Embedded finance refers to integrating financial services directly into non-financial apps and platforms. Instead of opening a bank account or signing up for a separate loan, consumers and businesses can access financing, payment processing, or banking features right where they shop or work online.
Think of online stores offering “Buy Now, Pay Later” at checkout, or marketplace apps that instantly provide business banking tools — that’s embedded finance.
It’s a major shift from traditional banking, and it’s expected to drastically reshape the US financial landscape as adoption increases.
Top 10 Embedded Finance Companies in the USA (2026)
Here are some of the leading companies shaping embedded finance in the United States:
1. Stripe, Inc.
Stripe is one of the most widely used embedded finance platforms in the world. Its powerful APIs allow businesses to embed payments, billing, and financial workflows directly into apps and websites with ease. Stripe also offers additional features like embedded lending through Stripe Capital and banking-as-a-service tools.
2. PayPal Holdings, Inc.
PayPal remains a major player in embedded finance. Beyond its core digital payment services, PayPal’s Braintree platform powers payments for countless apps and marketplaces. Its trusted brand and global reach make embedded financial services easier and safer for millions of users.
3. Plaid, Inc.
Plaid doesn’t issue money itself, but it connects apps with bank accounts so that developers can securely access financial data. Many embedded finance applications — like budgeting tools, payment apps, and lending platforms — rely on Plaid’s technology.
4. Marqeta, Inc.
Marqeta is best known for its embedded card issuing and payment processing capabilities. It lets businesses create virtual or physical payment cards that are embedded into platforms for customers and partners to use without relying on traditional banks.
5. Affirm Holdings, Inc.
Affirm is a leader in buy-now-pay-later (BNPL), a popular embedded finance model at checkout. Instead of using credit cards, shoppers can choose flexible payment plans directly on retailer sites. The ease of integration and transparent terms have helped Affirm build a large user base across the United States.
6. Highnote
Highnote is an American fintech company that provides embedded finance infrastructure like card issuing, payment processing, and real-time ledger tools for enterprise platforms. Its technology makes it easier for businesses to launch custom financial products without building bank systems from scratch.
7. Alloy
Alloy offers identity verification, fraud detection, and risk management tools that are critical for embedded finance providers. Although not a direct service like payments or lending, Alloy’s technology enables fintech apps to securely onboard users and manage regulatory compliance.
8. Universal Platforms Pairing with Embedded Finance
Several others play important roles in the ecosystem by providing infrastructure or partnerships:
- Cross River Bank – A well-known US bank that partners with many fintechs to provide embedded banking services, from lending to payments.
- Unit – Banking-as-a-Service provider allowing companies to embed banking functions like account setup and payment integration.
- Sharp Payments & Unity Plus – Emerging startups offering embedded payment and card issuing platforms tailored for modern fintech needs.
Why These Companies Matter in 2026
Embedded finance is becoming more mainstream in 2026 because it makes financial services seamless, faster, and more user-friendly. Consumers don’t have to switch between apps or sign up with separate banks — they can access financial tools where they already spend their time.
Read More: Personal Finance Tips Every American Should Know in 2026
This trend is shaping sectors such as:
- E-commerce checkouts
- Marketplaces and business platforms
- Ride-hailing and food delivery apps
- Subscription services
- Small business financial tools
Embedded finance also allows companies to create new revenue streams and improve customer engagement by offering loyalty programs, financing, insurance, and banking features directly to their users.
How Embedded Finance Works
The backbone of embedded finance is APIs (Application Programming Interfaces). APIs allow apps to communicate with financial systems securely and instantly. For example:
- A shopping app can offer loans at checkout using an embedded BNPL API.
- A marketplace can issue branded debit cards through an embedded card issuing platform.
- Accounting software can trigger payments and manage payroll from the same dashboard.
This kind of integration eliminates the friction that used to exist between traditional banks and digital platforms.
Benefits for Americans and Businesses
Embedded finance brings several benefits:
Convenience
Users access financial services without leaving the app they’re using.
Faster Transactions
Payments, loans, and transfers happen instantly.
Better Customer Experience
Personalized finance options improve engagement and loyalty.
New Business Opportunities
Companies can offer banking or lending features without being banks themselves.
Challenges and What to Watch
While embedded finance is growing fast, there are challenges:
- Security and privacy risks – Sensitive data must be protected with strong technology.
- Regulatory compliance – Financial rules are strict and vary by region.
- Integration complexity – Implementing financial APIs requires technical expertise.
Despite these challenges, demand continues to rise as companies look to deliver seamless financial services.
The Future of Embedded Finance
Experts predict that embedded finance will keep expanding as more everyday apps begin offering financial features directly inside digital experiences. By 2026 and beyond, embedded finance could:
- Facilitate new forms of digital credit
- Streamline business finance operations
- Bring banking services to underserved communities
- Enable real-time financial data access for everyone
As consumer expectations rise, the embedded finance ecosystem will likely grow even more sophisticated and integrated across industries.
Final Thoughts
Embedded finance is reshaping the financial services industry by reducing barriers between traditional Banking and digital experiences. From payment processors to BNPL platforms and API innovators, the U.S. embedded finance market is one of the most dynamic arenas in fintech today.
Companies like Stripe, PayPal, Plaid, Marqeta, and Affirm are leading the way by making financial tools simpler to build into apps and services that millions of Americans use every day. As this space continues to grow, embedded finance will likely play an even larger role in how we shop, borrow, invest, and manage money in 2026 and beyond. More Blogs
This article is for informational purposes only and finance glide does not provide financial or investment advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Embedded finance means integrating financial services like payments, lending, or banking into apps and platforms that are not traditional banks.
It lets users access financial services directly where they shop or work, without using separate banking apps.
Yes, but users should choose platforms with strong security features and trusted partners.
Examples include embedded payments, embedded loans (like BNPL), embedded banking, and embedded insurance.
Yes — small businesses can offer financial features to customers or streamline their own payments and banking.
Yes, financial services still need to comply with banking and fintech rules even when integrated into digital platforms.
Companies usually use APIs from embedded finance providers to embed financial tools into their apps.
Not fully — banks still provide core financial infrastructure, but embedded finance makes access easier and more seamless.