Key Takeaways
- Revolving lines of credit from $25K to $250K for non-citizens with SSN and business revenue
- Pay interest only on what you draw — maximize flexibility, minimize cost
- Lines of credit ideal for managing payroll, inventory, and receivables gaps
- Non-citizens build credit with every draw-and-repayment cycle on their Bankable line
- DACA, H-1B, TPS, TN, EAD holders all qualify based on business banking history
A business line of credit without a green card gives non-citizen entrepreneurs the most flexible working capital tool available — a standing credit facility they can draw from, repay, and redraw as business needs arise. Unlike a term loan (lump sum with fixed repayment) or a revenue advance (similar structure), a revolving line of credit provides ongoing access to capital that adapts to unpredictable business cash flow needs.
Lines of credit are particularly valuable for non-citizen business owners because they address the most common cash flow challenge: timing mismatches. A restaurant with $80,000 in monthly revenue may still face payroll pressure the day before weekly deposits clear. An e-commerce business may need $40,000 in inventory investment two months before the revenue from that inventory arrives. A consulting firm may have $150,000 in outstanding invoices but need cash today. A revolving line of credit solves all these timing gaps without requiring a citizenship screen.
SBA Loans vs. Traditional Banks vs. Bankable
The March 1, 2026 SBA rule change eliminated all non-citizen, non-national applicants from SBA 7(a) and 504 programs. Here is how your options compare:
| Factor | SBA 7(a) (Pre-2026) | Traditional Bank | Bankable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Card Required? | No (changed Mar 1, 2026) | Usually yes | Never |
| Citizenship Required? | Yes (as of Mar 1, 2026) | Sometimes | No |
| SSN Accepted? | N/A (citizenship required) | Rarely alone | Yes — primary requirement |
| Decision Speed | 30-90 days | 30-60 days | 48 hours |
| Max Funding | $5M (if eligible) | Varies | Up to $5M |
| Collateral | Required | Required | Revenue-based, minimal |
| Min. Revenue | Varies | $500K+ | $120K annual |
Business Line of Credit vs. Other Non-Citizen Funding Options
- Best for: Recurring working capital needs, cash flow management, payroll bridging, inventory cycles
- Less suitable for: Single large investments, equipment purchases, business acquisitions
- Draw cycle: As needed, any time during the facility period
- Repayment: Monthly minimum payments; full balance can be repaid early without penalty
- Credit building: Consistent draw-and-repayment builds your business credit profile rapidly
Apply for your non-citizen business line of credit through Bankable's Bankability Score assessment. No green card required. Decision in 48 hours. Once approved, your credit line is available immediately for any business purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
A business line of credit gives you a maximum credit limit you can draw from at any time. Draw funds as needed, repay them (reducing your balance), and redraw again. Interest accrues only on the outstanding balance. For non-citizens at Bankable, the only difference from a citizen's line of credit is the identification standard — we use SSN rather than requiring a green card.
A revenue advance is a lump sum with a fixed repayment schedule. A line of credit is revolving — you control when you draw and repay. Lines of credit are better for ongoing operational needs; advances are better for specific one-time capital requirements.
Most lenders require 6-12 months of business history for lines of credit. Bankable requires a minimum of 6 months of operating history and $10,000+ monthly revenue for its standard line of credit products.
If you draw your full limit, you repay until your balance is below the limit again. Consistent and responsible use of your Bankable line of credit also creates a track record that can support a credit line increase over time.