What Is Fast Capital and How Does It Work?

Fast Capital operates as an alternative lending solution that bridges the gap between traditional banking and the immediate funding needs of growing businesses. The company specializes in providing rapid access to capital through various financing products designed specifically for small and medium enterprises that may not qualify for conventional bank loans or need funding more quickly than banks can provide.

The application process with Fast Capital typically begins online, where business owners submit basic information about their company, including time in business, average monthly revenue, and the desired funding amount. Unlike traditional lenders that heavily weigh credit scores, Fast Capital evaluates businesses based on their overall performance and cash flow. This approach allows companies with less-than-perfect credit histories but strong revenue to still access necessary funding. Most applications receive responses within hours rather than weeks, with funds potentially available within 1-2 business days after approval.

Types of Financing Options Available

Fast Capital offers several financing solutions tailored to different business needs and situations. Merchant cash advances represent one of their core products, where businesses receive upfront capital in exchange for a percentage of future credit card sales. This option works particularly well for retail or service businesses with consistent credit card transaction volumes.

Business lines of credit are another popular offering, providing flexible access to funds that businesses can draw upon as needed, paying interest only on the amount used. For companies with significant accounts receivable, invoice factoring services allow businesses to convert unpaid invoices into immediate cash, improving cash flow while waiting for customer payments.

Equipment financing solutions help businesses acquire necessary machinery or technology without large upfront investments. Term loans with fixed repayment schedules are also available for established businesses with specific expansion or operational needs. Each financing option comes with different qualification requirements, repayment structures, and funding limits based on business history and revenue.

Provider Comparison: Fast Capital vs. Competitors

When evaluating business funding options, it's important to compare several providers to find the best fit for your specific needs. The table below highlights how Fast Capital stacks up against other alternative funding providers:

ProviderFunding SpeedMinimum RequirementsFunding Amounts
Fast Capital1-2 business days6+ months in business, $10K+ monthly revenue$5,000-$500,000
KabbageSame day to 3 days1+ year in business, $50K+ annual revenue$2,000-$250,000
FundboxNext business day6+ months in business, $100K+ annual revenue$1,000-$150,000
OnDeck1-2 business days1+ year in business, $100K+ annual revenue$5,000-$500,000

BlueVine offers similar services with competitive rates for invoice factoring, while Lendio functions as a marketplace connecting businesses with multiple lenders through a single application. When comparing these options, consider not only the speed of funding but also factor rates, repayment terms, and any additional fees that might impact the total cost of capital.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Fast Capital Funding

The primary advantage of using Fast Capital is the speed of funding. While traditional bank loans might take weeks or months for approval, Fast Capital can provide access to funds within days. Their simplified application process requires minimal paperwork compared to conventional lending institutions, making it accessible to busy entrepreneurs. Additionally, businesses with less-than-perfect credit histories may still qualify based on their revenue and cash flow rather than credit scores alone.

However, these benefits come with certain trade-offs. The convenience and speed of Fast Capital funding typically result in higher costs compared to traditional bank loans. Factor rates or interest rates may be significantly higher, especially for businesses perceived as higher risk. Some financing options might require daily or weekly repayments rather than monthly installments, which can impact cash flow management. Nav, a business financial management platform, recommends carefully reviewing all terms and calculating the effective Annual Percentage Rate (APR) before committing to any alternative funding solution.

Another potential drawback is that some Fast Capital products may include origination fees, maintenance fees, or early repayment penalties that increase the total cost of borrowing. Fundera, a small business loan marketplace, suggests comparing multiple offers to ensure you're getting competitive terms for your business situation.

Pricing and Cost Considerations

Fast Capital's pricing structure varies significantly depending on the funding product, business qualifications, and risk assessment. Rather than traditional interest rates, many of their products use factor rates, typically ranging from 1.1 to 1.5. This means that for every dollar borrowed, businesses repay the principal plus an additional 10% to 50% in fees.

For example, with a factor rate of 1.2 on a $50,000 advance, the total repayment would be $60,000. When converted to an effective APR, these rates can range from approximately 20% to over 80% depending on the repayment period and terms. LendingTree provides calculators that can help business owners understand the true cost of various funding options.

Beyond the basic factor rate or interest rate, businesses should consider additional costs such as application fees, origination fees, maintenance fees, and any penalties for early repayment. Some Fast Capital products may require collateral or personal guarantees, which represent additional risk considerations. Credit Karma advises businesses to carefully review all fee disclosures and calculate the total cost of capital before making decisions. While Fast Capital funding may cost more than traditional bank loans, many businesses find the speed, convenience, and accessibility worth the premium when facing time-sensitive opportunities or challenges.

Conclusion

Fast Capital offers valuable alternatives for businesses needing quick access to working capital without the lengthy processes associated with traditional bank loans. While the convenience and accessibility come at a premium cost, these funding solutions can provide crucial support for businesses facing time-sensitive opportunities or cash flow challenges. Before pursuing Fast Capital funding, carefully assess your business needs, calculate the total cost of capital, and compare multiple options to ensure you're selecting the most appropriate financial solution. Remember that the best funding choice aligns with both your immediate needs and long-term business goals. For businesses that qualify, Fast Capital can be an effective tool in a comprehensive financial strategy when used judiciously and with clear understanding of the terms.

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This content was written by AI and reviewed by a human for quality and compliance.