Question 1

What are the funding options for small business?

Accepted Answer

Funding for small businesses means much more than a loan. It's a way to discover new opportunities and push your business forward. But knowing your options and how to evaluate them can make the difference for a small business.

At American Express, we offer loans and invoice financing to eligible American Express® Business Card Members and merchants who accept the American Express® Card. Learn more about our funding solutions and see which may be right for you.

Loans, whether Business Loans or Merchant Financing, are a great way to fund big projects or new areas of your business, cover big expenses, purchase inventory, or consolidate debt. We offer a variety of term loans, so you can apply for one that fits your budget and needs.

Working Capital Terms is another popular funding option for small businesses. It gives you the flexibility to choose financing terms that work for you - we'll pay your U.S.-based vendors (even if they may not accept credit cards) and you pay us back later.

Apply for business funding with American Express, and you’ll be on your way to operating with more cash-flow for important business needs.

Question 2

When should I start looking for funding for my small business?

Accepted Answer

Business funding is all about planning, and part of that is knowing what options you may have so you can stay ahead of the game. A good time to consider looking for funding is if you recognize an opportunity that will help boost your business. Another great way to consider funding is by foreseeing what lies ahead for your business. By determining periods when you think you might need more cash-flow, you can determine whether you want to prepare for those periods with additional business funding.

If funding is what's preventing you from going after your business goals, you may want to consider loan and invoice financing options. Here are some common ways in which you can use funding, depending on your type of business:

Purchasing inventory or equipment
Repairs and renovations
Research and development
Paying U.S.-based vendors or utilities
Covering upcoming or unforeseen expenses
Consolidating debt
Funding a marketing or advertising campaign

All these expenses can affect the health of a small business. With our term loans or invoice financing, maintain or invest in your business by providing capital and increasing cash flow, all without breaking the bank.

Question 3

How much small business funding do I need?

Accepted Answer

When you determine what your business needs are, and you have a good understanding of your finances, determine how you would use small business funding. The more specific, the better. Will a loan go toward a new advertising campaign or will it be used to purchase new equipment? Will you use it for working capital or vendor payments?

Would invoice financing (or vendor payments) give you the opportunity to defer payments so you can increase cash flow and pay us back on your own schedule? Also consider how much return you can expect as you invest in your business with our funding options.

The good news: with Business Loans or Merchant Financing, American Express is on your side. You can benefit from our suite of financing offerings throughout the year as long as you're eligible. When used properly, small business funding options can help you focus on business operations instead of finances. We're happy to help you figure out which funding solution fits your business needs.

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COVID-19 Update:

American Express^® Business Funding: Financing Beyond the Card

Expand, invest, build, buy, and partner—meet business needs at speed.

Why American Express^® business funding? It’s built to back you:

Cash-flow beyond the Card with 3 funding products:

BUSINESS LOANS^‡

Collateral-free funding for your business needs.

Dream bigger, boost your business, or simplify your finances with a straightforward loan. Application required. Terms apply.

WORKING CAPITAL TERMS^‡

We send payment to your U.S. vendors upfront, you get back to business.

Use this short-term financing solution to manage payments to U.S.-based vendors — even if they may not take cards — and spend money on other things.

MERCHANT FINANCING^‡

Accept American Express^® Cards? Apply for a loan.

Apply for fixed-fee loans that work for your business—only if your business accepts American Express^® Cards.

Already have a relationship with American Express?

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