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See Your Loan OptionsBusiness Loans with NerdWallet
Getting a business loan can be challenging, and several factors — cost, speed, repayment schedule — can play a role in deciding which product is right for you. Let us help you through the process.
Sort by:
- Default
- NerdWallet rating (high to low)
- Max loan amount (high to low)
- Min. time in business (low to high)
- Min. interest rate (low to high)
- Term length (high to low)
SBA CAPLines of credit
Best for SBA working capital lines of credit
Max loan amount
$5,000,000
Min. credit score
650
Min. annual revenue
Undisclosed
with NerdWallet Small Business
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.
Wells Fargo BusinessLine® Line of Credit
Best for low interest rates
Max loan amount
$150,000
Min. credit score
680
Min. annual revenue
Undisclosed
with NerdWallet Small Business
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.
Bluevine - Line of credit
Best for fast funding
Max loan amount
$200,000
Min. credit score
625
Min. annual revenue
$120,000
with NerdWallet Small Business
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.
Headway Capital - Line of credit
Best for bad credit
Max loan amount
$100,000
Min. credit score
625
Min. annual revenue
$50,000
with NerdWallet Small Business
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.
Fundbox - Line of credit
Best for startups
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
600
Min. annual revenue
$30,000
with NerdWallet Small Business
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.
Chase - Business line of credit
Best for high limits
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
660
Min. annual revenue
Undisclosed
with NerdWallet Small Business
Pros
- Bank credit line with competitive interest rates.
- Large maximum line limit of $500,000.
Cons
- Not available in Alaska and Hawaii.
- Annual fee may apply.
If you’re looking for a line of credit from a big bank, Chase offers a revolving credit line with repayment terms of five years. The lender offers large credit line amounts with variable rates based on the prime rate. To qualify, you’ll need to be an established business and provide collateral. Unlike some bank options, you’ll need to visit a branch location to apply.
- Minimum credit score: 660
- Minimum time in business: 24 months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $100,000.
best working capital lines of credit: More details
U.S. Small Business Administration: Best for SBA working capital lines of credit
Part of the 7(a) loan program, SBA CAPLines provide funding for short-term working capital needs. Each of the four credit lines is designed for a specific purpose, including general working capital, seasonal slows, construction and contract orders.
SBA CAPLines of credit
with NerdWallet Small Business
Max loan amount
$5,000,000
Min. credit score
650
Term length
Up to 10 years
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.
Wells Fargo: Best for low interest rates
Wells Fargo offers a revolving working capital line of credit with rates as low as prime + 1.75%. You may be able to qualify with as few as six months in business — as long as you have good credit.
Wells Fargo BusinessLine® Line of Credit
5.0NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates responsible lending practices, cost, impact on business credit score, transparency and customer experience.
with NerdWallet Small Business
Max loan amount
$150,000
Min. credit score
680
Term length
Undisclosed
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.
Bluevine: Best for fast funding
Bluevine can provide up to $200,000 as fast as the same day. To get same day funding, you’ll need to pay a $15 wire fee or have a Bluevine business checking account.
May fund quickly
Bluevine - Line of credit
5.0NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates responsible lending practices, cost, impact on business credit score, transparency and customer experience.
with NerdWallet Small Business
Max loan amount
$200,000
Min. credit score
625
Term length
6 to 12 months
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.
Headway Capital: Best for bad credit
Headway Capital provides fast working capital lines of credit for borrowers with a minimum credit score of 600 or higher. You can qualify within minutes and receive funds as soon as the next business day.
Headway Capital - Line of credit
4.8NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates responsible lending practices, cost, impact on business credit score, transparency and customer experience.
with NerdWallet Small Business
Max loan amount
$100,000
Min. credit score
625
Term length
12 to 24 months
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.
Fundbox: Best for startups
You can get a business line of credit from Fundbox in amounts up to $150,000. You only need three months in business to qualify — the lowest requirement of all the lenders on our list.
May fund quickly
Fundbox - Line of credit
4.7NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates responsible lending practices, cost, impact on business credit score, transparency and customer experience.
with NerdWallet Small Business
Max loan amount
$250,000
Min. credit score
600
Term length
3 to 24 months
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.
Chase: Best for high limits
Chase offers a credit line up to $500,000. This can be a good option for those who need a large limit — especially established businesses that have fair or good credit. Chase requires a 660+ credit score, which is lower than other banks.
Chase - Business line of credit
4.5NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates responsible lending practices, cost, impact on business credit score, transparency and customer experience.
with NerdWallet Small Business
Max loan amount
$500,000
Min. credit score
660
Term length
5 years
Pros
- Bank credit line with competitive interest rates.
- Large maximum line limit of $500,000.
Cons
- Not available in Alaska and Hawaii.
- Annual fee may apply.
If you’re looking for a line of credit from a big bank, Chase offers a revolving credit line with repayment terms of five years. The lender offers large credit line amounts with variable rates based on the prime rate. To qualify, you’ll need to be an established business and provide collateral. Unlike some bank options, you’ll need to visit a branch location to apply.
- Minimum credit score: 660
- Minimum time in business: 24 months.
- Minimum annual revenue: $100,000.
Should you get a working capital line of credit?
A working capital line of credit may be a good option if you:
- Need to cover short-term expenses.
- Want an emergency fund to keep in your back pocket.
- Have at least three months in business.
- Have a personal credit score of 600+.
- Have existing revenue.
Not a fit? Jump down to learn more about alternatives.
What is a working capital line of credit?
A working capital line of credit is used specifically to finance short-term operating expenses, as opposed to investing in one purchase or long-term project. You might use this business line of credit to pay for:
- Rent.
- Payroll.
- Utilities.
- Inventory.
- Supplies.
- Emergency expenses.
- Employee training.
- Large order fulfillments.
Working capital is one of the most common reasons why business owners need financing. According to NerdWallet’s Business Loan Study, 65% of approved borrowers said they were seeking funding to cover working capital needs.
🔍 Quick definition: Working capital
Working capital is the difference between your business’s current assets (cash, accounts receivable, inventory) and its current liabilities (accounts payable and debts) — essentially what you have available to spend on day-to-day expenses.
» MORE: How to calculate working capital
How a working capital line of credit works
A working capital line of credit allows you to borrow up to a certain limit and pay interest only on the funds you draw.
You then repay the money you’ve borrowed, usually weekly or monthly. You can continue to draw on the line as needed — provided you make timely payments and don’t exceed your credit limit.
Working capital credit lines can be secured or unsecured. Secured business lines of credit are backed by physical collateral, like inventory or equipment. Unsecured lines don’t require physical collateral.
Working capital loan vs. line of credit
A working capital loan is a better option if you need a lump sum upfront or need to cover a large, one-time expense. Here’s how the two products compare:
Working capital loan | Working capital line of credit | |
Structure | Lump sum upfront that is repaid over time. | Draw funds as needed, up to a set limit. |
Funding amount | Typically larger. | Typically smaller. |
Repayment | Fixed schedule over a set period. | Often revolving; repay what you draw. |
Interest | Paid on the full amount. | Paid only on funds drawn. |
Pros and cons of working capital lines of credit
Pros
- Can be used for a variety of short-term needs.
- Revolving structure lets you draw and repay funds repeatedly, up to your limit.
- Often fast to fund.
Cons
- Not a good option for larger or long-term purposes.
- Fees can add to borrowing costs.
- May require frequent payments.
How to qualify for a working capital line of credit
Requirements vary by lender, but these guidelines can help you get started:
Personal credit score: 600+
The stronger your credit score, the more financing options you’ll have available. Most online lenders will require a minimum score of 600 or higher. Traditional lenders will be more strict; many ask for a score of 670+.
Annual revenue: $30,000+
You’ll usually need to show that you’re generating revenue to qualify. Online lenders usually have lower requirements. Banks will require a higher annual amount.
Time in business: 3+ months
A longer time in business can help you access more competitive options — like bank or SBA credit lines. Online lenders may accept startups that have three to six months in business.
How to compare working capital lines of credit
Working capital lines of credit can be issued by banks, credit unions and online lenders. Some banks and credit unions also offer SBA programs such as the SBA Working Capital Pilot program or SBA CAPLines which can help you meet your short-term financing needs. Here’s how to compare your options:
- Credit limits. Your ideal credit limit will vary based on your specific working capital needs, and how frequently you will repay your credit line. Understanding what you’re looking for can help you narrow down lenders.
- Interest rates and fees. The best interest rates and fees typically come from banks and credit unions and usually require strong personal credit and business revenue.
- Repayment terms. Make sure the available repayment terms work with your business model and the income you know you have coming in.
- Funding speed. Keep in mind that you may be taking multiple draws instead of just one lump sum, so the speed of funding won’t just matter up front. Considering the ease of the lender’s process can save you time and logistical headaches later on.
- Application process. Online lenders typically have streamlined application processes, making them ideal if you need to access capital fast. Though they can be cheaper, banks and CDFIs can take much longer to process applications.
- Customer support. With a line of credit, you may need to interact with your lender about your account more frequently than with a term loan, so look for multiple contact channels and good customer support ratings.
- Lender reputation. Look at reviews on sites like Trustpilot and the Better Business Bureau to make sure your lender is reputable and trustworthy.
Alternatives to a working capital line of credit
If a working capital line of credit isn’t right for you, here are some alternatives:
- If you need to cover a large purchase or expansion, consider a long-term business loan.
- If you’re a brand new business and need to cover everyday expenses, consider a business credit card.
- If you want to explore all of your financing options, check out our picks for the best small-business loans.
Last updated on July 24, 2026
Fill out one simple application
Answer a 3-minute questionnaire about your business to get personalized lending options. It’s free and won’t impact your credit score.
See your business loan options
Compare interest rates and repayment terms to choose the best product for your needs.
Get your loan
If the lender approves you, you’ll sign closing documents in order to receive funds. Some lenders can approve and fund loans within one business day.
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.
