A traditional revolving business line of credit from a bank is extremely difficult for H-1B holders to access. Most commercial banks require permanent residency or citizenship for revolving credit facilities above $50,000. The SBA CAPLines program (seasonal lines, working capital lines) is now fully closed to H-1B applicants under the March 2026 citizenship rule.
Bankable's tranche-based structure provides a functional equivalent to a revolving credit line for H-1B business owners. Here is how it compares:
How Bankable's Tranche Structure Functions as a Revolving Line
- Draw When Needed: Initial tranche provides capital for immediate business needs. Repayment occurs over 3 to 12 months through revenue-based ACH deductions.
- Renew Automatically: Once the first tranche is repaid, a second tranche (typically larger) becomes available without reapplication. The renewal process takes 24 to 48 hours.
- Increase Over Time: Each repaid tranche earns a larger subsequent tranche, up to the $5M maximum. The behavior mirrors a revolving line that increases as creditworthiness is demonstrated through repayment.
- No Annual Fee: Bankable does not charge an annual facility fee like bank lines of credit typically impose.
- Always Available to H-1B: Unlike bank revolving lines, Bankable's tranche facility remains available to H-1B holders regardless of visa renewal cycles or immigration status changes.
Bank Line vs. Bankable Tranche: Complete Comparison
| Feature | Bank Line of Credit | Bankable Tranche |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B Accessible? | Rarely | Always |
| Setup Time | 3–6 weeks | 48 hours |
| Max Amount | $50K–$500K typical | $5M cumulative |
| Repayment | Monthly interest + principal | % of daily revenue |
| Collateral | Required | Not required |
| Citizenship Required? | Usually yes | Never |
Start with the Bankability Assessment to see your tranche capacity — the equivalent of your line of credit limit — in 30 seconds. For reference on the full SBA CAPLines program that H-1B holders can no longer access, see our SBA 7(a) overview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Not from most banks, which require permanent residency. Not from the SBA (closed since March 2026). Bankable provides a revenue-based tranche equivalent that functions as a revolving capital facility.
Like a revolving line, Bankable's tranches can be drawn when needed and renewed after repayment — with increasing amounts over time. Unlike a revolving line, repayment is revenue-based rather than fixed monthly.
Bankable's cumulative tranche maximum is $5M. Initial 'lines' are sized based on monthly revenue. The capacity grows with each successfully repaid tranche.
Initial tranche: 48-hour setup. Subsequent tranches: 24 to 48 hours after repayment of the previous tranche.
No. Bankable's tranche system does not have an annual renewal requirement. Each tranche is independently underwritten based on current revenue performance.
No. Bankable has zero residency requirements. H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other work visa holders all qualify for funding assessment based on business revenue alone.
Effective March 1, 2026, the SBA requires 100% US citizen or national ownership for all 7(a) and 504 programs. H-1B holders are completely excluded regardless of revenue or credit history.
48 hours from completed application. The Bankability Assessment at /bankability-score/ takes 30 seconds and gives a preliminary range immediately.