How they get paid
Intermediaries are generally paid by the funder, as a percentage of what is funded. That is not inherently a problem, but it does mean the incentive points toward the largest deal that will close, not necessarily the one that fits your business best. Knowing that changes the questions you ask.
The four questions
Warning signs
| Sign | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Your file is blasted to a dozen funders at once | Multiple inquiries and a flood of calls; it signals a shopped file |
| Pressure to sign today on a deal with no deadline | Urgency that serves the commission, not you |
| Reluctance to state total repayment in dollars | The only figure that compares offers |
| A promise to pay off or wipe out your existing advances | That is not what any product in this market does |
| Guaranteed approval | Nobody can guarantee an approval |
What good looks like
A straight answer on how the deal is structured, a clear statement of total cost in dollars, and a willingness to tell you when borrowing is the wrong move. We would rather say a deal does not work than place it — if the cost of funding exceeds the margin it produces, it is not worth doing at any speed.
Common questions
Do I pay a broker fee?
Usually the funder pays. Ask directly, and ask whether it varies with the amount or product.
Will my file be sent to many funders?
Ask before you sign anything. A widely shopped file can mean multiple inquiries and a lot of unwanted calls.
Can anyone guarantee approval?
No. Any guarantee of approval is a warning sign, not a selling point.
What is the one figure to insist on?
Total dollars repaid. It compares cleanly across every structure.
See what you qualify for
Same-day decision. Applying takes a few minutes and will not affect your credit score.