Ex-Im Bank Export Credit Insurance & Working Capital

By Jeramie Maxwell, President, Impello Global · Ex-Im Bank Platinum Broker · Last reviewed July 2026

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) helps U.S. companies sell abroad with confidence — insuring export receivables against foreign non-payment and backing the working capital exporters need to fulfill orders. As an Ex-Im Bank Platinum Broker, one of fewer than 10 nationally, Impello helps exporters access these programs and structure them correctly.

For U.S. exporters, some of the most powerful risk-mitigation and financing tools are government-backed. This guide explains what Ex-Im Bank offers, how export credit insurance and the Working Capital Guarantee work, who qualifies, and why working with a Platinum Broker matters.

What Ex-Im Bank offers U.S. exporters

Ex-Im Bank is the official export credit agency of the United States. It exists to help American companies compete internationally by absorbing risks the private market won't always take. Its core programs for most exporters are export credit insurance and the Working Capital Guarantee, alongside loan guarantees for larger transactions. For frontier and developing markets, the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) provides complementary political risk insurance and financing.

Export credit insurance explained

Ex-Im export credit insurance protects a U.S. exporter's foreign receivables against non-payment — covering both commercial risk (a foreign buyer's insolvency or default) and political risk (currency inconvertibility, war, government action). It lets exporters offer competitive open-account terms to overseas buyers without carrying the full risk, and, like private trade credit insurance, makes insured receivables stronger collateral for financing.

The Working Capital Guarantee

Many exporters can win the order but struggle to fund production. Ex-Im's Working Capital Guarantee gives lenders a government guarantee on loans made to exporters, so banks will advance more against export-related inventory and receivables. The result is more borrowing capacity to fulfill export orders — often the difference between accepting and declining a large international contract.

Who qualifies

Ex-Im programs are available to U.S.-based exporters of goods and services with U.S. content, from small businesses to large corporations. Small and medium-sized exporters in particular benefit, because these programs open up terms and financing that would otherwise be out of reach. Eligibility depends on the product, the markets, and U.S.-content requirements — which is where broker guidance matters.

Why the Platinum Broker designation matters

Ex-Im Bank recognizes a small number of brokers as Platinum Brokers based on their volume, expertise, and track record with the agency's programs. Impello is one of fewer than 10 nationally. In practice that means deep familiarity with Ex-Im's application process, faster and cleaner submissions, and the experience to structure programs correctly the first time — so exporters spend less time on paperwork and more time selling.

How to apply through Impello

We assess your export sales and markets, determine which Ex-Im (and, where relevant, DFC) programs fit, and manage the application and structuring end to end. Whether you need to insure a growing book of foreign receivables or unlock working capital to fill a large order, we handle the program mechanics.

Frequently asked questions

What is Ex-Im Bank export credit insurance? A U.S. government-backed policy that protects an exporter's foreign receivables against non-payment from commercial and political causes.

What is the Ex-Im Working Capital Guarantee? A government guarantee on export-related loans that lets lenders advance more working capital to U.S. exporters, increasing their capacity to fulfill international orders.

Who qualifies for Ex-Im Bank programs? U.S.-based exporters of goods and services meeting U.S.-content requirements — small businesses through large corporations.

What is an Ex-Im Bank Platinum Broker? Ex-Im's top broker tier, recognizing volume and expertise with its programs. Impello is one of fewer than 10 nationally.

How is this different from private trade credit insurance? Ex-Im is government-backed and export-specific, sometimes covering markets or terms the private market won't; private trade credit insurance is broader and covers domestic sales too. Many exporters use both, and a broker helps determine the right mix.

Talk to Impello

If you export from the U.S. and want to grow international sales while protecting your receivables and financing your orders, Ex-Im Bank programs are among the most powerful tools available — and Platinum Broker guidance makes them straightforward. Get started.