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How it works · How to qualify

How to Qualify for a Business Loan

Qualifying for a small business loan with Cardiff is easy! Learn how here.

See if you qualify in 60 seconds. No hard credit check.
Up to $250K
Working Capital
500+
Credit Score
1 year
Time in Business
Using your loan

Make Your Business Better

We believe neither cash flow cycles nor equipment expenses should keep you from reaching your potential. At Cardiff, we help you invest your funds to drive real returns. Through our loans, you can grow your business without having to worry about either of those issues.

Purchase Inventory

Loans for inventory support small business funding needs during peak seasons so you can continue to focus on growing your business.

Invest in Equipment

Loans for equipment help your small business purchase or upgrade your equipment so you can operate efficiently.

Smooth Cash Flow

Although many small businesses may experience ups and downs in cash flow, small business loans can cover your financing needs.

Cover Payroll

Loans for payroll ensure that your permanent and temporary employees will be paid no matter if you’re in a slow or exceptionally busy season.

Industries

Is Cardiff the right lender for my business?

Restaurants & food
Restaurants & food
$1.6B funded · Independent and franchise
Retail
Retail
$1.4B funded · In-store and online
Manufacturing
Manufacturing
$1.1B funded · CNC and job shops
Auto repair
Auto repair
$680M funded · Repair and body shops
Healthcare
Healthcare

Automotive dealers, financial services firms, law firms, and non-profits typically won’t qualify for a Cardiff business loan.

The details

What we look for

Requirement
Working Capital
Equipment Financing
Credit Score
500
Typically, personal credit scores aren’t as important as other commercial credit factors. However, a good rule is that if your Credit Score score is over 500, you’re in the clear!
600+
Equipment loans require a 600 Credit Score or better. Keep in mind that equipment loans are credit-based, not revenue-based.
Time in Business
1 year
2 years
Start-ups are welcome! Looking for more than $100K and better pricing, you’ll need more than two years in business.
Revenue
$20K/mo
$20,000/month or $240,000 in annual sales with a minimum of three deposits/month.
None
Unlike a working capital loan, revenues aren’t a large factor when it comes to equipment loans. Have small revenues and need a big piece of equipment? Chances are with a great Credit Score and more than two years in business, you’re approved!
Is US Citizenship required?
Not required
Having US citizenship isn’t required. Cardiff only requires that the business owner be a legal resident.
Ownership
Any owner
Any owner can execute the contract regardless of their ownership percentage
51% or more
51% ownership will need to sign on behalf of the company. Personal Guarantees are required for businesses with less than ten owners. Corporation-Only (Corp-Only) approvals are available for widely-held corporations.
Credit Score
Working Capital
500
Typically, personal credit scores aren’t as important as other commercial credit factors. However, a good rule is that if your Credit Score score is over 500, you’re in the clear!
Equipment Financing
600+
Equipment loans require a 600 Credit Score or better. Keep in mind that equipment loans are credit-based, not revenue-based.
Time in Business
Working Capital
1 year
Equipment Financing
2 years
Start-ups are welcome! Looking for more than $100K and better pricing, you’ll need more than two years in business.
Revenue
Working Capital
$20K/mo
$20,000/month or $240,000 in annual sales with a minimum of three deposits/month.
Equipment Financing
None
Unlike a working capital loan, revenues aren’t a large factor when it comes to equipment loans. Have small revenues and need a big piece of equipment? Chances are with a great Credit Score and more than two years in business, you’re approved!
Is US Citizenship required?
Both products
Not required
Having US citizenship isn’t required. Cardiff only requires that the business owner be a legal resident.
Ownership
Working Capital
Any owner
Any owner can execute the contract regardless of their ownership percentage
Equipment Financing
51% or more
51% ownership will need to sign on behalf of the company. Personal Guarantees are required for businesses with less than ten owners. Corporation-Only (Corp-Only) approvals are available for widely-held corporations.
Before you apply

Getting Ready for a Loan

Do these first

  • Go over your business credit profile and address any concerns
  • Become a legal business entity such as an LLC
  • Get a business Tax ID number
  • Separate business bank account with at least 5 deposits each month
  • Separate company phone number and website
  • Have several vendors that report to the credit bureaus
  • Make sure your personal credit score is above 500. (A score above 600 will make it more likely you will be approved—and at better pricing)

Have these ready

  • A good cause (reason) to get business financing
  • Create a one-pager of your business identity, to have in front of you: how long you’ve been in business, how many employees you have, Tax ID number, average gross annual revenue
  • Download the most recent 3 months of business bank statements from your bank’s website so you can easily upload them to the online application or email them to your loan advisor.
  • Check if you have a UCC filing on your business, and be aware of any liens or judgments on your business
  • Make sure your Secretary of State filing is up to date (Sole proprietors do not need this)
$12.4B+

Are You Ready
to Apply?

Whether you know how much you’d like to borrow for your business or what piece of equipment you’re looking to finance, applying with Cardiff is a simple process. If you’ve got 60 seconds, we’ve got an approval for your business that’ll fit your budget and guarantee you’ll continue to thrive!

Apply Now
Apply Now