i2c Inc., a global financial technology provider, has released a new study titled “SMB Growth Monitor Report: Small Businesses, Big Credit Needs,” developed in collaboration with PYMNTS Intelligence. The report indicates a significant level of confidence among small to mid-size businesses (SMBs) in their ability to secure new credit cards, suggesting a market shift where issuers must offer flexible, feature-rich products tailored to support SMB operations and growth.
The study, which gathered responses from 514 SMBs, found that 83% of these businesses believe they would be approved for a new business credit card. This confidence was nearly unanimous among high-revenue SMBs. The research highlights that credit is a critical tool for SMBs, influencing both daily operations and long-term expansion.
Usage patterns vary by business size, with larger SMBs (annual revenues exceeding $1 million) utilizing business credit cards for 39% of their credit transactions. In contrast, smaller firms (annual revenues under $150,000) use business cards for 30% of their credit transactions.
SMBs primarily use business credit for planned expenses, accounting for 53% of business card use. However, they often turn to personal cards for unexpected or emergency expenses, with 21% of personal credit card use being spontaneous, compared to 12% for business credit cards.
Flexible spending solutions, such as installments, dynamic limits, virtual cards, and spending controls, emerged as top priorities for SMBs. On average, SMBs expressed willingness to pay an annual fee of $126 for such flexible solutions. Following this, premium business rewards on everyday spending were the next most desired feature, for which firms would pay an average of $112.24 annually.
Seth Perlman, Global Head of Product at i2c Inc., stated, “To meet the needs of their SMB customers, card issuers need to deliver an agile and adaptive financial tool kit. Small and midsize businesses are clearly indicating a readiness to pay for tools like dynamic credit limits and virtual cards to help them streamline operations, manage cash flow, and achieve their growth goals. Issuers that want to build loyal SMB customers will need to develop products that enable flexibility and control, moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.” Karen Webster, CEO of PYMNTS, added, “For small to mid-size businesses, credit is far more than a financial convenience; it shapes how they operate and grow. With confidence high and fear of denial less prominent, issuers now compete on value and adaptability, not just access.”
i2c’s single global platform is designed to provide the speed and flexibility necessary for configuring the versatile products SMBs are seeking. The platform enables issuers to offer dynamic capabilities such as virtual cards, customizable spending limits, and installment options, allowing them to move beyond standardized approaches and transform their offerings into strategic tools that foster SMB growth and loyalty.
Further insights from the report are available for complimentary download. Additionally, i2c is scheduled to host a roundtable titled “The SMB Fast Lane: Big Credit Needs, Bigger Growth,” moderated by PYMNTS’ Chief Content Officer, John Gaffney, on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 2:00 pm EST. Speakers will include Seth Perlman from i2c, Melissa Moss, VP Treasury Solutions at Renasant Bank, and Jeni Brantner, VP Payments at Royal Credit Union.
