| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Established | Founded in 1998, CAN Capital is a pioneer in alternative business lending with decades of experience helping entrepreneurs access working capital. |
| 💰 Funding Options | Offers Working Capital Loans, Short-Term Loans, Merchant Cash Advances, and Equipment Financing ranging from $2,500 to $250,000 per location. |
| ⚡ Funding Speed | Approvals can occur within hours, and funds are typically deposited within 24 hours of approval. |
| 📝 Documentation Requirements | Minimal paperwork required — primarily three months of business bank statements — making the application process simple and streamlined. |
| 📉 Accessibility | Accepts credit scores as low as 600 and considers applicants with prior bankruptcy (discharged 12+ months ago). |
| 🏢 Industry Eligibility | Open to most industries with no specific sector exclusions (except commercial real estate purchases). |
| 🤝 Customer Experience | Frequently praised for knowledgeable, responsive representatives and strong borrower support throughout the funding process. |
| ⭐ UCS Rating | United Capital Source rates CAN Capital 4.25 out of 5. |
CAN Capital is a small business financing company founded in 1998. As one of the pioneers of the alternative business lending industry, it was among the first to offer merchant cash advances, a product that has since become a cornerstone of flexible funding for entrepreneurs who struggle to access traditional bank financing. Since its inception, CAN Capital has helped over 81,000 small businesses access more than $7 billion in working capital.
The company has evolved considerably since those early days. Today, it offers short term business loans, working capital loans, merchant cash advances, and equipment financing, and it remains one of the top choices for small businesses seeking fast, flexible capital. Its cutting-edge technology helps streamline the approval process, while its customer-focused delivery ensures borrowers feel supported every step of the way.
In this review, we’ll explore how CAN Capital works, including the available options, pros and cons, and the application process. Specifically, we will answer these questions:
CAN Capital is one of the longest-running companies in the alternative lending industry. When it launched in 1998 under the AdvanceMe brand, it was among the first to offer merchant cash advances, a product that changed how entrepreneurs could access money for their businesses. The merchant cash advance company had a vision from the beginning: to put capital within reach of small business owners who traditional banks underserved.
Over the following decades, the company grew, innovated, and evolved. In 2013, CAN Capital Inc. was created as a unified brand, bringing together Capital Access Networks, AdvanceMe, and New Logic under one banner. This consolidation allowed CAN Capital to leverage cutting-edge technology to streamline its application and approval processes and focus its resources on delivering better services to small business borrowers.
In 2017, CAN Capital partnered with Varadero Capital, expanding its access to capital and strengthening its strategic planning. Originally headquartered in Georgia, the company is now registered in both Georgia and New York. Most recently, CAN Capital acquired Republic Bank Finance’s equipment finance portfolio and platform, further cementing its long-term growth strategy and leadership in the alternative lending space.
CAN Capital has received accolades, including being named one of the Fastest-Growing Companies in America by Inc. Magazine multiple years in a row, reflecting its strong leadership and vision in the industry. Today, CAN Capital is one of the leading small business lenders in the country — a go-to solution for entrepreneurs seeking flexible, accessible funding to fuel business growth.
CAN Capital offers several business loans, including short-term loans, working capital loans, merchant cash advances, and equipment financing. All small business loan requests begin with a simple pre-qualification questionnaire. The entire application requires minimal documentation, primarily basic business information and three months of business bank statements, making it one of the more streamlined processes in the industry.
Once your application is submitted, a loan specialist reviews it, and the company sends loan offers tailored to your specific needs. Their efficient approval processes ensure fast business funding.
CAN Capital’s application process is designed to be quick and efficient, often allowing for same-day decisions. In many cases, approvals can happen in hours, and funds are available in your business bank account within 24 hours after approval. If CAN Capital needs additional information, the process may take slightly longer, but borrowers can typically expect funding within 1–2 business days.
CAN Capital’s Working Capital Loans offer small businesses flexible funding ranging from $2,500 to $250,000 per location, with repayment terms between 6 and 24 months. Designed to provide the money needed to cover business needs, such as inventory purchases, operational expenses, payroll, vendor fees, and marketing, these loans give businesses fast access to capital, with approvals and funding possible as soon as the next business day.
The working capital loan application process is straightforward: complete a brief form, review available options without affecting your credit score, and, upon approval, receive your funds promptly. Repayments are managed through automated ACH deductions, and a prepayment discount is available for early payoff. Working capital loans provide fast funding and high flexibility but often have higher interest rates and frequent repayments.
CAN Capital’s short-term loans range from $2,500 to $250,000 and have terms of 6 to 24 months. The amount you qualify for depends on your annual revenue. These loans carry an origination fee of up to 3% of the loan amount and can be repaid daily or weekly via automatic payments.
Business owners can use the funds as working capital to address cash flow challenges, invest in marketing, purchase inventory, grow their operations, and more. There are no hidden fees or surprises with CAN Capital — the company is upfront about costs, ensuring borrowers can plan accordingly.
CAN Capital’s merchant cash advance (MCA) is similar to a short-term loan in terms of borrowing amounts ($2,500 to $250,000). Instead of an origination fee, the MCA carries a $595 administrative fee. With this type of financing, repayment is based on a percentage of future sales, meaning daily payments fluctuate with your revenue.
This flexibility makes the MCA a great option for businesses with variable or seasonal income, as repayment terms extend as long as it takes to repay the borrowed amount from daily revenue. MCAs, also called business cash advances, provide funding without forming a traditional loan, since they are structured as advances on future credit card sales.
CAN Capital provides merchant cash advances through its subsidiary, CAN Capital Merchant Services. MCA customers can access the AdvanceMe merchant portal, which provides convenient 24/7 access to loan information. Invoice factoring — turning unpaid invoices into cash — is another flexible option worth considering for businesses managing cash flow challenges.
CAN Capital’s equipment financing enables small businesses to acquire the tools and equipment they need when they don’t have the working capital to buy them outright. The company recently acquired Republic Bank Finance’s equipment finance portfolio and platform, which now operates as CAN Capital Equipment Finance, reflecting the company’s long-term growth strategy and commitment to expanding its services.
Equipment financing is available for new or used equipment from $5,000 to $250,000, with terms of 24 to 72 months. Unlike the company’s other products, equipment loans have monthly payments. Accessing the right equipment can significantly boost business operations and profitability, enabling small businesses to maintain or expand their services without straining their working capital.
Like many alternative lenders, CAN Capital bases lending decisions primarily on your business performance rather than traditional metrics. Even so, there are some minimum qualifications you should know before applying.
CAN Capital requires a minimum credit score of 600 for term loans and equipment financing. There is no credit score requirement for the merchant cash advance. The threshold is lower than that of most traditional banks. Still, some online lenders offer bad credit financing if your personal credit score is below 600, making CAN Capital a great option for business owners who may not qualify elsewhere.
CAN Capital’s website indicates borrowers need at least three years in business to qualify for the term loan. Merchant cash advances may require only 6 months in business, but exact requirements depend on the company’s assessment of your revenue and overall business performance.
Qualifying small businesses need at least $175,000 in annual revenue. Loan amounts usually go up to 70% of your annual revenue, though the exact amount depends on your specific application and financial profile.
Rates tend to be high, as they are with most short-term lenders. Instead of a traditional APR, the company charges a fixed lending rate. CAN Capital used to provide a lending calculator on its website, but has since removed it.
When the calculator was running, rates ranged from 1.15 to 1.35, meaning you’d pay anywhere from $0.15 to $0.35 for each $1 you borrow. For context, traditional bank loans offer lower interest rates and longer terms, but they also require stricter qualifications and slower approval timelines.
While the rates are higher than those at a traditional bank, CAN Capital provides much faster funding with a lower barrier to entry. In some cases, you can receive funds within 24 hours of approval, a distinct advantage when your business needs capital quickly. If CAN Capital requires additional information, the process may take a bit longer.
The company does not list any restricted industries. You can use the loan proceeds for most business purposes, except for financing commercial real estate. CAN Capital loans require a personal guarantee, and in some cases, the company may file a blanket UCC lien on business assets. Note that CAN Capital does not require personal collateral for its loans, which can be a meaningful relief for business owners concerned about personal liability beyond the guarantee.
Repayments are processed via automated clearing house (ACH) transfers. Be sure to enroll in automatic payments to avoid missed payments or late charges. Equity financing is another option some business owners consider, as it does not require repayment but does involve sharing profits and decision-making power. CAN Capital also offers debt consolidation loans and assistance to borrowers struggling with existing debt, making it a potentially useful partner even for businesses already carrying financial obligations.
CAN Capital offers a business loan affiliate program. ISOs and business loan brokers can sign up on the company’s website to offer its financing options to their clients.
The small business loan application process is designed to be quick, easy, and accessible. You can apply online or call CAN Capital directly. Minimal documentation is required, and a loan specialist reviews your application after submission to ensure you’re matched with the right product for your needs.
You can apply through a simple one-page online application. You need to provide basic information about your business along with three months of business bank statements. The quick application takes only a few minutes to complete, and no paperwork-heavy documentation packages are required, just the essentials to help the team understand your cash flow and revenue.
CAN Capital will review your application to determine if you prequalify. After submission, a loan specialist reviews your file, and the company sends you a loan offer, or multiple offers, if you’re eligible. At this point, you should carefully review the terms, fees, and rates. You can also choose to work directly with a CAN Capital representative to help navigate your options.
Once you accept an offer, the company completes the underwriting process. In most cases, CAN Capital only performs a soft credit inquiry and pulls a hard credit report only if more information is needed. Depending on the loan and the requested amount, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as a recent business tax return. A CAN Capital representative will communicate with you if anything further is required.
Once approved, CAN Capital sends the funds to your business bank account — typically within 24 hours. This fast funding speed is one of the company’s most appreciated features, especially for business owners dealing with urgent cash flow needs or time-sensitive opportunities.
Merchant cash advances are repaid from a percentage of daily credit card sales. Term loans are repaid via ACH transfer daily or weekly, while equipment loans are repaid via ACH monthly. All repayments for CAN Capital loans are automated and debited directly from your business bank account.
After the first 90 days of a short-term loan, borrowers are eligible for a 6% discount for early repayment in full. This prepayment discount is subject to the terms and conditions established in your loan agreement. Keep in mind that the short-term loan is not amortizing, so the discount does not alleviate future interest; it is instead a percentage reduction on the fixed financing cost.
CAN Capital will reach out when your business is eligible for renewal. While the company offers a prepayment discount, it does not offer an interest discount on renewals. Many small businesses appreciate the flexible repayment options, and the renewal process is generally smooth for borrowers with a good payment history.
CAN Capital offers numerous benefits to small business owners seeking financing. The application process is quick and easy, the minimal paperwork requirements reduce friction, and the borrower qualifications are lower than those of many other lenders. CAN Capital’s customer-focused delivery prioritizes satisfaction, ensuring a streamlined experience from application to funding.
One of CAN Capital’s most significant advantages is its willingness to work with borrowers who have challenging credit histories. The company accepts applicants with bad credit, existing debt, and even prior bankruptcy (as long as it was discharged at least 12 months prior). This openness makes CAN Capital a great option for entrepreneurs who have faced past financial struggles but are committed to rebuilding and growing their businesses.
Customers frequently note the company’s quick response times, with rapid replies to requests and efficient handling of paperwork. Businesses typically receive their funds within 24 hours of approval, though it may take a bit longer if additional information is required. This speed is a major advantage for business owners dealing with cash flow gaps or urgent operational needs.
Another key advantage is CAN Capital’s outstanding customer service. Customers consistently praise CAN Capital’s staff for their knowledge, support, and willingness to go the extra mile. Representatives are known for their professionalism, courtesy, and ability to communicate clearly and work creatively to find solutions for borrowers with complex funding situations. Many customers appreciate feeling like partners, not just account numbers. This great service culture helps explain why many CAN Capital customers return for multiple funding rounds.
While short-term loan rates are higher than those of traditional banks, CAN Capital’s rates are moderate compared to those of other short-term lenders. The prepayment discount also gives small businesses a way to reduce their overall borrowing costs. CAN Capital’s experience in the lending industry may help alleviate concerns among business partners or board members who are skeptical of online lending.
Many of CAN Capital’s shortcomings stem from the nature of short-term lending. Rates are higher than traditional financing, repayment terms are shorter, and borrowing amounts cap out at $250,000. For businesses with strong credit and established financial histories, traditional bank loans or SBA loans may offer lower interest rates and longer terms.
CAN Capital’s underwriting process also differs from other alternative lenders. There’s a greater focus on underwriting later in the application process — after you’ve accepted an offer — which can lead to a higher denial rate. This means some borrowers may feel they’ve invested time in the process only to be declined during the final stage.
The daily or weekly payment schedule can present a challenge for certain businesses, and CAN Capital loans do not amortize. Borrowers also cannot build business credit through a CAN Capital loan, as the company does not report to the major credit bureaus.
The company has also become less transparent in recent years, removing its payment calculator from the website and making it harder to estimate financing costs upfront. Additionally, CAN Capital may file a blanket UCC lien on your business assets in some cases, which could affect your ability to access additional financing from other lenders.
Pros:
Cons:
Yes, CAN Capital is a legitimate and trustworthy lending institution. It is one of the oldest companies in the alternative financing space, with nearly three decades of operating history. Since launching in 1998, the company has helped provide over $7 billion in working capital to more than 81,000 small businesses. It’s registered in Georgia and New York.
Its leadership has helped shape the alternative lending industry as we know it today. CAN Capital holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, further confirming its reputation as a reliable and compliant lender.
CAN Capital has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and a 4.9 rating on Trustpilot. Overall, customers are generally happy with CAN Capital, and many return for multiple financing rounds, indicating the company’s ability to build long-term relationships with small business owners.
Customers who rate CAN Capital highly typically talk about the ease and speed of the funding process and the excellent customer service. Many users comment about their representative’s professionalism, knowledge, and willingness to support them through the process. Consumers appreciate the ease of securing capital and the helpfulness of loan officers, who are known for communicating clearly and handling paperwork efficiently. Several customers mentioned getting approval from CAN Capital after other lenders denied them — a testament to the company’s lower barrier to entry.
On the negative side, some user complaints focus on the high rates and fees. While they are competitive with similar lenders, short-term financing costs are inherently higher than traditional business loans. A few clients have expressed frustration with communication issues or unexpected timeline delays — some customers were told they’d receive funding in 48 hours, while the reality was closer to 5 business days. Other users have raised confusion over the prepayment discount and when it applies, so it is important to clarify these terms before signing.
Some customers have also noted issues with the daily payment structure, which can strain cash flow for certain businesses. A few users mentioned being unaware that CAN Capital performs a hard credit check in certain situations. As with any financing agreement, always carefully read the terms before signing.
While CAN Capital tends to have lower qualifications than many lenders, your application may still be declined. The company emphasizes underwriting toward the end of the application process, after you’ve accepted an offer, which means denials can occur later than with some competitors. Common reasons for denial include cash flow problems, failure to meet minimum requirements, or other liabilities discovered during underwriting.
If you receive a denial letter, it should explain the decision. If not, or if you need clarification, contact CAN Capital directly to discuss the issue and understand your options.
Fortunately, small business owners have many lenders to consider if CAN Capital isn’t the right fit. Most online lenders offer similar loan products and easier qualifications than traditional lenders.
Working with a small business loan marketplace, like United Capital Source, allows you to apply to a network of lenders with a single application and potentially receive multiple offers. You can then get guided support in choosing the best deal for your business needs.
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CAN Capital is best suited for small business owners who don’t have the established credit or financial history needed to secure financing through a traditional lender. It is also a great option for businesses that need urgent funding, as the fast approval and funding timeline can be a lifeline when cash flow becomes critical. Small businesses often struggle to qualify for traditional bank lines of credit due to limited credit history or inconsistent profitability, making CAN Capital an attractive and accessible choice.
More established businesses that don’t need immediate funding may be able to access lower interest rates through traditional lenders or SBA loan products. That said, short-term financing through CAN Capital may still be attractive to businesses that can afford the payments and prefer not to carry debt over an extended period.
As with any financing agreement, it’s critical to read all the terms and conditions before signing. Make sure you fully understand the fees, rates, repayment structure, and any prepayment discount terms so you can plan accordingly and avoid surprises down the road. If you’re considering CAN Capital as a long-term financing partner, the company has a strong renewal rate, and many customers have maintained financing relationships with it for years. CAN Capital’s tools, knowledge, and industry experience can provide real value to entrepreneurs seeking a lender that understands the realities of running a small business.
At UCS, we know customers are generally happy with CAN Capital and return for multiple financing rounds. Based on user reviews, available products, and customer service, we rate CAN Capital at 4.25 out of 5.
Disclaimer: The CAN Capital trademark is owned by CAN Capital, Inc., and its use herein is for reference purposes only, and it does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement from CAN Capital, Inc.
