Credit Limits, Tailored Perks Shape SMB Top-of-Wallet Choices
i2c Inc., a global financial technology innovator, announced findings from a new commissioned study that examines how small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) utilize credit cards, the factors that influence card preferences, and the features that drive top-of-wallet decisions.
SMBs don’t want a generic business credit card; they want intuitive, multi-functional payment tools and solutions that match their unique financial behaviors.
Conducted in collaboration with PYMNTS Intelligence and based on a nationally representative survey of more than 580 U.S. SMBs, the new report, “SMB Growth Monitor: How Firms Use and Choose Credit Cards” finds that SMBs are increasingly blending both personal and business spending, younger firms are tapping deeper into available credit, and businesses across the board are prioritizing higher credit limits and industry-relevant perks over generic card features.
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“The study reinforces what we hear from the market every day: SMBs don’t want a generic business credit card; they want intuitive, multi-functional payment tools and solutions that match their unique financial behaviors,” said David Durovy, SVP of Transformation at i2c Inc. “Issuers that deliver flexible, targeted credit offerings have the opportunity to build lasting loyalty with SMBs during pivotal growth stages.”
Key findings from the report include:
- Blending business and personal credit is common: 54% of SMBs say they use both personal and business cards to finance operational expenses, with that figure jumping to 61% in large cities.
- Younger businesses stretch credit further: SMBs under five years old use 49% of their available credit on average, compared to just 33% for firms over 20 years old.
- Top-of-wallet factors vary by business size: 23% of high-revenue SMBs say a high credit limit is their top priority, while the smallest businesses prioritize features like the ability to grow their credit limit over time.
- Better features mean higher usage: More than one in four SMBs say they would use their primary card more if it offered a higher credit limit. Nearly one-third said industry-specific perks would also increase usage.
As SMBs continue to face rising operational costs, shifting tariff policies, and evolving customer expectations, the report highlights a clear opportunity for issuers: deliver specialized, future-ready credit solutions that help support and fuel SMB growth.
The latest study is part of i2c’s ongoing effort to decode the financial behavior of small and medium-sized businesses, providing actionable insights that help financial institutions and fintechs create smarter, more relevant credit solutions for a rapidly evolving marketplace. Engineered for today’s modern digital landscape, i2c’s award-winning globally unified platform and configurable banking and payment solutions enable issuers to launch highly tailored credit offerings quickly, respond dynamically to user needs, and deliver exceptional customer experiences at scale.
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