Industry Guide: Construction

Business Line of Credit for Contractors: Manage Project Cash Flow Without Slowing Down

Progress billing cycles, retainage, and material costs create cash gaps that can stall projects even when your backlog is full. A revolving line of credit keeps your crews working and suppliers paid.

Updated April 2026 13 min read Meridian Private Line Editorial Team

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Contractors face a cash flow paradox. Your backlog is strong and projects profitable, but money never arrives when needed.

Materials must be paid for before installation. Workers are paid weekly, but payments arrive 30–60 days later.

Retainage—the 5–10% withheld on every draw—compounds the problem. It won't be released until project closeout.

A business line of credit is the standard tool for bridging this gap. A revolving LOC works across all your jobs simultaneously.

The Contractor Cash Flow Problem

Construction cash flow problems are structural, not a sign of poor business management. The billing and payment cycle creates predictable gaps: