In a recent Unofficial QuickBooks Accountants Podcast episode, hosts Hector Garcia and Alicia Katz Pollock discussed a significant new development in QuickBooks Online: the integration of Credit Karma financing options. This feature allows QuickBooks users to offer personal loan options to their customers directly through estimates, marking a potential shift in how small business tools operate.
This Feature Is In Testing
Note that this new feature has not yet been released generally. It is currently in beta testing and may not be available to all users. A ProAdvisor discovered it in her client’s file when the client sent an estimate to a customer. In addition to the expected messaging, the customer was invited to take out a loan to pay the invoice.
How It Works
When the QuickBooks user sent an estimate to a customer, they noticed financing offers powered by Credit Karma. In the fine print, the interest rates varied widely, from 8.49% to 35.99% APR with autopay. The loans are provided through a company called Upgrade, potentially allowing Intuit to monetize its $7 billion acquisition of Credit Karma.
Importantly, this feature will be optional for QuickBooks users. It can be toggled on or off in the account settings, giving businesses control over whether to offer financing to their customers. When enabled, the financing option appears alongside the estimated details when customers view them.
Potential Benefits and Concerns
This integration could help businesses convert more estimates into paid work by offering customers flexible payment options. As Alicia noted, “If you are somebody who gives high estimates and you know you struggle to have all of your bids accepted, this may be a way of actually getting them paid where you’re getting paid in full right up front.”
However, the hosts also raised some potential concerns:
- Privacy: There are questions about how QuickBooks customers’ information might be used to market these loans.
- High interest rates: The upper end of the APR range (35.99%) raised eyebrows among the hosts.
- Ethical considerations: Accountants may need to consider the implications of facilitating high-interest loans to their clients’ customers.
- Customer relationships: Businesses must decide whether offering financing aligns with their customer service approach.
Intuit’s Strategy
This integration is part of Intuit’s broader strategy to leverage its Credit Karma acquisition. By offering financing options within QuickBooks, Intuit aims to create a more comprehensive financial ecosystem for small businesses and their customers.
However, it’s important to note that Intuit does not directly provide the loans. Instead, they likely receive a commission for approved loans, similar to Credit Karma’s existing business model.
What Accountants Should Do
If you or your clients use QuickBooks Online, it’s essential to be aware of this new feature:
- Check the settings: Look for the “customer financing” toggle in the Discounts and Fees section of the new invoice experience.
- Discuss with clients: If the feature is available, discuss whether offering financing aligns with their business goals and customer relationships.
- Understand the terms: Familiarize yourself with the financing options and terms to advise clients appropriately.
- Monitor developments: As this feature is still being tested, watch for any changes or broader rollout.
The integration of Credit Karma financing into QuickBooks Online represents a significant shift in accounting software capabilities. While it offers potential benefits for businesses looking to close more sales, it also raises essential considerations about privacy, ethics, and customer relationships. As this feature develops, accountants will be crucial in helping clients navigate this new landscape of embedded financial services. Listen to the full Unofficial QuickBooks Accountants Podcast episode for the latest information.
Alicia Katz Pollock’s Royalwise OWLS (On-Demand Web-based Learning Solutions) is the industry’s premier portal for top-notch QuickBooks Online training with CPE for accounting firms, bookkeepers, and small business owners. Visit Royalwise OWLS, where learning QBO is a HOOT!