Key Takeaways
- Banks require permanent residency — all banks, not just some. No exceptions after March 2026.
- Bankable requires an EAD and business revenue — no green card, no SBA guarantee
- Banks take 30-90 days; Bankable takes 48 hours to decision and 3-5 days to fund
- Banks offer lower rates; Bankable is more expensive but actually accessible
- For U visa holders, the bank comparison is theoretical — Bankable is the real available option
For U visa business owners, the choice between a bank and Bankable is not really a choice — banks are not available. But understanding exactly why banks are not available, and how Bankable's model differs, helps you make an informed decision about private lending and what to expect from it.
The Core Comparison
| Factor | Traditional Bank | Bankable |
|---|---|---|
| Residency Requirement | Green card or U.S. citizen required | Active EAD only required |
| SBA Guarantee | Required for most small business loans | Not used; private capital |
| Decision Timeline | 30-90 business days | 24-48 hours |
| Funding Timeline | 2-8 weeks after approval | 3-5 business days |
| Interest Rate / Cost | 7-12% APR (SBA loans were 6-10%) | Factor rates of 1.15-1.45 |
| Repayment Structure | Fixed monthly payments | % of daily revenue |
| Collateral Required | Often yes (real estate, assets) | No (for advances) |
| Maximum Amount | $5M+ (SBA 7a) | $750K |
| Term Length | 5-25 years | 6-24 months |
| Minimum Credit Score | 660-680 typical minimum | No minimum |
| Tax Returns Required | Yes, 2 years minimum | Only above $150K |
| Available to U Visa Holders | No (effective March 2026) | Yes |
When Would a Bank Be Better?
If you could access bank financing as a U visa holder — which you cannot under current rules — a bank would be better for large, long-term capital needs like commercial real estate (25-year terms), equipment purchases above $750K, and expansion capital at the lowest available rates. This is the trade-off of the SBA rule change: U visa holders lost access to the best terms available in the market.
The Realistic Choice
For U visa holders in 2026, the realistic comparison is not "bank vs. Bankable." It is "Bankable vs. no capital." Bankable's rates are higher than bank rates — but bank capital is unavailable. The cost of Bankable capital must be weighed against the cost of forgoing the business opportunity it enables.
Apply at Bankable's Bankability Score. Also see our SBA loan overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
After March 2026, virtually no U.S. bank offers SBA-backed business loans to U visa holders. A small number of community banks with their own non-SBA capital may serve U visa holders for small amounts, but this is rare and geographically limited.
Banks use government-backed (SBA) guarantees that reduce their risk dramatically. They also have access to cheaper capital (FDIC-insured deposits). Bankable uses private capital and assumes the full risk — higher rates reflect higher risk, not higher profit margins.
No. Bankable is not a bank and does not take deposits. It is a private lending company. Your advance from Bankable is not FDIC-insured.
Yes. Many U visa holders use Bankable as a bridge funding source while their green card application processes. Once you receive your green card, you can transition to SBA loans and bank lines of credit.
Repaying a Bankable advance on time builds your business credit profile and payment history. This can improve your credit picture for when you do qualify for bank loans after receiving permanent residency.
Some immigrant-community credit unions and CDFIs have served U visa holders historically. Post-March 2026, those using SBA funds can no longer do so. Non-SBA programs from these institutions may still be available in limited amounts.
Once you receive permanent residency, build 12+ months of business tax return history, maintain strong business credit (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business), and approach community banks first. Bankable can provide a payment reference letter to support bank applications.
No. Bankable is an independent private lending company with no bank affiliation.