Page written by Chris Godfrey. Last reviewed on November 27, 2024. Next review due April 1, 2025.
Ideal for businesses that want maximum financial flexibility, a business line of credit can give you all the funds you need when you need them, lower your borrowing costs, and provide perfect peace of mind.
A business line of credit – also known as a revolving line of credit – is a business loan that functions like a high-value business credit card. Unlike a standard term loan, where you get all the cash in one lump sum, revolving credit lines allow businesses to withdraw as much as they want – up to their credit limit – from a floating loan account.
The key benefit of this type of borrowing is that you only pay interest on the amount you withdraw, not the whole credit line. This can significantly reduce your finance costs while giving you reassurance that extra funds are available if and when you need them. Businesses typically pay the line back with regular payments, or by transferring funds from their business bank account to the credit line as their cash flow allows.
Important note: Business credit lines can often be obtained on an unsecured basis. However, if your business is very young or your credit history is limited, collateral may be required.
Although every lender will have their own qualifying criteria, getting a business line of credit is usually decided by several key metrics: How long your business has been operating, your credit history (business and personal), your business bank account data, annual turnover, financial history and the strength of your business plan. Let’s look at these important factors in more detail:
The longer your business has been operating, the better. Many lenders like to see proof of at least two years of solid operation, although some online lenders have more relaxed rules on this requirement and may provide a line of credit with only 6 months trading history.
Lenders may use your personal score or your business’ credit score when considering your loan application. Some may use both. A score of 300 to 579 is considered bad credit, 580 to 669 is fair credit and 670 and above is good credit. The higher your score, the better your chances of loan approval. Many lenders will want to see a score of at least 600 to consider your application, although if you can provide collateral, you may be able to get a revolving credit line with scores in the mid-500s.
Some lenders may place more importance on business credit scores than – especially if you are seeking a large credit line. Business credit scores vary depending on the model being used, although a range of 1 to 100 is most common. Scores below 50 are considered bad credit and may make it difficult for you to get the loan you want.
If your credit score is in the ‘poor’ zone, you should take steps to improve this key statistic. Actions to improve your credit score include:
You will need an open business bank account in good standing to get a line of credit. Lenders will also usually ask to see recent bank statements (6 – 12 months) so they can see how your account performs – average daily balance, highs, lows, etc. Lenders also like to see positive cash flow. If your business regularly misses payment dates or has checks returned it could have a negative effect on your loan application.
Most lenders will have a minimum annual revenues limit. This could be as high as $250,000 or as low as $2,500 depending on the lender’s loan criteria. Generally, the larger your turnover, the better your chances of getting a loan. Lenders want reassurance that you can repay any funds you borrow from the credit line.
This goes back to the length of time your business has been operating. Lenders will typically ask for two years’ trading records – bank statements, tax records, profit and loss statement, balance sheet, cash flow, sales projections, etc. – although some lenders may accept documents that cover a much shorter trading period.
Many lenders will expect a detailed and insightful business plan that explains why you need the funds and what they will do for your business once you have them. Business plans should do more than paint a rosy picture – explain the risks involved, what the downsides could be – and how you intend to overcome them. If you cannot produce a business plan yourself, it may be worth paying an external service to do this for you.
Our line of credit calculator can be used to estimate your potential borrowing costs and payments for a line of credit. It takes into account factors such as the interest rate, credit limit, and repayment terms.
This calculator is intended for illustration purposes only and exact payment terms should be agreed with a lender before taking out a loan.
Business lines of credit are often custom deals, shaped to fit your business, which means no two loan offers will look alike. It therefore makes sense to shop around before settling on a lender. You can do this by approaching banks, credit unions and online lenders one by one, or you can use the services of a loan marketplace that will immediately introduce you to a choice of credit line deals from different lenders. Some marketplace platforms can also give you advice and help you with the application process. This can be especially useful for borrowers who have never taken out a business line of credit before.
No matter if you’re seeking your first business line of credit or you’re a seasoned borrower, working with business finance experts can make all the difference when applying for funding. Contact Swoop to discuss your borrowing needs, get help with your application and to compare high quality business lines of credit from a choice of lenders. Give your organisation the financial flexibility it deserves. Register with Swoop today.
Chris is a freelance copywriter and content creator. He has been active in the marketing, advertising, and publishing industries for more than twenty-five years. Writing for Barclays Bank, Metro Bank, Wells Fargo, ABN Amro, Quidco, Legal and General, Inshur Zego, AIG, Met Life, State Farm, Direct Line, insurers and pension funds, his words have appeared online and in print to inform, entertain and explain the complex world of consumer and business finance and insurance.
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