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American Express® Business Line of Credit In-Depth Review
In a nutshell: American Express® Business Line of Credit offers business lines of credit loans, providing funding directly to small businesses and consumers through an automated lending platform. It offers hundreds of thousands of businesses a broad set of cash flow management products and services.
American Express® Business Line of Credit In-Depth Review
In a nutshell: American Express® Business Line of Credit offers business lines of credit loans, providing funding directly to small businesses and consumers through an automated lending platform. It offers hundreds of thousands of businesses a broad set of cash flow management products and services.
American Express® Business Line of Credit In-Depth Review
In a nutshell: American Express® Business Line of Credit offers business lines of credit loans, providing funding directly to small businesses and consumers through an automated lending platform. It offers hundreds of thousands of businesses a broad set of cash flow management products and services.

Overview

American Express® Business Line of Credit is a good option for small businesses looking for financing with short repayment terms. Instead of filling out paperwork, applicants provide their revenue data by connecting a business checking account, payment platform, or bookkeeping software. The application process is straightforward, and borrowers can get their funding in a timely manner. However, it charges fees, and its rates can often be higher than its competitors.

Loan Features

American Express® Business Line of Credit provides businesses with accessible financing, sometimes within a few days. Business owners can apply for loans in amounts ranging from $2,000 to $250,000. After the loan is approved, funds can take as little as a few minutes and as long as a few days to become available.

Even though they do a credit check, it focuses more on the revenue data provided by linked accounts and how long a business has been in business. However, applicants should have a minimum credit score of at least 660*.

*All businesses are unique and are subject to approval and review.

*American Express® Business Line of Credit offers two loan types, installment loans and single repayment loans for eligible borrowers. All loan term types, loan term lengths, and pricing are subject to eligibility requirements, application, and final approval.

This review contains general information about the American Express® Business Line of Credit installment loan type only.

*The required FICO score may be higher based on your relationship with American Express, credit history, and other factors.

Application Process

American Express® Business Line of Credit offers a very streamlined process for businesses in need of financing. No paperwork is needed as businesses just need to connect a payment platform like PayPal, a business checking account, or bookkeeping software. Businesses can also connect to business accounts on Etsy, eBay, or Amazon. American Express® Business Line of Credit uses connected revenue information to analyze business performance to set loan amounts and terms. Once terms are provided, an applicant can decide if they're going to accept the loan.

Repayment Terms

The exact repayment terms of your loan will depend on many factors including the term, loan amount, your credit score, market conditions, etc.

In general, for 6-month loans, the total monthly fees range from 3-9%. When it comes to a 12-month loan, that can go up to 6-18%, 18-month loans have the highest fees ranging from 9-27% while 24-month loans have a range of 12-18%. These fee estimates are subject to change and are meant as a reference only.

Customer Support

Customer support from American Express® Business Line of Credit is available via phone or email. They also offer online resources by providing detailed information through their online help center and FAQ. For more information or to contact them, customers may visit their pages on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.

*Disclaimer: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this review are those of the author alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer.

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Frequently asked questions about merchant cash advances
What is a merchant cash advance in simple terms?
A merchant cash advance lets businesses get quick funding by selling a portion of their future sales. Instead of making regular loan payments, you receive a lump sum upfront and repay it through a percentage of your daily revenue.
How fast can I get MCA funding for my business?
Most merchant cash advance companies offer funding within 24 to 48 hours after approval, making it one of the fastest business financing options available.
Can I get an MCA loan with bad credit?
Yes. Unlike traditional loans, MCA providers focus on your business revenue, not your credit score. Many businesses with poor or limited credit qualify.
What is the typical cost of a merchant cash advance?
MCAs use a factor rate instead of a traditional interest rate. As a result, the effective APR can exceed 100%, although this depends on the provider and your sales volume.
How much can I borrow with a merchant advance?
The amount you can borrow depends on your average monthly credit card or business revenue. However, MCA lenders typically offer between 50% and 150% of your monthly sales.
Are merchant cash advance lenders regulated?
MCAs are not as regulated as traditional loans, especially since they are technically purchases of future receivables. Always review terms carefully before you settle on a funding option.
Can MCA loans hurt my cash flow?
Yes. Because payments are taken daily or weekly, businesses with inconsistent revenue may struggle to maintain cash flow if sales slow down.
What are the repayment terms for MCA funding?
Repayment is usually daily or weekly and continues until the full amount, including fees, is repaid to the lender. The term for MCAs typically lasts between 3 and 18 months.
What’s the difference between MCA loans and business lines of credit?
An MCA provides a lump sum with repayment tied to revenue, while a business line of credit offers flexible access to funds that you repay as you use them.
Is an MCA a good idea for seasonal businesses?
An MCA provides a lump sum with repayment tied to revenue, while a business line of credit offers flexible access to funds that you repay as you use them.
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