The Merchants & Citizens Bank

This is a local bank that offers SBA loan programs and small business financing solutions. You can find assistance with funding your business growth, equipment purchases, or working capital needs.

It's recommended to schedule an appointment to ensure dedicated time with a loan officer, but walk-ins are also welcome during business hours.

The Merchants & Citizens Bank lobby is open Monday through Thursday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Drive-thru hours are Monday through Thursday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, and Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Confirm current hours with the bank.

There are no fees for visiting or consulting; however, loan application and processing fees may apply depending on the financing requested.

This bank primarily serves local residents and small business owners within the region, but they also welcome out-of-area applicants with qualifying businesses.

A minimum personal credit score of around 640 is typically preferred, though higher scores improve approval chances.

The underwriting process usually takes approximately 30 to 45 days, depending on the complexity of the loan and completeness of documentation.

Most banks keep weekday business hours and are closed on weekends, and The Merchants & Citizens 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 The Merchants & Citizens Bank to confirm current weekend availability before you go.

The Merchants & Citizens Bank is located at the address listed on this page — 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.

This page is an independent directory listing for The Merchants & Citizens Bank, an SBA-participating bank. It is maintained by SBA Lenders USA to help borrowers compare lenders — not by The Merchants & Citizens Bank itself, which runs its own lending under its own ownership. If you work at The Merchants & Citizens Bank, you can claim this listing from this page to manage it.

The core details for The Merchants & Citizens 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 The Merchants & Citizens Bank before applying. If you represent The Merchants & Citizens Bank, claim this listing to keep its information up to date.

You can reach The Merchants & Citizens Bank by phone at (229) 868-5656 or online at merchantsandcitizensbank.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 The Merchants & Citizens Bank before relying on them.

Like most SBA lenders, The Merchants & Citizens Bank can finance a broad range of small businesses — common categories include professional services, healthcare practices, restaurants and franchises, retail, light manufacturing, and commercial real estate. Each bank sets its own industry preferences and may avoid sectors it considers higher risk. Ask The Merchants & Citizens Bank directly which industries it actively lends to before you apply.

SBA Express offers lines of credit and term loans up to $500,000 with a faster turnaround than standard 7(a) loans. Whether The Merchants & Citizens Bank participates in SBA Express depends on its specific SBA lending authority. Contact The Merchants & Citizens Bank and ask if it offers SBA Express and what the current limits and terms look like for your situation.

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. The Merchants & Citizens Bank can confirm its current PLP standing — ask before you apply if speed matters to you.

The SBA does fund start-ups, but many traditional lenders prefer at least two years of operating history and may ask newer ventures for a larger equity injection or stronger collateral. The Merchants & Citizens Bank's appetite for start-ups is set by its own credit policy. If you are early-stage or pre-revenue, ask The Merchants & Citizens Bank directly whether it considers start-up loans.

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 The Merchants & Citizens Bank what down payment it expects for your specific commercial real estate purchase.

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 The Merchants & Citizens Bank to spell out any prepayment penalties before you sign.

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 The Merchants & Citizens Bank to confirm it qualifies and how to document it.

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. The Merchants & Citizens Bank weighs this case by case under its own policy, so be upfront about your history and ask The Merchants & Citizens Bank how it evaluates prior bankruptcies.