How to Get a Small Business Loan in Less Than 24 Hours

Getting funding fast can mean the difference between seizing an opportunity or missing out. Whether it’s covering payroll, stocking inventory, or handling an emergency expense, many entrepreneurs wonder: Can you really get a small business loan in less than 24 hours?

The short answer: Yes. With the rise of fintech and online lenders, same-day funding is more accessible than ever. But speed comes with trade-offs — like higher interest rates and shorter repayment terms.

This guide shows you how to qualify, where to apply, and what to expect when securing a loan in under 24 hours.

Why 24-Hour Business Loans Are in Demand

• Emergencies like equipment breakdowns or unexpected bills

• Seasonal cash flow gaps

• Last-minute opportunities (discounted inventory, new contracts)

• Payroll and operating expenses

Best Lenders for Same-Day Business Loans

1. OnDeck

• Funding speed: As fast as 24 hours

• Loan types: Term loans, lines of credit

• Typical requirements: 625+ credit, $100K annual revenue

2. Bluevine

• Funding speed: Same or next day

• Loan types: Business line of credit up to $250,000

• Flexible draws, only pay interest on what you use

3. Fundbox

• Funding speed: Often same-day

• Loan types: Line of credit, invoice financing

• Easier approval for lower credit scores

4. PayPal Working Capital

• Funding speed: Minutes to 24 hours

• Based on PayPal sales history, no credit check required

• Automated repayment as a % of daily sales

5. Square Loans

• Funding speed: Next business day

• Loan offers appear directly in your Square dashboard

• Repayments tied to daily credit card sales

Steps to Get Approved in Less Than 24 Hours (Featured Snippet Section)

1. Choose an online lender offering same-day funding

2. Prepare key documents (bank statements, ID, EIN)

3. Complete a short online application

4. Link business bank accounts for instant verification

5. Accept offer and sign digitally for fast funding

Documents You’ll Likely Need

• Government-issued ID

• Business bank account statements (3–6 months)

• Employer Identification Number (EIN) or SSN

• Proof of revenue (sales reports, invoices)

Tip: Have these ready in advance to cut approval time.

Pros of Same-Day Business Loans

• Ultra-fast funding for emergencies

• Streamlined applications (often online-only)

• Lower credit requirements than banks

• Flexible repayment in some cases

Cons to Watch Out For

• Higher interest rates compared to SBA/bank loans

• Shorter repayment terms (6–18 months common)

• Smaller loan amounts ($5,000–$250,000 range)

• Daily or weekly repayments can strain cash flow

Alternative Fast-Funding Options

• Business Credit Cards – Instant approval, useful for smaller purchases

• Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs) – Fast but expensive (use cautiously)

• Invoice Financing – Advance against unpaid invoices

• Business Line of Credit – Borrow only what you need, when you need it

How to Improve Your Approval Odds

• Keep business bank accounts healthy (steady cash flow, avoid overdrafts)

• Build business credit in advance

• Separate personal and business finances

• Choose lenders that specialize in your industry

Conclusion: Speed Comes at a Price

Yes, it’s possible to get a small business loan in less than 24 hours — especially with online lenders like OnDeck, Bluevine, and Fundbox. But remember: faster funding often means higher costs.

Use these loans for short-term needs or emergencies — and when time allows, pursue longer-term financing options like SBA loans or traditional bank loans for better rates.

With the right preparation and lender choice, you can secure fast capital when your business needs it most.