Vol. I · Independent Publication● Not a Lender · Not a BrokerBy Bar Alezrah
The MCA Guide
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OnDeck vs CAN Capital 2026: Transparency vs Flexibility for MCA Borrowers

OnDeck vs CAN Capital compared: factor rates, credit requirements, transparency, and costs. See which MCA lender fits your small business in 2026.

OnDeck vs CAN Capital 2026: Transparency vs Flexibility for MCA Borrowers
By Bar Alezrah4 min readPublished April 14, 2026 · Updated April 14, 2026

Key Takeaways

  • OnDeck for 625+ credit scores cheaper, more transparent, reports to business credit bureaus.
  • CAN Capital only for 500-624 credit one of few MCA providers accepting scores below 625.
  • OnDeck factor rate 1.10-1.35 vs CAN Capital 1.15-1.45 roughly $5,000 cheaper on $50K advance.
  • Neither fits every business check SBA 7(a) and equipment financing before committing to either.
  • CAN Capital has longer track record operating since 1998 vs OnDeck 2006.

OnDeck and CAN Capital are both long-established names in small business lending, but they compete on very different strengths. OnDeck wins on transparency and predictable pricing. CAN Capital wins on accessibility for borrowers with bad credit.

Quick Verdict

Choose OnDeck if your credit score is 625 or higher. OnDeck's transparency, lower effective rates, and business credit reporting make it the clear winner.

Choose CAN Capital only if your credit score is between 500 and 624 (below OnDeck's minimum). CAN Capital is one of the few providers that publicly accepts 500+ credit scores.

Side-by-Side Comparison

| | OnDeck | CAN Capital | |---|---|---| | Product | Term loan / short-term financing | MCA | | Funding range | $5,000 to $250,000 | $2,500 to $250,000 | | Cost | Factor rate 1.10 to 1.35 | Factor rate 1.15 to 1.45 | | Minimum credit | 625 | 500 | | Minimum revenue | $100,000 | $150,000 | | Time in business | 1 year | 6 months | | Funding speed | 1-2 business days | 1-3 business days | | Transparency | High | Moderate |

Cost Comparison

For qualified borrowers (625+ credit), OnDeck typically quotes 1.20-1.30. CAN Capital with the same credit quotes 1.30-1.40.

On a $50,000 advance:

  • OnDeck at 1.25: $62,500 total repayment
  • CAN Capital at 1.35: $67,500 total repayment

$5,000 difference for the same money. If you qualify at OnDeck, that's money you should keep.

When CAN Capital Is Your Only Option

Credit scores 500-624:

  • OnDeck will decline (625 minimum)
  • Kabbage will decline (640)
  • Fundbox will decline (600)

CAN Capital publicly accepts 500+. Rapid Finance also accepts 500. Credibly accepts 550.

For credit scores 625+, OnDeck is almost always the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OnDeck or CAN Capital cheaper?
OnDeck. $50K at OnDeck factor 1.25 costs $62,500 vs $67,500 at CAN Capital 1.35.
When should I use CAN Capital over OnDeck?
Only when your credit score is below OnDeck's 625. CAN Capital accepts 500+.
Do they report to credit bureaus?
OnDeck reports to business credit bureaus. CAN Capital does not consistently.
Which has better transparency?
OnDeck provides clear dollar-cost breakdowns. CAN Capital has drawn some complaints about renewal pricing.
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Disclaimer: The MCA Guide provides free educational content about merchant cash advances. We are not a lender, broker, or financial advisor. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Some links may be affiliate links. Always consult a qualified professional before making business financing decisions.