Business Line of Credit
You’ve Got Options

Lines of credit are perfect for when business conditions change. Unexpected issues arise. Windows of opportunity open.  Are you prepared to deal with these occurrences? Thousands of business owners have learned that with a business line of credit from ARF Financial, they are.  Formerly Advance Restaurant Finance, ARF Financial is the #1 lender for restaurant loans and restaurant financing for over 17 years. As the restaurant financing experts, we understand the unique needs of restaurant owners and the daily challenges they face.

What is a Line of Credit?

A line of credit is an approved loan extended to restaurant and small business owners allowing them to draw upon when the need arises. This type of restaurant loan allows merchants to pull funds from their line of credit as needed and only pay interest on the money they take. Restaurant owners have 24-hour access to 5 separate loan drafts over a 6 month period. You can even request funds online!

Benefits Of A Line of Credit

1. Restaurant owners can use the funds for what you need, and make low, fixed weekly payments. Our restaurant financing is a loan not a cash advance, so repayment is not tied to your daily credit card receipts.

2. Combine our Business Line of Credit with our Flex Pay Loan and you can defer up to 50% of the principal into the future for more affordable payments now, and pay it back when the time is right.

3. Lock in your rate for the next 6 months.

4. Same-day instant approval and funding in 48 hours with a first draw of only $5,000.

5. 24-hour access to 5 separate loan drafts over a 6 month period.

6. Loan amounts up to $750,000 with no collateral required.

7. Fast and convenient

8. Saves Money

9. Interest is tax deductible

10. Keeps you in control of your business

11. No hard credit pulls so your credit score won’t be affected.

12. If approved, new customers get a $3,000 AMEX Gift Card for personal and or business use!*

What Are Lines of Credit Loans Used For?

At ARF Financial, we understand the changing business landscape especially in the restaurant business. As such, our small business owners use the line of credit for a variety of business reasons. Even without an immediate need, restaurant owners are establishing lines of credit now. Being prepared is smart. Owners know opportunities and/or issues can arise quickly and having committed working capital allows them to be ready for the unexpected. We have seen just about every business reason why a restaurant owner will need a line of credit. Every few years, someone will truly stump us but these are rare. If you do not see your business reason below, don’t be alarmed because we have probably already processed a loan for it and can correctly guide you through it. Below are just a few recurring reasons restaurant owners choose ARF Financial over the past few decades.

• Equipment financing
• Inventory financing
• Renovations
• Expansions
• Buy/open a new location
• Buy/open a franchise
• Pay for franchise obligations
• Liquor licenses
• Other licenses
• Signage
• Adding catering services
• Revamping restaurant menu and bar options
• Marketing and advertising the business
• Adding other services
• Upgrading computer systems
• Pay business taxes
• Pay off expensive loans and cash advances from other companies
• Operating capital for Slow Cash Flow Periods or Seasonality
• Buy out a business partner

The most successful business owners are the most nimble, and a business line of credit from ARF Financial gives you the flexibility to act fast. When the window of opportunity opens, you’ll be ready to maximize your advantage. Why wait? With this type of financing, the simple flourish of a pen is all it takes to have the freedom to draw funds as they’re needed, paying interest only on the money you take.

How To Qualify For A Line of Credit

Lines of Credit loans, like many  types of restaurant loans, are based on different qualifying criteria. No single requirement will guarantee a line of credit loan. However, restaurant owners must be prepared to produce key documents about their business and other personal data to guarantee the line of credit.

• Time in Business

A key criteria of a business line of credit loan is the number of years the restaurant has been operating. Even if your restaurant has outstanding cash flow and an excellent credit score, you still may not receive a line of credit loan if the time in business falls short of the required minimum. At ARF Financial, restaurant owners need to be in business for a minimum of one to three months in order to qualify for a line of credit loan. Again, we will work with your unique circumstances as much as possible up to and including balancing the desired loan amount with credit scores, cash flows, time in business etc.

• Business Checking or Savings Accounts

When it comes to qualifying for a line of credit loan, a checking account gives definitive evidence of the business’ cash flow, if your restaurant does not have one, it can create difficulty in assessing the creditworthiness for a line of credit loan. Typically, we will ask to see at least three months of bank statements. This will corroborate information from your accounting documents as well provide insights into your cash flow and overall financial health of your restaurant.

• Loan Amount

Believe it or not, the amount of the line of credit loan also affects the approval process. The amount of the loan will affect the repayment options available which will, in turn, affect the amount of the weekly or monthly repayment amount. Restaurant owners with smaller, consistent cash flows may not qualify for the larger loan amounts which will require larger weekly or monthly payments.

• Credit Score

Please note we did not list your credit score as the first or most important qualifying criteria for a business line of credit loan. While this all important number can make or break your loan application for a traditional bank loan, ARF Financial uses a unique mix of criteria working with your unique circumstances in order to make a final decision. We have also partnered with many bank partners to offer even more options for restaurant owners with less than perfect credit but good operating potential.

• Annual Sales

At ARF Financial, we require businesses to bring in a minimum annual income of  of $250,000 to qualify for our restaurant loans such as the business line of credit.

• Debt to Credit Ratio

ARF Financial, like most lenders, will also examine your debt to credit ratio in order to qualify for our line of credit loans. If your restaurant is carrying too much debt, we will regularly offer to pay off competitor loans if your business qualifies. Your personal debt to credit ratio will also be examined as this is an avenue of opportunity if your business runs into cash flow issues.

• Reason For The Loan

Unlike other lenders, ARF Financial does not dictate what the business line of credit loan is used for. We do specify that all loan proceeds are used for business purposes only. There have been a few instances where a specific loan had dictates such as when used for competitor payoffs. Many lenders will not accept third party payoffs on their loans and cash advances. As such, ARF Financial will then grant the loan proceeds to the restaurant owner and include legal language to guarantee the loan proceeds are used to pay off those competitor loans only. This guarantees the restaurant’s cash flow is not compromised by having too many loans on the books.

How to Apply for a Line of Credit

If you are a business owner looking for a line of credit with guaranteed rates, fixed terms and affordable payments, simply begin your online quote today. We have local loan consultants who are knowledgeable about your specific market and will work side by side with you throughout the process. Our online quote is free and there are no hard credit pulls so your credit will not be affected. Apply online today!