Also known as: Live Oak Bank
Live Oak Bank is a federally chartered bank based in Wilmington, North Carolina, that focuses almost entirely on small business lending, particularly through SBA loan programs. It is consistently ranked among the top SBA lenders in the United States by loan volume.
SBA loans are business loans that are partially guaranteed by the US Small Business Administration, a government agency. Because the government backs a portion of the loan, banks like Live Oak are able to offer longer repayment terms and, in many cases, lower interest rates than conventional business loans. The tradeoff is that the application process involves more paperwork and typically takes longer than a standard bank loan or online loan. SBA 7(a) loans can be used for a wide range of purposes including working capital, equipment purchases and real estate. SBA 504 loans are specifically designed for purchasing major fixed assets like commercial real estate or large equipment.
Live Oak Bank also offers USDA business loans for eligible rural businesses. It operates primarily as a digital bank, meaning most customers interact with it remotely rather than through physical branches.
What makes Live Oak distinctive is its industry-specific approach. It has developed deep expertise in lending to particular sectors, including veterinary practices, dental practices, independent pharmacies, insurance agencies, breweries, funeral homes and many others. If your business falls into one of these verticals, Live Oak may offer loan products and terms that are tailored to the financial characteristics of your industry.
Live Oak Bank operates across the United States. If you are considering an SBA loan, it is worth comparing Live Oak's products against those offered by other SBA-preferred lenders and your local bank.
Quick info
Business Loans
Live Oak Bank
Live Oak Bancshares, Inc.
FDIC-insured.
2026-06-06
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SBA loans; USDA loans; business term loans; business deposit accounts
Additional notes
Known as a leading SBA lender. Products are often tailored to specific industries. Applicants should enquire about industry-specific loan programmes.Review scores are third-party public indicators only. They are not a recommendation or endorsement by Ask Fin and are not a measure of product suitability for your circumstances.
No review data available for this company.
Source URLs
Date checked
2026-06-06
How do I make a complaint about Live Oak Bank?
Start with Live Oak Bank's internal complaints process. If unresolved, you can submit a complaint to the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Depending on the type of company, your state attorney general or banking regulator may also be relevant.
Is Live Oak Bank regulated in the US?
Use the NMLS Consumer Access tool at nmlsconsumeraccess.org to check licensing. For banks, check the FDIC BankFind Suite. For credit unions, check the NCUA Credit Union Locator. Ask Fin includes regulatory reference numbers where publicly available.
How do I find Live Oak Bank's official contact details?
Always use the contact details on the company's official website. Do not use numbers or emails received in unsolicited calls or messages. Verify the website by checking the NMLS or FDIC/NCUA databases if in doubt.
What should I do if I think Live Oak Bank has treated me unfairly?
Document everything in writing. Contact the company's complaints team first. If not resolved, submit a complaint to the CFPB or your state attorney general. The NFCC (1-800-388-2227) can provide free guidance for debt-related issues.
Where can I get free help with a Live Oak Bank issue?
Contact the CFPB (consumerfinance.gov), call 211 for local resources, or contact the NFCC (nfcc.org or 1-800-388-2227) for debt and budget help. For legal issues, Legal Services Corporation (lsc.gov) provides free legal aid.
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