How to Get a Business Line of Credit

A business line of credit can help you cover ongoing business expenses and manage your cash flow. Unlike business loans that provide one-time, lump-sum funding, business lines of credit provide access to funds on an as-needed, revolving basis. This flexibility can help streamline your finances and cover necessary costs as your business grows. 

If you’re thinking about applying for a business line of credit, here’s how they work, what you’ll need to apply and how to compare options. 

What is a business line of credit?

Business lines of credit are a type of financing offered to business owners by banks, credit unions and online lenders. They’re often used to help reduce cash flow hiccups, grow inventory and cover payroll as a business hires new employees to meet growing demand. 

How a business line of credit works 

A business line of credit is a revolving credit line that you can repeatedly draw on and pay off on an ongoing basis. This means you can borrow as little or as much as you need up to your limit, and you’ll repay the borrowed amount plus interest. Repayment periods for business credit lines vary depending on your lender and could be as short as a few months or as long as five years. 

While this type of funding works similarly to a business credit card, some key differences exist. Business credit cards often — though not always — have higher interest rates than business lines of credit. And business lines of credit might offer more flexibility.

Business lines of credit can be either secured or unsecured. With a secured credit line, you must pledge an asset as collateral in case you default. For instance, your credit line could be secured by a commercial building you own or a certificate of deposit (CD). Because this is less risky for the lender, secured credit lines can have lower interest rates and higher borrowing amounts compared to unsecured lines. 

On the other hand, unsecured credit lines don’t require collateral, though you’ll likely need to make a personal guarantee to qualify. A personal guarantee states that your lender can take your personal assets if you default on your business credit line. 

Which is right for you? Business loan vs. business line of credit

4 steps to get a business line of credit 

1. Determine your eligibility

Eligibility criteria for a business line of credit can vary by lender. However, most require good personal credit (or excellent business credit). Your business must also have been in operation for a minimum amount of time (typically at least six months to two years), and it must generate sufficient annual revenue — often at least $100,000, though some lenders have lower requirements.

Understanding your personal and business credit as well as having a good handle on your business history and finances, is essential. 

2. Research lenders and narrow down your options

Once you’ve considered your eligibility, it’s time to research lenders and narrow down your options. Consider how much you want to borrow and your ideal repayment term as well as lender fees and requirements. 

Use this information to help guide your search and find the best business line of credit for your situation. 

3. Gather documentation and apply

Lenders often require up to two years of business tax returns and might also ask for personal tax returns as well. In addition, you’ll need to provide articles of incorporation, business bank statements, profit and loss data, and other documents to verify your business’s health. Collecting this documentation before you start an application for a business line of credit could save you time. 

Once you’ve gathered the necessary documentation, you can move forward with the application process of your chosen lender. Some lenders offer online applications, but others might require you to apply over the phone or in person. 

4. Get access to your funds

If approved, you can then begin drawing funds from your business credit line. When you draw on it, the funds will be disbursed to an account of your choosing. You’ll then repay the amount of money you’ve used plus interest over an agreed-upon term. 

How to compare the best business lines of credit

To find the best business line of credit for your situation, research and compare the following factors:

• Interest rates: Rates for business credit lines vary by lender. Additionally, having good to excellent credit generally means qualifying for lower rates. 
• Credit limits: Different lenders may offer different credit line limits. Consider whether you’ll benefit most from a small or large credit line.
• Repayment terms: You’ll typically have a few months to a few years to repay what you borrow on a business line of credit. Choosing the shortest term you can afford can help keep your interest costs as low as possible.
• Fees: Some lenders charge fees on business lines of credit, such as origination fees, annual fees, inactivity fees and prepayment penalties. All of these can increase your overall borrowing costs.
• Eligibility requirements: Some lenders may require good or excellent credit to qualify for a business line of credit while others might accept a lower credit score. Also look into other requirements, such as how long your business must have been in operation and how much annual revenue it must generate.