Lendio Business Loans Review 2024

Is It Right for Your Startup?

Woman smiling, holding a notebook with text Lendio Review.

Obtaining capital for your business can be a challenge. With so many financing options available to choose from, the task of reviewing and applying can be daunting. Platforms like Lendio take the headache out of searching for business loans. 

Lendio is a business loan marketplace that makes it possible for small business owners and startup founders to compare lending options from their network of over 75 lenders. This review walks you through what Lendio is, the pros and cons of the platform, and what their customers think of the service to help you decide if this is the right funding option for you. 

Recommended: Find the right business loan for your startup with Lendio.

What Is Lendio?

Lendio is a business loan marketplace, meaning they don’t actually issue business loans themselves. Instead, they serve as a platform for researching and obtaining loans through outside institutions. 

Instead, they boast a network of over 75 lenders that entrepreneurs can peruse on the website to compare eligibility requirements, loan amounts, interest rates, and repayment terms. Moreover, one application allows you to apply to any of the lending options on the website, saving you time. 

Pros and Cons of Lendio

Pros

  • Lender Network: With Lendio’s extensive network of lenders, businesses have access to a substantial amount of lending opportunities. 
  • Loan Variety: Lendio doesn’t connect startups with just one loan type; there are several types of loans available on the Lendio platform. 
  • Easy to Use: The Lendio platform is super user-friendly, requiring only one application to get you closer to your funding goals. 
  • Location Availability: Lendio is available in all states, which is not true for all business loan marketplaces and lending institutions. 
  • Highly Rated: With a plethora of glowing reviews, Lendio boasts positive reception from their customers. 

Cons

  • Not All Lenders Included: There are some lenders that aren’t included on the platform. Therefore, if you have a specific lender in mind, you may have to look into whether they participate in Lendio’s marketplace. 
  • Some Information Unavailable: Some helpful information about each loan isn’t included on the website, requiring a bit more research at times. 
  • Virtual Only: For entrepreneurs seeking an in-person financing conversation, Lendio may pose a challenge as the platform is entirely online. 

Best Business Loan Marketplace: Lendio

Ready to start your funding journey? Check out Lendio today and see how they can help propel your business forward

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Lendio Startup Loan Details

Lendio boasts business financing options from lines of credit to classic term loans. Depending on the type of funding you choose, there will be various requirements and terms that you will need to meet to qualify for the loan of your choice. 

Minimum Requirements for a Startup Loan

With so many loan options available on the Lendio platform, minimum requirements will vary based on loan type and lender. However, there are a few minimum requirements that need to be met across the board: 

  • Minimum time in business is six months
  • Minimum credit score is 560 
  • Minimum annual revenue of at least $50,000
  • Must have a business bank account 

Startup Loan Options at Lendio

As we mentioned above, Lendio is home to an extensive list of funding options. These include credit cards, cash advances, and government-backed loans. Here are the types of financing options you can find on the Lendio platform. 

Accounts Receivable Financing

Also known as AR financing, Accounts Receivable Financing enables businesses to sell their unpaid invoices to receive a percentage of their value. Allowing you to obtain instant capital in exchange for a small portion of the asset. These loans come with a factoring fee starting at 3%. 

  • Terms: Up to one year 
  • Time to fund: About 24 hours 
  • Loan amount: Up to $10 million 

Equipment Financing

Equipment financing loans allow you to finance the purchase or lease of expensive equipment for your business. Whether it is tech, vehicles, or farm equipment, these loans help purchase valuable resources to run your business. Interest rates for equipment loans through Lendio start at 7.5%. 

  • Types: 1-5 years 
  • Time to fund: About 24 hours 
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $5 million

Business Credit Card

Business credit cards provide access to working capital while helping you build a strong business credit history. Lendio offers five types of business credit cards on the platform: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card, Ink Business Cash Credit Card, Ink Business Premier Credit Card, Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, and BILL Divvy Corporate Card – each with varying requirements and restrictions. 

  • Annual Fees: $0-$195 
  • APR: 0-27.24%

Business Cash Advance

A business cash advance or merchant cash advance allows businesses to borrow money and repay funds with future credit or debit card sales. Factor rates start at 1.08 for business cash advances on the Lendio platform. 

  • Terms: 3-36 months 
  • Time to fund: About 24 hours 
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $2 million 

Business Line of Credit

Business lines of credit offer a flexible funding option for startups looking to increase cash flow when they need it. One of the biggest benefits of business lines of credit is that you only pay interest on the amount you use, not the entire amount of credit you have access to. Interest rates range from 8-60% on business lines of credit with Lendio. 

  • Terms: 6-8 months 
  • Time to fund: 1-2 days 
  • Loan amount: $1,000 to $250,000

Business Term Loan

Business term loans are the most common, standard business loans providing capital upfront with a repayment schedule that includes interest. Term loans are predictable and offer lower interest rates than many other financing options; however, they have stricter requirements, such as credit score minimums. Interest rates for business term loans through Lendio start at 8.49%. 

  • Terms: 6 months to 10 years 
  • Time to fund: About 24 hours 
  • Loan amount: $5,000 to $2 million 

SBA Loan

SBA loans are facilitated by the US Small Business Administration. These government-backed loans offer favorable repayment terms and may be easier for entrepreneurs to obtain since they are guaranteed by the SBA. 

  • Terms: 10-30 years 
  • Time to fund: 1-2 months after approval 
  • Loan amount: Up to $5 million

Lendio Reviews

Lendio is used by small business owners and startup founders alike to financially support their business ventures. Many entrepreneurs raved about specific funding managers that helped not only facilitate their loan acquisition but also saved their startups money. However, one common complaint is high rates and interest on loans, as well as ineffective communication. 

Here are some verified customer reviews from Trustpilot about Lendio:

“What an awesome experience trying to get loans for my business. I've never had any other lenders that work super fast and actually cater to my business. Lendio saved my business twice getting us. Special thanks to Desiree for fast communication and sending the banks whatever they needed as fast as lightning. I will be back for more loans for sure. Recommend 100000%.”

“The person helping me went above and beyond to provide me with service that I have never received before. He ended up saving my company $15K and that is very impactful for a small business. I would and will recommend this company to other small business finding themselves in need of capital.”

“I found that the process was simple but everything was very much up in the air and it didn't feel like there was someone to get in touch with to answer any questions. The actual loan felt like I wasn't dealing with an actual company and at several points in time I felt like the company was not even real. It made me feel very insecure. The loan did go through but I would prefer more follow through.”

With 90% of Lendio’s reviews being five stars, a major feat for any company, customers are generally happy with their service. However, negative reviews note a need for lower rates and better communication. Overall, Lendio’s reviews were impressive. 

Lendio Alternatives

If you’re not sold on Lendio for your business loan needs, there are alternatives out there, such as UpLyft Capital, that offer a more niche financing alternative. This is how the two companies match up next to each other. 

Lendio

Lendio is an online business loan marketplace boasting a network of over 75 lenders and a variety of funding options. 

Best For: Quick startup funding 

Uplyft Capital

Uplyft Capital offers several tiers of business cash advances, allowing business owners to secure funding to be repaid with future sales. 

Best For: DTC brands 

Both of these financing platforms offer decent startup funding options. If you’re looking for more selections to choose from, Lendio is going to allow you to shop around with different lenders and loan types. However, if you are having trouble securing financing, a business cash advance through Uplyft Capital may be a good choice for you. 

How to Apply for a Startup Business Loan Through Lendio

Applying for a startup business loan through Lendio isn’t just easy – it is also incredibly fast. Simply submit an application on the website and get connected with a funding manager who will help you determine the right funding type for your business and what you qualify for and facilitate the process. 

Once you’ve compared lenders and custom funding offers, you can choose the right loan for your business’s needs. Funding is typically received in as little as 24 hours. 

Who Is Lendio Right For?

For business owners looking for variety in their business loan selection, as well as a quick and easy process, Lendio is a great choice. Applications are fast and, with the help of your funding manager, can result in a custom offer built for your business. Plus, turnaround time is typically very short, getting you the funding you need fast. 

However, any entrepreneur looking for a more hands-on approach to taking on business loans or financing may not be best served by this online-only provider. Instead, they may be better suited to a financial institution that they are able to communicate with in person. 

Overall, Lendio offers such an immense selection of business funding options that many businesses can find applicable funding sources from their easy-to-use marketplace. 

Recommended: Simplify your search for startup funding by leveraging Lendio's comprehensive loans marketplace. Apply Now.

Review Methodology

Our reviews are written and researched to provide entrepreneurs like you with a comprehensive overview of the product and the value it may bring to your business. When reviewing products and the companies that offer them, we consider a few key factors: price, features, usability, and customer experience. 

Price

The cheapest option isn’t always the best for entrepreneurs. However, we assess companies, products, and services to ensure the price aligns with the value provided – plus how it compares to top competitors. 

Features

Features (and their value compared to price) are integral to our review process. Every business has a budget and therefore should get the most value from the products and services they pay for. We recommend feature-rich products and services that provide value for our readers. 

Usability

While some products and services may include a learning curve, they should be built with user experience in mind. We review the usability of the platform to ensure it is built with the customer in mind. 

Customer Experience

No matter the platform, software, or service, there will always be hiccups. Therefore, an exceptional customer service experience is crucial. We review customer reviews as well as the type and amount of support offered. This allows us to prioritize services with top-tier customer support. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lendio a legit company?

Lendio is a legitimate business providing a marketplace for startups and small businesses to find and secure financing options with over 300,000 loans funding through the platform. 

Is Lendio SBA approved?

Since Lendio is not a lender itself, it only provides the platform to find and apply for SBA loans through approved lenders. 

Is Lendio easy to get approved?

Depending on the loan or financing type you’re applying for, obtaining approval for financing through Lendio can be quick and easy. A good place to start is their credit score, time in business, and annual revenue requirements. 

Is Lendio good for small business loans?

Lendio’s funding marketplace provides access to an extensive list of lenders. Applicants receive custom loan offers to meet the needs of their business that fit within their qualifications. 

How long does Lendio take to approve a business loan?

Approval times vary depending on the lender and loan type. However, Lendio reports that most users receive financing options to review within 1-2 days.