How Will SMBs Benefit from Intuit and Affirm’s Partnership?

In a move set to reshape how small and mid-market businesses (SMBs) handle invoicing and customer credit, Intuit has announced a multi-year partnership with Affirm. 

The agreement establishes Affirm as the exclusive pay-over-time provider built directly into QuickBooks Payments, aiming to tackle the persistent issue of late payments and stagnant cash flow for millions of enterprises.

The partnership aims to resolve hurdles for SMBs that hinder growth. For many SMBs, the gap between issuing an invoice and receiving funds is a prominent issue. 

Internal data from a May 2025 Intuit QuickBooks survey revealed that 56% of SMBs are currently owed money from unpaid invoices, with the average debt sitting at US$17,500 per business. By embedding Affirm’s technology, Intuit is providing a mechanism for businesses to receive their capital upfront while allowing their clients the flexibility to pay in instalments.

The integration is designed to be seamless, requiring no additional technical setup for eligible US businesses. When a business sends an invoice via QuickBooks, the recipient will have the option to select Affirm at checkout, splitting the cost into transparent payment plans with rates as low as 0% APR.

Driving conversion through flexibility

Beyond simply securing funds, the partnership is positioned as a growth engine. By lowering the barrier to entry for high-value transactions, businesses can theoretically see a rise in average order value and customer acquisition.

The partnership sets out to aid Quickbooks merchants in offering Affirm’s flexible payment options to customers, concurrently attracting new customers boosting conversion rates, maximising sales and improving cash flow. 

David Hahn, EVP and GM of the Services Group at Intuit, comments: “By partnering with Affirm to bring native, pay-over-time functionality to QuickBooks, we are giving businesses a powerful new way to increase conversion and improve cash flow, while offering their own customers flexibility.

“With more than US$2tn in invoices managed on our platform each year, this integration further accelerates the frictionless payments capabilities we offer to our customers to manage and grow their business all-in-one place, and represents one of the many ways we are helping to fuel financial success for businesses and consumers across our Intuit platform.”

Shifting the risk

A core component of this fintech collaboration is the removal of credit risk from the business owner.

Affirm handles the entire application, underwriting and approval process for each transaction, ensuring the entrepreneur is not responsible for chasing late payments or managing loan logistics, as Affirm assumes the repayment risk.

Pat Suh, SVP of Revenue at Affirm, highlights the operational benefits this brings to the table: “Millions of SMBs rely on QuickBooks to simplify operations, keep their cash flow on track, and grow their business. Integrating Affirm directly into QuickBooks Payments will give these businesses another lever for growth – offering customers a transparent, responsible way to pay over time while the business continues to get paid upfront.  

“By providing consumers and businesses total clarity, no late fees, and no surprises, businesses can improve their cash flow and spend more time on what matters most.”

The service is expected to roll out to QuickBooks Online customers in the US over the coming months.