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Best Business Lines Of Credit Of 2026: Compare Top Lenders

A business line of credit is, in many cases, an essential part of managing your business’s cash flow, allowing you to cover unexpected expenses and invest in growth opportunities. But with so many options to consider and related factors to weigh, how do you choose the right business line of credit to cover your ongoing financial needs?
To find the best business lines of credit of 2026, our team of researchers compared 18 lenders and 17 data points. Loan costs, such as interest rates and fees, carried the most weight in each lender’s score and ranking. The second most important factor was our Consumer Sentiment Index, which gauges borrower satisfaction in areas such as application processes and funding speed. Read past the rankings for tips to learn how to choose among our best business line of credit lenders.
Featured Partner Offers
1
OnDeck
$5,000 to $250,000
Varies by loan
625
2
Biz2Credit
Up to $1 million
Revenue-based financing. Varies depending on product and qualifications
650*
*See website for details
12 months+*
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3
Lendio
$500 to $5 million
As low as 3%
560
Compare the Best Business Lines Of Credit of 2026
| COMPANY | FORBES ADVISOR RATING | LOAN AMOUNTS | APR | LEARN MORE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
$1,000 to $250,000
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Interest rates start at 4.66%
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On Fundbox’s Website
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Up to $750,000
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Starting at 6.25%
|
Via Forbes Advisor
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$2,000 to $250,000
|
N/A
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Via Forbes Advisor
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|
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$5,000 to $400,000
|
Varies by loan
|
Via Ondeck’s Website
| |
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$5,000 to $250,000
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Simple interest starts at 7.8%
|
On Bluevine’s Website
| ||
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$20,000 to $100,000
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Variable, based on the Prime Rate
|
Via Forbes Advisor
| ||
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$10,000 to $3 million
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Prime + 1.75% to prime + 9.75%
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Via Forbes Advisor
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Best Business Lines Of Credit: A Closer Look
Most Popular is calculated from the number of times each affiliate product was selected by Forbes Advisor users over a six month time period.
How To Choose a Business Line of Credit
Business lines of credit offer ongoing access to a line of credit that can be borrowed against as needed and may be a good option for small businesses or larger commercial or corporate borrowers with multiple or ongoing expenses to cover. However, not all business lines of credit are the same. To find the best business line of credit for your needs, compare all features before accepting financing, including:
- Fees. Business line of credit fees vary between lenders. Lenders charge origination, draw, maintenance and inactivity fees. Consider all of the costs of borrowing before accepting financing.
- Credit limit. Your credit limit is how much you can draw from a line of credit. This limit can vary between lenders, so be sure you choose a lender that offers a credit limit that will cover all of your expenses.
- Interest rates. Interest on a line of credit starts accumulating once you draw from the credit line. Interest rates vary between lenders, so shopping around can help you find the lowest business line of credit rates.
- Draw periods. The draw period is the time you have to borrow from your line of credit. Once you know how long you’ll need to cover expenses with your credit line, determine the draw period you’ll need and the lender that will offer it to your business.
- Repayment periods. Repayment periods function similarly to the repayment term for a traditional loan. Once the repayment period starts, you’ll repay your debt, and you won’t be able to borrow any more from your line of credit. Repayment periods vary by lender, so be sure your lender offers terms that work for your business.
- Collateral. Some business lines of credit require collateral, such as business assets, to qualify for financing. Depending on your desired credit limit and terms, you may need to consider if you have sufficient collateral to back a line of credit.
Pros and Cons of Business Lines of Credit
Before accepting a business line of credit, consider the pros and cons of this kind of financing.
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
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Can be drawn from as needed
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May have high rates and short repayment terms
|
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Can borrow exactly as much as you need
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Various fees can add to the cost of borrowing
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Can be used for any legal business-related expense
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May require collateral
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Types of Business Lines of Credit
There are four common types of business lines of credit: secured, unsecured, revolving and nonrevolving.
Secured Business Lines of Credit
Unsecured Business Lines of Credit
Revolving and Nonrevolving Business Lines of Credit
How To Get a Business Line of Credit
Although each business line of credit lender may have a different application process, the steps are often similar. Here’s how to get a line of credit to maintain a healthy level of working capital, scale operations or otherwise support your business:
- Check your credit. Before applying for a business line of credit, check your personal and business credit scores. Ensure there are no errors on your credit reports, and use this information to help understand which lenders may work with you. If your business has bad credit, research online lenders, which often offer more flexible lending criteria.
- Estimate financial need. As you consider which lender to work with, determine how much funding your business will need. If you have ongoing financial needs, a line of credit is likely the best fit. Each lender has different minimum and maximum credit amounts, so use your estimate to help determine which lender may offer you financing.
- Collateral. Opting for a secured business line of credit will often mean you’ll have access to lower interest rates and higher credit limits. To qualify for a secured credit line, you’ll need collateral with enough value in your possession.
- Shop around. Each lender sets different borrower requirements, including time in business, minimum revenue, minimum credit score and industry type. Find lenders where you meet the minimum eligibility requirements. If possible, prequalify to see the rates and terms you may be offered. This doesn’t impact your credit score.
- Prepare documentation and apply. Business loan lenders can require a range of documentation when you apply, including a business license, tax returns, bank statements, a business plan, and profit and loss statement. Once you’ve gathered the necessary information, apply for your credit line.
- Await a decision. Some lenders may make a decision within hours of an application, while others may take weeks. Watch for any communication from your potential lender in case more information is needed.
Is a Line of Credit Right for Your Business?
A business line of credit can be an effective source of business financing, but it may not be right for every business—or every financial goal.
If your business has ongoing and unpredictable expenses, a line of credit may be the best financing option, as it allows you to draw from it as needed. However, if your business needs to cover a one-time expense, such as purchasing equipment, a term loan will likely be a better option due to its lower cost.
Term loans are just one business financing alternative to lines of credit. Considering all of your options can help you find the best financing option for your business.
Alternatives to Consider
Before accepting any financing, consider a few popular alternatives to business lines of credit:
- Term loans. A term loan can be a better funding option if your business only needs a one-time lump sum. Small business loans can come with more predictable payments compared to lines of credit, and in some cases, they help prevent your business from over-borrowing.
- Business credit cards. While a line of credit and a business credit card are both revolving credit lines, they have different uses. If your business needs to borrow money for many small purchases, a business credit card can be a more efficient and sometimes cheaper option due to utilization fees on lines of credit.
- Merchant cash advances. For businesses that may not qualify for a line of credit and generate revenue through frequent credit card sales, a merchant cash advance may be a good option. This form of financing allows a business to borrow against future sales, and that debt is then repaid as a portion of those sales.
- Invoice factoring. Invoice factoring can be a good option for businesses with outstanding invoices that may not qualify for other financing. With invoice factoring, a lender will give you a portion of our outstanding invoices, which they will collect. Once those invoices are paid, your business will receive the rest of the invoice, minus fees.
- Equipment financing. Equipment financing is a way to acquire new equipment for your business. This financing functions as secured loans, with the equipment your business is purchasing serving as the collateral.
- Savings. If you have the savings to cover your financial needs, this can be a more cost-effective way to cover expenses.
Methodology
We reviewed 18 popular lenders based on 17 data points in the categories of loan details, loan costs, eligibility and accessibility, customer experience and the application process. We chose the best lenders based on the weighting assigned to each category:
- Loan cost. 35%
- Consumer Sentiment Index. 30%
- Loan details. 20%
- Application process. 10%
- Eligibility and accessibility. 5%
Within each major category, we also considered several characteristics, including available loan amounts, repayment terms and applicable fees. We also looked at minimum credit score and time in business requirements and the geographic availability of the lender. Finally, we evaluated each provider’s customer support tools, borrower perks and features that simplify the borrowing process—like online applications and funding time.
Where appropriate, we awarded partial points depending on how well a lender met each criterion.
To learn more about how Forbes Advisor rates lenders, and our editorial process, check out our Business Loans Rating & Review Methodology.
¹The required FICO score may be higher based on your relationship with American Express, credit history, and other factors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a good interest rate for a business line of credit?
A good interest rate for a business line of credit is typically between 7% and 10%, but this depends on factors like the lender, the borrower’s creditworthiness and the borrowing limit. The most competitive interest rates are usually reserved for established businesses with strong credit scores and a longer record of financial stability.
If you plan to apply for a business line of credit, check your business and personal credit scores to evaluate your approval odds. Then, gather your business’s financial documents, including tax returns, bank statements and other relevant records. When you’re ready to apply, prequalify with several lenders before choosing the best option.
Can an LLC get a business line of credit?
An LLC can get a business line of credit if it meets the qualification requirements set by each lender. In general, business borrowers must have a strong credit history, demonstrate a minimum monthly or annual revenue and have been operating for at least six months to two years.
What is the minimum credit score for a business line of credit?
There’s no standard minimum credit score for business lines of credit, but a personal credit score of at least 700 can increase your approval odds. Lenders may also consider your business credit score, with some forms of financing requiring a score of at least 155.
Is it worth getting a business line of credit?
Getting a business line of credit can be worth it for many businesses, but it’s not always the right choice. Business lines of credit provide flexible access to funds as needed instead of in a lump sum. This means you can cover operating expenses, manage cash flow or handle unexpected costs as they arise, and only pay interest on the amount you draw against your borrowing limit.





