For many small- and medium-sized business owners, especially in the early stages, it can be convenient to use a single bank account for everything. Personal expenses, business income, vendor payments, and owner draws all flow through the same place. While this approach may seem harmless, it is one of the most common reasons lenders delay or deny funding requests. From a lender's perspective, clean financial separation is not a preference; it is a requirement. Mixing personal and business finances introduces risks, uncertainties, and credibility issues that directly affect funding approval. How Lenders Evaluate Your Business Financials When lenders review a funding application, they are not just looking at revenue. They are assessing risk, predictability, and professionalism. Key questions they are trying to answer include: Can this business clearly demonstrate its cash flow Is the business financially independent from the owner Do the financial statements accurately reflect...