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United States What is Funding Circle?
Funding Circle is the world's leading lending platform for small businesses to get the funding they need to win. By combining cutting edge technology with industry-leading risk management models, Funding Circle provides small businesses with access to fast, affordable, and transparent financing, and institutional investors with the opportunity to access attractive returns through loan purchases, and financial institutions a lending-as-a-service digital solution for their customers.
Since launching in 2010, investors across Funding Circle's geographies — including more than 100,000 retail investors, banks, asset management companies, insurance companies, government-backed entities, and funds — invested $20.2 billion to 135,000 businesses globally.
We offer an efficient front and back end process that simplifies the complexity of SMB credit assessment and processing including customer acquisition, online application, sales support, document gathering, credit underwriting, compliance and fraud detection, origination and disbursement, servicing and loan sales which makes the entire process quick and easy for small businesses, financial institutions, and institutional investors alike.
We've been listed on the London Stock Exchange since our initial public offering (IPO) in September 2018.
Our global leadership team and Board of Directors hold extensive experience from some of the world’s leading financial services companies, including Bank of America, Barclays Capital, Goldman Sachs, and J.P.Morgan. You can read more about the entire global leadership team and board members on the about page.
How did Funding Circle begin?
Funding Circle was founded in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis when small businesses were struggling and large lenders weren’t offering them financing. Our US co-founders had a successful business and first-hand experience with this problem.
In spite of their flourishing gym business, their loan applications were either denied or they were offered untenable terms an astounding 96 times. At the same time, investors were making poor returns. They had a simple idea — let them support each other.
By investing in successful and growing businesses through Funding Circle, investors can diversify their fixed-income portfolios and access attractive returns. Businesses get fast, easy access to financing to grow, create jobs, support local communities and drive the economy forward. We believe it’s better for everyone.
In 2010, we launched the first peer-to-peer lending platform for businesses in the UK. We expanded to the US after tripling in size in just three years. Two years later, we began supporting small business in Germany and the Netherlands.
How is Funding Circle different from a bank?
Funding Circle is not a bank. Funding Circle is a state licensed and regulated lender that uses technology to connect businesses who want to borrow with institutional investors who want to invest in a new asset class of small business loans. This means we can focus on one thing: giving small business owners an easy way to find a better deal.
We underwrite, approve, and fund loan applications and manage the entire loan disbursement and repayment process. To do this, we developed an efficient online lending and investing experience based on our cutting-edge technology and industry-leading risk management models.
We know that time is money for small business owners. While banks can require a lengthy and clunky loan application, our process is quick, easy, and transparent. You can apply for a loan online in just 6 minutes, get a decision in as little as one business day after submitting your documents, and receive funding as soon as 48 hours.
We use cutting-edge technology to review your business's overall financial health and base our decision on more than just a personal credit score. As a result, our seasoned underwriters can better understand your business and work with you to find terms that suit your needs.
Who regulates Funding Circle?
As a direct lender, Funding Circle is subject to both state and Federal laws and regulations.
We work hard to ensure the appropriate systems and processes are in place so we can monitor and comply with all relevant laws and regulations. These include the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), the Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices rule of the Federal Trade Commission (UDAP), the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the Servicemember Civil Relief Act (SCRA), and the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act (CAN-SPAM Act).
Additionally, Funding Circle is a member of the Innovative Lending Platform Association and Responsible Business Lending Coalition as well as a signatory of the first-ever US Small Business Borrowers’ Bill of Rights.
Why should I borrow from Funding Circle instead of a different company?
Unlike banks, we are solely focused on being the best in the world at providing one service — small business loans. Funding Circle’s platform offers a straightforward and transparent process, manageable and budget-friendly repayment schedules and competitive interest rates and fees.
We’ve found small business owners tend to use Funding Circle for the following reasons:
Our mission is to build a better financial world, and we’re proud that we helped set the first-ever gold standard for responsible business lending: the Small Business Borrowers’ Bill of Rights. Established as part of the Responsible Business Lending Coalition, the Small Business Borrowers’ Bill of Rights works to fight the rise of irresponsible and predatory small business lending and promote responsible business lending practices across the entire industry.
Understanding what business owners need and addressing their problems head-on helps distinguish us from the competition. We surveyed our borrowers (October 10-30, 2017) and 92% (of 216 borrowers) said they would return to Funding Circle for their future business financing needs.
What are the benefits of working with Funding Circle?
We’ve taken the best parts of an SBA loan, such as monthly payments and no prepayment penalties, but offer an easier and faster lending process.
In addition to making the application process more efficient, we use a technology-driven underwriting process to assess the full financial picture of your business. This means we can sometimes help you get approved for a loan when other lenders turn you down. And when you apply for a loan, we’ll assign you a dedicated account manager to guide you through the loan application and approval process. After submitting the required financial documents online or to your Account Manager via email, you can expect a decision in as little as one business day.
Additionally, we report your business loan payments to two of the major business credit bureaus, Experian and Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), which can help your business build its own credit. This can be an important step in qualifying for additional funding, better terms with vendors, and lower business insurance premiums.
What kind of companies can get a loan from Funding Circle?
We've helped thousands of established small and medium businesses grow, create new jobs, and stimulate economic growth in their local communities. We fund a variety of established businesses, including veterinary clinics, pharmacies, cosmetics brands, and many more.
The minimum qualifications for a loan through Funding Circle are:
Does Funding Circle work with every industry?
No. Businesses in certain industries are ineligible for Funding Circle term loans, including, but not limited to: speculative real estate, nonprofit organizations, weapons manufacturers, gambling businesses, marijuana dispensaries, and pornography.
Are Funding Circle loans available in all 50 states?
We currently offer loans to businesses in all 49 states, we do not offer loans in Vermont.
Where is Funding Circle located?
Our two US offices are located in San Francisco and Denver. We also have an office in London, UK.
You can find the addresses and additional contact information on our contact page.
Who provides funding and support to Funding Circle?
Funding Circle is a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange (FCH:LSE). Before our IPO, we’d raised money from Accel Partners, DST Global, Index Ventures, Ribbit Capital, Sands Capital Ventures, Temasek Holdings and Union Square Ventures.
What types of loans does Funding Circle offer?
We offer small business term loans with the following features:
What is a term loan?
A term loan is a type of installment loan. You’ll receive the full approved loan amount at the start and repay the loan with a series of fixed (generally monthly) payments. A portion of each payment will go towards the interest that accrues and a portion pays down your loan’s principal balance. Your account will be closed once you repay the loan.
By contrast, you can borrow against a revolving account, such as credit card or line of credit, multiple times. However, revolving accounts often have variable interest rates, which can make it difficult to predict your expenses. Your interest rate could also rise, which will increase your cost of borrowing.
What are the advantages of using a term loan from Funding Circle?
A term loan can give you immediate access to the working capital you need and a predictable repayment schedule.
With Funding Circle, your loan will have a fixed interest rate and fixed monthly payment. The predictable repayment schedule can help you plan and budget for the future. We also offer a wide range of loan amounts and repayment terms, and we never charge a prepayment penalty.
Other business installment loans might have variable rates or require more frequent payments, which can strain your business cash flow.
Additionally, we report your business loan payments to two of the major business credit bureaus, Experian and Dun & Bradstreet (D&B), which can help your business build its own credit. This can be an important step in qualifying for additional funding, better terms with vendors, and lower business insurance premiums.
What determines my monthly payment amount?
Your monthly payment will depend on your loan amount, repayment term and interest rate. You can use our small business loan calculator to estimate your monthly payment.
What can I use my business loan for?
You can use your loan in a variety of ways to support your business. Popular uses for a Funding Circle loan include expanding to a new location, purchasing equipment or inventory, and hiring staff. However, your loan may not be used for your personal finances, such as refinancing of personal debt.
What are the minimum and maximum loan amounts I can borrow?
You can borrow between $25,000 and $500,000 with a loan from Funding Circle. You may be able to take out an additional loan once you’ve made six consecutive on-time payments on the first loan. However, the minimum loan amount is still $25,000 and your total combined debt can’t be above $500,000.
If you run more than one business, you can borrow up to $500,000 per business, but no more than $1 million total — even if you have three or more businesses.
What if I need to borrow less than $25,000?
Our minimum small business term loan amount is $25,000 per loan. If you’re looking to borrow less than $25,000, you may want to consider a microloan. These small loans — generally $500 to $50,000 — are often to help businesses that have a small or short-term financial goal.
You may be able to find a microloan from different types of organizations, including nonprofits, community development financial institutions and financial institutions that participate in the SBA Microloan program.
What if I need to borrow more than $500,000?
Our maximum small business term loan amount is $500,000 per loan. However, there may be options for additional funding.
If you’ve already taken out a Funding Circle loan and made six consecutive on-time payments, you may be able to take out an additional loan. However, the total combined debt is still $500,000.
If you run more than one business, you can borrow up to $500,000 per business from Funding Circle, but no more than $1 million total — even if you have three or more businessess
Are Funding Circle loans secured? What collateral do you accept?
Yes, all of our loans are secured. In addition to a personal guaranty from the primary business owner(s), defined as anyone with 20% or more ownership of the business, we require a lien on certain business assets. Collateral includes: equipment, vehicles, accounts receivable, and inventory. We do not take a lien on real estate.
How quickly can I get a loan?
Most Funding Circle customers get their loans within 5 days.
Our application takes less than six minutes to complete, and you’ll hear from us within an hour to answer any questions you have and collect the required documents. Once we have everything, we’ll get back to you with our decision in as little as one business day. After accepting the terms of the offer, you could receive the funding within one business day.
How quickly can I get my funds?
After you sign our loan documents and accept your offer, we send the money electronically to your designated business bank account. To expedite this process and save you time, we collect your bank account information during the application process with your account manager. We’ll send you a confirmation email as soon as we’ve transferred the money to your account.
Can I have more than one Funding Circle loan?
We handle additional funding requests on a case-by-case basis. You may be eligible for an additional loan once you’ve made six consecutive on-time payments on your current loan. You can also apply for a new loan once you pay off your original loan. In either case, you’ll need to submit a new application for each additional loan.
Who funds my loan?
Your loan is listed on our marketplace. Institutional investors who want to invest in small business loans provide capital to Funding Circle to lend to credit-worthy businesses. These investors range from multinational financial institutions to investment funds.
Does Funding Circle charge any fees?
We won’t nickel and dime you with every payment. Our fee structure is simple: we charge a one-time origination fee on each loan we fund, which is added to your approved loan amount and financed through the term. Just like your interest rate, your origination fee will be determined during our underwriting process and is based on your creditworthiness and term chosen.
The total amount financed will include the approved loan amount plus the one-time origination fee.
We don’t charge any prepayment penalties, which means that you can repay your loan early and only pay interest for the time you borrow.
For investors, we generally charge a 1% annual servicing fee on the amount outstanding on any loan. The servicing fee is deducted from the loan repayments made by borrowers.
Learn about our rates and fees, and learn about some hidden fees to look out for with other lenders.
Does Funding Circle charge an application fee?
We will never, under any circumstances, ask you for an upfront fee in order to apply or borrow through the Funding Circle marketplace. Your application and discussion with our dedicated account managers is absolutely free, and there’s no obligation to accept your loan offer.
Does Funding Circle charge a prepayment fee?
No. You can repay your loan early and only pay interest for the time you borrow.
Are there any additional fees or charges that could apply to my loan?
If your monthly payment is more than 10 days late, we may charge a late fee of up to 5% of each missed payment amount. The late fee will be payable immediately and is in addition to the missed payment.
We will place your loan into default if you miss three or more consecutive payments, four out of six monthly payments or don’t comply with your loan agreement.
If you think you might not be able to make a scheduled payment, please get in touch with us as soon as possible by calling (855) 385-5356 or emailing loanquestions@fundingcircle.com. We will do our best to work with you and find a solution.
If I take out multiple loans, will each loan have its own rate and fees?
Yes. Each loan is an independent installment loan with its own loan agreement and fees.
How do I apply for a loan?
There is a simple four-step process for getting a loan through Funding Circle:
What does my personal account manager do?
You’ll be assigned your own personal account manager who will work to understand your goals, explain your options, walk you through our process and find the best terms to suit your needs.
Your Account Manager:
What information or documentation do I need for my application?
Typically, we only require basic information about you and your business to start the application. We keep your information secure and private — we don’t sell your information or the fact that you’ve applied for a loan with us to other lenders without your consent.
We may also ask for:
Additional financial information that we need before offering you a loan include:
Your personal account manager will work with you to ensure that your application is complete, including the required documentation. The faster you’re able to provide your documents, the faster we’re able to get you a loan decision.
Who can apply for a loan?
The minimum qualifications for a loan through Funding Circle are:
Your business doesn’t need to look like this for you to apply, or get approved. But to give you a better understanding of the types of business that take out loans through Funding Circle, here’s a look at the average profile of our borrowers:
Am I required to accept a loan offer?
No. There’s no application fee and there’s no obligation to accept a loan offer.
Can I change the amount I want to borrow after applying?
Our credit assessment decision is dependent on the loan amount requested and once you apply for a loan you cannot change the amount you want to borrow. The credit assessment team may deem that you can borrow a lower amount than that requested. If this is the case, they will contact you directly.
What factors do you consider in your underwriting process?
We know that a credit score isn’t the only indicator of a healthy business, so we consider a number of other factors when considering a loan application, from revenue to real-time cash flow to online customer reviews.
Does every customer qualify for every term length?
You generally can choose the loan term that best suits your business needs. However, we sometimes limit the loan term based on applicant creditworthiness.
Do you have minimum credit score requirements?
As a business owner, you must have a FICO credit score of at least 660 based on your Experian consumer credit report to qualify for a loan. When a business is owned by more than one person at least one of those owners must have a personal credit score of 660 or higher. For example, if the business is equally owned by three partners and at least one has a score of 660 then you could qualify.
When will you check my credit?
We will generally only conduct soft personal credit inquiries to underwrite or to service your loan, and we only conduct these after you’ve agreed to these inquiries during the application process. The soft pulls of your personal credit will not impact your credit score or show up on reports obtained by other lenders.
For businesses organized as general partnerships, we will conduct a hard pull of your personal credit report when you submit your application to our credit team. The hard pull may impact your credit score and appear on your personal credit reports for up to two years.
We may also check your business credit reports, such as a report from Dun & Bradstreet, Inc. Business report inquiries will not appear on your personal credit reports or impact your personal credit.
These reports help us understand your business and may include data about its revenue, time in business, SIC or NAICS codes, and information about the owners. The reports and info can help us efficiently determine your eligibility for funding.
Do you report my payments to the credit bureaus?
We report both on-time and late loan payments to two of the major business credit bureaus, Experian and Dun & Bradstreet.
We will not report your on-time loan payments to the consumer credit bureaus. However, if your loan defaults we will report the default on your consumer trade line. We only report to Experian for consumer trade information.
How do I increase my chances of getting approved for a loan?
We take a unique, holistic approach to understanding small business creditworthiness.
We evaluate not only business financial variables, but personal financial variables too, which we believe is critical to our ability to understand the nuances of each small business and provide a loan that’s tailor-made for its specific needs.
In general, having a history of repaying personal and business loans on time, positive business cash flow and good customer reviews can help make your application a success. If you have specific questions, or are looking for personalized guidance, you can work with your personal account manager once you submit an application.
How is the interest rate of my loan determined?
The final interest rate on your approved loan will depend on your creditworthiness which we calculate by reviewing both personal and business finances.
What if I don’t qualify for a loan from Funding Circle?
If you don’t qualify for a loan from Funding Circle at this time, you could review our minimum eligibility criteria and try again later (generally, in 6 months). In some situations, we may also be able to connect you with other lenders who may be able to offer you financing.
Do you share my application information with other lenders?
No, we won’t share your personal or business information, or the fact that you’ve applied for a loan, with other lenders unless you provide consent. Once your business is funded, we file a UCC-1 financing statement — a searchable record — on your business assets. Our name on these filings is masked for additional security.
How do you determine how much funding I get?
We review your business information through data sources like your business checking account, payment processors, accounting platforms, and other online marketplaces. This helps us determine the creditworthiness of your business by analyzing your average monthly revenue, seller rating, time in business, transaction volume, among other characteristics.
When evaluating an application, we consider a variety of factors, including credit score, business revenue, and other indications of general creditworthiness connected to an applicant’s file.
Will I know my monthly payment amount before I accept my loan?
Yes, you will know your interest rate, repayment term and monthly payment before you accept your loan.
In some cases, we may be able to show you up to three different loan terms and you can pick the term and coinciding monthly payment that best fits your needs and circumstances. And because all of our loans have a fixed monthly payment, you can borrow and budget with confidence.
Where can I have my loan sent?
Your approved loan amount will be electronically transmitted to your business bank account provided.
Can I set up automatic payments?
Yes, we set up automatic payments (ACH) from your business bank account to help ensure our borrowers don’t accidentally miss payments. However, should an automatic payment not be suitable for your business, payments can be made via check.
Is there a prepayment penalty or fee?
No. You can repay your loan early and only pay interest for the time you borrow.
Why Did I Receive an Email About Becoming a Member of a Credit Union?
Some of the investors we work with to fund borrower loans are credit unions that may require membership to move forward with funding. While we cannot guarantee ahead of time who your loan will be assigned to, we do like to make applicants aware of this additional step in the event that you are offered funding through a credit union.
What is a Credit Union?
A credit union is a not-for-profit financial institution that's co-owned and operated by its members. Unlike a traditional bank, clients serve as active members who own shares and pool their money together to provide loan services and demand deposit accounts, in addition to offering other financial products and services.
What is the Difference Between a Credit Union and a Bank?
While credit unions and banks are both safe and secure financial institutions, there are a few key differences. Most notably, credit unions are not-for-profit organizations that are co-owned and operated by their members; whereas banks are for-profit institutions that operate in the interests of their investors. While bank earnings are issued back to shareholders in the form of dividends, credit unions instead issue their earnings back to members through better rates, lower fees, and other benefits. Another key difference is that to access services, credit unions require membership, whereas banks do not.
What's Required to Become a Member of a Credit Union?
Funding Circle loans are funded by a handful of investors who provide capital for us to lend to our borrowers. Among those investors are credit unions that may require membership in order to purchase your loan. By agreeing to become a member of the credit union, you'll be able to move forward with funding.
Do I Have to Pay Membership Fees?
No, all fees associated with becoming a member and opening an account will be covered by the credit union.
What Kind of Account is Opened?
By becoming a member, a business savings account will be opened on your behalf.
Is a Credit Check Required to Open an Account?
Not all credit unions require a credit check; however, if needed, it will simply be a soft pull. To confirm whether or not the credit union associated with your loan will perform a credit check, you can check the terms and conditions included on the membership form.
How Long Do I Need to Keep My Business Savings Account Open?
You can keep your business savings account open as long as you like! However, if you want to close it, you will need to wait until your loan is paid in full.
If I Choose Not to Become a Member of the Credit Union, Can I Still Move Forward with My Loan?
If you do not wish to become a member of the credit union, Funding Circle will do our best to match you with another investor. However, in this instance, we can't guarantee that your loan will be funded, or the timeline of funding.
How Do I Opt Out of Becoming a Credit Union Member?
If you're offered a loan through a credit union and do not wish to move forward, you do not have to sign the membership form and Funding Circle will do our best to match you with another investor. However, in this instance, we cannot guarantee that your loan will be funded, or the timeline of funding. If we successfully match you with another investor, the terms of your loan such as interest rate, term length, etc. will remain the same so long as your offer is still valid.
I Signed a Form But Didn't Become a Member. Why?
Throughout the funding process, borrowers are selected at random to be allocated to our investors. In the event that you signed a form and didn't become a member, you were either allocated to another investor or were ineligible for credit union membership. Regardless of the investor associated with your loan, you'll still be entitled to your locked-in rate.
What Personal Information is Shared with the Credit Union if I Become a Member?
The credit union may have access to information and documents shared with Funding Circle. This includes information from your consumer and business credit reports. Please note that we use encrypted technology to ensure your information is safe and secure while in transit.
Can I Choose Who Funds My Loan?
No, Funding Circle will assign you to an investor based on a series of criteria.
While you can't choose which investor to work with, you can trust that we consider all of your options before carefully selecting an investor who makes the most sense for your business' needs.
How do I reset my account password?
If you forget your password, just go here.You will be prompted to enter the email address you used to sign up for an account and a new temporary password will be sent to your email.
How do I unlock my account?
Please go here. You will be prompted to enter the email address you used to sign up for an account and a new temporary password will be sent to your email.
What if I didn’t get unlock instructions?
If you didn’t get instructions to your email to unlock your account, just visit here to resend the instructions.
How do I unsubscribe from Funding Circle’s mailing list?
You can unsubscribe from our email list by clicking the “unsubscribe” button that’s at the bottom of every email.
Additionally, if you currently receive our mailings (or emails) and are no longer interested in exploring a Funding Circle business loan, send an email to unsubscribe@fundingcircle.com. Please be sure to include all relevant information, including the addressee, business name, and mailing address exactly as they appear on the mail you received.
We will then put your business on our do not solicit list to prevent future mailings or emails. The process may take five to six weeks, particularly for physical mail.
Is it safe to enter my data on the Funding Circle website?
Data is encrypted from the moment you enter any information on the Funding Circle website. Funding Circle employs some of the strongest forms of encryption commercially available for use on the Web today. During any transaction, our encryption turns your information into a coded sequence with billions of possible variations, making it nearly impossible for unwanted intruders to decipher. Look for a “closed lock” icon in your browser to confirm if encryption is being used on any Web page you are viewing. Any Web address beginning with “https://...” indicates the page you are viewing uses encryption. The “s” stands for “secured.”
How do you keep my information secure?
We take the privacy and information security of our customers, investors, and partners very seriously, and are committed to providing the best level of protection for our customers, investors, partners and their data. Here are just some of the policies, practices, and technologies that enable us to do this:
Click here to read our privacy policy.
How is my Funding Circle account secured?
When you log on to create a Funding Circle account, we ask you to create a username and password. To securely log on to your Funding Circle account, you are asked to provide your username and password. Our systems use bcrypt to secure passwords to ensure that no one is able to access your information. If you suspect that someone has had access to your password or answer to security questions, please contact us immediately at security@fundingcircle.com.
Will I be automatically logged out for security purposes?
Funding Circle’s system will automatically log you off after a certain period of inactivity. This reduces the risk of others accessing your information from your unattended computer.
What information will be available to investors?
When a loan is approved, we will make available certain information about the loan and the borrower to prospective investors. This information may include business information, business financials, loan terms, and other loan information, as shown below.
Business infortmation:
Loan Information:
Business Financials:
Loan Terms:
Do you sell my information with third parties?
We will never sell or rent your personal information to any third party unless we have your consent. And, if you do consent, but later change your mind, you may contact us directly and we will stop any such activity as soon as is reasonably practicable.
What is phishing? How do I know this email is really from Funding Circle?
Phishing is a method used by fraudsters to access valuable personal details by pretending to be someone they’re not, such as posing as Funding Circle. Phishing communication can involve the sending of emails, letters, text messages, or even phone calls.
Watch out for common tactics that scammers use, such as sending emails from email addresses that look similar to a company’s. Examples include fundingscircle.com (note the extra s in fundings) or fundingcircle.cc rather than .com. Or, the “from” address looks correct, but when you hit reply, the address changes.
Communication from Funding Circle will:
Dear Customeror “Dear Valued Customer.”
In general, be cautious about giving out personal information over email or the phone when someone else initiates the conversation and asks. You can always look up the organization’s contact information and call to make sure the request is legitimate.
What should I do if I suspect phishing?
If you think an email is fraudulent, immediately contact your account manager or reach out to our security team at security@fundingcircle.com. You may also wish to report your incident immediately to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
It is important for you to alert us to a potential scam before providing any information to the fraudster. Unfortunately, in the majority of cases, Funding Circle will be unable to recover any money paid over in a scam.
I found a website that says it’s Funding Circle, but something seems fishy. What do I do?
Good eye! Never provide personal financial information on a website that doesn’t look or feel right. Give us a heads up at security@fundingcircle.com. We take phishing and other fraudulent activity very seriously, and involve third-party organizations to take down websites posing as Funding Circle.
When will I receive my term loan?
After accepting your offer by signing your loan documents, funds will be deposited into your bank within three business days.
How much will be deposited in my account?
We will deposit the full approved loan amount into your bank account. The amount financed will be your approved amount, plus a one time orgination fee.
How do I repay my Funding Circle loan?
You can repay your Funding Circle loan using automated electronic transfer from your business bank account. If you changed banks since submitting the application, please contact us to update your banking information. You can also submit payments by check or by wire, if you prefer.
When do my payments start?
Your monthly payments will start one month after Funding Circle funds your loan. For example, if we fund your loan on June 4, then your first payment will be due on July 4 and each subsequent payment will be due on the 4th of that month.
Do I need to make daily or weekly payments?
It can be difficult to manage your business and finances while making daily or weekly payments, especially when payment amounts can change. Our fixed monthly payments start one month from the day your loan funds. The predictable and pre-set payment amount lets you plan ahead and keep your business running smoothly.
Can I choose to have daily or weekly payments?
You’re welcome to send payments as often as you feel comfortable. However, we’re only able to set up automatic weekly or monthly payments. We suggest (and the default is) automatic monthly payments.
When is my payment due date?
Your first payment due date will be one month after Funding Circle funds your loan. For example, if we fund your loan on June 4, then your first payment will be due on July 4 and each subsequent payment will be due on the 4th of that month. Unfortunately, at this moment, we are unable to move your monthly payment date.
How do I make a payment?
Upon funding, your monthly payments will be set up to automatically debit from the bank account where Funding Circle originally deposited your funds. If you wish to set up your automatically monthly payment from a different bank account or if you prefer to remit payments by check or wire payment, please contact us at loanquestions@fundingcircle.com or (866) 679-7966 so that we can assist you with making the requested change.
Can I choose the date for my monthly payments?
Unfortunately, no. However, if you are experiencing ongoing problems in repaying your loan on a certain date, please contact us by calling (866) 679-7966 or emailing loanquestions@fundingcircle.com.
How much of my payment goes to the principal loan balance?
The amount of your payment that goes to the loan principal will depend on your loan’s term and interest rate. Funding Circle loans use compounded interest, which means interest accrues daily on the outstanding balance of the loan. When you make a payment on a compounded interest loan, the payment first goes toward that month’s interest and the remainder goes toward the principal. Generally, the longer you’ve been repaying the loan, the larger the portion of each payment that goes toward the principal balance – similarly to how repayments are structured for a home mortgage.
When will I receive my statement?
You will receive your statement once a month, approximately 10 days after your monthly due date. Your statement will therefore reflect your most recent payment and current balance. While we don’t currently provide monthly statements via email, you can request an electronic copy of one of your statements by emailing loanquestions@fundingcircle.com. Please include your business’s name or Funding Circle account number, if you have one, to expedite the process.
How do I interpret my statements?
You’ll receive your monthly statement in the mail, which will have an overview of your loan’s rates and terms, along with information on your monthly payment and remaining balance. When you make a payment, we first apply the money to the interest that accrued since your last payment, then the remaining principal balance of your loan, and finally to any late fees (when applicable).
In the loan terms and balances section, you’ll find:
The loan activity section is where you’ll find information about your most recent payment:
Can I check my statements online?
Currently, we mail monthly statements to borrowers, allowing you to easily review the information and keep copies for your records. If you need an electronic copy of one of your statements, you can email us at loanquestions@fundingcircle.com and we’ll be happy to send you a copy.
Is there a prepayment penalty or fee?
No, we won’t charge you extra to pay your loan off early. Plus, you only have to pay interest for the time you borrow — so if you pay it off early, you pay less.
If I make a manual payment before my automatic payment, will my automatic payment also go through?
Yes, we will continue to process your automatic payments every month unless you specifically ask us to stop them. Please let us know of any changes at least 5 days in advance of your automated payment date in order for the change to be updated in our system. You can still make a manual payment, but it will be in addition to the automatic payments.
How do I make an additional payment?
You can make an additional payment at any time by calling and requesting a one-time electronic transfer. Please note that we are unable to accept multiple daily electronic transfer payments. You may also be able to set up one-time or recurring wire transfers or check payments from your bank account, although some banks may charge a fee for this service. Additionally, if you’d prefer, you can make additional payments by mailed check.
You may use these processes to break up your monthly payments into multiple, smaller payments. However, be sure that the full monthly payment amount is received by the due date to avoid late fees.
Where can I find my payment history and current loan balance?
You can view your payment history and current loan balance by logging into your dashboard. Unfortunately, we cannot yet accept payments in the dashboard. You can also contact us with any questions, including inquiries about your payment history and current loan balance, at loanquestions@fundingcircle.com or (866) 679-7966.
What if there is an issue with my statement?
If you think there’s an issue with your statement, we want to help correct it right away. Please email or call us at loanquestions@fundingcircle.com or (866) 679-7966.
What should I do if I think I’m going to miss a payment?
If at any time you believe that you may not be able to make one or more repayments, please contact us immediately.
If you miss a payment or only partially pay the amount due, we (or an agent acting on our behalf) will contact you and ask you to explain why and will attempt to collect the payment. If you’re unable to make the payment, your account will be overdue. If your monthly payment is more than 10 days late, we may charge a late fee of up to 5% of the payment amount. The late fee will be payable immediately and is in addition to the missed payment.
Save in exceptional circumstances (such circumstances being deemed exceptional by Funding Circle in its absolute discretion from time to time), if you miss, fail to pay or only partially pay, three or more consecutive monthly installments or four out of six consecutive monthly installments, or if you otherwise fail to comply with any term or condition of the loan agreements, the loan may be placed into default. We will notify you of the default, and our intent to collect all amounts owed from the business and, if necessary, the personal guarantor(s).
If your loan is placed into default we may charge fees to cover tracing charges, field agents’ costs, litigation costs, expenses and other such third party fees incurred by Funding Circle in the course of protecting the interests of the investors who lent to the business.
Is there a late fee for missed payments?
If your monthly payment is more than 10 days late, we may charge a late fee of up to 5% of each missed payment amount. The late fee will be payable immediately and is in addition to the missed payment.
How do I reset my account password?
If you forget your password, click here to reset. You will be prompted to enter the email address you used to sign up for an account and a new temporary password will be sent to your email.
How do I unlock my account?
If there are too many failed attempts at logging into your account we will lock the account as a security precaution. Click here to unlock your account. You will be prompted to enter the email address you used to sign up for an account and a new temporary password will be sent to your email.
How do I change my bank account information?
If you’d like to change your bank account information, please have an authorized party (such as the business owner) reach out to our customer support team by calling us at +1 (866) 679-7966 or sending an email to loanquestions@fundingcircle.com.
How do I change my profile information?
If you need to change your email address on file, you can do so easily in your dashboard. If you’d like to change other personal information such as your home or business address, please have an authorized party (such as the business owner) reach out to our customer support team by calling us at +1 (866) 679-7966 or sending an email to loanquestions@fundingcircle.com.
How do I contact support?
Whether you have a question, comment, complaint, or just want to say hi, there are many ways to reach us. The Contact page lists our phone numbers, email addresses, and mailing addresses.
If you have a loan from Funding Circle, please call us at +1 (866) 679-7966 or email us at loanquestions@fundingcircle.com.
You can also connect with us via social media on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
What information can I see in my dashboard?
In your personal dashboard you’re able to review the current loan balance and application history. In 2020, your dashboard will also provide information on your eligibility to apply for an additional loan with Funding Circle. This additional loan can be used to refinance your previous loan, consolidate your business debt, expand your business or get the working capital you need to take on another project.
What am I able to do in my dashboard?
Your dashboard allows you to update some minor account information and review the current loan balance outstanding. In 2020, your dashboard will also include a link to an application in case you are interested in applying for an additional loan with Funding Circle, if you meet our initial eligibility requirements. Applying for an additional loan with Funding Circle is easier than your first application and can be done in 4 simple steps, streamlining the process and saving you time.
Where can I find my loan documents?
You can find your loan documents at any time by signing into DocuSign using your DocuSign credentials. If you did not set up a DocuSign profile prior to signing the Funding Circle’s loan documents, it is simple and free to set up a profile. You can also obtain a copy of your loan documents by contacting our customer support team by phone at +1 (866) 679-7966 or by email at loanquestions@fundingcircle.com.
What information is included in my final loan documents?
Your final loan documents will include the total amount of the loan, the interest rate, the business(es) taking on the loan, the terms of the contract, and the names of the individual(s) personally guaranteeing the loan.
How can I request my final loan documents?
You can contact us with any questions, including inquiries about your loan documents, at loanquestions@fundingcircle.com or (866) 679-7966.
What is a payoff letter?
A payoff letter will tell you the remaining loan amount (including interest) on a specific day, and how you can pay off the remainder of your loan. If you’re ready to pay off your loan, you can request a payoff letter and then submit a payment for the exact amount. If you’re simply curious about your remaining loan balance, you could check your most recent statement or contact Funding Circle.
When do I receive a payoff letter?
Payoff letters are provided upon request from an authorized party on the account. You will receive the requested document within two business days.
How can I request a payoff letter?
If you’d like to request a Payoff Statement, please have an authorized party (such as the business owner) reach out to our customer support team by calling us at +1 (866) 679-7966 or sending an email to loanquestions@fundingcircle.com.
What is a UCC-1 filing?
A UCC-1 filing is a blanket lien on the collateral that the borrowing business’s pledges to secure the loan (e.g., equipment, inventory, bank accounts). The lien doesn’t include real estate. Although you may see your business’s address listed on the lien, that’s simply so we know where your business is located.
How does Funding Circle use a UCC-1 filing?
A UCC filing, also known as a UCC lien, is a blanket lien that covers all borrowers’ property and equipment (except real estate) and secures the Funding Circle loan. If a borrower isn’t able to repay a loan, Funding Circle can recoup its losses by taking possession of or selling the assets that are the property of the business, including equipment. This allows us to offer loans to a wider variety of business types with lower interest rates.
Where can I request my UCC-1 filing from Funding Circle?
If you’d like to request a copy of your UCC-1 filing, please have an authorized party (such as the business owner) reach out to our customer support team by calling us at +1 (866) 679-7966 or sending an email to loanquestions@fundingcircle.com.
What is a UCC-3 termination?
A UCC-3 termination statement can terminate the UCC-1 lien, releasing the lien on your business’s equipment and accounts.
How does Funding Circle use a UCC-3 termination?
A UCC-3 termination is the form we’ll use to terminate a UCC-1 filing once you’ve repaid your Funding Circle loan. A copy of the termination can be provided upon request.
When can I request my UCC-3 termination from Funding Circle?
You, or an authorized member of your business, can request a UCC-3 termination once you repay your Funding Circle loans. If you don’t submit a request, the UCC-1 filing will automatically expire five years after the filing is originally made.
How could a business loan impact my taxes?
The money you receive from a business loan generally won’t count as income, and won’t have a direct impact on your taxes for the year. However, you might be able to deduct the interest your business pays on its business loans each year. You may want to keep copies of loan-related documents to prove you qualify for the business loan interest deduction.
If you default, enter bankruptcy, or meet another situation where you are unable to repay the full amount of the loan, the uncollected amount on the loan is considered income and will be reflected in taxes accordingly.
What loan information will I need when reporting my business taxes?
Generally, you will need a copy of your loan contract, payment history, and amortization schedule for business tax purposes. However, you will want to consult your business tax advisor for specific requirements.
Where can I request tax-specific information about my loan with Funding Circle?
To obtain any needed documentation related to your loan(s) with Funding Circle, please contact our customer support team by calling us at +1 (866) 679-7966 or sending an email to loanquestions@fundingcircle.com.
What are the ways I can get additional funds?
If you currently have a loan from Funding Circle and your outstanding principal balance is less than $500,000, you may be able to apply for an additional loan once you’ve made six on-time payments on the first loan.
The minimum loan amount is still $25,000 and your total combined debt can’t exceed $500,000 for the business.
Alternatively, you may be able to refinance your current loan and receive additional funds — similar to a cash-out refinance with a mortgage. A one-time origination fee applies only to the additional funds from the new loan.
If you refinance your loan and choose a longer term, you may be able to lower your monthly payment. Additionally, you may save money on interest if you qualify for a lower interest rate. However, we will reevaluate your creditworthiness when reviewing your refinance application, and there’s no guarantee you’ll receive a lower rate.
Depending on the situation, it may make more sense to have two concurrent loans rather than refinance your first loan. Your personal account manager can work with you to determine the cheapest and best options for your business.
Is there a limit to the number of loans I can have with Funding Circle?
There’s no specific limit on how many loans you can have from Funding Circle. However, there is a $25,000 minimum for each loan and a $500,000 maximum per business.
If you run more than one business, you can borrow up to $500,000 per business, but no more than $1 million total — even if you have three or more businesses.
What is the difference between consolidating debt and refinancing debt?
Debt consolidation involves taking out a new loan and using the money to pay off several other loans. You’re essentially combining multiple loans into one, which can make managing your payments easier.
In the case of refinancing, you’re replacing a single loan with a new loan. If the new loan has a lower rate, you can save money on interest. Or, if you’re more concerned about cash flow, you may want to refinance with a longer term to lower your monthly payment. Funding Circle does not offer a pure refinance loan, but there is the option to consolidate your original loan with a request for additional capital.
How do I request additional funds?
You can request additional funds by applying for another loan from Funding Circle once you’ve repaid your first loan or after you’ve made six on-time monthly payments on your current loan. There is a $25,000 minimum for each of your loans, and each will have its own monthly payments. If you meet these requirements, you can contact our dedicated returning customer team at (855) 385-5356, extension 2.
When am I eligible for additional funds/refinancing on my loan?
You’ll be eligible to apply for an additional loan after repaying your first loan or making six on-time monthly payments on your current loan. We will reevaluate your creditworthiness when reviewing your refinance application.
What rate can I expect?
Whether you’re applying for an additional loan or refinancing and requesting additional funding on your current loan, we will review your creditworthiness and current business financials to determine your loan amount, terms, and rate. We’ll also consider your payment history on your Funding Circle loan, how much you owe, and changes in general market rates.
It’s common for business owners to receive a different rate—sometimes higher and sometimes lower—than they have on their initial loan. The rate you receive is dependent on many variables including a credit analysis of where your business is currently as well as the payment history of your current Funding Circle loan.