Merchants and Planters Bank
Merchants and Planters Bank is an active SBA lender in Arkansas, a bank offering SBA-guaranteed small-business loans. Currently rated 4.1 stars across 31 Google reviews.
$7M
in SBA approvals since 2012
16
SBA loans funded
Food Manufacturing & Processing · E-Commerce & Online Retail · Hotels & Lodging
Top industries financed
Source: U.S. SBA 7(a) & 504 FOIA loan-approval records (FY2010–present).
About Merchants and Planters Bank
Merchants and Planters Bank offers comprehensive SBA lending services tailored to small businesses seeking financial support for growth, expansion, or operational needs. With a focus on personalized service, the bank specializes in SBA 7(a) loans, providing flexible financing options up to $158,000 to help entrepreneurs achieve their goals. Located in Newport, Arkansas, this community-oriented bank understands local market dynamics and offers expertise in various industries, including retail, manufacturing, and services. Their team guides clients through the application process, ensuring clarity and efficiency from start to finish. Whether you're a startup or an established business, they provide tailored solutions to meet your unique needs, emphasizing quick approval times and competitive terms. The bank's commitment to supporting small businesses is reflected in their strong SBA program history and dedication to fostering local economic growth.
Industries Merchants and Planters Bank finances
Business types Merchants and Planters Bank actively lends to, from its SBA loan history. Tap one to see every lender serving it.
Common questions about Merchants and Planters Bank
What is this place and what can I find here?
This is a community-focused commercial bank offering SBA lending services, including 7(a) loans, to support small businesses in the Newport area. You can find personalized financial guidance and access to funding solutions tailored to your business needs. The bank specializes in helping entrepreneurs secure capital for growth, expansion, and operational expenses with competitive terms and local expertise.
Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?
It is recommended to schedule an appointment to ensure dedicated time with a loan officer, but walk-ins are also welcome during business hours. Calling ahead can help you prepare and streamline the process for your SBA loan application.
What are the hours of operation?
The bank operates Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It is advisable to contact the branch directly for any special hours or holiday schedules.
Is there a fee to use this?
There are standard fees associated with SBA loans, including application and closing costs. Specific fee details depend on the loan size and terms, and can be discussed with a loan officer during the application process.
Who is this open to — anyone, or only residents/members?
This bank primarily serves small business owners in the local community, but eligibility for SBA loans is based on business qualifications rather than residency alone. Non-residents with qualifying businesses may also be considered.
What minimum personal credit score does this bank look for in a guarantor?
Typically, a minimum personal credit score of 640 is preferred, but higher scores can improve the chances of approval and better loan terms.
How long does the traditional underwriting process take from start to close?
The underwriting process generally takes between 30 to 45 days, depending on the completeness of your application and the complexity of your financial situation.
Is this open on weekends?
Most banks keep weekday business hours and are closed on weekends, and Merchants and Planters Bank typically follows the same pattern. SBA lending staff are generally reachable Monday through Friday. A few locations offer Saturday or by-appointment hours, so call Merchants and Planters Bank to confirm current weekend availability before you go.
How do I get there and where do I park?
Merchants and Planters Bank is located in Arkansas — see the contact card for the full address. Most bank locations offer free on-site or nearby street parking for visitors. For exact directions, the entrance, and accessible parking, use the listed address or call ahead and staff can point you to visitor spaces.
Who owns or operates this listing?
This page is an independent directory listing for Merchants and Planters Bank, an SBA-participating bank. It is maintained by SBA Lenders USA to help borrowers compare lenders — not by Merchants and Planters Bank itself, which runs its own lending under its own ownership. If you work at Merchants and Planters Bank, you can claim this listing from this page to manage it.
How current is the information on this page?
The core details for Merchants and Planters Bank — name, location, contact, and lender type — are compiled from public records and reviewed periodically. Rates, programs, credit policies, and hours change often and are not guaranteed here, so always confirm the latest terms directly with Merchants and Planters Bank before applying. If you represent Merchants and Planters Bank, claim this listing to keep its information up to date.
How do I contact this listing directly?
You can reach Merchants and Planters Bank by phone at (870) 523-9831 or online at mandpbank.com — the details are in the contact card on this page. For SBA loans specifically, ask for their business lending or SBA department. Treat this directory page as a starting point and confirm hours and contact details with Merchants and Planters Bank before relying on them.
What core industries does this commercial bank traditionally choose to finance?
Based on its approved SBA loans, Merchants and Planters Bank most often finances businesses in general retail. This reflects Merchants and Planters Bank's real SBA 7(a) and 504 lending history rather than a stated policy — it can still consider other industries and sets its own current preferences, so confirm with Merchants and Planters Bank which sectors it actively lends to before you apply.
Can I apply for an SBA Express line of credit at this branch?
SBA Express offers lines of credit and term loans up to $500,000 with a faster turnaround than standard 7(a) loans. Whether Merchants and Planters Bank participates in SBA Express depends on its specific SBA lending authority. Contact Merchants and Planters Bank and ask if it offers SBA Express and what the current limits and terms look like for your situation.
Does this bank have Preferred Lender Provider status with the government?
SBA Preferred Lender Program (PLP) status lets a lender approve loans in-house without sending each one to the SBA first, which usually means faster decisions. Many established banks hold PLP status, but it varies by institution. Merchants and Planters Bank can confirm its current PLP standing — ask before you apply if speed matters to you.
Are start-up companies eligible for financing at this traditional institution?
Merchants and Planters Bank serves businesses starting new ventures and offers SBA Guaranteed Loans for this purpose. Please confirm directly with the bank regarding specific eligibility requirements and collateral terms.
What are the typical down payment expectations for commercial real estate acquisitions?
For SBA 7(a) and 504 commercial real estate loans, borrowers typically contribute around 10% to 20% as a down payment or equity injection, depending on the property and the deal. Exact requirements vary with your credit, the business, and the lender's policy. Ask Merchants and Planters Bank what down payment it expects for your specific commercial real estate purchase.
Does this bank impose prepayment penalties on short-term working capital facilities?
SBA 7(a) loans with terms under 15 years generally carry no prepayment penalty, while longer real estate loans can have one in the early years. Short-term working capital lines often have no penalty, but terms vary by lender. Review your loan agreement and ask Merchants and Planters Bank to spell out any prepayment penalties before you sign.
Can I use loan proceeds from this bank to buy out an existing equity partner?
SBA loans can be used for a partner or owner buyout, including buying out an existing equity partner, when the deal is structured to meet SBA rules — for example, the remaining owner generally must stay actively involved. Approval depends on the specifics, so discuss your buyout plan with Merchants and Planters Bank to confirm it qualifies and how to document it.
Will historical personal bankruptcies automatically disqualify my loan application here?
A past personal bankruptcy does not automatically disqualify you from an SBA loan. Lenders look at how long ago it was discharged, the circumstances, and how your credit has recovered since. Merchants and Planters Bank weighs this case by case under its own policy, so be upfront about your history and ask Merchants and Planters Bank how it evaluates prior bankruptcies.


