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Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia.
Updated November 03, 2023 Reviewed by Reviewed by Thomas J. CatalanoThomas J Catalano is a CFP and Registered Investment Adviser with the state of South Carolina, where he launched his own financial advisory firm in 2018. Thomas' experience gives him expertise in a variety of areas including investments, retirement, insurance, and financial planning.
A revolving loan facility, also called a revolving credit facility or simply revolver, is a form of credit issued by a financial institution that provides the borrower with the ability to draw down or withdraw, repay, and withdraw again. A revolving loan is considered a flexible financing tool due to its repayment and re-borrowing accommodations. It is not considered a term loan because, during an allotted period of time, the facility allows the borrower to repay the loan or take it out again. In contrast, a term loan provides a borrower with funds followed by a fixed payment schedule.
A revolving loan facility is typically a variable line of credit used by public and private businesses. The line is variable because the interest rate on the credit line can fluctuate. In other words, if interest rates rise in the credit markets, a bank might increase the rate on a variable-rate loan. The rate is often higher than rates charged on other loans and changes with the prime rate or another market indicator. The financial institution typically charges a fee for extending the loan.
Criteria for approval of the loan depends on the stage, size, and industry in which the business operates. The financial institution typically examines the company’s financial statements, including the income statement, statement of cash flows, and balance sheet when deciding whether the business can repay a debt. The odds of the loan getting approved increases if a company can demonstrate steady income, strong cash reserves, and a good credit score. The balance on a revolving loan facility may move between zero and the maximum approved value.
A revolving loan or line facility allows a business to borrow money as needed for funding working capital needs and continuing operations. A revolving line is especially helpful during times of revenue fluctuations, since bills and unexpected expenses can be paid by drawing from the loan. Drawing against the loan brings down the available balance, whereas making payments on the debt brings up the available balance.
The financial institution may review the revolving loan facility annually. If a company’s revenue shrinks, the institution may decide to lower the maximum amount of the loan. Therefore, it is important for the business owner to discuss the company’s circumstances with the financial institution to avoid a reduction in or termination of the loan.
A revolving loan facility provides a variable line of credit that allows people or businesses great flexibility with the funds they are borrowing.
Supreme Packaging secures a revolving loan facility for $500,000. The company uses the credit line for covering payroll as it waits for accounts receivable payments. Although the business uses up to $250,000 of the revolving loan facility each month, it pays off most of the balance and monitors how much available credit remains. Because another company signed a $500,000 contract for Supreme Packaging to package its products for the next five years, the packaging company is using $200,000 of its revolving loan facility for purchasing the required machinery.
Unlike a term loan with fixed payments, a revolving loan facility has no established term. Money is withdrawn by the company, reducing the amount available to borrow. It is then paid back, replenishing the line of credit.
For the purposes of this article, yes, they are limited to businesses. Home equity lines of credit or personal lines of credit operate on the same principles for personal use.
Yes. A revolving loan facility is a loan, just like any other term loan. The difference is that instead of receiving borrowed money in a lump sum, the money can be used as needed, repaid, and then used again.
For businesses with fluctuating income, a revolving loan facility can be a great option for meeting payroll or covering unforeseen expenses. Establishing a revolving loan facility with your bank could be a wise move for your business.
