Revenue-based business financing

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    Page written by Ashlyn Brooks. Last reviewed on August 20, 2025. Next review due October 1, 2026.

    Revenue-based business financing is becoming a go-to option for growing companies that generate consistent monthly revenue but want to avoid the rigid terms and qualification barriers of traditional debt. These facilities offer flexible repayment structures and are tailored to businesses in dynamic industries like e-commerce, SaaS, and online retail.

    For financial advisors and brokers, understanding this model allows you to introduce clients to funding that adjusts with business performance. This also provides a buffer against economic dips or seasonal slowdowns.

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      What are revenue-based business loans?

      Revenue-based business financing (also called RBF) is a type of funding product in which repayments are tied to a business’s revenue. Instead of fixed monthly installments, the funder receives a percentage of monthly earnings until the agreed loan amount (plus a fee or multiple) is repaid.

      This structure is less about credit history and more about predictable income. It’s a compelling choice for businesses that are growing steadily but aren’t ready—or able—to take on traditional bank debt or offer equity.

      How does revenue-based financing work?

      The repayment process is structured around the ups and downs of a company’s monthly revenue. Here’s how the model typically works:

      • A business receives a lump sum of capital from a funder.
      • Instead of a fixed payment, the business agrees to repay a set percentage (typically 5% to 25%) of its monthly gross revenue.
      • Repayments continue until a predetermined repayment cap is reached, often between 1.2x and 1.6x the original loan amount.
      • There are no penalties for slow months; the repayment schedule naturally adapts to business performance.

      Because the model focuses on revenue flow rather than credit scores or collateral, it’s often quicker to secure compared to traditional loans.

      Who can benefit from revenue-based financing?

      There are three main benefactors in revenue-based financing, but pretty much any industry that meets these same situations we look at below may make a good candidate.

      Startups with consistent revenue

      Startups that have moved beyond the seed stage and are generating regular income but may not yet qualify for large bank loans can use revenue-based financing to fund expansion without diluting equity.

      E-commerce businesses

      Online retailers, especially those with seasonality or fluctuating order volumes, benefit from the flexibility of repayments that scale with sales. This model aligns especially well with businesses that experience Q4 peaks and slower Q1s.

      SaaS and subscription-based companies

      With recurring monthly income, SaaS businesses are ideal candidates. Funders can forecast future revenue, making approval faster and more data-driven.

      Benefits of revenue-based business financing

      Pros

      Pros

      • Flexible repayments: Payments scale with revenue, easing pressure during slower months.
      • Fast approval times: Funding decisions are typically based on recent bank statements and revenue reports.
      • No equity dilution: Founders retain full control over the business.
      • No collateral required: This reduces the risk for asset-light businesses.
      Cons

      Cons

      • Repayment can exceed a traditional loan: Depending on revenue fluctuations, total repayment may end up higher than a fixed loan.
      • Limited funding amounts: Often capped based on average monthly revenue—may not meet larger capital needs.

      Not suitable for all industries: Businesses with inconsistent or low margins may struggle to maintain sustainable repayments.

      Revenue-based financing vs. Traditional business loans

      AttributeRevenue-Based LoansTraditional Business Loans
      Repayment StructurePercent of monthly revenueFixed monthly payments
      Collateral RequirementOften unsecuredOften requires collateral
      Credit Score ImportanceLess importantHighly important
      Funding SpeedFast (days)Moderate to slow (weeks to months)
      FlexibilityHighLow
      Cost PredictabilityVariableFixed

      How repayments work with revenue-based financing

      Repayments don’t work exactly as a traditional repayment plan would. Instead, you repay a portion of your earnings each month, meaning the amount adjusts based on how your business is performing. This setup ensures that slower months don’t place additional financial strain on your operations, and stronger months help you pay off the loan faster.

      Percentage of monthly revenue

      The repayment amount is a percentage of gross revenue each month. This could range from 5% to 25%, depending on business size, industry, and funder policies.

      Flexible repayment terms

      There’s no set loan term in the traditional sense. The loan is paid off once the total repayment cap is met, often within 6 to 18 months, but that timeline flexes with business performance.

      No fixed monthly instalments

      If a business has a slow sales month, the repayment amount drops proportionally. This protects cash flow and reduces pressure during off-peak seasons.

      How to qualify for a revenue-based financing

      While revenue-based business funding is more accessible than traditional lending, funders still need assurance that your business has the capacity to repay. Because repayments fluctuate with your earnings, funders focus on your revenue consistency, operational health, and growth potential, not just your credit score.

      Minimum revenue requirements

      The loan amount is based on your monthly/annual recurring revenue. For example, if you earn $100,000 in monthly recurring revenue, you may be approved for up to a multiple of that amount, such as 4-7 times. (100,000 x 4-7 = $400,00- $700,000). 

      Why? Investors/funders need to see that you’ve been consistently bringing in revenue, of course, so they know you can repay your loan. These thresholds are in place to ensure that your business has a solid enough financial foundation to handle variable repayments. A short or volatile revenue history could signal too much risk.

      Business performance metrics

      Instead of relying heavily on credit scores, funders dig into performance indicators that reflect your business’s health and growth trajectory:

      • Monthly recurring revenue (MRR) – Especially important for SaaS and subscription-based models, MRR helps funders project future cash flow and repayment capacity.
      • Gross margin – A strong gross margin shows you’re operating efficiently. The higher the margin, the more cash you have to allocate toward repayment, growth, or reinvestment.
      • Customer turnover (for SaaS businesses) – High turnover rates may show instability in revenue, which raises repayment risk. Low churn suggests steady income and stronger repayment reliability.
      • Bank statements and real-time cash flow – These provide a snapshot of your actual financial activity. Funders use them to validate revenue claims and assess whether your current cash flow can support regular repayments—even if they fluctuate.

      No need for collateral

      Revenue-based funders typically don’t require physical assets like property or equipment as security. That’s because repayment is directly linked to your revenue and often collected automatically from your sales or bank account. In this model, the funder’s assurance comes from your ongoing cash flow, not your balance sheet.

      This approach makes revenue-based financings especially appealing for asset-light businesses, such as e-commerce brands or digital service providers, that may not have traditional collateral but maintain healthy, consistent revenue streams.

      Alternative financing options

      For some businesses, revenue-based financing might not be the right fit. Some companies may have high but irregular revenue or operate with very slim margins, which doesn’t yield well for this type of repayment model. Also, if you have a business that relies heavily on one or two large invoices or experiences unpredictable sales cycles, revenue-based financings can become difficult to manage.

      Here are other options to consider:

      Term loans

      A traditional loan structure with fixed payments over a set period. Term loans work well for businesses that:

      • Need a predictable repayment schedule
      • Are investing in long-term assets or expansion
      • Have a steady, reliable cash flow

      Merchant cash advances

      Merchant cash advances involve a lump-sum payment repaid through a percentage of daily card sales. While similar in repayment structure to revenue-based financing, merchant cash advances are typically:

      • Easier to qualify for
      • Faster to access
      • More expensive overall due to higher factor rates

      They’re often used for short-term cash needs but should be considered carefully due to cost.

      Invoice financing

      With invoice financing, you borrow against your unpaid invoices to unlock cash tied up in receivables. It’s best for:

      • B2B companies with long payment cycles
      • Service-based businesses waiting on large payments
      • Businesses with reliable clients but delayed cash flow

      This model helps smooth out working capital without taking on traditional debt.

      Get started with Swoop's business funding platform

      Here at Swoop, we want you to know all of your options, and we’re here to provide you with every solution that’s at your disposal. Our platform makes it easy to explore if revenue-based business loans are a good fit for your business. With access to a wide network of funders and tailored funding matches, you can:

      • Quickly compare financing options
      • Understand repayment terms based on your revenue model
      • Avoid the lengthy processes often tied to traditional loans

      Check available business loans through our dashboard to see what’s on offer and register to get matched with flexible revenue-based funders. Whether your goal is scaling a product line, hiring talent, or riding out a seasonal dip, revenue-based financing could offer the smart capital you need when you need it.

      Written by

      Ashlyn Brooks

      Ashlyn is a personal finance writer with experience in business and consumer taxes, retirement, and financial services to name a few. She has been published in USA Today, Kiplinger and Investopedia.

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