Side-by-side
| Merchant cash advance | Term loan | Line of credit | SBA loan | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What it is | Purchase of future sales | Lump sum, fixed schedule | Revolving draws | Government-backed loan from an SBA lender |
| Typical speed | As soon as 24 hours | Days | Days | Weeks |
| Best for | Fast working capital tied to sales | One-time investment | Repeating or uneven expenses | Larger, cheaper, slower capital |
| Who funds it on Loanable? | MCA provider | Term lender | LOC lender | SBA lending partner — not Loanable |
Merchant cash advance
An MCA is not a traditional loan. The business receives a lump sum and remits a share of sales or a fixed ACH until the purchased amount plus a factor is collected. It is often the fastest path on the marketplace. Details: merchant cash advance.
Term loan
A term loan is a lump sum repaid in installments over a set term. Payments are predictable, which helps when the use of funds is a defined project. Details: term loans.
Business line of credit
A line of credit stays available. You draw, repay, and draw again up to a limit, usually paying interest only on what you use. Details: business line of credit.
SBA loan
SBA 7(a) and 504 loans are made by SBA lenders, not by Loanable. They often have lower rates and longer terms, and they take longer to close because of extra underwriting. Details: SBA loans.
How to use this on Loanable
One free application can surface more than one product type. You compare offers and accept none, one, or later apply again. Pre-qualification uses a soft credit check. Loanable does not guarantee approval on any product.
What is Loanable · Marketplace vs lender · All financing types
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