A business line of credit is a facility where you can borrow money up to a certain limit from a financial institution. You then pay interest only on the amount actually borrowed. You can then draw and spend money as you wish as long as you don’t go over the credit limit. It works in a similar way to a credit card. It allows you to draw against a predetermined credit limit that can be used as you need it, as opposed to receiving a full-term loan at one time.
How It Works
Since it is a revolving line, you can draw against as necessary. It is mostly used for short-term capital for funding unexpected expenses or improving cash flow. A business line of credit also helps you borrow money again after repaying a draw, thus allowing you to fund your cash flow needs. It is a great way to access cash that you can put into your business at a moment’s notice. When you pay down your business line of credit, you increase the amount available to you in the future unlike a working term capital loan. Drawing funds from an already established credit line is usually the fastest way for your business to access capital funds for quick payments or unexpected events.
Purpose
Unlike term loans which are used for a specific purpose and are lump sums of money on which you pay interest until the entire amount is settled, credit lines allow you access the funds as many times as you need. They are preferable for short-term funding needs. A business line of credit gives you more flexibility and could save you money if you have a constant financing need. Besides, an open line of credit account is a great way to build your business creditworthiness and the products are essentially the best solutions for short-term needs.
Sources and Funding
A business line of credit can be obtained from conventional lenders such as banks, credit unions or online lenders. It is important to understand your goals for the line of credit you go for. When determining what type of line of credit is best for you, consider the following: the amount you require, how soon you need the funds, if you’ve met the minimum qualifications required and if the costs will fit your budget. Normally banks will have higher qualifications requirements and some form of collateral will be needed, as opposed to online lenders who are more flexible and will approve companies once they have been in business for more than a year. Once you’ve established these, find out what to use the business line of credit for as illustrated wholesale trade lines.
Use
A business lines of credit is not intended for big capital purchases but rather for short-term working capital, unexpected costs, unique purchasing opportunities or offering credit to your customers. If not for these uses, then you will be costing your business a lot of unnecessary money.
Conclusion
A business line of credit can be an affordable solution for emergency funding or short-term working capital. To get the best rates and terms, plan your application well, provided you are using national banks or online lenders.