As smaller enterprises face tighter cash flows and shifting consumer habits, integrated pay-later options help eliminate friction and turn intent into immediate and future revenue.
Small- and mid-market businesses (SMBs) in the U.S. are under pressure. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce data shows growing concern about the economy, inflation, investment, and staffing. Only 28% of small business owners say the U.S. economy is in good health, down 10 points from Q4 2025. As businesses tackle these external pressures, maintaining a healthy cash flow is more essential than ever, as even marginal payment delays can create compounding hurdles, a reality that many SMBs know all too well.
According to research from Intuit QuickBooks, 56% of SMB owners have unpaid invoices piling up, with businesses owed more than $17,000 on average in 2025. For these entrepreneurs, delayed payments can mean scrambling to cover payroll, holding off on materials, delaying hiring plans, or even causing them to think twice before taking on the next job.
Consumers, meanwhile, are becoming increasingly intentional and strategic about how they manage cash flow, especially on larger purchases. This shift is reflected in how they choose to pay, as flexible, installment-based payments are now preferred over credit cards by 45% of Americans who have used both between March 2024-2025, according to a survey from buy now, pay later (BNPL) provider Affirm.
For SMBs, this presents an opportunity to eliminate a friction point that often stalls sales. The core issue is not a lack of customers or interest – it’s a payment structure mismatch. Buyers simply need a payment option that better fits the moment. Without that optionality, even enthusiastic customers may choose to wait.
Flexible options, built into the way SMBs already work
Offering payment flexibility is only part of the equation. For SMBs, it also needs to fit naturally into the tools and workflows they already rely on.
While offering alternatives like installment plans can help address customer pain points, these offerings are often difficult for SMBs to implement. Traditional direct lending requires businesses to assume all the tracking, collection, and credit risks. Conversely, third-party financing can often create customer friction, erode trust, and burden businesses with the responsibility of complex backend reconciliation.
That’s why embedded payment options that fit naturally into existing invoicing and payment workflows can be especially valuable for SMBs.
That’s why embedded payment options that fit naturally into existing invoicing and payment workflows can be especially valuable for SMBs.
To help businesses address this need, Intuit has launched a new integration with Affirm[1] that makes BNPL functionality available to QuickBooks Payments customers, enabling businesses with a seamless way to offer flexible payment options while receiving funds upfront.
Intuit and Affirm’s integrated pay-over-time option ensures that both parties’ transaction needs are met. Businesses can include Affirm as a payment method directly on the estimates or invoices they send without implementing any additional technical setup or having to follow up to collect payments or monthly installments, while customers gain access to transparent, flexible financing that fits their needs.[2] This not only makes it easier for consumers to purchase the product or services they need while staying within their budget, but also allows businesses to stay on top of their cash flow, and can even help them to win more clients and potentially increase revenue as customers can leverage more flexible ways to pay and complete purchases.
More space to focus on what matters
The answer to helping solve the late payment problem is not limited to offering more ways to receive a payment, but also lies in enhancing existing options to work within the financial routines SMBs already rely on.
This reduction in operational overhead can also lead to faster cash flow. QuickBooks funds 98% of transactions the next business day,[3] and Affirm payments are funded at the same speed as credit cards or ACH. A business that previously waited days or weeks for a client to pay an invoice in full can now receive payment as soon as the next day,[4] even if the customer needs to spread their payment over time with installments through Affirm.
In a small enterprise, where the same person may be handling sales, operations, invoicing, and managing repayments, this streamlined process gives time back to individuals to focus on growing their businesses.
For SMBs, flexible payments can translate to stronger cash flow, better conversion, and a solid foundation for long-term growth—all while expanding their customer base by offering a manageable, trustworthy way to finance purchases.
Money movement services are provided by Intuit Payments Inc., licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services. For details about our money transmission licenses, or for Texas customers with complaints about our service, please visit intuit.com/legal/licenses/payment-licenses/.
QuickBooks Payments: QuickBooks Payments account subject to eligibility criteria, credit, and approval. Subscription to QuickBooks Online required. Not available in U.S. territories or outside the U.S.
[1] Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. For example, a $1,000 purchase might cost $90.26/mo over 12 months at 15% APR. Options depend on the purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. Affirm availability and eligibility may vary. Restrictions apply. See affirm.com/terms#use. For licenses and disclosures, see affirm.com/licenses.
Affirm Buy now, pay later features have limited availability and are subject to change. Features may be more broadly available soon. If you do not currently see Affirm Buy now, pay later in your QuickBooks Online account, please email enable-affirm-qbo@intuit.com to request access.
[2] Rates from 0-36% APR. For example, a $1,000 purchase might cost $90.26/mo over 12 months at 15% APR. Payment options through Affirm are subject to an eligibility check, may not be available everywhere, and are provided by these lending partners: affirm.com/lenders. Options depend on your purchase amount, and a down payment may be required. Estimated payment amount may exclude taxes and shipping. Loan payment(s), including interest, may be due before the merchant provides all services. You may not receive a rebate of any interest that may have already accrued on an amount that later gets refunded. For licenses and disclosures, including information for New Mexico residents, see affirm.com/licenses. CA residents: Loans by Affirm Loan Services, LLC are made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license. Affirm and its lending partners do business in accordance with federal Fair Lending laws. Unless prompted for a registered business name at application, Affirm loans are primarily for personal, family, or household use only.
[3] Based on QuickBooks user data.
[4] Transaction processing fees may apply.