The Amazon business line of credit is offered by invitation to eligible Amazon sellers. Eligibility is largely determined by your sales performance on the Amazon platform, with no credit checks required. While it works just like a traditional line of credit, a notable exception is that usage of funds is restricted to Amazon purchases.
Our guide will help you decide if an Amazon line of credit is right for you and how it compares to some alternative line of credit options.
How the Amazon Business Line of Credit Works
With the exception of being limited to mostly Amazon purchases, the line of credit works just like any other traditional credit line. You’re issued a revolving credit limit which can be used for your purchases. You pay interest only on your outstanding balance, and the rate you get is fixed for the life of the loan.
For the line of credit, Amazon partners with Marcus by Goldman Sachs, and you must receive an invitation to be able to apply for the credit line. Eligible Amazon sellers can start the application on Amazon and will end up completing the process on the Marcus by Goldman Sachs website.
Amazon previously partnered with Synchrony Bank for its line of credit product. However, based on feedback from former customers, that product appears to have been discontinued as of Jan. 10, 2023. As a result, terms and conditions that were previously offered may no longer be available for new Amazon business line of credit borrowers.
Amazon Business Line of Credit: Costs & Qualification Requirements
Rates & Fees | |
Loan Amount | $10,000 to $75,000, but may vary |
Estimated Annual Percentage Rate (APR) | 6.99% to 20.99% |
Fees | $39.99 per month to maintain an active Amazon seller account |
Application to Funding Speed | Average of five business days |
Qualification Requirements | |
Credit Score | None, but must receive an invitation to apply |
Time in Business | Undisclosed, but 12 months minimum is recommended |
Revenue | Undisclosed, but must have a history of strong sales |
Neither Amazon nor Marcus by Goldman Sachs publicly state what rates or terms are offered for this credit line. As a result, it’s also possible that it may adjust the terms over time. However, well-qualified businesses can generally expect to get a loan amount as high as $75,000, with rates as low as 6.99%.
One fee that is not directly related to the line of credit product itself is a $39.99 monthly fee. This is needed to maintain an active Amazon Seller account, which is one of the eligibility criteria to qualify for the loan. The plan is generally designed for sellers who have more than 40 units of sales per month and want access to advanced selling tools and reporting. You can visit Amazon’s selling plans page to learn more.
As is the case with rates and fees, qualification requirements are also undisclosed, other than the fact that there are no credit checks conducted. Eligibility criteria are largely based on your sales performance on the Amazon platform.
If you’re deemed eligible, then you’ll receive an invitation to apply for the credit line. Without this invite, you will not be allowed to even submit a loan application.
Eligible businesses that receive an invitation to apply can start the application process through their Amazon Seller account. On average, loan decisions are made in five business days, and Amazon states that required documentation is typically very minimal.
Amazon Business Line of Credit: Pros & Cons
PROS | CONS |
---|---|
No credit check required to qualify | Rates and terms are not publicly disclosed |
Eligibility criteria is more flexible compared to traditional loans | Not ideal for long-term expenses due to shorter repayment periods |
Easy online application with minimal documentation requirements | Use of funds is largely restricted to Amazon purchases |
Interest rates are fixed for the life of the loan | Approval and funding speed of five to seven days is longer than most traditional lenders |
Loan program is by invitation only |
Who Should Consider an Amazon Business Line of Credit
An Amazon business line of credit can be a useful financial tool for many business owners. Rates and terms are not publicly disclosed, but since it requires no credit checks, eligible Amazon sellers may find it useful and easy to apply for. As a result, it could be an option for business owners who are unable to get financing elsewhere.
Here are some other scenarios in which an Amazon business line of credit could be a good fit:
- You’ve received an invitation from Amazon to apply: To get the Amazon credit line, you must receive an invitation. The requirements to receive an invitation are undisclosed, but you’ll need to have a track record of strong sales on the Amazon platform.
- You make a lot of Amazon purchases: The Amazon line of credit is restricted to funding Amazon purchases only. If you intend on using it for funding elsewhere, you’ll need to get a loan from a different lender.
- You can pay off the loan balance quickly: Although Amazon does not publicly disclose its terms, a representative we spoke with suggested that repayment terms are typically short-term. For this reason, we suggest carefully reading the terms of your loan before accepting it.
- You’re unable to get approved for other loans: Amazon does not conduct a credit check and places less emphasis on traditional qualification criteria, such as time in business and revenue. If you’ve been turned down for loans by other lenders, an Amazon credit line could be a good fit for you.
Amazon Business Line of Credit Alternatives
The best loan will vary depending on your business circumstances and goals, and the Amazon line of credit does have some downsides that may not make it the best option for you. You should consider alternative options before making a final decision.
We’ve listed some providers that may offer more favorable rates, terms, and loan options. Be sure to also check out our tips on how to get a small business loan to improve your approval odds.
- Clarify Capital: Best broker for multiple loan options
- Bluevine: Best provider for established businesses
- Fundbox: Best provider for short-term financing
- American Express: Best provider for low-revenue businesses
Provider | Best For | Maximum Loan Amount | Minimum Credit Score | Estimated Annual Percentage Rate (APR) | Maximum Loan Term |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Overall for Amazon purchases | $75,000 | None | 6.99% to 20.99% | Undisclosed | |
Multiple loan options | $750,000 | 550 | 6% and up | 18 months | |
Established businesses | $250,000 | 625 | 6.2% to 78% | 12 months | |
Short-term financing | $150,000 | 600 | 10% to 79% | 24 weeks | |
Low-revenue businesses | $150,000 | 660 | Varies | 18 months | |
Clarify Capital: Best Broker for Multiple Loan Options
Rates & Fees | |
Loan Amount | Up to $750,000 |
Estimated APR | 6% and up |
Repayment Term | 6 to 18 months |
Repayment Schedule | Monthly |
Funding Speed | 24 to 48 hours |
Qualifications | |
Credit Score | 550 |
Time in Business | 6 months |
Annual Revenue | $120,000 |
Clarify Capital is a broker with more than 75 lenders in its network. When you submit an application, you’ll be able to work with a loan specialist at Clarify Capital who can help match you with a lender best suited for your qualifications and business needs.
You could get a business line of credit with up to $750,000 in funding and rates as low as 6%. It also works with startups and businesses with bad credit as you can qualify with just six months’ time in business and a credit score as low as 550.
To apply, you can complete an online application in less than 2 minutes. Applying will not impact your credit score, and you are not obligated to accept any type of financing if you decide it is not right for you. If a line of credit is not right for you, Clarify Capital also offers other types of loans, including term loans, working capital loans, and equipment financing.
Bluevine: Best Provider for Established Businesses
Rates & Fees | |
Loan Amount | Up to $250,000 |
Estimated APR | 6.2% to 78% |
Repayment Term | Up to 12 months |
Repayment Schedule | Weekly and monthly |
Funding Speed | 24 hours |
Qualifications | |
Credit Score | 625 |
Time in Business | 24 months |
Annual Revenue | $480,000 |
Bluevine’s qualification requirements can be difficult to meet, but businesses that are approved can get rates as low as 6.2%. To be eligible for a loan, you must have at least two years’ time in business, a credit score of 625, and $480,000 in annual revenue.
The provider offers a weekly repayment plan for up to 12 months. A monthly payment plan is also available, but it requires you to meet stricter qualification requirements. You’ll need at least three years’ time in business, a credit score of 700, and $960,000 in annual revenue.
Applications can be completed online, after which you could receive a decision in as little as five minutes. Bluevine charges no setup, maintenance, or termination fees, so you can close the line of credit if you decide you no longer need it. This provider also made our list of the best working capital loans, as funds drawn from the line of credit are flexible and can be used to cover daily business expenses.
Fundbox: Best Provider for Short-term Financing
Rates & Fees | |
Loan Amount | Up to $150,000 |
Estimated APR | 10% to 79% |
Repayment Term | 12 or 24 weeks |
Repayment Schedule | Weekly |
Funding Speed | As fast as 24 hours |
Qualifications | |
Credit Score | 600 |
Time in Business | 6 months |
Annual Revenue | $100,000 |
Fundbox offers short repayment terms of 12 or 24 weeks, but it can still be an excellent option due to its competitive rates, easy qualification requirements, and fast funding speeds. For these reasons, it also made our list of the leading small business line of credit providers.
You can get up to $150,000 in funding with APRs that start around 10%. The provider can work with startups and businesses with bad credit, requiring just six months’ time in business and a score of 600 or above.
You can submit an online application, a process that can be done in under five minutes. Well-qualified businesses can receive approvals within three minutes, with funding available as soon as the following business day. To learn more, visit the Fundbox website.
American Express: Best Provider for Low-revenue Businesses
Rates & Fees | |
Loan Amount | Up to $150,000 |
Estimated APR | Varies |
Repayment Term | 6, 12, or 18 months |
Repayment Schedule | Monthly |
Funding Speed | 1 to 3 days |
Qualifications | |
Credit Score | 660 |
Time in Business | 12 months |
Annual Revenue | $360,000 |
American Express has one of the lowest revenue requirements on our list of providers, making it a good option to consider if your business cannot meet the higher revenue requirements of other lenders. To be considered for financing, you’ll need $36,000 in annual revenue, a credit score of 660, and 12 months’ time in business.
Rates on an American Express business line of credit are charged as a monthly fee and will vary depending on your loan term:
- Six-month loan: 3% to 9% monthly fee
- 12-month loan: 6% to 18% monthly fee
- 18-month loan: 9% to 27% monthly fee
To learn more or apply, you can visit the American Express website. Applications can typically be completed within 10 minutes, with funding to occur within one to three days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Amazon business credit line can be hard to get because you must receive an invitation to apply. Amazon does not disclose the exact criteria used in determining whether a business will receive an invite, but having a track record of strong sales as an Amazon seller can improve the odds of receiving an invitation.
There is no minimum credit score required to get an Amazon credit line. No credit checks are conducted, making this a good option to consider if you have bad credit.
Although there are no fees to get the credit line, you will need to pay a $39.99 monthly fee to maintain an active Amazon Seller account. This is one of the eligibility criteria to receive an invitation to apply for the credit line.
Bottom Line
The Amazon line of credit can be a good option if you conduct a large volume of business through the Amazon platform. However, you’ll need to receive an invitation to be eligible to apply for this credit line. No credit checks are performed, so having bad credit will not negatively impact your ability to get it. However, the use of funds is typically restricted to Amazon purchases only, so you should consider alternatives before getting this credit line.