Business finance terms, explained simply.

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Line of Credit

What is a line of credit?

A line of credit is a flexible borrowing arrangement that lets a business draw funds up to an approved limit, repay them, and borrow again. Interest is charged only on the amount drawn.

Numetix is the expert-led, AI-powered, human-in-the-loop bookkeeping layer that keeps loan balances, interest, and covenants tracked, so borrowing is reported accurately and on time.

How firms use it

  • Cover short-term gaps between paying staff and collecting from clients
  • Draw only what is needed and repay as cash arrives
  • Track the balance, interest, and any financial covenants in the books

Why it matters for service firms

A line of credit can smooth cash flow for firms with uneven collections, but it works best as a bridge, not a permanent source of working capital. Lenders will usually review financial statements and receivables.

Frequently asked questions

How is a line of credit different from a term loan?

A term loan provides a lump sum repaid on a schedule. A line of credit lets you borrow and repay repeatedly up to a limit. The line is more flexible, but its terms and fees depend on the lender.

What do lenders look for when approving a line?

They typically review financial statements, cash flow, receivables, and the owner's credit. Clean, current books make the process faster and can support better terms.

Related terms and guides: invoice financing, accounts receivable financing, financial covenant, debt-to-equity ratio, and cash flow forecast.

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