How do I choose between these products?
Start with the job the money has to do. A temporary cash gap fits short, flexible funding. A long-lived purchase fits longer repayment. Then compare the payment style against your cash flow, and read what each contract says about liens, guarantees and default before you compare anything else.
- Timing gap (payroll before a big invoice clears): a line of credit or working capital.
- A machine, vehicle or tool that earns for years: equipment financing.
- A one-time project with a clear plan: a term loan, or an SBA loan if you can wait.
- Uneven card or deposit revenue and a need for speed: a merchant cash advance, with its higher cost understood.
What should I check no matter which product I pick?
Four things matter on every offer: who is actually funding you, the total amount you will repay, how and how often payments are collected, and what you personally sign for. Get each answer in the contract itself, not just on a sales call, and take the time you need to read it.
Our pre-signing question list, personal guarantee explainer and UCC-1 lien guide cover the terms owners most often overlook. This is general information, not legal advice.
| Product | Typical speed | Typical term | Payment style | Collateral | Paperwork |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Working capital | Often days | Months | Daily, weekly or monthly | Often a general lien | Light |
| Merchant cash advance | Often days | Until the fixed amount is remitted | Share of sales, daily or weekly | Often a general lien | Light |
| Term loan | Days to weeks | One to several years | Fixed installments | Varies | Moderate |
| Line of credit | Days to weeks | Revolving, reviewed periodically | On what you draw | Varies | Moderate |
| Equipment financing | Days to weeks | Tied to equipment life | Fixed monthly | The equipment | Moderate, plus a quote |
| SBA loan | Weeks to months | Longest of the group | Fixed monthly | Often required where available | Heavy |
Frequently asked questions
Which type of business funding is easiest to qualify for?
Products that lean on revenue or on the asset being financed, such as merchant cash advances, some working capital and equipment financing, are often more flexible than bank or SBA loans. Easier approval usually comes with higher cost or shorter terms, so compare the full contract rather than choosing on approval odds alone.
What is the difference between a loan and a merchant cash advance?
A loan is borrowed money repaid with interest on a schedule. A merchant cash advance is usually structured as a purchase of a share of future sales for a fixed amount, collected through daily or weekly debits. The structure changes how payments, early repayment and default work, so read which one you are signing.
Does applying affect my credit?
Practices vary. Many funders start with a soft credit check that does not affect your personal score and run a hard inquiry later in the process. Ask which type of check will be used, and when, before you give consent.
How much can a business typically get?
Amounts depend on the product, monthly revenue, time in business, credit and, for equipment, the value of what you are buying. Requirements vary by product and funder, so the most reliable way to see a real range is to apply and review actual offers.
Compare real offers, not guesses
Apply once and we help you review funding options from our funding partners, with the terms explained in plain English.
Updated September 14, 2026 · TrustedBizFunder Funding Team