COMPARISON
Lendway vs Celtic Bank
An honest comparison to help you choose the right business funding partner for your needs.
✓ Unbiased Analysis✓ Real User Feedback✓ Updated December 2025
OVERVIEW
At a glance
L
Lendway
RECOMMENDEDA modern business funding marketplace that connects you with 75+ lenders for the best rates and terms. Transparent pricing, fast approvals, and dedicated support.
Highlights
- No hard credit pull to check rates
- Access to 75+ lenders in one application
- Same-day funding available
- Transparent fee structure
- US-based support team
C
Celtic Bank
Est. 2001Celtic Bank is a top SBA lender offering SBA 7(a) and 504 loans with a streamlined process and competitive rates.
Pros
- Top SBA lender
- Competitive rates
- Faster than average SBA
- Good service
Cons
- Still slow process
- Strict requirements
- Collateral required
- Extensive documentation
FEATURES
Feature comparison
| Feature | Lendway | Celtic Bank |
|---|---|---|
Soft Credit Pull to Check Rates See rates without impacting your credit score | ||
Same-Day Funding Get funds deposited the same day you apply | ||
Multiple Lender Options Compare offers from multiple lenders | ||
Bad Credit Accepted Options for credit scores below 600 | ||
No Collateral Required Unsecured funding options available | ||
Transparent Pricing Clear fee structure with no hidden costs | ||
Dedicated Advisor Personal support throughout the process | ||
Maximum Loan Amount Highest available funding | $5,000,000 | $5,000,000 |
Minimum Credit Score Credit requirements | All credit types | 650+ |
Time in Business Required Minimum operating history | 3 months | 2 years |
APR Range Interest rate range | 7.5% - 45% | Prime + 1.75% - Prime + 2.75% |
Funding Speed How quickly you can get funded | Same day - 7 days | 21-45 days |
Rate Competitiveness How competitive are the offered rates | 4.5 | 5.0 |
Application Experience Ease and speed of the application process | 4.5 | 2.0 |
Customer Support Quality Responsiveness and helpfulness of support | 5.0 | 4.0 |
RATINGS
How they compare
Interest Rates
Lendway
4.5
Celtic Bank
5.0
Funding Speed
Lendway
4.5
Celtic Bank
2.0
Customer Service
Lendway
5.0
Celtic Bank
4.0
Flexibility
Lendway
5.0
Celtic Bank
3.0
Overall Experience
Lendway
4.5
Celtic Bank
4.0
OUR VERDICT
Lendway edges out Celtic Bank
Both are solid options, but Lendway's marketplace model gives you more flexibility and options. Celtic Bank excels at top sba lender, but for most businesses seeking the best rates and terms, Lendway's ability to compare multiple lenders in one application is a significant advantage.
FAQs
Common questions
Is Lendway better than Celtic Bank?+
Both options have their strengths. Lendway is a lending marketplace that connects you with 75+ lenders, giving you more options to compare. Celtic Bank is a direct lender with top sba lender. The best choice depends on your specific needs, credit profile, and funding timeline.
What are the main differences between Lendway and Celtic Bank?+
The key difference is that Lendway provides access to 75+ lenders through one application, while Celtic Bank offers funding directly. Lendway offers loan amounts up to $5M with funding as fast as 4 hours, while Celtic Bank offers up to $5,000,000 with funding in 21-45 days.
Which has better rates: Lendway or Celtic Bank?+
Rates vary based on your business profile, credit score, and loan type. Lendway's marketplace model often helps businesses find more competitive rates by comparing multiple lenders. Celtic Bank's rates range from Prime + 1.75% to Prime + 2.75%. We recommend checking both to see which offers better terms for your situation.
What credit score do I need for Celtic Bank?+
Celtic Bank typically requires a minimum credit score of 650+. Lendway works with all credit types and can connect you with lenders even if you have bad credit, giving you more options to explore.
How fast can I get funded with Celtic Bank vs Lendway?+
Celtic Bank typically funds in 21-45 days. With Lendway, depending on the lender match, you can receive funding as fast as 4 hours for certain products, though most loans fund within 1-7 days.
Does Celtic Bank do a hard credit pull?+
Celtic Bank may perform a hard credit pull as part of the application process. Lendway never performs a hard credit pull when checking your rates—only when you choose to proceed with a specific lender.