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Cardiff vs American Express Business Line of Credit:
Small Business Financing Comparison

Cardiff vs Square: Small Business Financing Comparison
Working Capital

Working Capital

Editorial Team

Working Capital
The Working Capital Promise

At Working Capital, we believe access to funding should be simple, transparent, and designed around your business not the other way around. We’re committed to helping entrepreneurs make smart financial decisions with tools, guidance, and lending partners they can trust.

Overview

Running a business means balancing big ambitions with the reality of cash flow. Maybe you’re expanding your services, upgrading equipment, or simply smoothing over the ups and downs of seasonal demand. Whatever the situation, access to the right kind of funding can mean the difference between forward momentum and missed opportunities.

An off-the-shelf business loan isn’t always the solution you need, either. Not all business financing works the same, nor will every product meet the needs of every company. Some working capital providers focus on speed, others on flexibility, and some on the relationship you’ll have with them long term. That’s why it pays to look closely at the details, not just the headline promises.

Both Cardiff and American Express Business Line of Credit are strong options if you need funding. However, they bring very lending flavors to the table. Cardiff leans into short term solutions that prioritize fast access to capital, while AMEX offers a revolving credit structure that works like a traditional line of credit. Each has its strengths and uses, but choosing the right one depends on your business’s specific needs, risk appetite, and growth strategy.

This comparison will break down what each offers, how they differ, and when one might make more sense than the other.

Features Snapshot

Cardiff Loan
American Express Business Line of Credit
Financing Products
Financing Products
Various financing options for small and growing businesses, including equipment financing, merchant cash advance, business lines of credit, term loans, SBA loans, and even business credit cards.1
A business line of credit platform (via Amex Business Blueprint) for short term working capital needs.7 Note: American Express offers traditional business credit cards separately.
Loan Size Range
Max Loan/Line Size
Up to $500,000 financing available through most financing programs (even higher with SBA loans, which can reach up to $5 million).1
Lines range from $2,000 to $250,000. Occasionally higher limits may be evaluated for exceptional businesses.7
Speed Approval Funding
Speed (Approval & Funding)
Decisions in minutes through fast, online application and same-day funding likely, getting cash to businesses fast.1
Fully online process with approvals often within minutes, and funds typically deposited within one to three business days of drawing on the line. With an Amex business checking account, funding can occur as fast as the next business day.7
Eligibility
Minimum Qualifications
Qualified applicants will have at least six months in business (12 months for most loans) and a FICO score 500 or higher. Solid revenue (e.g. ~$20k in monthly sales) is needed for working capital loans.2
Must have at least one year in business and good credit (around 660+ FICO minimum). Revenue requirements are modest (at least $3k in monthly revenue), but startups and owners with poor credit are not likely eligible.7
Loan Size Range
Repayment Terms
Short term loans from three to 18 months or even up to 24 months, while specialized financing stretches longer (equipment loans two to five years; SBA loans 10+ year terms).2
Not meant for long-term financing, each draw on the line must be repaid in monthly installments over six, 12, 18, or 24 months (or even shorter one to three month single-pay options for very short term needs).7
Cost Rates Fees
Cost Structure
Interest or factor rates vary by product. Working capital loans use a fixed factor rate (starting at 1.1) while lines of credit and cards charge traditional interest. No prepayment penalties on most programs, and no maintenance or draw fees on lines of credit.1
Each draw incurs a one-time loan fee instead of interest. Fees range roughly from 3–9% for a 6-month loan up to ~27% for an 18-month loan (the longer you take to repay, the higher the fee). There are no prepayment penalties on installment draws. No annual or maintenance fee for keeping the line open.7
Repayment Terms
Unique Strengths

Diverse product mix and approval flexibility. Cardiff can finance nearly any scenario (from buying equipment to smoothing cash flow to funding an expansion) under one roof. It also considers lower-credit borrowers and can offer revenue-based repayment on advances.

Simplicity. American Express’s business line of credit is straightforward and revolving with a seamless digital experience. It’s backed by a trusted brand and integrates with Amex’s other services for convenient cash management.

Financing Products
Financing Products
Cardiff Loan

Various financing options for small and growing businesses, including equipment financing, merchant cash advance, business lines of credit, term loans, SBA loans, and even business credit cards.1

American Express Business Line of Credit
A business line of credit platform (via Amex Business Blueprint) for short term working capital needs.7 Note: American Express offers traditional business credit cards separately.
Loan Size Range
Max Loan/Line Size
Cardiff Loan

Up to $500,000 financing available through most financing programs (even higher with SBA loans, which can reach up to $5 million).1

American Express Business Line of Credit

Lines range from $2,000 to $250,000. Occasionally higher limits may be evaluated for exceptional businesses.7

Speed Approval Funding
Speed (Approval & Funding)
Cardiff Loan

Decisions in minutes through fast, online application and same-day funding likely, getting cash to businesses fast.1

American Express Business Line of Credit

Fully online process with approvals often within minutes, and funds typically deposited within one to three business days of drawing on the line. With an Amex business checking account, funding can occur as fast as the next business day.7

Eligibility
Minimum Qualifications
Cardiff Loan
Qualified applicants will have at least six months in business (12 months for most loans) and a FICO score 500 or higher. Solid revenue (e.g. ~$20k in monthly sales) is needed for working capital loans.2
American Express Business Line of Credit

Must have at least one year in business and good credit (around 660+ FICO minimum). Revenue requirements are modest (at least $3k in monthly revenue), but startups and owners with poor credit are not likely eligible.7

Loan Size Range
Repayment Terms
Cardiff Loan
Short term loans from three to 18 months or even up to 24 months, while specialized financing stretches longer (equipment loans two to five years; SBA loans 10+ year terms).2
American Express Business Line of Credit
Not meant for long-term financing, each draw on the line must be repaid in monthly installments over six, 12, 18, or 24 months (or even shorter one to three month single-pay options for very short term needs).7
Cost Rates Fees
Cost Structure
Cardiff Loan
Interest or factor rates vary by product. Working capital loans use a fixed factor rate (starting at 1.1) while lines of credit and cards charge traditional interest. No prepayment penalties on most programs, and no maintenance or draw fees on lines of credit.1
American Express Business Line of Credit
Each draw incurs a one-time loan fee instead of interest. Fees range roughly from 3–9% for a 6-month loan up to ~27% for an 18-month loan (the longer you take to repay, the higher the fee). There are no prepayment penalties on installment draws. No annual or maintenance fee for keeping the line open.7
Repayment Terms
Unique Strengths
Cardiff Loan

Diverse product mix and approval flexibility. Cardiff can finance nearly any scenario (from buying equipment to smoothing cash flow to funding an expansion) under one roof. It also considers lower-credit borrowers and can offer revenue-based repayment on advances.

American Express Business Line of Credit

Simplicity. American Express’s business line of credit is straightforward and revolving with a seamless digital experience. It’s backed by a trusted brand and integrates with Amex’s other services for convenient cash management.

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

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cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

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cardiff.co

cardiff

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

Apply Now
cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

Apply Now
cardiff.co
cardiff

Lender Pros

Cardiff Loan
  • Variety of Financing Solutions: Many loan options from merchant cash advance and credit lines to equipment loans and SBA programs.
  • Quick Approvals and Same Day Funding: Streamlined application with approval in minutes and funding as soon as the same day.
  • Flexible Qualifications: Works with businesses with as little as six months in business with fair/average credit.
  • High Funding Limits: Funding amounts up to $500,000 on standard programs, and can facilitate SBA loans for much larger needs.
  • No Hidden Fees or Prepayment Penalties: No maintenance or closure fees on lines of credit and early payoff available saving on interest or factor fees.
American Express Business Line of Credit
  • Easy Access to Revolving Capital: Allows for fund withdrawals as needed, and credit line replenishes when repaid
  • Low Revenue Requirement: Only $3,000 in monthly revenue required to qualify for Amex BLC (provided you meet credit and time-in-business criteria).7
  • Transparent Fee Structure: Uses a fixed fee model so you know upfront the total cost to borrow each draw. No compounding interest, and Amex waives any remaining months' fees on installment loans if you pay early.
  • Strong Brand Trust: A trusted financial brand that integrates with other AMEX offerings, which may appeal to some borrowers.
  • No Collateral Required: Although unsecured, American Express does not ask for collateral to secure the loan (though a personal guarantee is required).

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

Apply Now
cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

Apply Now

cardiff.co

cardiff

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

Apply Now
cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

Apply Now
cardiff.co
cardiff

Breakdown by Financial Product

Business Line of Credit

Cardiff's Overview

Cardiff’s Business Line of Credit (LOC) works much like a credit card or traditional bank credit line. You have an approved credit limit and can draw any amount up to that limit. As you repay the balance, you replenish your credit line for reuse. A Cardiff line of credit can be extremely useful for managing cash flow fluctuations or unexpected expenses, as you can borrow only what you need, when you need it, without going through a full loan application each time.

Among business line of credit providers, one of Cardiff’s selling points is that their line of credit comes with no hidden fees, including no annual fees, no maintenance fees, and no fees to keep the line open.6 They also advertise no prepayment or closure fees, either. You only incur costs when you actually draw funds. This makes it a “pay-as-you-use” financing tool. If you draw $0 this month, it costs $0. Simple interest (9.9% to start) only accrues on the amount borrowed, and Cardiff prides itself on competitive rates for those who qualify.

The qualification for a Cardiff line of credit tends to be more accommodating than many bank lines. Cardiff will consider businesses with around 12 months of history and owners with fair credit (mid-500s FICO) for a smaller credit line, assuming revenues are healthy. Cardiff lines can be secured or unsecured (no specific collateral required), though a personal guarantee is typically needed, just like with most small business credit lines.6

Using the Cardiff line is straightforward. Simply request a draw online, and funds can be deposited quickly (often same day). Then make periodic payments to pay down the balance. If you repay a draw quickly, you only incur a little bit of interest for the days it was outstanding, making it very cost-effective for short term needs. Lines of credit may auto renewal annually if in good standing.

American Express Overview

The American Express Business Line of Credit (BLC) is the centerpiece of Amex’s small business lending and is a pure revolving line of credit through the Amex Business Blueprint online platform. Qualifying businesses can obtain a credit line ranging from $2,000 up to $250,000.7

Once the line is set up, you can draw any amount (minimum $1,000 per draw, typically) up to your credit limit. As each draw functions like a separate loan, you can choose a repayment term for that draw (either six, 12, 18, or 24 months). Amex will tell you your fixed monthly payment for each draw before you finalize it and will debit your business bank account monthly until the draw is fully repaid. As you pay it down, those funds become available on your line again, keeping the total revolving.7

The Amex BLC has no origination fee, no maintenance fee, and no prepayment penalties. Instead of interest, Amex charges a flat fee on each draw that varies with the term and your credit profile.7 For example, a 6-month draw might have a total fee of 4% of the amount borrowed, whereas an 18-month loan might have a 15% fee. This fee is the only cost, and it’s divided across your monthly payments. If you decide to pay the loan off early, Amex will waive any remaining unearned fees. All loans under the line of credit are unsecured, meaning Amex doesn’t file a lien on specific collateral. However, they do require a personal guarantee.

To qualify for an Amex BLC, you need to have at least one in business and fair to good personal credit (FICO 660 or above). You also must demonstrate a minimum of $3,000 in average monthly revenue. Approvals can be very quick given Amex’s data-driven process. Once approved, you can log into the dashboard and request funds at any time and receive funds in your bank account by the next business day (possibly even same-day if you use Amex’s own business checking).7

One limitation to note: the line maxes out at $250K. Also, because it’s the only loan product Amex offers, if you outgrow it or need a different structure (like a 5-year loan or a $1 million loan), Amex doesn’t have an option for beyond this line.

The Capital Call

Both Cardiff and Amex offer strong business line of credit options, but they cater to slightly different audiences. American Express’s line of credit is an excellent choice for businesses that comfortably meet its qualifications, including decent credit and a year or more in business. It’s a straightforward, reliable working capital cushion with a user-friendly platform.

However, Cardiff’s line of credit edges ahead in overall flexibility and inclusivity. Cardiff can likely approve more applicants, such as younger businesses with weaker credit but strong revenues. Because you pay interest only on what you use, for as long as you use it, Cardiff’s LOC can be more cost-effective for very short term needs. Additionally, it is just one part of Cardiff’s business financing toolkit.

If you want a relationship that can scale, Cardiff’s line is part of that “we have you covered for anything” approach. By contrast, Amex’s line is somewhat siloed but great for its purpose. Thus, we’d give the nod to Cardiff for the best business line of credit for many small businesses, especially those who value flexibility in qualification and potential to access other financing types.

Working Capital Loans (Short Term Financing)

Cardiff's Overview

Cardiff specializes in fast working capital loans that can take the form of short term business loans or merchant cash advance (MCA). With terms from three to 24 months, both loans bridge cash flow gaps for small businesses. Cardiff offers daily, weekly, or monthly payment structures and lets borrowers choose between fixed payments or revenue-based payments. A percentage-based repayment automatically lowers your payment when income slows, easing the strain on your cash flow.2

Approval criteria are relatively flexible. Qualifying businesses will typically have at least six months in business, a personal credit score over 500, and about $20,000 in monthly revenue.2 By focusing more on business cash flow and less on perfect credit, Cardiff is often able to fund companies that banks would turn away. They also advertise approval and fund delivery as fast as same day for qualified entities to solve emergencies or time-sensitive needs.

With Cardiff’s working capital solutions (including same day MCA business loans), you get a quick lump sum to deploy in your business, and there are no prepayment penalties, so if your cash flow improves, you can always pay off early to save on any remaining fees. Because of the short repayment window, this financing is best used when you expect a fast return on the capital.

American Express Overview

American Express does not offer a dedicated “working capital” loan or MCA product to businesses. The American Express Business Line of Credit itself is the primary tool Amex provides for short term financing needs. Business owners who need working capital can use their credit line to draw funds for short term expenses and then repay on the line’s schedule.

Business owners can choose very short draw terms. In fact, Amex offers options for 1-month, 2-month, or 3-month single-repayment loans on the credit line. In those cases, you borrow an amount and repay it fully (with a fixed fee) after one billing period, rather than making monthly payments. These short term draws can mimic the function of a 30- or 60-day bridge loan to cover a gap. For slightly longer needs, you can draw and repay over six, 12, 18, or 24 months, and as you repay, you are able to draw those funds again.7

However, it’s important to note that Amex’s financing lacks a true merchant cash advance. There’s no option where repayment flexes based on your daily sales. Every draw from the line has a fixed schedule of either one lump sum or equal monthly installments. Additionally, because Amex requires 12+ months in business and a 660+ credit score, it’s not an option for brand-new businesses or those with low credit, which are often the companies most in need of merchant-style financing.

American Express’s “short term financing” offering is confined to its credit line, which is a strong and flexible product for those who qualify.

The Capital Call

When it comes to short term working capital, Cardiff clearly stands with the best quick MCA providers due to its specialized products and flexibility. Cardiff offers true merchant cash advances and short term loans with repayment that can align with your revenue cycles—a feature American Express doesn’t offer at all. Cardiff’s willingness to fund younger businesses and those with only fair credit also gives it an edge in accessibility.

If a business needs fast cash to cover an immediate expense and perhaps wants the option of daily micro-repayments tied to sales, Cardiff is the go-to choice. American Express’s line of credit is a useful tool for short term needs if you can qualify. However, it’s essentially a one-size-fits-all solution. Cardiff provides a wider toolkit for business working capital loans, making it the winner for businesses seeking versatile, tailored short term financing.

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

Apply Now
cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

Apply Now

cardiff.co

cardiff

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

Apply Now
cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

Apply Now
cardiff.co
cardiff

Equipment Financing

Cardiff's Overview

When your business needs to purchase vehicles, machinery, or any significant piece of equipment, Cardiff can provide leases or loans for business equipment to help you acquire the asset while preserving your cash. Its equipment loans include low monthly payments over terms of two to five years and the ability to finance soft costs like installation, delivery, or training into the loan amount. This means if your new machine needs $5,000 of setup and shipping costs, Cardiff can include that in the financing, so you don’t pay out-of-pocket.3

If you choose an equipment loan, you will own the equipment from day one, and it can serve as collateral for the loan. An equipment lease often comes with an option to buy the equipment at lease-end. A lease is useful if you plan to replace the equipment in a few years. On the other hand, if you want to keep it long-term, a loan may be the better choice.

One standout aspect is that Cardiff is willing to offer commercial equipment financing to startups. Even if your business is newly formed, you have a path to get equipment financing as long as you (the owner) have experience in your industry and a solid business plan. If you’re seeking a larger loan and the best rates, Cardiff prefers to see more time in business, but smaller equipment loans are definitely doable for younger companies.3

Because the equipment itself serves as the collateral for the financing, Cardiff doesn’t usually require additional collateral beyond the equipment. It provides financing for used or non-titled equipment3—titled being things like vehicles that have title documents, non-titled being machinery, etc.

Using Cardiff for equipment financing brings the benefit of their speed, as you can often get an approval and funding as fast as same day. Cardiff also mentions they can roll multiple pieces of equipment into one financing and accommodate various industries, including equipment financing for dentists, construction companies, retail stores, and more. Cardiff’s equipment financing gives businesses a way to invest in growth-critical assets, and they make it accessible even to smaller or younger companies that need that leg-up.

American Express Overview

American Express does not offer dedicated equipment financing or leasing for small businesses. If you want to finance an equipment purchase through American Express, indirect options would include:
  1. Draw from the Amex Business Line of Credit and use those funds to buy the equipment, and then pay back the draw over up to two years. This structure can work for smaller equipment needs (under $250K and where a 2-year payoff is manageable), but it’s not a true equipment loan and lacks the longer terms or potentially lower rates of an equipment-specific finance plan.
  2. Use an American Express Business Card to put the equipment cost on a business credit card if the vendor accepts cards. This again is typically only viable for smaller purchases, and unless you can pay it off very quickly, credit card interest rates can be high. Some Amex cards offer 0% intro APR, which could finance an equipment purchase interest-free for a short period. But again, this is not an actual equipment loan with the asset as collateral.
The lack of an equipment-specific option is a limitation in Amex’s financing suite. Businesses often prefer equipment loans because the terms are longer and rates can be better (since the equipment secures the loan). With Amex, you simply don’t have that choice.

The Capital Call

For equipment financing, Cardiff is the clear winner by default and by merit. American Express doesn’t even play in this category for small businesses. Cardiff not only offers small business equipment loans but is also willing to lend to startups, offer terms up to five years, and cover soft costs. If obtaining a specific piece of equipment is your goal, Cardiff provides the ability to stretch payments over several years at a potentially lower rate, and use the equipment itself as collateral (freeing up your other assets), which gives Cardiff’s solution a big advantage.

While your only option with American Express is to use a short term, generic credit line, Cardiff empowers businesses with fast and flexible loans and leases to acquire critical equipment using the loan structure that works best for your needs and revenue stream. Whether you’re a construction company needing an excavator or a restaurant needing new kitchen appliances, Cardiff’s dedicated equipment financing will be the more appropriate and cost-effective tool.

SBA Loans

Cardiff's Overview

Partially guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA loans are loans issued by approved lenders that are a highly attractive option for businesses that qualify. SBA loans feature long terms and low interest rates. Through Cardiff, you can explore SBA options such as the popular SBA 7(a) loan, which you can use for a wide range of purposes (working capital, refinancing debt, purchasing a business or real estate, etc.), or SBA CDC/504 loans (for fixed assets). SBA loan amounts can range from tens of thousands up to as much as $5 million in some cases. This range far exceeds the caps of typical long-term loans.

Cardiff acts as a facilitator and guide to SBA loans for small business owners. They help streamline the application through their system and even advertise quick initial approvals and no hard credit checks just to see options. While Cardiff may pre-qualify you quickly, an actual SBA loan involves more documentation and time than a standard Cardiff loan because of the strict underwriting and government guarantee process. Cardiff acknowledges this on their site and suggests that if your business needs capital more quickly, Cardiff’s own loans might be a better fit.4 Cardiff’s value here is that it gives you access to these government-backed loans without having to approach a bank directly.

The terms of SBA loans via Cardiff will follow SBA guidelines. For example, a 7(a) loan could be five to 10 years (even up to 25 years if used for real estate), and interest rates are usually based on Prime rate plus a small margin. These rates are generally single-digit, which is significantly lower than most non-SBA loans. The trade-off is that SBA loans have stricter criteria.

Cardiff notes that you should have the following:

  • Good personal credit (often 600+)
  • At least one year in business
  • Solid financials – $20,000 monthly revenue
  • Collateral for larger loans4

Cardiff’s role is to help businesses determine if they pre-qualify and to navigate the paperwork. They aim to deliver the benefits of this online loan for small business clients who are planning for growth or major investments. Essentially, Cardiff gives you the best of both worlds: fast alternative loans for immediate needs, and SBA options for strategic, long-term financing goals.

American Express Overview

American Express does not offer or facilitate SBA loan applications. The SBA 7(a) and 504 loan programs must be facilitated by approved lenders, typically banks or specialized SBA lenders. If you determine that an SBA loan is the right choice for your business, you would need to go through a provider other than American Express.

It’s worth noting that American Express’s suite of offerings targets shorter-term credit needs and transaction services, rather than long-term loans. SBA loans are quite outside the scope of what Amex does in the small business space. This is a significant limitation. If your goal is to secure financing with the lowest possible rate or a large loan amount.

The Capital Call

For SBA and long-term small business loans, Cardiff is the unequivocal choice over American Express. Cardiff can help you explore that avenue and apply for an SBA loan with all the benefits that entail (single-digit interest rates, high loan amounts, 10+ year terms). American Express simply doesn’t play in this space, leaving a major gap if a business’s financing needs extend beyond short term working capital.

Even though SBA loans take more time and paperwork, Cardiff’s ability to facilitate them is a huge advantage for business owners who are planning long-term. It means you don’t have to start a separate banking relationship elsewhere. Cardiff can be your bridge to an SBA-backed loan when you’re ready. If you want a long term loan with a low rate, Cardiff can offer it via SBA programs, whereas American Express cannot. Therefore, Cardiff wins hands-down for any scenario where an SBA loan or other long-term financing is the goal.

Business Credit Cards

Cardiff's Overview

Cardiff gives business owners two credit card choices: the standard Business Card and the Business Rewards Card. Each one includes a 0% introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months, essentially a full year of interest-free financing. On top of that, Cardiff waives the annual fee, so these cards remain budget-friendly even if you keep them long-term.5

The Business Rewards Card offers an exclusive rewards program, including cash back on spending. You can earn money back or points for your business expenditures. Both business credit cards for small business advertise benefits common to business cards, enhanced travel benefits, 24/7 customer service, and detailed statements. Account management tools online help keep personal and business expenses separate.5 These features make Cardiff’s cards competitive, offering convenience and some perks.

Cardiff’s cards are fairly straightforward and focus on low cost and practical benefits (0% APR, cash back, ease of use). This aligns with Cardiff’s overall brand of supporting small businesses with practical funding tools.

American Express Overview

Amex offers a wide range of business cards, from no-annual-fee cashback cards to premium travel rewards cards with annual fees and extensive perks. This variety means that business owners can likely find an Amex card that suits their spending style and rewards preference:

  • If you travel frequently for business, Amex has cards that earn Membership Rewards points (convertible to airline miles/hotel points) and come with benefits like airport lounge access, airline fee credits, etc. (e.g., the Business Platinum).9
  • If you prefer cashback, Amex offers options like the Blue Business Cash or Plum Card that give straightforward cash back or flexible payment terms.9
  • If you want no annual fee, cards like the Blue Business Plus (which earns Membership Rewards points) carry no fee and even have intro 0% APR periods in some cases.9
  • If your goal is a high spending limit, Amex’s traditional charge cards (like Business Gold or Platinum) have no preset spending limit (though you’re expected to pay the balance in full each month, unless you use their Pay Over Time feature).9

American Express business cards typically come with strong ancillary benefits, such as purchase protection, extended warranty, travel insurance, expense management tools, and integration with their online dashboard for tracking spending by employee cards, etc. Many businesses also enjoy Amex’s renowned customer service and the prestige or convenience that can come with Amex cards.

However, Amex cards can have some downsides. The top-tier ones charge hefty annual fees5 (for example, Business Platinum has a ~$695 annual fee), which only make sense if you utilize the perks and spending rewards to offset that. Also, not every vendor accepts Amex, although that gap has closed significantly in recent years.

Whether you want cash back, travel perks, or flexible payment terms, there’s likely an Amex card for you. They are a separate product from the line of credit, so you don’t need to have an Amex loan to get an Amex card or vice versa.

The Capital Call

When comparing the best business credit card offers from Cardiff versus American Express, it’s a bit of an apples-to-oranges situation.

American Express is a market leader in business cards, with variety and a long history of rewards programs. If you want to maximize, say, travel points or get luxury hotel status, an Amex business card might be appealing. On the other hand, Amex does not offer 0% APR for 12 months on all its cards (some have it, some don’t), and a few of its cards are no-fee and rewards-earning combined (Blue Business Plus being one exception with no fee and points earning). So Cardiff’s simple offering of no fee + 0% intro + cash back is actually extremely attractive for a cost-conscious business.

Cardiff’s credit cards offer simplicity and cost savings. The 0% APR for 12 months and no annual fee are huge draws for a small business that might be financing some purchases on a card and wants to avoid interest. For a new business or a frugal spender, a Cardiff card could actually save more money (in avoided interest and fees) than an Amex card that offers rewards but at a cost. Additionally, if you already have a Cardiff loan, having a Cardiff business card could integrate your experience with all your financing tools in one portal.

Ultimately, Cardiff and American Express each shine in different aspects of the business card comparison, but Cardiff wins on introductory financing value.

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

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cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

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cardiff.co

cardiff

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

Apply Now
cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

Apply Now
cardiff.co
cardiff

The Capital Closeout

American Express’s Business Line of Credit is a strong, streamlined option that shines for established businesses seeking straightforward working capital. It offers simplicity, a reputable brand, and an easy online experience. If your business has solid credit, at least a year of operating history, and you primarily want a flexible line of credit, then Amex can be a fitting choice. It essentially fills the role of a modern bank credit line, optimized for convenience. However, American Express’s offering is somewhat narrow: a great line of credit and rewarding credit cards, but that’s where it ends.

For most small businesses, especially those that value flexibility, speed, and scalability in their financing, Cardiff is a leading working capital firm. Cardiff provides a broader relationship and greater flexibility that can benefit a much wider array of businesses. With multiple financing products under one roof, you can get an advance to cover this month’s payroll, a lease to buy new equipment, or an SBA loan to acquire a competitor. Cardiff can adapt with your business as your needs change.

Furthermore, Cardiff’s more lenient approval criteria (lower credit thresholds and shorter time-in-business requirements) open the door for financing to many businesses that would hear “no” elsewhere. The speed at which Cardiff operates, from 5-minute approvals to funding in hours, exemplifies a focus on keeping entrepreneurs nimble and empowered to seize opportunities or tackle problems immediately with quick business loans for small businesses.

Cardiff can support you across various stages and needs of your business, acting more like a financing partner than just a one-product lender. If you’re looking for a financing solution that can grow with your business, provide funding when others won’t, and offer both short term and long-term options, Cardiff comes out on top.

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

Apply Now
cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

Apply Now

cardiff.co

cardiff

Working Capital

up to $500K
Approval in minutes

Funding same day

Apply Now
cardiff

Financing Excellence
Since 2004

Apply Now
cardiff.co
cardiff

Frequently Asked Questions

No. American Express does not offer SBA loans or five to 10 year term loans to small businesses. Its financing is limited to a short term line of credit and credit cards. Businesses seeking long-term loans (such as a 10-year SBA 7(a) loan) must work with lenders like Cardiff that offer long-term loans or facilitate SBA programs for qualified borrowers.

Yes. Cardiff offers SBA loan options through its platform. They act as a facilitator with SBA-approved lending partners. If you meet the qualifications, Cardiff can assist you in applying for an SBA loan and guide you through the process. This could secure you up to $5 million in funding with long repayment terms and single-digit interest rates.

Yes. Cardiff provides merchant cash advance (MCA) and revenue-based financing for small business owners. They can advance a lump sum to your business and then accept repayment as a percentage of your daily, weekly, or monthly sales (or via fixed payments). This is one of Cardiff’s core products aimed at businesses with strong credit card or bank receivables who need quick working capital.

No. American Express does not have a merchant cash advance product available to small businesses. Amex’s Business Line of Credit is the primary financing option, which uses fixed term loans, not sales-percentage repayments.

You’ll typically need a minimum FICO credit score of around 660 to qualify for Amex’s business line. In practice, many approved applicants have credit in the high 600s or above.7 If your score is lower, unfortunately, the Amex line likely isn’t an option, but Cardiff might be, since it can work with scores in the 500s in some cases.

Cardiff’s exact requirements depend on the product. For most loan products, at least six–12 months in business, a personal credit score above 500, and a healthy revenue stream (often around $10,000–$20,000 in monthly sales) are recommended. These thresholds are more accessible than many bank loans.

No. You do not need to have an American Express credit card or account to apply for the Business Line of Credit. The line of credit application is open to any qualified small business. That said, if you are an existing Amex customer, the process may be even smoother (and Amex may pre-fill parts of your application or pre-qualify you based on your history).

Cardiff can often get you funded the same day you’re approved for many loan products. American Express’s funding speed is also fast but usually not instantaneous, and once you draw from the line of credit, it typically takes one business day (up to three days) for the funds to appear in your bank account. If you have an Amex business checking account, the transfer can be quicker (sometimes within minutes/hours).

No. Amex does not charge any monthly service fee or inactivity fee on the Business Line of Credit. If you don’t draw funds, you owe nothing. You’re only charged when you take out a loan from the line (in the form of the loan fee on that draw).

Yes, absolutely. There is no prepayment penalty on Amex’s installment loans. If you have a 12-month loan and you manage to pay it off in six months, Amex will waive the remaining interest/fees for those last six months. You effectively save money by paying early.

No. American Express doesn’t offer dedicated equipment or vehicle financing. If you need to finance an equipment purchase, you would have to use the general Amex Business Line of Credit (which has at most a 2-year term) or an Amex card. For true equipment loans with multi-year terms, you’d need to use another lender.

Interest rates depend on the type of Cardiff loan you’re considering and your financial qualifications. Some of Cardiff’s short term working capital loans use factor rates, which can lead to a higher effective interest cost compared to the best-case APR on an Amex Business Line of Credit. These types of loans are often used when fast access to capital is more important than securing the lowest possible rate.

However, Cardiff also offers access to more traditional financing options, including SBA loans, which typically come with significantly lower interest rates if you qualify. These longer-term solutions are ideal for borrowers with stronger credit profiles or more established revenue histories.

So while certain Cardiff loans may have higher rates than Amex, others are highly competitive depending on your situation. Ultimately, the rate you receive will be based on your business’s unique needs, creditworthiness, and how quickly you need the funds.

Cardiff typically requires a personal guarantee from business owners for its loans, especially if the business is small or closely held. This is standard in the industry, as it incentivizes owners to keep the loan in good standing. There may be an exception in the case of a much larger business (e.g., a corporation with many owners and substantial assets).

Amex’s business line of credit is unsecured. You don’t need to put up specific assets as collateral. They do file a general Universal Commercial Code (UCC) lien on business assets in some cases (as many lenders do for unsecured loans). But you won’t need to provide physical collateral or a down payment.

Sources:

1https://cardiff.co/
2https://cardiff.co/business-loans/products/merchant-cash-advance/
3https://cardiff.co/business-loans/products/equipment-leasing/
4https://cardiff.co/business-loans/products/sba-loans/
5https://cardiff.co/business-loans/products/business-cards/
6https://cardiff.co/business-loans/products/line-of-credit/
7https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/blueprint/business-line-of-credit/
8https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/business/blueprint/help-center/business-line-of-credit/fees
9https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/business/business-credit-cards/

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