Construction Business Loans 2026: 10 Best Lenders Compared

The best construction business loans in 2026 depend on how fast you need the money and how your jobs pay. For a contractor who needs working capital this week, with a credit file a bank has already passed on, Byzfunder, SBG Funding and Credibly fund on bank-deposit history in about a day. For an established contractor with 625+ credit and a year or more in business, OnDeck and Bluevine are faster and cheaper than most alternatives. For a large, long-term purchase like a yard, a building or heavy equipment, an SBA loan through Live Oak Bank or equipment financing through Crest Capital will cost the least, if you can wait.

Contractors get paid on a schedule that generic small business loan guides ignore. You buy materials, pay crews and cover permits before the first progress payment clears. Each draw waits on an inspection. Retainage holds back part of every payment until the job closes out. Winter or a wet month slows deposits. The right construction business loan covers the gap between doing the work and getting paid for it, without a repayment schedule that creates a new gap of its own.

Construction business loans vs. construction loans: which one do you need?

Searchers often mix up two different products, so it is worth settling this first.

• A construction loan finances building or renovating a specific property. Construction-to-permanent loans and commercial real estate construction loans release money in stages as an inspector signs off on each phase, and the property secures the loan. Homeowners, developers and owner-builders use them. The SBA 504 program, for example, covers "the purchase, construction or renovation" of buildings or land, and it explicitly excludes working capital (SBA, 504 loans; see references).
• A construction business loan is working capital for the contracting business itself: general contractors, subcontractors, remodelers and HVAC, plumbing, electrical and roofing trades. The money pays for materials, payroll, subcontractor deposits, permits, bonding collateral and mobilization on jobs you have already won.

This page compares the second product. If you are building a house or a commercial building for your own use, you want a construction loan from a bank or mortgage lender instead.

How we ranked the best construction business loans

In November 2026 we reviewed 10 lenders and funders that contractors use for working capital, equipment and long-term financing. Every figure in the table and reviews comes from the provider's own public website, its Trustpilot page, or the SBA, linked in the references at the bottom of this page. We weighted six factors based on how contracting businesses actually get paid:

• Speed to funding (25%). Construction cash needs are event-driven: payroll lands before a draw clears and supplier pricing expires. Same-day and next-day funding score highest.
• Credit and qualification access (20%). Minimum credit score, time in business and revenue floor. Many trades owners carry a credit file bruised by a slow season or a bad job.
• Use-of-funds flexibility (20%). Payroll, permits, mobilization and subcontractor deposits need unrestricted working capital. Equipment-only and real-estate-only products score lower here.
• Cost transparency (15%). Whether the provider publishes a starting rate, factor rate or fee schedule, rather than "call for a quote."
• Funding capacity (10%). Maximum amounts, since a $300,000 sub and a $5 million GC need different scale.
• Customer reviews (10%). Trustpilot TrustScore and review count, checked November 2026.

Byzfunder publishes this page and appears in the ranking. We applied the same factors to every company, including ours, and we list where Byzfunder is not the best fit.

Best construction business loans: top 10 compared

Figures are each provider's own published terms as of November 2026. They change often and are not quotes. Confirm current terms directly with each provider before you apply.

How the products differ: Byzfunder's merchant cash advance (MCA) is a purchase of future receivables priced with a factor rate, not a loan. Its Term Loan is offered through its affiliate Byzwash with fixed weekly payments. ByzFlex is revenue-based revolving capital, not a line of credit. OnDeck, Bluevine and the SBA lenders charge interest on loans and lines of credit. In states with commercial financing disclosure laws, including California and New York, covered offers from any of these providers come with a standardized disclosure that includes an estimated APR, so you can compare offers side by side.

In-depth reviews of the best construction business loans

Byzfunder, for same-day working capital for contractors banks turned down

Byzfunder is a direct small-business lender that funds from its own balance sheet. It has provided $2 billion in financing to more than 35,000 businesses since 2019, and it runs a dedicated construction program built around the costs contractors carry before a job pays: materials, labor, subcontractors, payroll and project ramp-up. Underwriting looks at revenue and job volume as well as credit, so a contractor whose books look uneven because of retainage or a slow winter can still get a full review. Checking eligibility does not require a hard credit pull, and approved files can be funded the same day.

Byzfunder offers three products. The MCA advances $5,000 to $500,000 against future receivables, with terms of 3 to 15 months and a prepayment discount, and it suits a single defined need like mobilizing a new job. The Term Loan, offered through Byzwash, has predictable fixed weekly payments. ByzFlex is revenue-based revolving capital for contractors who need repeat access across several jobs: you request funds, repay, and can request again as the balance pays down. The MCA credit floor is 525 and ByzFlex is 550. Byzfunder generally looks for a year or more in business and $20,000+ in monthly revenue. Meeting those floors does not guarantee approval.

The tradeoff is cost. Factor-rate pricing depends on the file, and an established contractor with strong credit and time to wait will usually pay less through an SBA lender or bank. Byzfunder is the better fit when speed and access matter more than the lowest possible rate.

• Location: New York, NY
• Year founded: 2019
• Price range: Factor rate (MCA); fixed weekly payments (Term Loan); pricing varies by file
• Trustpilot: 4.7 (1,135 reviews)
• Services: MCA, ByzFlex revenue-based revolving capital, Term Loan via Byzwash

Summary of online reviews. Reviewers most often mention fast funding, a simple application and responsive staff. Some note that costs run higher than bank financing.

SBG Funding, for larger contractors who need high limits fast

SBG Funding offers financing from $5,000 to $10 million, with decisions in under 24 hours. Its stated minimums are among the lowest on this list: 500+ FICO, 6+ months in business and $150,000+ in annual revenue, and applying does not affect your credit score. Term loans run 6 to 48 months with weekly or monthly payments, and rates start at 1.25% per month, one of the few published starting prices among alternative lenders.

For a growing GC or a commercial subcontractor that has outgrown a $500,000 ceiling but is not ready for SBA paperwork, SBG is a practical middle ground. Its 4.9 TrustScore across more than 5,000 reviews is the strongest in this comparison. The starting rate is for top-tier files, so expect your actual offer to vary with credit and revenue.

• Price range: Rates from 1.25% per month (term loans)
• Trustpilot: 4.9 (5,089 reviews)
• Services: Term loans, revenue advances, equipment financing, SBA loans

Summary of online reviews. Reviewers describe a fast, low-paperwork process and attentive funding advisors.

Credibly, for contractors with steady deposits who need money in hours

Credibly's working capital product advances $25,000 to $600,000, with factor rates starting at 1.11. Approval can come in as little as 2 hours and funds can arrive as soon as 4 hours after you sign. Requirements are published: 550+ FICO, 6+ months in business and $20,000+ in average monthly deposits. Credibly uses a soft credit inquiry to apply. Repayment is daily or weekly over 6 to 24 months at a fixed factor rate.

Credibly is a strong fit for a remodeler or trades business with consistent weekly deposits. Daily repayment can pinch on a job with 30- or 60-day payment terms, so model it against your draw schedule. The $25,000 minimum also rules it out for very small needs.

• Price range: Factor rates from 1.11
• Trustpilot: 4.8 (2,836 reviews)
• Services: Working capital, business lines of credit, SBA and equipment options

Summary of online reviews. Reviewers praise speed and helpful representatives. Critical reviews focus on the cost of daily repayment.

OnDeck, for established contractors with fair credit

OnDeck has funded more than 185,000 businesses and delivered over $25 billion since 2006. Term loans run $5,000 to $400,000 with repayment terms up to 24 months, and lines of credit run $6,000 to $200,000. Minimums are 625 personal FICO, 1 year in business and $100,000 in annual revenue. Same-day funding is available after approval when you meet its timing cutoffs, and checking eligibility does not require a hard credit pull.

OnDeck suits a contractor with a year of steady revenue and decent credit who wants an interest-bearing loan or line instead of a factor-rate product. Payments are fixed, so a contractor waiting on retainage should check that the schedule fits.

• Year founded: 2006
• Trustpilot: 4.6 (6,159 reviews)
• Services: Term loans, lines of credit

Summary of online reviews. Reviewers highlight fast approvals and a simple application. Recurring complaints concern cost and frequent payments during slow periods.

Bluevine, for contractors juggling several small jobs at once

Bluevine offers business lines of credit up to $250,000 with rates as low as 7.8% for top-qualifying customers. Approved draws can arrive in as fast as 24 hours. To qualify, your business must be a corporation or LLC in business 12+ months, earning $10,000 in monthly revenue, with a 625+ personal FICO score. Applying does not affect your credit score, and Bluevine reports repayment history to Experian.

A revolving line fits a contractor running several small concurrent jobs who wants to borrow only what each job needs. The requirement to be a corporation or LLC excludes sole proprietors, and the $250,000 ceiling limits larger commercial work.

• Price range: From 7.8% for top-qualifying customers
• Trustpilot: 4.7 (11,798 reviews)
• Services: Business lines of credit, business checking, term loans through partners

Summary of online reviews. Reviewers like the online experience and fast access to funds. Some report credit limits lower than they wanted.

Fora Financial, for larger short-term needs

Fora Financial provides up to $1.5 million, with approval decisions in as little as 4 hours after you submit documents and funding in as little as 24 hours after you accept an offer. It reports $5 billion distributed to more than 55,000 companies since 2008. Applications use a soft credit check, and Fora offers prepayment discounts with terms up to 18 months. Fora's own disclosures say its financing may be issued by Fora Financial, Celtic Bank or a network of unaffiliated third-party providers, and the provider is identified before signing.

Fora is worth a look for a contractor who needs a short-term amount larger than most fintech ceilings. It does not publish a minimum credit score.

• Year founded: 2008
• Trustpilot: 4.8 (1,130 reviews)
• Services: Short-term loans, revenue advances, lines of credit

Summary of online reviews. Reviewers frequently name individual specialists and praise clear communication. Negative reviews center on cost.

National Funding, for pairing equipment and working capital

National Funding has served more than 100,000 businesses and funded $7 billion+ since 1999. Working capital runs $6,000 to $500,000 with daily or weekly payments over 4 to 24 months, and equipment financing goes up to $150,000 with monthly payments over 2 to 5 years. It lists construction, HVAC and electrical among the industries it serves. Most of its customers have a personal FICO of 600 or higher, and funds can arrive as soon as the next business day.

National Funding fits a contractor who wants an equipment purchase and working capital from one company. It may refer applicants it cannot fund to partners.

• Location: San Diego, CA
• Year founded: 1999
• Trustpilot: 4.6 (2,221 reviews)
• Services: Working capital, equipment financing and leasing

Summary of online reviews. Reviewers cite fast decisions and helpful funding specialists. Some say total cost is hard to judge before a quote.

Kapitus, for comparing several financing types in one place

Kapitus was founded in 2006 as Strategic Funding Source and reports more than $5 billion in financing accessed through it as of March 2024. It offers term loans and lines of credit from $5,000 to $5 million, revenue-based financing up to $2.5 million with daily, weekly or monthly payments, plus SBA loans, equipment financing and invoice factoring.

The range of products is useful for a contractor still deciding between structures. Kapitus does not publish credit or revenue minimums on the pages we reviewed, so expect to learn your fit after you apply.

• Year founded: 2006
• Trustpilot: 4.4 (805 reviews)
• Services: Term loans, lines of credit, revenue-based financing, SBA loans, equipment financing, invoice factoring

Summary of online reviews. Reviewers mention quick approvals and helpful specialists. Some complain about follow-up calls offering more financing.

Live Oak Bank, for established contractors seeking the lowest long-term cost

The SBA named Live Oak Bank the most active SBA 7(a) lender by dollar amount for fiscal year 2025, with 2,280 approvals totaling more than $2.8 billion. It offers SBA financing up to $5 million and a Live Oak Express SBA loan up to $350,000. The SBA's 7(a) program allows working capital, equipment and real estate uses up to $5 million.

For a contractor with several years of tax returns and strong credit who is buying a yard, a building or a fleet, SBA financing will usually cost the least of anything on this list. It is the wrong tool for payroll due Friday: expect weeks, plus heavier documentation than any fintech option.

• Services: SBA 7(a), SBA 504, Live Oak Express

Summary of online reviews. Borrowers praise knowledgeable staff. The most common friction is the SBA timeline and paperwork.

Crest Capital, for heavy equipment purchases

Crest Capital has financed equipment since 1989. One application covers $10,000 to $500,000, with same-day credit decisions, no financial statements needed up to $250,000, and 100% financing that includes soft costs like delivery and installation. It finances construction equipment, vehicles and software.

Crest is purpose-built for a defined equipment purchase. It does not offer working capital, so a contractor who also needs payroll or mobilization money will need a second source.

• Year founded: 1989
• Services: Equipment, vehicle and software financing

Summary of online reviews. Crest Capital has no Trustpilot reviews, so we did not score it on that factor.

Top construction business loans by specialty

No single provider wins on every factor. Use the specialty rankings below to match the product to the job.

Best construction business loans for fast funding

Best loans for contractors with bad credit

Best construction business loans for equipment and long-term needs

What is the best business loan for a contractor?

The best business loan for a contractor is the one whose speed and repayment schedule match the job you are funding. Use three questions:

1. When do you need the money? If it is this week, only same-day and next-day providers work: Byzfunder, Credibly, OnDeck, SBG Funding. If you have 30+ days, price out an SBA loan.
2. What is it for? Payroll, materials, permits and mobilization need unrestricted working capital. A specific machine is usually cheaper through equipment financing. A building is a construction or real estate loan.
3. How do your jobs pay? If you bill on draws with retainage, look hard at how often payments come out of your account. Daily repayment on a job that pays every 45 days can create a new shortfall.

Homebuilders and home-renovation contractors face the same decision. A remodeler with steady residential deposits fits fast working capital well. A builder funding a spec house needs a construction loan on the property, which is outside this comparison.

Which working capital loan suits seasonal construction businesses?

Seasonal contractors, such as roofers in the north or landscapers who also do hardscape, need financing that underwrites on a full year of deposits rather than one slow month. A revolving product lets you take funds before the busy season and repay as work picks up. Byzfunder's ByzFlex (revenue-based revolving capital) and the lines of credit from Bluevine and OnDeck all offer repeat access, with different credit floors.

For a business around $250,000 in annual revenue, check minimums carefully. SBG Funding's published floor is $150,000 a year. OnDeck's is $100,000. Bluevine's is $10,000 a month. Byzfunder generally looks for $20,000+ in monthly revenue. Time a request before the slow season, not during it: underwriting reads recent deposits, so a file usually looks stronger right after your busy months. For more on smoothing seasonal swings, see our guide to construction cash flow management.

Construction business loan rates: what contractors actually pay

Construction business loan rates vary more by product than by provider:

• SBA loans are the cheapest. The SBA ties rates to a base rate plus a capped spread, and its 7(a) program allows up to $5 million.
• Bank and fintech lines of credit start lower for top-tier files. Bluevine advertises rates from 7.8% for top-qualifying customers.
• Term loans from alternative lenders sit in the middle. SBG Funding advertises rates from 1.25% per month.
• MCAs and revenue advances use a factor rate. Credibly advertises factor rates from 1.11.

A factor rate is a multiplier, not an interest rate. Here is how the math works on a $50,000 advance:

These figures are illustrative only and are not a quote. Actual pricing depends on your deposit history, time in business and credit. The term matters as much as the factor: the same total cost repaid over 6 months is more expensive in annual terms than over 15 months. Where state law requires it, your offer will include an estimated APR so you can compare it with a loan.

Construction business loan requirements

Most construction business loans ask for the same core items:

• Credit score. Floors in this comparison run from 500 (SBG Funding) through 525 (Byzfunder MCA), 550 (Credibly, Byzfunder ByzFlex), 600 (typical National Funding customer) and 625 (OnDeck, Bluevine). SBA lenders generally expect stronger credit.
• Time in business. Six months (SBG Funding, Credibly) to one year (OnDeck, Bluevine, Byzfunder). SBA lenders usually want two or more years of tax returns.
• Revenue or deposits. Usually stated as monthly deposits or annual revenue. Deposits and revenue are not the same thing, so read the requirement carefully.
• Bank statements. Most fast providers review recent business bank statements in place of full financial statements.
• For contractors specifically: a work-in-progress schedule, signed contracts or a backlog list can help an underwriter see that a slow month is a billing gap and not a failing business.

How to get a loan for a construction business

1. Size the need to a specific cost. Add up the materials, labor and permits for the job you are funding, not a round number.
2. Pull three to six months of business bank statements. This is the main document for fast providers.
3. Check your draw and retainage schedule. Know when the next progress payments and the retainage release should land. Our guide to funding a construction draw gap walks through the math.
4. Compare at least two offers on total repayment, not just the payment amount.
5. Read the repayment terms. Confirm payment frequency, prepayment terms and any fees before you sign.

How fast can a contractor get funded?

Fast providers can fund the same day or within 24 hours after approval: Byzfunder, Credibly, OnDeck and SBG Funding all advertise same-day or under-24-hour timelines. Lines of credit like Bluevine can release approved funds in about 24 hours. Equipment lenders like Crest Capital make same-day credit decisions, but funding depends on the vendor and delivery. SBA loans usually take weeks. If payroll is due Friday, apply early in the week with bank statements ready.

Construction business loan FAQ

Does the SBA do construction loans?

Yes, but for property, not working capital. SBA 504 loans can fund the purchase, construction or renovation of buildings or land and long-term equipment, and they explicitly exclude working capital. SBA 7(a) loans up to $5 million can fund working capital, equipment and real estate, but take longer to close than fintech options.

Can I get a contractor business loan with bad credit?

Possibly. SBG Funding publishes a 500 FICO minimum, Byzfunder's MCA floor is 525, and Credibly's is 550. Lower credit usually means higher cost, and meeting a floor does not guarantee approval. Steady deposits and a documented backlog help.

Are there business loans for independent contractors?

Independent contractors can qualify if they run the work through a business bank account with consistent deposits. Most fast providers want 6 to 12 months in business and a monthly revenue floor. Bluevine requires a corporation or LLC. A personal loan is a different product tied to your personal credit and income, and it mixes business and personal liability.

Is electrical contractor financing different from other construction financing?

The products are the same, but electrical, HVAC and plumbing contractors often carry larger material costs up front, especially on commercial jobs. See our guides to electrical contractor funding, HVAC business financing, plumbing business financing and roofing business financing.

Do contractors offer financing to customers?

Many do, through third-party programs that let homeowners pay for a project over time. That is customer financing, a separate product from the business funding on this page, which pays for the contractor's own costs.

Can I use a construction business loan for bonding?

Surety companies look at your working capital when they set bonding capacity, so outside capital can affect it. See our guide to bonding capacity and working capital before you use financing for this.

Does Byzfunder require collateral?

The MCA is a purchase of future receivables, and Byzfunder underwrites on your deposit history and overall file rather than a specific pledged asset. Your agreement will spell out the terms. An MCA is not consequence-free: if receivables are not delivered as agreed, the agreement's remedies apply.

What happens to my payments if a job pays late?

Read your agreement before you sign. Most products in this comparison, including Byzfunder's Term Loan, use fixed daily or weekly payments that do not change with a late draw. Talk to your provider early if you expect a gap. Our guide to construction retainage covers how to plan around holdbacks.

What the data means for contractors in 2026

No provider in this comparison is best on every factor. A contractor who needs payroll covered before a draw clears is not well served by the product that minimizes interest over a 10-year SBA term, and the reverse is also true. Start with what you need the money for and when, then compare total repayment.

For contractors who need working capital fast, especially those a bank has already declined, Byzfunder's same-day funding, 525 MCA floor and construction-specific underwriting make it the most direct path. For established firms with time and strong credit, SBA financing through Live Oak Bank costs the least. For equipment alone, Crest Capital is built for the purchase. For more construction guides, visit our construction resources hub.

Important notice: Byzfunder provides funding to businesses nationwide. An MCA is the purchase of a portion of future receivables at a discount and is not a loan. Term Loans are offered through Byzwash. Approval, amounts, factor rates and terms vary by business and are not guaranteed. Competitor information reflects each provider's public materials as of November 2026; confirm current terms directly with each provider. This guide is educational and is not financial, legal or tax advice. Where required, state commercial financing disclosures are provided with each specific offer.

References

1. Byzfunder. Construction business financing. https://byzfunder.com/industries/construction
2. Byzfunder. Financing solutions. https://byzfunder.com/financing-solutions
3. Trustpilot. Byzfunder reviews. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/byzfunder.com
4. SBG Funding. Small business financing. https://sbgfunding.com/
5. Trustpilot. SBG Funding reviews. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/sbgfunding.com
6. Credibly. Working capital loans. https://www.credibly.com/working-capital-loans/
7. Trustpilot. Credibly reviews. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/credibly.com
8. OnDeck. Small business loans. https://www.ondeck.com/
9. Trustpilot. OnDeck reviews. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/ondeck.com
10. Bluevine. Business line of credit. https://www.bluevine.com/business-line-of-credit
11. Trustpilot. Bluevine reviews. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/bluevine.com
12. Fora Financial. Business financing. https://www.forafinancial.com/
13. Trustpilot. Fora Financial reviews. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/forafinancial.com
14. National Funding. Small business loans. https://www.nationalfunding.com/
15. Trustpilot. National Funding reviews. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/nationalfunding.com
16. Kapitus. About us; revenue-based financing. https://kapitus.com/about-us/
17. Trustpilot. Kapitus reviews. https://www.trustpilot.com/review/kapitus.com
18. Live Oak Bancshares. "Live Oak Bank Leads Nation in SBA 7(a) Lending Activity," October 2025. https://investor.liveoak.bank/news/news-details/2025/Live-Oak-Bank-Leads-Nation-in-SBA-7a-Lending-Activity/default.aspx
19. Live Oak Bank. Business loans. https://www.liveoak.bank/business-loans/
20. Crest Capital. Equipment financing. https://www.crestcapital.com/
21. U.S. Small Business Administration. 7(a) loans. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/7a-loans
22. U.S. Small Business Administration. 504 loans. https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/504-loans