How is American Express Supporting Financial Accessibility?

American Express Business Platinum and Gold Cardmembers are being given access to a new flexible payment option. 

The offering differs from existing processes with American Express Charge Cards, which state that outstanding balances must be paid in full on the due date. 

The new feature is available only for new Business Platinum and Gold cardholders. Existing clients must submit a new application to be considered for flexible payment. 

How does it work?

The feature is embedded on the applicable American Express cards and provides cardholders with the option to take additional time in repaying their statement balance. 

Cardmember statements will have the total balance in addition to the minimum payment needed to ensure the account is kept in good standing. Options to repay range from paying in full to paying the minimum balance due, with the choice to pay any amount in between the minimum and total. 

Interest charges will be applied to any balance carried over for cardmembers that choose the Flexible Payment Option and pay less than the full balance. 

Cardmembers have the choice to be able to repay through their online accounts or through the Amex app. 

Additionally, Business cardmembers have further flexibility as American Express offer up to 54 calendar days interest free until their payment is due, supporting cashflow by keeping cash in their accounts for longer. 

Research-led announcement 

The announcement comes after research from the financial services giant pointed to an emerging priority for UK small and medium enterprises (SMEs). 

A survey for American Express conducted by Opinium in April 2025 showed almost a third of respondents indicated that cashflow management is a key focus for their business. 

Out of the 1,000 UK SME decision makers at small, micro and medium-sized businesses, 26% reported that repayment flexibility is also highly important in the consideration of business financing solutions. 

Ruchi Sharma, Vice President, UK Commercial at American Express, notes:  “We know that cashflow is vital for small businesses and that’s why we’re excited to launch the Flexible Payment Option feature, which will provide business owners the financial flexibility they need to thrive.  

“By providing an instant line of credit when needed, small business owners don’t have to use personal savings, take out a separate loan or miss out on the next business opportunity when it arises.” 

In tandem with this announcement, Amex Business Platinum and Gold Cards are coming in without a pre-set spending limit. 

The card’s spending power is therefore more flexible to a business and its dynamic and specific needs, further supporting cashflow management. 

American Express is stepping up its flexible finance options for businesses as BNPL continues to grow in popularity, becoming the new norm with giants such as Klarna advertised everywhere. 

Amex Business cardmembers are also able to earn Membership points alongside the new flexible finance options. 

Points earned through everyday business expenses are able to be redeemed on luxuries such as experiences, travel and purchases, providing potential further support for the businesses and outside the business also. 

Founded in 1850 and headquartered in New York, American Express has more than 100 million merchant locations across its global network.