The short answer
The draw and repay pattern
A pool service company spends on chemicals, parts and seasonal techs in March and April. A ski shop stocks up in October. A landscaping firm hires in February. In each case the spending comes first and the revenue follows.
With a line, you draw in the ramp months, repay through the peak, and leave the limit untouched during the quiet season. Next year, the same limit is there. Read more at Merchant Fund Express: seasonal business line of credit.
Who it fits, and who it does not
- Fits: businesses with at least one full season behind them, ideally two, so the reviewer can see the pattern repeat.
- Fits: average monthly revenue commonly from about $17,500, usually 1+ year open, credit commonly about 650+. These are planning guidelines, not approval rules.
- Does not fit: a business in its first season, or one with credit well under the mid-600s. A seasonal revenue-based financing option or an advance is more common there.
- Does not fit: an owner who would keep the line fully drawn all year. That is a term loan in disguise and usually costs more.
Check what your business qualifies for
Merchant Fund Express reviews seasonal business line of credit requests from $5,000 to $5,000,000. Scores from 500 are considered, and same-day decisions are common on complete files.
Check funding options with Merchant Fund ExpressHow a line works mechanically
- Apply with 3 to 4 months of bank statements, ID, a voided check and the application. For a seasonal business, add statements from the prior peak so the reviewer sees the full cycle. Larger limits may need financials or tax returns.
- If approved, you receive a limit.
- Draw what you need. Each draw has its own repayment schedule and cost.
- As you repay, that amount becomes available again.
- Fees and terms vary by offer, so ask what applies to draws and to unused limit.
Illustrative example: a pool service company
Illustrative example. These figures are illustrations to show the arithmetic, not offers. Real pricing, terms and amounts come only from a reviewed application.
Assumptions: about $45,000 average monthly deposits, ranging from about $15,000 in winter to $80,000 in summer, 5 years open, credit around 680. A $60,000 limit.
| Draw | Amount drawn (net cash) | Repayment | Total repaid | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| March: chemicals, parts, two techs | $25,000 | 16 weekly payments of $1,656.25 | $26,500 | $1,500 |
| July: replacement pump inventory | $10,000 | 8 weekly payments of $1,300 | $10,400 | $400 |
| Season total | $35,000 | $36,900 | $1,900 |
Arithmetic: $26,500 / 16 = $1,656.25 and $10,400 / 8 = $1,300. Both draws are repaid by early September. From October through February the balance is zero and the full $60,000 is available for next spring.
Funding brings customers. Is your website ready for them?
Seasonal customers search right as the season starts, and if your site still shows last year's prices or a closed booking form, they call the next company on the list. Opening the season with fresh hours, services and online booking is as important as the first draw. Cheap Cheap Websites builds professional sites from $399, with Website Care at $30/month to handle those seasonal updates for you.
What to prepare
- The most recent 3 to 4 months of business bank statements.
- Statements from your last peak season, if the recent months are your slow ones.
- A simple calendar of when you spend and when you earn.
- ID, a voided check and the application.
Applying during your strong months, when statements look fullest, is often smart timing.
When something else is better
If you are under a year old or still building credit, a one-time advance before the ramp is more common, and you can work toward a line later. Compare the two at line of credit vs MCA. If you only need cash once every few years, a term loan may cost less in fees. If the spike is the holiday season, see holiday season business funding.
Related funding guides
Cheap Cheap Websites builds websites. It does not lend or make funding decisions. Funding is offered by our funding partner, Merchant Fund Express, and every request is subject to its review and approval. Figures on this page are illustrations, not offers. Updated October 15, 2026.