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National Funding business loans
4.7
★★★★★
Finder score
Go to site
Min. Amount
$5,000
Max. Amount
$500,000
APR
Undisclosed

Our verdict

National Funding offers fast turnaround small business loans for startup companies, but it may be an expensive option.

National Funding has been in business since 1999 and provides loans ranging from $5,000 to $250,000, including small business loans and equipment financing and leasing. It’s known for fast funding, an easy online application process and attentive customer service.

It doesn’t charge prepayment penalties and offers early repayment discounts — with some conditions. But it typically charges origination fees and its APRs can be steep unless you have very good credit. Reviewers complain about excessive solicitation from the company and customers say that some loans' daily repayment requirements are difficult to meet.

Best for: Startup companies in business for less than two years that have difficulty qualifying for more traditional business loans.

Pros

  • Funding in as little as 24 hours
  • Loans up to $500,000
  • Early repayment discounts

Cons

  • May require daily repayments
  • High APRs
  • Excessive solicitation efforts

In this guide

  • Our verdict
  • Your reviews
  • Ask a question

What makes National Funding shine?

Many business loan lenders require companies to have two years in business, but National Funding only has a six-month requirement, making it an option for startups. The fast funding is also helpful for firms that want to jump on a time-sensitive business opportunity or need to meet immediate cash flow shortages. We also like that you could be eligible for a discount if you pay your loan off early.

Where National Funding falls short

National Funding isn’t transparent about its rates or fees. Borrowers should be made aware of the potential costs of the loan before applying to more easily compare one lender to another. Reviewers who have gone through the application or pre-application process say that rates are high, although that varies based on credit score and other factors.

Its website is a bit misleading in that it initially appears to have multiple loan types when really there are only two. Plus, one of its marketing techniques is to send mock credit cards to potential borrowers, which is really just a gimmick to get businesses to apply for loans. They don’t actually offer business credit cards or business lines of credit, which may feel misleading to potential applicants.

National Funding loan details

Minimum credit score/credit rangeFair credit accepted
APRUndisclosed
Loan amounts
  • $5,000 to $500,000 for small business loans
  • Up to $150,000 for equipment financing and leasing
Terms
  • 4 to 24 months for small business loans
  • 2 to 5 years for equipment financing
Approval turnaroundAs soon as 24 hours
AvailabilityAvailable in all states
Fees
  • Origination
  • Late or NSF penalties
  • No Prepayment penalties
Other feesUndisclosed

How to qualify for National Funding business loans

National Funding has very few minimum requirements needed to apply.

  • Six months in business
  • $250,000 or more in annual revenues
  • A business bank account

How to apply

National Funding’s loan process is straightforward and easy to follow.

  • Fill out the online application. This results in a soft credit check to determine if you prequalify for the loan.
  • Talk to a loan specialist. If you prequalify, a loan agent contacts you to discuss your loan options, potential rates and loan terms, and lets you know what documentation is needed.
  • Wait for approval. The lender conducts a hard credit check and reviews your revenues and other business details to make a credit decision. If approved, you’re given your maximum loan amount, interest rate and repayment terms.
  • Get funded. If you accept the loan terms, you could have your funds deposited into your bank account in as fast as 24 hours.

How National Funding compares to other lenders

Name Product USFBL Filter Values Min. Amount Max. Amount APR Requirements
Olympus Business Capital
Finder Score: 4.4 / 5: ★★★★★
Olympus Business Capital logo
$500
$250,000
Not stated
Been in business for 6 months registered with the state, active and open bank account in business name, have $10,000 of revenue each month
No credit needed. Funding up to $250,000 with a variety of finance options to best fit your business needs.
Go to site
Lendio business loans
Finder Score: 4.8 / 5: ★★★★★
Lendio logo
$1,000
$10,000,000
Varies by lender
Operate business in US or Canada for 6 months or more, have a business bank account, minimum 520 personal credit score, at least $8,000 in monthly revenue.
Submit one simple application to potentially get offers from a network of over 75 legit business lenders.
Fundera business loans
Finder Score: 4.9 / 5: ★★★★★
Fundera logo
$2,500
$5,000,000
Varies based on lenders
$60,000+ of annual revenue, 550+ personal credit score, in business for 6+ months
Get connected with short-term funding, SBA loans, lines of credit and more.
Fora Financial business loans
Finder Score: 4.5 / 5: ★★★★★
Fora Financial logo
$5,000
$1,500,000
Varies
6+ months in business, $25,000+ gross monthly sales, no open bankruptcies
Get qualified for funding in minutes for up to $1,500,000 without affecting your credit score. Best for companies with at least six figures in annual revenue.
National Funding business loans
Finder Score: 4.6 / 5: ★★★★★
National Funding logo
$5,000
$500,000
Undisclosed
In business 6+ months and make at least $250,000 in annual sales. Other loan types have additional requirements.
Working capital loans and equipment financing, some high-risk industries may be eligible.
Go to site
American Express® Business Line of Credit
Finder Score: 4.4 / 5: ★★★★★
American Express logo
$2,000
$250,000
N/A
Minimum FICO score of at least 660 at the time of application, have started your business at least a year ago, and an average monthly revenue of at least $3,000
Access lines of credit for your small business even if you aren't currently an Amex customer.
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National Funding reviews and complaints

BBB accredited Yes
BBB rating A+
BBB customer reviews 1.63 out of 5 stars, based on 24 customer reviews
BBB customer complaints 118 customer complaints
Trustpilot Score 4.8 out of 5 stars, based on 1,857 customer reviews
Customer reviews verified as of 17 June 2024

The majority of complaints on BBB and many on Trustpilot complain that National Funding is overzealous with their marketing materials. Reviewers say they are continually solicited and, in many cases, have repeatedly asked that the mailings and phone calls stop. To its credit, National Funding appears to have responded to nearly all of these complaints and agreed to place those unhappy businesses on a “do not contact’ list.

Other reviewers — who are customers — say that the customer service is great and often compliment their loan specialist by name and praise their attention to detail and help throughout the loan process. However, even relatively satisfied customers complain of very high interest rates and some recommend that more established businesses with better credit consider less expensive lending options.

Is National Funding legit?

National Funding is a legitimate company that was accredited by the BBB as far back as 2013 and has been in business since 1999. To date it has provided over $4.5 billion in funding to more than 75,000 companies across multiple industries. It has an A+ rating on BBB and an “excellent” — 4.8 out of 5 stars — rating on Trustpilot.

Frequently asked questions

What is National Funding Ignite?

Ignite is a direct marketing campaign that National Funding uses to drum up business. It sends out prequalification letters that include mock credit cards with a personalized number on it. Potential borrowers can then go to the website and plug in that number to begin the application process.

Do I need to apply online with National Funding?

While National Funding has a fast and easy online application, it also welcomes applicants by phone or via email. Borrowers can reach the company at (888) 733-2383 or through email at apply@nationalfunding.com.

Does National Funding do a hard credit check when I apply?

After completing your initial application, National Funding conducts a soft credit check to determine your eligibility. Only after you’ve discussed your options and come to a loan decision with a specialist will the company make a hard inquiry into your credit.

Can I get a loan with National Funding if I have bad credit?

National Funding doesn’t disclose a minimum credit score but it says that it accepts borrowers with bad credit. It also states that it relies more on time in business and annual revenues than credit scores when determining loan approval.

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