Best Payroll Loans & Financing Options for Small Business in 2026
Compare business loans and lines of credit to cover payroll — fast funding when your cash flow is tight.
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No credit score impact
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Borrow up to $500,000
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Payroll Loans & Financing
Meeting payroll is the most critical obligation for any small business. When cash flow is tight due to slow-paying clients, seasonal dips, or unexpected expenses, a business loan or line of credit can bridge the gap and ensure your employees get paid on time.
Compare the best lenders for payroll financing below.
Best Lenders for Payroll Financing
| Lender | Product | Max amount | Min. credit | Funding |
| Bluevine | Line of credit | $250,000 | 625 | Same day |
| OnDeck | Term loan / LOC | $250,000 | 625 | Same day |
| Fundbox | Line of credit | $150,000 | 600 | Next day |
| Kabbage (Amex) | Line of credit | $150,000 | 640 | Minutes |
| SBA Microloan | Term loan | $50,000 | Varies | 2-4 weeks |
What Are Payroll Loans?
A payroll loan is any type of business financing used specifically to cover employee wages and related payroll expenses (taxes, benefits, workers comp). There is no special “payroll loan” product — businesses typically use lines of credit, short-term business loans, or invoice factoring to bridge payroll gaps.
Best Payroll Financing Options
Business Line of Credit
The most flexible option. You draw funds when needed and only pay interest on what you use. Ideal for recurring payroll gaps caused by uneven cash flow. Bluevine, Fundbox, and Kabbage all offer fast-draw lines of credit.
Short-Term Business Loan
A lump sum loan repaid over 3-18 months. Best when you need a specific amount to cover a known payroll shortfall. OnDeck specializes in fast short-term business loans.
Invoice Factoring
Sell your outstanding invoices to a factoring company for immediate cash (typically 80-90% of invoice value). Good for businesses with slow-paying clients causing payroll crunches.
SBA Microloans
Government-backed loans up to $50,000 with low rates. Slower to fund (2-4 weeks) but ideal for longer-term payroll stabilization.
How Fast Can You Get Payroll Funding?
Kabbage can fund in minutes. Bluevine and OnDeck offer same-day funding. Fundbox funds the next business day. These speeds are critical when payroll is due in days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a loan just to make payroll?
Yes. Business lines of credit and short-term loans can be used for any business purpose including payroll. Lenders don’t restrict how you use the funds.
What if I can’t make payroll this week?
A business line of credit with same-day funding (Bluevine, OnDeck) is your fastest option. Apply online and funds can be available the same day.
Is it bad to borrow for payroll?
Occasional borrowing for payroll due to timing gaps is normal for growing businesses. However, if you consistently can’t cover payroll, it may signal deeper cash flow issues that need addressing.
What credit score do I need?
Most business lenders require 600-640 minimum. Fundbox has the lowest threshold at 600. SBA microloans vary by intermediary lender.
Bluevine
- Line of credit up to $250,000
- As low as 7.80%
- Min. revenue: $40,000/month
Bluevine offers a business line of credit ideal for covering payroll gaps with fast draws.
OnDeck
- Loans up to $250,000
- Term loans and lines of credit
- Min. credit: 625
OnDeck offers short-term business loans with same-day funding for urgent payroll needs.
Fundbox
- Line of credit up to $150,000
- Draw funds as needed
- Min. revenue: $30,000/year
Fundbox offers a revolving line of credit with next-day funding — pay for payroll as needed.