Previously known as Kabbage Funding, the American Express Business Line of Credit is a relaxed eligibility credit line up to $250,000. Instead of interest, you pay a flat monthly fee on what you borrow. Each draw on the line becomes an installment loan with a 6, 12, 18 or 24 month term.
Borrowers with a minimum credit score of 660 and an average of just $3,000 in minimum monthly revenue may qualify. Pair that with no extra fees and a quick, low-doc application, it’s worthy of consideration. But one drawback is that the line may or may not replenish as you pay it down.
If you’re in the market for a competitive business line of credit, these alternatives may offer lower APRs and options to fit your needs better.
5 companies like American Express Business Line of Credit
Alternative for low-interest lines of credit: BlueVine
Bluevine business lines of credit
4.3 / 5
★★★★★
Like AMEX, BlueVine offers credit lines up to $250,000, but it charges interest instead of a flat fee. Rates start at a competitive 6.2% APR there are no origination, draw or maintenance fees. Its credit score requirement is also a bit lower than AMEX's.
However, BlueVine requires $40,000 in monthly revenue and 24 months in business, so it's significantly harder to qualify for a LOC with Bluevine than with AMEX. And not all industries are eligible, such as auto dealerships and fintechs. But if you're an established business owner, BlueVine could help you save.
Pros
- Low rates starting at 6.2%
- Quick turnaround time
- Low 625 credit score requirement
- No origination, draw or maintenance fees
Cons
- Not all industries qualify
- High monthly revenue requirement
- Requires 24 months in business
| Loan amount | $5,000 – $250,000 |
|---|
| APR | Starting at 6.2% |
|---|
| Loan term | 6 or 12 months |
|---|
| Requirements | 24+ months in business, $40,000+ in monthly revenue, 625+ credit score |
|---|
| Loan amount | $5,000 – $250,000 |
|---|
| APR | Starting at 6.2% |
|---|
| Min. Credit Score | 625 |
|---|
Alternative for large loan amounts: SmartBiz SBA loans
SmartBiz business loans
4.5 / 5
★★★★★
Unlike a line of credit, SBA loans offer larger loan amounts and longer repayment terms. And, if it's the long application process keeping you from applying for an SBA loan, SmartBiz could be a great choice. It can connect you with an SBA lender and save time with its loan packaging service. The SBA process normally takes 60 to 90 days, but SmartBiz advertises that it can cut it down to 30 to 45 days.
Multiple SBA loans are available through SmartBiz, including the SBA 7(a) line of credit with a maximum amount of $500,000. Qualifying for an SBA loan isn't as simple as other types of business loans, but SmartBiz could make it easier. But it's not free — expect a referral fee and a packaging fee.
Pros
- Shortens the SBA application process
- Assistance with SBA loan application
- Highly-rated by customers
Cons
- Not a direct lender
- 2% referral fee and 2% packaging fee
- Maximum SBA loan term offered is 10 years
| Loan amount | $30,000 – $500,000 |
|---|
| APR | Prime Rate, plus 2.75% to 3.75% |
|---|
| Loan term | 10 years |
|---|
| Requirements | 650+ credit score, 2+ years in business, $50,000+ in annual revenue, no bankruptcies or foreclosures in past 3 years |
|---|
| Loan amount | $30,000 – $500,000 |
|---|
| APR | Prime Rate, plus 2.75% to 3.75% |
|---|
| Min. Credit Score | 650 |
|---|
Alternative for no-doc business line of credit: Fundbox
If you're struggling to qualify for a LOC with other lenders, Fundbox is a good option to consider. It's one of American Express' top competitors and offers a similar product: a revolving business line of credit up to $150,000 with a lower credit score requirement than AMEX.
Each withdrawal becomes a short-term loan of either 12 or 24 weeks, and like AMEX, it charges a weekly fee instead of interest. But unlike AMEX, Fundbox specializes in business lines of credit and gets better overall customer reviews.
Pros
- Accepts lower credit than American Express Business Line of Credit
- Overall positive customer reviews
- Line replenishes as you pay it down
| Loan amount | Up to $150,000 |
|---|
| APR | Not stated |
|---|
| Loan term | 12 or 24 weeks |
|---|
| Requirements | 600+ credit score, 6+ months in business, $100,000+ in annual revenue |
|---|
| Loan amount | Up to $150,000 |
|---|
| APR | Not stated |
|---|
| Min. Credit Score | 600 |
|---|
Alternative for emergency lines of credit: OnDeck
OnDeck business lines of credit
4.7 / 5
★★★★★
OnDeck's business line of credit is similar to AMEX's, but it's faster to fund. While most lenders require a day to transfer funds, withdrawals from OnDeck could be available within minutes. It also accepts low credit scores as low as 625.
As a low-doc lender, it may only require three months of business bank statements, which you can download from your online bank account. But it's an expensive option — save this lender for when you're willing to pay extra for convenience.
Pros
- Instant funding available
- Accepts 625 credit score
- Daily or weekly auto payments
Cons
- Average rate for lines of credit is 52.6% APR
- Maximum loan amount lower than AMEX
- $20 monthly maintenance fee
| Loan amount | $6,000 – $100,000 |
|---|
| APR | 52.6% average APR |
|---|
| Min. Credit Score | 625 |
|---|
| Loan term | Up to 24 months |
|---|
| Requirements | Companies in business at least 1 year, $100,000+ in gross annual revenue, majority owner with a 625+ personal credit score, active business checking account |
|---|
| Loan amount | $6,000 – $100,000 |
|---|
| APR | 52.6% average APR |
|---|
| Min. Credit Score | 625 |
|---|
Alternative for startups: Finance Factory
Finance Factory business loans
4.1 / 5
★★★★★
Finance Factor isn't a direct lender like AMEX. It's an online, free connection service with multiple financing options for startups. It offers business lines of credit with introductory rates starting at 0%. And its startup funding option is up to $350,000 with a 0% intro rate for up to 21 months.
Credit score requirements vary depending on the loan and provider you go with, and only the most eligible applicants can get the lowest rates. Since Finance Factory isn't a direct lender, getting your funds may take longer, since you'll need to fully apply with a lender if you find a match.
Pros
- Quickly compare lenders
- Multiple options for startups
- Overall positive customer reviews
Cons
- Rates, loan amounts and terms vary
- Turnaround time slower than other competitors
| Loan amount | $5,000 – $350,000 |
|---|
| APR | 0% to 15% |
|---|
| Loan term | Up to 7 years |
|---|
| Requirements | 600 to 800 credit score, no required years in business or monthly cashflow, though $1,000 to $5,000 monthly is preferred |
|---|
| Loan amount | $5,000 – $350,000 |
|---|
| APR | 0% to 15% |
|---|
| Min. Credit Score | 700 |
|---|
How does AMEX compare?
Compared to other lenders, AMEX’s business line of credit is ideal for newer businesses. It only requires a minimum of $3,000 month revenue to qualify and the lack of interest charges, prepayment penalties, application fees and origination fees make it a competitive borrowing option. However, its 660 credit score requirement is a bit higher than some of the alternatives we’ve mentioned and unlike other LOCs, your line may or may not replenish as you pay down.
Pros
- Competitively priced
- Simple online application
- Withdraw online, mobile app or with card
- No prepayment penalties, application or origination fees
Cons
- Not for brand new startups
- 660 credit score requirement
- Rocky history with past servicer
- Line is not guaranteed to replenish as it’s paid off
