For H-1B business owners evaluating their funding options, the comparison between traditional bank loans and Bankable's revenue-based funding comes down to five factors: eligibility, speed, amount, cost, and requirements. Here is the definitive comparison.
Bank vs. Bankable: Complete H-1B Comparison
| Factor | Traditional Bank | SBA 7(a) | Bankable |
|---|---|---|---|
| H-1B Eligible? | Rarely — requires PR | No — March 2026+ | Always yes |
| Decision Speed | 3–6 weeks | 30–90 days | 48 hours |
| Max Amount | Varies ($250K–$5M) | $5M (if eligible) | $5M |
| Collateral Required? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Residency Required? | Often yes | Yes (citizenship) | No |
| Approval Rate (H-1B) | Estimated 15–25% | N/A (excluded) | 92% |
| SSN Upfront? | Yes | Yes | No |
| Interest Rate | Prime + 1–3% | Prime + 2.75% (if eligible) | Revenue-based flat fee |
When Banks Work for H-1B Holders
Traditional bank business loans are accessible to H-1B holders in specific circumstances: the holder has been in the US for 5+ years, has a strong personal credit score (720+), operates a business with 3+ years of profitable tax returns, and the lending bank's credit policy explicitly allows H-1B applicants. Smaller community banks and credit unions are sometimes more flexible than large national banks. If you meet these criteria, pursuing a bank commercial loan alongside Bankable's assessment is a reasonable dual-track approach.
Why Bankable Is the Primary Choice for Most H-1B Business Owners
For the majority of H-1B business owners — particularly those who have been in the US fewer than 10 years, are generating $150K to $3M in annual revenue, and cannot access bank credit due to visa status — Bankable provides the most accessible path to significant business capital. Start with the Bankability Assessment to compare your options in real time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sometimes, with significant restrictions. Most banks require permanent residency or citizenship for commercial loans above $250K. H-1B holders with strong credit and long operating history occasionally qualify, but approval rates are estimated at 15 to 25%.
Yes. Traditional bank loans at prime plus 1 to 3% are lower cost than Bankable's revenue-based funding. However, for H-1B holders who cannot access bank loans, Bankable offers favorable terms compared to the next available alternative (merchant cash advances at 40 to 80% APR).
Yes. Business bank accounts and business credit cards do not typically require citizenship or permanent residency. H-1B holders should establish business banking relationships early to build the operating history that strengthens Bankable applications.
Traditional banks approve an estimated 15 to 25% of H-1B business loan applications. Bankable's 92% approval rate for qualified applicants (with documented revenue) is dramatically higher.
Yes. Applying to Bankable does not affect your ability to apply to banks. Pursue both tracks simultaneously and accept the best offer received.
No. Bankable has zero residency requirements. H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other work visa holders all qualify for funding assessment based on business revenue alone.
Effective March 1, 2026, the SBA requires 100% US citizen or national ownership for all 7(a) and 504 programs. H-1B holders are completely excluded regardless of revenue or credit history.
48 hours from completed application. The Bankability Assessment at /bankability-score/ takes 30 seconds and gives a preliminary range immediately.