Business Cash Flow Solutions
Whether you need more cash on hand to cover operating expenses, quick access to capital to help grow your Business, or opportunities to uncover greater returns on your spending, American
Express® offers business cash flow solutions to help your Business thrive.
Strong cash flow management: a strategic advantage
Business cash flow refers to the cash flowing into and out of your Business over a specific time period; the money you’re making in sales or commissions versus the money you’re spending on expenses. Controlling cash flow using strong cash flow management techniques can give your Business a strategic advantage by helping you:
Pay off debts
Repay startup costs such as office space, incorporation fees, or materials.
Grow at scale
Invest in talent, infrastructure, or supplies without impacting day-to-day operations.
Manage uncertainty
Gain peace of mind and a sense of security for uncertain times or unexpected situations.
Attract investors
Leverage strong cash flow statements to show that your Business means business.
American Express Business Explorer® Credit Card
GREAT FOR:
- Revenue under $10M
- Interest rate of 23.99% p.a. on all purchases.1
- Up to 55 days interest free2
With up to 55 interest free days2 you can help keep more cash in your Business at the times you need it most.
American Express® Corporate Platinum Card
GREAT FOR:
- Revenue over $10M
- Up to 51 days to pay for purchases5
- Flexible spending power, also known as no pre-set spending limit to help manage purchases6
Take up to 51 days to pay for purchases5, plus earn Membership Rewards8 points to redeem for business needs or reward employees.
Whether you want to maximise rewards from your favourite travel company or use Membership Rewards8 points to help offset business expenses, a good rewards program can free up cash flow to help your Business grow.
SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS FROM AMERICAN EXPRESS:
American Express® Platinum Business Card
GREAT FOR:
- Revenue under $10M
- Membership Rewards8 points
- Access to 1,550+ airport lounges worldwide7
Earn up to 2.25 points per $18 spent on eligible purchases8, get premium travel benefits and up to 55 days to pay for purchases.9
American Express® Qantas Corporate Platinum Card
GREAT FOR:
- Revenue over $10M
- Frequent business travel
- Rewarding employees
Employees can earn Membership Rewards points10 and transfer to their Qantas Frequent Flyer account11 or redeem for Gift Cards12 and more.
American Express® Qantas Business Rewards Card
GREAT FOR:
- Revenue under $10M
- Business and personal travel
- Qantas loyalists
Earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent on Qantas products and services, up to 1.25 points per $1 spent13 on everyday spend, plus flexible spending power, also known as no pre-set spending limit17 and 51 days to pay15 to help manage cash flow.
After a total of 500,000 Qantas Points is earned in a calendar year, the everyday business earn rate will change from 1.25 to 0.75 Qantas Points per $1 spent.14
American Express® Flexible Payment Option
GREAT FOR:
- Revenue up to $10M
- American Express Business Charge Card Members
- Instant Line of Credit
Flexible Payment Option gives you the option to pay a portion of your balance, up to a limit, over time, so you can have more cash flow flexibility. Interest charges apply.16
Want even more ways to help manage cash flow?
The American Express advantage
Heritage
American Express has been helping our customers realise big dreams for over 100 years globally.
Expertise
American Express has a global, multi-layer model with relationships across consumer, business, and merchants.
Service
Our award-winning world-class customer service is globally recognised.
Rewards
You may have the potential to earn Membership Rewards on your everyday business spend.
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Frequently asked questions
Cash flow refers to the cash flowing into and out of your business over a specific time period; the money you’re making in sales or commissions versus the money you’re spending on expenses. Consistently having more money coming in than going out means you have a strong cash flow position, which can result in more spending flexibility for your Business.
A strong operating cash flow position means you can pay down your startup or expansion costs and pay your bills—even unexpected ones—without taking out loans or impacting other parts of your business. This type of business finance management can support a positive working capital model, allowing for better preparation for changes that impact your business.
Operating cash flow is the amount of cash on hand your Business has at any given time: the balance in your Business bank account. It may be earmarked toward a specific cost, such as salaries, production, or facility rental, or it could be available to save or invest.
Free cash flow is your operating cash flow minus anything you might need to spend it on to keep your Business running. Essentially, it is pure profit.
Yes, American Express offers multiple small business cash flow management solutions, including:
- Credit and Charge Cards.
- Rewards programs that help you earn points on your Card when you make business payments.
- Compatibility with digital payment platforms that can help automate your payment processes and extend your float.
Discover more business solutions
Funding and Financing
Learn how to find strategic partners who can help provide resources for growth.
Expenses & Payment Solutions
Identify ways to manage supplier payments and employee spend.
1. Interest rate is correct as at 03 May 2023 and is subject to change. This interest rate does not apply for Cash Advances and associated fees.
2. The Credit Card gives you up to 55 days interest free on purchases, depending upon when you make a purchase, when your statement is issued, whether you have obtained a balance transfer and whether or not you are carrying forward a balance on your Account from your previous statement period. There are no interest free days on Cash Advances or for any purchases when you are carrying forward a balance on your account from the previous statement period.
3. Depending on the card you hold and depending on your method of payment, when you make a purchase, when your statement is issued and whether or not you are carrying forward a balance on your account from your previous statement period. If you pay by direct debit, your payment will be processed 10 days after your statement is issued.
4. This information has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should read the AccessLine Terms and Conditions and consider the appropriateness of Australian domestic payments using AccessLine in relation to your individual requirements. AccessLine is not available to individual consumers. To enrol in this service, your business will be required to complete an application, which is subject to review and approval by American Express. To use AccessLine, you must have an American Express Corporate Card or American Express Business Card that is registered to use the service. Terms, conditions, fees and charges apply.
5. Cash flow can be extended by up to 51 days for Corporate Charge Card products depending on when you make a purchase, when your statement is issued and whether or not you are carrying forward a balance on your account from your previous statement period.
6. Flexible Spending Power: Unless we advise you of a spending limit on your Account, your American Express Charge Card comes with flexible spending power, also known as no pre-set spending limit. This means that the amount you can spend is dynamic and can adapt based on your transaction patterns, your Business’ credit rating and other factors. The way you use your Card can help your spending power grow, particularly in the first few months. To help maximise your spending power, you can make regular transactions and don’t miss any payments.
7. The Global Lounge Collection
The Centurion® Lounge
Platinum Card Members have complimentary access to all locations of The Centurion Lounge. Gold Card and Green Card Additional Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members may bring up to two (2) companions into The Centurion Lounge locations in the U.S. and select international locations as set forth on the Centurion Lounge website at thecenturionlounge.com (the “Centurion Lounge Website”). Guest access policies (including, but not limited to, guest fees and number of complimentary guests per visit) applicable to international locations of The Centurion Lounge may vary by location and are subject to change. Visit the Centurion Lounge Website to learn more about lounge locations and guest access policies applicable to international Centurion Lounge locations. For more information on the Australian Lounges access, visit americanexpress.com.au/airportlounge. All access to The Centurion Lounge is subject to space availability. To access The Centurion Lounge, Platinum Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight (during a layover Platinum Card Members may enter The Centurion Lounge in the connecting airport at any time) and present The Centurion Lounge agent with the following upon each visit: their valid Platinum Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for a departing flight on the same day on any carrier and a government-issued I.D. Note that select lounges allow access to Card Members with a confirmed reservation for any same-day travel (departure or arrival). Refer to the specific location’s access policy for more information. Failure to present the above documentation may result in access being denied. Card Members must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or legal guardian. All Centurion Lounge visitors must be of legal drinking age in the jurisdiction where the Lounge is located to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. American Express reserves the right to remove any person from the Lounge for inappropriate behaviour or failure to adhere to rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive or violent. Soliciting other Card Members for access into our lounge is not permissible. Hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Amenities vary among The Centurion Lounge locations and are subject to change. Card Members will not be compensated for changes in locations, rates or policies. In addition to the complimentary services and amenities in the Lounge, certain services, products or amenities may be offered for sale. You are responsible for any purchases and/or servicing charges you make in The Centurion Lounge or authorise our Member Services Professionals to make on your behalf. Services available at the Member Services Desk are based on the type of American Express Card used to enter the Lounge. American Express will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen or damages suffered by visitors to The Centurion Lounge. If we in our sole discretion determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with lounge access in any way or that you intend to do so, we may remove access to The Centurion Lounge from the Account. Use of The Centurion Lounge is subject to all rules and conditions set by American Express. American Express reserves the right to revise the rules at any time without notice.
Escape Lounges – The Centurion® Studio Partner
This benefit is available to Platinum Card Members. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members receive complimentary access to all US locations of the Escape Lounges. Card Members may enter with up to two complimentary guests. Card Member must present his or her valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and government-issued I.D. Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or legal guardian. All Escape Lounge visitors must be of legal drinking age in the jurisdiction where the Lounge is located to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and their guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Escape Lounge customers, including access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Escape Lounge locations are subject to change. Additional restrictions may apply.
Delta SkyClub
Effective January 1, 2024: Eligible Card Members travelling on a same-day Delta-operated flight with Basic Economy (E) fare tickets will not have access to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go.
This benefit is available to the Platinum Card Members. Platinum Card Members must present their valid American Express Card, government-issued I.D., and boarding pass to the Delta Sky Club ambassador. Boarding pass must show a reservation for a same-day Delta-operated flight (Delta or Delta connection) departing from or arriving at the airport in which the Delta Sky Club is located. Name on boarding pass must match name on the Card. Eligible Platinum Card Members on departing flights can only access the Delta Sky Club within three hours of their flight's scheduled departure time. During a connection between Delta-operated flights on the same ticket, you may use the Delta Sky Club in your connecting airport at any time during the layover. Delta reserves the right to limit access for non-revenue flyers at any Delta Sky Club. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Access to Delta Sky Club partner lounges is not permitted. Individuals must be at least 18 years of age to access Delta Sky Club, and 21 years of age to access locations with a self-service bar, unless accompanied by a responsible, supervising adult who has access to the lounge. Eligible Card Members must adhere to all Delta Sky Club House Rules while accessing participating airport clubs. Participating airport clubs and locations subject to change without notice. Eligible Platinum Card Members may bring guests into the Delta Sky Club subject to the most current Delta Sky Club access and pricing policies, and must use their valid Platinum Card as the payment method for guest access. Guests must also be flying on a same-day Delta-operated flight. Guest access and fees subject to terms and conditions of participating airport clubs.
For the most current Delta Sky Club access and pricing policy, please visit delta.com/skyclubaccess. All Delta Sky Club rules apply to Delta Sky Club membership and use. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/skyclub. Benefit and rules subject to change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.
Plaza Premium Lounges
This benefit is available to Platinum Card Members. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members receive complimentary access to any global location of Plaza Premium Lounges. Card Member must present their valid Card, a confirmed boarding pass for same-day travel on any carrier and government-issued I.D. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Card Members may bring up to two (2) guests into Plaza Premium Lounges as complimentary guests. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and their guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Plaza Premium Lounge customers, as well as access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Plaza Premium Lounge locations are subject to change.
Virgin Australia
This benefit is available to Primary Platinum Card Members. Access is complimentary for Primary Platinum Card Members and one complimentary guest only. The Primary Platinum Card Member and guest must be travelling with Virgin Australia domestically on the same Virgin Australia flight. Access is to Virgin Australia-branded lounges at their city of departure in Australia only. The Platinum Card Member must present their valid Physical Platinum Card and same-day boarding pass to Virgin Australia lounge agents and the name on the boarding pass must match the name on the Platinum Card. The guest must also present their boarding pass. One guest per Primary Platinum Card Member permitted. All access is subject to space availability. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. This benefit is subject to change.
Priority Pass™ - Platinum Business and Corporate Charge Cards. This benefit is available to Platinum Business and Corporate Charge Card Members. Platinum Card Members and one Employee Platinum Card Member as nominated by the Primary Card Member may enrol in the Priority Pass™ program. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Priority Pass is an independent airport lounge access program. You acknowledge and agree that American Express will verify your Card Account number and provide updated Card Account information to Priority Pass. Priority Pass will use this information to fulfill on the Priority Pass program and may use this information for marketing related to the program. Once enrolled, Platinum Card Members whose Card Account is not cancelled may access participating Priority Pass lounges by presenting your Priority Pass card and airline boarding pass. If the Card Account is cancelled, you will not be eligible for Priority Pass and your enrolment will be cancelled. At any visit to a Priority Pass lounge that admits guests, you will be charged the prevailing retail rate for any guests. Some lounges do not admit guests. In some lounges, Priority Pass member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Priority Pass members must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Amenities may vary among airport lounge locations. Conference rooms, where available, may be reserved for a nominal fee. Priority Pass lounge partners and locations are subject to change. All Priority Pass members must adhere to the Priority Pass Conditions of Use, which will be sent to you with your membership package, and can be viewed at www.prioritypass.com. Upon receipt of your enrolment information, Priority Pass will send your Priority Pass card and membership package which you should receive within 10-14 business days. If you have not received the Priority Pass card after 14 days, please contact American Express using the number on the back of your American Express® Card. To receive immediate access to the lounges after enrolling in Priority Pass, you can activate your membership online by using your Priority Pass membership details to receive a Digital Membership Card. For a step-by-step guide on the activation process, visit prioritypass.com/activation.
Lufthansa
This benefit is available to Platinum Card Members. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum Card Account are not eligible for complimentary access. Platinum Card Members have complimentary access to select Lufthansa Business Lounges (regardless of ticket class) and Lufthansa Senator Lounges (when flying business class) when flying on a Lufthansa Group flight. To access the Lufthansa lounges, Platinum Card Members must present their valid Platinum Card, a government issued I.D., and a same-day departure boarding pass showing confirmed reservation on a Lufthansa Group flight (Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian airlines). Card Members must adhere to all rules of participating lounges. Participating lounges and locations subject to change without notice. Additional guest access and fees subject to terms and conditions of participating lounges. In some Lounges the Platinum Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
For the most current list of Lufthansa lounges, guest access requirements, rules, and pricing policy, please visit https://www.lufthansa.com/de/en/lounges.
Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges
American Express offers access to additional lounges in the Global Lounge Collection where Platinum Card Members have complimentary access to participating locations. Card Members must present their valid Platinum Card, a government-issued I.D., and a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier. Guest access and associated fees are subject to the terms and conditions of the participating lounge provider. Participation, locations, rates, and policies of lounges are subject to change without notice, and Card Members and their guests will not be compensated for such changes. Amenities, services, and hours may vary by participating lounge and are subject to change without notice. American Express and the participating lounge will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen, or damages suffered by the Card Member or guests inside the participating lounge. For participating lounges with a self-service bar, the Card Member may be required to be of legal drinking age in the participating lounge jurisdiction to enter without a parent or legal guardian. All Card Members and their guests must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. Each participating lounge may have their own policy allowing for children under a certain age to enter for free with the Card Member who is a parent or legal guardian. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that the Card Member or their guests have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with access to participating lounges in any way, or that the Card Member or their guests intend to do so, we may remove access to the Additional Lounges from the Account. American Express and the participating lounge reserve the right to revise the rules at any time without notice. For the most current list of participating lounges and access requirements, please use the Lounge Finder feature in the American Express App or visit www.americanexpress.com.au/platinumlounges.
8. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available here. Merchants classified as "government" include the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Postal Corporation (Australia Post), Federal/State and Local Government bodies. Industry specific earn rate may apply when you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant. For example a payment made to Local Government bodies processed through a payment aggregator may earn rates at the government earn rate. There may be tax implications associated with participation in the Membership Rewards program. You are advised to check with your accountant or tax adviser for further information.
9. Extend your cash flow by up to 55 days: Depending on your method of payment, when you make a purchase, when your statement is issued and whether or not you are carrying forward a balance on your account from your previous statement period. If you pay by direct debit, your payment will be processed 10 days after your statement is issued.
10. Membership Rewards Spirit program for Employees: Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available here. Your Company must allow participation in Membership Rewards to be eligible to enrol. You must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member to earn and redeem Qantas Points. The redemption of Qantas Points is subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions available at qantas.com/terms. A joining fee may apply. We recommend you consult your accountant or tax adviser to ensure you understand possible tax implications, for example fringe benefits tax (if applicable). Merchants classified as "government" include the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Postal Corporation, Federal/State and Local government bodies. Industry specific earn rate may apply when you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant. For example a payment made to Local Government bodies processed through a payment aggregator may earn rates at the government earn rate. There may be tax implications associated with participation in the Membership Rewards program. You are advised to check with your accountant or tax adviser for further information.
11. Membership Rewards points can be transferred to the company’s Qantas Business Rewards account. A business must be a Qantas Business Rewards Member to earn Qantas Points. In order to transfer Qantas Points from a Qantas Business Rewards account to an individual’s Qantas Frequent Flyer account, the business account must have a balance of at least 3,000 Qantas Points. You must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member to earn and redeem Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions. We recommend you consult your accountant or tax adviser to ensure you understand possible tax implications, for example fringe benefits tax (if applicable).
12. Gift Card or voucher rewards are not redeemable or exchangeable for cash or credit. Normal retailer Gift Card or voucher conditions apply, refer to the Gift Card or retailer website for details. Minimum redemption amounts apply.
13. A business must be a Qantas Business Rewards Member to earn Qantas Points for business. Membership and the earning of Qantas Points as a business are subject to the Qantas Business Rewards Terms and Conditions. Points are earned in accordance with and subject to the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card Points Terms and Conditions. Your business will earn 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 of everyday spend, which does not include annual fees, late payment fee and fees and charges for foreign currencies. Your business will earn 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent at participating merchants classified as "utilities" including gas, water and electricity providers; "government" including the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Postal Corporation, federal/state and local government bodies; and "insurance" excluding insurances offered by American Express. Industry specific earn rate may apply when you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant. For example a payment made to Local Government bodies processed through a payment aggregator may earn rates at the government earn rate. Your business will earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent on the following Qantas Products and Services purchased on the Qantas merchant account (i.e. directly from Qantas): Qantas passenger flights (with a QF flight number), Qantas Holidays, Qantas Branded non-airfare products, and Qantas Frequent Flyer and Qantas Club membership joining and annual fees. Excludes Jetstar. For the full list of exclusions, please refer to the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card Points Terms and Conditions.
14. From 10 January 2024, once you have earned a total of 500,000 Qantas Points on your Card Account in a calendar year, your earn rate of 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent will change to 0.75 Qantas Points per $1 spent on everyday business purchases. All other earn rates (Qantas products, services and government, utilities and insurances spend) will remain unchanged. The points threshold is based on eligible Qantas Points earned during a calendar year and will be reset on 1 January each year. Qantas Points earned by all Card Members on a Card Account contribute to the 500,000 points threshold each calendar year. Bonus points earned from Acquisition bonus offers and marketing campaigns are excluded from the threshold.
15. Extend your cash flow by up to 51 days: Depending on your method of payment, when you make a purchase, when your statement is issued and whether or not you are carrying forward a balance on your account from your previous statement period. If you pay by direct debit, your payment will be processed 10 days after your statement is issued.
16. With Flexible Payment Option, you will be charged interest if you do not pay your Closing Balance in full by the due date each month. Please refer to your monthly statements for the current interest rate and PDS for number of interest free days.
17. Flexible Spending Power: Unless we tell you otherwise, your American Express Charge Card comes with flexible spending power, also known as no pre-set spending limit. This means that the amount you can spend is dynamic and can adapt based on your transaction patterns, your Business’ credit rating, and other factors. The way you use your Card can help your spending power grow, particularly in the first few months. To help maximise your spending power, make regular transactions and don’t miss any payments.