EXIM Bank Export Credit Insurance & Working Capital

By Jeramie Maxwell, President, Impello Global · EXIM Bank Platinum Broker · Last reviewed July 2026

The Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM 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 EXIM Bank Platinum Broker, 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 EXIM Bank offers, how export credit insurance and the Working Capital Guarantee work, who qualifies, and why working with a Platinum Broker matters.

What EXIM Bank offers U.S. exporters

EXIM 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

EXIM 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. EXIM'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.

In practice, EXIM guarantees 90% of the lender's loan, which lets banks advance up to 75% against export-related inventory and up to 90% against foreign receivables. Standby letters of credit used as bid, performance, or advance-payment guarantees can be issued with collateral as low as 10% of face value, freeing working capital that would otherwise be tied up in those instruments.

Medium-term financing for capital equipment

For exporters selling capital equipment, EXIM and the private market also support medium-term cover — typically one to five years, with exceptions up to seven for certain equipment. These policies are usually written on a single-buyer basis with a down payment, a set repayment schedule, and a promissory note, and are commonly structured to include a bank as the funding source. Getting the financing and the insurance to fit together is where broker experience earns its keep.

Who qualifies

EXIM 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

EXIM 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 them. In practice that means deep familiarity with EXIM'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 EXIM (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 EXIM 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 EXIM 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 EXIM Bank programs? U.S.-based exporters of goods and services meeting U.S.-content requirements — small businesses through large corporations.

What is an EXIM Bank Platinum Broker? EXIM's top broker tier, recognizing volume and expertise with its programs. Impello is one of them.

How is this different from private trade credit insurance? EXIM 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, EXIM Bank programs are among the most powerful tools available — and Platinum Broker guidance makes them straightforward. Get started.