A line of credit is an approved loan allowing withdrawals by check or bank card. Credit lines are not set to expire, but they can be reduced or closed at any time by the lender. Most lenders regularly review credit reports to monitor the account holder's creditworthiness. Negative information on credit reports such as judgments, charge-offs and excessive balances can lead to closure or reduction of the credit line.
Range
Various lenders offer credit lines, including banks, credit unions and mortgage companies. Credit limits vary depending on income, credit qualifications and collateral. Unsecured credit lines, which do not require collateral, start at about $500. Secured lines of credit, such as home equity lines of credit, can exceed $100,000, although most people have smaller lines. Home equity loans are tied to equity in real estate, usually a primary residence.
Credit Cards
A credit card is an example of a line of credit. Credit cards and other lines of credit often require an annual fee for keeping the account open. There are no other costs unless charges or withdrawals are made. Full-featured bank credit cards such as MasterCard and Visa are popular lines of credit, and some department store and gas station credit cards also feature small credit lines for cash advances.
Signature Lines
A signature line of credit is an unsecured account not tied to a credit card or home equity loan. Access is available through checks and debit cards. Credit limits are smaller than those on secured lines.
Warning
The Federal Trade Commission warns that credit lines can lead to excessive debt. The agency strongly recommends against using home equity lines for frivolous purposes such as vacations, shopping sprees, used cars and more. Carrying a balance on a home equity line adds debt to the mortgage, increasing the risk of foreclosure during a personal financial crisis.
