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A business line of credit can be a powerful tool to help an entrepreneur establishing and growing their small business. Like a credit card, a business line of credit is a kind of revolving credit, providing an ongoing and versatile source of funds.

Whether capital is needed to cover payroll, purchase equipment or build inventory, a business line of credit can help tackle these goals and others when funds are not otherwise immediately available.

What expenses should you use a business line of credit for?

A business line of credit is flexible in that it can be used for almost any business-related expense. But this source of credit is better suited to some expenses than others.

Because a line of credit is renewable and can be drawn upon over time, it can be a reliable funding source for near-term needs, especially recurring ones. Think payroll or monthly utility bills. You can return to the well repeatedly, unlike with a term loan, which is paid out as one lump sum.

Most lines of credit have a smaller maximum amount than term loans offer. But as you make payments on your line of credit, you can expect funds to be available again for future use.

If you plan your expenses and funding sources in advance, you may use a line of credit to float periods of leaner income for your business. While you may turn to other loans for larger, one-time expenses, a line of credit can be useful to stabilize cash flow over the long term.

How not to use a business line of credit

Because the funds available through a business line of credit tend to be more limited than with a small business loan, you may wish to avoid making your most significant purchases on a line of credit.

You will want to keep your line of credit available to use, which means paying off any balance quickly. That means you may look to fund larger expenses — like vehicles, major equipment or real estate purchases — with a term loan or another type of loan designed for long-term repayment.

Ways to use a business line of credit

A business line of credit is a flexible funding source that you can return to regularly when it is needed to float expenses.

Business owners should exercise caution when using a business line of credit, as interest rates tend to be higher than for term loans. With comparatively high interest rates and low limits, entrepreneurs should use this funding source strategically, keeping it available for short-term needs that can be paid off relatively soon.

1. Stock up on inventory before a busy season

If your business relies on seasonal traffic, your line of credit can be a great way of purchasing inventory in anticipation of a high sales period.

2. Cover payroll

For businesses that must run payroll before earnings hit their accounts, a business line of credit can keep things running smoothly while waiting for sales or invoices to clear.

3. Make small equipment purchases

Though major equipment purchases may be best suited for loan funding to pay off over time, smaller equipment needed for daily operations (such as a point-of-sale system) can be a good fit for purchasing with a business line of credit.

4. Complete necessary repairs

If you need to fix a vehicle or piece of equipment to keep your doors open, a business line of credit can help ensure everything remains in working order. If your lemonade stand urgently needs a working ice machine, for example, paying a repairperson using your business line of credit can be a smart move.

Using your line of credit responsibly

A business line of credit can be a helpful windfall for your business when income is tight. To maximize the benefits and avoid hurting your business finances, manage your line of credit carefully.

Remember that your line of credit is best used for expenses that can be repaid relatively soon. Understanding your line of credit’s fee structure and interest rate can help you to avoid penalties, unnecessary costs or spiraling debt.

The bottom line

A business line of credit is one of several options business owners can turn to for funding operations and regular necessities. By strategically choosing when to employ this kind of funding, business owners can leverage the benefits of a line of credit to remain agile and responsive in their work.