Bluevine is a financial technology company (not a bank) that offers business checking and a line of credit up to $250,000 issued by Celtic Bank (per its site, checked in October 2026). To qualify for the line it asks, among other things, for a personal FICO of 625 or higher, 12 months in business and $10,000 in monthly sales. It's an established company, but if you don't meet those minimums, or you're a sole proprietor without an LLC, its own line isn't for you.
This review covers Bluevine's line of credit, not its bank account (if you're comparing accounts, read Bluevine vs. Chase for your business account). You'll see who fits, how to confirm it's legitimate, what to check before you sign and which alternatives you have, including Merchant Fund Express, our recommended funder. Leer en español.
Key takeaways
- Bluevine's line of credit goes up to $250,000 and is issued by Celtic Bank; Bluevine itself is not a bank.
- Published requirements: 625+ FICO, 12+ months, $10,000 a month in sales, no bankruptcies and good standing with the Secretary of State.
- Its own line is for LLCs and corporations only, and it isn't available in Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota or U.S. territories.
- It accepts an SSN or ITIN along with an EIN, which matters for many immigrant owners.
- It rechecks your eligibility every month; if you don't connect your bank, you'll have to upload statements.
- If you don't qualify, look for funders that read your deposits, not just your score.
What Bluevine offers in financing
Bluevine is best known for its business checking account with no monthly fees, and it builds its financing around that account. Here is what it publishes (per its site, checked in October 2026):
- Bluevine Line of Credit up to $250,000, issued by Celtic Bank. Its site mentions rates starting at 7.8% for the most qualified customers and no maintenance fees. You only pay on what you draw, with automatic weekly or monthly payments depending on the plan you qualify for.
- Term loans up to $500,000 with terms up to 24 months, but not from Bluevine itself: its site says they come from its network of partner lenders.
- SBA 7(a) loans up to $350,000, also through a third party (Fundera by NerdWallet, per its site).
On speed, its site says a decision can come in as little as five minutes, that applying won't affect your score, and that approved draws can arrive within 24 hours, or instantly if you have a Bluevine checking account. It also says it reports your payment history to Experian, which helps build business credit if you pay on time.
One piece of context: when we checked, Bluevine's site announced that the company had agreed to be acquired by Valley National Bancorp, the parent company of Valley Bank. If you're already a customer, check its customer FAQ in case anything changes with your account or your line.
Who qualifies for Bluevine, and who doesn't
Bluevine is one of the few companies that publishes its requirements clearly, which is a point in its favor. These are the minimums for its line of credit (per its site, checked in October 2026):
| Requirement | What Bluevine asks for | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Credit score | Personal FICO of 625 or higher | Below that, its own line is off the table |
| Time in business | 12 months or more | A newer business needs another option |
| Sales | $10,000 a month ($120,000 a year) | Verified through your connected bank or statements |
| Business type | Corporation or LLC | A sole proprietor doesn't qualify for its own line |
| History | No bankruptcies; good standing with the Secretary of State | Make sure your LLC has no overdue annual reports |
| Location | Excludes Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota and U.S. territories | If your business operates there, you can't apply |
| ID | SSN or ITIN, plus an EIN | You can apply with an ITIN if you meet the rest |
Its site also lists industries it doesn't fund, such as cannabis and hemp, firearms, gambling, financial institutions and nonprofits that rely on donations. For sole proprietors, Bluevine says they may receive offers from partner lenders such as Fundbox or OnDeck, subject to each lender's own requirements.
Bottom line: Bluevine fits an LLC that's a year or more old with decent credit and steady sales. If you have an ITIN and meet everything else, it's worth considering. If you're short on score or time in business, read our guide to funders that accept an ITIN to see other paths.
Is Bluevine legit? How to check
To decide whether a company is legitimate, look at facts you can verify, not scattered comments online. With Bluevine you can check the following:
- Who issues the line. Its site says the line is issued by Celtic Bank and that Bluevine is a technology company, not a bank. Your agreement should name that bank as the creditor.
- Who's making the offer. If you get a term loan or another company's offer through Bluevine, your contract will be with that other company. Read whose offer it is before you accept, because the terms and the customer service will be theirs.
- The domain. Apply only at bluevine.com or from your Bluevine dashboard. Don't follow links in text messages offering a “pre-approved line.”
- Business registration. Look the company up in the Secretary of State registry and, if your state licenses commercial financing, on your state regulator's portal.
- Zero upfront charges. No legitimate lender asks you to pay an “approval fee” to release your line.
If someone claiming to be from Bluevine asks for your online banking password or a deposit, end the conversation and log in to your account yourself. Review the warning signs in how to spot a business funding scam.
What to check in the agreement and in day-to-day use
With a revolving line, signing is only the start. What matters is how you'll live with it every month. Before you accept, confirm these points:
- The payment plan. Ask whether your plan is weekly or monthly and over how many months each draw is repaid. Its site says opening the checking account before you apply is the only way to be considered for all three available payment plans.
- The real rate on your offer. The advertised rate is for the strongest profiles; yours may differ. Get the rate and the cost of each draw in writing.
- The monthly review. Bluevine checks every month that you're still eligible. If you don't connect your bank, you'll have to upload statements, and that can delay your draws.
- Draws are subject to approval. Having a limit doesn't mean every draw is automatic; its site says all draws are reviewed.
- Personal guarantee and lien. Find out whether you sign a personal guarantee and whether a UCC lien is filed. We explain both in business line of credit and personal guarantees.
- Returned-payment fees, and what happens to your line if a debit bounces.
A simple habit helps: before each draw, write down what it's for and which deposits will cover the next few payments. A line of credit works best for short, recurring gaps, like covering inventory until customers pay, not for long projects that take years to pay back.
Bluevine alternatives
If Bluevine doesn't approve you or you simply want to compare, these are the most useful routes:
- Merchant Fund Express, our recommended funder. It accepts FICO scores from 500, handles $5,000 to $5,000,000 and often decides in 2 to 4 hours. It reviews your sales and deposits, not just your credit, and collateral isn't required in most cases. It offers Spanish-speaking support and accepts applicants with an ITIN, no SSN needed. Applying is free and doesn't affect your credit; a stronger score and cash flow usually bring better offers. You can apply here.
- Your bank or credit union. If you already have a relationship and a good track record, a bank line can cost less, though it takes longer.
- SBA loan. For big investments with a long term, if you can wait out the process. If you qualify, it usually costs less than private options. Since March 1, 2026, every owner of an SBA 7(a) or 504 applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, so ITIN and green card holders need a different route.
- Revenue-based advance. For businesses with uneven sales or lower scores; compare its cost carefully.
A useful rule: if you clear Bluevine's requirements comfortably and your need is recurring, its line can be a good tool. If you're right at the edge, apply to a second option in parallel so you aren't depending on a single answer.
Honest comparison: Bluevine vs. Merchant Fund Express
Bluevine's details are per its site, checked in October 2026. Terms from either one depend on your file and are confirmed in the written offer.
| Point | Bluevine (own line) | Merchant Fund Express |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | Up to $250,000 on the line | $5,000 to $5,000,000 |
| Minimum score | 625+ FICO | 500+ FICO |
| Time in business | 12+ months | Weighed alongside sales and deposits |
| Business type | LLCs and corporations only | The business and its deposits are evaluated |
| ID | SSN or ITIN, plus EIN | ITIN accepted, no SSN needed |
| Speed | Decision in as little as 5 minutes; draws in 24 hours, or instantly with its account | Decisions often in 2 to 4 hours |
| Collateral | Check your agreement | Not required in most cases |
| Effect on credit to apply | None, per its site | None; applying is free |
Bluevine wins on convenience if you already bank with it and have a strong profile. Our recommended funder fits better when your score is below 625, when you need more than $250,000, or when your business doesn't yet meet every requirement for Bluevine's line. To put two offers side by side, use how to compare funding offers.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bluevine a bank?
No. Per its site, checked in October 2026, Bluevine is a financial technology company and its line of credit is issued by Celtic Bank. Its term loans and SBA loans come from third parties. Its site also announced that the company agreed to be acquired by Valley National Bancorp, the parent of Valley Bank.
What credit score do I need for Bluevine?
For its own line of credit, its site asks for a personal FICO of 625 or higher, plus 12 months in business, $10,000 in monthly sales, no bankruptcies and good standing with the Secretary of State. With a lower score, look at funders that also evaluate your bank deposits.
Can I apply to Bluevine with an ITIN?
Per its site, yes: you can apply for its line of credit with an SSN or an ITIN, plus an EIN for the business. You still need to meet the other requirements: be an LLC or corporation, have 12 months in business, $10,000 a month in sales and a FICO of 625 or higher.
Does Bluevine lend to sole proprietors?
Its own line of credit is for LLCs and corporations only, per its site. Sole proprietors with a Bluevine checking account may receive offers from partner lenders such as Fundbox or OnDeck, each with its own requirements. In that case, your contract is with that other company, not with Bluevine.
What's a good Bluevine alternative if my credit is under 625?
Merchant Fund Express, our recommended funder, accepts FICO scores from 500 and reviews your sales and deposits along with your credit. It handles $5,000 to $5,000,000, often decides in 2 to 4 hours, and applying is free with no impact to your credit.
Which states can't get Bluevine's line of credit?
Per its site, checked in October 2026, the ineligible states are Nevada, North Dakota and South Dakota, along with U.S. territories. If your business is registered or operates there, you'll need to look at a different funding option.