Or bridge loans, are short-term loans that provide quick capital to cover immediate financial needs until permanent funding is secured or an asset is sold, acting as a “bridge” over temporary cash flow gaps for individuals (like buying a new home before the old one sells) or businesses (covering expenses between funding rounds) While offering speed and flexibility, they are generally more expensive, featuring higher interest rates and fees, and often require collateral, with typical terms ranging from weeks to a few years.