Kathy Jane Buchanan
Written by Kathy Jane Buchanan

Kathy Jane Buchanan has more than 10 years of experience as an editor and writer. She currently worked as a full-time personal finance writer for PaydayChampion and has contributed work to a range of publications expert on loans. Kathy graduated in 2000 from Iowa State University with degree BSc in Finance.

Revolving credit allows a borrower to borrow money up to a certain limit, pay back the borrowed amount, and then borrow again as needed. The borrower continues to repay the credit while staying within the agreed-upon credit limit.

Revolving credit explained step-by-step. The borrower gets a credit card or other revolving credit with a set limit. The borrower obtains a credit card or different credit account and uses it to purchase or take out loans. Credit card bills contain a minimum payment. The borrower pays the minimum or extra to reduce the debt. The credit limit is restored when the borrower pays back the loan. Manage revolving credit wisely and repay the borrowed on time to avoid hefty interest.

What is Revolving Credit?

A revolving line of credit is financing in which a bank or other lending institution makes a predetermined amount of credit available to a company (or a person) indefinitely. Once the debt is paid off, the credit line’s limit is restored and used again as required.

Credit cards, HELOCs, and vehicle loans are revolving credit. Credit cards are revolving credit that allows borrowers to make purchases and repay the loan with interest. A HELOC leverages a borrower’s house as collateral to fund home repairs or pay off debt. Auto loans are revolving financing used to buy cars.

Main Points

  • A revolving line of credit is financing in which a bank or other lending institution makes a predetermined amount of credit available to a company or individual indefinitely.
  • Revolving credit includes credit cards, HELOCs, and vehicle loans.
  • Revolving credit allows a borrower to borrow money up to a certain limit, pay back the borrowed amount, and then borrow again as needed.
  • Revolving credit includes making purchases with a credit card and financing large purchases such as renovations or a new car.
  • Revolving credit includes personal lines of credit, credit cards, and home equity lines.
  • Personal lines of credit are unsecured, flexible, and have fewer limits than mortgages and vehicle loans.
  • Credit cards offer advantages such as rewards and points, fraud protection, and item protection.
  • Home equity lines of credit leverage a borrower’s house as collateral to fund home repairs or pay off debt.
  • It is important to manage revolving credit responsibly and repay the borrowed amount on time to avoid accruing high-interest charges.

How Does Revolving Credit Work?

Revolving credit allows a borrower to borrow money up to a certain limit, pay back the borrowed amount, and then borrow again as needed. The borrower continues to repay the credit while staying within the agreed-upon credit limit.

Here is a step-by-step overview of how revolving credit works:

  1. The borrower applies for a credit card or other form of revolving credit and is approved for a certain credit limit.
  2. The borrower receives a credit card or other credit account and uses it to make purchases or take out loans up to the credit limit.
  3. The borrower receives a monthly bill for the credit card or other credit account, which includes a minimum payment due. The minimum amount is typically a percentage of the balance on the account.
  4. The borrower pays the minimum or larger payment if one pays off more of the balance.
  5. The available credit limit is restored as the borrower pays back the loan.

It’s important to manage revolving credit responsibly and repay the borrowed amount on time to avoid accruing high-interest charges. Interest is applied to the outstanding debt if the borrower does not repay the due amount each month.

What Is the Use of Revolving Credit?

One common use of revolving credit is to make purchases with a credit card. Borrowers use credit cards to pay for goods and services and repay the borrowed amount over time, typically with interest. Revolving credit finances large purchases, such as renovations or a new car. The borrower secures a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or an auto loan, both types of revolving credit.

Revolving credit is a convenient way to access credit when needed, but it is important to manage it responsibly. Borrowers must be mindful of the credit limit and repay the borrowed amount on time to avoid accruing high-interest charges.

What Are the Types of Revolving Credit?

Typical revolving credit accounts include credit cards, personal lines of credit, and home equity lines of credit.

Personal Line of Credit

Personal credit lines are normally unsecured, meaning the lender has no recourse if the borrower fails. Lenders sometimes let borrowers post collateral for a lower interest rate. Personal credit lines include annual and monthly fees. Late payments incur fees.

Have fewer limits than mortgages and vehicle loans. Personal lines of credit are flexible; monies are frequently taken and repaid. It is a key benefit over fixed-term personal loans paid in one large payment.

Pros

  • Borrow what is needed
  • Only borrower-paid interest Flexible repayment options
  • Funding availability
  • Credit card APRs are lower.
  • Unsecured loans have no collateral.
  • Offering collateral to reduce interest rates (secured loan)
  • Few limitations
  • Ideal for variable-cost long-term projects
  • Perfect for short-term monetary needs
  • Unrestricted 100% credit limit

Cons

  • Non-deductible interest
  • The Line of credit variable rate rises if interest rates rise.
  • Annual/monthly fees notwithstanding usage
  • High rates; not appropriate for debt consolidation
  • Forecasting interest rates is tricky.
  • Fees/APRs vary by supplier; a bank account is required.
  • Good credit needed
  • Poor long-term monetary solution
  • Accessibility encourages spending
  • High balances lower credit scores.

Credit Card

Many consumers use credit cards to carry out day-to-day financial transactions and deal with unforeseen costs. Make the most of the incentives and privileges that come with some credit cards by using those cards.

Pros

  • Responsible credit card usage improves credit scores over time. A solid credit score simplifies apartment renting, credit card alternatives, and mortgage and vehicle loan rates.
  • A credit card is useful to have on hand for unexpected expenses, even if using it sparingly. Pay for auto repairs and house upkeep even with modest funds. The best credit cards for emergencies are bonuses and individualized financing.
  • Big-ticket items are paid in part by the due date. Some credit cards offer 0% introductory APRs for large purchases.
  • Credit cards track spend. Many credit card issuers give customizable views of spending online or through applications, but a monthly credit card statement has a complete ledger.
  • Best rewards credit cards get points, cash-back, or miles on all spending. Many rewards credit cards don’t carry an annual fee, so earn statement credits, trips, and more by spending.
  • Item protection helps get the money back if a purchase is destroyed or stolen. Coverage varies by the card issuer and card but typically covers damaged, faulty, or stolen new products between 60 to 120 days after purchase.
  • Shopping and bill paying are easier without cash or cheques. Swipe or enter the credit card online.
  • Credit cards provide fraud protection, extended warranties, price protection, damage/theft protection, and travel/car rental insurance.

Cons

  • Credit card convenience makes it simple to overspend.
  • High credit card debt hurts credit scores.
  • Credit cards let borrowers spend more than the budget permits, paying hefty interest while making little debt progress. Use cards for convenience and pay off the debt every month.
  • Credit card interest rates fluctuate depending on the federal funds rate. Rising interest rates make it difficult to budget while holding credit card debt.
  • Credit card companies charge late fees if making a minimum payment after the due date. These fees are significant and add to the overall credit card balance.

Home Equity Line of Credit

PaydayChampion defines House equity lines of credit (HELOCs) as revolving credit lines secured by a person’s home. 

Pros

  • Reduced rates of interest in comparison to credit cards and personal loans
  • Certain home equity lines of credit offer enticing introductory rates of interest or no up-front fees.
  • Borrow more money than with a personal loan or credit card.

Cons

  • Variable rates rise.
  • There are restrictions for a minimum withdrawal amount.
  • There is a predetermined time for the draw.
  • Attainable charges, in addition to final expenses
  • Defaulting risks losing the house.
  • The application procedure for a home equity line of credit is far more time-consuming and involved than the application process for a personal loan or credit card.

What Are Examples of Revolving Credit?

Revolving credit is a type of credit account that allows one to borrow and repay funds on an ongoing basis up to a predetermined credit limit. The balance on the account fluctuates as one borrows and repays the funds. Some common examples of revolving credit include:

Secured Credit

Secured credit refers to credit secured by collateral, such as a security deposit or physical assets like a vehicle or a home. Secured revolving credit involves borrowing up to a certain limit based on the value of the provided collateral. The interest rate for secured credit is lower than unsecured credit because of the reduced level of risk. Credit cards that require a security deposit are a popular kind of secured revolving credit.

Unsecured Credit

Get unsecured revolving credit in the form of a credit card. Unsecured revolving credit has no collateral to support it. Borrowers with no collateral pay higher interest rates but only risk losing something if making the loan payments.

Revolving Credit statistics

How to Get a Revolving Line of Credit?

Follow these easy steps to secure a revolving line of credit:

  1. Check the company’s references (time in business, annual revenue, credit score, collateral).
  2. Assess the possibilities for a line of credit. Think about secured vs. unsecured, short-term vs. long-term, and bank vs. online lines.
  3. Look for a lender that provides the appropriate product and meets the requirements.
  4. Get all the paperwork in order and the proof needed.
  5. Finish the application closure procedure by applying.

Have a wide range of alternatives since most business lines of credit are revolving. Lines of credit are more flexible than other corporate finance, so established firms have options.

What is a Revolving Credit Account?

Credit cards, HELOCs, and personal and commercial lines of credit are revolving credit accounts. A revolving credit account lets individuals borrow and return payments up to a specified limit. The account balance varies as one borrows and returns. Monthly payments cover interest, fees, and a part of the principal debt.

What is Revolving Balance?

Revolving balances are a specific kind of debt on a credit card or other Line of credit carried over from month to month with interest being charged on the outstanding amount. Usually, you must pay back the amount borrowed, plus interest, when using a credit card to make a purchase or draw money from a line of credit. Any outstanding debt not paid in full by the due date each month is carried over to the next month and is subject to interest charges. The revolving balance refers to this outstanding debt.

How is Revolving Credit paid?

Revolving credit is typically paid back through monthly payments. Get a monthly statement with a minimum payment when using a credit card or other revolving credit. The minimum payment must be made each month to cover interest, and a percentage of the outstanding debt on a credit card with a revolving balance is usually needed. The minimum payment, often a predetermined proportion of the outstanding total, is intended to help pay off the debt over time while also covering the cost of borrowing. To pay off the amount more quickly and pay less interest, it is often advised to make a larger monthly payment than the required minimum.

What Are the Advantages of Revolving Credit?

Utilizing a line of credit or credit card that has a revolving debt comes with many advantages, including the following:

  • Flexibility: Revolving credit is often a fantastic choice due to its flexibility. Receive reasonably quick, cost-effective company capital by obtaining a revolving line of credit. 
  • Utilize again: Revolving lines of credit provide funding repeatedly used as long as the revolving credit arrangement is in force. 
  • Less interest: It’s a big advantage over a normal company term loan arrangement, where interest is paid on the whole principal.

What Are the Disadvantages of Revolving Credit?

There are several potential disadvantages of using revolving credit:

  • High-interest rates: Revolving credit accounts, such as credit cards, often have high-interest rates, which makes borrowing expensive if carrying a balance from month to month. Thus, lenders charge higher interest rates. A poor credit score increases the danger of default.
  • Fees: Revolving credit accounts have expenses, such as annual fees, balance transfer fees, and cash advance fees. These fees add to the cost of borrowing and make it more expensive to use the credit account.
  • The temptation to overspend: It’s tempting to utilize a credit card or revolving credit to buy things you can’t afford. It leads to high debt levels and financial problems if one needs to pay off the balance promptly.
  • Credit score impact: Using a lot of credit or carrying a high balance on a credit card or other revolving credit account negatively impact the credit score. It makes it more difficult to get approved for loans or credit cards in the future or results in higher interest rates on loans.
  • Risk of identity theft: Using credit cards and other revolving credit accounts online or in person exposes one to identity theft. It leads to financial loss and damage to credit if personal or financial information is compromised.

How to Manage Revolving Credit?

Following are some suggestions for managing a revolving credit.

  1. Budget carefully. Setting a budget and estimating how much to borrow and pay back before utilizing revolving credit is vital, as this helps avoid getting over the head financially. It avoids excessive credit utilization and hefty interest rates.
  2. Pay all invoices promptly. Pay each month on time. Payments over 60 days overdue are subject to a penalty rate, and it causes a significant decline in credit rating. Most issuers impose a late payment fee, and others charge a penalty by increasing the annual percentage rate on subsequent transactions. 
  3. Give more than the minimum. Keep an eye on how much to use credit. Credit utilization is the ratio of the amount now utilized to the total amount available. Maintaining the status quo is recommended.
  4. Track credit rating. Make smart use of credit. Limit a credit card or other form of revolving credit to required purchases; don’t put anything on it that isn’t necessary, and don’t use it to make up for poor budgeting.
  5. Think about paying off higher-interest accounts first. Regularly check the credit report to ensure the credit accounts are accurately reported. It aids in spotting any mistakes or fraud so that remedial action is taken.

Below are some statistics about a revolving line of credit:

StatisticValue
Percentage of Americans with a revolving line of credit75%
Average credit limit for a revolving line of credit$15,000
Average APR for a revolving line of credit16%
Most common types of revolving lines of creditCredit cards, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), and personal lines of credit (PLCCs)
Most common uses for revolving lines of creditPurchases, emergencies, and debt consolidation
Most common risks of revolving lines of creditHigh interest rates, high fees, and overspending
Best way to use a revolving line of creditPay off your balance in full each month
Statistics about a revolving line of credit:

How Does Revolving Credit Affect Credit Scores?

Credit usage, the ratio of used to available credit, is one of the most influential aspects of a credit score. Loan providers and credit card companies utilize this three-digit number as an indicator of creditworthiness. Revolving credit, such as credit card accounts, significantly impact the credit score.

Maintain a good credit score and improve one’s chance of getting approved for loans and other credit products by managing credit wisely. To maintain a good credit score, it’s important to use credit responsibly and keep credit utilization low. It means paying the bills on time, avoiding maxing out the credit cards, and not taking on too much credit.

Do Revolving Accounts Hurt Credit?

Credit cards and other revolving accounts affect credit scores but are sometimes negative. Credit cards are useful if used wisely and help boost credit scores if timely payments are made. Maintaining a high credit score requires careful and responsible credit card usage. It involves taking up only a little credit and paying payments on time. Following these guidelines helps avoid bad credit scores while using credit cards.

Is It Good to Have Revolving Credit?

Having revolving credit is good, but one must use it responsibly. Be sure to take the credit before applying for new credit by carefully assessing your financial status. Having a budget and only borrowing what to afford to pay back are typically wise decisions. Some form of revolving credit, such as a credit card, is helpful in certain situations. Credit cards are convenient for making purchases, paying bills, and reserving travel or other services. 

Does Revolving Credit Count as Debt?

Yes, revolving credit is counted as debt. Revolving credit allows a borrower to borrow money up to a certain limit, pay back the borrowed amount, and then borrow again as needed. The borrower continues to repay the credit if it stays within the agreed-upon credit limit.

It’s important to manage revolving credit responsibly and repay the borrowed amount on time to avoid accruing high-interest charges. It affects credit score when not paying the credit card bill in full monthly.

What Is the Difference Between Revolving Credit and Installment Loans?

The ability to utilize a credit account on an ongoing basis is the primary determinant of whether or not the account is considered revolving or non-revolving credit. A few other differences are important.

  • Comparing open-ended credit to closed-ended credit: Revolving credit allows one to borrow up to a certain level as long as the account is active. Closed-ended credit has a deadline. Borrow the full amount with a non-revolving line of credit. The account is closed after the sum is paid. Installment credit isn’t revolving. Car, housing, and school loans are common installment credits.
  • Interest rates: The interest rate applied to revolving credit is greater than that used for non-revolving credit. Revolving credit minimum payments vary depending on the amount owed. Always owe the same amount at the end of each billing cycle when using a credit card with no rotating balance.
  • Payments: Non-revolving credit accounts are often returned in equal and consistent payments, sometimes known as installments, spread out over a certain amount. Most non-revolving credit agreements are for a single transaction, such as buying a car or house. Flexibility. Pay for many things using a credit card.

There is room for variation in how a revolving or non-revolving credit account operates. It is usually a good idea to fully comprehend the deal’s conditions before entering any credit arrangement.

What Is the Difference Between Revolving Credit and Revolving Credit Facility?

Revolving credit allows a borrower to borrow money up to a certain limit, pay back the borrowed amount, and then borrow again as needed. The borrower continues to repay the credit if it stays within the agreed-upon credit limit. Credit cards, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs), and auto loans are all examples of revolving credit.

A revolving credit facility is a line of credit a lender grants to a borrower to finance operations, investments, or capital expenditures. Revolving credit has a set credit limit and time during which the borrower uses the credit as required. Both revolving credit and a revolving credit facility let consumers borrow and repay the money over time. A revolving credit facility is more often utilized for commercial than personal reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is revolving credit, and how does it differ from other types of credit?

Revolving credit renews available funds as you pay down a balance, like credit cards. It differs from installment loans with fixed repayment schedules and amounts. Revolving accounts allow flexible, repeated access to credit.

Can you explain how revolving credit works in detail, including the key components of the revolving credit cycle?

The revolving credit cycle involves drawing on a credit line, making payments toward balances, interest accruing on unpaid balances, and freed-up credit renewing with payments. Core components are credit limits, interest rates, minimum payments, and recurring billing cycles.

What are the common types of revolving credit, and how do they vary in terms of flexibility and usage?

Common types are credit cards and home equity lines of credit. Credit cards offer maximum flexibility and accessibility while PaydayChampion require property collateral but have tax benefits. Other types include retail accounts and personal lines of credit.

Could you provide some real-world examples of how individuals and businesses utilize revolving credit effectively?

Examples include using credit cards for regular expenses and paying balances in full each month to avoid interest, leveraging 0% intro APR offers, and earning cashback and rewards responsibly. Businesses may use revolving credit to smooth out cash flow.

What are the benefits and potential drawbacks of using revolving credit, and how can one manage it responsibly to maintain financial health?

Benefits include convenience and flexibility. Drawbacks are overspending and high interest costs. Responsible management involves making on-time payments, limiting balances, consolidating debt, and using credit only when affordable.

Kathy Jane Buchanan

Kathy Jane Buchanan has more than 10 years of experience as an editor and writer. She currently worked as a full-time personal finance writer for PaydayChampion and has contributed work to a range of publications expert on loans. Kathy graduated in 2000 from Iowa State University with degree BSc in Finance.