Cardiff vs. National Funding

The short version

Cardiff and National Funding both serve the fair-credit, recent-revenue space that banks ignore. Cardiff goes lower on credit (470 vs 580) and offers zero-down financing as their signature product. National Funding goes higher on loan amount ($500K vs $250K) and has a longer track record (since 1999 vs 2004). Both have A+ BBB ratings. Both require relatively low time in business (6 months). The decision hinges on credit score, loan size, and whether you have cash for a down payment.

Where each one wins

Cardiff is the better pick if you

• Have credit below 580 (National Funding will not approve)
• Cannot put any money down (Cardiff's $0 down is their core feature)
• Need a smaller loan under $250K
• Have annual revenue between $100K and $250K (below National Funding's minimum)
• Want approval in hours rather than days

National Funding is the better pick if you

• Need a larger loan between $250K and $500K (above Cardiff's cap)
• Have credit in the 580-650 range with strong revenue
• Can put 10-20% down comfortably
• Want the rate benefit of an older, more established lender
• Are in an industry where National Funding has long tenure (trucking, construction, manufacturing)

Rate comparison

For borrowers in the 640-680 credit range with $250K+ revenue, National Funding typically prices in the 14-22% APR range, while Cardiff's zero-down programs typically run 18-26% in the same credit range. The Cardiff premium is the cost of financing 100% of equipment value without any equity down. For 580-640 credit, National Funding pushes into 18-28% range, while Cardiff's similar tier reaches 20-35%. National Funding is generally cheaper at the higher credit tier; Cardiff is the only realistic option below 580.

Fees matter as much as rate

National Funding's 2-5% origination fee is significant. On a $100,000 loan, that is $2,000 to $5,000 added to your cost, paid upfront or financed into the loan. Cardiff does not publish their origination fees, which is a transparency issue, but customer reports suggest they are typically in the 1-3% range. Before signing with either, ask for the full fee schedule in writing including origination, documentation, UCC filing, and any prepayment penalty terms.

What both will not do

Neither Cardiff nor National Funding finance pure cash-out working capital. They are equipment lenders, which means the loan must be tied to a specific equipment purchase with vendor invoice or quote. If you need general working capital, you are looking at the wrong product. Look at SBA 7(a), business lines of credit, or revenue-based financing instead.