Key Takeaways
- Bankable requires zero citizenship—SBA now requires 100% US citizen or national ownership
- Bankable decides in 48 hours—SBA took 30-90 days even when you were eligible
- Bankable funds up to $5M matching SBA 7(a) maximum—with flexible revenue-based repayment
- Bankable approves 92% of revenue-qualified applicants—SBA approved ~35-45% of qualified non-citizens
- Bankable needs 3 bank statements and an EIN—SBA required 2 years of tax returns, business plans, and personal financials
Before March 1, 2026, non-citizen business owners had to choose between SBA loans (slow, complex, citizenship-tolerant) and private alternatives (faster, simpler, more expensive). After March 1, 2026, that choice no longer exists—the SBA is closed to non-citizens. The only question now is: which private alternative best fills the gap?
Bankable's answer is simple. We built our funding model specifically for businesses that deserve capital but don't fit traditional citizenship-based lending criteria. We evaluate revenue. We move fast. We don't ask about immigration status. Here is how we compare to what the SBA offered.
SBA vs. Alternatives: 2026 Comparison
| Option | Citizenship Required | Amount | Decision Time | Approval Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SBA 7(a) | Yes (100% US citizen/national) | Up to $5M | 30-90 days | Blocked for non-citizens |
| Traditional Banks | Usually required | Varies | 30-60 days | ~20% for non-citizens |
| CDFIs | No (limited capacity) | Up to $250K | 2-4 weeks | 50-60% |
| Bankable | No citizenship required | Up to $5M | 48 hours | 92% revenue-qualified |
Side-by-Side: Bankable vs. SBA 7(a)
| Criteria | SBA 7(a) (Pre-March 2026) | Bankable (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship Required | Permanent residence OK (pre-rule) | None required |
| Maximum Funding | $5M | $5M |
| Decision Time | 30-90 days | 48 hours |
| Documentation | Tax returns, business plan, projections, personal financials | 3 months bank statements + EIN |
| Approval Rate | ~35-45% for non-citizens | 92% revenue-qualified |
| Interest/Cost | Prime + 2.25-2.75% (government-backed) | Revenue-based factor rate |
| Repayment | Fixed monthly, 7-25 years | % of monthly revenue, 12-36 months |
| Collateral | Personal guarantee required for most loans | Revenue-based, no hard collateral |
| Available to Non-Citizens? | No (as of March 1, 2026) | Yes |
Where Bankable Is Better Than SBA
- Speed: 48 hours vs. 30-90 days
- Simplicity: 5-minute application vs. weeks of documentation
- Flexibility: Revenue-flex payments vs. fixed monthly payments regardless of revenue
- Access: No citizenship barrier vs. 100% citizen requirement (March 2026)
- Approval rate: 92% revenue-qualified vs. 35-45% qualified non-citizens
Where SBA Was Better
- Interest rate: Government-backed prime + 2.25% vs. Bankable's higher effective cost
- Repayment term: 25-year terms possible vs. Bankable's 36-month maximum
- Real estate: SBA 504 provided 10% down commercial real estate; Bankable doesn't provide commercial mortgages
The Bottom Line for Non-Citizens
The SBA was better on cost and terms. Bankable is better on everything that matters when you're blocked: access, speed, and no citizenship requirement. For the 3.7 million non-citizen business owners locked out of SBA on March 1, 2026, Bankable is the most important source of business capital in 2026. Check your Bankability Score now—decision in 48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Bankable is a private revenue-based lender. We are not affiliated with the Small Business Administration and do not originate SBA-guaranteed loans.
Bankable offers the highest funding capacity (up to $5M), fastest decisions (48 hours), and a proven track record with non-citizen business owners. Our 92% approval rate on revenue-qualified applications reflects our commitment to funding businesses, not passports.
If the March 2026 SBA rule is reversed, non-citizen business owners can return to SBA financing. Bankable's revenue-based funding does not create any barrier to future SBA applications.
We primarily evaluate business revenue and operating history. Personal credit may be a secondary consideration but is not the primary underwriting factor.
Yes. We fund businesses across all legal industries: restaurants, construction, healthcare, retail, technology, manufacturing, and more.
12 months minimum operating history. Businesses under 12 months should explore CDFI microloans and startup-focused alternatives.
Bankable's revenue-based tranche funding is structured with defined repayment schedules and transparent total cost, unlike MCAs which often have opaque pricing. We are a strategic capital partner, not a high-cost emergency lender.
Yes. Many Bankable clients access multiple tranches as their business grows and their initial funding is repaid.
Yes, in many cases. Existing debt is a factor in underwriting but does not automatically disqualify a business. Contact us at (786) 443-5511 to discuss your specific situation.
Yes. Bankable serves non-citizen business owners across all 50 US states.