Business Line of Credit for Small Businesses | Business Loans
A Business Line of Credit
Quick Overview
By Bradley Harris | Last Updated: June 17, 2025
Every small business owner encounters situations where they need quick access to extra capital. Traditionally, one of the most popular options for handling day-to-day cash flow needs has been a business line of credit.
What is a Business Line of Credit?
A business line of credit (or “LOC”) is a revolving loan that gives business owners access to a fixed amount of money, which they can use day-to-day according to their need for cash.
LOCs are specifically designed to help businesses finance short-term working capital needs, such as:
A Business Term Loan vs. a Business Line of Credit
A term loan involves a fixed amount of funds loaned out and repaid over a fixed time period. The business owner takes the proceeds from a term loan in one lump sum. A term loan is repaid in a prearranged schedule of payments that stay constant until the loan has been repaid. The funds from a term loan typically go to purchase a specific asset, like a building, a vehicle, or other equipment that is valuable to the business.
A business line of credit is more flexible. With a LOC, businesses are given a credit limit they can borrow against whenever they need it, and they’re free to spend the funds on the costs of their choosing. Businesses then make regular payments that vary according to the current balance of the credit line, like a personal credit card.
While term loans work well for paying for long-term assets that will be used over many years, LOCs are best for short-term operating purposes and for more immediate revenue-generating activities because the business owner can access funds as he or she needs them.