National Funding Review
We spent 17 hours researching and testing National Funding, comparing it to the best alternatives on the market, so you don’t choose the wrong business lender and miss out on optimal financing.
Quick Answer:
Ultimately, National Funding could be an excellent choice if you:
- Need funding quickly
- Have a credit score of 600 or above
- Have been in business for at least six months
- Generate at least $250,000 in annual revenue
- Are comfortable with potentially higher costs in exchange for speed and convenience
Overall, we score National Funding 4.2 out of 5. If you choose National Funding, you’ll benefit from fast funding and flexible options for both working capital and equipment financing.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Loan type | Working Capital Loans, Equipment Financing |
| Loan amount | Up to $500,000 for working capital, up to $150,000 for equipment financing |
| Loan term | 4 to 18 months for working capital loans, up to 60 months for equipment financing |
| Interest rate | Starting at 1.11% factor rate |
| Min. credit score | 600 FICO |
| Monthly fees | Not explicitly stated |
| Time to receive loan | As little as 24 hours |
| Requirements | Annual Sales: At least $250,000 in gross annual sales. Time in Business: At least six months for term loans and two years for equipment financing. Credit Score: A minimum FICO score of 600 is required. |
Pros & Cons of National Funding
Fast funding, with loans available in as little as 24 hours, perfect for businesses needing quick cash infusion.
Flexible loan options, offering both working capital and equipment financing to suit various business needs.
Lower credit score requirement (600 FICO), making it accessible for businesses with less-than-perfect credit.
No prepayment penalties, allowing you to save on interest by paying off your loan early.
Simple online application process, saving you time and hassle when applying for funding.
Personalized customer service, with dedicated loan specialists to guide you through the process.
Pros:
Higher costs compared to traditional bank loans, which may impact overall affordability for some businesses.
Shorter repayment terms for working capital loans (up to 18 months), potentially leading to higher monthly payments.
Lack of transparency in fee structure, making it challenging to calculate the total cost of borrowing upfront.
Cons:
National Funding offers a balance of accessibility and speed, making it an attractive option for small businesses needing quick financing.
However, the higher costs associated with their loans mean it’s crucial to carefully consider your business’s financial situation and repayment ability before committing.
Who is National Funding for?
National Funding caters to small business owners who need quick access to capital or equipment financing.
Their services are particularly well-suited for entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional bank loans due to credit issues or limited time in business.
Am I eligible for National Funding?
- Minimum credit score: 600 FICO
- Annual revenue: At least $250,000 in gross annual sales
- Time in business: At least six months for working capital loans, two years for equipment financing
- Business location: Must be based in the United States
National Funding is best for…
National Funding is ideal for small business owners who need fast access to working capital or equipment financing.
If you’re looking to seize a time-sensitive business opportunity, bridge a cash flow gap, or upgrade your equipment without a long wait, National Funding could be your go-to lender.
Their lower credit score requirement makes them particularly attractive for businesses with less-than-perfect credit histories who might struggle to secure funding elsewhere.
National Funding is not for you if…
National Funding may not be the best choice if you’re a startup with less than six months in business or if your annual revenue is below $250,000.
Additionally, if you’re seeking long-term financing with lower interest rates and have an excellent credit score, you might find better terms with traditional banks or SBA loans.
Businesses looking for very large loans (over $500,000) or those who prefer a more transparent fee structure might also want to explore other options.
How To Apply
Applying for a loan with National Funding is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application:
How to Apply for a Loan with National Funding
Steps
Visit the National Funding Website
Go to the National Funding website and click on the “Apply Now” button. Alternatively, you can call their sales team directly for personalized assistance.
Complete the Initial Application
Fill out the initial application form with basic information about your business:- Business name and contact information
- Time in business
- Annual revenue
- Desired loan amount
Submit the Application
Once you’ve filled out all required fields, submit your application. A National Funding representative will typically contact you within a few hours to discuss your application and next steps.Provide Additional Documentation
Based on your initial application, you’ll be asked to provide additional documentation. This may include:- Bank statements (typically the last 3-4 months)
- Tax returns
- Proof of ownership
- Equipment quotes (for equipment financing)
Review and Accept the Loan Offer
Once National Funding has reviewed your application and documentation, they will present you with a loan offer. Carefully review the terms, including interest rate, repayment period, and any fees. If the offer meets your needs, accept it to proceed.Receive Funding
After accepting the offer, National Funding typically provides the funds within 24 hours. The money will be deposited directly into your business bank account.Consider this before applying
Before you apply, take a moment to assess your business’s financial health and funding needs. Make sure you can comfortably manage the repayments given the potentially higher interest rates and shorter terms.
Also, have all your financial documents ready to expedite the process. Remember, while National Funding offers quick approvals, it’s crucial to read all terms and conditions carefully before accepting any loan offer.
National Funding Costs
Understanding the costs associated with National Funding’s loans is crucial for making an informed decision. Here’s a breakdown of the key financial aspects:
| Cost Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Interest Rate | Starting at 1.11% factor rate |
| Origination Fee | 1% – 3% |
| Prepayment Penalty | None; early payoff discounts available |
It’s important to note that National Funding uses factor rates instead of traditional interest rates for their working capital loans.
A factor rate of 1.11 means you’ll repay $1.11 for every dollar borrowed. However, the actual cost can be higher depending on your business’s risk profile and the loan terms.
For equipment financing, the interest rates and terms may differ and are typically more in line with traditional loan structures.
While National Funding doesn’t publicly disclose all its fees, it’s crucial to ask about any potential hidden costs during the application process. These might include origination fees, processing fees, or late payment penalties. Always request a full breakdown of all costs before accepting a loan offer.
Remember, the lack of prepayment penalties and the offer of early payoff discounts can be significant advantages if you’re able to repay your loan ahead of schedule, potentially saving you money on interest.
How Financer Rates National Funding
At Financer, we evaluate lenders based on three key criteria: Ease of Use, Costs, and Customer Support. Here’s our comprehensive review of National Funding:
Overall rating
| Criteria | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Financer Score | 4.2/5 |
| Ease of use | 4.5/5 |
| Costs | 3.8/5 |
| Customer service | 4.3/5 |
Ease of use: 4.5/5
National Funding excels in providing a user-friendly experience. Their online application process is straightforward and can be completed in minutes. The website is well-designed and responsive, working smoothly on both desktop and mobile devices.
We found the application process to be intuitive, with clear instructions at each step. The ability to save and resume your application is a nice touch, especially for busy business owners.
The only minor hiccup we encountered was the need for additional documentation, which is common in business lending but could be streamlined further.
Costs: 3.8/5
While National Funding offers competitive rates for alternative lending, their costs are higher than traditional bank loans. The use of factor rates instead of interest rates for working capital loans can make it challenging to compare costs directly with other lenders.
We appreciate the absence of prepayment penalties and the offer of early payoff discounts, which can help reduce the overall cost of the loan. However, the lack of transparency regarding additional fees is a drawback. Borrowers should be prepared to ask detailed questions about all potential costs before committing to a loan.
Customer service: 4.3/5
National Funding’s customer service is a strong point. We tested their support by asking several questions about their loan products and application process. Here’s what we found:
- Response time was quick, with most inquiries answered within a few hours.
- The representatives were knowledgeable and able to provide detailed information about loan options.
- The support team was courteous and patient, willing to explain complex terms in simple language.
One area for improvement would be extending their customer support hours to accommodate businesses in different time zones better. Overall, though, the level of personalized attention and expertise provided by National Funding’s customer service team is commendable.
Frequently Asked Questions About National Funding
Is National Funding legit?
Yes, National Funding is a legitimate alternative lender. Established in 1999, they have provided over $4 billion in funding to small businesses across the United States. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating and have received numerous accolades for their services.
How fast can I receive funding from National Funding?
National Funding prides itself on quick turnaround times. After approval, you can receive funds in as little as 24 hours. However, the exact timing may vary depending on the complexity of your application and the type of loan you’re seeking.
What types of businesses does National Funding work with?
National Funding works with a wide range of small businesses across various industries. However, they typically require businesses to have been operating for at least six months (for working capital loans) or two years (for equipment financing) and have a minimum of $250,000 in annual revenue.
Does National Funding check credit scores?
Yes, National Funding does perform a credit check as part of their application process. However, they have a relatively low minimum credit score requirement of 600, making their loans accessible to businesses with less-than-perfect credit.
Can I pay off my National Funding loan early?
Absolutely! National Funding not only allows early repayment but also encourages it by offering early payoff discounts. This can potentially save you money on interest if you’re able to repay your loan ahead of schedule.
What happens if I miss a payment?
While National Funding doesn’t explicitly state their late payment policy, missing payments can negatively impact your credit score and may result in additional fees. If you’re struggling to make payments, it’s best to contact their customer service team proactively to discuss potential solutions.
Alternatives to National Funding
While National Funding offers solid options for small business financing, it’s always wise to consider alternatives. Here are two other companies worth exploring:
OnDeck
OnDeck is another prominent player in the online business lending space. Like National Funding, they offer quick access to capital with a streamlined application process.
Offers both term loans and lines of credit
Potentially lower interest rates for businesses with strong credit profiles
Transparent fee structure
Pros
Higher minimum credit score requirement (600+)
Shorter maximum loan term for term loans (24 months)
Cons
For more details, check out our full OnDeck review.
American Express Business Blueprint
American Express Business Blueprint (formerly known as Kabbage) provides flexible lines of credit for small businesses.
No credit score minimum (but they do check your score)
Monthly fee structure instead of traditional interest
Ability to access funds as needed
Pros:
Potentially higher costs for businesses with lower credit scores
Shorter repayment terms compared to some competitors
Cons:
When comparing these alternatives, consider factors such as loan terms, interest rates, fees, and eligibility requirements. Your business’s unique needs and financial situation should guide your decision.
Remember, while these alternatives offer similar services, each has its own strengths and weaknesses. It’s crucial to thoroughly research and compare options before making a decision. You can use our business loan comparison tool to explore more options and find the best fit for your business.
