A Church line of credit is a flexible, revolving loan that allows you to borrow funds up to a predetermined limit, repay them, and borrow again as needed. Unlike a traditional term loan where you receive a lump sum, a line of credit gives your ongoing access to cash.
How It Works
- Revolving Access: Like a credit card, your available credit replenishes as you make repayments.
- Interest on Usage: You only pay interest on the amount you withdraw, not the entire credit limit.
- Variable Rates: Most lines of credit feature variable interest rates that fluctuate with market
Types of Credit Lines
- Secured: Requires collateral (e.g., inventory, real estate). These typically offer lower interest rates and higher limits.
- Unsecured: No collateral required, but they often have stricter eligibility requirements and higher interest rates.
Common Qualifications (As of 2026)
Lenders typically evaluate your business based on the "Five Cs": character, capacity, capital, collateral, and conditions. General requirements often include:
- Credit Score: Personal FICO scores of 600 to 680+ are standard. Some online lenders may work with scores as low as 500.
- Time in Business: Most traditional banks require 2 years, in some cases we have online lenders that can do it as little as 3 months.
A line of credit is best for short-term working capital rather than long-term investments.
- Bridging Cash Flow Gaps: Covering payroll or rent during slow revenue periods.
- Inventory & Supplies: Buying extra stock before a peak season or taking advantage of bulk discounts.
- Emergency Expenses: Acting as a financial safety net for unexpected repairs or costs.