| Key Takeaway | Summary |
|---|---|
| ⚡ Fast Funding Options | LendSpark emphasizes speed, with some working capital loans offering next-day funding and potential same-day approvals depending on underwriting and documentation. |
| 🏢 Direct Lender | LendSpark operates as a direct lender rather than a marketplace, handling underwriting, approvals, and funding internally across all 50 states. |
| 💼 Focus on Working Capital & Equipment | The company specializes in working capital loans (often structured as merchant cash advances) and equipment financing for established businesses. |
| 📈 High Revenue Requirements | LendSpark generally targets businesses with strong cash flow, with reported minimum revenue thresholds around $250,000 per month, which may exclude many small businesses. |
| 🧾 Multiple Financing Structures | Financing options include merchant cash advances, term-style loans, equipment financing, bridge financing, and real estate financing, each with different repayment structures and costs. |
| 💰 Higher Costs Than Banks | Interest rates, factor rates, and origination fees are typically higher than those of traditional bank financing, reflecting the speed and flexibility they offer. |
| ⭐ Mixed but Generally Positive Reviews | Reviews often highlight fast funding and helpful representatives, while negative feedback cites communication issues and longer-than-expected review times. |
| 🏆 UCS Rating | United Capital Source rates LendSpark 4 out of 5, noting its strong product offerings and legitimacy, with the main drawback being high revenue requirements. |
Alternative lenders like LendSpark aim to fill financing gaps left by traditional banks and credit unions, particularly for businesses that struggle to qualify for conventional loans. As bank underwriting standards have tightened and access to credit has become more restrictive, alternative business lending has grown significantly in recent years. These lenders often emphasize speed, flexibility, and customized funding solutions, making them attractive to businesses that need capital quickly or have complex financial profiles.
However, not all alternative lenders operate the same way, and funding terms, costs, and repayment structures can vary widely. Because of this, it’s essential for business owners to carefully evaluate any lender before accepting a financing offer to ensure it aligns with their cash flow, business growth goals, and risk tolerance.
In this review, we’ll explore how LendSpark works, including the available options, pros and cons, and the application process, to help you decide if it’s right for your business needs. Specifically, we’ll answer these questions and more:
LendSpark is a California-based direct lender that provides business financing solutions designed for companies that may not qualify for traditional bank loans. The company focuses on delivering capital through customized funding structures rather than one-size-fits-all products, serving a range of industries and business entities across the United States.
LendSpark provides fast business funding, with some loans available for next-day funding. It specializes in equipment financing and working capital loans for businesses that cannot obtain funding from traditional banks. Its stated mission is to help companies access capital to support operational stability and business expansion, while offering a streamlined lending process backed by experienced underwriting.
The company primarily targets established businesses with substantial revenue, including small businesses, mid-market firms, and larger organizations seeking tailored financing solutions. Founder and CEO Todd Stichler established the company in 2012. LendSpark’s website states that it has arranged over $200 million in financing for hundreds of businesses and can even finance borrowers with bad credit.
LendSpark operates as a direct lender offering several types of business financing. Businesses begin the process by submitting an online application, after which the company evaluates financial data, loan documents, and revenue performance. Funding is available in all 50 states, and approved borrowers may receive capital quickly, depending on the financing product selected.
The total repayment amount for a loan includes the principal, interest, and any applicable fees. LendSpark requires borrowers to maintain a designated checking account for loan payments.
Once approved, borrowers receive funds through a business bank account, and repayment begins according to the agreed-upon schedule outlined in the signed agreement. LendSpark’s loan agreements specify that the loan proceeds may be used only for specific business purposes and not for personal use.
LendSpark’s working capital loans offer up to $1 million and terms of up to 24 months. These short-term business funding solutions are designed for speed and can be available within one business day of approval.
The lender’s working capital loans may be structured as merchant cash advances (MCAs). These financing solutions provide upfront cash in exchange for a portion of future revenue or fixed daily or weekly ACH repayments. MCAs, also called business cash advances, are business-to-business transactions rather than traditional debt, and repayment is tied to business cash flow instead of a fixed amortization schedule.
Funding amounts typically depend on monthly revenue, bank account activity, and underwriting results. Rates are expressed as factor rates rather than interest rates, which affects the total cost of financing. These working capital loans are commonly used for payroll, inventory purchases, marketing, or covering short-term operational expenses.
LendSpark’s equipment financing solutions allow businesses to purchase or lease equipment without paying the full cost upfront. Eligible equipment may include industrial machinery, vehicles, technology, or other essential business assets. Equipment financing and equipment leasing options are structured so the equipment itself often serves as collateral, reducing overall liability.
Funding amounts vary by equipment type and value, with terms typically ranging from one to several years. Interest rates and repayment terms depend on credit profile, equipment type, and deal structure. Approved borrowers may receive funding quickly once documentation is completed and the loan documents are signed.
LendSpark offers bridge financing of up to $5 million with terms up to 24 months. These loans minimize equity dilution for lower-middle-market companies. Bridge financing is designed to provide short-term capital while a business awaits long-term financing, a sale, or another liquidity event. LendSpark’s bridge loans are typically structured as asset-based lending, secured by the asset being purchased.
These loans typically have shorter terms and higher rates than traditional term loans, reflecting their temporary nature. Funding speed is generally fast, making bridge financing useful for time-sensitive transactions or outstanding obligations.
LendSpark provides both commercial real estate loans and real estate investment financing. These solutions may be used to purchase, refinance, or renovate income-producing properties.
Loan amounts, rates, and terms vary depending on property type, location, and borrower’s financials. The company indicates you can finance up to 70% of the property’s value. Funding timelines can range from several days to a few weeks, depending on underwriting, appraisal requirements, and third-party involvement.
LendSpark’s qualification requirements vary by financing product. In general, the company focuses on businesses with substantial revenue and consistent cash flow. Working capital loans, equipment financing, and real estate loans each have distinct underwriting criteria.
| Financing Type | Minimum Revenue | Credit Considerations | Time in Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working Capital Loans | ~$250,000/month | 620+ preferred, may work with bad credit | 2+ years |
| Equipment Financing | $50,000/month | Credit and asset-based | 2+ years |
| Bridge Financing | Case-by-case | Financial strength-focused, asset-based | Established |
| Real Estate Financing | Property dependent | Credit and equity reviewed | Established |
A personal guarantee may be required depending on the loan structure, thereby increasing personal liability for business owners.
LendSpark focuses heavily on fast funding, with some working capital applications potentially receiving same-day approval. This emphasis on speed can be valuable for businesses facing urgent cash needs. The company also appears to prioritize larger deals, with a minimum monthly revenue threshold of approximately $250,000 for working capital loans, which may limit access for smaller businesses.
The company offers both debt financing and business funding transactions. Some options are structured as conventional business loans, while others—such as merchant cash advances—are treated not as debt but as advances on future revenue. Debt financing typically involves business loan interest and fixed repayment schedules. It may affect a credit report, while merchant cash advances use a fixed factor rate and are repaid from business revenue.
The company does not clearly disclose whether it performs a hard or soft credit inquiry during the application process or whether repayment activity is reported to business credit bureaus. Generally speaking, lenders report payment activity for debt financing to credit bureaus, allowing borrowers to build business credit through a positive payment history. Funders typically do not report payments for transactions such as merchant cash advances, but there are exceptions. Businesses concerned about the impact on credit should verify these details before accepting any offer.
Overall, its online reputation appears mixed but generally positive, with many customers highlighting fast approvals and access to capital that may not be available through traditional lenders. Positive feedback often references responsive representatives and successful funding outcomes, while negative reviews tend to focus on communication delays or longer-than-expected review timelines. As with many alternative lenders, individual experiences appear to vary based on deal complexity, underwriting requirements, and borrower expectations. LendSpark is described as a company that helps clients obtain necessary business financing.
LendSpark offers a business loan affiliate program that it markets as its Vendor Program. ISOs and business loan brokers may be able to sign up as partners through the Vendor Program and earn commissions on funded deals.
LendSpark specializes in finding financing for businesses that may have been rejected by traditional banks, including business loans for those with bad credit. Some online reviewers claim that LendSpark charges late fees when scheduled payments are not received on time and that its financing may carry higher interest rates and origination fees than those of traditional lenders.
According to these accounts, origination fees may be deducted from the loan proceeds at disbursement. However, these details are not independently verified, and prospective borrowers are encouraged to work directly with LendSpark to fully understand total loan costs, repayment obligations, and any applicable fees before accepting an offer.
LendSpark offers an online small business loan application designed to simplify the financing process.
Applicants submit a form with basic business details, revenue information, and ownership structure.
Loan documents may include bank statements, financial statements, tax returns, and details about equipment or property.
LendSpark evaluates the application, credit, cash flow, and overall deal structure.
Approved applicants review financing terms, fees, repayment obligations, and total cost before signing.
Once approved and signed, funds are deposited into the business account.
Repayment structures vary by financing product. Working capital loans are typically repaid through fixed daily or weekly ACH withdrawals. Equipment financing and real estate loans often use monthly repayment schedules, though terms depend on the agreement.
LendSpark does not clearly disclose whether it offers prepayment penalties, early payoff discounts, or automatic renewal options. Borrowers should carefully review their agreement to understand repayment obligations, credit implications, and any potential cost-saving opportunities.
LendSpark offers fast access to capital, flexible financing structures, and nationwide availability. Its focus on customized deals and ability to work with businesses that may not qualify with traditional lenders can make it a valuable option for established companies seeking growth capital or specialized financing.
The company’s high revenue requirements may exclude many small businesses. Costs, including interest, factor rates, and fees, can be higher than traditional bank loans, increasing the total cost of financing. Loans may require a personal guarantee. Limited transparency around credit reporting and repayment incentives may also be a concern for some borrowers.
Pros
Cons
LendSpark appears to be a legitimate business lender operating as a direct funding company. It maintains an established online presence, provides a physical address and phone number, and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Its financing offerings and customer reviews indicate real lending activity rather than predatory or fraudulent practices.
Overall, LendSpark reviews present a mixed but generally favorable picture. LendSpark maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) as of 2026. The lender holds a 5/5 rating on Google Reviews.
Clients frequently praise LendSpark for its fast approval and funding processes, with some transactions completed in less than a week. Customers have praised the service provided by specific LendSpark representatives, highlighting their helpfulness and dedication.
Some customers have expressed frustration with the lack of communication from their LendSpark loan officers. Many customers report long wait times for loan application reviews with LendSpark.
While LendSpark aims to provide accessible capital, it may decline an application due to credit issues, recent bankruptcies on your credit report, low revenue, or insufficient time in business. If declined, the lender should provide notice explaining the reasons why. If not, or if you require more information, contact the lender directly.
Fortunately, entrepreneurs have access to many lenders, several of which focus on small business funding with lower revenue thresholds. Most alternative lenders provide working capital loans to help cover everyday costs. There’s also a diverse range of equipment financing lenders available.
Working with a small business loan marketplace, such as United Capital Source, lets you apply to a network of lenders with a single application and receive multiple offers. You can then get guided support in choosing the best deal for your business.
You may be interested in one of the following small business loans:
LendSpark may be a strong fit for established businesses with high monthly revenue that need fast access to capital or specialized financing. Companies seeking equipment financing, bridge loans, or working capital may benefit from its flexible structures. However, smaller businesses or those seeking lower-cost, long-term funding may want to explore other lenders.
Based on the available information, we rate LendSpark 4 out of 5. It’s a reputable direct lender with a solid product offering, but its primary drawback is that the revenue requirement might put it out of reach for small businesses.
Disclaimer: The LendSpark trademark is owned by LendSpark Corporation, and its use herein is for reference purposes only, and it does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement by LendSpark Corporation.
