Chapter 4
IN THIS LESSON
Unlocking Bank Credit
This is your upgrade: Larger limits, lower rates (single-digit interest), and rewards for established C-Corps. Banks use the "5 C's" (Character, Capacity, Capital, Collateral, Conditions) but emphasize business metrics to minimize personal guarantee (PG) impact. True EIN-only is rare, but strong revenue reduces personal risk.
Key Requirements Across Banks
Time in Business: 1-2+ years.
Revenue: $100k+ annual; consistent monthly deposits ($40k-$50k+ average).
Credit: Personal FICO 650-700+; business credit helps.
Docs: EIN, articles of incorporation, tax returns, financials, business plan.
PG: Usually required, but negotiable with strong cash flow.
Pro Tip on Financials
Submit an adjusted P&L alongside tax versions. Add back deductions (depreciation, amortization, discretionary expenses) to show true profitability—banks focus on cash flow for repayment, not IRS savings. Explain adjustments transparently; consult an accountant.
Standout Bank Options
PNC Bank - Unsecured Small Business Line of Credit
Benefits: $10k-$100k, no collateral, revolving (pay interest on used amount), fast decisions.
Cash Flow Needs: Consistent deposits ($50k+ monthly average ideal).
Other Requirements: 2+ years in business, FICO 650+, PG, PNC checking account, C-Corp docs/tax returns/financials. Credit Pull: Primarily Experian (backups: TransUnion/Equifax).
U.S. Bank - Cash Flow Manager Line of Credit
Benefits: $10k-$250k ($100k unsecured), no annual fee over $50k, fixed-rate options, quick approvals.
Cash Flow Needs: $100k+ annual revenue, $40k+ monthly deposits.
Other Requirements: 2+ years, FICO 670+, PG, C-Corp docs/tax returns/financials. Credit Pull: Primarily TransUnion (backups: Experian/Equifax).
Chase (JPMorgan Chase) - Business Line of Credit
Benefits: $5k+ (no max), competitive rates, no origination fees on small loans, banking integration.
Cash Flow Needs: $100k+ annual, $50k+ monthly deposits.
Other Requirements: 2+ years, FICO 670+, no bankruptcies, PG, C-Corp EIN/tax returns/financials/plan. Credit Pull: Primarily Experian (backups: TransUnion/Equifax).
Wells Fargo - Business Line or Prime Line of Credit
Benefits: Unsecured up to $150k (Prime to $3M secured), low rates (Prime +0.50%), no prepayment penalties.
Cash Flow Needs: $40k+ monthly deposits (Prime: $2M-$25M annual).
Other Requirements: 2+ years, FICO 680+, PG for 25%+ owners, C-Corp docs/financials. Credit Pull: Primarily Experian (backups: Equifax/TransUnion).
Bank of America - Unsecured Business Advantage Credit Line
Benefits: $25k+ (no max), no cash advance fees, interest only on used amount.
Cash Flow Needs: $100k+ annual revenue.
Other Requirements: 2+ years, FICO 700+, PG, C-Corp financials/tax returns. Credit Pull: Primarily TransUnion (backups: Experian/Equifax).
TD Bank - Small Business Line of Credit
Benefits: Up to $100k online ($25k if <2 years), competitive rates, minimal docs for small amounts.
Cash Flow Needs: $40k min balance in TD checking.
Other Requirements: 2+ years for full limit, personal credit review, active TD checking, C-Corp docs. Credit Pull: Primarily Experian (backups: TransUnion/Equifax).
Capital One - Small Business Line of Credit
Benefits: $10k-$5M, integrated with checking, competitive terms.
Cash Flow Needs: $100k+ annual implied.
Other Requirements: 2+ years, FICO 670+, Capital One checking, PG likely, C-Corp financials. Credit Pull: All three bureaus (Equifax/Experian/TransUnion).
Truist - Small Business Line of Credit
Benefits: Up to $100k ($50k simple, no docs/collateral), 12-36 month terms.
Cash Flow Needs: $100k+ annual helps.
Other Requirements: 6 months+ (stricter for larger), credit approval, PG, C-Corp financials for >$50k. Credit Pull: Primarily Equifax (backups: Experian/TransUnion).
How to Approach
Call business bankers directly: "My C-Corp has X years, $50k+ deposits—let's discuss a line." Prep metrics and adjusted financials.
In the big picture, banks are your fintech upgrade for growth.