What is a personal line of credit?

If you aren’t sure how much you’ll need to borrow — or when you’ll need it — a personal line of credit can help you cover variable ongoing expenses. Though APRs are usually lower than what you’d find with a credit card, they’re not as low as rates for personal loans.

What is a personal line of credit?

A personal line of credit is a mix between a credit card and a personal loan. You have access to a specific amount of funds that you can draw from as you need. And you only pay interest on the amount you borrow. This makes them a useful tool for ongoing projects and expenses. They can also help you avoid overdrawing your bank account if you have an irregular income or unexpected expense crop up.

To qualify, you’ll typically need to have good credit, a low debt-to-income ratio and a regular source of income. Interest rates tend to be variable based on the Wall Street Journal prime rate, with most lenders offering APRs between 8% and 20%. While they aren’t as common as personal loans or credit cards, many banks, credit unions and private lenders offer them.

What can I use a line of credit for?

Lines of credit are a good choice in two situations: When you can’t predict the cost of something or when you need access to funds over a long period of time. Generally, people use them as a rainy day fund and for large projects like home improvements.

Secured vs. unsecured lines of credit

When you open a line of credit, you’ll need to choose between one of two options:

• Secured line of credit. Some lenders require you to back your line of credit with collateral, typically a savings account or CD. This often results in a lower interest rate since it poses less risk to the lender. But if you default, the lender can take your security to repay the amount you owe.
• Unsecured line of credit. Like unsecured personal loans, you don’t need any collateral to back an unsecured line of credit. While these typically come with higher interest rates, you don’t risk losing any property or savings if you’re unable to repay your loan.

How much can I borrow?

Most lenders offer lines of credit between $1,000 and $50,000. However, the exact amount you qualify for will vary depending on your personal finances, credit profile and the lender you choose. Whether you’re able to back the line of credit with collateral and your history with the lender may also impact how much you’re able to borrow.

Once you have your credit limit — the maximum amount you’re able to borrow overall — you can start drawing from your line. Some lenders may allow you to borrow in increments of $100, while others may require you to borrow $1,000 or more per draw. Since you only pay interest on the amount you draw, you’ll want to make sure you only borrow what you’re going to use.

How can I apply for a personal line of credit?

You can apply for a personal line of credit online or in person. The exact application process will vary by lender, but you’ll generally need to provide information about yourself and your finances. Lenders will typically ask for a government-issued ID and bank statements, and some might require you to provide pay stubs or information about your employment.

When you’re ready to apply, you can compare lenders that offer lines of credit to learn more about their specific requirements.

What information will my lender ask for?

Eligibility criteria varies between lenders, but in general, you will need to provide the following information:

• Proof of income. You’ll have to show proof of an ongoing steady income. Your pay stubs are usually acceptable or a bank statement which shows consistent deposits from an employer.
• Existing debt. You may be asked to provide information on your current debts, including your mortgage or housing payments.
• Identification. Most lenders will require government-issued ID to verify your identity.
• Assets. Lenders typically use savings and investment accounts as collateral for high-dollar lines of credit.

How long does it take to get a personal line of credit?

It typically takes only a few minutes to complete an application for a personal line of credit. Processing times vary by lender: Banks may take one to two weeks to reach a decision, while online lenders may have an answer for you in less than an hour.

If you’re approved, you may be able to start drawing from your line of credit immediately. Most lenders use bank-to-bank transfers when you request funds, but some may provide a checkbook or debit card to make drawing from your credit line as simple as possible. Like the application process itself, the time it takes to receive your funds will vary.

Compare lenders that offer personal lines of credit

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Name	Product	Filter Values	Min. Credit Score	Min. Amount	Max. Amount	Costs
Tally line of credit			660	$2,000	$20,000	7.9% to 25.9% APR	An app and line of credit designed to help you pay off and manage your credit card debt.	Check my rate View details		loading Fetching your data...
Upgrade Line of Credit			Not stated	$500	$50,000	6.49% to 29.99% APR	Check my rate View details		loading Fetching your data...
NetCredit Line of Credit			550	$1,100	$5,000	10% of the cash advance + Outstanding balance fee	Get flexibility and affordable repayments with a revolving line of credit.	View details		loading Fetching your data...
KeyBasic Credit Line			Varies	$250	$5,000	$25 annual fee for KeyBasic lines, $50 annual fee for Preferred lines	View details		loading Fetching your data...
SunTrust Personal Credit Line Plus			Varies	$25,000	$500,000	4.75% to 7.35% APR	Find revolving credit ranging from $25,000 to $500,000 or more through this well-known bank.	View details		loading Fetching your data...

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How do repayments work?

Lines of credit have two phases:

• Draw period. This is the period of time when you can draw from your credit line — typically lasting anywhere from three to five years. You may be required to make minimum monthly payments that cover interest that’s accrued, as well as pay an annual maintenance fee. You can choose to pay more than the minimum, but it won’t be necessary until the repayment period begins.
• Repayment period. When the repayment period sets in, you can’t draw any more funds from your line of credit. It will convert how much you’ve borrowed to a term loan, and you’ll need to make regular monthly payments that cover both interest and the principal. The repayment period may last anywhere from six months to five years.

What happens if I can’t repay my line of credit?

If you aren’t able to make a payment, reach out to your lender to discuss your options as soon as possible. You may be able to make small minimum payments toward your debt or get on an alternative payment schedule.

Defaulting on your line of credit will cause your credit score to take a hit and could lead to multiple fees. And if you secured your credit line with a savings account or CD, your lender can confiscate those funds to cover your debt.

Can I pay off a personal line of credit early?

In most cases, you can make extra repayments during the draw period and pay your line of credit off early. Since many lines of credit are revolving, you may be able to borrow those funds again once you’ve repaid them.

When it comes to making extra repayments during the repayment period, your lender may charge a prepayment penalty or other fee to make up for lost interest. Check your loan agreement for specific details.

Alternatives to a personal line of credit

If you’re on the fence about whether a personal line of credit is right for you, there are a few similar options you might want to consider instead:

• HELOCs. Because HELOCs are secured by your property, you can typically borrow much more than with a personal line of credit. This can be useful for large projects or expenses like home renovations and college expenses.
• Personal loans. Personal loans are best if you need to cover a large one-time expense or purchase. You’ll receive your funds as a lump sum and pay it back plus interest with monthly repayments over two to five years.
• Credit cards. Credit cards have higher interest rates, but they’re much more accessible than lines of credit. And with a wide variety of options out there, a credit card can help cover smaller expenses as they crop up.

Bottom line

A line of credit can help you cover ongoing expenses when you’re not sure exactly how much you’ll need. They typically come with lower rates than a credit card — especially if you opt for a secured option backed by a CD or savings account.

You can compare lenders with our guide to personal lines of credit.

Frequently asked questions

• Can I use a personal line of credit for my business?

  You might be able to use a personal line of credit for your business, though it depends on your lender. If can’t, you might want to consider a business line of credit instead.

• Should I borrow a secured or unsecured line of credit?

  It depends on your needs. Compare secured and unsecured personal loans, there are benefits to each. Just remember that while a secured line of credit may have a lower interest rate, you risk losing your collateral if you default.

• Are there any restrictions on how I can use my line of credit?

  It depends on your lender. Although personal lines of credit tend to be quite flexible, you may not be able to use the funds for business expenses or to pay for college. Check with your lender to see if there are other restrictions you should be aware of.