Keep your cash flow steady with a secured business line of credit.

To apply for a secured line of business credit, you can fill out Lendio’s easy online application. This simple form lets you review your funding options in as little as 15 minutes. Once completed, you can review the lenders that might provide a secured credit line to your business, along with the other details of any financing offers for which you may be eligible.

If your business can satisfy the minimum requirements above for a secured business credit line, you may be eligible for this desirable form of funding for business owners. You can also use Lendio’s line of credit calculator to review an estimate of how much you might qualify for, along with the terms a lender might offer you based on your business details.

A secured business line of credit is backed by collateral, such as future credit card sales, an interest in your business, or something else. So, it is necessary to pledge some type of asset (aka collateral) when you apply for a secured business line of credit.

If you’re interested in a line of credit that does not require collateral, you may want to consider unsecured business lines of credit. Just be aware that it’s common for unsecured lines of credit to feature stricter qualification requirements and higher interest rates.

After you qualify for a secured business credit line and agree to the terms, you can start to enjoy the benefits of your new account. A business credit line is similar to a business credit card in numerous ways. 

You can use your new credit line to access up to a set amount of capital (aka your credit limit). But with a secured credit line, you can typically withdraw funds in cash (without the high cash advance fees and APRs you’d pay with a credit card) and use them for business-related expenses. 

Depending on the terms of your agreement, you’ll begin to repay the funds you borrow on a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule. Some lenders may allow you to repay the full statement balance early—within a grace period—to avoid interest charges. 

It’s best not to max out your business line of credit. Doing so could cost you extra money in interest fees. Additionally, it might signal to your financier that your business is in financial trouble. There is also the possibility that your lender could ask you to repay the full balance of your secured line of credit all at once. So, it’s wise to make a habit of paying down your credit line and avoid relying on it too heavily.

Once a lender approves your application for a secured business line of credit, you may be able to access your credit line as soon as the same day. (Note: This process could take up to a few weeks with some lenders.) 

Again, you’ll pay interest only on the funds your business withdraws, not the full credit limit for which a lender approves you. Depending on the terms of your agreement, your business may have to make payments to the lender each day, week, or month. Terms for secured business lines of credit can vary as well, but often span six months to two years.