What is it

An LOC is a standing amount of money, similar to a loan, that a bank extends to a customer. A customer may draw upon the available line of credit, provided that the amount does not exceed the limit. Money borrowed on the line of credit must be paid back within a specified timeframe, at a specified interest rate. Unlike a loan, however, only the money actually drawn (or used) on a line of credit is charged interest. For instance, if someone has a 20k line of credit from his bank, but draws only 5k, he will be changed interest on only the 5k.