Chase vs Wells Fargo Business Loans

(November 2024)

Chase vs Wells Fargo Business Loans

In This Article

Our Verdict

When looking for a business loan, take the time to compare your options carefully. Chase and Wells Fargo are two popular banks with their own strengths and weaknesses. After careful consideration, it appears that the two banks share the points in this contest, no clear winner here.

Chase has lower interest rates on most loan products compared to Wells Fargo, making it a cost-effective choice with potential savings on monthly payments. Additionally, Chase offers a wide range of loan products, including SBA loans, term loans, and lines of credit, giving you more flexibility to find the perfect fit for your business financing needs.

Another advantage of Chase is its extensive branch network, which can be convenient for in-person visits. However, keep in mind that Wells Fargo also has a strong branch presence, so this might not be the deciding factor.

While Chase excels in various aspects, Wells Fargo has its advantages too. For instance, Wells Fargo offers a rewards program for business lines of credit, providing potential savings on purchases. Additionally, although Wells Fargo may not have as many loan options as Chase, it still offers various financing solutions. So it’s a tie between Chase and Wells Fargo.

Why Choose Chase Business Loans

Chase Bank

Who Chase Business Loan Is Best For

Collaborate with Chase for a business loan if you:

  • Need financing for your business’s growth and expansion.
  • Are looking for competitive interest rates to save on monthly payments.
  • Require a wide variety of loan products to choose from, including SBA loans, term loans, and lines of credit.
  • Prefer the convenience of a larger branch network for in-person banking and support.
  • Have a good credit score to meet its qualification requirements.
  • Desire a bank with a strong reputation and experience in providing financial solutions to businesses.

Who Chase Business Loan Is Not Right For

Chase business loans may not be the right fit for you if you:

  • Require a loan for personal use or non-business-related purposes
  • Have a poor credit history or insufficient creditworthiness, as Chase typically requires a good credit score to qualify for its business loans
  • Need a small loan amount, as Chase may have minimum loan requirements that exceed your financing needs
  • Prefer a bank with a smaller branch network, as Chase’s larger network may not align with your preferences
  • Need a quick application process, as Chase business loan can take several weeks
  • Run a business with limited financial history.

Why Choose Wells Fargo Business Loans

Wells Fargo Bank

Who Wells Fargo Loan Is Not Best For

Ally with Wells Fargo for your business financing if you:

  • Manage a business operating for at least two years, you are more likely to qualify for its business loan options
  • Possess a solid financial track record, a stable revenue, and a good credit score
  • Yearn for a flexible and affordable Small Business Administration (SBA) loans
  • Have valuable assets that can be used as collateral
  • Desire funding for your business expansion, equipment purchase, or working capital to fuel the growth of your business.

Who Wells Fargo Business Loan Is Not Right For

Avoid Wells Fargo business loans if you:

  • Want a lender with a fast and streamlined application and approval process
  • Possess a low personal or business credit rating as Wells Fargo may not offer you the most favorable loan terms
  • Run a business with limited startup history
  • Desire quick access to funds for your business

Chase vs Wells Fargo Business Loans: Main Differences

Chase Business Loans Wells Fargo Business Loans

Ideal For

  • Financing a business expansion.
  • Acquiring equipment or inventory.
  • Refinancing existing debt.
  • Enhancing cash flow.
  • Investing in growth opportunities.
  • Covering unforeseen costs.
  • Boosting marketing efforts.
  • Purchasing real estate.
  • Boosting employee productivity.
  • Improving working capital.
  • Strengthening inventory control.
  •  Maximizing sales opportunities.
  •  Improving supply chain management.
  •  Increasing operational efficiency.
  • Expanding market share.
  • Managing cash flow.

Pricing

  • Business Line of Credit: Assess the amount required, up to $500,000 for business lines of credit, or above $500,000 for commercial lines of credit. Be aware of the $200 or 0.25% credit limit fee (whichever is greater), but it’s waived if your line utilization is 40% or higher in a 12-month period.
  • SBA Loans: Reach out to the bank to gather detailed information on SBA loan programs and the rates it offers. With an SBA loan up to $5,000,000 and loan terms up to 25 years.
  • Commercial Real Estate Financing: Determine if you require financing for purchase, renovation, or refinance of commercial properties. Decide on loan terms, extending up to 25 years, and consider fixed or variable rates. Note that there is no origination fee, but be ready for a prepayment fee for loans over $250,000. Choose between fixed monthly payments or a balloon payment at the end of the loan, based on your business preferences.
  • Small Business Loans: Opt for term loans starting at $5,000, a lower minimum than many other lenders. Be aware of potential document fees, closing costs, and prepayment penalties for loans over $250,000. Select a loan term of up to seven years, with fixed monthly payments.
  • Wells Fargo BusinessLine® Line of Credit: Access amounts from $10,000 to $150,000. Enjoy a revolving term and competitive APR ranging from 10% to 18% (Prime + 1.75% to Prime + 9.75%). Pay an annual fee of $95 for line amounts between $10,000 to $25,000 or $175 for amounts greater than $25,000.
  • Wells Fargo Small Business Advantage® Line of Credit: Secure funds from $5,000 to $50,000. Enjoy a 5-year revolving term and APR starting at 12.75% to 14.75% (Prime + 4.50% to Prime + 6.50%).
  • Wells Fargo Prime Line of Credit: Access larger amounts from $100,000 to $1,000,000. Enjoy a revolving term with a starting APR at 8.75% (Prime + 0.50%, minimum 5.00% floor rate). Benefit from lower origination fees of 0.50% compared to other lenders.
  • SBA Loans: Access up to $10,000,000 with terms up to 25 years. Choose from SBA 7(a) loans for various business needs or SBA 504 loans for growth and expansion.

Standout Features

  • Revitalizes your cash flow.
  • Funds your business needs.
  • Maximizes your purchasing power.
  • Enhances your business efficiency.
  • Allows you to enjoy waived fees and flexible repayment options
  • Provides business loan options, including lines of credit and term loans.
  • Provides experts for personalized financial guidance.
  • Accelerates business growth.
  • Finances a major purchase.
  • Covers cash flow gaps.
  •  Supports seasonal cash flow needs.
  • Allows you to save money with low rates.
  • Offers unsecured lines of credit.
  • Simplifies your accounting process.

Chase vs Wells Fargo Business Loans: Standout Features

Chase Business Loans:

  • Wide Variety of Loan Products: Chase provides an extensive selection of business loan products to suit various financing needs. Whether you require funds for equipment, working capital, or expansion, explore its SBA loans, term loans, and lines of credit to find the best match for your business.
  • Competitive Interest Rates: Take advantage of Chase’s competitive interest rates, and if your business has good credit, you may even be eligible for further interest rate discounts, potentially saving you money over the loan term.
  • Convenient Application Process: Begin your loan application with ease by using Chase’s convenient online platform or visit a local branch in person. The user-friendly application process ensures a smooth experience.
  • Strong Customer Service: Rely on Chase’s experienced bankers, known for their exceptional customer service and knowledge about business loans. They are ready to assist you throughout the loan application process and beyond.
  • Automated Debit Payments: Simplify your loan repayment process by opting for automated debit payments. This feature ensures that you make your monthly payments on time, to avoid any potential late fees.

Wells Fargo Business Loans:

  • Rewards Program for Business Lines of Credit: Take advantage of Wells Fargo’s rewards program for business lines of credit to save money on your purchases. Enroll in the program and start earning rewards with every eligible transaction made using your business line of credit.
  • Explore Diverse Financing Options: Discover various financing choices, such as term loans, lines of credit, and SBA loans, to suit your business needs.
  • Access Larger Loan Amounts: Secure up to $10 million through the SBA 7(a) program, providing ample funding for your business ventures.
  • Enjoy Extended Repayment Terms: Benefit from extended repayment periods, up to 10 years for term loans and up to 25 years for SBA loans, offering flexibility in managing your cash flow.

Chase vs Wells Fargo Business Loans: Savings Accounts

Chase and Wells Fargo offer similar savings options with interest rates that are not particularly competitive. Chase’s savings accounts provide a meager APY of 0.01%, which increases only slightly to 0.02% when linked to checking. On the other hand, Wells Fargo’s Way2Save® Savings account offers a more generous 0.15% APY, while its premium Platinum Savings account offers a tiered interest rate of 0.25% to 2.50% APY based on your balance. Despite these differences, both banks’ rates fall well below the highest rates available at other financial institutions.

The good news is that the fees for the introductory savings accounts at both banks can be easily waived by setting up an automatic transfer of $25 or more from your checking account. Both Wells Fargo’s Ways2Save and Chase’s Autosave provide creative ways to build savings through convenient automatic deposits. Therefore, it’s a tie—both banks offer comparable savings options with manageable fees and convenient ways to grow your savings over time.

Chase vs Wells Fargo Business Loans: Checking Accounts

When comparing Chase and Wells Fargo’s checking accounts, Chase emerges as the winner in several key areas. Chase Total Checking® has a slightly higher monthly fee at $12, but both banks offer fee waivers with direct deposits of $500 or more. For basic accounts, Chase Secure Banking℠ stands out with free money orders and cashier’s checks, while Wells Fargo charges for these services. In interest-bearing accounts, Chase offers more options to avoid fees, making it a more flexible choice. Consider Chase if you want a checking account with added benefits, lower fees, and greater flexibility in maintaining a balance.

Pros and Cons of Chase Business Loans

  • Offers a wide variety of loan products, including SBA loans, term loans, and lines of credit, giving businesses more options to choose from when seeking financing.
  • Provides competitive interest rates, and qualifying borrowers may even receive discounts, helping businesses save money on their monthly payments.
  • Streamlines the application process, allowing businesses to apply online or in person, making it convenient and efficient.
  • Offers the option to automate monthly payments, ensuring that businesses never miss a payment and maintain a good payment history.
  • Provides term loans starting at just $5,000, making it suitable for smaller loan needs.
  • Limits access to loans for businesses with less favorable credit histories due to the requirement of a good credit score to qualify.
  • Charges annual fees and interest rates, potentially adding to the overall cost of the loan for some businesses.
  • Limits options for some businesses as loan approval and credit limit decisions may be dependent on the business’s credit history and financial standing.
  • Incurs other fees, such as late payment fees and returned payment fees, which businesses need to be aware of to avoid unnecessary expenses.
  • Lacks transparency regarding interest rates and fees, requiring direct inquiry with a banker, which may lack clarity and convenience.

Pros and Cons of Wells Fargo Loans

  • Offers multiple lines of credit and SBA loans for small business owners, providing diverse financing options.
  • Provides attractive interest rates, especially beneficial for established businesses with higher revenue.
  • Includes a rewards program for qualifying purchases with the Mastercard Access card, allowing businesses to earn rewards.
  • Provides unsecured lines of credit with no draw fees and a revolving line of credit with no scheduled annual review.
  • Offers competitive origination fees, making it a cost-effective choice compared to other lenders.
  • Offers limited loan options, excluding business term loans, working capital loans, and equipment financing loans.
  • Imposes personal guarantees from owners with significant business ownership, increasing personal liability.
  • Requires an annual fee on certain lines of credit after the first year, adding to the overall cost.
  • Imposes loan limitations, potentially not meeting the needs of larger companies.

Chase vs Wells Fargo Business Loans: Customer Reviews

Chase and Wells Fargo offer competitive business loan products with generally positive customer feedback. On Trustpilot, Chase maintains a slightly higher average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, based on 19,227 reviews. Customers laud its excellent customer service and smooth loan process. The availability of diverse loan products is another highlight mentioned by reviewers. Meanwhile, Wells Fargo business loans have an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot, with 18,227 reviews. Customers again express their contentment with the loan process and competitive interest rates. The rewards program for business lines of credit is a standout feature that attracts positive feedback.

Overall, both banks prove to be reliable options for business loans, with similar positive attributes. Chase slightly higher ratings across both platforms indicate a slightly more favorable customer experience. However, it’s essential to consider individual needs and preferences when selecting the best bank for business loan solutions. Always review multiple sources and consult with representatives to make an informed decision tailored to your business requirements.

Chase and Wells Fargo Business Loans Competitors

Citibank Business Loans

Explore Citibank’s business loan options, which include lines of credit, term loans, and SBA loans. Check its competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms to find the best fit for your business.

Bank of America

Look into Bank of America’s business financing solutions, offering various loan types, from secured term loans to equipment loans. Don’t forget to inquire about its application process and loan requirements.

PNC Bank

Explore PNC Bank’s business loan offerings, which include equipment financing and commercial real estate loans. Contact its representatives to discuss your financial needs.

Pro Tips

  • Compare interest rates
  • Explore loan options
  • Check eligibility requirements
  • Research repayment terms
  • Read customer reviews
  • Consider loan amounts
  • Evaluate customer service
  • Inquire about rewards programs
  • Check for hidden fees
  • Compare application processes

Recap

Both Chase and Wells Fargo offer a range of business loans with competitive interest rates and flexible financing terms. Chase offers a quick and easy online application process as well as personalized guidance and relationship managers for more substantial loan requests. Wells Fargo offers multiple lines of credit, an online application process for some loans, and access to a team of business specialists. Ultimately, your best choice depends on the specific needs of your business.

Related Articles

Become a

S'witty Kiwi Credit Insider!

Get the latest credit tips and hacks in your inbox!