Understanding what revenue-based financing lenders evaluate gives you a significant advantage. When you know the criteria, you can prepare your application to present your business in the best possible light.
The Three Things Lenders Examine Most Closely
1. Bank Statement Health
Your bank statements are the primary evaluation tool. Lenders analyze:
Average daily balance. Higher balances signal financial stability. Lenders look for consistent balances, not accounts that swing between high and near-zero.
Deposit consistency. Regular, predictable deposits indicate reliable revenue. Sporadic large deposits followed by dry spells raise concerns.
NSF and overdraft frequency. Insufficient fund fees signal cash flow problems. Minimize these before applying.
2. Revenue Trends
Lenders want to see stable or growing revenue. A business generating $20,000 monthly with gradual growth is more attractive than one generating $40,000 one month and $5,000 the next.
Monthly revenue minimum. Most revenue-based products require $10,000 or more in monthly revenue.
Revenue trajectory. Upward trends improve your offers. Declining revenue triggers closer scrutiny.
3. Existing Obligations
Lenders evaluate your current debt load to ensure you can manage additional financing alongside existing payments.
Debt stacking. Having too many concurrent financing products raises red flags. Pay down existing obligations before seeking new capital when possible.
Preparing Your Application
| Factor | What Lenders Want | How to Prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Statements | 3 to 6 months PDF | Clean up account first |
| Revenue | $10K+ monthly | Document all income sources |
| Time in Business | 6+ months | Have EIN ready |
| Credit Score | 500+ (soft pull) | Check reports for errors |
| Existing Debt | Manageable load | Know your obligations |
Improving Your Profile Before Applying
If your application is not urgent, take 30 to 60 days to improve your profile. Maintain higher bank balances, eliminate NSF fees, and pay down existing obligations. These improvements directly impact the quality of offers you receive.
Read our 5-step preparation guide for detailed instructions, or explore all financing options to find the best fit.
See what you qualify for at Arkadian Capital.
