Loans and lines of credit are two different ways to borrow from lenders for both businesses and individuals. Approval for both loans and lines of credit (also referred to as credit lines) are dependent on their intended purpose, a borrower's credit rating and financial history, along with their relationship with the lender. Loans have what's called a non-revolving credit limit, which means the borrower only has access to the amount loaned once, where they subsequently make principal and interest payments until the debt is paid off. A line of credit, on the other hand, works differently. The borrower receives a set credit limit—just like with a credit card—and makes regular payments composed of both a principal and interest portion to pay it off. But unlike a loan, the borrower has continuous access to the funds and can repeatedly access it while it is active.