Business Line of Credit vs Credit Card — Comparison
Comparison Guide

Business Line of Credit vs Credit Card

Compare business lines of credit and credit cards to choose the right revolving credit option for your business.

Business line of credit vs credit card: Business line of credit offers lower rates (8-25% APR), higher limits ($25k-$500k+), flexible draw options (ACH, check), and better for larger expenses. Business credit card offers rewards/cash back, easier approval, convenience (use anywhere), and better for daily expenses. Best for line of credit: Larger purchases, cash flow management, lower cost needs. Best for credit card: Daily expenses, earning rewards, smaller purchases, convenience. Many businesses use both for different purposes.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FactorBusiness Line of CreditBusiness Credit Card
Interest Rates8-25% APR (lower)15-30% APR (higher)
Credit Limits$25k-$500k+ (higher)$5k-$100k (lower)
Access to FundsACH, check, online transferCard swipe, online, mobile
RewardsNoneCash back, points, miles
ApprovalModerate (600+ credit)Easier (600+ credit)
Best ForLarge purchases, cash flowDaily expenses, convenience
Minimum PaymentsInterest + principalMinimum % of balance

Business Line of Credit Overview

What Is a Business Line of Credit?

Revolving credit facility allowing you to draw funds up to approved limit. Pay interest only on what you use. Can draw via ACH, check, or online transfer.

Learn how business lines of credit work and explore line of credit programs.

Advantages:

  • ✓ Lower interest rates (8-25% APR)
  • ✓ Higher credit limits ($25k-$500k+)
  • ✓ Flexible access (ACH, check, transfer)
  • ✓ Better for larger purchases
  • ✓ Pay interest only on what you use
  • ✓ Better for cash flow management

Disadvantages:

  • ✗ No rewards or cash back
  • ✗ Less convenient (not card-based)
  • ✗ May require annual fees
  • ✗ More documentation required

Business Credit Card Overview

What Is a Business Credit Card?

Revolving credit accessed via physical or virtual card. Can use anywhere cards accepted. Earn rewards on purchases. Pay minimum or full balance monthly.

Advantages:

  • ✓ Rewards and cash back
  • ✓ Convenient (use anywhere)
  • ✓ Easier approval
  • ✓ Better for daily expenses
  • ✓ Build business credit
  • ✓ Expense tracking tools

Disadvantages:

  • ✗ Higher interest rates (15-30% APR)
  • ✗ Lower credit limits ($5k-$100k)
  • ✗ Less suitable for large purchases
  • ✗ Higher cost if carrying balance

When to Choose Each Option

Choose Line of Credit If:

  • You need $25k+ in credit
  • You want lower interest rates
  • You need cash flow management
  • You need flexible access (ACH, check)
  • You're making larger purchases

Choose Credit Card If:

  • You want rewards/cash back
  • You need convenience (card swipe)
  • You pay balance in full monthly
  • You're making daily/small purchases
  • You need expense tracking tools

Can You Use Both?

Yes! Many businesses use both for different purposes:

Credit Card For:

  • • Daily expenses (office supplies, meals, travel)
  • • Small purchases under $5k
  • • Earning rewards on routine spending
  • • Convenience purchases

Line of Credit For:

  • • Large purchases ($10k+)
  • • Cash flow gaps
  • • Inventory purchases
  • • Lower-cost financing needs

Strategy: Use credit card for daily expenses (pay in full), line of credit for larger needs or when carrying balance.

Cost Comparison Example

Scenario: Borrow $20,000 for 12 months

Line of Credit:

  • • Rate: 12% APR
  • • Monthly payment: ~$1,777
  • • Total interest: ~$1,324
  • • Total cost: $21,324

Credit Card:

  • • Rate: 22% APR
  • • Monthly payment: ~$1,870
  • • Total interest: ~$2,440
  • • Total cost: $22,440

Note: Line of credit saves ~$1,116 in this example. If paying credit card balance in full monthly, no interest charged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for building business credit?

Both help build credit. Credit cards may report more frequently, but both show payment history. Use both responsibly to build strong credit profile. Learn how to build business credit.

Can I get cash from a line of credit?

Yes, lines of credit allow cash withdrawals via ACH transfer or check. Credit cards allow cash advances but at higher rates (25-30%+) and fees.

Which has better approval odds?

Credit cards typically easier to approve (lower limits, higher rates). Lines of credit require stronger credit and financials but offer better terms.

Should I pay off credit card with line of credit?

Can be smart if line of credit rate is lower. Saves on interest. But only if you don't run up credit card again. Use as debt consolidation strategy.

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