QuickBridge vs. SMB Compass: Which small business lender is right for you?

QuickBridge and SMB Compass are two online lenders specializing in fast business loans but focus on different business loan types, funding amounts and term lengths.

QuickBridge focuses on smaller, short-term loans, while SMB Compass offers larger loans with longer repayment terms. While both lenders cater to those with fair credit scores, SMB Compass has a lower annual revenue requirement for some loans, making it more accessible to newer businesses or established businesses facing low revenue.

We’ll look further into the key differences between QuickBridge and SMB Compass to help you choose the right lender for your needs.

QuickBridge vs. SMB Compass at a glance

QuickBridge and SMB Compass are similar in that they both offer online business loans and can fund those loans relatively quickly. But, the similarities largely end there as both focus on different types of loans.

Quickbridge business loans are generally short-term and use factor rates when calculating repayment. SMB Compass is a more traditional lender offering larger, long-term loans with APR interest rates.

QuickBridge business loans

QuickBridge specializes in short-term loans for working capital and other immediate financing needs. Its shortest loans have repayment terms of just four months.

One thing that sets a QuickBridge loan apart from SMB Compass is its use of factor rates, which start at 1.10. That can make it tricky to compare to other loans that use interest, but factor rates tend to be higher than a traditional APR interest rate. However, QuickBridge offers early repayment discounts, which can help reduce costs.

Perhaps because of its focus on quick repayments, QuickBridge is strict about the borrowers it approves. To qualify for a working capital loan, you’ll need a fair-to-excellent credit score and at least $250,000 in annual revenue.

Pros

• Next-day funding
• Early repayment discount
• Short time in business requirement

Cons

• High revenue requirement
• Loan costs can be high
• Lack of cost transparency

SMB Compass business loans

If you’re in the market for a large loan with a longer repayment term or various loan options, SMB Compass is a good option. Unlike QuickBridge, SMB Compass lets businesses borrow as much as $10 million, with terms ranging from 6 months to 25 years, depending on the product.

Despite offering nine types of loans and larger lending amounts, SMB Compass still offers relatively quick approvals and funding.

Another perk of borrowing from SMB Compass is its eligibility requirements. For a business line of credit, you’ll only need a credit score of 600, two years in business and an annual revenue of $100,000. An equipment loan only requires a year in business and a minimum credit score of 600 credit score.

Pros

• Larger loan limit
• Longer terms available
• Lower revenue requirement

Cons

• Sole proprietors cannot apply
• Not available in all states
• Funding takes slightly longer

How to choose between QuickBridge and SMB Compass

Choosing between QuickBridge and SMB Compass should be relatively easy as long as you know why you’re seeking funding.

If you need a quick, short-term loan, QuickBridge will likely be the winner. But, if your company wants to finance larger purchases over a longer period, SMB Compass will be a better option.

Choose QuickBridge for fast funding

While both SMB Compass and QuickBridge are online lenders with relatively quick approvals, Quickbridge is the winner when it comes to fast loan funding.

QuickBridge can approve and fund loans as soon as the next day. SMB Compass, while fast, takes a bit longer to fund loans after approval.

Choose SMB Compass for accessible loan options

SMB Compass excels in long-term and large loans, offering much larger loan amounts with terms ten times longer than QuickBridge.

It also has a wider variety of loans available, offering nine different loan types to its customers. You can qualify for some of these loans with an annual revenue of just $100,000, less than half what QuickBridge demands from its applicants.

Alternatives

Many online lenders offer relatively quick loans. So if you’re looking for financing, it’s a good idea to compare your options and look for a deal.

If you want an alternative lender that offers quick funding for short-term loans, consider applying for a loan from National Funding. Like QuickBridge, National Funding offers quickly-funded, short-term loans, though some can extend for up to five years.

If you want access to large loans, even with poor credit, consider working with Fundible. This lender offers loans for up to $10 million and can approve some applicants with credit scores as low as 450.

As a short-term financing option, you could also apply for a business credit card. A business credit card can help with day-to-day expenses or smaller purchases, often with perks like rewards or introductory APRs. You also won’t pay any interest if you pay the card’s balance in full each month.

SBA loans

SBA loans are business loans the U.S. Small Business Administration partially guarantees. This guarantee reduces the risk that lenders take on when offering loans, helping them approve larger loans or applicants with lower credit scores.

SMB Compass offers SBA loans but focuses on well-qualified borrowers and established businesses. It lacks accessibility for some borrowers, including those who are underserved. If you’re interested in other SBA loans, such as microloans or Community Advantage loans, consider other lenders.

Microloans are dispersed by nonprofit community organizations, helping underserved communities get up to $50,000 in financing. Community Advantage loans are also aimed at underserved communities but offer larger funding amounts — up to $350,000 in funding.

Bottom line

QuickBridge and SMB Compass are both online lenders, but they focus on different loan types and needs. QuickBridge targets companies needing quick cash for purposes like working capital, while SMB Compass offers a larger variety of loans and repayment periods.

Before applying for a business loan, make sure you look at multiple lenders, comparing rates and the loans they offer to ensure you find the best small business loan to meet your business’s needs.

Frequently asked questions

• What credit score do you need for a QuickBridge loan?

  QuickBridge has a minimum credit score requirement of 660.
  

• How hard is it to get an unsecured business loan?

  Getting an unsecured business loan isn’t necessarily difficult. However, you’ll need reasonable credit and strong business revenue. Opting for a secured loan can make it easier to qualify and help you land a lower interest rate.
  

• Do you have to put up collateral for a small business loan?

  No, you don’t always have to put up collateral to get a small business loan. However, collateral can make qualifying for or securing a loan easier.