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Comparing Offers from Banks for Business Lines of Credit
If you have a well developed business plan, strong credit, and reasonable collateral then it should not be unrealistic for you to obtain a business line of credit or revolving credit facility. Once you have been accepted by a number of banks or finance companies for a business LOC then it is time to determine which company has offered you the best terms. Foremost, you should look at the interest rate offered by the financial institution. It is a fixed rate credit line or will the interest rate increase/decrease with changes in the general economy.
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Other considerations to factor into your decision regard the covenants regarding the credit line. Is the business LOC unsecured or is it secured by a piece of property that you have put up as collateral? Will you be required to personally guarantee the credit line? Additionally, many banks/financing companies require that your business (or your income) maintain a certain minimum level during the time that you are granted access to the revolving credit facility.
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One of the other considerations that you must take into account is the nature of the credit line itself. If you draw down the line, what will be the repayment term? Will the business line of credit convert to a normal loan after the terms of the credit facility has expired?
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One of the final considerations that you should take into account is if the business credit line of credit secured by your personal guarantee – how will the use of the credit facility impact your personal credit score? This is especially important if you have ongoing personal credit needs (such as property loans, credit cards, or car loans).
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Once accepted for a business LOC, these are all questions that you must carefully consider when entertaining offers from a bank or finance company. If you have having difficulty making the proper determination based on the offers that you have received then it may be in the best interest for you to bring the proposals to your accountant who can assist you in making the best determination for both you and your business.