Overview

Fundera, founded in 2013 and acquired by NerdWallet in 2020, is an online business loan marketplace designed to simplify small business financing. Unlike traditional lenders, Fundera doesn’t originate loans but connects users with its curated network of over 25 lending partners.

Businesses can access a variety of financing options, including term loans, SBA loans, merchant cash advances, invoice financing, and business lines of credit. With a focus on transparency and support, Fundera enables business owners to compare pre-qualified loan offers in one place through a single, soft-credit-check application.

The platform has helped over 85,000 small businesses secure more than $2.5 billion in funding, making it a compelling resource for startups and small- to medium-sized businesses looking for flexible capital solutions.

Lending specialists are available to help borrowers understand options and navigate the process with clarity. The platform is especially valuable to those unsure of which loan suits them best or who may not qualify through traditional banks.

Pros & Cons

Features

Fundera’s greatest strength is its versatility. The platform provides access to various loan types:

• SBA Loans: Up to $5M, repayment up to 25 years.
• Term Loans: $25K–$600K, with fixed monthly payments.
• Business Lines of Credit: Up to $250K, revolving credit.
• Equipment Financing: Up to 100% of cost.
• Invoice Financing: Borrow against unpaid invoices.
• Merchant Cash Advances: Repay through daily credit card sales.

Loan Matching and User Experience

• Tailored Loan Criteria: Each loan type available through Fundera comes with its own set of terms and qualification criteria. This structure allows Fundera to serve a wide range of businesses, from startups with minimal revenue to established companies with strong credit histories.
• Soft Credit Check: To match users with the most suitable offers, Fundera performs a soft credit pull, which does not impact the applicant's credit score. This allows business owners to review loan options risk-free.
• Intuitive Interface: Fundera’s platform is easy to navigate, making it simple for users to complete the application and compare offers. Additionally, its affiliation with NerdWallet provides users with access to rich educational content to help inform their decisions.
• Personalized Support: After submitting an application, borrowers receive one-on-one support via phone or email from a dedicated loan specialist. These experts guide users through the loan selection process to find the best match for their business needs.
• No Direct Fees: Fundera does not charge borrowers for its services. Instead, it receives compensation from its lending partners. While loan details are limited prior to application, users gain full transparency once pre-qualified offers are presented, enabling informed decision-making.

Application Process

Fundera simplifies the loan application into a three-step process:

Step 1: Simple Online Application

Start by filling out a short online form. This application is free and won’t impact your credit score. You’ll provide basic business and personal information.

Step 2: Expert Matching & Consultation

Once you submit the form, Fundera reviews your details to match you with loan products you’re likely to qualify for. A dedicated lending specialist then contacts you to understand your goals and guide you toward the best loan options. This one-on-one support is a core part of Fundera’s hands-on approach.

Step 3: Document Submission & Offers

To proceed, you may need to submit documents such as bank statements, tax returns, and a business licence.

As a loan marketplace—not a direct lender—Fundera enables you to compare multiple options efficiently. It’s particularly useful for business owners unsure of which financing route best fits their needs.

Repayment Terms

Because Fundera is a marketplace, repayment terms vary based on the lender and loan product chosen.

• SBA loans often offer the most favorable terms—up to 25 years with low interest rates starting around 6.25%.
• Short-term business loans typically range from 3 months to 2 years, with higher APRs from 10–30% or more.
• Equipment loans may offer repayment periods up to 5–6 years, while merchant cash advances operate on flexible, revenue-based repayments that adjust with sales volume.
• Lines of credit offer revolving access, often reviewed annually. Invoice financing and merchant cash advances tend to carry higher fees due to higher risk.

Fundera’s platform helps clarify these repayment structures by presenting multiple side-by-side offers, allowing business owners to choose based on cash flow, risk tolerance, and urgency.

Borrowers should be cautious with shorter-term, high-cost products and consult closely with Fundera’s loan experts to understand all obligations. Because repayment terms are set by the lenders, they are subject to change, but Fundera provides tools and guidance to ensure transparency.

Customer Support

• Phone & Email Support: Lending specialists are available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM ET. They provide personalized guidance throughout the loan process.
• Help Center: The Fundera Help Center (funderahelp.zendesk.com) offers a wide range of resources, including frequently asked questions, detailed loan guides, and application tips.

Bottom Line

Fundera simplifies access to business financing by connecting users with multiple lenders through one application. With expert guidance, diverse loan options, and quick funding, it’s a reliable resource for growing businesses.

AI was used in the creation of this content, along with human validation and proofreading.