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Square Capital Review: Automated Business Loans
Square Capital is only available for merchants who use Square, but still might be appealing as it doesn't have credit score requirements or extra fees.
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Square Capital
| Total Rating | 4.5 |
|---|---|
| Rates & Fees | Good |
| Application Process | Excellent |
| Sales & Advertising Transparency | Excellent |
| Customer Service | Fair |
| User Reviews | Excellent |
Square Capital At A Glance
- Square Capital provides small business loans of up to $250,000 to eligible Square users.
- Eligible borrowers will receive a loan invitation from Square and can apply in just minutes with a few clicks on the Square dashboard.
- Square uses factors including processing volume, customer mix, and a user’s history with Square to determine eligibility.
Pros
- Borrower qualifications lower than some banks
- No credit score requirements
- Rates can be inexpensive
- No extra fees
- Application process fast and easy
Cons
- Only available to Square sellers
- Low borrowing amounts
- Lien is required for higher borrowing amounts
- Poor customer service
Table of Contents
- What Is Square Capital?
- Services Offered By Square Capital
- Square Capital Borrower Qualifications
- Square Capital Rates & Fees
- Square Capital Application Process
- Square Capital Sales & Advertising Transparency
- Square Capital Customer Service & Technical Support
- Square Capital User Reviews
- Final Verdict: Is A Square Capital Loan The Best Option For Your Small Business?
- FAQs: Square Capital Loans
- How do I borrow money using Square?
- How do I get a Square Capital loan offer?
- How many Square Capital loans can you get?
- Does Square Capital affect your credit?
- How much can I borrow from Square Capital?
- How long does it take to receive a Square Capital loan?
- How long do I have to accept a Square Capital loan offer?
What Is Square Capital?
Square, the most popular and widely known mobile POS on the market, has entered the world of fast, automated business loans with Square Capital. Square Capital is a small-business loan service offered to users of Square products to provide business owners with funds to grow their businesses.
Square Capital is only available to merchants who use Square (or another POS that has a partnership with Square). Because Square is a payment processor and already has plenty of information on your business and finances, Square Capital does not have a lengthy application or an inconvenient repayment process.
Ultimately, Square Capital is a convenient and relatively inexpensive source of capital. However, some customers have expressed frustration, either because they do not know when they will receive a loan offer, or because they are ineligible for the service for some reason.
Services Offered By Square Capital
Square Capital offers short-term loans, although it’s worth pointing out that Square Capital’s financial product isn’t a typical one; it has some traits of a merchant cash advance as well. Essentially, Square will extend you a lump sum, and if you accept, you’ll need to repay that amount plus a flat fee (more on that below) to Square. Repayments are deducted from your daily credit and debit card sales the same as they would be in a merchant cash advance.
Square Capital Borrower Qualifications
These are the qualifications required to get a loan from Square Capital:
| Borrower Qualifications | |
|---|---|
| Time In Business | N/A |
| Credit Score | N/A |
| Revenue | $10,000/year |
According to Square, you must also meet the following requirements:
- Be an active Square user with a growing business
- Have a history with Square
- Have a mix of returning and new customers
The following may disqualify you from receiving an offer from Square:
- Chargebacks
- Failed debits
- Multiple Square accounts
- Account reviews
- Recently declined loan applications
Be aware that Square Capital is a bit unusual in that you do not apply for a loan; you will receive a Square Capital loan offer if you’re eligible. Check out the Application Process section for more information.
Square Capital Rates & Fees
These are the rates and fees for Square Capital’s loan program:
| Rates & Fees | |
|---|---|
| Borrowing Amount | $300-$250,000 |
| Term Length | No set maturity date Maximum of 18 months |
| Factor Rate | x1.10-x1.16 |
| Origination Fee | None |
| Effective APR | Learn more |
| Collateral | UCC-1 blanket lien for loans over $75,000 |
Square does not use interest rates. Instead, it charges a one-time fee, normally called a “factor rate” or “flat fee,” that is paid back over the life of the loan. Be aware that this means you cannot save money by repaying your loan early (which you would be able to do if the loan had an interest rate).
According to the Wall Street Journal, the factor rates offered by Square are typically between 1.10 and 1.16, which means that you will have to repay between $0.10 and $0.16 in fees per dollar borrowed. Square will disclose your borrowing fee before you accept the loan.
Because the loans are repaid by deducting a percentage of your credit card sales (which fluctuate day-to-day), there is no set date on which your loan will be repaid. However, you do have a maximum of 18 months to repay your loan. To keep you on track, you have to repay at least 1/18th of your loan every 60 days. If your daily card sales cannot cover the minimum amount, Square Capital may debit a bank account you have linked to Square. Merchants also have the option of making additional payments or paying off the loan at any time.
Square does not require collateral for loans up to $75,000. For loans exceeding $75,000, a blanket lien is required.
Square Capital Application Process
Square monitors user accounts to determine if a business is eligible for a Square business loan. If your account is eligible, you will receive an email and a notification on your Square account. You can find your offers under the Capital tab in your account.
Once you receive the alert from Square, getting the money is pretty straightforward: simply decide how much you want from the options presented to you and request the funds. Square will use all the information it already has to verify your identity, though a rep might reach out to ask for additional documents if necessary. This lender will not check your credit to make a decision, so you do not need to worry about a credit check affecting your score.
Once Square has verified your information, the money will be deposited into the bank account hooked up to your Square account within one to three business days. After you receive the loan, Square will automatically deduct its cut from any credit or debit transactions you process through its service. If you want to repay part or all of the loan, you can do so via the Capital tab on your dashboard.
Square Capital Sales & Advertising Transparency
Square provides a fair amount of information via the main Square Capital web page and the Square Capital support center. You should have a good idea of what to expect from this service by reading those documents.
Square Capital Customer Service & Technical Support
| Square Capital Support | Availability |
|---|---|
| Phone Support | |
| Email Support | |
| Support Tickets | |
| Live Chat | |
| Dedicated Support Representative | |
| Knowledge Base or Help Center | |
| Videos & Tutorials | |
| Company Blog | |
| Social Media |
Although Square’s customer service has been lacking in the past, Square has drastically improved its customer support in the last few years. There are a few different ways to contact Square, including email, live chat, phone, Facebook, and Twitter. Additionally, Square has implemented a seller community forum, where you can get answers from Square representatives and other Square sellers.
Square Capital User Reviews
Square gets mainly positive reviews for its small business loans, boasting a 4.2/5 rating (based on 1,200+ reviews) on Trustpilot. There are also several video testimonials on its website and several merchant reviews in its Town Square Business Resource Center. However, there are a few negative reviews that are worth noting before you agree to a Square Capital loan.
Negative Square Capital Reviews & Complaints
Here are the aspects of the service with which customers express frustration in their Square Capital reviews:
- Inconsistent loan offers
- Rejections due to verification issues
- Rejections due to unusual account behavior
- Difficulties getting in touch with customer service
Positive Reviews & Testimonials
In general, merchants are happiest with the following:
- Convenient lending process
- Fast access to money
- Hands-off repayment method
- Relatively inexpensive fees
Final Verdict: Is A Square Capital Loan The Best Option For Your Small Business?
If you are eligible, Square Capital is a convenient and relatively inexpensive source of financing. This company has streamlined the lending process, so it’s almost entirely hands-off. You don’t need to fill out a lengthy application or remember to write checks every payment period.
However, Square Capital is not without problems. If you have been denied a loan or Square Capital is too undependable for your business, you do have other options available.
It’s also worth noting that if your business is doing well enough to be eligible for this service, it might be time to switch to your very own merchant account. If you accept an advance from Square, you’re tied down until you repay the company. That said, if you need short-term financing, Square offers a very compelling deal. Sticking around for a few extra months might be worth it.
FAQs: Square Capital Loans
Erica Seppala
Editor at Merchant Maverick
Erica began writing on small business topics in 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and focuses on loans, accounting, and POS. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll. She has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a graduate of Limestone University and resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
View Erica Seppala's professional experience on LinkedIn.
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The Merchant Maverick Seal of Approval 🏆
Square Capital |
|---|
After hours of in-depth research and evaluation, we can confidently recommend this brand to our readers. Get started today and see Square Capital for yourself.
The Merchant Maverick Seal of Approval 🏆
Square Capital |
|---|
After hours of in-depth research and evaluation, we can confidently recommend this brand to our readers. Get started today and see Square Capital for yourself.
Organization Name: ALMIR CO.
I’ve had the worst experience with square. over 400k was process with them with 2 dispute only.we process over 50k monthly with them, paid them over 1k on fees monthly. had 3 loans paid in full with in 6 month wich is has over 7k in total fees for that loans. recently i recived new loan offer, after i accept the offer they email me saying that they cancel the offer. their loans customer service is the worst, hard to reach a person and when you reach someone is rude and don’t give you any professional answers. overall – BAD EXPERINCE, EXPINSIVE FEES, AND BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE. DO YOU’R SELF A FAVOR AND DON’T DO ANY BUSINESS WITH THEM.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: Dun rite lawn maintenance LLC
Was denied for a loan for a failed debit I had in December 2020 but since that date I’ve had 3 other loans all paid in full before the due date so how was a denied for a 4th loan based on a failed debit in 2020 when I recieved 3 loans after that date and none were failed debits also loans were paid off all in full way before the due date .. square never gave me the answer to that they just encourage me to keep processing payments and they wouldnt know when I’ll be eligible again
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
So from a legal standpoint is Square Capital an MCA or an actual loan? If you legally close your business and have no more future receivables are you still on the hook or are the considered a non-lender like the MCA’s are?
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Square Capital is an actual loan, so if you close your business you are likely still on the hook. I would recommend looking at your loan agreement or getting in contact with Square to be sure.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: Elite Advertising Solutions
I Love square capital. We got our first loan in February of 2019 and paid 70% of it within 5 weeks when we received another loan offer. We accepted the second offer about 6 weeks ago and we are currently at 64% paid back. Its a great program and extremely helpful for small business owners looking to grow their company. Rates are competitive and easy to pay back. 5 stars
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: Corbett Cooling
If you got a new loan at 70% repaid it appears you will pay double interest on the 30% balance. I payed to zero before taking another loan. The problem was I left A $20K Loan on the table for a rainy day. When we had a normal seasonable slowdown and we needed it…it was gone. So now I feel forced to borrow and sit on it in case I need temporary support in starting a new contract. Second, l only profit about 10%. So are they getting all my profit? Sure looks that way. 20k is nice to have as a safety net.
Joe Corbett
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
its really hard to find person to talk
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: 821939653
How much do you need to make to get approved for 100k. We bring in about 40k nonthly with credit card transactions. And another 40k with government assistance, food program, and cash payments from parents. We are a daycare (8,000sqft) and been with square for almost 2 years. We have received loans for 38k. Wondering if it will go up?? We are wanting to buy another building to start a 2nd daycare.And feedback will help
Thanks
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Hi Philip,
There are some variables here, so we can’t say for sure. That said, you may want to check out this article on Alternatives to Square Capital to see if there are some other options that may be a good fit for your current needs.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
It’s typically 15% of your sales for the last 12 months
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Can you still get a square capital loan for your business if you are personally under bankruptcy separate from the business
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Hi there,
Unfortunately, we don’t know the answer to that question. With that said, I’d suggest reaching out to the Square Seller Community. Good luck to you!
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: Village DetAil
Hi I have been using Square now for over seven years and I am a huge fan of square capital. I have successfully repaid seven loans. My only issue is that there is absolutely no rhyme or reason as to when you’re going to be offered in a new loan! The percentage of your current loan being paid off makes no difference I have paid my last loan off now for over six months and even with Covid my sales have increased but I have not received a new offer in 5+ months! I’ve had no chargebacks and I get great customer reviews. It’s a catch twenty two because no other merchant advance company will give an advance if your processing with square because they can’t setup a split on credit card sales. I use the square register, square appointments & square invoices and I don’t want to change credit card processors. However it’s really hard at times to not know if or when I’ll be eligible again considering there’s no transparency from square capital other than a generic “keep processing” reply. Hopefully things change to ease the stress of cash flow when needed. Again I highly recommend Square Capital just understand that there’s no guarantees!
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Organization Name: Magic scissors. Doggie. Spa boutique
I just paid off on June 22. And. Never. Get an offer. That usually. Is. Around. 85%. Paid Are they do renewal loans?
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Hi Hvj,
Square does offer renewal loans, but according to the Seller Community, most merchants are not offered consecutive loans. If you need a business loan, but Square isn’t sending an invitation, take a look at some of our favorite alternatives to Square Capital.
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.
Did you get an offer after two weeks of being paid off?
This comment refers to an earlier version of this review and may be outdated.