Best Small Business Line of Credit in 2025 | Flexible Financing Options

Finding the right financing can make all the difference for a growing business. A small business line of credit is one of the most flexible options out there, and it gives you access to funds whenever you need them. Business lines of credit differ from traditional loans as you only pay interest on what you use, so it’s a smart safety net for many owners.

So with that being said, let’s take a look at the best small business lines of credit, so you can choose the one that fits your goals and keeps your business in good standing.

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Table of contents

Best Small Business Line of Credit Chase Business Line of Credit Bank of America Unsecured Line of Credit Bank of America Secured Line of Credit American Express Business Line of Credit Fundbox Business Line of Credit: Fast and Flexible Access Business Credit Line vs. Business Loans: Which Is Right for You? Instant Business Line of Credit Options Fundbox OnDeck Upwise Capital GoKapital PNC Bank Business Credit Line for New Business Final Thoughts Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Best Small Business Line of Credit

A business line of credit is one of the most flexible financing tools available to small business owners. Business lines of credit are different than a lump-sum loan, as it gives you access to a pool of funds you can borrow from whenever you need and the balance refreshes as you repay.¹ This makes it perfect for managing cash flow swings, seasonal slowdowns or covering surprise expenses. The best small business line of credit is usually one that balances flexibility with affordable interest rates and low fees. Here are a few of the best lines of credit for you to consider:

Chase Business Line of Credit

The business line of credit from Chase provides revolving financing, so you borrow and repay repeatedly, just like a business credit card. Most available options range from $10,000 to $500,000 with a five-year term and the option to renew, so it can smooth out cash flow challenges or cover unexpected costs. Monthly repayments consist of accrued interest plus 1% of your balance, and there’s an annual fee, waived if you use at least 40% of your credit line on average.³

Bank of America Unsecured Line of Credit

If you prefer not to risk your assets, the unsecured business line of credit from Bank of America might be a better option. It starts at $10,000, and it comes with a competitive interest rate of about 9.25%. You’ll also be glad to know, there are no cash advance fees and interest only accrues when you use it. Just note: you typically need at least two years in business, $100,000 in annual revenue and a FICO score above 700.⁵

Bank of America Secured Line of Credit

If you're looking for more favorable rates and don’t mind pledging assets, Bank of America’s secured business line of credit may be an option for you. You’ll get a minimum loan of $25,000, rates start around 8.50% and repayment is structured with revolving terms and annual renewal. You'll need at least two years in operation and around $250,000 in annual revenue. Because you’re securing the line with business assets or a CD, interest doesn't kick in until you actually draw funds.⁵

American Express Business Line of Credit

For businesses that want flexibility without complex paperwork, American Express’s business line of credit is another option. You can borrow $2,000 to $250,000 (depending on your profile), with short-term, interest-free draw options structured as installment loans. Fees range between 3% to 27% depending on the term length, but there are no application, origination or prepayment fees. You just need to make sure your FICO score is at least 660, and you've been operating for at least a year.

Fundbox Business Line of Credit: Fast and Flexible Access

Fundbox offers a flexible and fast line of credit tailored to small businesses. Its 2-step approval process is typically quick, with many applicants receiving a decision in minutes and access to funds as soon as the next business day. You can get a credit line up to $250,000, and you only pay weekly fees on the funds you draw, not the entire line.² The repayment terms are either 12 or 24 weeks, making it an excellent option for managing cash flow and bridging gaps caused by unpaid invoices.²

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Business Credit Line vs. Business Loans: Which Is Right for You?

A business credit line and a business loan may sound similar, but they serve different purposes. A line of credit works like a revolving account; you borrow, repay, and borrow again as needed.² The flexibility of this makes it ideal for everyday expenses, emergencies, or ongoing operational needs.

A business loan, however, is a lump sum given upfront, usually tied to a fixed purpose such as buying equipment, expanding a storefront or launching a new product line.² Repayment terms are fixed, and interest accrues on the entire borrowed amount, whether you use it all at once or not.²

Feature	Business Credit Line	Business Loans
Structure	Revolving credit: borrow, repay, and borrow again as needed1	Lump sum of money disbursed up-front1
Flexibility	Highly flexible; use funds only when needed1	Less flexible; fixed loan amount and repayment schedule2
Repayment	Interest charged only on the amount you draw1	Fixed monthly payments (principal + interest)1
Best For	Covering short-term expenses, seasonal cash flow gaps, emergencies or opportunities1	Long-term investments like equipment, expansion or real estate1
Credit Limit / Loan Amount	Typically smaller limits ($5,000 to $500,000 depending on lender)2	Can be larger, often $25,000 to several million1
Cost	May include annual fees, higher interest rates if unsecured1	Usually lower interest rates, but commitment is longer1
Approval Factors	Based on credit score, time in business and revenue, often faster approval2	Based on credit score, revenue, collateral and business plan, more paperwork1
Cash Flow Impact	Helps smooth uneven cash flow by borrowing only when necessary1	Provides a stable lump sum but requires fixed repayment regardless of cash flow1

So, which is best? If you value flexibility and only want to pay interest on what you actually use, a credit line is smarter.² But if your company has a large, specific project in mind with clear costs and timelines, a loan may be the better tool. Both can strengthen cash flow, but in different ways.

Instant Business Line of Credit Options

Sometimes, waiting weeks for financing isn’t an option, especially when payroll, suppliers or a sudden business opportunity are on the line. That’s where you might need an instant business line of credit. Below are some of the best options:

Fundbox

Fundbox provides an easy online application process for its business line of credit. Approved businesses can access funds within 24 hours, and the application takes just a few minutes to complete. Not to mention, there’s no impact on your personal credit score. This makes Fundbox an excellent choice for businesses needing quick access to capital.

OnDeck

OnDeck provides a business line of credit with the ability to draw funds instantly, even during weekends and holidays. This feature helps to make sure that businesses can access working capital whenever needed, without waiting for traditional banking hours. It’s particularly beneficial for businesses with unpredictable cash flow needs.

Upwise Capital

Upwise Capital offers both secured and unsecured business lines of credit with approval times as fast as same-day. They provide flexible terms ranging from six months to two years, with credit limits up to $500,000. This can be beneficial for a rapid funding option that is ideal for businesses requiring immediate capital for various needs.

GoKapital

GoKapital provides an unsecured business line of credit with instant access to funds. Businesses can be approved for up to $55,000, with no pre-payment penalties, all for early repayment and interest savings. The flexibility of this makes GoKapital a suitable choice for businesses that need a quick and adaptable financing solution.

PNC Bank

PNC Bank provides both secured and unsecured business lines of credit. The exact approval times may vary, but they provide quick access to capital, so businesses manage cash flow and prepare for changing needs. Their lines of credit come with various features to support business growth as well.

Business Credit Line for New Business

One of the biggest hurdles for entrepreneurs is accessing financing when the company is still new. The good news is, some lenders now offer a business credit line for new business owners with less than two years in operation. Fundbox, for instance, allows applications from businesses with as little as three months of history and at least $30,000 in monthly revenue, while providing credit limits up to $250,000.^2,6 That’s a major advantage compared to traditional banks like Chase or Bank of America, which often require longer operating histories and stronger financials.⁵

If you’re a startup, flexibility can be extremely helpful, especially when it comes to managing early-stage expenses like marketing, payroll or stocking initial inventory. By building a positive repayment history, you can also increase your credit limit over time.⁴ So while not every lender will extend credit to young businesses, fintech lenders are often easier to work with, especially if your credit if you’re brand new to the industry.

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Final Thoughts

Choosing the best small business line of credit ultimately depends on your company’s needs, cash flow patterns, and growth plans. If you’re a business with seasonal sales fluctuations or unexpected expenses, a revolving business credit line provides flexibility, so you can borrow, repay, and borrow again as needed.²

Instant lines of credit from fintech providers like Fundbox or OnDeck can give fast access to funds, which is ideal for urgent operational needs as well.² Traditional banks may take longer to approve, but can offer larger limits or lower rates.⁵

Your credit score, revenue, and time in business will influence approval and terms, so it’s important to assess your financial health before applying. So with that being said, a line of credit can help you with cash flow, support growth, and give peace of mind when unexpected expenses arise.²

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How does a business line of credit affect my credit score?

Applying for a business credit line may result in a hard inquiry, which can impact your credit score slightly. Responsible use, such as making on-time payments and keeping balances low, can strengthen your profile over time, which may improve future borrowing opportunities.¹

How quickly can I access funds after approval?

With fintech providers offering instant business lines of credit, funds may be available within 24 hours of approval.^2,3 Traditional banks usually take longer, sometimes weeks, due to stricter underwriting and additional documentation requirements.⁵ Speed depends heavily on lender type and your eligibility.

Is there a maximum credit limit for small business lines of credit?

Credit limits vary widely by lender. Fintechs may cap at $250,000, while banks often extend higher limits to established businesses with strong financials.^2,3 The actual limit you’re approved for depends on factors like annual revenue, cash flow, time in business and credit history.¹

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Sources:

1. Business Line of Credit | Bankrate
2. What you need to know before applying for a business loan | Fundbox
3. Business Line of Credit | Chase
4. Business Line of Credit | American Express
5. Small Business Financing | Bank of America
6. Business Funding | Fundbox