Get flexible financing with a business line of credit

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Several factors can affect which business line of credit is best for you. Let us help.

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1. One simple application

Complete a 3-minute questionnaire and see personalized options.

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2. Your options compared

Compare terms and choose the right product for you.

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3. Fast access to your funds

If approved, receive funds in as little as a day.

Small businesses have received $947M in lines of credit

with rates starting at 7.8% through Fundera by NerdWallet

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Best Business Lines of Credit

Sort by:
  • Default
  • NerdWallet rating (high to low)
  • Max loan amount (high to low)
  • Min. credit score (low to high)
  • Min. annual revenue (low to high)
  • Min. time in business (low to high)

SBA CAPLines of credit

Best for large funding amounts

SBA CAPLines of credit

Best for large funding amounts

Max loan amount
$5,000,000
Min. credit score
650
Min. annual revenue
Undisclosed
Min. time in business
24 months

with Fundera by NerdWallet

Pros

  • Line of credit options for seasonal, working capital, building and contracting needs.
  • Large maximum borrowing amounts.
  • Competitive interest rates and repayment terms.

Cons

  • Typically requires good credit and multiple years in business.
  • Slow to fund.
  • Collateral and/or down payment may be required.

SBA CAPLines stand out if you need funding to meet specific short-term and cyclical working capital needs. These lines of credit provide a greater flexibility than you would receive with a standard term loan. CAPLines also offer competitive interest rates, long repayment terms and large funding amounts. Like other SBA loan products, CAPLines can be a good option for businesses that have good credit and finances, but may not qualify for bank financing.

  • For-profit U.S. business.
  • Unable to access credit on reasonable terms from nongovernment sources.
  • Financial qualifications determined by individual lender.

Pros

  • Line of credit options for seasonal, working capital, building and contracting needs.
  • Large maximum borrowing amounts.
  • Competitive interest rates and repayment terms.

Cons

  • Typically requires good credit and multiple years in business.
  • Slow to fund.
  • Collateral and/or down payment may be required.

SBA CAPLines stand out if you need funding to meet specific short-term and cyclical working capital needs. These lines of credit provide a greater flexibility than you would receive with a standard term loan. CAPLines also offer competitive interest rates, long repayment terms and large funding amounts. Like other SBA loan products, CAPLines can be a good option for businesses that have good credit and finances, but may not qualify for bank financing.

  • For-profit U.S. business.
  • Unable to access credit on reasonable terms from nongovernment sources.
  • Financial qualifications determined by individual lender.

Pros

  • Line of credit options for seasonal, working capital, building and contracting needs.
  • Large maximum borrowing amounts.
  • Competitive interest rates and repayment terms.

Cons

  • Typically requires good credit and multiple years in business.
  • Slow to fund.
  • Collateral and/or down payment may be required.

Quantum Lending Solutions - Line of credit

Best for flexible repayment terms

Quantum Lending Solutions - Line of credit

Best for flexible repayment terms

Max loan amount
$150,000
Min. credit score
680
Min. annual revenue
$50,000
Min. time in business
12 months

with Fundera by NerdWallet

Pros

  • Monthly payments (as opposed to daily or weekly required by some online lenders).
  • No prepayment penalties.
  • Can be used to build business credit.

Cons

  • Relatively high minimum credit score requirement compared to other online lenders.
  • Not available in all 50 U.S. states.
  • Not available in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Dakota, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania or Tennessee.

Quantum Lending Solution’s line of credit offers a flexible financing option for small-business owners by providing access to working capital to cover unexpected expenses, fuel business growth and more.

  • Minimum credit score: 680.
  • Minimum time in business: 12 months.
  • Minimum annual revenue: $50,000.

Pros

  • Monthly payments (as opposed to daily or weekly required by some online lenders).
  • No prepayment penalties.
  • Can be used to build business credit.

Cons

  • Relatively high minimum credit score requirement compared to other online lenders.
  • Not available in all 50 U.S. states.
  • Not available in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Dakota, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania or Tennessee.

Quantum Lending Solution’s line of credit offers a flexible financing option for small-business owners by providing access to working capital to cover unexpected expenses, fuel business growth and more.

  • Minimum credit score: 680.
  • Minimum time in business: 12 months.
  • Minimum annual revenue: $50,000.

Pros

  • Monthly payments (as opposed to daily or weekly required by some online lenders).
  • No prepayment penalties.
  • Can be used to build business credit.

Cons

  • Relatively high minimum credit score requirement compared to other online lenders.
  • Not available in all 50 U.S. states.
  • Not available in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Dakota, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania or Tennessee.

Fundbox - Line of credit

Best for business owners with bad credit

Fundbox - Line of credit

Best for business owners with bad credit

Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
600
Min. annual revenue
$30,000
Min. time in business
3 months

with Fundera by NerdWallet

Pros

  • Financing available within two business days 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

  • Weekly repayments required.

Fundbox is one of the best online line of credit options for startups. Businesses with just three months in business may be able to qualify. Fundbox is also a good option for borrowers with bad credit and businesses with low revenue. The lender offers a flexible short-term line of credit that can fund within two business days after approval.

  • Minimum credit score: 600.
  • Minimum time in business: 3 months.
  • Minimum annual revenue: $30,000.

Pros

  • Financing available within two business days 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

  • Weekly repayments required.

Fundbox is one of the best online line of credit options for startups. Businesses with just three months in business may be able to qualify. Fundbox is also a good option for borrowers with bad credit and businesses with low revenue. The lender offers a flexible short-term line of credit that can fund within two business days after approval.

  • Minimum credit score: 600.
  • Minimum time in business: 3 months.
  • Minimum annual revenue: $30,000.

Pros

  • Financing available within two business days 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

  • Weekly repayments required.

Wells Fargo BusinessLine® Line of Credit

Best for low interest rates

Wells Fargo BusinessLine® Line of Credit

Best for low interest rates

Max loan amount
$150,000
Min. credit score
680
Min. annual revenue
Undisclosed
Min. time in business
6 months

with Fundera by NerdWallet

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 have strong credit to qualify.
  • May take longer to fund than online lenders.
  • Annual fee and inactivity fees may apply.

The Wells Fargo BusinessLine line of credit allows companies with at least six months in business to access working capital. This line of credit offers competitive interest rates, revolving terms and doesn’t require collateral. Wells Fargo waives the annual fee for the first year on this product and includes a Mastercard access card for making purchases.

  • Minimum credit score: 680.
  • Minimum time in business: 6 months.

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 have strong credit to qualify.
  • May take longer to fund than online lenders.
  • Annual fee and inactivity fees may apply.

The Wells Fargo BusinessLine line of credit allows companies with at least six months in business to access working capital. This line of credit offers competitive interest rates, revolving terms and doesn’t require collateral. Wells Fargo waives the annual fee for the first year on this product and includes a Mastercard access card for making purchases.

  • Minimum credit score: 680.
  • Minimum time in business: 6 months.

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 have strong credit to qualify.
  • May take longer to fund than online lenders.
  • Annual fee and inactivity fees may apply.

OnDeck - Line of credit

Best for unsecured lines of credit

OnDeck - Line of credit

Best for unsecured lines of credit

Max loan amount
$200,000
Min. credit score
625
Min. annual revenue
$100,000
Min. time in business
12 months

with Fundera by NerdWallet

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’s fast line of credit is a standout option for small-business owners with less-than-stellar credit who need working capital. This line of credit offers flexible repayment options, allowing you to choose between three term options and a weekly or monthly frequency. It’s also a good option for borrowers who don’t want to risk their company assets; OnDeck’s line of credit does not require physical collateral and it doesn’t take a UCC lien out on your business.

  • Minimum credit score: 625.
  • Minimum time in business: 12 months.
  • Minimum annual revenue: $100,000.
  • No bankruptcies in the past two years.

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’s fast line of credit is a standout option for small-business owners with less-than-stellar credit who need working capital. This line of credit offers flexible repayment options, allowing you to choose between three term options and a weekly or monthly frequency. It’s also a good option for borrowers who don’t want to risk their company assets; OnDeck’s line of credit does not require physical collateral and it doesn’t take a UCC lien out on your business.

  • Minimum credit score: 625.
  • Minimum time in business: 12 months.
  • Minimum annual revenue: $100,000.
  • No bankruptcies in the past two years.

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.

Bluevine - Line of credit

Best for fast funding

Bluevine - Line of credit

Best for fast funding

Max loan amount
$200,000
Min. credit score
625
Min. annual revenue
$120,000
Min. time in business
12 months

with Fundera by NerdWallet

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 stands out for its fast funding speed and flexible qualification requirements. To get a line of credit, you can apply quickly online and receive funding in as little as 24 hours. Newer businesses and borrowers with bad credit may be able to qualify. Bluevine also offers a larger credit line maximum compared to some competitors and doesn’t charge draw or account maintenance fees.

  • Minimum credit score: 625.
  • Minimum time in business: 12 months.
  • Minimum annual revenue: $120,000.
  • No bankruptcies in the past year.

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 stands out for its fast funding speed and flexible qualification requirements. To get a line of credit, you can apply quickly online and receive funding in as little as 24 hours. Newer businesses and borrowers with bad credit may be able to qualify. Bluevine also offers a larger credit line maximum compared to some competitors and doesn’t charge draw or account maintenance fees.

  • Minimum credit score: 625.
  • Minimum time in business: 12 months.
  • Minimum annual revenue: $120,000.
  • No bankruptcies in the past year.

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.

Headway Capital - Line of credit

Best for startup businesses

Headway Capital - Line of credit

Best for startup businesses

Max loan amount
$100,000
Min. credit score
625
Min. annual revenue
$50,000
Min. time in business
6 months

with Fundera by NerdWallet

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 offers a fast and flexible business line of credit that’s a good option for those who can’t qualify for traditional financing. The lender can work with startups and businesses with low revenue. Headway can fund applications as fast as the next day after approval. Unlike some online lines of credit, however, you’ll likely have to pay a draw fee to access your funds from Headway.

  • Minimum credit score: 625.
  • Minimum time in business: Six months.
  • Minimum annual revenue: $50,000.

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 offers a fast and flexible business line of credit that’s a good option for those who can’t qualify for traditional financing. The lender can work with startups and businesses with low revenue. Headway can fund applications as fast as the next day after approval. Unlike some online lines of credit, however, you’ll likely have to pay a draw fee to access your funds from Headway.

  • Minimum credit score: 625.
  • Minimum time in business: Six months.
  • Minimum annual revenue: $50,000.

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.

Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Secured Line of Credit

Best for secured lines of credit

Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Secured Line of Credit

Best for secured lines of credit

Max loan amount
Undisclosed
Min. credit score
700
Min. annual revenue
$50,000
Min. time in business
6 months

with Fundera by NerdWallet

Pros

  • Available to borrowers with at least six months in business.
  • No origination fee.
  • Responsible spending can help you graduate to an unsecured credit line.

Cons

  • Credit limit is based on the security deposit you provide.
  • Must have a Bank of America checking or savings account to apply.

Bank of America’s Cash Secured Line of Credit is designed specifically for startups. After providing an initial deposit, you can use your credit line to cover working capital needs and establish business credit. If you use your credit line responsibly and make regular payments, Bank of America may be able to transition you to an unsecured line of credit.

  • Minimum time in business: Six months.
  • Minimum annual revenue: $50,000 per year.
  • Bank of America checking or savings account required.
  • Minimum deposit of $1,000.

Pros

  • Available to borrowers with at least six months in business.
  • No origination fee.
  • Responsible spending can help you graduate to an unsecured credit line.

Cons

  • Credit limit is based on the security deposit you provide.
  • Must have a Bank of America checking or savings account to apply.

Bank of America’s Cash Secured Line of Credit is designed specifically for startups. After providing an initial deposit, you can use your credit line to cover working capital needs and establish business credit. If you use your credit line responsibly and make regular payments, Bank of America may be able to transition you to an unsecured line of credit.

  • Minimum time in business: Six months.
  • Minimum annual revenue: $50,000 per year.
  • Bank of America checking or savings account required.
  • Minimum deposit of $1,000.

Pros

  • Available to borrowers with at least six months in business.
  • No origination fee.
  • Responsible spending can help you graduate to an unsecured credit line.

Cons

  • Credit limit is based on the security deposit you provide.
  • Must have a Bank of America checking or savings account to apply.

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A deep dive into our top picks
How we chose the best business lines of credit
How to get a business line of credit
How to choose a business line of credit
Frequently asked questions
Table of contents
  • A deep dive into our top picks
  • How we chose the best business lines of credit
  • How to get a business line of credit
  • How to choose a business line of credit
  • Frequently asked questions

A deep dive into our top picks

SBA CAPLines of credit

Best for large funding amounts
Overview: Part of the SBA 7(a) loan program, the SBA CAPLines program offers four lines of credit options: working capital, seasonal, builders and contract. These credit lines are designed to meet specific short-term and cyclical working capital needs. You’ll likely need good credit and multiple years in business to qualify.
  • You want funds for seasonal, working capital, building or contracting needs.
  • You need access to a large amount of funding.
  • You want low interest rates and long repayment terms on your business line of credit.
  • You have less than two years in business.
  • You have bad or fair credit.
  • You need funding quickly.

Quantum Lending Solutions

Best for flexible repayment terms
Overview: Quantum’s interest rates start at 20.21% — on the low end for an online lender — but unlike some competitors, Quantum charges an origination fee and an inactivity fee. Still, it can be a worthwhile option for newer businesses with strong credit.
  • You have at least 12 months in business.
  • You want to build business credit.
  • You want to choose between three repayment terms with monthly payments.
  • You have bad or fair credit.
  • You don’t want to pay an inactivity fee.
  • You’re located in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Dakota, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania or Tennessee.

Fundbox

Best for business owners with bad credit
Overview: Fundbox offers a fast and flexible line of credit up to $250,000. With a minimum credit score requirement of 600 — lower than many competitors — Fundbox can be a good option for borrowers with less-than-perfect credit.
  • You’re still growing your revenue.
  • You have at least 3 months in business.
  • You have a credit score of 600 or higher.
  • You want to build business credit.
  • You want monthly repayments.

Wells Fargo

Best for low interest rates
Overview: This Wells Fargo credit line is a good option for businesses that want low interest rates on their financing. Wells Fargo waives its annual fee for the first year and accepts borrowers with just 6 months in business (a lower requirement than most bank lenders).
  • You want a line of credit with low interest rates.
  • You have strong credit.
  • You have at least 6 months in business.
  • You don’t have collateral to secure a loan (or don’t want to risk your assets).
  • You need fast access to funding.

OnDeck

Best for unsecured lines of credit
Overview: OnDeck’s unsecured line of credit is a good option for those who don’t want to risk their company assets — as OnDeck doesn’t require physical collateral nor does it take out a UCC lien on your business.
  • You need fast access to working capital.
  • You have a credit score of 625 or higher.
  • You don’t have collateral to secure a loan (or don’t want to risk your assets).
  • You want to build business credit.
  • You have less than 12 months in business.
  • You’re located in North Dakota.

Bluevine

Best for fast funding
Overview: You can apply for a Bluevine line of credit in just minutes and receive a decision as fast as the same day. After you make an initial draw, you’ll receive your funds in as little as 24 hours — or even sooner if you opt for a wire transfer ($15 fee) or have a Bluevine business checking account.
  • You need fast access to working capital.
  • You have a credit score of 625 or higher and 12 months or more in business.
  • You don’t want to pay a draw or account maintenance fee.
  • You want monthly repayments.
  • You want to repay over a long period of time (more than 6 months).
  • You’re located in North Dakota, South Dakota or Nevada.

Headway Capital

Best for startups
Overview: Headway Capital offers a business line of credit in amounts up to $100,000. You can repay your line of credit on a weekly or monthly basis, with repayment terms of 12-, 18- or 24 months. To qualify, you’ll need at least 6 months in business.
  • You need fast access to working capital.
  • You have less than one year in business.
  • You don’t have collateral to secure a loan (or don’t want to risk your assets).
  • You need more than $100,000 in financing.
  • You don’t want to pay a draw fee.
  • You’re located in Arkansas, Connecticut, Montana, Michigan, North Dakota, Nevada, Rhode Island, South Dakota or Vermont.

Bank of America

Best for secured lines of credit
Overview: This secured line of credit is designed specifically for startups that are looking to establish business credit. You fund your credit line with a minimum deposit of at least $1,000 and use it to pay for day-to-day business expenses. Responsible spending and on-time payments can help you build your business credit — and eventually, graduate to an unsecured credit line.
  • You have strong credit and at least 6 months in business.
  • You’re willing to put down a deposit of at least $1,000.
  • You want to build business credit and possibly graduate to an unsecured line of credit.
  • You need a large amount of funding.
  • You can qualify for a competitive unsecured line of credit.
  • You need fast access to working capital.

How we chose the best business lines of credit

NerdWallet’s editorial team evaluates business lines of credit based on six major categories. They include:
  • Cost.
  • Transparency.
  • Underwriting and loan flexibility.
  • Credit.
  • Application experience.
  • Customer service.
Credit lines need to earn at least 4 stars to make our list.
Lenders that receive a NerdWallet rating of 5 stars are outstanding among their peers. They deliver excellent value and excel at each of our evaluation criteria.
Lenders that earn 4.0 to 4.9 stars are excellent. They provide loans that possess all the standard features you'd expect, but are lacking in one or two areas.
Lenders with a rating of 3.0 to 3.9 stars are a good choice, however, they may be lacking in a few areas.
Lenders that we rate below 3 stars are lacking in several key areas, and we won’t typically recommend them as a first choice to secure a loan.

How to get a business line of credit

Follow these steps to get a line of credit for your business.

1. Evaluate your financing needs

Determine if a business line of credit is the right fit for you. A credit line can be a good option for:
If you’re making a large investment or want to pay over a long period of time, you might consider a business term loan instead.

2. Determine how much debt you can afford

Look at your cash flow and existing debt obligations to determine how much new debt you can afford. Make sure your business generates enough consistent income to cover debt payments, as well as pay for ongoing expenses.
You can use the business line of credit calculator below to estimate payments and total interest costs.

3. Review requirements

Knowing where you stand before applying can help increase your chances of approval. Although lender requirements vary, at a minimum you’ll want to have:
  • Credit score: 600 or higher.
  • Time in business. Six months or more.
  • Annual revenue. $50,000 or more.
In general, online lenders will have more lenient requirements and may be willing to work with startups or borrowers with bad credit. Traditional and SBA lenders will be more strict — typically asking for multiple years in business and strong credit.

4. Research and compare lenders

Research and compare multiple lenders to find the best line of credit for your needs.
  • Consider a bank if you have strong qualifications and aren’t in a rush.
  • Consider an SBA lender if you can’t qualify for a bank credit line, but still have good credentials.
  • Consider an online lender if you can’t qualify with a traditional lender or need funds as soon as possible (and don’t mind paying higher rates for speed).

5. Apply through Fundera by NerdWallet

When shopping for lines of credit, consider applying through Fundera by NerdWallet. We’ve helped over 14,000 business owners get line of credit funding. When you work with us, you’ll:
  • Apply with one simple application.
  • See options with no hard credit check.
  • Compare multiple offers at once.
  • Get advice from lending experts.

How to choose a business line of credit

Consider these factors to get the best business line of credit for your needs:
💲 Maximum funding amount
If you think you need a large credit limit, bank or SBA lenders may be a better option. Keep in mind that many banks also offer commercial lines of credit, which are designed to meet the needs of mid-size, high-revenue businesses.
Repayment schedule
Business lines of credit may require daily, weekly or monthly repayment. Consider your budget and cash flow to determine the type of repayment you can afford.
📈 Interest rates
Current business line of credit rates can range from 10% to 99% APR. In general, the stronger your credentials, the lower interest rates you’ll receive. Banks tend to offer more competitive business line of credit rates compared with online lenders. As you compare interest rates, consider whether a lender offers fixed or variable rates. A business line of credit calculator can help you estimate potential total costs.
💰 Additional fees
Origination, draw and account maintenance fees can increase the overall cost of your business line of credit. Make sure you understand any additional fees a lender charges and ask questions if the fees are unclear. You should also determine if the lender charges prepayment penalties for repaying early.
Funding speed
If you need capital quickly, you may be able to get it from an online lender in just a few days. Although traditional lenders may take anywhere from days to weeks to provide funding, you’ll likely get a lower interest rate with these options.
🤝 Lender reputation
Reading online reviews or talking to other business owners can help you get a sense of what it may be like to work with a particular lender. Although there are many reputable online lenders, be wary of any company that offers “guaranteed approval” or makes similar promises that seem too good to be true.

Frequently asked questions

Business lines of credit may be available up to $500,000, but the amount that you can borrow ultimately varies based on your lender and qualifications. Online lenders typically have lower maximum funding amounts, while banks may offer higher limits or evaluate credit lines on a case-by-case basis. SBA lines of credit are available up to $5 million.
You may be able to qualify for a business line of credit from some online lenders with a minimum credit score of 600. You’ll typically need a strong credit score — close to 700 or higher — to qualify for a credit line from a bank or credit union.
In general, the better your credit, the more options you’ll have — and the lower the interest rates you may receive.
For newer businesses, it can be more difficult to get a small-business line of credit. Traditional lenders, such as banks, typically require you to have several years in operation, good credit and strong finances to secure any type of financing. Some online lenders, however, may be willing to work with startups or businesses with bad credit.
Funding timelines for business lines of credit vary from lender to lender. Some online lenders can approve and fund applications as quickly as the same day — and in general, most of these companies can provide capital within a few business days.
With more traditional lenders, on the other hand, it may take anywhere from several days to several weeks for you to get a line of credit.
Last updated on May 19, 2026

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.