Navigating the world of business financing can get complicated quickly, especially if you’re exploring OnDeck alternatives. Whether you’re in retail, e-commerce, construction, or any industry where margins are slim and decisions are made quickly, it’s important to find a lender that truly suits your needs (and pace).
This quick guide details some of OnDeck’s main competitors, the services they offer, and the types of businesses each lender tends to serve.
Understand your business financing needs
Before you start comparing lenders, it helps to have a clear idea of what your business really needs. Companies between $2 million and $50 million often face some of the same challenges, and these pain points often determine which financing options make sense.
Cash flow gap: Maybe there’s a seasonal slowdown, late payments or rapid growth that exceeds your working capital.
Growth goals: Expanding companies need lenders who understand speed and flexibility, not just paperwork.
Operational requirements: Whether it’s new equipment, additional inventory, or the launch of a new service line, smooth operations result in cash coming in at the right time.
It’s also worth looking at your financial situation: such as your credit score, existing debt and lifetime funding needs to make sure you’re matched with the right type of lender from the start.
OnDeck Capital Competitors: A Quick View
- national commercial capital
- Lendio
- cabbage
- blue vine
- fund box
Learn about OnDeck alternatives
1. National commercial capital
National Business Capital is one of the strongest alternatives to OnDeck, especially for business owners looking for more than just capital. NBC serves as a true capital partner, helping you think strategically about growth, not just getting through the next payroll cycle. This is what sets us apart:
Main features
NBC offers a variety of financing options, including:
- Quick approval: Get a decision as soon as possible on the day you apply. Quick access to capital means you can execute new contracts, meet short-term needs or seize time-sensitive opportunities.
- Term loan: Choose from flexible repayment terms and competitive interest rates designed to work with your cash flow, not against it. Whether you’re refinancing debt, managing expansion costs, or stabilizing operations, these loans will evolve with the pace of your business.
- Equipment Financing: Upgrade or add new equipment without depleting your reserves. From heavy machinery to technology upgrades, equipment financing can help you stay efficient and competitive while keeping your cash available for daily operations.
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| Customized solutions: Customize financing options based on specific business needs. is a direct lender with diversified lending partners. | Eligibility criteria: Some options may have strict eligibility requirements. |
| Diversified loan portfolio: A wide range of financial products for a variety of business industries. | price: As a private credit institution, interest rates are generally higher than banks because most loans are unsecured and cash flow based. |
most suitable
National Business Capital works extensively with companies in the construction, manufacturing, transportation and wholesale sectors. Whether driving day-to-day operations or funding the next phase of growth, NBC can help business owners access capital that matches their pace and ambition.
2. Lendio
Lendio is a lending marketplace that allows business owners to compare offers from multiple lenders side-by-side, saving time, hassle, and guesswork.
financial products
- Merchant Cash Advance: Based on future revenue expectations.
- Various loan options: Including SBA loans, short-term loans, etc.
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive overview: Allows multiple quotes to be compared simultaneously. | Different rates and terms: Lenders’ terms can vary widely. |
| Diversified network: Access a wide range of financial providers. | Third-party dependencies: Reliance on external partners to fulfill loans. |
most suitable
Ideal for some business owners who are unsure which loan type is best for them, providing a broad overview of potential lenders.
3. Cabbage
Kabbage offers a line of credit managed through American Express primarily for cash flow needs.
Main features
- Quick financing: Get a line of credit with a fast approval process.
- Integrate with business accounts: Seamlessly connects to your business checking account, making it easier to move funds, manage cash flow, and take control of your daily finances.
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| Globally renowned brands: Backed by the reputational strength of American Express. | Higher fees compared to traditional loans: The convenience fee structure may be higher than with traditional financing. |
| Integrate with business accounts: Seamlessly link to business checks for efficient money management. | Credit limit only: Focus only on specific financing needs. |
most suitable
Kabbage is suitable for tech-savvy business owners and those with changing short-term cash flow needs.
4. Blue Vine
Bluevine offers business banking and small business financing (lines of credit and term loans).
Main features
- Business credit limit: Up to about $250,000.
- Short term financing: Many programs have repayment terms of 6 or 12 months.
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| The barriers to entry are relatively low compared to traditional banks. | Suitable for small loans. |
| Business checking accounts are powerful. | Some products, such as lines of credit, are not available in all states. |
most suitable
Businesses with moderate but imperfect credit may not easily qualify for a traditional bank loan.
5. Fund box
Fundbox is an online lender that provides fast, short-term financing to help small businesses smooth cash flow and stay afloat.
Main features
- loan amount: Fundbox offers business lines of credit up to $150,000.
- repayment terms: Typically, repayment terms are 12 or 24 weeks, which is relatively short compared to traditional loans.
| advantage | shortcoming |
|---|---|
| Fundbox typically does not require personal guarantees for smaller credit lines, meaning your personal assets are not at risk if your business is unable to repay the loan. | Fundbox offers funding up to $150,000, which may be too small for larger businesses that need a lot of capital to expand. |
| There are no penalties for paying off a loan or line of credit early. | Fundbox focuses primarily on line of credit and invoice financing, so if you need a long-term loan or a larger loan, this may not be the best fit. |
most suitable
Fundbox is suitable for businesses that are experiencing cash flow difficulties but expect things to stabilize soon.
make informed decisions
Finding the right financing partner can be a complete game-changer, especially in markets like California, Texas, New York, and Florida. While lenders like OnDeck, Bluevine and Fundbox have their place, exploring the options available at National Business Capital can help you find business financing that truly suits your goals, not just your immediate needs.
When you’re comparing lenders, think beyond the next few months. The best financing involves more than just getting approved. This is about giving your business long-term momentum.
With the right capital strategy, you can not only cover costs but also build resilience, flexibility and room for growth.
See what you’re approved for today and start funding your next move.
