PROFITTHEORY

Short-term business loans

Short-term business loans: know the true cost

Short-term loans are repaid over months rather than years, often with frequent payments. They can bridge a timing gap, but cost is easy to underestimate — factor rates and daily payments can translate into very high annualized costs.

Estimates only. Results vary. No guarantee of approval, rates or savings.

Profit Theory is not a lender. Providers make all funding decisions; approval is never guaranteed.

Read the cost correctly

A 'factor rate' of 1.3 on $50,000 means repaying $65,000 — over six months, that's far higher than a 30% annual rate. Ask for total repayment, payment frequency and an annualized cost before comparing.

Good and poor fits

Short-term financing can fit a specific, quickly repaid need such as a confirmed seasonal order. It's a poor fit for ongoing losses or long-term investments, and stacking several advances can quickly strain cash flow.

Run the numbers

Blue = you enterGreen = calculatedGray = assumptionAmber/red = check this
$
% APR

Use a rate you were quoted, or test a range. Not a quote.

years

10 years / 120 months

% of loan

Estimated monthly payment

$3,234.94

Total interest

$138,193

Total repaid

$388,193

Fixed-rate, fully amortizing estimate. Excludes variable-rate changes, prepayment terms, guarantee fees and closing costs unless entered. Not an offer or approval.

Talk to a financing specialistOptional. Your result stays on this page.

Estimates only. Results vary. No guarantee of approval, rates or savings.

Talk with a financing specialist

Common questions

What's a factor rate?

A multiplier on the amount borrowed that sets total repayment. It isn't an interest rate and can mean a high annual cost.

Is a line of credit better?

For recurring short-term needs, a line of credit is often more flexible and cheaper. It depends on what you qualify for.

Can I refinance an expensive advance?

Sometimes. See our refinancing guide.