Types of Business Lines of Credit: Which One Is Right for You?

Life has a way of throwing sudden opportunities – or hurdles – straight at business owners. Sometimes those moments call for quick funds, and other times they require a buffer to keep everything running smoothly. One way to achieve that peace of mind is by securing a business line of credit.

I’m sharing this on behalf of Eboost Partners, where we’ve seen countless business owners benefit from flexible financing solutions. Honestly, finding the right setup can be a bit confusing, so let me explain the key types of business lines of credit and why each might suit (or not suit) your needs. But before we jump into the nuts and bolts, let’s talk about what a business line of credit really is and how it functions day to day.

What Is a Business Line of Credit?

A business line of credit is a financing option that gives you access to a certain limit of cash whenever you need it – much like a credit card but usually with more flexible terms and potentially lower rates. You have a preset credit limit, and you can draw from it up to that amount. You only pay interest on the portion you use.

Sounds straightforward, right? Well, there are a few moving parts, including repayment structures and the possibility of collateral. If you’d like a more thorough description of what is a line of credit and how it might benefit your company, we’ve got a dedicated article you can check out.

How Do Business Lines of Credit Work?

Picture a running tab at your favorite coffee place. You go in, order your usual latte, pay only for that latte, and keep the tab open for the next time. A business line of credit is pretty similar. You borrow a chunk of the available credit whenever you need a cash boost.

Then you pay it back – often with flexible terms – and can keep borrowing again as long as you haven’t hit your overall limit. If you’re curious about the finer details, including repayment schedules and how credit limits are set, you might explore our piece on how to use line of credit. Understanding these basics helps you avoid unwanted fees and potential hits to your credit score.

Check our full guide: How does line of credit work and Does a Business Line of Credit Affect Personal Credit?

Main Types of Business Lines of Credit

Business lines of credit come in a range of flavors, each designed to meet specific needs, budgets, and risk levels. Let’s walk through the most common categories. Think of these as different “flavors” on a menu: from chocolate to strawberry, each has its own twist.

Secured Business Line of Credit

A secured business line of credit is one that requires some sort of collateral. Collateral could be business equipment, inventory, real estate, or even the personal assets of the business owner.

This type often comes with lower interest rates because it poses less risk for the lender. The trade-off? You’re placing something valuable on the line. If you can’t make your payments, you might lose that asset. For those comfortable with tying assets to their credit, it might be a fair exchange for potentially better loan terms.

Unsecured Business Line of Credit

An unsecured business line of credit, as the name suggests, doesn’t call for collateral. It can be trickier to qualify for, and interest rates might be higher because the lender doesn’t have an asset to seize if you default.

Yet, it’s an appealing option if you don’t want to risk property or equipment. If you’d like to read a quick comparison, there’s a related guide on secured vs unsecured line of credit. It may clarify which approach aligns with your business comfort level.

Learn more: Secured vs. Unsecured Lines of Credit

Revolving Business Line of Credit

A revolving business line of credit basically hits the reset button every time you pay down your balance. Borrow, repay, borrow again – this cycle can continue until the arrangement ends.

It’s like having a financial tool that recharges itself. This is excellent for businesses with ongoing but unpredictable cash flow requirements. If your business frequently experiences seasonal highs and lows – or if you just like having a ready safety net – this might be the perfect match.

Non-Revolving Business Line of Credit

A non-revolving line of credit offers a certain limit, but once you pay it off, that specific credit line closes. You can’t reuse the funds the way you would with a revolving line. Think of it like a one-and-done project fund: You take what you need, repay it, and the account is done.

Some business owners prefer this structure because it reduces the temptation to keep dipping into the credit line. However, it’s less flexible if you suddenly want more funds after you’ve settled your balance.

Short-Term Business Line of Credit

Short-term lines of credit are typically designed to be repaid within a year. They’re ideal when you know cash is coming in soon but you need a jumpstart for inventory, payroll, or a sudden opportunity that pops up.

The interest rates might be higher than long-term lines, but you’ll pay it off faster, so the total interest paid could be manageable. This option can work well if you’re confident in the near-term success of your venture – say, a seasonal event or a quick expansion.

Long-Term Business Line of Credit

Long-term lines of credit stretch out repayment over several years – sometimes even longer if you have substantial financial backing. These can come in handy if you have large-scale projects, like renovating your workspace or planning a major product launch that requires more time to generate revenue. Because the repayment window is extended, interest rates might be more favorable. Just be mindful of total interest costs over that extended timeline.

Bank Business Line of Credit

Banks remain a classic choice. When your company has an established relationship with a local or national bank, it can be easier to secure a business line of credit with favorable conditions.

Banks often boast reliability and stability. However, they usually have stricter requirements. Before you run to the nearest branch, keep in mind that banks may request detailed financial statements, a solid credit history, and possibly collateral. This could be a great route if you tick all the boxes and don’t mind a bit more paperwork.

Online Business Line of Credit

In an age where you can order groceries with a tap, applying for a business line of credit online offers similar ease. Online lenders often have quicker approvals, fewer administrative hurdles, and flexible structures. Plus, the entire process can be done from your phone or computer. On the flip side, the convenience might come with higher interest rates, so you’ll want to compare carefully. Some folks love the speed. Others prefer in-person rapport at a bank. Your choice will depend on how soon you need funds and whether you can handle a slightly higher rate for the convenience factor.

Business Credit Card vs. Business Line of Credit

A lot of people ask me, “Isn’t a business credit card basically the same as a line of credit?” Not quite. While they’re both forms of revolving credit, a business credit card can come with higher interest rates, lower limits, and maybe some perks like rewards or cash back.

A business line of credit might give you more spending power and greater flexibility on repayment terms. If you want to delve deeper, there’s a handy discussion on line of credit vs credit card. Each tool has its place – think of them as different instruments in your financial toolkit.

How to Choose the Right Business Line of Credit

So how do you decide which type of business line of credit is right for you? Look at the size of your company, your cash flow situation, and whether you’re comfortable offering collateral. Your credit score is another factor – some lines of credit require robust business credit, and others may ask for a personal guarantee. You’ll also want to consider the purpose of the funds.

Are you looking to stock up on holiday inventory quickly or planning a major expansion over the next two years? If you need a step-by-step guide, check out our resource on how to get a business line of credit. Balancing these factors will help you land on a line of credit that doesn’t cramp your style.

Choosing the right business line of credit depends on your company’s financial health and borrowing needs. Learn more about eligibility and tips in Business Line of Credit Requirements.

Alternatives to Business Lines of Credit

Sometimes, a business line of credit isn’t the best match. Maybe you need a bigger lump sum all at once, or your credit history isn’t as strong as you’d like. In that case, other funding options can fill the gap:

• Term Loans: You get a fixed amount and repay it over a set time, often with predictable payments. This can be a solid choice for large, one-time expenses. Compare the Business Line of Credit vs. Term Loans.
• SBA Loans: Backed by the Small Business Administration, these can offer appealing rates, although the qualification process can be lengthier.
• Invoice Financing: You sell your outstanding invoices to a lender at a discount, getting immediate funds while waiting on customer payments.
• Merchant Cash Advances: Here, you receive funds upfront and repay them based on a percentage of daily credit card sales. It’s straightforward but can be pricier.
• Home Equity Loan: If you’re a homeowner and comfortable pledging your equity, a home equity loan vs line of credit conversation may be relevant. Just remember, this involves personal risk. Compare the Business Line of Credit vs. Home Equity Loan.
• A traditional business loan offers structured repayment terms, while a line of credit provides more flexibility. Compare the two in Business Line of Credit vs. Loan.

Of course, Eboost Partners is here to lend a helping hand if you’re not sure what fits. We offer affordable loans from $5K to $2M, aiming to keep your repayment timeline as flexible as your needs – up to 24 months. And we’ve streamlined the process so you get automatic daily or weekly payments, removing that headache of juggling payment schedules.

An overdraft line of credit allows businesses to withdraw more than their available balance. Read more in What Is an Overdraft Line of Credit.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a business line of credit shouldn’t feel like decoding an ancient map. It’s about identifying what your enterprise genuinely requires – and what you’re comfortable risking. Whether you lean toward a secured line to snag lower rates or go unsecured to keep your assets out of the equation, a well-chosen line of credit can support both short-term needs and long-term ambitions. And if a line of credit doesn’t align with your goals, other financing avenues might do the trick. Just remember: every business is unique, so consider your specific context before jumping in.

Need assistance applying for a business line of credit – or not sure if it’s the right fit? Eboost Partners can fund up to $2M, with repayment terms that stretch up to two years, and friendly automatic payment setups. Our mission is to help you grow your small business on your terms. Let’s talk and see how we can support your next big step. Your success is ours, too. Don’t hesitate to reach out!