# Understanding Credit Facilities: Types, How They Work, and Key Benefits

> **Definition**
>
> A credit facility is a flexible loan agreement between a lender and a borrower that allows the borrower to access funds over an extended period without needing to reapply for a loan each time.

## What Is a Credit Facility?

A credit facility is a type of loan made in business or corporate finance. It allows a company to take out an umbrella loan for generating capital over an extended period of time, rather than reapplying for a loan each time it needs money.

Various types of credit facilities include revolving loan facilities, [committed facilities](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/committedfacility.asp), letters of credit, and most [retail credit](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/retail-credit-facility.asp) accounts. Credit facilities offer more flexibility and convenience compared to traditional loans; however, debt covenants and fees are required. A benefit is more control over debt and funds usage offered by credit facilities.

### Key Takeaways

*   Credit facilities offer businesses flexibility by allowing them to borrow funds only as needed, rather than receiving a lump sum up front like traditional loans.
*   Businesses can choose from several types of credit facilities, including revolving loan facilities, committed facilities, and letters of credit, each providing different benefits and constraints.
*   Engaging with credit facilities can enhance a company’s financial reputation and credit rating, but often involves complex requirements and fees.
*   The conditions of credit facilities are influenced by the borrowing company's financial health and credit history, often including covenants and legal obligations that must be adhered to.
*   Credit facilities can be advantageous for managing operational cash flow and strategic expansion while potentially acting as a financial buffer in cyclical or seasonal markets.  
    

![Credit Facility](https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/VL3SzfpyoYqPuln4L7IqE9YMezE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Creditfacility_sketch_final-af0e75e91c1943d389f067db7484b7e3.png)

*— Investopedia / Michela Buttignol*

## Understanding the Mechanics of Credit Facilities

Credit facilities are widely used to fund various needs in the financial market. Companies frequently implement a credit facility in conjunction with closing a round of [equity financing](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/equityfinancing.asp) or raising money by selling shares of their stock. A key consideration for any company is how it will incorporate debt in its [capital structure](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/basics/06/capitalstructure.asp) while considering the parameters of its equity financing.

Companies can secure credit facilities with [collateral](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/collateral.asp) that can be sold or swapped without changing contract terms. The facility may apply to different projects or departments in the business and be distributed at the company’s discretion. The period for repaying the loan is flexible and, like other loans, depends on the credit situation of the business and how well it has paid off debts in the past.

The summary of a facility includes a brief discussion of the facility’s origin, the purpose of the loan, and how funds are distributed.  It also includes specific conditions for the facility. For example, statements of collateral for [secured loans](https://www.investopedia.com/secured-loans-5076025) or particular borrower responsibilities may be discussed.

> **Important**
>
> A credit facility itself isn’t debt. It lets holders access loan funds later, incurring debt only upon borrowing.

## Key Components of a Credit Facility Agreement

A credit facility agreement outlines borrower duties, loan terms, including amounts, rates, duration, and penalties. The contract opens with the basic contact information for each of the parties involved, followed by a summary and definition of the credit facility itself.

### Repayment Terms

The terms of [interest payments](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/managing-wealth/042516/how-interestonly-mortgages-work.asp), repayments, and loan maturity are detailed. They include the interest rates and date for repayment, if a term loan, or the minimum payment amount, and recurring payment dates, if a revolving loan. It specifies if interest rates can change and states the loan maturity date, if applicable.

### Legal Provisions

The credit facility agreement addresses the legalities that may arise under specific loan conditions, such as a company [defaulting](https://www.accountingtools.com/articles/credit-facility-definition) on a loan payment or requesting a cancellation. This section explains default penalties and steps borrowers must take to resolve defaults. A choice of law clause itemizes particular laws or jurisdictions consulted in case of future contract disputes.

## Exploring Different Types of Credit Facilities

Credit facilities include various types, with some common examples being:  

A [retail credit facility](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/retail-credit-facility.asp) is a method of financing—essentially, a type of loan or line of credit—used by retailers and real estate companies. Credit cards are a form of retail credit facility.

A [revolving loan facility](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/revolving-loan-facility.asp) is a type of loan issued by a financial institution that gives the borrower the flexibility to draw down or withdraw, repay, and withdraw again. Essentially, it's a line of credit, with a variable (fluctuating) interest rate.

A [committed facility](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/committedfacility.asp) is a source for short- or long-term financing agreements in which the creditor is committed to providing a loan to a company, given the company meets specific requirements set forth by the lending institution. The funds are provided up to a maximum limit for a specified period and at an agreed interest rate. [Term loans](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/t/termloan.asp) are a typical type of committed facility.

> **Fast Fact**
>
> A credit facility can either be classified as short-term or long-term. Short-term credit facilities often use inventory or operating receivables as collateral and have more favorable loan terms due to their short-term nature. Long-term credit facilities are more costly to compensate for risk, although they offer a company the greatest flexibility.

## Advantages and Disadvantages of Credit Facilities

Credit facilities or other lines of credit offer tremendous flexibility for companies that aren't sure what their future credit needs will be. However, securing this type of line of credit may be difficult and expensive. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of a credit facility.  

Advantages

*   Provides a company financial flexibility
    
*   Strengthens the relationship between a financial institution and a company
    
*   Often increases the credit rating of a company
    
*   May require less administrative burden to secure future debt
    

Disadvantages

*   Often results in added maintenance and withdrawal fees
    
*   May be difficult for younger or riskier companies to secure
    
*   Often requires a burdensome process to secure
    
*   May require additional administrative burden to maintain loan covenants
    

### Advantages of Credit Facilities Explained

*   **Provides a company with financial flexibility**: When a company wants to take out a traditional loan, it must often cite a specific reason, determine a specific amount, and identify a specific time frame for the debt to occur. Credit facilities are available upon demand, or don't have to be used at all.
*   **Strengthens the relationship between a financial institution and a company**: A credit facility is also usually established between a company and a financial institution that has a strong business relationship. By partnering with a bank (or syndicate of lenders), the company holding the credit facility may generate favorable terms with the lender.
*   **Often increases the credit rating of a company**: Companies that secure a credit facility may see a boost in their creditworthiness with other lenders.
*   **May require less administrative burden to secure future debt**: If the company wants to secure other debt or additional lines of credit, already having secured a credit facility potentially eases the administrative burden.

While not typically used for daily operations, credit facilities provide resources to help companies thrive. Saving operating cash flow for strategic expansion allows the company to grow, while credit facility cash flow can be used for one-time or emergencies.

> **Fast Fact**
>
> A credit facility also bolsters a company's ability to remain solvent, should its business be cyclical or seasonal.

### Disadvantages of Credit Facilities Explained

*   **Often results in added maintenance and withdrawal fees**: To compensate for the flexibility of a line of credit, a company must often pay additional fees for the debt. While lender fees vary from agreement to agreement, there may be monthly maintenance fees, annual administrative agency fees, and one-time setup fees to create the line of credit.
*   **May be difficult for younger or riskier companies to secure**: Lenders will want to see multiple years of business history and positive creditworthiness as part of the application.
*   **Often requires a burdensome process to secure**: The lender will often inspect a company's formation documents, [organization structure](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/organizational-structure.asp), industry performance, cash flow projections, and tax returns. After pulling on a line of credit, the company is often entered into an [installment plan](https://www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/072316/how-installment-loans-work.asp) agreement requiring ongoing maintenance.
*   **May require additional administrative burden to maintain loan covenants**: A company may experience extra administrative work with a credit facility. As part of the loan agreement, a company must often track and maintain financial covenants and disclose certain metrics as part of external financial reporting.

## Real-World Example of a Credit Facility in Action

In 2019, Tradeweb Markets collaborated with financial institutions to secure a $500 million revolving credit facility. Proceeds from the facility were intended to be used for general corporate purposes, and the lead legal arranger for the facility was Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP. By Dec. 31, 2022, Tradeweb Markets had drawn $500 million, leaving $499.5 million available.

Due to the significant size of this credit facility, the indebtedness is with a [syndicate](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/syndicate.asp) of banks, with the lead administrative agent being Citibank, N.A. The credit agreement imposes a maximum total net [leverage ratio](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/leverageratio.asp) and minimum cash [interest coverage ratio](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/interestcoverageratio.asp) requirement. Subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, Tradeweb Markets can increase the credit facility by an additional $250 million with consent from all syndicate lenders.

In the example, Tradeweb Markets also notes risks related to this indebtedness, including:

*   "The credit agreement that governs the Revolving Credit Facility imposes significant operating and financial restrictions on us and our restricted subsidiaries.
*   "Any borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility will subject us to interest rate risk.
*   "The phase-out, replacement, or unavailability of LIBOR and/or other interest rate benchmarks could adversely affect our indebtedness."

## What Are the Types of Credit Facilities?

There are several credit facilities a company can secure. A revolving loan facility allows a company to take out a loan, repay the loan, and then use the same loan agreement again as long as there are principal funds available to borrow. A retail credit facility is often used to provide liquidity for cyclical companies that rely on inventory or high turnover of sales. A committed credit facility is a specifically negotiated set of terms that obligates a lender to lend money to a borrower, should the borrowing company meet specific criteria.

## What Is the Difference Between a Loan and a Credit Facility?

A loan is often a more rigid agreement between a bank and a borrower. The borrower usually receives the funds up front and then repays them with interest. A credit facility is more flexible, as the agreement allows a borrower to take on debt only when they need the funds.

## What Is a Credit Card Facility?

A credit card facility is different than a credit facility. The term credit card facility is often used to describe features of a credit card that a cardholder receives when a credit card is opened. For example, a credit card may come with technology allowing for transactions to be automatically paid, split into tracking categories, or transferred to other cards.

## Is Credit Facility Used in Debt?

A credit facility is a way for a company to take on debt. It's an agreement between a company and a lender that, should the company need funds, it can draw on the facility and borrow money. Just because a company has a credit facility doesn't mean it has incurred debt. A credit facility simply grants the company the right to take on loan funds.

## The Bottom Line

A credit facility provides companies with flexible access to funds that can be used as needed, unlike traditional loans that provide a lump sum. There are various types of credit facilities, such as revolving loan facilities, committed facilities, and retail credit facilities.

A credit facility gives companies more control over debt amounts, timing, and fund use compared to other loans. However, credit facilities typically include debt covenants, maintenance fees, and withdrawal fees, and are harder to obtain. Terms are typically contingent upon the company's financial health and credit history, and there may be specific financial obligations or covenants entailed.

> **Article Sources**
>
> 1.  Accounting Tools. "[Credit Facility Definition](https://www.accountingtools.com/articles/credit-facility-definition)."
>     
> 2.  Tallied, Inc. "[Credit Card Capital 101: Understanding Credit Facilities](https://www.tallied.io/university-credit-card/credit-card-capital-101-understanding-credit-facilities)."
>     
> 3.  Cornell Law School, Legal Information Institute. "[Revolving Credit Facility](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/revolving_credit_facility)."
>     
> 4.  Cornell Law School, Legal Information Institute. "[Committed Credit Facility](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/committed_credit_facility)."
>     
> 5.  Cahill Gordon & Reindel LLP. "[Cahill Represents Lead Arrangers in $500 million Credit Facility for Tradeweb Markets LLC](https://www.cahill.com/news/firm-news/2019-04-08-cahill-represents-lead-arrangers-in-500-million-credit-facility-for-tradeweb-markets-llc)."
>     
> 6.  Tradeweb Markets. "[2022 Annual Report](https://investors.tradeweb.com/static-files/c83b50d5-70ff-4e99-991f-c380acb602dc)," Page 79.
>     
> 7.  Tradeweb Markets. "[2022 Annual Report](https://investors.tradeweb.com/static-files/c83b50d5-70ff-4e99-991f-c380acb602dc)," Page 7.
>     
> 8.  Tradeweb Markets. "[2022 Annual Report](https://investors.tradeweb.com/static-files/c83b50d5-70ff-4e99-991f-c380acb602dc)," Page 30.