Key Takeaways
- Bankable funds H-1B car dealership businesses up to $5M based on documented revenue
- No green card, no permanent residency, no citizenship required for funding
- SBA March 2026 rule eliminated H-1B owners from all SBA 7(a) loan access
- 48-hour funding decisions — faster than any bank or SBA lender
- Check your Bankability Score in 30 seconds — no SSN upload
Automobile dealerships are among the most capital-intensive businesses in the US, with new vehicle inventory typically representing $1M to $10M in floorplan financing. Used car operations, while less capital-intensive at $200,000 to $2M in inventory, still require substantial flooring capital. Service departments add parts inventory and equipment requirements.
H-1B holders in the auto retail sector — including independent used car dealers, wholesale auction buyers, and franchise dealership owners — face the unique challenge that floorplan financing (the inventory credit line that funds dealership vehicle inventory) is typically provided by manufacturers' captive finance companies that may require ownership citizenship. Bankable funds working capital and operational capital for H-1B auto dealers.
The March 2026 SBA rule eliminated H-1B car dealership businesses from all 7(a) access. Bankable provides a direct path to revenue-based funding without any citizenship test.
Capital Uses for H-1B Car Dealership Operators
- Used Vehicle Inventory: Independent used car dealers purchase inventory at auction ($5,000 to $30,000 per vehicle) before retail sale. Bankable funds inventory float.
- Service Department Capital: Parts inventory, shop equipment, and certified technician hiring for service department operations.
- Auction Bidding Capital: Auto auction deposits and same-day payment requirements for vehicle purchases require quick-access capital.
- Dealer License and Bond: State dealer licensing, surety bonds, and DMV registration facility requirements.
- Digital Marketing: Dealer website, inventory advertising platforms (Cars.com, AutoTrader), and Google Ads for used car lead generation.
| Funding Source | H-1B Eligible? | Max Amount | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) — March 2026+ | No — US citizens only | $5M | 30–90 days |
| Traditional Banks | Rarely | Varies | 3–6 weeks |
| Bankable | Always yes | $5M | 48 hours |
For the full SBA alternative landscape for H-1B business owners, see our SBA alternative guide. Check your Bankability Score in 30 seconds to see your preliminary funding range.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Bankable funds car dealership businesses based on documented revenue. No green card or permanent residency required.
Effective March 1, 2026, the SBA requires 100% US citizen ownership. All H-1B business owners are excluded from SBA 7(a) loans.
Minimum $20,000 in monthly revenue for initial consideration. Businesses at qualifying revenue levels access initial tranches of $50K to $500K.
48-hour decision from completed application. The Bankability Assessment at /bankability-score/ gives a preliminary range in 30 seconds.
No. Bankable funds H-1B holders as sole applicants based on business revenue alone.
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.