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Business Line of Credit: A Practical Guide for Owners & Bookkeepers

· 8 min read
Mike Thrift
Mike Thrift
Marketing Manager

A business line of credit (LOC) is one of the most flexible financing tools available, but its mechanics can be tricky. It lets you borrow up to a set limit, repay, and borrow again, paying interest only on what you use. It's ideal for smoothing cash flow, bridging accounts receivable gaps, and handling other short-term needs.

However, navigating secured vs. unsecured lines, variable rates, hidden fees, and tax implications is crucial. This guide breaks down everything owners and bookkeepers need to know, complete with practical examples for tracking it all in Beancount.

2025-09-06-business-line-of-credit


What a Business Line of Credit Is (and Isn’t)

Think of a business line of credit as revolving working capital. It’s a preset credit limit you can draw from whenever you need funds. Once you repay the borrowed amount, your available credit is restored, ready to be used again. The simplest analogy is: “credit card mechanics, business-loan pricing.”

This makes it fundamentally different from a term loan. A term loan provides a lump sum of cash upfront, which you repay over a fixed period through regular installments. LOCs are built for flexibility and short-term cash cycle management, whereas term loans are better suited for large, long-term investments like purchasing equipment or real estate.


When an LOC Makes Sense

A line of credit shines in specific, recurring business scenarios:

  • Bridging Receivables and Inventory Cycles: This is the classic use case. You can draw from your LOC to pay suppliers for inventory and then repay the line weeks or months later when your customers pay their invoices. It’s a perfect tool for wholesalers, agencies, and seasonal businesses that face predictable cash flow gaps.
  • Emergency Buffer: Unexpected expenses are inevitable. An LOC acts as a ready-to-draw backstop for covering a payroll shortfall, funding an emergency repair, or managing a sudden operational need. It’s far more efficient than applying for a new loan every time a surprise occurs.
  • Opportunistic Buying: Did a key supplier offer a significant discount for early payment? You can use your LOC to seize the opportunity, capture the savings, and repay the draw once your own cash flow catches up.

Secured vs. Unsecured (Read the Lien Language)

Lenders need assurance they’ll be repaid, which is why most lines of credit are secured by collateral.

  • Secured Lines: Many bank LOCs are secured by specific assets, like your accounts receivable or inventory. More commonly, a lender will place a blanket UCC lien on the business. This gives the lender a claim on most of your business assets in the event of a default. It is critical to read the security agreement and confirm if any key assets (like intellectual property) are excluded assets.
  • Unsecured Lines: These are harder to qualify for, typically come with lower limits and higher interest rates, and are reserved for businesses with stellar credit. They don't require you to pledge specific collateral, but many lenders will still require a personal guarantee from the owner.
  • SBA Options: For U.S. borrowers, the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers programs like the 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (WCP) for monitored lines of credit and CAPLines, which are asset-based revolvers tied directly to short-term working capital needs.

Practical Tip: Always ask the lender to spell out any carve-outs in the lien agreement. "Excluded assets" clauses are negotiable and can prevent a blanket lien from interfering with other financing, like an equipment loan.


How Costs Work (Rates + Fees)

The cost of an LOC isn't just the interest rate. You must account for a variety of potential fees.

  • Interest: You are only charged interest on the drawn amount. Rates are typically variable, calculated as a benchmark rate (like the Prime Rate) plus a margin (e.g., Prime + 1.5%). As you repay the principal, your interest cost decreases and your credit availability is restored.
  • Fees to Watch For:
    • Origination Fee: A one-time fee charged when you open the line.
    • Annual or Monthly Maintenance Fee: A recurring charge to keep the line open, sometimes called a non-usage fee if you don't draw from it.
    • Draw Fee: A fee charged each time you take funds from the line.

These costs add up. Before committing, model your expected usage to find the true cost.

Back-of-the-Envelope Example

Let's say you have a 100,000limitanddraw100,000** limit and draw **40,000 for two months at 12% APR. The line has a 2% draw fee and a $150 annual fee.

  • Interest40,000×1240,000 × 12% × (2/12) = **800**
  • Draw Fee = 2% × 40,000=40,000 = **800**
  • Annual Fee = $150
  • Total Cost$1,750

In this scenario, the fees make the effective cost significantly higher than the headline 12% APR.


Qualifying and Staying in Good Standing

Lenders evaluate your business's health based on revenue consistency, time in business, and both business and personal credit scores. Building a strong history of on-time payments is the best way to gain access to better terms and lower rates.

Most LOCs aren't "set it and forget it." They often require annual renewal, where the lender reviews updated financial statements. Your agreement may also include financial covenants, such as maintaining a minimum Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR) or interest coverage ratio. If your financial metrics slip, the lender has the right to reduce your limit or freeze the line entirely.


LOC vs. Term Loan vs. Credit Card

Choose the right tool for the job:

ToolBest Use Case
Business Line of CreditRepeatable, short-term working capital swings and opportunistic buys you can repay quickly.
Term LoanOne-time purchases of long-life assets like machinery, vehicles, or real estate.
Business Credit CardSmall, frequent purchases where you can earn rewards. Watch the high interest rates.

A Note on U.S. Taxes

Interest paid on a business line of credit is generally a deductible business expense. However, under Section 163(j) of the tax code, this deduction may be capped.

A small-business exception exists for companies whose average annual gross receipts for the prior three years fall below an inflation-adjusted threshold (around 30millionfor2024and30 million for 2024** and **31 million for 2025). Always confirm the specifics with your tax advisor, as these rules are complex.


Beancount: How to Record a Line of Credit

Tracking an LOC in a plain-text ledger like Beancount ensures clarity and accuracy. Below are illustrative examples of the key transactions. (Note: In Beancount, increasing a liability uses a negative amount, while repaying it uses a positive amount).

1. Open Accounts & Document the Facility

First, set up the necessary accounts in your ledger. It's a best practice to add a note with the LOC's key terms.

2025-01-01 open Assets:Bank:Operating         USD
2025-01-01 open Liabilities:LOC:BigBank USD
2025-01-01 open Expenses:Interest:LOC USD
2025-01-01 open Expenses:BankFees USD

; Optional: Document the facility's terms with a note
2025-01-01 note Liabilities:LOC:BigBank "Limit=100000, Rate=Prime+1.50%, Secured by A/R & Inventory (UCC-1)"

2. Draw Funds

When you transfer funds from the LOC to your operating account, you increase cash and increase the liability.

2025-03-03 * "Draw from LOC to cover receivables timing"
Assets:Bank:Operating 40000.00 USD
Liabilities:LOC:BigBank -40000.00 USD

3. Accrue Monthly Interest

At the end of the month, record the interest incurred as an expense, which adds to the total amount you owe.

2025-03-31 * "Accrue LOC interest for March"
Expenses:Interest:LOC 800.00 USD
Liabilities:LOC:BigBank -800.00 USD

4. Record a Draw Fee or Maintenance Fee

Book any fees as an expense, paid from your operating account.

2025-03-31 * "LOC draw fee (2%)"
Expenses:BankFees 800.00 USD
Assets:Bank:Operating -800.00 USD

5. Make a Payment (Interest + Principal)

A payment reduces your operating cash and reduces the liability balance.

2025-04-10 * "LOC payment (principal + interest)"
Liabilities:LOC:BigBank 10800.00 USD
Assets:Bank:Operating -10800.00 USD

Due Diligence & Negotiation Checklist

Before you sign, get clear answers to these questions:

  • Fees: Request a full fee table: origination, annual/maintenance, inactivity, draw, and wire/ACH fees.
  • Renewal: What is the renewal process? What could trigger a limit reduction or a freeze?
  • Lien Scope: What specific assets are covered by the lien? Are there any exclusions?
  • Covenants: Are there financial covenants like DSCR? How often are they tested, and what happens if you temporarily fall short?
  • SBA Terms: If it's an SBA-backed line, is it a WCP or CAPLines facility? How is your borrowing base calculated and reported?

Final Word

A well-structured line of credit is an invaluable tool for managing a growing business. The key is to fully understand the collateral you're pledging, the total cost including all fees, and the obligations required to keep the line in good standing.

By keeping a clean ledger in Beancount with clear metadata, you can track your usage, understand its true cost, and ensure this flexible tool remains a powerful asset for your business.

This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.

The 6 Best Business Checking Accounts of 2025

· 8 min read
Mike Thrift
Mike Thrift
Marketing Manager

Picking a business checking account in 2025 isn’t about finding a single “winner.” It’s about matching how you move money—ACH vs. wires, cash deposits, international payouts, multi-user access, interest on idle cash—to what each provider actually does well (and at what cost). Below are six excellent options, each “best” for a specific use case, followed by a quick comparison and a practical buying framework.


2025-08-29-6-best-business-checking-accounts-of-2025

At a glance — best by use case

  • Bluevine — best for earning APY on checking and modern payables automation.
  • Mercury — best for startups that want builder‑friendly banking and free USD wires.
  • Relay — best for multi‑account cash management (up to 20 checking accounts) and cash deposits via Allpoint+.
  • Novo — best for Stripe‑centric solo and small teams; fast Stripe payouts with Boost; domestic wires rolling out to eligible accounts.
  • Axos Basic Business Checking — best for unlimited ATM reimbursements and free incoming wires.
  • Chase Business Complete Banking — best for branch access, built‑in card acceptance, and regular cash deposits.

Quick comparison (key signals to check)

AccountStandout strengthsTypical gotchas to check
Bluevine Business CheckingStandard plan is 0/month;APYfrom1.50/month**; APY from **1.5%** (Standard) up to **3.7%** (Premier) with plan requirements; FDIC coverage up to **3M via sweep; robust ACH/bill pay.Outgoing wires are 15domestic;nonUSDinternationalpaymentsadd15 domestic**; non‑USD international payments add **25 + 1.5%; cash deposits via Green Dot/Allpoint+ have limits/fees.
MercuryFree ACH, checks, domestic wires, and USD international wires; 1% FX for non‑USD; up to $5M pass‑through FDIC via partner bank sweep; strong API & controls.No cash deposits; confirm partner‑bank changes if you care where funds sit.
RelayUp to 20 checking accounts + 50 cards; cash deposits at Allpoint+; FDIC coverage up to $3M; Pro tier adds same‑day ACH and free outgoing wires.Starter plan charges for outgoing wires (e.g., $8 domestic); deposit limits at ATMs apply.
NovoNo monthly fees; ATM refunds up to $7/mo; native Stripe integration and Novo Boost (faster Stripe payouts); domestic wires now available to eligible accounts; international via Wise.No direct cash deposits (use money orders + mobile check deposit); wire eligibility/fees can vary.
Axos Basic Business Checking$0/month; unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements; free incoming (domestic & international) wires; two domestic outgoing wires reimbursed each month; no minimum opening deposit.Standard outgoing wires beyond the included reimbursements may incur fees—check Axos’ current schedule.
Chase Business Complete Banking5,000+ branches / 15,000+ ATMs; built‑in card acceptance with QuickAccept and same‑day deposits; multiple ways to waive the 15monthlyfee;15** monthly fee; **5,000 cash deposit allowance per cycle.Wire transfers have typical big‑bank fees; fee‑waiver rules require activity or balances.

Rates, fees, and coverage change—always confirm on the provider’s site before you apply. Data points above reflect public pages as of September 3, 2025.


The picks, explained

Bluevine — online checking that actually pays

  • Why it’s great Bluevine’s tiered plans let you trade a higher monthly plan (waivable) for higher yield: 1.5% APY on Standard (with qualifying activity) up to 2.7% (Plus) and 3.7% (Premier)—with FDIC coverage up to $3M via a sweep network. Daily operations feel modern: unlimited transactions, free standard ACH, and integrated bill pay.
  • Costs to watch Outgoing domestic wires are 15;samedayACHis15**; same‑day ACH is **10; mailed checks are 1.50.CashdepositsworkatGreenDotretailers(typically1.50**. Cash deposits work at Green Dot retailers (typically **4.95 per deposit) and Allpoint+ ATMs with stated per‑deposit limits.
  • Good fit if you want yield on operating cash without giving up modern payables.

Mercury — startup‑grade banking with free USD wires

  • Why it’s great Mercury keeps fees simple: free ACH, checks, domestic wires, and USD international wires. If you send non‑USD, there’s a 1% FX fee. Deposits are held at partner banks with sweep coverage offering up to $5M in FDIC insurance. In March 2025, Mercury announced it’s transitioning away from Evolve to other partners (such as Choice Financial Group, Column N.A. and Patriot Bank).
  • Costs to watch No cash deposits—period. If your business is cash‑heavy, consider Relay or Chase.
  • Good fit if you’re a software‑first company wiring vendors globally, want API access, and don’t handle cash.

Relay — cash‑flow control with sub‑accounts and ATM cash deposits

  • Why it’s great Relay is built for envelope‑style budgeting: open up to 20 checking accounts under one entity, issue up to 50 cards, set rules/roles, and keep funds organized. Cash deposits are supported at Allpoint+ ATMs, and funds can be covered by FDIC up to $3M through its partner bank program.
  • Costs to watch On the free Starter plan, outgoing domestic wires cost 8(internationalvialocalrailsfrom8** (international via local rails from **5; 25viaSWIFT).RelayProaddssamedayACHandfreeoutgoingwires.CashdepositlimitsatATMsapply(e.g.,25** via SWIFT). **Relay Pro** adds **same‑day ACH** and **free outgoing wires**. Cash‑deposit limits at ATMs apply (e.g., **1,000 per deposit, $2,000/day).
  • Good fit if you want clean segregation of funds (e.g., Profit First), team controls, and the ability to deposit cash without visiting a branch.

Novo — the Stripe‑friendly account for solos and creators

  • Why it’s great Novo integrates tightly with Stripe; flip on Novo Boost to get Stripe payouts up to two days faster (at no added Novo fee). Novo refunds ATM fees up to $7/month and now supports domestic wires for eligible accounts; international wires are sent via Wise.
  • Costs to watch No direct cash deposits. If you take cash, you’ll buy a money order and mobile‑deposit it. Wire availability/fees may depend on eligibility and Wise’s schedule for international transfers.
  • Good fit if you’re online‑first (e.g., e‑commerce or services), rely on Stripe, and want simple, low‑friction banking.

Axos Bank — $0/month with unlimited ATM rebates

  • Why it’s great Basic Business Checking has no monthly maintenance fee, unlimited domestic ATM fee reimbursements, free incoming wires (domestic & international), two reimbursed domestic outgoing wires/month, and no minimum opening deposit—rare for a full‑service bank.
  • Costs to watch Additional outgoing wires beyond the included reimbursements may incur fees; check Axos’ current schedule before heavy wire usage.
  • Good fit if you value a traditional bank’s stability with online convenience and nationwide ATM flexibility.

Chase Business Complete Banking — branch muscle + built‑in payments

  • Why it’s great Chase pairs a massive branch/ATM footprint with built‑in card acceptance via QuickAccept (with same‑day deposits) and multiple ways to **waive the 15monthlyfee(e.g.,15** monthly fee (e.g., 2,000 minimum daily ending balance, eligible deposits from Chase Payment Solutions, or Ink card spend). In‑branch, you get $5,000 of cash deposits per cycle at no extra charge.
  • Costs to watch Wire fees are typical of big banks (e.g., $25 outgoing domestic online). If you prefer zero‑fee wires, consider Mercury; if you need cash deposits without branch visits, see Relay.
  • Good fit if you accept card payments in person, regularly deposit cash, or want walk‑in service.

How to choose (in 10 minutes)

  • Map your money motion
    • Heavy cash? Favor Chase (branch) or Relay (Allpoint+ cash deposit).
    • Frequent wires? For low cost, Mercury (free USD wires) or Relay Pro (free outgoing wires) stand out.
    • Need yield on checking? Bluevine offers plan‑based APY up to 3.7%.
  • Decide on operating style
    • Want envelope budgeting and multi‑entity clarity? Relay (up to 20 accounts) is built for it.
    • Stripe‑heavy revenue? Novo + Boost is tailor‑made.
  • Check true cost vs. your transactions
    • Compare outgoing wire fees, same‑day ACH, and cash deposit fees against your monthly volumes. Bluevine and Relay publish clear per‑transaction fees; Mercury keeps most domestic/US‑dollar transfers at $0.
  • Confirm coverage & partners
    • If extended FDIC matters, note Bluevine and Relay advertise up to 3M,Mercuryupto3M**, **Mercury** up to **5M, via sweep networks across partner banks.

Methodology (what we prioritized)

  • Fees you’ll actually pay (outgoing wires, same‑day ACH, cash deposit fees) over teaser bonuses.
  • Availability and access (cash deposits, branches/ATMs, multi‑user controls).
  • Safety (FDIC pass‑through coverage and partner banks).
  • Operational leverage (APY on checking, Stripe payout acceleration, multi‑account cash management).

We relied on official product pages, help-center articles, and reputable finance publications; all terms are subject to change—verify current details on the provider’s site before opening.


Want a short, personalized pick?

Tell me how you bank each month (cash deposits, wires, ACH volume, international needs, average balance), and I’ll match you to the best fit from this list with a 60‑second rationale.

The Best Business Lines of Credit (2025)

· 9 min read
Mike Thrift
Mike Thrift
Marketing Manager

If you want flexible working capital you can draw, repay, and reuse, a business line of credit (LOC) beats taking repeated term loans. Below are this year’s strongest options by use‑case, plus a quick way to compare costs and a simple Beancount recipe for recording draws, interest, and fees.


2025-08-27-best-business-lines-of-credit-2025

TL;DR — Best‑fit picks by scenario

  • Fast, flexible fintech line: Bluevine — up to $250k, weekly or monthly repayment, funding often within 24 hours, rates advertised “as low as 7.8% (simple interest).”
  • Fee‑based draws with multiple terms: American Express Business Blueprint® Line of Credit — line sizes 2k2k–250k; choose 1–3‑month single‑repayment loans or 6–24‑month installment loans with fixed loan fees (not APR).
  • Prime‑based bank line with clear pricing: Wells Fargo BusinessLine® / Prime Line — BusinessLine: Prime + 1.75% to +9.75%; Prime Line: Prime + 0.50% (floor 5%); typical credit limits 10k10k–150k.
  • Relationship pricing & a way to “graduate”: Bank of America — unsecured Business Advantage line (relationship discounts 0.25–0.75%); or Cash‑Secured line where your deposit sets the limit (from $1,000), helpful to build business credit.
  • Branch + national reach: Chase Business Line of Credit — online up to $250k, 5‑year revolving period then 5‑year repayment (available in 48 states).
  • **Up to 250kwithclearannualfeepolicy:U.S.BankCashFlowManagerlinesto250k with clear annual fee policy:** **U.S. Bank Cash Flow Manager** — lines to 250k; unsecured option to 100k;noannualfeeifline100k; no annual fee if line \> 50k (otherwise $150).
  • Newer businesses that need speed (know the cost): Headway Capital5k5k–100k, calculator shows starting ~3.3% monthly + 2% draw fee.
  • Fast approvals but typically expensive: OnDeck LOC — up to $200k; company‑reported average APR ~56.6% for lines (H1’25).
  • For bigger, lower‑rate, monitored lines (if you qualify): SBA lines — classic CAPLines umbrella programs and the newer 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (WCP). WCP lets lenders issue monitored revolving lines up to $5M with an SBA guaranty.

What changed or matters in 2025? 📈

Two key trends are shaping the business credit landscape this year:

  1. Prime settled lower than 2023 highs. The Wall Street Journal Prime Rate is 7.50% (as of September 2, 2025), last changed on December 19, 2024. This is the benchmark rate that directly feeds the pricing for most variable-rate bank lines of credit (which are typically priced as "Prime + a margin"). A stable, lower Prime Rate means more predictable costs for borrowers.
  2. SBA rolled out/expanded monitored working‑capital lines. The 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (WCP) program, effective August 1, 2024, continues to expand. It enables lenders to issue asset- or transaction-based monitored LOCs, which is a huge help for businesses needing financing for inventory, receivables, or specific contracts.

ProviderMax line sizeHow pricing worksNotable terms/feesBest for
Bluevine$250,000Simple‑interest rates “as low as 7.8%”; weekly or monthly repaymentsFunding often within 24 hoursFast, flexible online LOC with straightforward draws
AmEx Business Blueprint®2,0002,000–250,000Loan fee instead of interest; choose 1–3 mo. single‑repayment or 6–24 mo. installmentSee posted fee ranges by term; instant deposit to AmEx Business Checking optionPredictable fees; choose short vs. longer payback per draw
Wells Fargo BusinessLine®10,00010,000–150,000Variable Prime + 1.75% to +9.75%Unsecured revolving linePrime‑based bank line with transparent margin
Wells Fargo Prime LineVariesPrime + 0.50% (min floor 5%)Generally for stronger profilesLower‑margin option if you qualify
Chase Business LOCOnline to $250,000Variable (not publicly posted online)5‑yr revolving, then 5‑yr repayment; not in AK/HIEstablished bank LOC with long revolving window
U.S. Bank Cash Flow ManagerUp to $250,000Variable; secured & unsecured optionsUnsecured up to 100k;noannualfee100k; no annual fee \> 50k (else $150)Clear fee policy; broad branch network
PNC Unsecured LOC20,00020,000–100,000WSJ Prime + margin (variable)$175 annual feeSmaller lines; relationship banking
Headway Capital5,0005,000–100,000Starting ~3.3% monthly + 2% draw fee (state‑based)Weekly or monthlyYounger firms that need speed (mind the cost)
OnDeck LOCUp to $200,000High average APR ~56.6% (H1’25)Fast approvals; weekly payments commonShort‑term cash gaps; expensive capital
SBA CAPLines & 7(a) WCPUp to $5,000,000SBA‑capped rates via lenders; monitored linesWCP facilities up to 12 months, renewable; CAPLines maturities up to 10 yearsLarger, structured working‑capital needs with collateral

How to choose the right LOC (7 quick checks) ✅

  1. Index & Margin: If it’s a bank line priced as "Prime ± X%", check today’s Prime Rate (7.50%) and add the margin you’re offered. That’s your current variable Annual Percentage Rate (APR).
  2. Fee‑based vs. Interest‑based: Some fintechs (like AmEx Blueprint) charge a fixed "loan fee" per draw instead of interest. Compare the effective APR of that fee to interest-based offers before deciding.
  3. Annual/Draw Fees: These add to your total cost, especially if you use the line infrequently. U.S. Bank waives its 150annualfeeforlinesover150 annual fee for lines over 50k, while PNC lists a $175 fee for its unsecured LOC.
  4. Repayment Cadence: Weekly payments (common with online lenders) can smooth out cash flow but require more frequent management. Monthly payments simplify bookkeeping. Bluevine offers both weekly and monthly options.
  5. Funding Speed: If you need cash now, speed is critical. Bluevine often funds within 24 hours, and American Express offers instant deposits on draws to an AmEx Business Checking account.
  6. Eligibility & Graduation Path: If you can't qualify for an unsecured line yet, a product like Bank of America’s cash‑secured line (starting at $1,000) can help you build business credit and "graduate" to an unsecured line later.
  7. Consider SBA for Size or Structure: For larger needs tied to inventory, receivables, or contracts, the SBA's 7(a) WCP or CAPLines programs can provide larger, monitored lines at regulated rates, provided you can handle the more in-depth underwriting.

A quick cost comparison tip 🧮

Comparing offers can be tricky. Here's a simple way to think about it:

  • Prime‑based example: If a bank offers you Prime + 2.75%, your starting APR today is 10.25% (7.50% + 2.75%). Remember, this rate will float up or down if the Prime Rate changes.
  • Fee‑based example (AmEx Blueprint): A 12-month draw with a 6–18% total loan fee might seem low. However, to compare apples-to-apples, you must compute the equivalent APR on the amortizing balance. A fixed fee on the initial draw amount is not the same as an APR on a declining balance.

Beancount: How to record a line of credit

For users of the plain-text accounting tool Beancount, tracking a line of credit is straightforward. The LOC is a liability; draws increase that liability and your cash, while interest and fees are expenses. Replace the account names below to match your own ledger.

1) Draw $25,000 from your LOC to your checking account

2025-03-15 * "LOC draw"
Assets:Bank:Checking 25,000.00 USD
Liabilities:LOC:Bluevine -25,000.00 USD

2) Make a 2,300payment(2,300 payment (300 interest, $2,000 principal)

2025-04-15 * "LOC payment (principal + interest)"
Liabilities:LOC:Bluevine 2,000.00 USD
Expenses:Interest:LOC 300.00 USD
Assets:Bank:Checking -2,300.00 USD

3) Record a $150 annual fee charged to your bank account

2025-01-10 * "Annual LOC fee"
Expenses:BankFees:LOC 150.00 USD
Assets:Bank:Checking -150.00 USD

Alternative: If the annual fee is added to the line's balance instead of being debited from your bank account, the transaction would be:

2025-01-10 * "Annual LOC fee added to balance"
Expenses:BankFees:LOC 150.00 USD
Liabilities:LOC:Bluevine -150.00 USD

When an SBA-backed line makes more sense

An SBA-guaranteed line isn't for everyone, but it's a powerful tool if:

  • You need a bigger credit limit than what most fintech or bank unsecured products offer.
  • Your working capital needs are tied to collateral like accounts receivable (A/R), inventory, or signed contracts.
  • You can handle the monitoring requirements, such as submitting borrowing base certificates and regular financial reporting.

If this sounds like your business, look into the SBA CAPLines programs and the 7(a) Working Capital Pilot (WCP). These programs can facilitate lines up to $5M, and standard CAPLines can have maturities of up to 10 years.


Application checklist 📝

Be prepared. Most lenders will ask for the following:

  • Time in business, revenue, and credit score: Banks typically want 1–2+ years in business and stronger credit, while many online lenders have more flexible criteria but price for the added risk.
  • Financials: Have your recent bank statements, business tax returns, and potentially A/R aging or inventory reports ready.
  • Personal Guaranty: This is a standard requirement for most business lines of credit. It means you are personally responsible for repaying the debt if the business cannot.

Key sources


Final word

A line of credit is about control: draw what you need, when you need it. In 2025, Prime-based bank lines remain attractive for those who qualify, while fintech lines trade higher costs for incredible speed and flexibility. For larger, more complex needs, SBA-backed lines unlock structured facilities. The key is to run the numbers (always convert fees to an effective APR), understand the fee structure, and pick a repayment schedule that keeps your business financially healthy—and your Beancount ledger clean.

Deconstructing a Beancount Ledger: A Case Study for Business Accounting

· 3 min read
Mike Thrift
Mike Thrift
Marketing Manager

In today's blog post, we will be breaking down a Beancount ledger for businesses, which will help you understand the intricacies of this plain text double-entry accounting system.

Deconstructing a Beancount Ledger: A Case Study for Business Accounting

Let's start with the code first:

2023-05-22-business-template

1970-01-01 open Assets:Bank:Mercury
1970-01-01 open Assets:Crypto

1970-01-01 open Equity:Bank:Chase

1970-01-01 open Income:Stripe
1970-01-01 open Income:Crypto:ETH

1970-01-01 open Expenses:COGS
1970-01-01 open Expenses:COGS:Contabo
1970-01-01 open Expenses:COGS:AmazonWebServices

1970-01-01 open Expenses:BusinessExpenses
1970-01-01 open Expenses:BusinessExpenses:ChatGPT

2023-05-14 * "CONTABO.COM" "Mercury Checking ••1234"
Expenses:COGS:Contabo 17.49 USD
Assets:Bank:Mercury -17.49 USD

2023-05-11 * "Amazon Web Services" "Mercury Checking ••1234"
Expenses:COGS:AmazonWebServices 14490.33 USD
Assets:Bank:Mercury -14490.33 USD

2023-03-01 * "STRIPE" "Mercury Checking ••1234"
Income:Stripe -21230.75 USD
Assets:Bank:Mercury 21230.75 USD

2023-05-18 * "customer_182734" "0x5190E84918FD67706A9DFDb337d5744dF4EE5f3f"
Assets:Crypto -19 ETH {1,856.20 USD}
Income:Crypto:ETH 19 ETH @@ 35267.8 USD

Understanding the Code

  1. Opening Accounts: The code starts by opening a series of accounts on 1970-01-01. These include a mix of asset accounts (Assets:Bank:Mercury and Assets:Crypto), an equity account (Equity:Bank:Chase), income accounts (Income:Stripe and Income:Crypto:ETH), and expense accounts (Expenses:COGS, Expenses:COGS:AmazonWebServices, Expenses:BusinessExpenses, and Expenses:BusinessExpenses:ChatGPT).

  2. Transactions: It then progresses to record a series of transactions between 2023-03-01 and 2023-05-18.

    • The transaction on 2023-05-14 represents a payment of $17.49 to CONTABO.COM from Mercury Checking ••1234. This is recorded as an expense (Expenses:COGS:Contabo) and a corresponding deduction from the Assets:Bank:Mercury account.

    • Similarly, the transaction on 2023-05-11 represents a payment of $14490.33 to Amazon Web Services from the same bank account. This is logged under Expenses:COGS:AmazonWebServices.

    • The transaction on 2023-03-01 shows income from STRIPE being deposited into Mercury Checking ••1234, totaling $21230.75. This is recorded as income (Income:Stripe) and an addition to the bank account (Assets:Bank:Mercury).

    • The last transaction on 2023-05-18 represents a crypto transaction involving 19 ETH from a customer. This is tracked under Assets:Crypto and Income:Crypto:ETH. The {1,856.20 USD} shows the price of ETH at the time of transaction, while the @@ 35267.8 USD specifies the total value of the 19 ETH transaction.

In all transactions, the principle of double-entry accounting is maintained, ensuring that the equation Assets = Liabilities + Equity always holds true.

Final Thoughts

This Beancount ledger provides a straightforward yet robust system for tracking financial transactions. As seen in the final transaction, Beancount is flexible enough to account for non-traditional assets like cryptocurrency, which is a testament to its utility in our increasingly digital financial landscape.

We hope this breakdown helps you better understand the structure and capabilities of Beancount, whether you're a seasoned accountant or a beginner trying to keep track of your personal finances. Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we'll delve further into advanced Beancount operations.