You are on: Features and Benefits
Features and Benefits of a Royal Credit Line
- Apply once. As long as your account is in good standing, you'll always have credit available to you, up to your credit limit.
- Access your money at any time. Write a cheque(1), withdraw or transfer money at an RBC Royal Bank® ATM, or use telephone or online banking to transfer funds to or from your Royal Credit Line.
- Choose secured or unsecured credit. Depending on your situation, choose from a secured or unsecured line of credit.
- Use your credit again and again. As soon as you repay any of the credit you've used, it immediately becomes available to use again. You're in complete control and able to borrow when you need to, without having to reapply every time.
- Flexible payment options. Choose from a range of payment options to suit your needs and budget. You are only required to pay the interest owing each month and you can pay more at any time without penalty.
- No fees on unused credit. There are no administration or service fees on unused credit.
- Optional LoanProtector® Insurance. Designed to provide financial backup during difficult times, LoanProtector Life and Disability Insurance provides low-cost, valuable protection for you and your family.
You are on: Choosing a Secured or Unsecured Line of Credit
When you apply for a Royal Credit Line, you can choose to apply for either a secured or unsecured line of credit:
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Secured Line of Credit
With a secured line of credit, you can use the equity in your home or your investment portfolio as collateral to secure a higher credit limit at a lower interest rate. Credit limits are available from $5,000 to as much as 65% of the current value of your home(2).
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Unsecured Line of Credit
With an unsecured line of credit, the application and approval process is quick and easy. Credit limits are available from $5,000 to $50,000(2)—with no collateral required. You could also receive a competitive interest rate, depending on your credit history and financial standing.
The interest rate for both a secured and unsecured line of credit is variable and will rise and fall with changes in the Prime Rate
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If you are not sure which option is right for you, an RBC Royal Bank® credit specialist can help you choose.
You are on: Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers about Lines of Credit
Below are answers to some common questions asked about lines of credit. If you don't find the answer you want here, an RBC Royal Bank credit specialist would be happy to answer your questions.
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How is a line of credit different from a personal loan?
A line of credit is a flexible borrowing solution that can be used any way you want. Once you set up your Royal Credit Line with an RBC Royal Bank credit specialist, you never need to apply again. As long as your account is in good standing and you are not experiencing any debt-related problems, you will always be able to borrow up to your credit limit. You can choose to pay interest only on the amount you've borrowed, or set up regular payments. You can borrow any part of your Royal Credit Line again once you have repaid it.
A personal loan is ideal for financing a major purchase where you need to use all of the money upfront (such as a car). With a personal loan, you receive the full amount of the loan when you're approved and you start paying interest immediately on the full amount. You have a set schedule of payments that will reduce your loan to a zero balance over an established timeframe. For more information, see Personal Loans.
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Can I use a line of credit to pay off higher interest rate debt?
Yes, you can use a Royal Credit Line account to help pay off higher interest rate debts such as credit card balances. Because the line of credit revolves, you can use it again and again to save on interest costs and manage your cash flow. Flexible payment options also make it easy to manage your credit line and ensure that you remain in control.
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Should I use a line of credit to fund home improvements?
Using your home equity as collateral to obtain a secured line of credit is one of the most cost-effective ways to finance a mid- to large-scale home improvement project. You can secure a lower interest rate with your equity as collateral, and with flexible repayment options—such as paying as little as the interest only on the amount you have borrowed—undertaking a home renovation project may be more affordable than you think.
If you don't have enough equity in your home, you can also apply for an unsecured line of credit.
For more information, talk to an RBC Royal Bank credit specialist about your needs today.
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I'm a student. Can I apply for a line of credit?
Yes. We offer two line of credit options to help students finance a post-secondary education:
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Can I apply for a line of credit just in case I ever need the money?
Yes—a line of credit can be an ideal way to ensure that you have the funds available for unexpected or even everyday expenses.
A Royal Credit Line account gives you immediate access to funds whenever you need them, up to your approved limit. Set it up once and use it again and again—for any purpose—without reapplying. And borrowing couldn't be easier—just make a withdrawal at any RBC Royal Bank ATM or write a cheque. You can also transfer funds or make payments by phone or through telephone or online banking.
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Should I use a line of credit to make a major purchase?
A line of credit can be a cost-effective way to finance a large expense like a wedding or home renovations and more if you:
- Don't need to access all of the money at once
- Think that the amount you need could change
- Plan to reuse your line of credit after paying it off
- Want flexibility in your repayment amounts
If you own a home or hold investments, you may be able to use your home equity or investment portfolio as collateral against a secured line of credit to obtain a lower interest rate, which can save you money over time. Flexible repayment options—such as paying as little as the interest only on the amount you have borrowed—can also make it easier to afford a large purchase.
For more information, talk to an RBC Royal Bank credit specialist about your needs today.
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Can I use a line of credit to buy a vacation property?
Depending on your situation and whether you have sufficient equity in your existing home, you may be able to use a secured Royal Credit Line account to purchase a vacation property at a competitive interest rate. Credit limits are available from $5,000 to as much as 65% of the current value of your home(2).
For more information, talk to an RBC Royal Bank credit specialist about your needs today.
What are the repayment options on a line of credit?
With a Royal Credit Line, you can set up a fixed payment schedule to include principal and interest (blended payment), pay interest only on a monthly basis with principal payments at your discretion, or have the principal payments scheduled for your budgeting ease. The only requirement is that you pay the interest owing each month. You can pay more at any time without penalty.
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How do I apply for a Royal Credit Line?