Best Small Business Loans and Lines of Credit for 2026

A slow month, a big order or a broken oven can leave a small business short on cash. The right credit line covers the gap without a new loan every time.

We compared four small business lines of credit using only the rates, fees and requirements each lender publishes today.

Key takeaways

• A line of credit lets you draw, repay and draw again. A term loan gives you one lump sum.
• Expect to need 6 to 12 months in business and a personal FICO score of 625 to 680.
• Compare the full cost: interest or monthly fees, annual fees and draw fees.
• Owners usually sign a personal guarantee, so your personal credit is on the line.

Business credit lines at a glance

Rates and terms as of September 2026, from each lender’s official page. Your rate depends on your credit and business profile.

1. Wells Fargo BusinessLine line of credit

An unsecured revolving line from a large bank, with a published rate range tied to Prime.

At a glance

• Amount: $10,000 to $150,000; requests up to $50,000 are typically processed faster.
• Rate: between Prime + 1.75% and Prime + 9.75%, based on Wells Fargo’s announced Prime Rate.
• Requirements: six months or more in business. Wells Fargo says guarantors typically have a FICO score of at least 680.
• Guarantee: any owner with 25% or more must guarantee, covering at least 51% of ownership combined.

Pros and cons

• Transparent rate range in the fine print.
• Open to younger businesses than most.
• Variable rate: payments rise if Prime goes up.
• Highest credit score bar of the four.

How to apply

Apply online. Have your business and personal tax details ready. A physical business address is required.

2. Bluevine Line of Credit

An online line built for speed, with draws that can land right away in a Bluevine checking account.

At a glance

• Amount: credit lines up to $250,000; you pay only on what you draw.
• Rate: interest rates as low as 7.8% for top qualifying customers, as of September 2026. Additional fees apply.
• Requirements: $10,000 in monthly revenue, a 625+ personal FICO score, 12+ months in business, and a corporation or LLC.
• Draws: ACH transfers are fee-free, usually next business day; a bank wire costs $15.

Pros and cons

• Applying and reviewing an offer does not affect your personal score.
• No maintenance fees on the line.
• Sole proprietors don’t qualify.
• Not available in Nevada, North Dakota or South Dakota.

How to apply

Apply online and connect your business bank account. Bluevine says decisions can come in as little as five minutes. Accepting an offer may trigger a hard inquiry.

3. American Express Business Line of Credit

Instead of an interest rate, each draw becomes a short installment loan with a monthly fee.

At a glance

• Amount: line sizes from $2,000 to $250,000. Only select Amex customers get more than $150,000.
• Cost: monthly loan fees of 0.55% to 1.55% of the original loan amount, as of September 2026. Late fees may apply.
• Requirements: a FICO score of at least 660, 12 months in business and average monthly revenue of at least $3,000.
• Early payoff: repay a loan early and you skip the monthly fees not yet posted.

Pros and cons

• Lowest revenue requirement of the four.
• Fixed fees make each draw’s cost easy to predict.
• A 1.55% monthly fee on the original amount is expensive over a long term.
• Amex may require a higher score based on your history with it.

How to apply

Apply through the Amex Business Blueprint dashboard. Existing Amex card members may see an offer already waiting there.

4. U.S. Bank Cash Flow Manager

A revolving line with an option to lock a fixed rate on existing balances.

At a glance

• Amount: up to $250,000 secured by business assets, or up to $100,000 unsecured.
• Annual fee: $0 on lines above $50,000; $150 on lines of $50,000 or less.
• Rate: set by U.S. Bank based on market conditions; not published on its page.

Pros and cons

• Fixed-rate lock option on balances you already drew.
• No published rate, so you can only compare after applying.
• Small lines pay a $150 annual fee.

How to apply

Apply online for a quick decision, or talk to a U.S. Bank business banker.

How to choose a business line of credit

• Choose Wells Fargo if your business is at least six months old and the owners have strong personal credit.
• Choose Bluevine if you are an LLC or corporation with $10,000+ in monthly revenue and need money fast.
• Choose American Express if revenue is still modest and you prefer a fixed fee per draw.
• Choose U.S. Bank if you already bank there and want a larger secured line.

Line of credit or term loan?

Use a line for uneven, short-term needs like inventory or payroll gaps. Use a term loan for a one-time purchase you will repay over years. U.S. Bank notes that term loans often carry lower rates than lines. For bigger projects, ask each bank about SBA loans. Wells Fargo and U.S. Bank are both SBA Preferred Lenders.

Starting out with thin credit? A secured credit card that builds your credit fast can help owners qualify later. Check how to reach an 800 credit score too, since your personal score drives the offer. If what you need is to clean up existing balances, compare debt consolidation loans first.

Before you apply

• Pull your personal credit reports and fix errors.
• Gather 3–6 months of business bank statements.
• Know your monthly revenue and time in business exactly.
• Check your legal structure: some lenders exclude sole proprietors.
• Estimate the full cost of one draw, fees included.
• Keep business cash separate. See the best checking accounts and bank bonuses.

How we compared these lenders

• Checked: every rate, fee and requirement on September 23, 2026, on each lender’s official product or help page.
• Order: listed from the best fit for most small businesses down, weighing published pricing and how easy it is to qualify. Our top pick is in the Quick answer.
• Criteria: credit limit, rate or fee, published requirements and transparency.
• Scope: US lenders only. Canadian readers should see our Canada guides.
• Independence: no lender paid for placement.

FAQ

What credit score do I need for a small business line of credit?

Among these lenders, the published minimums run from a 625 FICO score at Bluevine to 660 at American Express. Wells Fargo says its guarantors typically have 680 or more.

Can a new business get a line of credit?

It is hard in year one. Wells Fargo accepts businesses with six months or more; Bluevine and American Express want 12 months.

Will applying hurt my personal credit?

It depends on the lender. Bluevine says applying won’t affect your personal score, but accepting an offer may. Ask each lender before you apply.

Is a line of credit cheaper than a business credit card?

Often, if you carry a balance. Compare the line’s rate or monthly fee with the card’s APR for the months you expect to borrow.

Do I need collateral?

Not always. Wells Fargo’s BusinessLine and U.S. Bank’s line up to $100,000 are unsecured, but owners usually sign a personal guarantee.

For the full picture, see our hub Best Personal Loans 2026 (US), the best personal loans of 2026 and personal loans for bad credit that still offer fair terms.

Sources

• Wells Fargo — Small business loans and lines of credit
• Bluevine — Business line of credit
• American Express — What’s required to apply
• American Express — Business Line of Credit fees
• American Express — Business Line of Credit
• U.S. Bank — Cash Flow Manager

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