In the fast-paced world of small business, the right financing partner can make all the difference. Whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling operations, finding the best lender is key. Two major players in the small business lending space are Ready Capital and Capital Express—both offering flexible funding options but catering to slightly different needs.
So, how do you know which one is right for your business?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore Ready Capital vs Capital Express by comparing their loan types, approval processes, interest rates, customer support, and more. If you’re working with a small business loan broker or researching on your own, this guide will help you make a confident and informed choice.
Let’s break it down!
The Lenders at a Glance: Who Are They?
Before diving into the specifics, let’s get to know the lenders.
Ready Capital is a non-bank real estate and small business lender known for offering SBA 7(a) loans, bridge loans, and commercial real estate financing. They’re a large institution that typically focuses on businesses looking for real estate-heavy solutions.
Capital Express, on the other hand, is a nimble alternative lender built specifically for small businesses. With a streamlined process and fast approvals, they specialize in unsecured business loans, equipment financing, merchant cash advances, and working capital solutions.
Feature | Ready Capital | Capital Express |
Loan Focus | SBA, CRE, Bridge Loans | Working capital, equipment, MCAs |
Business Type Served | Mid-to-large businesses | Small businesses, startups |
Approval Time | Several weeks | 24–48 hours |
Collateral Required | Usually yes | Often no |
Loan Flexibility | Structured | Highly flexible |
As you can see, their offerings serve different purposes. Let’s explore further.
Types of Loans: Tailoring to Business Needs
Loan variety is crucial because no two businesses are alike. Here’s how the two compare when it comes to loan offerings:
Ready Capital
- SBA 7(a) Loans: Backed by the government and best for long-term financing.
- Bridge Loans: Designed for quick-turnaround real estate deals.
- Commercial Real Estate Loans: For purchasing or refinancing business properties.
Capital Express
- Unsecured Business Loans: No collateral required, ideal for working capital.
- Merchant Cash Advances (MCAs): Fast funding based on future sales.
- Equipment Financing: Designed to help small businesses purchase essential tools and machinery.
- Revenue-Based Loans: Tailored to businesses with strong cash flow.
Which is better?
If you need long-term, real estate-backed financing, Ready Capital may be your match. But if you’re seeking fast cash or flexible terms, Capital Express offers a broader and faster range of small business-friendly solutions.
Speed and Simplicity: The Approval Process
The application and approval process can be the dealbreaker—especially if you need funds fast.
Criteria | Ready Capital | Capital Express |
Application Time | 30–60 minutes | 10–15 minutes |
Documentation Needed | Extensive (tax returns, P&L, real estate) | Basic (bank statements, ID, business license) |
Approval Time | Up to several weeks | As fast as 24 hours |
Funding Time | 2–4 weeks | 1–3 business days |
Capital Express wins here for businesses in a hurry. Its application process is designed for ease and speed, often with decisions within a day. Ready Capital’s process is more traditional, reflecting its SBA and real estate loan focus.
If you’re in need of fast and flexible financing, check out this detailed guide to fast approvals by Capital Express.
Interest Rates and Terms: What Will It Cost You?
Let’s talk numbers. Loan affordability is key to sustainability.
Loan Type | Ready Capital (Estimates) | Capital Express (Estimates) |
SBA 7(a) Loans | 6–9% | N/A |
Bridge Loans | 8–13% | N/A |
Equipment Financing | N/A | 6–12% |
Merchant Cash Advances | N/A | Factor rates from 1.15–1.45 |
Revenue-Based Loans | N/A | Starts around 9% |
Ready Capital usually offers lower rates but with longer approval times and stricter qualifications. Capital Express provides higher flexibility with slightly higher costs, but the speed and ease can outweigh the rate difference for many businesses.
Collateral and Credit Requirements
This is a big one for small businesses or startups with limited assets or less-than-perfect credit.
- Ready Capital typically requires strong credit (680+) and real estate or business assets as collateral.
- Capital Express works with a broader credit range (550+) and often approves unsecured loans, meaning no collateral is required.
If you’re working with a small business loan broker, they’ll often recommend Capital Express for newer businesses or those who don’t want to risk personal assets.
Customer Support and Flexibility
Small businesses need lenders who understand their struggles. Let’s see how each performs on the support front.
Capital Express
- Offers dedicated funding advisors
- Provides customized loan options
- Transparent terms and hands-on guidance
Ready Capital
- Offers structured support for qualified borrowers
- Mainly suited to borrowers with established credit and assets
Capital Express takes the edge here, especially for first-time borrowers or businesses that value a more personal, supportive approach.
Real-World Use Cases: Who Benefits More?
Sometimes, examples speak louder than product descriptions. Let’s look at a few:
Business Type | Better Fit | Why |
New Retail Shop | Capital Express | Fast unsecured loan with no real estate needed |
Commercial Real Estate Firm | Ready Capital | Specializes in real estate-backed loans |
Restaurant Expansion | Capital Express | Equipment financing and working capital options |
Construction Developer | Ready Capital | Bridge loans for property acquisition |
E-commerce Startup | Capital Express | Revenue-based lending tailored to online sales |
If you’re not sure, a small business loan broker can help evaluate which lender suits your unique scenario.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Here’s a summary to help you choose quickly.
Feature | Ready Capital | Capital Express |
✅ SBA Loan Options | Yes | No |
✅ Fast Approvals | No | Yes |
✅ Flexible Funding | Limited | Highly flexible |
✅ Low Rates | Yes (for qualified borrowers) | Competitive but varies |
✅ Easy Process | No – more documentation and time-consuming | Yes – fast and simple application |
✅ Works With Startups | Not typically | Yes |
So, Which One Is Right for You?
The final decision depends on your business’s needs, timeline, and qualifications.
- Choose Ready Capital if:
- You’re purchasing or refinancing real estate
- You qualify for SBA loans
- You can wait a few weeks for funding
- You have strong credit and collateral
- You’re purchasing or refinancing real estate
- Choose Capital Express if:
- You need quick working capital
- You’re looking for flexible, short-term solutions
- You don’t have collateral or perfect credit
- You’re a startup or fast-scaling small business
- You need quick working capital
Ultimately, the best way to decide is to speak with a small business loan broker who can match you to the right lender based on your specific goals. If you value speed, flexibility, and personal support, Capital Express is a top contender in 2025.
Final Thoughts: Be Strategic with Your Financing Partner
In today’s competitive business environment, picking the right financing partner is more important than ever. Whether you go with the structured, government-backed approach of Ready Capital or the fast, small-business-friendly model of Capital Express, make sure your choice aligns with your vision.
And if you’re still on the fence, don’t miss this resource on how fast and flexible funding can empower your business.
Make the smart move. Choose the funding solution that fuels your growth—not one that slows you down.
