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Best Business Line Of Credit For Your Small Business
These lenders offer the best credit lines currently available to businesses of all sizes, from startups to stable and established operations.
Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Erica SeppalaErica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
Editor & Senior Staff Writer
Last updated onUpdated
Chris has been writing about small business topics since 2003. He has been featured in Fox Business, ABC News, Yahoo Finance, GoBankingRates, Newsweek, BizJournals, and other publications. He has a Bachelor’s of Arts in English Writing Arts from SUNY Oswego, and a Masters of Science in Interactive Media from the University of Central Florida.
REVIEWED BY
Chris MotolaChris has been writing about small business topics since 2003. He has been featured in Fox Business, ABC News, Yahoo Finance, GoBankingRates, Newsweek, BizJournals, and other publications. He has a Bachelor’s of Arts in English Writing Arts from SUNY Oswego, and a Masters of Science in Interactive Media from the University of Central Florida.
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Our content reflects the editorial opinions of our experts. While our site makes money through referral partnerships, we only partner with companies that meet our standards for quality, as outlined in our independent rating and scoring system.
Business lines of credit offer funding on-demand without going through a lengthy application process whenever funds are needed. Businesses that want flexible funding for nearly any business purpose should start their search with our list of the best business lines of credit.
We’ve sought out and evaluated the best credit lines currently available to businesses of all sizes — from startups and incubator businesses to stable and established companies. Keep reading to learn more about the best business lines of credit.
The best lines of credit have easy application processes, fast approval times, quick funding, and competitive interest rates. We’ve examined the best small business lines of credit and evaluated them according to our criteria. No lender is best for every business, so we’re tailoring our list to fit different business needs.
Why We Chose Lendio For Best Overall Lines Of credit
Lendio isn’t a direct lender. Instead, it’s a loan marketplace that connects small business owners with funding through its 75 lending partners. Because Lendio works with multiple lenders, it may be possible for businesses to qualify for a line of credit that couldn’t find funding elsewhere. This means that borrowers with credit challenges, newer businesses, and other businesses that face barriers to funding may find what they need through Lendio’s lending network.
With just one application, you can receive multiple offers to compare. In addition to lines of credit, Lendio’s network also provides access to short- and long-term funding options, from merchant cash advances to SBA loans.
Lendio Services
Lendio’s network of lenders offers business lines from $1,000 to $250,000. Repayment terms are typically 6-18 months.
In addition to lines of credit, you may also apply for other funding including:
SBA loans
Short-term loans
Equipment financing
Merchant cash advances
Commercial mortgages
Business credit cards
Lendio Rates & Fees
Lendio’s rates and fees vary by lender. Rates generally range from 8% to 24%, with repayment terms typically ranging from six to 18 months. Time to funding can be as little as one to two days, although this varies by lender.
Additional fees vary by lender.
Lendio Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a line of credit, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
Minimum credit score of 600
Annual revenue of at least $50,000
At least six months in business
Choose Lendio If ...
You want to easily compare line of credit and other funding options with one application
You operate a newer business and are having trouble getting funded elsewhere
Borrower qualifications are lower than traditional banks
Lower costs for repeat customers
The application process is fast and easy
Funds are disbursed quickly
Cons
Financing isn’t available in some states
Not available to businesses in some industries
Rates can be expensive
Why We Chose OnDeck For Building Business Credit
OnDeck has pretty lenient requirements for its lines of credit, making it an option for borrowers that may not qualify for funding through a bank. Businesses without a business credit score can also use this line of credit to get started, as OnDeck reports to business credit bureaus.
OnDeck offers fast funding that’s available 24/7, even on weekends and holidays. There are no draw fees, the application process takes just a few minutes, and once approved, you can begin initiating draws against your line of credit immediately.
OnDeck Services
OnDeck offers revolving lines of credit from $6,000 to $100,000 with repayment terms up to 24 months.
Term loans up to $250,000 are also available to businesses that need additional capital or longer repayment terms.
OnDeck Rates & Fees
OnDeck’s rates for its lines of credit start at 29.9%. The lender states that the average APR for its lines of credit is between 50% and 60%. Payments are made weekly.
There are no origination or draw fees. However, most borrowers will be required to pay a maintenance fee of $20/month.
OnDeck Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a line of credit through OnDeck, you must meet these minimum requirements:
Minimum credit score of 625
At least $100,000/year in revenue
At least 12 months in business
Must have a business checking account
OnDeck does not loan to businesses in North Dakota. The lender also has a list of prohibited industries, including but not limited to marijuana dispensaries, adult entertainment businesses, firearm dealers, and gambling.
Choose OnDeck If ...
You want a line of credit with a fast application process and quick access to funding
You want to build your credit simply by repaying funds drawn from your LOC
Why We Chose AdvancePoint As Best Marketplace For Lines Of Credit
Like Lendio, AdvancePoint Capital is a lending marketplace, so it works with a network of lenders to offer a variety of business funding solutions, including business lines of credit. Through AdvancePoint's network, you can score a line of credit up to $2 million. The application process is fast and easy, customer service is great, and you may even be able to get funded in as little as 24 hours.
In addition to lines of credit, you can also qualify for other types of financing with a single application. AdvancePoint connects borrowers to all types of funding, from short-term loans and merchant cash advances to long-term loans and SBA funding.
AdvancePoint Capital Services
AdvancePoint Capital’s partners can help you secure lines of credit from $10,000 to $2 million. You may also qualify for other types of funding like:
Long-term loans
Short-term loans
Equipment financing
SBA loans
Merchant cash advances
Invoice financing
AdvancePoint Capital Rates & Fees
Rates and fees vary based on lender, credit history, and other factors. While not all rates and fees are disclosed, AdvancePoint does note that lines of credit have simple interest rates that average 1% per month. Additional fees and repayment terms vary by lender.
AdvancePoint Capital Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a line of credit through AdvancePoint’s network, you must meet these requirements:
Average to excellent credit
Cash reserves requirement (no additional information provided)
Gross sales used to qualify borrowers
You can apply with AdvancePoint’s simple, one-page application and can receive an approval decision on the same day.
Choose AdvancePoint Capital If...
You want to compare your options with a single application
You have average to excellent credit and need a flexible line of credit
Why We Chose National Capital For Large Credit Needs
Similar to Lendio, National Business Capital is a loan aggregator that makes it easy for all types and sizes of businesses to find the funding they need. Through this service, you can connect with numerous lenders that offer business lines of credit.
With lines up to $10 million, National Business Capital is ideal for businesses that need larger amounts of capital. Funding is quick, with many businesses getting funded in 24 to 48 hours. Interest rates are competitive, although newer businesses, borrowers with lower credit scores, businesses with a lack of collateral, and businesses with lower annual revenues may receive rates as high as 60%.
National Business Capital Services
National Business Capital provides eligible businesses with lines of credit from $100,000 to $10 million.
With its network of 75 lenders, National Business Capital can also connect you to other types of funding including:
Term loans
SBA loans
Equipment financing
Asset-based financing
National Business Capital Rates & Fees
Since National Business Capital is a loan aggregator, rates and fees vary based on multiple factors, including the lender you work with, as well as personal credit score and annual revenue.
Rates range from 7% to 60%. Payment terms and additional fees vary by lender.
National Business Capital Eligibility Requirements
To receive a line of credit from National Business Capital, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
580credit score
Annual revenue of $500,000
Time in business of 1 year
Choose National Business Capital If...
You want a larger line of credit up to $10 million
You want to compare lines of credit and other funding options from different lenders
If you want to get a line of credit from a lender that doesn't view you as another number, Lendefied is a great choice. Not only can you score a line of credit up to $10 million, Lendefied will work with you to find the best funding solution for your situation. Once you're funded, you'll get access to complimentary fractional CFO services for three months to help you get the most out of your credit.
Lendefied has a quick and easy application process. Lendefied looks beyond credit scores to help businesses find custom funding solutions. Funding can also be quick, with lines of credit potentially available to access in 24 to 48 hours. Repayment terms are typically 24 months or less for lines of credit, and Lendefied also offers SBA loans, term loans, and more if long-term funding is a better fit.
Lendefied Services
Lendefied offers business lines of credit up to $10 million to qualified borrowers. Additional funding options include:
SBA loans up to $5 million
Term loans up to $10 million
Equipment financing
Accounts receivable financing
Commercial real estate loans
Business cash advances
B2B revolving credit facilities
Lendefied Rates & Fees
Lendefied does not provide a range of rates or a list of fees, as these can vary significantly from borrower to borrower based on factors such as credit scores, time in business, and profitability. However, Lendefied does state that rates are usually 1% per month the funds are held.
Lendefied Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a line of credit, you must meet the following minimum requirements:
Minimum credit score of 660
At least $120,000/year in revenue
At least 1 year in business
Choose Lendefied If...
You want a line of credit up to $10 million
You want guidance and support for using your line of credit
Fundbox is a great choice for businesses that want fast funding, as lines of credit can be approved in less than five minutes. Once approved, you can have money in your account as quickly as the next business day.
Fundbox is particularly a great choice for startups and business owners with lower credit scores, as eligibility requirements are far lower than bank requirements. While it does have shorter repayment terms and a weekly payment schedule, Fundbox is a solid choice for businesses that need fast access to up to $150,000 and don’t meet the requirements of traditional lenders.
Fundbox Services
Fundbox specializes in revolving lines of credit up to $150,000.
Fundbox Rates & Fees
Fundbox’s rates start at 4.66%+ (12-week terms) or 8.99%+ (24-week terms). There are no draw fees or other fees.
Fundbox Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Fundbox line of credit, you must meet these minimum requirements:
Minimum credit score of 600
At least $30,000/year in revenue
At least 3 months in business
Must own a business checking account
Choose Fundbox If ...
You want a line of credit that has relaxed borrowing requirements
You want fast funding with simple borrowing fees and no additional fees
If you need fast funding, look no further than Bluevine. The Bluevine line of credit application process takes just minutes, and you can be approved instantly. Once approved, you can begin making draws immediately and receive funds in your account in a matter of hours (for an additional fee).
Bluevine has less stringent requirements than traditional lenders, providing lines of credit to business owners with scores as low as 625. However, it does have high monthly revenue requirements, and funding is only available to businesses that have been in operation for at least 2 years. Still, businesses that meet these requirements will appreciate the easy application process, fast funding, and competitive fixed rates.
Bluevine Services
Bluevine offers business lines of credit up to $250,000.
Bluevine Rates & Fees
Bluevine offers repayment terms of 6 months or 12 months. Rates start at 7.8%.
If you want to receive your funds in hours (instead of 1-3 business days), you’ll pay a $15 expedited deposit fee.
Bluevine Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a Bluevine line of credit, you must have a corporation or LLC that is in good standing with your Secretary of State. You must also meet these basic requirements:
Minimum personal credit score of 625
Revenue of at least $10,000/month
Time in business of at least 2 years
No bankruptcies for the last three years
Businesses incorporated or operating in Nevada, North Dakota, or South Dakota are ineligible for funding.
Businesses in certain industries, including firearms, controlled substances, and pornography, are also ineligible for Bluevine’s lines of credit.
Choose Bluevine If ...
You want fast funding (potentially the same day)
You have high monthly revenue but may not meet the credit requirements of other lenders
The other lenders on this list are alternative lenders that specialize in fast funding and lower borrowing requirements. However, it’s worth pointing out that traditional banks still generally offer the best rates and terms in the market to businesses that meet their more stringent qualifications. One such bank is PNC Bank.
PNC Bank offers secured and unsecured business lines of credit that come with competitive interest rates. If approved, you’ll have a seven-year revolving credit period, making it a great long-term “rainy day” fund.
PNC Bank Services
PNC Bank provides two business lines of credit:
Unsecured lines of credit of $20,000 to $100,000
Secured lines of credit of $100,001 to $3 million
PNC Bank also offers a range of small business lending services, including:
Term loans
SBA loans
Commercial vehicle loans
Commercial real estate loans
Business credit cards
PNC Bank Rates & Fees
PNC Bank’s rates are variable and are based on the Prime Rate. Repayments are made monthly. For unsecured lines of credit, payments are 1.5% of the balance. Monthly interest-only payments are made for secured lines of credit, although the principal can be paid at any time.
Unsecured lines of credit have an annual fee of $175. Secured lines have an annual fee of 0.25% of the committed line amount.
Secured lines of credit require collateral in the form of non-real estate business assets.
PNC Bank Eligibility Requirements
PNC Bank does not list specific eligibility requirements. However, it does give an idea of the specific factors it looks for when evaluating applications for loans. This includes:
A clean personal credit history for the last five years with no recent 30-day late payments
A good business credit history
No evidence of collections, charge-offs, bankruptcies, foreclosures, lawsuits, judgments, or unsatisfied tax liens
Minimum of three years in business, although options may be available for newer businesses
A solid debt-to-income ratio
No late or charged-off payments for prior PNC loans
Little or no overdraft history for PNC checking accounts
Choose PNC Bank If ...
You have an established business and a solid credit score
You want competitive rates and long repayment terms on your LOC
Business Loan & Funding Products Review Methodology
We spend hours researching and evaluating each business loan and funding product that we review at Merchant Maverick, placing special emphasis on key characteristics to generate our ratings.
Weighted Rating Breakdown
Rates & Fees 20%
Services 20%
Eligibility Requirements 20%
Application 15%
Sales & Advertising Transparency 10%
Customer Service 10%
User Reviews 5%
When rating lenders and funding providers, we use a 31-point rubric that looks at rates and fees, services, eligibility requirements, application, sales and advertising transparency, customer service, and user reviews. We weigh each section differently to calculate the total star rating. This rubric is applied to traditional term loans, as well as short-term loans, start-up loans, lines of credit, online lending products, merchant cash advances, and equipment financing products.
Rates & Fees: 20% of the total star rating
Services: 20% of the total star rating
Eligibility Requirements: 20% of the total star rating
Application: 15% of the total star rating
Sales & Advertising Transparency: 10% of the total star rating
Customer Support: 5% of the total star rating
User Reviews: 5% of the total star rating
Each section is further broken down into granular, weighted subsections, in which we examine specific attributes like terms lengths, conditions of repayment, credit score and revenue requirements, ease of application, length of time to funding, the ethics involved in promoting the lending product, customer support, and the overall reputation of the lender or funding provider.
The biggest advantage offered by business lines of credit is flexibility. It allows businesses to draw as often as needed (within credit limits) to fund both anticipated and unanticipated expenses quickly. Few other financial products give borrowers that much control over their borrowing.
Business lines of credit can be used for any number of working capital expenses, from repairs to expansions. Check with your lender to see what available types of uses you have for your line of credit.
Business Line Of Credit VS Business Credit Cards
You won’t find too many other types of lending that allow such flexibility other than credit cards, which are a form of revolving credit. So why wouldn’t you just use a credit card? This chart breaks down some of the differences.
Type Of Financing
Attributes
Lines Of Credit
Generally have lower interest rates than credit cards, can be used to draw cash into your account without additional expense, provides working capital, and draws generally aren’t available at POS/online checkout (with some exceptions)
Credit Cards
Have interest-free grace periods, are designed primarily to be used at retail POS/online checkout, frequently have rewards programs, and generally have lower credit limits (with some exceptions)
If you don’t yet qualify, a business credit card fulfills many of the same needs as a credit line. With a business credit card, you will have immediate access to an additional source of funds and can defer payments to a more convenient time.
Additionally, business credit cards offer grace periods, signup bonuses, and savings via rewards, which are not provided by business lines of credit. Just be aware that credit cards typically have higher interest rates than lines of credit. Check out our favorite business credit cards to learn about the cards that might be right for your business.
What Is The Best Line Of Credit For Your Business?
When searching for the best line of credit for your business, make sure to keep cost, repayment terms and frequency, borrower requirements, and the reputation of the lender in mind before you make your choice.
Between the options above, most business owners will be able to find financing to suit their needs. All these lines of credit have relatively quick and easy applications and will ensure that you have the capital you need to weather rough patches or grow your business. If you want to explore even more LOC options, visit our in-depth line of credit reviews.
One last thing to note is that many banks and credit unions offer lines of credit. When it comes to business financing, a traditional bank or credit union generally provides the best rates and fees. On the other hand, this kind of financing is usually difficult to qualify for. However, if you have good credit and a stable business generating consistent revenue, you might have a chance at qualifying. Learn more about the best banks for small business loans before you start the application process.
Business Line Of Credit FAQs
What is the best business line of credit?
Choosing the best business line of credit or a revolving line of credit for your financing needs depends on factors like your business size, credit history, credit scores, how long you’ve been in business, yearly revenue, collateral, and more.
Once you’ve determined you meet these requirements and begin shopping around, you should carefully review lender costs, terms, qualifications, and reputation.
What is the purpose of a business line of credit?
A business line of credit is a flexible way to borrow money to pay for working capital and other qualified expenses. Learn more about how to get a business line of credit, as well as alternatives you may consider, in our comprehensive guide.
Is a business line of credit considered income?
No, you are borrowing the money you get through a business line of credit. It’s not an award or form of personal income.
Can a startup get a line of credit?
Yes, it is possible for a startup to get a line of credit if you find a lender that deals with high-risk borrowers. There are even lending options for startup businesses with no collateral.
What credit score do you need for a business line of credit?
Credit score requirements for business lines of credit vary by lender. Not every lender cares about your credit score, though it generally helps to have one over 600. It is possible to find lines of credit for bad credit, but it’s more difficult.
Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
View Erica Seppala's professional experience on LinkedIn.
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The vendors that appear on this list were chosen by subject matter experts on the basis of product quality, wide usage and availability, and positive reputation.
Merchant Maverick’s ratings are editorial in nature, and are not aggregated from user reviews. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services. The rating of this company or service is based on the author’s expert opinion and analysis of the product, and assessed and seconded by another subject matter expert on staff before publication. Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone.
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