SBA Express Loan — Up to $500,000 with 36-Hour Approval
Get an SBA Express loan up to $500,000 with decisions in 36 hours. Lower rates than conventional business loans. Apply online in 5 minutes.
Easy Funding
One application, 75+ funding sources. Get matched in minutes, not weeks.
Fast Approval
Most businesses get approved and funded within 24-48 hours.
Best Fit
We match your business to the right product — SBA, line of credit, or working capital.
No Obligation
Soft credit pull only. See your options without any impact to your score.
The fastest SBA-backed funding available. Lower rates than any alternative loan. No 60-day waits.
What Is an SBA Express Loan?
SBA Express is a streamlined SBA 7(a) program where approved lenders make the credit decision under their own authority — meaning the SBA doesn’t re-review the file. You get:
- Up to $500,000 in funding
- 36-hour decision from the SBA
- 10.5%–14.5% APR (prime + lender spread)
- Up to 10-year terms (25 years for real estate)
- 50% SBA guarantee backing the lender
It’s the cheapest money available outside of a traditional bank loan, and it moves at the speed of a bank line of credit.
Who Qualifies for SBA Express?
| Requirement | Typical Minimum |
|---|---|
| Credit score | 680+ |
| Time in business | 2+ years |
| Annual revenue | $200,000+ |
| Debt service coverage | 1.15x or better |
| Citizenship | U.S. citizen or national |
| Industry | Most for-profit industries |
| Prior SBA defaults | None |
What Can You Use an SBA Express Loan For?
- Working capital — Inventory, payroll, operational expenses
- Equipment purchases — Machines, vehicles, technology, furniture
- Expansion — New location build-out, second unit
- Debt refinancing — Roll expensive merchant cash advances into a 10-year SBA loan
- Real estate — Purchase or improve commercial property
- Acquisition — Buy out a partner or acquire a competitor
SBA Express vs. Other Business Loan Options
| Feature | SBA Express | Standard 7(a) | Alternative Loan | Line of Credit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max amount | $500K | $5M | $500K | $250K |
| Decision time | 36 hours | 30–60 days | 24 hours | Same day |
| Rate range | 10.5%–14.5% | 10.5%–14.5% | 15%–50%+ | 8%–24% |
| Term length | Up to 10 years | Up to 25 years | 3–18 months | Revolving |
| Best for | Mid-size capital needs | Large capital needs | Fast cash, weak credit | Flexibility |
How to Apply Through Fundmerica
- Submit a quick application — 5 minutes, soft credit pull only
- Get matched to the right SBA Express lender — We work with lenders who have the shortest queues
- Package and submit — Your advisor helps you assemble the required docs
- Get a decision in 36 hours
- Fund in 5–10 business days
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does SBA Express actually take?
The SBA itself responds within 36 hours. Total time from application to funds is typically 5–10 business days.
What’s the difference between SBA Express and SBA 7(a)?
SBA 7(a) caps at $5M with 30–60 day processing. SBA Express caps at $500K but the lender decides without SBA re-review.
Can I use SBA Express to refinance a merchant cash advance?
In some cases, yes — though SBA rules changed in 2026 restricting MCA refinancing. Your advisor can confirm eligibility.
What if I don’t qualify for SBA Express?
Alternative working capital loans, business lines of credit, and equipment financing are available with more flexible requirements.