Why do revenue and deposits matter most?
Repayment comes from revenue, so most funders start with what your business actually brings in. Bank deposits are the most direct evidence, and many funders rely on them more than on reported financial statements, especially for shorter-term products. Higher, steadier deposits generally support larger offers.
Funders typically look at deposits over several months rather than a single strong month. Transfers between your own accounts, loan proceeds and one-time deposits are usually excluded, because they are not operating revenue. See documents needed for business funding.
How much does consistency count?
A great deal. A business with steady deposits month after month often receives a stronger offer than one with a higher average built on a few spikes. Frequent negative balances, returned payments or sudden drops can reduce the amount or shorten the term, because they signal payments could be missed.
Seasonal businesses can still show consistency across a full year. Provide enough statements to show the full cycle and explain it. Our guide to seasonal cash flow by region covers how to present an uneven year.
How do existing payments affect the amount?
Existing obligations reduce how much new repayment your business can handle. Funders see current debits in bank statements and liens in UCC searches, and they subtract those payments when sizing an offer. Several existing daily or weekly payments can sharply limit, or rule out, additional funding.
Disclose all current funding up front. If existing payments are already heavy, the most useful next step may be an option that lowers your payment and stretches the term rather than a new advance. Read what a UCC lien is to understand what funders see.
What role do time in business and credit play?
Requirements vary by product and funder; many look at time in business, monthly revenue and credit. Longer operating history and stronger credit typically open more product types, larger amounts, longer terms and lower pricing. Newer businesses or weaker credit do not always mean no offer, but options tend to be smaller, shorter or costlier.
Funders set their own criteria, and they differ a lot between products. A bank loan or SBA loan leans heavily on credit, history and financial statements, while revenue-based financing leans more on recent sales. We do not state specific thresholds because each funder sets its own.
Does the purpose and product change the amount?
Yes. Equipment financing is sized largely around the equipment's price and value, since the asset secures the deal. Term loans consider the project and your ability to repay over the term. Working capital and revenue-based products are sized mainly on recent revenue. Asking for the right product can change what is possible.
Explaining what the funds are for helps funders suggest the product that fits. Compare options on our funding solutions page, or read working capital vs. term loan.
How do you ask for the right amount?
Ask for what the purpose actually requires, backed by a quote, budget or cash calendar. Requests far above what your revenue supports can lead to lower counteroffers or declines, while asking for too little can leave the project short. A clear use of funds makes your request credible.
- Price the need: quotes, invoices or a budget.
- Check the payment against your slowest month.
- Account for existing obligations.
- Include a modest cushion rather than a large round number.
Then compare what comes back with our offer comparison guide.
Frequently asked questions
Why did I get offers for less than I asked?
Usually because the funder calculated that your revenue, consistency or existing payments support a smaller repayment than your request would require. Ask what drove the amount; sometimes more documentation, a longer term or a different product changes it.
Does industry affect how much I can get?
It can. Funders consider industry risk, seasonality and typical margins, and some limit certain industries. Explaining your business model and cycle helps. Applying through one application lets several funders review your request.
Does my state affect the offer?
The main factors are the same everywhere, but availability varies by funder and state, and some states require written cost disclosures that change the paperwork you receive. See our state guides for more on how rules differ.
Will a larger request hurt my chances?
Asking for more than your business can support may lead to a counteroffer or decline, but a well-documented request for a real need is reasonable. Tie the amount to a quote or budget and show how repayment fits.
Find out what your business supports
Apply once and see what funders can offer based on your numbers.
Updated September 14, 2026 · 50 States Funding Team