AmEx and ABA Team to Launch Credit Cards for Legal Practices

Financial services platform Mercantile has joined forces with American Express and the American Bar Association (ABA).

The collaboration, announced Wednesday (June 24), is designed to give legal professionals who are part of the bar association (ABA) greater access to credit solutions.

The new ABA American Express Business Card will be issued by Celtic Bank and run on the American Express Network, letting members access Amex Network benefits, offerings and protections, the companies said in a news release.

“The card offering is designed to better support solo practitioners and small law firms—segments that often need flexible financing to manage cash flow and invest in growth,” the release added. “Through Mercantile’s platform, the ABA will offer a new member-focused business credit card designed specifically for the realities of running a modern legal practice, combining competitive rewards with tools that help firms build stronger financial footing.”

According to the release, the ABA chose Mercantile after an extensive evaluation, opting for a platform designed to support small business members. The partnership also marks the ongoing expansion of the Mercantile American Express card program in professional spaces.

“Solo practitioners and small law firms need financial solutions that work as hard as they do,” said Will Stredwick, senior vice president and general manager of global network services for North America at American Express. “The ABA American Express Business Card delivers tools that help legal professionals manage cash flow, earn on core business expenses, and access the benefits and protections of the American Express Network.”

In other small business/credit card news, recent PYMNTS Intelligence research shows that small- to medium-sized business (SMB) owners want digital tools from the companies that issue business credit cards, but also need access to some human help.

According to the research, the most popular way to apply for a business credit card is a digital application that business owners fill out on their own, mentioned by 22.8% of SMBs. Just behind it are a pair options that place another person on the other end.

“Live chat with a real person came in at 17.8%, and a human phone representative tied close at 17.6%,” PYMNTS wrote. “Owners want speed, but they also want a way out of the app when they get stuck.”