gabrielle-henderson-HJckKnwCXxQ-unsplash (1)

Fundbox Review – Products, Rates, Qualifications, and More

Ezra Cabrera | September 23, 2023

Contents

    Fundbox offers a range of financial solutions, including short-term lines of credit and loans, designed to assist small business owners with operating costs.

    In this Fundbox review, we'll look into the various aspects of this AI-based alternative lender. We will examine the rates, qualifications, and other crucial details to help you determine if Fundbox is the right choice for your business's financing needs.

    Company Overview

    Fundbox is an AI-powered financial platform for small businesses. It was founded in 2013 and is based in San Francisco, California. The company offers credit and payments as a service to small businesses, helping them optimize cash flow.

    Fundbox uses technology, including big data analytics and predictive modeling, to provide small businesses with a line of credit and invoice financing for unpaid customer invoices. Since its inception, Fundbox has unlocked over $3 billion in capital and connected to over 500,000 businesses

    Loan Products

    Fundbox distinguishes itself in the financial landscape by presenting a singular and uncomplicated loan product: the line of credit. Through this offering, Fundbox provides businesses with a practical and adaptable solution to their funding requirements.

    The line of credit represents a predetermined sum, extending up to a maximum of $150,000, which eligible businesses can access as needed. This financial lifeline is available to sustain operations, manage expenses, and seize growth opportunities.

    What sets Fundbox's line of credit apart is the option for businesses to choose between two distinct time frames: 12 weeks or a more extended 24-week term. This flexibility in duration enables enterprises to tailor their borrowing to match their specific financial circumstances and objectives.

    Whether you need short-term capital for immediate needs or a more protracted infusion of funds for strategic initiatives, Fundbox line of credit furnishes the necessary resources for growth and stability.

    Interest Rates and Fees

    Fundbox offers a line of credit with interest rates that start at 4.66%. However, these rates can change over time and may vary between applicants.

    As for fees, Fundbox small business loans provide transparency by allowing you to see the fees, like origination fees, upfront before committing to anything. There are no hidden fees or confusing language, ensuring you are in control and aware of your payment total.

    Loan Amounts

    Fundbox introduces a versatile solution for businesses in the form of revolving business lines of credit, extending up to a maximum of $150,000. The repayment options offered are designed to suit varying needs, with terms of 12 or 24 weeks available.

    The specific borrowing limit accessible to borrowers is determined by evaluating their creditworthiness and the overall financial health of their business. The interest rates attached to these credit lines are competitive, commencing at 4.66% for 12-week terms and 8.99% for 24-week terms, ensuring affordability for borrowers.

    A noteworthy aspect of Fundbox's approach is the empowerment it provides borrowers: each time funds are drawn, borrowers can select the repayment plan that aligns with their financial strategy. Additionally, the absence of early prepayment penalties allows borrowers to settle the debt ahead of schedule without incurring extra charges, underlining Fundbox's borrower-friendly stance.

    Funding Speed and Availability

    Fundbox stands out for its swift funding process, ensuring that funds can be available as early as the next business day after approval.

    The convenience is further enhanced by their entirely online application process, which leverages AI-powered technology to make approval decisions in a concise span of three minutes. Once your application is approved, Fundbox doesn't keep you waiting – the funds are promptly deposited directly into your business bank account, enabling immediate access to the loan you've secured.

    This starkly contrasts the more traditional lending institutions, which often require several days before funds are transferred to your account. Fundbox's commitment to expediency and ease of access underscores its dedication to providing a hassle-free and efficient funding solution.

    Repayment Terms

    Fundbox allows borrowers to choose repayment terms each time they access funds. Depending on your creditworthiness and business finances, you can opt for 12- or 24-week repayment plans.

    When you draw funds, you get to pick the repayment plan that suits you, and there are no penalties if you decide to pay off your small business loan early. Remember that the repayment schedule is weekly, which might mean larger payments. This works well for businesses with sufficient average monthly revenue to handle those payments comfortably.

    Fundbox's standard business line of credit goes up to $150,000, with interest rates starting at 4.66% for 12-week plans or 8.99% for 24-week plans, making it an affordable choice.

    Qualification Requirements

    To qualify for Fundbox credit, you'll generally need to meet the following requirements:

    Business Checking Account History
    You should have at least three months of transaction history in a business checking account.

    Annual Revenue
    Your business should have a yearly revenue of $100,000 or more.

    Personal Credit Score
    You need to have a personal credit score above 600.

    Note that meeting these criteria doesn't guarantee approval, but they serve as good general indicators for eligibility.

    Pros and Cons

    Fundbox has several advantages and disadvantages you need to consider.

    Pros

    • Fast Financing
      Fundbox offers business financing within one business day after approval, allowing you to access funds quickly when needed. 
    • Simple Application Process
      The application process for Fundbox is straightforward and requires minimal documentation, making it convenient for small business owners. 
    • Startup-Friendly
      Fundbox accepts borrowers with at least six months in business, making it accessible to startups and newer companies. 
    • Moderate Approval Requirements
      Fundbox has a relatively lenient approval process and requirements, making it easier for small business owners to qualify for credit. 
    • Automated Application
      Fundbox utilizes automation in its application process, streamlining the process and reducing the need for manual intervention. 
    • Funds Available Quickly
      Once approved, funds from Fundbox can be available as soon as the next business day, providing timely access to working capital. 

    Cons

    • Low Maximum Loan Amounts
      Fundbox offers relatively low maximum Fundbox business loan amounts, which may not be suitable for businesses with larger funding needs. 
    • High APR
      The annual percentage rates (APR) charged by Fundbox can be relatively high, potentially resulting in higher business borrowing costs. 
    • Lines of Credit Only
      Fundbox primarily offers lines of credit, limiting the types of business financing options available to businesses. This may not be ideal for businesses seeking other kinds of Fundbox small business loans. 

    Bottom Line: Is Fundbox Right For You?

    Fundbox small business loans may be the right choice if you are a small business owner needing a short-term line of credit or loan for operating costs.

    They offer quick funding decisions and do not have a minimum credit score requirement, making them accessible to many businesses. Their less stringent qualification requirements also make qualifying easier than traditional banks and alternative business lenders.

    However, it is important to consider your specific needs and compare them to other options available to ensure that Fundbox is the right fit for your business.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

    Is Fundbox a legit company?

    Yes, Fundbox is a legitimate company that offers short-term lines of credit and loans to small business owners. Founded in 2013, Fundbox helps entrepreneurs access the credit they need to move their companies forward. They provide a flexible Fundbox line of credit to businesses with fair credit. Fundbox has moderate approval requirements and offers an automated application process.

    Is it hard to get approved with Fundbox?

    No, it’s not hard to get a loan from Fundbox. They accept a minimum credit score as low as 600 and require a minimum annual revenue of $100,000. Additionally, you only need to have been in business for six months.

    What credit score is needed for Fundbox?

    To qualify for Fundbox, you usually need personal credit scores above 600. However, it's important to note that meeting their criteria does not guarantee approval.

    What are the minimum requirements for Fundbox?

    The minimum requirements for Fundbox include at least three months of transaction history in a business checking account, $100,000 or more in annual revenue, and a personal credit score above 600. However, meeting these criteria does not guarantee approval, but they are good general indicators of eligibility for Fundbox credit.

    About the Author

    Ezra Neiel Cabrera has a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Entrepreneurial Marketing. Over the last 3 years, she has been writing business-centric articles to help small business owners grow and expand. Ezra mainly writes for SMB Compass, but you can find some of her work in All Business, Small Biz Daily, LaunchHouse, Marketing2Business, and Clutch, among others. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her in bed eating cookies and binge-watching Netflix.