Alibaba Group has rolled out a new “Pay Later for Business” feature for its U.S.-based Alibaba.com users, in partnership with fintech provider Balance.
The new offer introduces embedded B2B financing at checkout, giving small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) the ability to purchase goods with flexible payment terms, including instant trade credit.
Balance’s AI-driven financial infrastructure powers the service. The infrastructure enables real-time credit assessments and high approval rates — particularly geared toward the millions of U.S. businesses underserved by traditional financing channels.
The partnership aims to improve working capital access for American companies sourcing products through Alibaba.com.
“Flexible B2B payments are essential for business customers who want to grow,” said Yiran Li, head of customer retention strategy at Alibaba.com U.S. “By embedding Balance directly into our checkout, we’re making it easy for customers to buy on their terms, without being limited by cash flow constraints.”
Alibaba owns the world’s two largest online marketplaces by gross merchandise value (GMV), Taobao and Tmall. Taobao ranks No. 1 in the Global Online Marketplaces Database, Digital Commerce 360’s ranking of the largest such marketplaces by GMV. Tmall ranks No. 2. Both platforms operate in China and primarily serve the Chinese market. Among Alibaba’s other marketplaces is the global B2B marketplace Alibaba.com.
Alibaba offering pay later option in U.S.
Alibaba.com is one of the world’s largest B2B marketplaces, serving buyers and sellers across more than 190 countries. While traditionally focused on global sourcing, the platform has been expanding its domestic services in the U.S. to better support local business buyers with ecommerce and financing capabilities.
“In tight economic conditions, and especially with the added strain of tariffs, access to financing can make the difference between surviving and thriving,” said Bar Geron, CEO and co-founder of Balance. “We’re proud to partner with Alibaba.com and power a solution that helps its U.S. users grow their businesses with confidence.”
Through the partnership, U.S.-based buyers on Alibaba.com can access net terms or pay-by-invoice options directly at checkout. Balance assumes the credit risk and handles all backend processing, allowing merchants to be paid upfront while buyers pay later — without increasing friction on either side of the transaction.
Balance’s infrastructure also includes APIs that support digital invoicing, payment collection, and reconciliation, enabling seamless integration for platforms and marketplaces. The company’s AI tools are designed to streamline complex B2B payment workflows and reduce barriers to purchase, especially in sectors where procurement cycles are long and credit needs are high.
This integration comes as more B2B platforms look to offer embedded financial services, including trade credit, to improve conversion rates and customer loyalty. For Alibaba.com, the launch of “Pay Later for Business” reinforces its commitment to serving the evolving needs of U.S. companies, particularly amid ongoing economic pressures and supply chain disruptions.
Balance is a fintech company based in New York City that provides AI-powered financial infrastructure for B2B commerce. Its platform enables embedded payments, digital trade credit, invoicing, and reconciliation for marketplaces, SaaS providers, and manufacturers.
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