Managing cash flow is one of the biggest challenges for Amazon sellers and businesses that rely on frequent inventory purchases. Whether you’re an Amazon seller scaling up your operations or a B2B buyer needing flexible payment options, Amazon offers a range of business credit lines that can help you finance your purchases and keep your operations running smoothly.

But how do you qualify for these credit lines? What are the benefits and limitations? And if you don’t qualify, what other financing options are available? That’s what we’ll discuss in this article, so read on.

Types of Amazon Business Credit Lines & Financing Options

Amazon offers multiple credit solutions tailored to different types of businesses. Understanding the differences between these options is crucial because each has its own eligibility requirements, repayment terms, and benefits.

Pay by Invoice (Amazon Business Line of Credit)

Amazon’s Pay by Invoice feature is essentially a short-term buy now, pay later system designed for Amazon Business customers. Instead of paying for purchases upfront, eligible businesses receive an invoice with a payment due date, allowing them to defer payment for 30 to 45 days depending on their membership status.

Key Features:

• 30-day payment terms for standard business customers.
• 45-day payment terms for Business Prime members.
• No interest or fees if paid within the agreed timeframe.
• Available exclusively for purchases on Amazon Business.

To qualify for Pay by Invoice, businesses must have an Amazon Business account in good standing. Amazon determines eligibility based on purchase history and creditworthiness. Approval is not guaranteed, and Amazon may adjust or revoke access at any time.

Applying for Pay by Invoice is simple:

1. Log into your Amazon Business account.
2. Select “Pay by Invoice” as your preferred payment method.
3. Wait for Amazon’s approval. If accepted, you’ll see the option in your payment settings.

For businesses that regularly purchase inventory or office supplies from Amazon, Pay by Invoice is a great way to manage cash flow without worrying about upfront payments.

Amazon Business Line of Credit (Powered by Marcus by Goldman Sachs)

For businesses that need a revolving line of credit, Amazon partners with Marcus by Goldman Sachs to offer a flexible credit line. This credit option is invite-only, meaning Amazon selects eligible businesses based on their purchase and payment history.

How it works:

• Businesses receive a pre-approved credit limit that they can use for purchases.
• Payments are automatically deducted from the linked business bank account.
• Interest rates and repayment terms vary based on the business’s creditworthiness.

Amazon sends invitations to businesses that qualify. If you receive an invite, you can apply through the Manage My Credit Line tool in your Amazon Business account by providing your business name, tax ID, annual revenue, and authorized representative details.

Unlike Pay by Invoice, this credit line functions more like a traditional business credit card, giving businesses access to an ongoing credit facility with flexible repayment options.

Amazon Business American Express Card

For businesses looking to earn rewards while financing their purchases, the Amazon Business American Express Card is an excellent option. This credit card allows businesses to choose between cashback rewards or extended payment terms on Amazon purchases.

Key Benefits:

• 5% cashback or 90-day extended payment terms for Business Prime members.
• 3% cashback or 60-day payment terms for non-Prime members.
• No annual fee.
• Additional employee cards at no extra cost.
• Advanced expense tracking and analytics.

To apply, businesses need to have a valid Amazon Business account and meet American Express’s credit approval criteria.

This card is best for businesses that frequently shop on Amazon and want to maximize rewards or extend their payment window without taking on a traditional loan.

Amazon Lending (Business Loans & Merchant Cash Advances)

For Amazon sellers who need larger financing amounts, Amazon offers a lending program that provides fixed-term loans and merchant cash advances. These loans are typically pre-approved, meaning Amazon invites sellers who meet specific sales performance criteria.

Types of Amazon Lending Options:

• Fixed-Term Loans: Set repayment terms with a fixed interest rate.
• Interest-Only Loans: Lower payments initially, with full repayment later.
• Merchant Cash Advances: Repayments are deducted as a percentage of daily sales.

Amazon does not perform a credit check for most of these loans, making them accessible to sellers with limited credit history. However, Amazon Lending is only available to Amazon sellers, not general business owners.

If you see an offer in Amazon Seller Central, you can apply directly through the platform and receive funding within a few days.

Eligibility & Requirements for Amazon Business Credit Lines

Not every business qualifies for Amazon’s financing options. Amazon uses a combination of purchase history, payment behavior, and creditworthiness to determine eligibility.

To apply for an Amazon Business Credit Line, your business must meet the following criteria:

• Have a registered Amazon Business account.
• Maintain a good account standing with consistent purchase history.
• Meet minimum annual revenue thresholds (not publicly disclosed by Amazon).
• Provide business verification details, such as a tax ID and banking information.

The Amazon Business Line of Credit requires at least one year of purchase history, while the Amazon Business American Express Card is based on credit approval by American Express.

For Amazon Lending, only pre-qualified sellers can apply. The program is invitation-only, with Amazon selecting businesses based on their sales volume, account health, and repayment history.

Benefits of Amazon Business Credit Lines

Amazon’s credit options provide several advantages, particularly for sellers and businesses that frequently purchase inventory or supplies.

• Improved cash flow management: Businesses can defer payments, keeping more working capital available.
• Flexible financing: Options like Pay by Invoice and Business Line of Credit allow businesses to make purchases without immediate payment.
• Exclusive rewards: The Amazon Business American Express Card offers cashback and extended payment terms.
• No hard credit checks: Some options, like Amazon Lending, don’t require a personal or business credit check.

For sellers, these credit lines reduce the burden of upfront costs, making it easier to scale inventory without dipping into profits.

Limitations & Considerations

While Amazon Business Credit Lines are convenient, they also come with some drawbacks.

• Limited eligibility: Many financing options, including Amazon Lending and Business Line of Credit, are invite-only.
• Restricted usage: Amazon credit lines can only be used for Amazon purchases, limiting flexibility.
• Auto-debit risk: Payments for the Business Line of Credit are automatically deducted from the linked bank account, which could lead to overdrafts if not managed properly.

Businesses that don’t qualify for Amazon’s credit options should consider alternative financing solutions like traditional business loans or third-party lines of credit.

Alternative Financing Options for Amazon Sellers & Businesses

If you don’t qualify for an Amazon Business Credit Line or need financing beyond Amazon purchases, several third-party alternatives can help you access the capital necessary to scale your business. These options include business credit cards, traditional bank loans, alternative lenders, and revenue-based financing.

1. Business Credit Cards for Amazon Sellers & Businesses

A business credit card can offer flexible financing and rewards programs that benefit frequent Amazon shoppers. Many cards provide 0% APR introductory offers, allowing businesses to make purchases without paying interest for a limited time.

Best Business Credit Cards for Amazon Purchases

Key Benefits:

• No purchase restrictions (unlike Amazon credit lines, which only apply to Amazon purchases).
• Sign-up bonuses and introductory 0% APR can provide temporary interest-free financing.
• Earn cashback on business expenses, including inventory, advertising, and shipping costs.
• Build business credit, improving future loan approval odds.

2. Short-Term & Merchant Cash Advance Loans

For businesses needing fast capital, short-term loans and merchant cash advances (MCA) provide quick access to funds, usually based on monthly revenue or sales volume.

Top MCA & Short-Term Loan Providers

Pros & Cons

✅ Fast approval & funding (as quick as 24 hours).
✅ No hard credit check required for some options.
❌ Higher fees & interest rates than traditional loans.
❌ Daily/weekly repayment schedules can strain cash flow.

Best for: Amazon sellers with consistent sales revenue who need quick cash flow solutions.

3. Traditional Business Loans & SBA Loans

For businesses seeking long-term financing, traditional loans offer lower interest rates and higher borrowing limits compared to Amazon credit lines or MCAs.

Types of Business Loans

• SBA Loans (Small Business Administration): Government-backed loans with low rates (as low as 6-8% APR).
• Term Loans: Fixed amounts repaid over 1-10 years with structured payments.
• Business Lines of Credit: Flexible funding where you only pay interest on what you use.

Best Business Loan Providers

Best for: Established businesses with good credit and consistent revenue, looking for low-interest financing.

How to Improve Your Approval Odds for Amazon Business Credit & Other Financing

If you’ve been denied an Amazon Business Credit Line or another form of financing, here are some steps to improve your chances of approval:

1. Build a Strong Business Credit Profile

• Register for an EIN (Employer Identification Number) instead of using your SSN.
• Open a business bank account and maintain steady cash flow.
• Get a D-U-N-S number from Dun & Bradstreet to establish creditworthiness.

2. Increase Your Amazon Purchase & Payment History

• Use an Amazon Business Account regularly.
• Pay invoices on time to build trust with Amazon.

3. Improve Your Revenue & Cash Flow

• Increase monthly sales and reduce outstanding debts.
• Use accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero to track financials.

4. Lower Your Credit Utilization Ratio

• Keep credit card balances below 30% of the limit.
• Pay off outstanding debts before applying.

5. Maintain a High Seller Performance Rating (for Amazon Sellers)

• Avoid late shipments and policy violations.
• Increase positive feedback & reviews.

By improving these factors, businesses increase their likelihood of securing an Amazon credit line or alternative financing.

Summing Up

Selecting the right financing option depends on your business needs, eligibility, and repayment capacity. If you qualify for an Amazon Business Credit Line, it’s an excellent tool for improving cash flow and managing inventory costs. However, if you need broader financing, alternative loans or credit lines may be a better fit.

For Amazon sellers looking to scale faster, services like ZonHack can help optimize your product sourcing, PPC campaigns, and business strategy—ensuring you get the most ROI from your financing options.

Need expert guidance? Contact ZonHack today for personalized Amazon seller support!