| ✅ Key Point | 📋 Details |
|---|---|
| 🏦 Lender Type | Lendzi is an online loan marketplace that connects small business owners with over 60 partnered lending institutions. |
| 💰 Loan Amounts | Business loans range from $5,000 to $5 million, offering financial flexibility for businesses of all sizes. |
| ⚙️ Loan Options | Funding options include SBA loans, term loans, equipment financing, merchant cash advances, business lines of credit, and other forms of funding. |
| ⏱️ Funding Speed | Qualified applicants can receive funding within 24 hours after approval, making the process seamless. |
| 📈 Qualifications | Most loans require a minimum credit score of 660, $50,000 or more in annual revenue, and a minimum of six months in business. |
| 🧾 Application Process | The online loan application takes just a few minutes, with advisors available to help explain complex financial options. |
| 👍 Customer Reviews | Lendzi holds a 4.9 out of 5 Trustpilot rating, with many customers praising its transparency, speed, and service. |
| ⭐ UCS Rating | 4.3 out of 5 — A knowledgeable financial partner offering diverse funding solutions and excellent customer satisfaction. |
Small business owners frequently face hurdles when seeking capital. Many traditional financing routes—like bank term loans or lines of credit—are inaccessible to businesses with shorter operating histories, lower revenues, or less-than-perfect credit profiles. In these cases, alternative business lending can fill the gap. Platforms such as Lendzi serve as business loan marketplaces that connect borrowers to multiple lending institutions, helping you compare offers from across the market.
When applying for a small business loan, it’s essential to compare offers from multiple lenders to find the most favorable deal. Lendzi streamlines that process by aggregating lending institutions in one place. However, being a marketplace (not a direct lender) means you must scrutinize every offer, ask critical questions, and know how the lending process works.
In this review, we examine how Lendzi operates, including its available options, pros, cons, and application process, to help you determine if it’s the right fit for your business. Specifically, we’ll answer these questions and more:
Lendzi is an online loan marketplace that connects business owners and individuals with various lenders. According to the company’s website, it partners with over 60 lenders to present multiple business loan options tailored to the applicant’s needs.
Lendzi was founded in 2020. The company is headquartered (or maintains a listed address) in Culver City, California.
Some businesses may struggle to obtain traditional financing, making Lendzi a valuable resource for a variety of loan options and a quick application process. Because Lendzi is a marketplace—not a direct lender—it does not underwrite or fund loans itself; instead, it connects borrowers to its lending partners based on the submitted criteria.
Small business loans provide essential funds for company operations, and Lendzi offers a variety of loan products designed to meet working capital needs, equipment purchases, expansion, and other business requirements. Small business loans are available for nearly every industry, including medical, retail, and technology.
In short, Lendzi aims to be a one-stop “matchmaker” for small business owners seeking capital, especially when direct lenders may turn them down or require onerous terms.
Lendzi uses a single, streamlined business loan application process to match borrowers with options for both traditional and alternative financing. According to their site, you fill out one form, and the platform compares your profile across its network to generate multiple loan offers.
Their model is: (1) you apply, (2) Lendzi advisors present loan options to applicants, allowing them to compare terms and rates, and (3) you secure funding through one of the lending institutions.
Various funding options are available for small business owners, including term loans, SBA loans, microloans, and merchant cash advances. Lendzi’s platform also includes less common loan types such as invoice factoring, commercial real estate loans, and equipment financing. They advertise that their business loans start with minimum loan amounts of $5,000 and can go up to $5 million. They also note that Lendzi offers long-term loans with repayment terms of up to seven years.
Below, we break down how each loan type works when accessed via the Lendzi marketplace.
A business line of credit option via Lendzi allows you to draw funds up to a specified limit, repay them, and borrow again as needed. The benefit is the flexibility to manage cash flow, seasonal expenses, or unexpected costs. Lendzi’s site describes it as a “financial safety net” you can tap for business-related expenses.
Because Lendzi works via partner lenders, the terms, interest rates, and fees for a business line vary depending on which lender you match with. The line of credit may be unsecured or secured, depending on risk and underwriting. The marketplace model lets you compare multiple business lines of credit offers, selecting the one with favorable monthly payments, origination fees, and drawdown rules.
Lendzi supports SBA loans by matching applicants with lenders that offer government-backed programs. SBA loans are guaranteed by the Small Business Administration, which does not loan money directly. These loans typically have more favorable interest rates and longer terms compared to alternative financing. Lendzi’s platform helps you access SBA 7(a) or SBA 504 programs.
SBA-backed loan options may require more rigorous documentation (financial statements, projections, personal guarantees, collateral) compared to purely alternative products. The marketplace approach is designed to simplify your search for an SBA-approved lender, rather than requiring you to locate one on your own. You can use SBA financing for either a working capital loan or a significant business investment.
Business term loans are repaid over a fixed period, with payment schedules established in advance. In Lendzi’s marketplace, you can get term loans for a variety of durations (from shorter terms to multi-year loans).
These small business term loans are often used for business expansion, hiring, working capital, or refinancing purposes. The interest rates, fees, and terms depend on the lender within Lendzi’s network. Because multiple lenders compete, you can compare different term loan offers with distinct repayment terms, interest rate spreads, and origination fees.
For businesses that need to purchase machinery, vehicles, or other capital assets, Lendzi offers equipment financing through its partners. The equipment serves as collateral, which often allows lenders to offer more favorable terms. Because the asset is tied to the loan, underwriting may weigh the equipment’s useful life, residual value, and depreciation.
Repayment terms are structured to align monthly payments with the equipment’s productive life. This allows you to acquire a new or used piece of equipment while preserving your cash flow, rather than making a large, lump-sum purchase.
Lendzi also offers merchant cash advance (MCA) options. Merchant cash advances are based on credit card sales and are not held to the same standards as traditional bank loans. The MCA model is attractive because approval is often faster and less constrained by credit. While you may sometimes see this listed as a “merchant cash advance loan” or “MCA loan“, it is a business-to-business transaction and a loan.
MCAs usually come with factor rates (e.g., 1.10 to 1.5), meaning the repayment is structured as a multiple of the amount advanced rather than as a conventional interest rate. Those factor rates can lead to high effective costs—something borrowers should scrutinize.
If your small business seeks to purchase or refinance real estate used for operations (e.g., an office, warehouse, retail location), Lendzi includes commercial mortgage options in its marketplace. Commercial mortgage rates, terms, and down payment or equity requirements depend on real estate underwriting norms.
These loan types tend to have more extended amortization periods (10, 15, 20 years or more) and often require robust documentation (appraisals, leases, financial statements, debt service coverage ratio analysis).
Lendzi also provides access to invoice factoring via its lending partners. Invoice factoring lets you sell outstanding invoices to a third-party factor at a discount in exchange for immediate cash. The factoring company then collects from your customers. This is especially useful for businesses with slow receivable cycles seeking working capital.
The cost of factoring is generally higher compared to conventional loans, as factors apply a discount rate to the invoice value and sometimes incur fees for collections or administrative handling.
In addition, Lendzi promotes disaster relief loans—loans intended to assist businesses impacted by sudden adverse events (e.g., natural disasters, pandemics).
Main Street Lending Program: Lendzi’s site describes the Main Street Lending Program as part of its disaster assistance offerings. Eligible small businesses can access relief loans or refinancing options under this program. The exact terms (interest rate, duration, forgiveness, etc.) would depend on the federal program rules and your matched lender.
For entrepreneurs and first-time business borrowers, Lendzi offers startup business loans, including microloans. Microloans are small loans of less than $50,000 available for individuals and small businesses. The marketplace may match you with lenders that specialize in supporting early-stage companies. Because many lenders are wary of startup risk, rates and terms may be less favorable; yet the ability to access funding without an extensive track record is a key advantage.
Beyond strictly business funding, Lendzi also offers:
These financing options can enable business owners to consolidate debt, leverage their personal credit, or manage cash flow during periods of stress. However, borrowing for individual or student purposes is usually riskier and may affect your business credit profile.
To qualify for a small business loan, you often need to meet several factors, including a minimum credit score, time in business, annual revenue, and business operations. You do not need perfect credit to qualify for a small business loan, although a higher credit score typically improves loan terms. Many lenders will assess your credit profile in conjunction with your cash flow, time in business, borrower history, and revenue trends.
Based on disclosures and third-party reviews, here’s a summary of Lendzi’s qualification thresholds:
| Loan Type / Product | Minimum Personal Credit Score | Minimum Time in Business | Minimum Annual Revenue | Notes / Variability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General small business loans | ~ 660 for most loans | 6 months | $50,000 | Lendzi requires a minimum personal credit score of 660 for most loans. |
| Merchant Cash Advance | May accept lower scores (e.g., 500) | 6 months | $50,000 | Some reviews list minimal credit thresholds as low as 660. |
| SBA Loans | ~ 660 (or lender’s SBA standards) | 1+ year typical | $50,000+ | SBA lenders often have stricter underwriting beyond these minimums. |
| Startup / Microloan | May accept lower scores or looser requirements | 6 months or less (depending) | May waive revenue thresholds in some cases | Microloans are small loans of less than $500 available for individuals and small businesses. |
Additional notes:
When considering Lendzi, small business owners should be aware of several important factors before applying. Lendzi’s application process begins with a soft credit check, which does not impact your credit score. However, if you move forward with an offer and the matched lender performs a hard credit inquiry, that may appear on your credit report.
It’s also unclear whether all loans obtained through Lendzi are reported to business credit bureaus. Many of Lendzi’s lending partners treat loans as business lines of credit or term loans, and if those lenders report payment activity, it can help build business credit. However, not every product—particularly merchant cash advances or factor-based financing—contributes to your credit profile.
Lendzi operates as a marketplace rather than a direct lender. This means it does not underwrite, service, or make lending decisions independently of others. Instead, it connects business owners with external lending institutions. This structure allows for greater access to popular business funding options and provides a knowledgeable financial partner to help explain complex financial options and compare offers. However, since Lendzi does not directly control the loan terms, transparency and careful review of each offer are essential.
Some options available through Lendzi’s partners may come with high maximum business loan interest rates or costly factor rates. The use of factor rates, particularly in merchant cash advances, can result in extremely high borrowing costs over time. Borrowers need to evaluate not only the quoted rate but the overall effective cost of borrowing.
While Lendzi serves a wide range of industries, specific sectors—such as auto sales, gambling, and non-profits—are ineligible for funding.
Overall, online impressions of Lendzi are mainly positive. Many users describe the loan process as simple, fast, and stress-free, often praising the professionalism and helpfulness of the company’s representatives. Some reviews do mention concerns about transparency, communication, or strict repayment terms, but these appear to be less common.
Publicly available information about prepayment penalties, early payoff discounts, or renewal options is limited. It’s unclear whether all loans offered through Lendzi’s partners allow penalty-free early repayment. Borrowers should ask their matched lender directly about prepayment terms before signing a loan agreement.
Lendzi offers a business loan affiliate program. ISOs and business loan brokers can register with the company and provide its lending products to their clients.
The application process with Lendzi takes just a few minutes to prequalify for a loan. Here is a step-by-step guide:
You begin by submitting an online application form that requires basic details, including your business name, industry, revenue, time in business, estimated personal credit score, and contact information. This soft credit check stage allows Lendzi to generate potential options without affecting your credit.
Once your initial prequalification is accepted, Lendzi (or its funding partners) will request additional documents to support the underwriting process. This may include bank statements, tax returns, financial statements, driver’s licenses, business registration documents, and details on revenue trends.
Lendzi advisors will present multiple loan options matched against your profile. You can compare loan products side by side—business term loans, lines of credit, MCAs, equipment financing, etc.—with different rates, payback terms, monthly payments, origination fees, and structures. This is when you evaluate complex financial options and select the one that is best aligned with your goals.
After reviewing, you signal acceptance of one offer. At that point, the matched lender may perform a hard credit check or additional underwriting steps and formalize a loan agreement with you, including obtaining your signature and any required guarantees or collateral.
Once approved, funding is typically delivered within 24 hours. You’ll see funds deposited into your business bank account or disbursed per the lender’s process.
Once the funds are in place, your responsibilities include repaying the loan, managing any ongoing obligations, and possibly renewing lines of credit or refinancing. Key points:
Lendzi offers several advantages to small business owners seeking financing. Because it’s a marketplace, borrowers can compare multiple loan products across many lenders through a unified portal, making the loan process more seamless and less time-consuming. For businesses turned down by traditional banks, Lendzi opens doors to alternative financing options, including merchant cash advances and short-term business loans.
The application process is relatively fast and stress-free; many users report that the approval and funding process is quick, sometimes offering same-day business funding. Because Lendzi has relationships with over 60 lending institutions, there’s a broad spectrum of loan options. The variety allows you to tailor financing to your business growth goals, rather than accept the first offer you see.
Because the marketplace pitches lenders against each other, you may get more favorable terms or competitive offers than going directly to a single lender. The service is free to use (the cost is covered by the matched lender’s rates and fees).
Lendzi positions itself as a knowledgeable financial partner, helping you understand complex financial options by comparing factors such as rates, interest rates, payback terms, monthly payments, and risk. Additionally, they offer a concierge service that provides access to U.S.-based advisors for personalized support, which can be especially valuable for first-time business borrowers.
Finally, users often describe the experience as pleasant and stress-free. Many say that the staff were transparent, responsive, and helpful, making the relationship feel like working with a partner rather than being pressured into a financing product.
There are also essential drawbacks to be aware of. At times, finding completely transparent terms or being able to challenge unfavorable offers may be difficult because you’re working through intermediaries. Because Lendzi is not the lender, you lack direct leverage over underwriting decisions or servicing.
Some matched loans may carry high costs—especially those using factor rates or alternative financing structures—so your effective interest rate or APR may be much higher than your expectations. There’s a risk that you might accept a loan with expensive terms when under pressure or with limited alternatives. In some reported cases, the communication or clarity regarding fees and credit checks has been criticized.
Because the loan marketplace model requires you to sift through multiple offers, you may feel overwhelmed or pressured to make a decision quickly, especially if you’re under time constraints. That said, many users report that they did not feel pressured.
Another disadvantage is the lack of transparency regarding certain elements, such as prepayment penalties or whether the lender reports to credit bureaus. If those aspects are essential to you, you may need to spend extra time on due diligence for each offer. Additionally, if your credit profile or revenue is borderline, you may only be matched with expensive offers or may be denied.
Because the marketplace deals with many lenders, the quality of services may vary. Some lenders may have poor customer service, harsh collection policies, or surprise fees—something Lendzi, as an intermediary, may not be able to control entirely. And if you’re denied, you’re reliant on the marketplace and cannot negotiate directly with underlying lenders.
Pros
Cons
Yes, Lendzi is a legitimate online business loan company. Several indicators support its credibility and transparency as a trusted platform for small business financing. Lendzi is accredited by the Better Business Bureau and holds an A+ rating, with its business start date and ownership information publicly listed.
The company also maintains a strong online reputation, boasting a high Trustpilot rating of 4.9 out of 5 based on hundreds of customer reviews. Many users describe positive experiences with the loan process, praising the platform’s efficiency and helpful customer support.
Lendzi received mixed customer feedback, with some praising the speed of the process while others raised concerns about transparency and communication. On Trustpilot, its average rating is very high—4.9 out of 5—reflecting many positive experiences.
Customers consistently praise Lendzi for its responsive and informative staff. Multiple customers have reported fast funding, often within a single day. Customers have described Lendzi as transparent and accommodating in their lending processes. However, some reviews cite poor communication and misleading information as drawbacks to the Lendzi experience.
Many positive reviews highlight how smooth and stress-free the process felt. Borrowers often report that staff members were professional, patient, and willing to explain terms (such as monthly payments, interest rates, and origination fees) in clear language. Some state that the matched offers they received were among the best available, given their credit profile or business size. In Trustpilot feedback, reviewers mention that they “did not once feel pressured” during the process.
Other praise centers on speedy funding. Some reports claim they had funds in their account within a business day or shortly thereafter. Reviewers also compliment the “concierge” style approach of Lendzi’s team, noting their ability to pick up the phone or talk through options.
Criticism generally centers on communication lapses and perceived opacity in the terms used. Some individuals say they were promised terms or disclosures that were later altered or hidden (e.g., interest rate adjustments). One BBB complaint notes a refusal to provide a legally required copy of a credit report, an alleged misrepresentation of the credit score, and a push toward a loan with a 50% APR.
Other negatives revolve around hidden fees or unexpectedly high interest or factor rates. Because the marketplace interacts with many lenders, some matched offers may be less favorable than expected. Some borrowers report difficulty in resolving issues or obtaining clarity from their assigned representative.
Lendzi’s lending partners may decline a loan application for various reasons. Common reasons include poor credit, insufficient time in business, or low revenue. Other factors, such as inconsistent cash flow, might also trigger a denial.
If Lendzi declines your application, the denial letter should explain the reasons for the decline, provide guidance on how to improve your application, and inform you of the reapplication process. If not, or if you require more information, contact Lendzi directly.
Fortunately, small business owners have a variety of business loan lender options to consider. Many lenders offer similar products. Working with a different small business loan marketplace (like UCS) also allows you to apply to multiple lenders at once and receive guided support on finding the best deal for your business.
You may be interested in one of the following small business loans:
Lendzi offers a flexible, broad-access path to business financing that may be especially helpful for small businesses with less-than-ideal credit or limited lender options. Because the lending process is streamlined and the marketplace allows you to compare loan types, interest rates, and terms, Lendzi can be a good fit for businesses that need faster funding and are willing to shop around for the best offers.
That said, Lendzi is not the lowest-cost option for every borrower. If your business qualifies for traditional term loans or SBA loans directly from banks, those may offer more favorable interest rates and lower fees. Businesses with stable cash flow, strong credit, and established history might find better deals elsewhere. On the other hand, for first-time business borrowers, startups, or businesses with cash flow constraints, Lendzi’s marketplace model and diverse options may represent the right financing path.
If you prioritize speed, convenience, and the ability to compare multiple offers with a single application, Lendzi is an attractive option. But to protect yourself, scrutinize each matched offer—look beyond the headline rate, check for factor vs interest pricing, ask about prepayment terms, credit bureau reporting, and total payback cost.
Based on the available information, we rate Lendzi 4.3 out of 5. It’s a solid business loan marketplace with a stellar online reputation.
Disclaimer: The Lendzi trademark is owned by DH & RK Investments LLC, and its use herein is for reference purposes only, and it does not indicate sponsorship or endorsement from DH & RK Investments LLC.
