Access to capital, whenever you need it.

What is a business line of credit and how does it work?

A business line of credit (LOC) is a type of small business loan that provides access to revolving credit. Like a credit card, a LOC for business will have a certain limit. Your business will have the flexibility to draw, repay, and then redraw cash from this limit. You pay interest only on the amount withdrawn.

A business line of credit differs from a standard business loan in that a business loan provides you with a lump-sum of money upfront. You are then required to pay off this sum of money over a fixed term.

A line of credit, however, has no fixed term. As long as you are under the limit and keep up with payments, a LOC allows you to withdraw money anytime you want.

Secured vs. unsecured line of credit

Perhaps you're wondering, how much can I get from a business line of credit? The answer depends in large part on whether a business LOC is secured or unsecured. The differences between the two are as follows:

Secured line of credit: A secured business line of credit requires collateral to guarantee the loan. Collateral can include anything from inventory and accounts receivable to equipment or any other business assets. For example, a business equity line of credit utilizes real estate for collateral. If for any reason you can't pay off your loan, the bank will seize your collateral. Because there is a guarantee, a secured business line of credit generally has more favorable loan features, such as higher loan limits and lower interest rates.

Unsecured line of credit: Business lines of credit without personal guarantee are considered unsecured. This means you do not need to put up any assets to guarantee your loan, as you would with a secured line. Since the lender is taking on more risk, the borrower will pay for it through higher interest rates. Loan limits tend to also be lower with an unsecured line.

What do you need to be approved for a line of credit?

Requirements for a line of credit will depend on each lender. However, lenders typically look at the following few factors when approving a LOC:

Collateral: As mentioned previously, for a secured business line of credit, the lender will require you to put up some sort of asset.

Business history: The longer your business has been in operation for, the easier it is for lenders to approve your line of credit.

Profitability: Lenders will check for cash flow and income statements to verify business profitability.

Credit score: Having a good credit score is especially important if you want a business line of credit with no personal guarantee. Similar to an unsecured real estate line of credit or even your regular credit card, lenders scrutinize personal credit scores a lot more with an unsecured loan, since they are the ones taking on the risk.

What can a business line of credit be used for?

A business line of credit can be used to cover any type of business-related expenses. There are not a lot of restrictions besides using it for business purposes. It is, however, typically used as a short term line of credit for fulfilling immediate or temporary business needs. These needs can include:

Fulfilling payroll or staffing requirements

Paying suppliers

Increasing inventory

Funding a marketing campaign

Repair or upgrade equipment

Cover seasonal lulls in cash flow

Emergency funds

What are the benefits?

One of the key benefits of a business line of credit is the access to cash. As a small business, working capital line of credit provides a lifeline to continue operations and ultimately stay in business.

For example, a small business in its early stages may have accounts receivable recorded on the books, but have not yet actually collected the cash. It may take perhaps a few months before they see money deposited in their bank account. A business line of credit allows your business to ride out the few months before you cash in on your sales.

Besides covering shortfalls, another benefit with a business line of credit is to grow your company. If an opportunity arises, business cash advances allow you to invest in that opportunity.

Why L3 Funding is the right choice for your needs

L3 Funding offers some of the best revolving line of credit limits and rates. Our business line of credit starts from $10,000 - $10 million with available terms of six months to five years.

Our application is a simple 4-step process. We cut down on extensive paperwork and complicated procedures so you can get your funding as soon as possible.

Standing out in the business world is not an easy task. L3 Funding understands the challenges that small businesses face on a daily basis. That's why we offer some of the best merchant funding options to help small businesses not only survive but to thrive in today's rapidly evolving economy.