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Grasshopper Bank Review for Business Banking, Lending, & More 

By Joe

Grasshopper Bank

Key Takeaways

  • Grasshopper Bank is a digital-only, FDIC-insured institution.
  • Business accounts earn interest with no monthly fees.
  • SBA 7(a) and 504 loans support business growth.
  • Sponsor finance loans help with buyouts and acquisitions.
  • Commercial real estate and yacht loans start at $1 million.
  • API banking allows businesses to automate transactions.
  • Grasshopper has an A+ BBB rating but mixed reviews.
  • Recent legal challenges may be a concern for some.

If you’re an owner with an interest in digital banking for your small or medium-sized business, Grasshopper bank may have shown up on your radar. If so, surely you have questions about the offer. 

When an institution seems like it might be a little too new or a slightly more unconventional than what you’re familiar with, it’s smart to do your research. Here, I lay out everything you need to know about what to expect if you open an account. From a summary of the business banking and funding offer to info about leadership, trust signals, and Grasshopper Bank reviews, here’s the scoop. 

This is what’s in store: 

  • What is Grasshopper Bank?
    • Company Overview
  • How Does Grasshopper Bank Work?
    • 1. Open an Interest-Earning Business Bank Account
    • 2. Apply for Small Business Administration Loans
    • 3. Make Use of “Sponsor Finance” (Secured Loans)
    • 4. Get Funding for Commercial Real Estate or a Yacht
    • 5. Integrate the Grasshopper System With Your Tech
  • What are the main differences between Brex and Grasshopper Bank?
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Conclusion: Is Grasshopper Bank Legit?

Now, let’s dive in! 

What is Grasshopper Bank? 

Grasshopper bank review

Grasshopper Bank is a digital financial institution serving small businesses, startups, and investors in the so-called “innovation economy”—companies driven by technology, digital tools, and entrepreneurship.

Whether this term reflects tailored services for tech-driven businesses or is just marketing language is unclear. 

Either way, the bank offers:

  • Business checking and savings accounts
  • SBA lending
  • Fintech solutions like embedded finance and API banking

You won’t find Grasshopper Bank locations because they’re an online-only institution. Grasshopper emphasizes their client-first approach and use of technology to deliver secure and efficient banking experiences.

You might also like: 6 Best Fintech Credit Cards to Apply for (Consumer & Business) 

Company Overview

How long has Grasshopper Bank been in business?

According to Crunchbase, Grasshopper Bancorp, Inc. is a privately-owned, New York-based, “woman-led,” for-profit company that was launched by Judith Erwin in 2016. 

However, neither Grasshopper nor Judith Erwin are listed in New York’s Doing Business Portal. However, the company is listed in Delaware’s corporate directory, the FDIC approved their application for insurance in 2018, and they’re headquartered at 915 Broadway, 7th Floor, New York, New York. 

Erwin seems to have left Grasshopper in 2021 to pursue private, strategic business consulting. The company’s current CEO is Mike Butler. So, while the company was founded by a woman, it’s not currently woman-led. 

Prior to taking the reins at Grasshopper, Butler served as the President of Consumer Finance at KeyCorp and spent nearly 14 years as the President and CEO at Radius Bank. 

Who is the CEO of Grasshopper Bank?

While Butler seems like he would be a good leader, based on his experience, I was disappointed to see that I couldn’t find specific information about how employees feel about him on Glassdoor. 

Still, they’re A+ rated with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), with only 4 total complaints—This is super rare. However, some customer reviews on the BBB website express dissatisfaction, citing issues such as unexpected account closures, lack of communication, and delays in fund returns. They’ve been BBB-accredited since 2024. 

Who is the CEO of Grasshopper Bank?

And, over on Trustpilot, their TrustScore is above middling at 4.1 stars out of 5, where most reviews are outstanding. Positive feedback highlights knowledgeable and responsive customer service, with 68% of reviewers awarding 5 stars. However, 23% of reviewers rate the bank at 1 star, citing issues like unexpected account closures and “unhelpful security practices.”

Grasshopper Bank Review Trustpilot

And, Reddit reviews (usually the most critical) on Grasshopper Bank are mixed. Some users find it better than traditional banks, but others report slow transactions, account access issues, and poor communication. Common complaints include long mobile deposit times, unexpected fees, and difficulties resolving account problems. 

Grasshopper bank Reddit

After a quick search for lawsuits, I found that, as of February 16, 2025, Grasshopper Bank is facing legal disputes, including an $8 million loan default lawsuit and a contract-related case in Florida. While lawsuits aren’t unusual for banks, you may want to consider how these issues could impact service, lending policies, or financial stability.

In sum, Grasshopper Bank has been around for at least seven years (as of 2018 when their FDIC insurance was approved), led by experienced executives with mostly positive but mixed customer feedback. While many praise its service, some report account closures and fund access issues. It holds an A+ BBB rating and a solid Trustpilot score, but recent lawsuits are something to keep in mind.

You might also like: Best Business Bank Accounts: 5 Top Picks for Small Businesses 

How Does Grasshopper Bank Work? 

Now, for the meat and potatoes—What, exactly, can you get if you open a Grasshopper Bank account? And, how is it different from other offers? 

1. Open an Interest-Earning Business Bank Account 

Grasshopper Bank wiki

A business bank account that earns interest can help maximize your idle cash while your funds stay accessible. Grasshopper Bank offers digital-first checking and savings solutions for small businesses and startups. With competitive interest rates and no monthly fees, it provides an easy way to grow your money while managing business expenses.

Here’s what you get with a Grasshopper business bank account:

  • Up to 1.80% APY on checking balances 
  • Up to 3.55% APY on savings balances over $25K
  • No monthly fees or overdraft charges
  • Unlimited ACH transfers and fee-free transactions
  • 1% cashback on online and signature-based debit card purchases
  • 24/7 mobile and online banking with instant-issue virtual debit cards

Opening an account takes just a few minutes online, which can give you immediate access to digital banking tools to streamline payments, automate bookkeeping, and simplify cash flow management.

Grasshopper Bank Login

In addition, Grasshopper advertises enhanced security features that include fraud monitoring, encryption, and dual approvals for transactions.

*Grasshopper also offers specialized banking for venture capital and private equity firms. 

You might also like: 3 Best Credit Unions for Small Business Banking in 2024 

2. Apply for Small Business Administration Loans

Grasshopper Bank SBA lending

As an SBA Preferred Lender, Grasshopper streamlines the loan process with a digital-first application, which can potentially reduce documentation requirements and accelerate approval times. Businesses can qualify for an SBA 7(a) loan in less than 10 minutes, making it easier to access financing for working capital, acquisitions, real estate, partner buyouts, and debt refinancing.

The bank provides two primary SBA loan options:

  • SBA 7(a) Loan – The most flexible SBA loan, used for general business expenses, acquisitions, refinancing, and more
  • SBA 504 Loan – Long-term, fixed-rate financing for purchasing commercial real estate, construction, or major equipment

You may be able to leverage Grasshopper’s SBA loans for expansion, succession planning, or debt consolidation. 

You might also like: This is the Truth About LenCred’s Small Business Financing 

3. Make Use of “Sponsor Finance” (Secured Loans)

Grasshopper bank secured term loans

Grasshopper Bank offers sponsor finance solutions designed to help businesses secure funding for acquisitions, buyouts, and working capital needs. Whether you want to expand operations or manage investment cycles, these lending options can provide structured, flexible financing to support your goals.

Sponsored finance options include: 

  • Senior Secured Term Loans – Might be Ideal for leveraged buyouts and add-on acquisitions
  • Revolving Lines of Credit – Can help cover working capital and corporate expenses
  • Delayed Draw Term Loans – Funding for acquisitions, growth capital, or deferred payments
  • Capital Call Lines – May bridge timing gaps between investments and capital inflows
  • Fund NAV Facilities – Use a fund’s portfolio as collateral to improve liquidity and returns

Grasshopper works with lower middle-market companies, typically those generating at least $8 million in annual revenue and $1 million in earnings (before interest taxes depreciation and amortization). The process is streamlined with digital banking tools to help make sure your transactions are efficient.

Grasshopper focuses on building long-term relationships by combining expert underwriting with technology-driven banking solutions to make the financing process smooth and efficient.

You might also like: The Ultimate Tillful Review (+Secured Credit Offer for Businesses) 

4. Get Funding for Commercial Real Estate or a Yacht

Grasshopper bank commercial real estate lending

If you need financing for commercial real estate or a yacht, there are specialized loan options that can help. For commercial properties, loans start at $1 million and are available for stabilized properties like multi-family buildings, medical offices, warehouses, retail spaces, and flex spaces. 

These loans are primarily offered in: 

  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Eastern Pennsylvania

Borrowers can also access liquidity lines of credit to manage cash flow.

For yacht purchases, loan amounts range from $1 million to $10 million, with terms up to 20 years—Both fixed and adjustable-rate options are available. Some loans may also allow foreign registration or limited charter use. 

Both types of loans are designed to provide clear terms and a straightforward application process when you want to finance a major purchase.

You might also like: How to Get Money for Real Estate Investing: 18 Practical Ideas 

5. Integrate the Grasshopper System With Your Tech

Grasshopper Bank API

Grasshopper’s banking system can integrate directly with your technology, which can enable you to make financial transactions more seamlessly. With API banking and embedded finance solutions, you may be able to automate payments, transfers, and financial data within their own platforms.

Grasshopper’s Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and API banking provide tools to automate transactions like:

  • ACH
  • Wires
  • Real-time fund transfers

You can manage payments and bill pay from within your own software, monitor account balances and transaction details in real time, and even issue branded VISA® debit cards for customer transactions. 

Grasshopper bank branded Visa debit cards

These solutions can work for a wide range of industries, including fintech startups, B2B marketplaces, and manufacturers, which can help you streamline your financial operations.

Security and compliance are built into the system, with bank-level fraud prevention and regulatory protections. As a nationally chartered bank and FDIC member, Grasshopper makes sure all transactions meet strict risk management standards. 

You might also like: The PEX Card: Is it the Best Corporate Card for Your Business? 

What are the main differences between Brex and Grasshopper Bank? 

While I would think that online-only like Bluevine and Novo are more like direct competitors on the banking front, more people seem to want to know how Grasshopper stacks up against Brex.  

As of today, the popular search engine overview completely misses the mark on this front, with a seemingly outdated comparison.  

Grasshopper Bank vs Brex

As of February 16, 2025, Brex and Grasshopper Bank offer distinct financial services tailored to businesses, each with unique features and benefits:

  • Brex is a fintech platform that offers corporate cards, expense management, and high-yield business accounts—tailored for startups and high-growth companies.
  • Grasshopper Bank is a digital bank with interest-bearing accounts, cash-back debit cards, and SBA lending—more for small businesses that need straightforward banking with access to funding.
Brex LogoGrasshopper Bank Logo
Business accounts with spend management1.80% APY checking, 3.55% APY savings
Corporate credit cards with rewards1% cash-back Visa debit card
No monthly fees, no minimumsNo monthly fees, $100 minimum deposit
AI-powered expense automationBill Pay, invoicing, and bookkeeping
No lending; high-yield accountsSBA loans, SaaS funding via Capchase

In sum, Brex may be a good option if your main goal is financial automation and expense control. Meanwhile, Grasshopper may be better if you want small business banking with high-yield accounts and lending options. Both seem to cater to startups. 

Recommended: Brex Card Review: Is This Corporate Card Offer Too Good to be True? 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Is Grasshopper a real bank?

Yes, Grasshopper is a real, FDIC-insured digital bank that primarily serves small businesses, startups, and fintech companies. It operates as an online-only financial institution.

Is Grasshopper FDIC-insured?

Yes, Grasshopper Bank is FDIC-insured, meaning deposits are protected up to $250,000 per depositor, per account category.

Does Grasshopper Bank use Zelle?

No, Grasshopper Bank does not currently support Zelle for person-to-person payments. However, it offers other digital payment solutions for businesses.

How big is Grasshopper Bank?

Grasshopper Bank is a relatively small, digital-first financial institution focused on business banking. While it does not have physical branches, it provides banking services nationwide.

What is Grasshopper Bank’s routing number?

Grasshopper Bank’s routing number is 026013303.

Conclusion: Is Grasshopper Bank Legit? 

Grasshopper Bank is a legitimate, FDIC-insured digital bank that offers business banking, SBA loans, sponsor finance, and embedded finance solutions. They have competitive interest rates, no monthly fees, and digital tools for seamless transactions. While many businesses appreciate its features, some customers report issues with account closures and fund access.

Grasshopper may be a good fit for small businesses, startups, and investment firms looking for online banking with lending options and API integrations. However, businesses that need in-person banking or prefer traditional financial institutions might find other options more suitable. And, it’s always smart to review terms carefully before you open an account anywhere.

Are you ready to learn how to obtain up to $100K in business credit in as few as 30 days? Join Business Credit Workshop today!

American Express Business Blueprint Review (Formerly Kabbage)

By Joe

American Express Business Blueprint Review

Key Takeaways

  • Kabbage became Amex Business Blueprint, from lending to a full financial platform.
  • Blueprint combines banking, lending, and cash flow insights in one dashboard.
  • Amex Lines of Credit have lower fees than Kabbage (0.95% to 27%, depending on the term).
  • Business Checking offers higher (1.3%) APY, no fees, and a rewards debit card.
  • The iOS app is highly rated, but Android users report issues and bugs.
  • Payment Accept replaced Kabbage Payments, but new customer availability is unclear.
  • The Resource Center provides business insights and financial tools.

Kabbage was once a popular online lender and one of the SBA’s approved PPP loan providers. American Express quietly acquired Kabbage’s platform in 2020, and reworked it to create Business Blueprint—a comprehensive business cashflow dashboard. 

So, what’s changed? And, is American Express Business Blueprint worth checking out? Here, we’ll take a quick peek at why Kabbage might have exited from their operations and learn everything you need to know about the new and expanded offer from Amex. 

This is what’s in store: 

  • What Was Kabbage?
  • What is American Express Business Blueprint?
    • Company Overview
  • How Does American Express Business Blueprint Work?
    • 1. Business Lines of Credit
    • 2. Business Banking Accounts
    • 3 Cashflow Management
    • 4. American Express Business Blueprint App
    • 5. American Express Invoicing & Payments
    • 6. American Express Financial Resources
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Final Takeaway

Now, let’s dive in! 

What Was Kabbage? 

What is Kabbage?

Kabbage, founded in 2009, was an automated lending platform offering quick loans up to $250K for small businesses. Known for convenience but high fees, it paused lending during COVID-19 to focus on PPP loans, earning mostly low ratings. 

Kabbage Reviews

Later, a few years after the purchase by American Express, it transitioned into Amex Business Blueprint, discontinuing its original offer. 

Near the end, Kabbage offered tools like: 

  • Kabbage Checking (competitive APY)
  • Kabbage Payments (low invoicing fees)
  • Kabbage Insights (cash flow tracking)

While useful, these services faced some technical issues before the transition. The hiccups near the end may have made selling the company the wise choice. 

You might also like: No-Doc Business Loans: Get Funds Without Proof of Income 

What is American Express Business Blueprint? 

American Express Business Blueprint

When I first heard that Amex had acquired Kabbage (whose lending funds used to come from Celtic Bank), I said, “If the brand does bring back working capital in the future, it will most likely come directly from Amex itself. We’ll just have to wait around to see.”  

Well, that future is now. 

American Express Business Blueprint is a free platform positioned to help small businesses manage their cash flow. It lets you view your American Express business products and linked external accounts in one place. Then, it provides personalized insights to help you make informed financial decisions. 

With the tool, you can access features like a 30-day bank account balance projection, which uses data from your linked accounts to help you anticipate future balances. In a nutshell, business Blueprint aims to simplify financial management for small business owners.

Moreover, Amex is offering a Business Line of Credit up to $250K (same as Kabbage), with no mention of Celtic Bank. Today, these loans are serviced directly by American Express National Bank.  

Recommended: Amex Business Checking Review: What You Need to Know…Really 

Company Overview

American Express Business Blueprint Benefits

American Express, aka Amex, is a global financial services company with roots dating back to 1850. Founded by Henry Wells, John Butterfield, and William Fargo—names you might recognize from Wells Fargo—Amex has built a reputation for reliability and innovation in finance. 

Initially known for credit cards, charge cards, and traveler’s checks, the company has since expanded its offerings to include business checking accounts (and, now working capital) further solidifying its leading position in the financial world.

Headquartered in New York and led by CEO Stephen Squeri, Amex stands out as a trusted name in American finance. It’s publicly traded and has endured as a stable force in a fast-evolving industry. 

You might also like: A Complete, Unfiltered Amex Business Gold Card Review 

How Does American Express Business Blueprint Work? 

American Express Business Blueprint login

As I said before, American Express Business Blueprint is free. And, you can log in with existing credentials, if you’re already an American Express member, or create an account. 

Once you’re in, you’ll have access to a lot of the same features and services that were available with Kabbage, but with some notable improvements. 

1. Business Lines of Credit

american express business line of credit

Kabbage’s fixed-rate loan fees were steep, ranging from 24-99% APR, with no savings for early repayment, no long-term options, and approval limited to businesses with online checking or PayPal. 

In contrast, Amex Business Lines of Credit offer a more affordable alternative, with funding from $2K to $250K secured by business assets and personal guarantees. 

Amex’s fees range from:  

  • 0.95% to 6.05% for single repayment loans (1 to 3 months)
  • 3% to 27% for installment loans (6 to 24 months)

So, Amex offers a much less expensive business lending option than Kabbage was able to. They also offer reduced costs with early repayment on installment plans. However, you must be an Amex cardholder to apply.

2. Business Banking Accounts

American Express Business Checking

Before the transition, there was no such thing as a Kabbage business savings account. Likewise, there is no American Express business savings account (though they do have a consumer savings option). 

Kabbage Checking offered FDIC-insured banking with 1.10% APY earned on funds, which they declared was the best deal you’ll find. This wasn’t true with 2% earnings from Bluevine and varying larger amounts from several credit unions. 

Today, American Express Business Checking is worth taking a look at.  Their business checking account earns 1.3% APY on balances up to $500K and charges no  monthly maintenance fee—They also offer a rewards debit card that earns 1 point with every $2 spent, and their high deposit limits can house balances up to $5 million. 

However, they lack integrations for tools like QuickBooks and don’t accommodate cash deposits (despite free MoneyPass™ ATM access). Currently, they don’t offer virtual cards, either. 

Recommended: Best Business Bank Accounts: 5 Top Picks for Small Businesses   

3. American Express Business Blueprint Cashflow Management 

Amex Cashflow Management

Kabbage Insights, in my opinion, was comparable to Quickbooks. While it did deliver visual reports, it was basically an accounting platform. Theoretically, it allowed users to view all their accounts in one place for a clearer picture of cash flow and revenue. 

Users could link the system to various banks, including smaller credit unions. PayPal and Stripe integrations were unavailable when I reviewed Kabbage, despite being advertised. 

Today, Business Blueprint™ is the core of Amex’s small business offer, with a real-time financial dashboard that consolidates Amex business products and linked external accounts. 

It offers: 

  • Personalized cash flow insights
  • Business  income and expense tracking
  • 30-day balance projections
  • A bird’s-eye view of your financial health

You can get all of this in one place. It’s designed to help you focus on growth instead of spreadsheets. The platform is free, but individual Amex financial products have their own fees and eligibility requirements.

You might also like: Plastiq Review: Can Plastiq Really Simplify Your Finances? 

4. American Express Business Blueprint App 

American Express Business Blueprint App

Back in September 2020, I noted that Kabbage’s web app and mobile app both seemed a little wonky. I assumed this was because they had recently furloughed staff and cut back on their service offer for the time being. 

Today, the American Express Business Blueprint app, available on both iOS and Google Play marketplaces, seems upgraded. 

Apple users give The Amex Business Blueprint™ app a 4.8 out of 5 rating, based on 8,500 reviews. Users appreciate its convenience and ease of use. However, some have reported limitations in banking functionalities, like viewing canceled checks and scheduling payments. 

However, most Android users seem find the Amex Business Blueprint app frustrating due to: 

  • Persistent login issues
  • Slow transfers
  • Frequent glitches
  • Poor support

Many of them prefer using the web instead.

You might also like: What is the Best Personal Finance Software? Free and Paid Options 

5. American Express Invoicing & Payments 

American Express Business Blueprint Payments

Kabbage Payments was an online invoicing platform with competitive rates at 2.9% + $0.25 per transaction, slightly lower than most major competitors. It supported email and web link billing, with next-day deposits for transactions processed before 5 PM. 

Users could also create a unique URL to sell gift certificates ranging from $15 to $500. 

Today, American Express Payment Accept is a service designed to help small businesses process card payments online efficiently. It offers a straightforward solution with transparent pricing, aiming to make payment processing simple and quick.

*But, they may not be accepting new customer applications at this time—Check with Amex for Updated info. 

You might also like: Melio Payments Review: Can It Make Business Payments and Getting Paid Easier? 

6. American Express Financial Resources 

American Express Business Blueprint Customer Service

Kabbage’s “Resource Center” was a blog dedicated to financial advice for business owners. I found the articles to be pretty useful, easy-to-understand, and worth a look. 

Kabbage Funding Reviews

American Express, on the other hand, has a full suite of resources for small business owners through its Business Blueprint™ platform. 

This includes a Resource Center featuring: 

  • Articles on various small business topics
  • Customer success stories
  • A massive help center 

It provides not just articles but also tools, customer success stories, and guided resources to help business owners manage and grow their finances more effectively.

You might also like: 41 Companies That Help Build Business Credit [Beyond Net 30 Vendors] 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it hard to get an American Express business line of credit?

Approval for an Amex business line of credit depends on factors like your business’s financial health, credit score, and cash flow. While the process isn’t overly difficult for well-qualified applicants, Amex does require a personal guarantee and evaluates your business assets carefully.

Does Amex business report to Dun & Bradstreet?

Yes, American Express reports business credit activity to Dun & Bradstreet as well as other major credit bureaus, helping you build your business credit profile.

Why do so many businesses refuse Amex?

Some businesses avoid accepting Amex due to higher transaction fees compared to other credit card providers. These fees can cut into profit margins, especially for small businesses.

Is American Express business hard to get?

Obtaining an Amex business card or account generally requires a good to excellent credit score and stable business finances. While not excessively hard, it may be challenging for newer businesses or those with weaker credit profiles.

What is the minimum income for Amex Business Platinum?

American Express doesn’t specify a minimum income requirement for the Business Platinum Card. But, MyFico forums have a lot of anecdotal stories that suggest that they expect applicants to demonstrate significant income or business revenue to justify approval.

Final Takeaway

American Express Business Blueprint took what Kabbage started and expanded it into a full-scale financial platform. With better lending terms, a solid business checking account, and improved cash flow tools, it’s a clear upgrade. 

However, some drawbacks remain, like limited integrations and an inconsistent mobile app experience. If you’re an Amex cardholder looking for streamlined business banking and financing, it’s worth considering—just be aware of its gaps.

Are you ready to learn how to obtain up to $100K in business credit in as few as 30 days? Join Business Credit Workshop today!

Giggle Finance: Instant Funding for Freelancers & Self Employed

By Joe

Key Takeaways

  • Giggle Finance provides up to $5K in fast funding for gig workers.
  • Giggle requires no credit checks,= and uses bank account activity to assess eligibility.
  • You can set up income-based, automatic repayment for flexible loan management.
  • Customer service is digital-only, with mixed reviews on responsiveness.
  • Accusations of predatory practices and unauthorized transactions raise red flags.
  • Some users value Giggle’s speed and simplicity for emergency financial needs.

Giggle Finance offers something a little different than what we usually review here, but maybe not as different as you might think. Before you apply, you’ll want to know what it is you’re signing up for. 

Here, explore what Giggle Finance is, learn more about the company, and understand key features of the offer. 

This is what’s in store: 

  • What is Giggle Finance?
    • Company Overview
  • How Does Giggle Finance Work?
    • 1. Apply Easily Online
    • 2. Get Instant Funding Anytime
    • 3. Repay Based on Your Income
    • 4. Access Funding Without a Credit Check
    • 5. Know Your Terms Before You Borrow
    • 6. Be Ready for Digital-Only Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Conclusion: Is Giggle Finance Legit?

Now, let’s dive in! 

What is Giggle Finance? 

Giggle Finance

Giggle Finance provides fast and convenient funding solutions designed specifically for: 

  • Gig workers
  • Independent contractors
  • Self-employed individuals

They offer up to $5K in instant funding, their platform is fully automated, available 24/7, and requires no credit checks or lengthy application processes. 

The idea is that borrowers can access cash quickly to manage unexpected expenses or invest in opportunities. In theory, this can make it a flexible option for those in the gig economy who need immediate financial support.

You might also like: Torro Business Funding Review: Is This “Zero Hassle” Offer Legit? 

Company Overview

Giggle LLC

Giggle Finance, aka, Giggle LLC is a Florida-based, private, for-profit financial services entity that was founded in 2020 by Jared Kogan and Michael Zevallos. According to Florida’s SunBiz, the company is active, in good standing, and up-to-date with all their required filings with the state. 

Kogen previously spent 5+ years with OnDeck, as the Director of External Sales, and has held several high-level business consulting positions. Zavallos was the Manager of External Sales at OnDeck when Kogen was with the company, and he was the Co-Founder and COO at Idea Financial before the team launched Giggle. 

Who owns Giggle Finance?

In short, the leadership seems to be solid. However, it’s important to know what borrowers have to say. 

Currently, Giggle isn’t accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB), which I would almost let slide—not every legitimate business is accredited. But, they currently have an “F” BBB-rating and have failed to respond to 32 complaints filed on the platform. 

Giggle Finance complaint on BBB

Overall, TrustPilot reviews are a little more optimistic, with a 4.0 (out of 5.0) TrustScore.™  Even so, the 1-star reviews are pretty brutal. 

Giggle Finance Reviews

All in all, borrowers largely view Giggle Finance as an “unethical” lender, citing: 

  • Unauthorized transactions
  • Predatory practices
  • Poor customer service

Though, some people appreciate its fast funding for emergency needs.

These are some pretty weighty accusations, so I wanted to verify whether or not there are any open lawsuits against the company. And, I couldn’t find any current legal issues. 

However, Redditors also criticize Giggle Finance as deceptive, warning that its loans involve hidden fees and misrepresented terms, which has caused financial strain for gig workers.

Giggle Finance reddit

Having no experience borrowing from the company myself, I would have to take others’ word. On one hand, Giggle Finance offers fast funding that some borrowers find helpful in emergencies, while on the other, reviews raise significant red flags.

 You might also like: How to Get a Business Credit Card – The Ultimate Guide 

How Does Giggle Finance Work? 

Giggle Finance offers gig workers and self-employed individuals fast funding options, but borrowers should weigh the potential risks. Here’s how it works.

1. Apply Easily Online

Giggle Finance Application

The process begins with a quick online application that takes just minutes to complete. By connecting your bank account, Giggle evaluates your eligibility based on income and account activity instead of credit scores. 

Giggle Finance login

While convenient, some users have expressed concerns about privacy and the security of their financial data. I know that they work with Plain, which I know to be a secure technology. 

Login Giggle Finance

If you’re working for a popular delivery service or selling on Shopify, you may be able to connect your account for immediate revenue info (this may be where the data security issue comes in). 

You might also like: No-Doc Business Loans: Get Funds Without Proof of Income 

2. Get Instant Funding Anytime

How long does Giggle Finance take?

Once your application is submitted, the automated system processes approvals in real time, with funds often deposited within minutes. This 24/7 availability is ideal for emergencies. 

However, some borrowers have reported delays or discrepancies in the amount funded compared to what was expected.

Recommended: Net 30 for New Business: 13 Vendors +Credit Building Insights 

3. Repay Based on Your Income

Giggle finance make a payment

Repayments are automatically deducted in line with your earnings, offering flexibility for those with variable incomes. Giggle also allows early payoffs to save on fees. Despite this, some users have faced challenges with rigid payment schedules and unexpected deductions.

Giggle finance dashboard

With this said, you will need to connect the platform to your primary business bank account. They’ll use it for income verification AND repayment. 

You might also like: 11 Alternate Ways for Entrepreneurs to Raise Capital with Online Lenders

4. Access Funding Without a Credit Check

no credit check loan for gig worker

Giggle Finance caters specifically to gig workers, freelancers, and independent contractors who may struggle to qualify for traditional loans. 

The no-credit-check feature makes the service widely accessible, but the high fees and unclear repayment terms reported by some borrowers warrant a careful review.

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5. Know Your Terms Before You Borrow

Giggle Finance fees

Giggle Finance determines its fees and repayment terms based on the amount borrowed and the borrower’s risk profile. The company claims to maintain transparency to make sure borrowers understand the total cost before agreeing to the terms, with no hidden fees. 

However, some users report higher-than-average fees.

Keep in mind, Giggle calculates repayment amounts using a factor rate, which is a multiplier applied to the borrowed amount. For instance, a $5,000 loan with a factor rate of 1.5 would require $7,500 in total repayment. And, Giggle Finance doesn’t advertise their factor rates (I wish they did).

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6. Be Ready for SMS-Only Customer Support

Giggle finance phone number

To verify what some borrowers had said, I tried calling the phone number listed on the website and was redirected by a pre-recorded message instructing me to send a text. 

Customer service is entirely digital, with interactions through text or email. Some users have described their experiences as unprofessional or unhelpful, particularly when resolving disputes or addressing errors. But, depending on your preferences, this might be convenient. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do you need for Giggle Finance?

You don’t need a specific credit score to qualify for Giggle Finance. The platform does not rely on traditional credit checks and instead evaluates your eligibility based on your bank account activity and income.

What is the maximum loan amount for Giggle Finance?

The maximum loan amount offered by Giggle Finance is $5K— Your approved amount will depend on your verified income and banking activity.

Does Giggle Finance report to credit bureaus?

Yes, Giggle Finance does report to credit bureaus. This means your repayment activity (including any missed or late payments) can impact your credit score and appear on your credit report. Be mindful of this when you apply for a loan.

Conclusion: Is Giggle Finance Legit? 

Giggle Finance provides quick, easy access to cash, which can be invaluable in a pinch. However, recurring complaints (with no responses from the company) about aggressive practices, high costs, and poor communication highlight the importance of understanding the risks before borrowing.

If you carefully review the terms, you can make an informed decision about whether Giggle Finance is the right solution for your needs.

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A Complete, Unfiltered Amex Business Gold Card Review 

By Joe

Amex Business Gold Review

Key Takeaways

  • Earn 4X points on your top 2 spending categories (up to $150,000/year), 1X on others.
  • Get 3X points on flights and hotels, no foreign fees, and trip delay insurance.
  • Manage expenses with QuickBooks, employee cards, and year-end summaries.
  • Annual fee is $375, with up to $240 in select service credits.
  • Requires good credit (700