Man reviews his business expenses on a laptop

Business line of credit

We'll help you stay one step ahead of your expenses. Whether you need to pay vendors or buy supplies, a business line of credit gives you ongoing access to funds.

Support your cash flow and meet your short-term business goals

Access revolving funds

Borrow funds when you need them, up to your approved credit limit. Pay down your balance and access the same line of credit, so you can cover business expenses today or tomorrow.

Pay interest only on what you use

Only pay interest on the funds you use — not on your entire credit limit. Pay back the amount you borrow with minimum monthly payments, or pay off your whole balance to save on interest.

Take advantage of business opportunities

Ongoing access to funds gives you the flexibility to get trade or inventory discounts and more.

Business lines of credit at a glance

Line of credit amount

Starting from $10,000¹

Currency

CAD or USD

Interest rate

Variable Learn more about variable interest rates. Opens a popup.

Flexible options

Secured or unsecured^{2 Learn more about secured and unsecured lines of credit. Opens a popup.}

How do I qualify for a business line of credit?

Meet these requirements and improve your chances of getting approved:

You have industry experience
You have personal financial investments in your company
Your business generates positive revenue, meaning your inflows exceed your outflows, for at least 12 to 24 months
You have a good credit score
You have a detailed business plan

Fees and details

Ready to get a business line of credit? We'll guide you through the process

Book an appointment

If you're ready to borrow funds, book a meeting with one of our expert advisors. Choose a date, time and CIBC Banking Centre that works for you.

Meet and apply

Meet with an advisor in person, and answer questions about your business and its financial performance. You'll need to bring a few documents to your appointment. Learn about the documents to support your credit application. Opens a popup.

Get a decision

We'll verify your information and review your credit profile. If your application meets our borrowing criteria, you'll get approved for a specific amount with a specific interest rate and repayment term.

Receive funds

After you accept your offer and sign a few documents, you can start using your money directly from your business bank account. Get funds in as little as 2 days — for most applications.³

For full details on what to bring to your meeting, review the business credit application document checklist (PDF, 160 KB) Opens a new window in your browser.

More great features

Use funds whenever you need them, without reapplying — you don't have to contact us every time.

Pay off all or part of the balance at any time.

Access your line of credit by writing a cheque against your CIBC business account, through CIBC online, mobile or telephone banking, ATM withdrawals or at a CIBC Banking Centre.

Get a combination of borrowing products, such as a loan or overdraft protection, for more flexibility.

CIBC Smart Balance Alert™

Forgot about that payment? We’ll send you a text message so you can avoid a non-sufficient funds (NSF) fee and a declined payment.

Learn moreabout CIBC Smart Balance Alert.

Your business line of credit questions answered

What's the difference between a business line of credit and a loan or overdraft protection?

Can I apply online?

How do I get a lower interest rate?

Here's the kind of expertise you can rely on

Ryan C., Senior Business Banking Financial Advisor at CIBC

“My success comes from taking the time to understand my clients' businesses, their personal finances and all the challenges they face in life — which may or may not be related to finance."

Ryan C., Senior Business Banking Financial Advisor with more than 19 years of experience

Learn more about RyanOpens a popup.