftly:

• Request a smaller amount. By requesting a small loan, your business looks less risky to the lender — and is potentially in a better position for quick underwriting. Use a business loan calculator to find the most affordable option.
• Double-check your documents. Always confirm the accuracy of everything you submit. If the underwriter finds errors or mistakes, you may add hours or days to the process.

Step 3: Funding

The typical business loan from a bank or credit union can take weeks or months to process. Fast business loans, on the other hand, may be funded within a week of submitting an application. Some lenders are able to assess and underwrite loans in a matter of hours and fund them within a day.

This isn’t a guarantee, however. Most lenders will still take a day or two to process your application, come to a funding decision and disburse your loan. Your bank will then need to process the deposit, which could also take a day or two. Plan for a wait of at least a week, even for the fastest business loans.

How to get a small business loan fast

To get a fast business loan, be prepared when you submit your application.

1. Check your options. There are a variety of business loans out there, and not all are available quickly. For example, SBA loans could take up to 90 days to fully process. Short-term business loans can be processed within a day, but they are more expensive than slightly slower alternatives.
2. Compare rates. Try to find three or four lenders that work with businesses like yours. Know your personal credit score and business finances to find a fast but still competitive lender.
3. Compare timeframes. Look for lenders that state their funding period is within a few days since these should also have quick application and underwriting processes.
4. Prepare your documents. Before you submit, have everything your lender will need. The easier you make things for the underwriter or underwriting software, the faster your loan can be funded.

The bottom line

Speed may be a big factor, but it should not be your only concern when choosing a lender. A quick loan isn’t worth the speed if your business can’t handle the repayment. Take a little extra time to compare options, including alternatives to fast business loans, and find the best interest rate before signing an agreement.

Frequently asked questions

• 
  

  What is a fast business loan?

  A fast business loan is a business loan granted by a lender — often by online lenders — typically within a week or less, often offered through a streamlined online application process.
• 
  

  How fast can you get approved for a business loan?

  You can typically get approved for a fast business loan in as little as a week and sometimes as fast as 24 hours.
• 
  

  How long does it take for a small business loan to be approved?

  It depends on the lender and type of loan you apply for. Online lenders offer fast business loans that can be funded within 24 hours. Banks and credit unions may take a week or longer. SBA loans can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days from the application being submitted.