New Square Loan in 2024

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I’m at a bit of a loss for what else I need to do to be offered a new Square Loan at this point. I’ve been with Square for over 10 years, had 7 loans now that I’ve have paid back early every single time. Metrics are all in green, record sales year. In 2023, record numbers across the board, no refunds, no complaints or issues of any kind in our entire history. Current loan is 80% paid off, but no new offer in site. This is the kind of stuff that causes businesses to find someone else to process through! Please help! I’m sure I’ll get the same old excuses that you guys send to everyone about looking at every aspect of the business. But there isn’t a single aspect that isn’t way up. I’m not sure if there is a new process they are using now, or if there is some kind of issue with my banking or something else I’m not thinking about or aware of. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks, because I could really use some new capital to start the year off with and reinvest into my business!

[Stacelyn24 · Accepted solution]

I'm really sorry to hear about your frustration with the loan offers. I understand how important it is to feel valued, especially as a loyal customer. Let me try to address your concerns and provide some clarity.

Loan Offers and Qualification Parameters

Square’s loan offers are based on a variety of factors, and while past trends have shown offers at certain thresholds, the exact parameters can change over time and are not always disclosed in detail. Here are a few points to consider:

• Dynamic Criteria: Square uses a complex set of algorithms that take into account not just the repayment percentage but also your recent sales history, account health, and overall business performance.
• Market Conditions: External market conditions and internal policy changes can also impact when and how loan offers are extended.

Value Beyond Transaction Fees

I understand that a 3% card transaction fee can seem high compared to other providers, but Square offers several features and benefits that help justify this cost:

• Integrated Ecosystem: Square provides a comprehensive suite of tools that work seamlessly together, from point-of-sale systems to online stores, invoicing, and inventory management.
• Ease of Use: The user-friendly interface and intuitive design make managing your business simpler and more efficient, saving you time and reducing the need for extensive training.
• Reliable Support: Square offers robust customer support and resources to help you resolve issues quickly and keep your business running smoothly.
• Secure Transactions: Advanced security measures protect your business and customers from fraud and data breaches.
• Analytics and Reporting: Detailed analytics and reporting tools help you understand your business performance and make informed decisions.

I understand the disappointment regarding the loan offer, please know that Square regularly reviews its criteria and your status. I recommend reaching out to Square’s customer support for a more personalized review of your account and to express your concerns directly.

[TheRealChipA · Accepted solution]

Good news, bad news, eh @cmeshine.  There are a number of reasons that COULD be part of why your new offer was lower.

1. Square might be slowing down on how much loan exposure they want to have on their balance sheet.  They are, after all, a publicly traded company that has to answer to their shareholders and investors.
2. If our sales are flat or at least not growing at a good rate to cover inflation and higher interest, then Square’s algorithm understands that inflation is eating into our available cash to pay bills, etc.  Flat sales (or very slowly growing sales) are always red flags to lenders, Square or not.
3. Sometimes how long it takes us to pay off our current loans can be a factor.  Let’s say that previous loans were paid off with automatic payments in 8-10 months in the past.  But for this current loan it took us 12-15 months.  That tells Square that our card processing volume can’t keep you with higher loan amounts.  Yes, they give us 18 months to fully pay a loan, but they obviously prefer that we pay them off closer to the 12 month mark.
4. If our cash/card ratio drastically changes, and cash spikes or is consistently higher than historical for our business, that is another red flag.  Since Square must only consider card volume when calculating repayment rates this can become a problem.

Of course, I’m not saying that any of these contributed to your lower offer.  I’m just throwing out a few reasons why this CAN happen.

[Twpchair · Accepted solution]

Congratulations! I am sorry it's lower than expected but you are correct about daily swiping vs not. That's one of the metrics. I'm retail furniture and I process daily. If 90.00 or 900.00 a swipe is a swipe and they each add up at the end of the day. Hopefully, the next offer will go up! I don't know if the algorithm picks up how your business processes I hope it will or maybe that's something that should be addressed to square. You are not alone and a big market for venues and events. The same goes for contractors who send out invoices and how fast the customer pays. Congratulations on at least getting one and thanks for the update and details about it.

[Twpchair · Accepted solution]

Hello, I apologize I've tried 3-4 to reply, and the boom screen locks up, then under maintenance. Not a good few days on here! When I get to your percentage especially, if I run a sale Thurs-Sun and do 10% off storewide, I use Facebook and Google for this. They are powered tools and are free. I take loads of pictures and post a few times a day with sneak peeks of new arrivals, older furniture, floor models, etc, with further markdown. Our business neighbors have a doughnut and bakery store. I usually get 20-25.00 worth of baked goods and now I would do hot cider and coffee. They or we give each other deals. I post the events that going on. Coloring contest for the kids, pumpkin coloring contest. A gift certificate live drawing on Saturday. All week prior I posted daily on both and boosted some of the posts for 9.95 for 5 days usually in a 100-mile radius and these women came. Last Saturday we tripled to very close to 4x our busiest day. I spent roughly 60-75.00 dollars. It jumps you up and in sales and this is just imo that boost kicks in something in the algorithm again imo. I went back and looked and 85% of my offers were Saturday night usually 7-10 pm after I updated. Thurs is another day again I have done Monday -Wed early bird specials and it kicks it in. I'm retail furniture and it is a little easier to do sales and deals than other industries. Just don't forget the power of free advertising for myself 95% of my first customers are women and then they bring in their spouses. Good luck, I hope you have received a loan offer by now! Hopefully, all the bugs will be worked out.

[PFS36]

I tell ya, the restaurant business is tough these days.  We've been in it since 2015 .

[Twpchair]

It is here as well. I have noticed more fast food closing than mom and pops, though. I'm really curious to see what happens with our minimum wage going up to 15.00. I know for myself, I'll be working more (as if that's possible) so will my husband and family chipping in on the weekends. 

[PFS36]

It's been quiet on here. Hoping everyone is getting great news.

[Healthyketo]

I think it’s just all of us coming to grips that we may never be offered a loan again. Lol

[PFS36]

I think you're right! Lol

[Paulynne]

This seems to be an unexperienced phenomenon in Square loan history. I’ve never seen this many people paid off with no offer. I think the program might be oversaturated.

[PFS36]

Maybe there's a glitch and they just need to smack the side of the main computer so it will act right lol

[Paulynne]

😂

[BodyLabPhilly]

Non surgical body contouring 

[Toripori]

Still waiting, UK based Cookie biz, been paid off since April and compared to when my first loan was offered I’m up although I cannot see my metrics to see what needs improvement etc, square have told me that’s normal and I’ll see them when I’m closer to being offered a loan…….doesn’t sound right to me but I shall plod on!

[locksmithnick]

Been waiting since April?! I’d probably move on at this point… 

Did you not meet the minimum payment requirements or something?

[Toripori]

Beat them within the first 10 days every time first loan offered was in my opinion large at £25,100! Would of thought as we are already 20k above where we were last an offer would be incoming but absolutely nothing!

[Healthyketo]

Sales have been great today and we had an awesome day yesterday as well. We beat sales for the week already  we are up for the day & for the month all green metrics. 🙏 haven’t been updated today yet so I’m hoping that good ole algorithm picks me today! Good luck everyone waiting! 

[jackiebee12]

fingers crossed for you!!

[jackiebee12]

We had a really busy day today. 248% up from the previous Sunday and made it to 91% paid off. I owe less than $3000 at this point on my current loan. I always stay in the green but mine updated at 2:10pm central and still not eligible. 😫

[Healthyketo]

I’m up 267% today paid off all good metrics and updated today at 2:18pm and no offer. Yesterday was a good day as well. I don’t get it anymore. 

[PFS36]

Nothing here, either.  It's one heckava waiting game. I wonder is they have admins that read our grievances? 

[CGreens]

95% paid no new offer 😞

[locksmithnick]

More details would be nice when you guys post these updates. 

How many loans have you had? Are your sales up or down? What type of industry are you in? Do you also have the Square Credit Card? Etc….

[PFS36]

87% , Sales metrics green, 2nd loan, 15500, 5 months into loan, update all in green "good" , restaurant.  Updated at 2:36p cst today.  No card.  Sales up 140% but mostly cash. 

[BWcreamery]

11 days paid off. All green metrics here too!

In the ice cream industry and pretty much exactly where I was last year (like 5% lower) but just had a local news special air 2 weeks ago so we are closing that gap, last few weeks have been extremely busy. 

No square credit card. It is nice getting all of my sales right now though instead of only 84%.  I have some ideas to help us grow that take money to make money we will see! I can’t believe some of yall have been waiting so long! Praying for yall!