American Express has launched a new Flexible Payment Option designed to give UK small businesses greater control over cashflow, allowing eligible cardholders to unlock an instant line of credit directly through their business charge card.
The new feature is available to new Business Platinum and Business Gold Cardmembers and enables them to choose how they repay their monthly statement balance. Cardholders can either pay in full, pay the minimum amount due, or repay any amount in between, with interest applied only to the portion carried forward.
Because the Flexible Payment Option is embedded within the card itself, businesses can manage repayments seamlessly through their online account or the American Express app. Importantly, no interest is charged if the full balance is paid by the statement due date.
Business Cardmembers also continue to benefit from up to 54 calendar days interest-free before payment is required, allowing cash to remain in the business for longer and improving short-term liquidity.
The move comes as cashflow management remains a pressing concern for UK SMEs. Research conducted by American Express last year found that nearly a third of small businesses consider cashflow a key operational priority, while more than a quarter said repayment flexibility is a critical factor when assessing financing options.
Ruchi Sharma, Vice President of UK Commercial at American Express, said the new feature was designed to remove friction at moments when businesses need flexibility most. “We know that cashflow is vital for small businesses, and Flexible Payment Option gives owners immediate access to credit when they need it,” she said. “This means they don’t have to dip into personal savings, take out a separate loan or miss out on growth opportunities when they arise.”
Alongside the new payment flexibility, American Express Business Platinum and Gold Cards continue to operate with no pre-set spending limit. Instead, spending power adjusts dynamically based on a business’s profile, usage patterns and payment history.
Cardmembers can also earn Membership Rewards points on everyday business spending, which can be redeemed against travel, experiences or purchases, offering additional value beyond day-to-day financing.
The launch positions American Express as targeting a growing segment of SMEs seeking flexible, embedded finance solutions that sit alongside existing payment tools, rather than relying on traditional overdrafts or standalone business loans.
