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.
National Funding, founded in 1999 and now part of the FairSquare group, has provided over $4.5 billion in capital to more than 85,000 businesses nationwide. They specialize in working capital loans and equipment financing for small businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank lending.
Quick Answer:
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 business loans, 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 |
| Factor rate | Starting at 1.10 |
| Min. credit score | 600-670 FICO (varies by source) |
| Origination fee | 1% - 3% |
| 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 working capital, two years for equipment financing. Business bank account required. |
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: 600-670 FICO (some sources report a higher minimum)
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
Business bank account required
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 relatively lower credit score requirement makes them 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.
If you're seeking long-term financing with lower interest rates and have an excellent credit score, you'll likely find better terms with traditional banks or SBA loans.
Businesses looking for very large loans (over $500,000) or those who prefer full cost transparency before applying might also want to explore other options through our business loan comparison tool.
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:
Follow these steps to apply for a loan with National Funding. The process is designed to be quick and straightforward, often resulting in funding within 24 hours of approval.
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
Be sure to provide accurate information to expedite the process.
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)
Having these documents ready in advance can help speed up the process.
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 National Funding interest rate structure and total costs is crucial for making an informed decision about their business loans. Here's a breakdown of the key financial aspects:
| Cost Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Factor Rate | Starting at 1.10 |
| Origination Fee | 1% - 3% |
| Total Borrowing Cost | Estimated 15% - 30% of loan amount |
| Equipment Financing Rate | Starting at 4.99% simple interest |
| Prepayment Penalty | None; early payoff discounts available |
National Funding uses factor rates instead of traditional interest rates for their working capital loans.
A factor rate of 1.10 means you'll repay $1.10 for every dollar borrowed. In practice, borrowers can expect total borrowing costs between 15% and 30% of their loan amount, depending on their business's risk profile and the loan terms.
For equipment financing, interest rates start at 4.99% simple interest, with terms up to 60 months. These are structured more like traditional loans.
Origination fees range from 1% to 3%. National Funding doesn't publicly disclose all fees on their website, so ask about any potential processing fees or late payment penalties during the application process. Always request a full breakdown of all costs before accepting a loan offer.
The absence of prepayment penalties and the offer of early payoff discounts can save you money if you're able to repay your loan ahead of schedule.
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 for busy business owners.
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. Total borrowing costs typically fall between 15% and 30% of the loan amount.
The absence of prepayment penalties and the offer of early payoff discounts help reduce the overall cost. Equipment financing rates starting at 4.99% simple interest are more competitive. The lack of full fee transparency on their website before applying is a drawback.
Customer service: 4.3/5
National Funding's customer service is a strong point. Their 4.6-star Trustpilot rating from over 2,100 reviews and 4.4-star Google rating from 491 reviews back this up. 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. We found few National Funding reviews complaints related to customer service itself; most negative feedback centers on costs rather than support quality. Overall, the level of personalized attention and expertise provided by National Funding's customer service team is commendable.
So how does National Funding work in practice? You apply online, get matched with a dedicated loan specialist, provide documentation, receive an offer, and get funded, often within 24 hours of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions About National Funding
Is National Funding legit?
Yes, National Funding is a legitimate alternative lender. Founded in 1999 and now part of the FairSquare group, they have provided over $4.5 billion in funding to more than 85,000 small businesses across the United States. They hold an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.6-star rating on Trustpilot from over 2,100 reviews.
How fast can I receive funding from National Funding?
After approval, you can receive funds in as little as 24 hours. The exact timing depends on the complexity of your application and the type of financing you are seeking. Equipment financing may take slightly longer due to additional documentation requirements.
What types of businesses does National Funding work with?
National Funding works with small businesses across various industries. They typically require businesses to have been operating for at least six months (for working capital loans) or two years (for equipment financing), with a minimum of $250,000 in annual revenue and a business bank account.
What credit score do you need for National Funding?
National Funding has historically listed a minimum FICO score of 600, though some third-party sources report the current minimum is 670. The exact requirement may vary based on the type of financing and your overall business profile. A higher credit score will generally help you qualify for better factor rates.
Can I pay off my National Funding loan early?
Yes. National Funding has no prepayment penalties and actually offers early payoff discounts. This can save you money on interest if you are able to repay your loan ahead of schedule.
What happens if I miss a payment?
While National Funding does not explicitly state their late payment policy, missing payments can negatively impact your credit score and may result in additional fees. If you are struggling to make payments, contact their customer service team proactively to discuss potential solutions.
Is National Funding a reputable company?
National Funding has a strong reputation in the alternative lending space. They hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, a 4.6-star Trustpilot rating from 2,100+ reviews, and a 4.4-star Google rating from 491 reviews. They were founded in 1999, have funded over $4.5 billion, and received recognition from Forbes and a Top 3 in Customer Satisfaction award from LendingTree.
Who owns National Funding?
National Funding was founded by Dave Gilbert and is now part of the FairSquare group. Under Gilbert's leadership, his companies have provided more than $6 billion in funding to small and medium-sized businesses across all industries. The company is headquartered in San Diego, California.
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:
Credibly
Credibly is another prominent player in the online business lending space. Like National Funding, they offer quick access to capital with a streamlined application process.
Pros
Offers working capital, merchant cash advances, and business lines of credit
Fast approval process with funding in as little as one business day
Transparent pricing and terms
Cons
Higher minimum revenue requirement than some competitors
Shorter maximum loan terms for some products
For more details, check out our full Credibly review.
Fora Financial
Fora Financial provides flexible funding options for small businesses, including short-term loans and revenue-based financing. They're known for working with businesses that have lower credit scores.
For more details, check out our full Fora Financial review.
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.
You can use our business loan comparison tool to explore more options and find the best fit for your business.
