Funding Options Compared
Net-30 vendor credit, 0% APR cards, SBA loans, and revenue financing all solve "I need capital" — but not the same capital problem. Here's how to tell which one fits yours.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Option | Speed to Access | Cost | Personal Guarantee | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net-30 vendor credit | 1–2 weeks | None if paid on time | Rarely required | Building your first credit file |
| 0% APR business card | Same day–1 week | None during intro window | Usually required | Funding inventory you'll sell within 12 months |
| SBA loan | 4–12+ weeks | Lowest rates, but fees and paperwork | Required | Larger, planned capital needs |
| Revenue-based financing | 1–2 weeks | Higher effective cost, tied to sales | Often not required | Sellers with strong sales history, thin credit file |
Net-30 vs. Credit Cards — Different Jobs
Net-30 accounts exist to build your credit file, not to fund large purchases — minimums are typically $45–$100. Once that file exists, a 0% APR card is what actually finances inventory, since it gives you a full billing cycle (or more, during an intro window) before interest applies. Most sellers need both: Net-30 first to become approvable, then a card to fund the purchases that actually move revenue.
SBA Loans vs. Revenue-Based Financing
SBA loans carry the lowest cost of capital here, but the trade-off is time and documentation — plan for weeks, not days, and expect to submit financials most new sellers haven't organized yet. Revenue-based financing moves faster and weighs your sales history more than your credit file, which helps sellers who are strong on revenue but still building credit. The cost is higher in exchange for that speed and lower documentation bar.
🎯 How These Stack Together
Most sellers don't pick one of these — they sequence them. Net-30 builds the file. A 0% APR card funds the first few inventory cycles. SBA or revenue financing enters later, once you need capital at a scale a card's credit limit won't cover.
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This is informational, not financial advice. Vendor terms, card offers, and bureau reporting policies change, and a general guide can't account for your specific credit history or business situation. Confirm current terms directly with the issuer or vendor before applying. See our editorial policy for how we verify what we publish.