July 14, 2026
Both are lump-sum loans with fixed payments. The difference comes down to two things: how fast you need the money, and how long you need to pay it back.
SBA loans carry the lowest rates and longest terms most small businesses will ever qualify for — up to 25 years on real estate, 10 years on working capital. They're built for the big, permanent moves: buying a building, acquiring a competitor, buying out a partner, or refinancing expensive debt into one low payment. The trade-off is time: expect 60–75 days to fund, even through a Preferred Lending Partner.
A conventional term loan funds in days, not months. Rates are higher than SBA, but you get predictable fixed payments and speed. It's the right call when you have an opportunity that won't wait — a bulk inventory discount, a piece of equipment, a fast expansion — and you can service a shorter term.
| If you… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Need the lowest possible rate and can wait 60+ days | SBA loan |
| Need money this week | Term loan |
| Are buying real estate or a business | SBA loan |
| Are refinancing high-cost debt (MCAs) | Either — SBA if you can wait, term loan if you can't |
Not sure which fits? Apply once and our partner will route you to the right product — no fee from us, no credit impact to check.
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