What Is a Business Line of Credit?

A business line of credit gives you access to cash whenever you need it and is an extremely flexible financing option. This type of loan allows you to draw cash from your credit limit as you need it, and only pay interest on what you use.

With revolving lines of credit, more cash will become available as you pay it down. Unlike selling equity, getting a small business loan allows you to maintain business ownership, profits and full control. Business lines of credit are the perfect financing tool when your business is in growth mode and you need access to funds.

You can also use it to bridge cash flow gaps during seasonal slumps, or as a rainy-day fund. There are no restrictions on how you can use it—you can use a business line of credit to cover any costs or opportunities you face.

​

How Does a Business Line of Credit Work?

Business lines of credit function like credit cards, but with a different structure that’s better suited for small business owners. They’re also better for tax purposes—you can write off interest on a credit line, but not for a personal credit card.

After qualifying for a business line of credit, you’ll receive a total credit limit. You can draw as much or as little as you need from that total limit in any number of installments, and you’re under no obligation to use the full amount.

You can continue to access additional cash as you pay it down. Instead of paying interest on the full credit limit, you’ll only pay interest on what you take. Depending on your lender, you may have a non utilization fee, and may have to pay for the line if you don’t use it. Before signing an agreement, be sure to ask for clear information about any fees. Avoid any agreements without clear, transparent information.

​

How Does a Revolving Line of Credit Work?

Unlike small business loans, revolving lines of credit work by allowing you to continue accessing additional funds as you pay your balance down and require more cash. In other words, it is a type of loan in which the user can borrow up to their credit again once the debt is repaid. 

Some business lines of credit are revolving, while others aren’t. When you discuss the terms of your agreement, be sure to ask questions and confirm whether or not your line of credit is revolving. Revolving lines of credit are the fastest and easiest way to access additional cash as your business grows. Once you pay down part of the balance, you can draw more cash without reapplying. It’s simple, fast, and easy, and your working capital won’t be limited to your checking account.

For example, say you qualify for a $100,000 line of credit. You borrow the full $100,000, and use the cash to grow your business. You then pay down $50,000 using the revenue you generate, putting both your balance and credit limit at $50,000. With $50,000 paid down, you now have the option to borrow an additional $50,000. There’s no set end date, either. As long as you keep your credit line active, or continue drawing and paying it down, you can utilize an LOC for months, or even years. If you’re not actively using it, though, your small business line may expire.

​

The Difference Between a Line of Credit and Small Business Loan

What’s the difference between a line of credit and a small business loan? Both provide your business with the cash you need to grow, but the way these products are structured is different. When you apply for a small business loan, you receive the full amount you qualify for in one lump sum deposit.

A line of credit, on the other hand, offers more flexibility than most loans and cash advances. Instead, you have the option to draw cash in increments, and continue drawing more until you reach your credit limit. Typically, lines of credit have lower interest rates and closing costs, which can make them more cost-effective. Small business loans are the better choice when you’re taking on a huge project with defined expenses. Lines of credit, however, can be better as a flexible backup to cover unexpected costs, or as a backup for your bank account.

​

Secured Vs. Unsecured Business Line of Credit

A business line of credit can either be secured or unsecured. The difference depends on whether or not your lender requires you to put up collateral.

Secured lines of credit are backed by collateral, while unsecured credit lines are not. To lower their risk, some lenders require that borrowers put up collateral, such as real estate, receivables, inventory, equipment, or their home.

However, putting up your home as collateral puts both your personal and business lives at risk. For this reason, it’s usually not a wise choice. Backing your financing with collateral simply gives the lender confidence in the event you default. Years ago, it was difficult for a small business owner to qualify for an unsecured line of credit, especially through traditional lenders.

Through the new world of online lending, small business owners can qualify for multiple unsecured line of credit options and compare rates. While they don’t require collateral, unsecured options may have slightly higher rates due to the lender’s increased risk.

By putting up collateral and opting for a secured line of credit, you may qualify for a higher approval. That being said, you can usually still qualify for a competitive unsecured line of credit based only on your annual sales—even with personal credit challenges.

​

Business Credit Cards Vs. Business Line of Credit

What’s the difference between business credit cards and business lines of credit? Fundamentally, credit cards and lines of credit are similar—they give you the ability to handle expenses when you need to.

Both financing products only charge interest on what you use, rather than your total credit limit, but the interest is structured differently. However, a business line of credit is the ideal option for your small business if you’re growing or solving challenges and you need a lower-cost solution.

Usually, only about 3% of your minimum monthly credit card payment goes toward principal. Over time, this can add up to be quite expensive. Lines of credit, on the other hand, typically have lower interest rates and better amortization schedules. Overall, this normally adds up to a lower total cost.

Credit cards are primarily transactional, meaning you can only use them to make purchases. It’s possible to borrow cash using a credit card, but this can be expensive. On the other hand, lines of credit give you the ability to instantly draw cash as you cover expenses and manage working capital.

If you’re debating between getting a credit card vs. a business line of credit, you should also consider fees. Some credit cards involve hefty interest rates. In most cases, these costs will outweigh the draw fees you may or may not pay with a line of credit. If you opt for a business line of credit, you won’t accrue rewards like you would with a credit card.

However, you can maximize the value of both financing options by spending with your credit card to accumulate rewards, then paying the balance down with a line of credit.

​

Can You Use a Business Line of Credit for Anything?

Lines of credit are intended to be flexible financing options custom-tailored to your needs. You can use them to cover expenses that are weighing your business down, or pursue exciting new growth opportunities. There are no restrictions on how you must spend this money— you can put it toward any expenses. Some of the most common ways that businesses utilize this business financing option include:

​

Grow Your Business:

Ramp up your business and cover the expenses needed to expand hiring, payroll, take on new jobs, and more.

​

Operating Costs:

Always have cash on hand for rent, utilities, and other costs required to keep your business going on a day-to-day basis.

​

Marketing Campaigns:

Drum up new business and take on more customers with additional marketing campaigns in the mix.

​

Seasonal Slow Periods:

Get the capital you need to keep your business moving during seasonal slow periods.

​

Inventory or Supplies:

Purchase additional inventory or supplies to capitalize on busy periods and new opportunities.

​

Payroll:

Keep a reservoir of funding to cover the costs of payroll, especially with slow-paying clients.

​

Access to a line of credit is like having cash on demand. The second you need cash, you can draw from your line of credit and get things moving.
You may also have to provide a personal guarantee, which is standard with most types of business financing, and is similar to a personal guarantee you already have with your credit cards.

​

Access to a line of credit is like having cash on demand. The second you need cash, you can draw from your line of credit and get things moving.
You may also have to provide a personal guarantee, which is standard with most types of business financing, and is similar to a personal guarantee you already have with your credit cards.

​

​