Cristina 1 review | February 16, 2023
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LoanBuilder Review
Short-term business loans up to $500,000
No origination fees and no prepayment penalties
Competitive interest rates
Easy online application – prequalify in minutes
Summary
What Is LoanBuilder?
LoanBuilder is a loan service by popular payment processor PayPal. Loans obtained from LoanBuilder are facilitated by Swift Financial.
LoanBuilder offers your company the short-term capital it needs to bridge the gap between large contracts, buy new equipment, and more.
Aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, it offers loans with flexible weekly payment terms that allow your business to pay off the balance over time.
Although similar to other online lenders, LoanBuilder is a bit quicker and easier to qualify for, which is why it’s popular among businesses in the U.S.
So, how does a loan from LoanBuilder work and how can you tell if it’s the right option for your company? We’ll explore these topics and more below.
How LoanBuilder Works
LoanBuilder offers businesses short-term loans to help them continue operating while generating stable revenue.
It gives businesses loans from $5,000 to $500,000 to buy equipment, pay salaries, buy a new building, and more while allowing the company to make regular weekly payments.
Because payments are made weekly, businesses can easily budget for them according to their cash flow and put their funds to work immediately.
LoanBuilder also offers businesses loans as small as $5,000, so these loans can even cover small purchases for your business.
What’s more, with weekly payments available, planning and paying off your debt in a shorter period of time is possible.
How is LoanBuilder Different from PayPal?
PayPal Business Loans and LoanBuilder are the same. In fact, LoanBuilder was formally known as PayPal Business Loans, and while the original loan product allowed customers to repay with monthly payments, LoanBuilder allows borrowers to repay their loans in weekly payments.
Another option is PayPal Working Capital, which offers business loans based on your PayPal account history. You repay with a share of your PayPal sales.
PayPal Working Capital has loans from $1,000 to $150,000 for first-time borrowers and up to $200,000 for repeat borrowers.
Loan Requirements
PayPal LoanBuilder loans are for businesses only. More specifically, for established businesses with consistent, documented revenue.
To get a LoanBuilder loan, you must have been in business for at least nine months and have at least $42,000 in yearly revenue.
You must also have no active bankruptcy filings, a minimum credit score of 620, and the business must be located in the U.S.
Your business also must be registered with the Secretary of State.
On top of all those regulations, there are select industries and business types that are not eligible at all.
There is a personal guarantee attached to PayPal LoanBuilder loans. This means you would be financially responsible for repaying the loan if the business defaults.
Rates & Fees
LoanBuilder APRs range from 24% to 49% with 6% to 19% fixed interest.
There are no origination fees, no prepayment fees, and no maintenance fees. However, there is a $20 returned payment fee.
Repayment Terms
You repay the loan weekly, and the terms range from 13 to 52 weeks.
Your interest rate will vary greatly depending on your creditworthiness, and a loan consultant will go over this with you if you’re approved.
Every week, LoanBuilder will deduct a fixed amount from your business bank account via an ACH (automated clearing house).
Should you decide to pay off your LoanBuilder loan early, keep in mind that all the fees are calculated at the time of loan funding, so this is one of those rare instances where there is no real benefit to paying off early.
LoanBuilder PPP Loan
PayPal participated in the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through WebBank, Member FDIC.
However, as the SBA announced in May 2021 that PPP loan funding had been depleted, LoanBuilder PPP loan applications are no longer accepted.
How to Prequalify with LoanBuilder
Step 1
Apply online
It only takes about five to ten minutes to get the application process started by filling out the online questionnaire.
Step 2
Review your options
Once you’ve filled out the questionnair, a loan representative will contact you and go over your options.
Step 3
Receive your funds
If you are deemed eligible for a LoanBuilder business loan, you can have your money as early as the next business day.
During the first step of the application process, you’ll need to provide your contact info, which includes your name, email address, phone number, and intended use of the loan proceeds.
Next, you’ll need to provide your personal information, including your home address and telephone numbers. You’ll also have to provide your business address and telephone numbers.
When it comes to business details, you’ll supply relevant information, such as your business entity type, trade name or DBA, state of incorporation, annual business revenue, business start date, number of full-time employees, and business industry and sub-industry.
After You Apply
Once you submit your application, LoanBuilder will let you know whether you qualify to continue with the process.
If preapproved, you will receive estimated rates and fees and you can customize your loan amount and term length. Once determined, you can complete a full application.
You will need to submit documentation, which can include business bank accounts. LoanBuilder will also perform a hard check on your credit profile which may temporarily reduce your credit score.
If approved, you’ll electronically sign your contract before receiving your funds.
Our LoanBuilder Review
Transparent fees
Easy online application process
Flexible weekly payments
No origination, prepayment, or maintenance fees
Pros
Only short-term loans
High minimum loan amount of $5,000
No benefit to repaying a loan early
Cons
LoanBuilder is extremely transparent about its fees. It’s a reputable lending platform built on PayPal’s reputation, which has been around since 1998.
Another benefit is the LoanBuilder Configuration Tool that helps you understand what you will be paying for your loan. You can adjust the amount and term length to get a clear understanding of what to expect.
If you use PayPal to process business payments you can also use the PayPal Working Capital Loan, or use the PayPal Suite of processing tools.
LoanBuilder Customer Service
Before being acquired by PayPal in 2017, Swift Financial already had a solid reputation for top-notch customer service. This standard remains today.
The support team is available Mondays to Fridays from 9 am to 8 pm ET and on Saturdays from 11 am to 3 pm ET. You can reach the customer support team via phone at 1-800-347-5626.
Is LoanBuilder Safe?
LoanBuilder is connected to one of the most powerful financial services companies in the world, PayPal, so you know it is a legitimate business lender.
Read more LoanBuilder reviews below or add your own.
LoanBuilder FAQs
Will applying for a loan affect my credit score?
Getting prequalified will not impact your credit score. If you decide to complete the loan process, credit checks will be done and this may impact your credit score.
Can I pay off my loan early?
Yes. There is no penalty to pay off your loan early. The full fee based on your original loan application will be payable at the time you want to settle your loan in full.
How do I get the funds?
Once approved, your loan will be paid directly into your business’ bank account. This can take place as fast as the next business day.
Do I need a PayPal Business account to apply for a loan?
No. All you need is a business checking account to receive your funds and deduct weekly payments from.
Do I need to provide a personal guarantee?
Yes, a personal guarantee is required similar to many other business loans.
Who is Swift Financial and WebBank?
WebBank is the lender for LoanBuilder and loans are serviced by Swift Financial, a PayPal subsidiary.
Where do I find the LoanBuilder login?
The login for LoanBuilder is https://my.loanbuilder.com/login.
