Key Takeaways
- Revolving credit lines from $25K to $500K for ongoing working capital needs
- Draw and repay repeatedly—only pay interest on what you use
- No green card, citizenship, or permanent residence required
- Established in as little as 48 hours with 12+ months business history
- SBA lines of credit blocked for OPT founders—Bankable is the alternative
If revenue-based loans are the one-time tool, a business line of credit is the ongoing infrastructure. A revolving line of credit gives your business a pre-approved capital pool: draw $30,000 when a large order requires upfront inventory. Repay over 60 days as the order revenue arrives. Draw again when the next opportunity appears. For F-1 OPT founders who have been systematically excluded from bank credit lines, establishing a Bankable line of credit changes the fundamental operating dynamics of your business.
How a Revolving Line Differs from a Term Loan
| Feature | Term Loan (Revenue-Based) | Line of Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | Lump sum, one-time | Revolving—draw and repay repeatedly |
| Interest | On full amount from day one | Only on drawn balance |
| Best for | Specific, known capital need | Ongoing, variable working capital |
| Repayment | Fixed schedule or revenue % | Flexible—repay as cash flow allows |
| Reuse | Must reapply after repayment | Redraw automatically as repaid |
What OPT Founders Use Lines of Credit For
The revolving nature of a credit line makes it ideal for recurring, variable working capital needs rather than one-time expenditures:
- Inventory purchases: Draw to buy inventory, repay when products sell
- Payroll coverage: Bridge the gap between invoice payment and payroll due date
- Supplier payments: Take advantage of early payment discounts; repay when revenue arrives
- Opportunity captures: Immediately fund a time-sensitive contract, order, or opportunity
- Marketing campaigns: Launch a campaign, repay from the revenue it generates
- Seasonal preparation: Draw for pre-season inventory; repay from peak season sales
Qualifying for a Line of Credit as an OPT Founder
Line of credit qualification is more stringent than single term loans because it's a pre-approved facility that can be drawn repeatedly. Key requirements:
- Business history: 12+ months in operation (24+ months preferred for larger lines)
- Monthly revenue: $20,000+/month consistent for at least 6 months
- Business entity: US-registered LLC or Corporation in good standing
- Visa status: Not evaluated—business entity holds the credit facility
- Banking relationship: Active business bank account with 12+ months of history
Building Toward a Larger Line
Most OPT founders start with a $25K-$100K line of credit and grow it over time as their revenue increases and their relationship with Bankable deepens. A disciplined draw-and-repay cycle demonstrates creditworthiness and positions the business for line increases at 6 and 12-month review periods. This trajectory—starting small, building the credit relationship, growing the available line—is the most reliable path to large working capital access for OPT-founded businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Bankable's business line of credit is available to F-1 OPT and STEM OPT founders through the business entity. Revenue and business history are the primary qualification factors—not immigration status.
A line of credit is revolving—you draw, repay, and draw again from the same facility, paying interest only on what you've drawn. A term loan is a lump sum with a fixed repayment schedule. Lines are better for ongoing working capital; term loans are better for specific one-time investments.
Bankable's lines of credit are priced based on revenue strength and business history. Drawn balances accrue interest only while drawn. There are no fees for unused capacity.
Once established, funds from your line of credit can be drawn within 24 hours, sometimes same-day. Initial setup of the line takes 48 hours after approval.
Minimums vary by facility size. Most lines have minimums of $1,000-$5,000 per draw to prevent excessive small-draw administrative costs.
The line of credit is held by the business entity. If your immigration status changes, the facility continues. If you leave the US, your immigration attorney can advise on how to structure business ownership appropriately for continued operations.
Yes. Many OPT founders establish a line of credit and maintain it unused as emergency capital insurance. Knowing you have $50K available in 24 hours changes how you make operational decisions and reduces the risk premium on every business choice.
Establishing and responsibly using a credit line builds your business credit profile and improves your Bankability Score over time. This positions you for higher lines, term loans, and more favorable terms on future capital needs.