QuickBridge vs. National Funding: Which small business lender is right for you?

QuickBridge and National Funding each offer different advantages to borrowers. QuickBridge loans are great for businesses needing quick funding to seize opportunities or address unexpected costs. National Funding loans are best for businesses that want a short-term business loan and quick repayment.

To help you decide which lender best fits your business needs, we’ll explore business loan offerings from both QuickBridge and National Funding.

QuickBridge vs. National Funding at a glance

Both QuickBridge and National Funding offer business loans with generous loan amounts, making either an excellent option for businesses needing substantial funding. QuickBridge requires a slightly higher credit score of 650 for approval. However, National Funding offers flexibility with its 600 minimum credit score requirement, which can benefit for borrowers with lower credit scores seeking funding.

QuickBridge business loans

For startup businesses seeking fast funding, QuickBridge could be a viable option, provided the business has been in operation for at least six months and has an annual revenue of $250,000 or more.

Interest is assessed using factor rates starting at 1.10, and the origination fee ranges from one to three percent. Business owners with a credit score of 660 or higher may find these rates more favorable to those of other alternative lenders or bad credit business loans but higher than traditional lenders, like banks. Additionally, with this lender, borrowers can expect relatively quick application processing thanks to a streamlined approach that can provide expedited funding.

Pros

• Fast online application
• Next-day funding
• Early payoff discount

Cons

• High annual revenue requirement
• Origination fees
• Potentially high interest rates and fees

National Funding business loans

National Funding is best known for offering unsecured short-term business loans, working capital loans and equipment financing to businesses of all sizes. National Funding requires a minimum of six months of operation, an annual revenue of at least $250,000 and a minimum credit score requirement of 600, making it a potential option for startups and businesses with fair credit.

Borrowers should note National Funding uses factor rates to assess interest, similar to QuickBridge. Additionally, the longest term of 60 months is exclusively available for equipment loans, with a cap of $150,000. Origination fees range from one to three percent; however, instead of imposing prepayment penalties, National Funding offers an early payment discount. Business owners financing qualifying equipment may also earn potential tax savings through the Section 179 tax deduction.

Pros

• Early payoff discount
• Possible Section 179 tax deduction
• Terms up to 60 months for equipment financing

Cons

• Origination fees
• Longer repayment terms only available for equipment financing
• Potentially high interest

How to choose between QuickBridge and National Funding

Choosing between QuickBridge and National Funding for business loans involves several considerations, including loan terms and credit score requirements. National Funding offers equipment financing for up to 60 months and caters to those with a lower personal credit score, while QuickBridge has shorter loan terms — 24 months is the maximum term — and requires personal credit scores considered fair or higher. Even so, startups may find either lender suitable due to their flexibility with credit scores, support for early-stage businesses and funding versatility.

Choose QuickBridge for fast funding

Businesses need to be quick about jumping on limited-time opportunities to expand. While other lenders can take days to weeks to process applications and fund loans, QuickBridge stands out for its ability to offer fast business loans that can be funded in as little as one day.

Ultimately, by offering a streamlined application process, the lender can prioritize providing businesses with capital quickly.

Choose National Funding for short-term loans

National Funding offers short-term and working capital loans ideal for quick access to capital to bridge the gap for businesses experiencing seasonal cash flow issues, buying inventory or taking advantage of a business opportunity. Unlike long-term financing options, short-term loans have a short repayment period, typically lasting no more than two years.

Based on National Funding’s requirements, its short-term loans are a great option for newer businesses or subprime borrowers struggling to find a quick financing option without a long-term commitment or prepayment penalties.

Alternatives

For additional loan options beyond QuickBridge and National Funding, consider lenders that offer long-term financing or higher loan amounts, as well as other alternatives to short-term business loans.

Funding Circle, for example, offers longer terms in addition to fast funding, but a minimum credit score of 660 is required. If you’re specifically interested in equipment financing, Triton Capital or Taycor Financial may be a better fit, especially if you need more than $150,000.

If you don’t want the commitment of a loan, alternatives include business lines of credit and business credit cards, which are flexible financing solutions that can be used to cover a variety of smaller ongoing business expenses.

SBA loans

If your business requires substantial financing beyond $500,000, or you can’t secure a conventional loan, an SBA loan could be a solid choice that offers up to $5 million in funding. SBA loans, including 7(a) loans, microloans and Community Advantage loans, are aimed at underserved communities and come with flexible requirements and affordable rates.

Businesses that qualify and apply for a 7(a) loan can use them for working capital, equipment purchases and supplies. However, the SBA 504 loan is another option that offers up to $5.5 million to purchase larger assets such as real estate or commercial equipment.

Bottom line

When looking for the right lender and loan type for your business, consider your business’s needs and long-term goals. National Funding and QuickBridge offer financing solutions for new and established businesses, with QuickBridge being better suited for those seeking fast funding and National Funding being a better fit for businesses preferring shorter terms.

Frequently asked questions

• What credit score do you need for a QuickBridge loan?

  A minimum credit score of 660 is required for a QuickBridge loan.
  

• Does National Funding offer monthly payments?

  Yes, National Funding offers monthly payments for equipment loans.
  

• What is the minimum credit score for National Funding?

  The minimum credit score for National Funding is 660.