How We Rate Lenders

We rate construction lenders on the factors that matter to a contractor's bottom line. Each lender is scored on a 5-point scale, and our editorial ratings are never influenced by advertising relationships.

What we evaluate

• Rates and fees — the true cost of borrowing, including origination and factor fees.
• Loan products — the range of financing offered, from equipment to working capital to SBA.
• Eligibility — minimum credit, time in business, and revenue requirements, and how flexible they are.
• Funding speed — how quickly a contractor can actually get money in hand.
• Construction experience — whether the lender understands progress billing, draws, and trade cash flow.
• Transparency and service — clear terms, no hidden fees, and responsive support.

How scoring works

Each factor is weighted by how much it affects a typical construction borrower, then combined into an overall rating. A lender that funds fast but charges hidden fees will score lower than one with slightly slower funding and transparent pricing.

Editorial independence

Some lenders compensate us when you submit an inquiry or click through. That compensation can affect which products are featured or how prominently, but it does not change our ratings or what we write. We disclose all such relationships in our advertising disclosure.