Unsecured Business Line of Credit: What It Is and Best Options
Unsecured Business Line of Credit: What It Is and Best Options
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Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
625
Est. APR
14.00-48.00%
Pros
- Cash can be available within 12 to 24 hours.
- Can be used to build business credit.
- Low minimum credit score requirement.
Cons
- Requires weekly payments.
- Not available in North Dakota, South Dakota or Nevada.
- Rates can be high compared with traditional lenders.
Bluevine - Line of credit
Best for Fast funding
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
625
Est. APR
14.00-48.00%
Pros
- Cash can be available within 12 to 24 hours.
- Can be used to build business credit.
- Low minimum credit score requirement.
Cons
- Requires weekly payments.
- Not available in North Dakota, South Dakota or Nevada.
- Rates can be high compared with traditional lenders.
Max loan amount
$100,000
Min. credit score
625
Est. APR
35.90-84.90%
Pros
- Fast access to working capital.
- Accepts borrowers with a minimum credit score of 625.
- Streamlined application process with minimal documentation required.
- Can be used to build business credit.
Cons
- Not available in North Dakota.
- May require frequent weekly payments.
- Interest rates can be high compared with traditional lenders.
OnDeck - Line of credit
Best for Building business credit
Max loan amount
$100,000
Min. credit score
625
Est. APR
35.90-84.90%
Pros
- Fast access to working capital.
- Accepts borrowers with a minimum credit score of 625.
- Streamlined application process with minimal documentation required.
- Can be used to build business credit.
Cons
- Not available in North Dakota.
- May require frequent weekly payments.
- Interest rates can be high compared with traditional lenders.
Max loan amount
$150,000
Min. credit score
680
Est. APR
9.25-17.25%
Pros
- Bank line of credit with competitive interest rates.
- Revolving credit line with no scheduled annual review.
- No collateral required; no prepayment penalties.
Cons
- Must be an established business with strong credit to qualify.
- May take longer to fund than online lenders.
- Annual fee and inactivity fees may apply.
Wells Fargo BusinessLine® Line of Credit
Best for Bank lines of credit
Max loan amount
$150,000
Min. credit score
680
Est. APR
9.25-17.25%
Pros
- Bank line of credit with competitive interest rates.
- Revolving credit line with no scheduled annual review.
- No collateral required; no prepayment penalties.
Cons
- Must be an established business with strong credit to qualify.
- May take longer to fund than online lenders.
- Annual fee and inactivity fees may apply.
Max loan amount
$150,000
Min. credit score
600
Est. APR
36.00-99.00%
Pros
- Financing available within one business day after approval.
- Simple application with minimal documentation required.
- Low minimum credit score, time in business and annual revenue requirements.
- No prepayment penalties, account maintenance fees or inactivity fees.
Cons
- Rates are high compared with traditional banks.
- Weekly repayments required over a short term (maximum of 24 weeks).
Fundbox - Line of credit
Best for Bad credit
Max loan amount
$150,000
Min. credit score
600
Est. APR
36.00-99.00%
Pros
- Financing available within one business day after approval.
- Simple application with minimal documentation required.
- Low minimum credit score, time in business and annual revenue requirements.
- No prepayment penalties, account maintenance fees or inactivity fees.
Cons
- Rates are high compared with traditional banks.
- Weekly repayments required over a short term (maximum of 24 weeks).
Max loan amount
Undisclosed
Min. credit score
700
Pros
- Revolving bank line of credit with competitive interest rates.
- No collateral required.
- No draw fees.
Cons
- Must be an established business with strong credit to qualify.
- Can be slow to fund.
- Must be an existing Bank of America customer to apply online.
- Prepayment fees may apply to early repayments.
Bank of America Business Advantage Unsecured Line of Credit
Best for Low interest rates
Max loan amount
Undisclosed
Min. credit score
700
Pros
- Revolving bank line of credit with competitive interest rates.
- No collateral required.
- No draw fees.
Cons
- Must be an established business with strong credit to qualify.
- Can be slow to fund.
- Must be an existing Bank of America customer to apply online.
- Prepayment fees may apply to early repayments.
Max loan amount
$50,000
Min. credit score
680
Est. APR
12.00-14.00%
Pros
- Bank line of credit (backed by the SBA) with competitive interest rates.
- No annual fee or prepayment penalties.
- Available to borrowers with less than two years in business.
- Does not charge an origination fee.
Cons
- May take longer to fund than online lenders.
- Credit lines only available up to $50,000.
- Need a Wells Fargo checking account to access online bill pay.
Wells Fargo Small Business Advantage® Line of Credit
Best for SBA lines of credit
Max loan amount
$50,000
Min. credit score
680
Est. APR
12.00-14.00%
Pros
- Bank line of credit (backed by the SBA) with competitive interest rates.
- No annual fee or prepayment penalties.
- Available to borrowers with less than two years in business.
- Does not charge an origination fee.
Cons
- May take longer to fund than online lenders.
- Credit lines only available up to $50,000.
- Need a Wells Fargo checking account to access online bill pay.
Max loan amount
$100,000
Min. credit score
625
Est. APR
35.00-80.00%
Pros
- Flexible qualification requirements.
- No prepayment penalties.
- Funds available by next business day after approval.
Cons
- Most borrowers are subject to a 2% draw fee.
- Not available in all U.S. states.
Headway Capital - Line of credit
Best for New businesses
Max loan amount
$100,000
Min. credit score
625
Est. APR
35.00-80.00%
Pros
- Flexible qualification requirements.
- No prepayment penalties.
- Funds available by next business day after approval.
Cons
- Most borrowers are subject to a 2% draw fee.
- Not available in all U.S. states.
PNC Bank - Unsecured business line of credit
Best for Established businesses
Max loan amount
$100,000
Min. credit score
720
Pros
- Bank line of credit with competitive interest rates.
- Streamlined application and underwriting process.
- Monthly repayments with no set term.
Cons
- Requires high minimum credit score and multiple years in business.
- Businesses in certain states and industries are ineligible.
PNC Bank - Unsecured business line of credit
Best for Established businesses
Max loan amount
$100,000
Min. credit score
720
Pros
- Bank line of credit with competitive interest rates.
- Streamlined application and underwriting process.
- Monthly repayments with no set term.
Cons
- Requires high minimum credit score and multiple years in business.
- Businesses in certain states and industries are ineligible.
What is an unsecured business line of credit?
An unsecured line of credit is not backed by physical collateral like real estate, equipment or inventory. Although you don’t need to provide collateral, your lender will likely require a personal guarantee or Uniform Commercial Code lien in order to mitigate the risk of lending to your business.
A personal guarantee holds you personally responsible for the debt if your business can’t pay and your lender can seize your personal assets to recover its losses. Similarly, a UCC lien gives your lender the right to seize your assets in the event of default. UCC liens can be filed for specific assets, or your lender can file a blanket lien, which covers all of your assets.
Not all lenders file liens on their borrowers, but it’s less likely that you’ll find an unsecured business line of credit without a personal guarantee.
How does an unsecured business line of credit work?
An unsecured business line of credit works like any other credit line. You can draw from a set limit of funds and only pay interest on the funds you borrow. Then, you repay what you’ve borrowed over time and can continue to draw on the line — provided you make your payments on time and don’t exceed your credit limit.
Secured vs. unsecured business line of credit
The main difference between a secured and unsecured business line of credit is the use of collateral.
A secured business line of credit is backed by specific collateral, such as property or equipment. Lenders may also require a personal guarantee or UCC lien on secured credit lines — in addition to physical collateral.
Providing collateral, however, helps mitigate the risk a lender takes when issuing you a business line of credit. As a result, secured credit lines tend to have lower interest rates, longer repayment terms and larger borrowing amounts compared with unsecured business lines of credit.
In certain circumstances, secured lines of credit can be easier to qualify for, as lenders can rely on the value of your collateral, even if you’re a startup or don’t have perfect credit.
If you’re trying to get an inventory loan, for example, the lender may prioritize the value of the products you’re looking to purchase when underwriting your application.
For unsecured business lines of credit, on the other hand, lenders often focus on the credit and financial history of your business.
Pros and cons of an unsecured business line of credit
Pros
No physical collateral required.
Fast approval times.
Startups and borrowers with bad credit may qualify.
Cons
Possible higher rates and less favorable terms than secured lines of credit.
Lower credit limits than secured lines of credit.
Unsecured business line of credit requirements
The unsecured business line of credit requirements you’ll need to meet will vary based on your lender. In general, however, lenders will consider similar criteria, such as:
- Personal credit score. You’ll typically need to have a minimum credit score of 600 or higher to qualify for an unsecured business line of credit. Although online lenders may accept bad or fair credit scores, banks will likely require good credit.
- Annual revenue. Most lenders have a minimum monthly or annual revenue requirement. This requirement can range anywhere from $50,000 to $250,000 per year, or more.
- Time in business. Lenders want to be able to see that you can successfully manage and sustain your company. You’ll usually need at least six months in business to qualify.
- Financial history. Unsecured business line of credit lenders will use your bank statements, other financial accounts and financial statements (e.g., balance sheets, cash flow statements) to evaluate your ability to repay potential debt.
If you qualify for a credit line, your lender will also use these factors to determine your credit limit, interest rates and repayment period. The stronger business credentials you have, the more likely you are to receive competitive rates and terms.
Where to get an unsecured business line of credit
Banks and credit unions
Unsecured business lines of credit are available from traditional lenders, like banks and credit unions. Like many other types of small-business loans, banks and credit unions usually offer the most competitive interest rates and repayment terms, but can have strict qualification requirements.
You’ll likely need good credit, strong finances and, in most cases, a few years in business, to get an unsecured credit line from a bank.
If you have a previous relationship with one of these institutions, you might start by contacting it to see what options are available. Smaller, community banks and credit unions can also be a good choice, as they’re more likely to approve loan applications compared with larger banks.
It’s important to keep in mind, however, that these lenders tend to have slow funding processes.
Online lenders
Unsecured business lines of credit are also available from a variety of online lenders. Unlike more traditional financial institutions, online lenders typically offer fast, simple financing. Certain lenders can even approve and fund applications in as little as 24 hours.
These companies often have flexible eligibility criteria, and some are willing to work with startups and/or borrowers with bad credit. As a tradeoff for speed and flexibility, however, online lenders usually charge higher interest rates.
Average interest rate on an unsecured business line of credit
The average interest rate on an unsecured business line of credit can range from an APR of 10% to 99%. Keep in mind that some lenders may quote interest as a monthly/weekly rate or a factor rate.
In this case, you’ll want to calculate these rates into an annual percentage rate (which includes additional fees, e.g. draw fees, origination fees). APRs give you a better sense of the credit line’s total cost and make it easier to compare products from different lenders.
How to get an unsecured business line of credit
To get an unsecured business line of credit, you can follow these steps:
1. Decide how much funding you need
Think about why you need a business line of credit and what you’re going to use it for. Are you planning to purchase inventory — or are you looking for an emergency fund? Asking these types of questions can help you determine how much funding is right for your needs.
2. Evaluate your business’s credentials and make sure you can qualify
Although unsecured business line of credit requirements will vary by lender, most companies will consider your personal credit score, annual revenue and time in business during the underwriting process.
It’s important to remember that lenders are more likely to prioritize your credit and financial history with unsecured credit lines, as you’re not backing your funding with physical collateral.
3. Research and compare line of credit lenders.
Once you have an understanding of your funding needs and qualifications, you can start researching small-business lender options. As you compare different providers, you’ll want to consider:
- Maximum credit line amounts.
- Interest rates and additional fees.
- Repayment terms and renewal periods.
- Personal guarantee and/or UCC lien requirements.
- Funding speed.
- Application process.
- Customer service and lender reputation.
Keep in mind that not all lenders will offer an unsecured business line of credit. If you’re unsure if a credit line is unsecured or secured, it will be helpful to reach out to the lender directly for more information.
4. Gather your documentation and submit an application
When you apply for an unsecured business line of credit, you’ll likely need to provide some, if not all, of the following:
- Basic information about you and your business.
- Business and personal bank statements.
- Business and personal tax returns.
- Business financial statements.
If you’re working with an online, private business lender, you may be able to connect your financial accounts directly to the lender’s platform, in lieu of providing certain documents.
Generally, online lenders will offer streamlined applications and fast business loans. Traditional lenders, on the other hand, may require more extensive documentation and have slower funding times. You may also need to visit a branch in person to apply.
5. Review and sign your loan agreement
After you’ve been approved for an unsecured line of credit, your lender will provide you with a business loan agreement to sign. This agreement will include information about your credit limit, interest rates, fees, repayment period and renewal terms.
You should review the agreement thoroughly and make sure you understand all of the terms and conditions before signing. If you have any questions or need clarification, you can reach out to your lender for assistance.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Because unsecured lines of credit don’t require collateral, they can be a good option for new businesses that don’t have sufficient assets to secure their credit line. Generally, you’ll need at least six months in business to qualify for a line of credit.
Many national banks, such as Bank of America, Wells Fargo and PNC Bank, offer unsecured business lines of credit. Regional and community banks may also offer these types of credit lines.
Qualifying for an unsecured credit line depends on your business financials, credit score and lender. Typically, banks and credit unions require good credit and at least two years in business. However, online lenders may offer unsecured business lines of credit to borrowers with credit scores as low as 600 and only six months in business.
Banks and credit unions typically require a credit score of 680 to 700 for an unsecured business line of credit, whereas online lenders may accept scores as low as 600.
Last updated on August 13, 2024
Methodology
NerdWallet’s review process evaluates and rates small-business loan products from traditional banks and online lenders. We collect over 30 data points on each lender using company websites and public documents. We may also go through a lender’s initial application flow and reach out to company representatives. NerdWallet writers and editors conduct a full fact check and update annually, but also make updates throughout the year as necessary.
Our star ratings award points to lenders that offer small-business friendly features, including:
-Transparency of rates and terms.
-Flexible payment options.
-Fast funding times.
-Accessible customer service.
-Reporting of payments to business credit bureaus.
-Responsible lending practices.
We weigh these factors based on our assessment of which are the most important to small-business owners and how meaningfully they impact borrowers’ experiences.
NerdWallet does not receive compensation for our star ratings. Read more about our ratings methodology for small-business loans and our editorial guidelines.
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