Choosing between a Capital one-time loan and a Capital flex account
The funding options available to you depends on your business profile, location, and eligibility criteria. Capital one-time loans and Capital flex accounts feature transparent pricing and flexible repayment rates based on your business performance.
Before you select a Shopify Capital funding option, review the specific eligibility requirements for Capital one-time loans and Capital flex accounts to understand which options are available to you.
Your initial funding choice doesn't limit future options. As your business grows and your needs change, you might be eligible for different funding types.
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Deciding which funding option to choose
The funding option that's right for your business depends on a number of factors. Review the following considerations when choosing a Shopify Capital funding option.
Funding purpose and timeline
A Capital one-time loan is suitable for the following business needs:
- You have a specific project with a clear return on investment.
- You need one-time funding for predictable expenses.
- Your funding need has a defined timeline and completion date.
A Capital flex account is suitable for the following business needs:
- You have ongoing growth opportunities requiring flexible funding.
- Your funding needs vary by season or business cycles.
- You prefer continuous access to capital for multiple initiatives.
Business growth pattern
A Capital one-time loan is suitable for businesses that are experiencing the following business growth factors:
- You prefer the certainty of fixed fees and payment terms.
- You can clearly project the return on your investment.
A Capital flex account is suitable for businesses that are experiencing the following business growth factors:
- You have variable growth opportunities throughout the year.
- You want continuous access to capital funding.
- You want flexibility to adjust repayments based on performance.
Financial management preference
If you prefer to manage your finances in the following ways, then you can choose a Capital one-time loan:
- You prefer predictable, fixed costs.
- You want to know the total cost upfront.
- You're funding a specific project with measurable return on investment (ROI).
If you prefer to manage your finances in the following ways, then you can choose a Capital flex account:
- You want to pay fees only when you use funding.
- You prefer flexible repayment options, and you value the ability to adjust terms based on business performance.
- You want ongoing access to capital whenever your business needs it.
Comparing Capital one-time loan and Capital flex account features
| Feature | Capital one-time loan | Capital flex account |
|---|---|---|
| Funding access | One-time disbursement | Continuous access up to your borrowing capacity |
| Fee structure | Upfront fixed fee | Monthly percentage on outstanding balance |
| Repayment | Fixed percentage of daily sales | Adjustable repayment rate |
| Additional funding | Renewal after significant repayment | Repayment replenishes your borrowing capacity, with weekly eligibility reviews |
| Early repayment | No penalty, but fee already paid | Fees stop immediately when balance is zero |
| Eligibility requirements | View eligibility requirements | View eligibility requirements |
| Best for | Specific projects with clear ROI (return on investment) | Ongoing growth and flexible funding needs |
| Cost predictability | Fixed total cost known upfront | Variable cost based on usage and timing |