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Businesses with and without cash flow issues often keep a line of credit handy for unexpected cash flow challenges or expansion opportunities. A business credit line is a flexible and often low-cost way to get short-term financing to cover working capital needs.

If an emergency comes up (say a client pays late, or your equipment needs an expensive repair) or a great opportunity presents itself (to buy inventory at a steep discount, for example, or to take on a rush job for a client) your line of credit may provide the funding you need without having to scramble for a new small business loan. 

Here’s how to choose the right line of credit for your business so you can be ready for almost anything.

What Is a Business Line of Credit?

A small business line of credit can help small business owners maintain consistent access to funds to smooth out the ebb and flow of changes in business expenses and revenues.

Rather than receiving a fixed amount of financing like you would with a loan, a line of credit gives you access to a certain amount of money, which you can borrow from, repay, and borrow from again.

Think of it like you would a credit card: it’s there when you need it.

Business Line of Credit Basics

In this article, we’ll cover several aspects of a business line of credit, including:

• How does a business line of credit work?
• Pros and cons of business lines of credit
• Benefits of a business line of credit
• How to qualify for a business line of credit
• How to get a business line of credit
• When a business line of credit is a good idea
• Best business lines of credit
• Business line of credit vs.business credit card
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How Does a Business Line of Credit Work?

A business line of credit is a flexible loan option for businesses. It may also be referred to as a revolving line of credit. You’re familiar with a line of credit if you use a credit card. It allows you to access funds from your credit line, pay back some or all of it, and access it again. With a line of credit, the business owner decides when, if, and how they will use that borrowed capital.

Interest is typically only charged for the amount of the credit line that is accessed, and interest rates may be fixed or variable. Variable interest rates typically change when interest rates in the economy change. Some lenders charge a draw fee every time you access the credit line.

In addition, there may be an origination fee, annual fee and/or a monthly maintenance fee if you don’t use your line of credit. For any line of credit you consider, you need to carefully read the terms offered to make sure you understand any fees that may be charged.

There will be a specified repayment period, but payments will vary depending on the amount borrowed. With some lines of credit (especially those from traditional banks), there may be a draw period during which you can access funds and make interest-only payments. After that, the business owner may enter a repayment period during which the outstanding balance must be repaid over a specific period of time.

Online lenders, on the other hand, often typically offer short-term lines of credit that fully amortize (or must be paid back) over a shorter time period, often 6-24 months.

Pros and Cons of a Business Line of Credit

A line of credit can give you access to capital when you need it, but there are drawbacks to consider as well.

Benefits of a Business Line of Credit

Here are a few examples of scenarios where your business may benefit from  a business line of credit:

• Your business has seasonal fluctuations—perhaps your sales take a dip in the summer or winter, for example. A line of credit will help during periods of low sales.
• Your clients take weeks (or longer) to pay you for products or services you provide. You might need a line of credit to cover business expenses while you wait to get paid.
• You land a new client and need extra capital to cover the cost of labor and/or supplies. A line of credit can cover expenses during production.
• You have the opportunity to purchase equipment or inventory at a reduced cost. You can cover the bill with your line of credit while you wait for cash flow to catch up.
• You need financing in stages. Let’s say you’re renovating your commercial space. You might need $50,000 now, $7,000 in six months, and another $12,000 next year. A line of credit lets you get the cash you need when you need it rather than paying interest on a lump sum of money you won’t need for a while.

Depending on the type of loan or line of credit, your creditworthiness may be a major factor in determining eligibility. The higher your credit score, the better the terms you’ll get.

If you’re concerned about credit approval due to poor credit, look for loans that consider your annual revenues more than credit.

How to Get a Business Line of Credit

You can apply for a line of credit through a bank or credit union, an online lender, a business loan broker, or through an online marketplace where you’ll be able to shop among various lenders for the best line of credit for your business needs.

When it comes to business line of credit requirements, most lenders will evaluate the following factors during the application process:

• Time in business: Two years or more is ideal but some are more flexible.
• Personal credit scores and/or business credit scores: Lender qualifications vary, but many that check credit history require personal credit scores of 620-650 or higher, and banks usually require credit scores of 680-700+. 
• Revenues: These will be verified via bank statements, financial statements, and/or tax returns.

If you do not have a business bank account, you will likely find it more difficult to qualify. In addition, some lenders will not lend to sole proprietors, so forming a business entity, such as an LLC, S Corp, or C Corp can be helpful. 

Most business lines of credit are unsecured loans which means you don’t have to pledge personal or business assets such as equipment or real estate to qualify. (Some lenders may offer secured LOCs, or may require collateral, but many times these loans are unsecured.)

What Is a Commercial Line of Credit?

A commercial line of credit is simply another term for a business line of credit — they’re the same thing. It’s a pool of money that business owners can borrow from as needed for business purchases, and they typically only pay interest on what they owe. You can only use a commercial line of credit for expenses related to the business, so it’s not meant to be used for personal expenses.

Is There an Easiest Business Line of Credit to Get?

Different lenders have unique eligibility requirements for their borrowers, but an easy business line of credit for you to get is the one you qualify for. You may be able to get a line of credit with a credit score of 600-620, but your options will be limited. Working to increase your credit scores will be your best bet to increase the options you may qualify for. Signing up for multiple net-30 accounts may help you establish and build your business credit over time.

When a Business Line of Credit Is a Good Idea

Similar to most business financing options, the best time to get a line of credit for your business is when your business has healthy revenue and cash flow, rather than when your business is in a cash flow crunch. You’re more likely to qualify for the best terms when your business is in good financial shape and has no cash flow problems.

Remember: you’re only charged interest on the amount you borrow. If you secure a line of credit now you’re not obliged to use it, but it will be there when your business needs some extra capital. 

Pro tip: While a business line of credit can be useful to most business owners, if you are looking for a lump sum of money to fund a one-time project or a long-term project, a small business loan (particularly a term loan) might be a better fit for you than a business line of credit.

Best Business Lines of Credit

You have a wealth of options available to you when it comes to a line of credit. Here are some we recommend checking out.

Business Line of Credit vs. Business Credit Card

A business credit card is technically a line of credit. So why choose one over the other?

If you need cash, such as to pay contractors for remodeling work, a line of credit may be a better option. Also if you need tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, a credit card won’t let you charge that much.

On the other hand, if you need to be able to purchase supplies or equipment at stores and online, a business credit card may be a better fit. Know that credit cards tend to have high interest rates, though some have great 0% interest welcome rates. You’ll want to pay off your balance in full to avoid high charges.

Small Business Lines of Credit vs. Traditional Loans

Small business lines of credit are best for relatively short-term financing. Traditional bank loans and SBA loans are often best suited to medium or long term financing needs. 

On the other hand, lines of credit can be issued by traditional banks and credit unions, or by online lenders. And some banks offer online applications, so the lines can definitely be blurry here!

Secured vs. Unsecured Business Line of Credit

With a secured line of credit, the borrower puts up collateral as a security deposit on the line of credit. Putting up property as real estate as a form of collateral is common, other business assets owned by the business, such as equipment or inventory, may be used as well.

Secured credit lines may be preferred over unsecured lines by a traditional financial institution like a bank or credit union. The lender is taking on less risk, so they may grant a higher credit limit at a lower interest rate for a secured credit line. New businesses or businesses with poor business credit might only qualify for a secured line of credit because of the inherently higher risk associated with a shorter track record or a weak credit profile.

In contrast to a secured line, an unsecured business line of credit does not require specific collateral. Unsecured lines of credit can be more expensive because the lender assumes more risk. Personal and business credit cards are a type of unsecured line of credit. Businesses with many years under their belts and stellar business credit reports are more likely to qualify for unsecured business credit lines at reasonable rates.

What Are the Options for a Secured Business Line of Credit?

Many online lenders provide secured lines of credit that require you to put down collateral to qualify. These online lenders are typically easier to qualify for and apply for than traditional banks, but they often require some type of collateral. Additionally, SBA loans and lines of credit are usually secured, but these can be challenging to qualify for because it has more stringent borrower requirements. Work with Nav to find the best line of credit options for you based on your business details.

Managing Your Small Business Line of Credit

Read the account disclosures to make sure you understand the terms of your LOC. 

• What is the draw period? 
• Is there a draw fee when you use the LOC?
• Is there any annual fee or inactivity fee?
• Can the LOC be closed if you don’t use it? 

When possible, set up automatic payments so you don’t accidentally miss a payment. If you do, it’s possible your LOC will be closed. 

Maximizing the Potential of Your Small Business Line of Credit

One of the best ways to maximize the potential of your small business line of credit is to always think through how you’ll use it to help your business succeed. If you tap it, will that money help you make money? And if so, how? 

If you find your business frequently using a line of credit because sales are dropping, then increasing sales and revenue should be the top priority. But if you can use your LOC as a tool to help your business grow, you can come out ahead.