When you’re running a business, speed matters. You don’t always have weeks or months to wait for funding—sometimes you need access to cash quickly to cover payroll, restock inventory, or grab a growth opportunity. That’s where a business secured line of credit can be a game-changer. But the big question many owners ask is: how long does it actually take to get approved?
The truth is, the approval timeline depends on several factors, including the lender, your paperwork, and your financial profile. Some lenders can green-light applications in just a few days, while others—especially those tied to SBA loans—may take weeks. Let’s break it all down so you know what to expect and how to speed things up.
What Is a Business Line of Credit, Really?
Before we dive into timelines, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what a line of credit is. Unlike a small business loan, where you get a lump sum of money upfront, a line of credit works more like a credit card. You’re approved for a maximum amount, and you can draw funds as needed.
The beauty here is flexibility. You only pay interest on what you actually use. So if you get approved for $100,000 but only draw $20,000 to cover supplier costs, you’re not paying interest on the entire amount. That makes it an ideal tool for small businesses managing ups and downs.
If you’re curious about other financing tools—like those tailored for restaurants—here’s a helpful read: Restaurant Franchise Financing Made Simple with Business Loan Warrior: What You Need to Know in 2025.
Typical Approval Timelines: What to Expect
Now, onto the question of the hour: how long does it take? For many traditional lenders, approval for a business secured line of credit can take anywhere from two to six weeks. That’s because banks often require detailed financial documentation, credit checks, and collateral verification.
On the other hand, online lenders may approve applications in as little as 24–72 hours, especially for smaller credit limits. Of course, faster isn’t always better—sometimes those lightning-fast approvals come with higher interest rates.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown:
Type of Lender | Average Approval Time | Typical Credit Limit | Notes |
Big Banks | 3–6 weeks | $50,000–$500,000+ | Best for established businesses |
Credit Unions | 2–4 weeks | $25,000–$250,000 | More personal relationships |
Online Lenders | 1–5 days | $10,000–$250,000 | Faster but often pricier |
What Factors Affect Approval Speed?
Not every application is the same. The speed of your approval depends on several moving parts.
First, your documentation matters. If you can quickly provide tax returns, financial statements, and proof of revenue, lenders can move faster. Delays usually happen when documents are missing or inconsistent.
Second, your credit profile plays a role. If you’ve got a strong score and a steady history of payments, lenders are more likely to streamline your approval. But if you’ve had challenges—or if you’re balancing other business loans short term—it could slow things down.
For a closer look at other financing options worth comparing, check out Restaurant Financing Loans.
How SBA Loans Compare in Timing
If you’re considering SBA loans, know that they often take longer than standard business lines of credit. Why? Because the SBA requires both lender and government review, which adds extra steps. The process may take anywhere from four weeks to three months.
However, SBA-backed lines of credit can come with better terms: lower interest rates and longer repayment flexibility. That’s why many owners see the wait as worthwhile—especially when they’re planning for growth and not just covering a quick expense.
Still, if you need fast access, pairing SBA loans with business loans short term could give you the best of both worlds—immediate funding plus long-term stability.
Steps to Speed Up Approval
If time is of the essence, there are ways to move your application along faster.
- Get your paperwork ready in advance. Have tax returns, financial statements, and legal documents organized.
- Know your credit score. If it’s not where you’d like it, consider paying down debt before applying.
- Choose the right lender. Online lenders are often faster, but weigh the costs against speed.
- Start small if needed. Sometimes, getting approved for a lower limit line first makes the process quicker.
The more prepared you are, the more confident lenders will feel saying “yes.”
Business Line of Credit vs. Other Funding Options
Sometimes the question isn’t just how long it takes—it’s whether a line of credit is even the right choice. Comparing your options can help you decide.
Funding Option | Speed of Approval | Best Use | Pros | Cons |
Business Secured Line of Credit | 1 day–6 weeks | Ongoing cash flow | Flexible, reusable | Longer approval for banks |
Small Business Loan | 1–8 weeks | One-time expenses | Larger amounts available | Lump sum only |
Business Loans Short Term | 1–7 days | Emergencies | Fast approval, quick funding | Higher interest |
SBA Loans | 4–12 weeks | Growth & expansion | Lower rates, long terms | Lengthy process |
If you’re thinking bigger—like buying another company—you may want to read this guide: Business Acquisition Loans.
When Fast Isn’t Always Best
It’s tempting to chase the lender who can approve you in a day. But here’s the catch: faster approvals often come with trade-offs, like higher interest rates or stricter repayment schedules.
That’s why you need to balance urgency with cost. If your need is truly short-term—like covering an unexpected repair—fast approval makes sense. But if you’re looking at long-term growth, waiting for a stronger product, like SBA loans, might pay off more in the long run.
Common Delays to Watch For
Even when you do everything right, delays can still happen. The most common culprits are:
- Incomplete applications – Missing signatures, financials, or supporting documents.
- Collateral checks – For secured lines, lenders may need time to appraise assets.
- Industry risk – Some industries take longer to review due to perceived risks.
- Backlog at the lender – Especially true with banks and SBA-backed lenders.
Knowing these potential roadblocks can help you stay patient—and prepared.
Building Toward Faster Approvals in the Future
Think of your first application as laying groundwork. Once you’re in a lender’s system, future approvals usually go faster. Keep communication open, maintain solid financials, and you may even get pre-approved next time.
Also, consider relationships. Working with the same bank or credit union over time often leads to smoother processes, since they already know your business history. That’s why thinking ahead—beyond your immediate need—can set you up for long-term success.
Putting It All Together
So, how long does it take to get a business line of credit approved? The short answer: anywhere from a couple of days to several weeks. The long answer: it depends on you, your lender, and your readiness.
If you’re prepared with documents, credit history, and a clear plan, you can shorten the timeline significantly. And even if you have to wait a little longer, the flexibility of a business secured line of credit often makes it worth it.
FAQs on Business Line of Credit Approval
- How fast can I get a business line of credit?
Some online lenders approve within 1–3 days, while banks may take weeks. - Does a business line of credit affect my credit score?
Yes, lenders typically do a credit check. Responsible use can boost your score over time. - Can startups get approved quickly?
Startups can qualify, but they may face stricter requirements. A small business loan or business loans short term may be faster. - Do SBA loans offer lines of credit?
Yes, but approval can take 4–12 weeks due to government review. - What’s the fastest way to get approved?
Be prepared with complete documents, a good credit score, and consider online lenders if speed is your top priority.
