How we can help
Our lending partner's published minimum is a 575+ Equifax score, and it weighs your store's sales and bank deposits heavily. If you're below that, a specialist can tell you what it would take.
Check if my store qualifies →Key takeaways
- Revenue-based lenders often weigh your monthly deposits more heavily than your credit score.
- Equipment financing is often easier with lower credit because the equipment is collateral.
- Expect higher rates and shorter terms, and always calculate the total cost.
- Twelve months of on-time payments and a cleaned-up credit report can open SBA and bank options.
Market overview
- Credit scores considered
- Some lenders consider 500s+
- Key factor
- Consistent bank deposits
- Typical options
- Revenue-based loans, equipment financing, secured loans
- Cost
- Higher than prime options
- Goal
- Use short-term to rebuild toward SBA/bank
Typical market ranges, not offers.
What's realistically available
| Option | Credit flexibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue-based term loans | High | Underwritten mainly on bank deposits; short terms, higher cost |
| Equipment financing | Moderate–high | Equipment secures the loan; may need a down payment |
| Secured loans (real estate, cash) | Moderate | Collateral offsets credit risk |
| Co-borrower / partner with strong credit | Moderate | A partner with good credit can strengthen the application |
| Merchant cash advance | Highest | Very expensive. Last resort only |
| SBA / bank | Low | Usually need recovered credit, but explainable past issues aren't always disqualifying |
What lenders forgive and what they don't
- Often explainable: medical collections, a past divorce, a single late period years ago, high utilization you're paying down
- Harder: recent bankruptcies, open tax liens, recent defaults on business loans, especially government-backed loans
- Deal-breakers for some programs: defaults on prior SBA or other federal loans, certain criminal history (which may also affect your liquor license eligibility)
Protect yourself
Be cautious of anyone who guarantees approval regardless of credit or demands upfront fees before you have a written offer. Read every contract for the total repayment amount and payment frequency. You can also send us an offer you've received and we'll walk you through the true cost.
A 12-month plan to qualify for cheaper money
- Pull your personal and business credit reports and dispute errors
- Pay down revolving balances below 30% utilization
- Set up all bills on autopay and avoid any new late payments
- Keep a healthy average daily bank balance and eliminate overdrafts
- Get your tax filings current, including sales and excise tax
- If you have short-term debt, make every payment on time, then refinance when eligible
Read why liquor store loans get declined for more fixes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a liquor store loan with a 550 credit score?
Can I buy a liquor store with bad credit?
Does applying hurt my credit?
Sources
We cite primary sources: federal agencies, regulations, and official program rules. Rules vary by state and change over time.
General education, not legal, tax, or financial advice. Loan programs, state alcohol laws, and lender requirements change and vary by state. Disclosures.