April 27, 2022

The Top Pros and Cons of a Secured Line of Credit

Author

FF

Fora Financial

Staff

Tags

• Business Finances
• Small Business Loans

A secured line of credit, or any “secured” loan, is tied to a property or asset. For example, one common secured line of credit is a house or other type of real estate mortgage. If the borrower defaults on their mortgage, the lender would be able to repossess the property. Although a secured line of credit has many benefits, there are also some considerable drawbacks. In this post, we’ll examine the pros and cons of secured lines of credit, so you can determine if this option is right for you.

Secured Line of Credit Definition

A secured business line of credit is a type of financing available to small business owners. When you secure a credit line, you offer equipment, real estate, or other expensive items as collateral. If you can’t make your monthly payments, the financial institution that you received the credit line from will seize the collateral as payment.

What Are the Pros of a Secured Line of Credit?

1. Secured Lines of Credit Usually Have Lower Interest Rates

Perhaps the most important benefit of secured loans is that they typically have low-interest rates. Lenders calculate risks when setting interest rates; the higher the risks, the higher the interest rate. Because a secured line of credit is backed by an asset, the lender will take on less risk. If you default on your line of credit, the lender will sell the repossessed asset to cover their losses. Due to lower risks, lenders can offer more affordable interest rates.

2. Lower Credit Scores Are Accepted

Unfortunately, many business owners with poor credit face challenges when applying for financing. Luckily, there are lower risks associated with secured lines of credit, so lenders will probably be less concerned with your credit score. One of the main reasons lenders pay so much attention to your credit history is because it indicates your likeliness to repay a loan. With a secured loan, your collateral lowers risks and increases the likelihood that you’ll make your payments. Since you won’t want to lose the asset tied to your secured line of credit, you’ll likely do your best to repay the loan. However, your credit scores will still impact your loan terms. Lower credit scores indicate a higher risk to lenders, so you could have to pay higher interest rates. Regardless, interest rates for secured lines of credit will usually be lower than unsecured lines of credit, and you may qualify even if you have a poor credit history.

3. You Could Receive Longer Loan Repayment Terms

Lower risk not only reduces interest rates – lenders may also offer longer loan repayment terms. Again, this is because of the collateral you can contribute to secure the line of credit. In some cases, lenders will offer repayment periods of up to ten years. Because business property is often used to back secured loans, lenders can rely on rising property prices to increase the collateral’s value over time.

What Are the Cons of a Secured Lines of Credit?

You’ll Need Valuable Collateral

The benefits mentioned above result from your loan being secured by assets. However, this means you’ll need valuable collateral to secure your line of credit. Often, this means a home or other pieces of valuable property, such as equipment, significant inventory, or invoices. If you lack valuable assets like the ones mentioned, you’ll struggle to secure the line of credit.

2. You Could Lose Your Assets!

If you default on your business loan, you’ll likely lose the asset tied to your loan. Since you agreed to the terms and offered this asset as collateral, you’ll have little to no legal recourse. It’s important to note that you’ll need to be careful whenever you use collateral to secure a line of credit. The lender will incur less risk, and they’ll increase concurrently for you. When possible, it’s best to use collateral that you can operate your business without in the event it’s seized by your lender. For example, securing your loan with business property and facilities might be better than using your personal home. After all, you probably won’t need the business property anymore if you decide to close your business. However, whether your business succeeds or fails, you’ll need a roof over your head!

3. Beware of Variable Interest Rates

Secured lines of credit generally feature lower interest rates, but they’re usually variable rates. If interest rates rise, this can become quite burdensome.  Make sure you understand the exact terms of your secured line of credit before signing anything. Although it’s helpful to have access to business financing, you don’t want to get stuck with high-interest rates.

Conclusion: Secured Lines of Credit Can Be a Great Working Capital Option

As you can see, there are many benefits to secured lines of credit and some drawbacks. Ultimately, a secured line of credit could be a great option if you’re interested in business financing because you’ll have access to capital that you can draw upon as needed. At the same time, you should only take out as much as you need so that you don’t put your business’s finances at risk. However, you’ll have to put up valuable assets to secure the credit, which will increase your risks, and you could lose your home or other assets. Make sure you consider these risks when evaluating funding opportunities. Editor’s Note: This post was updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in April 2022.

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