Greetings to the small business entrepreneur! I’m aware that smoothing out operations and boosting growth are at the top of your agenda. Well, I’ve got a secret weapon for you: business credit cards. Earn valuable rewards and manage spending effortlessly as you enhance your business’s financial standing with these handy helpers. But with so many options out there, how do you choose the right one?
Don’t worry, I’ve got your back. I’ve scoured the options and picked out top business credit cards that are perfect for small business owners like you. Whether you’re looking for cash back, travel rewards, or low interest rates, there’s a card that fits the bill. It’s time we set out and choose an optimal plastics associate that aligns well with what you envision in growing.
Navigating the Chapters:
- Best Business Credit Cards for Small Business Owners
- How to Qualify for a Business Credit Card
- Benefits of Using a Business Credit Card
- Understanding Business Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates
- Comparing Top Business Credit Card Issuers
- Tips for Managing Your Business Credit Card Account
- Maximizing Rewards with Your Business Credit Card
- Business Credit Cards vs. Personal Credit Cards
- How to Build Business Credit with a Business Credit Card
- When to Consider a Secured Business Credit Card
- Conclusion
Best Business Credit Cards for Small Business Owners
As a small business owner, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Balancing cash flow and ensuring your employees are satisfied means you’re always on the clock. But one thing that can make your life a whole lot easier? The right business credit card.
I’ve been in your shoes, and trust me, the right business credit card can completely transform how you manage finances. It’s not just about the convenience of plastic – although that’s definitely a perk. Top business credit cards pack a punch with money-saving perks, reward-earning potentials, and tools to keep your financial health on point.
Cash Back Rewards
If you’re looking to put some money back in your pocket, a cash back business credit card is the way to go. These cards typically offer a percentage of your spending back in the form of cash or statement credits. Some of the best business credit cards in this category, like the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, offer up to 2% cash back on all eligible purchases, up to $50,000 per year. That’s a nice chunk of change that can really add up over time.
Travel Rewards
For the frequent flyers among us, a business credit card with travel rewards is a must-have. Rack up points or miles just by using these cards for everyday purchases—then use what you’ve earned to score airline tickets, secure a comfy hotel room, or rent a sleek car. Some top picks in this category include the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, which offers 3x points on travel and select business categories, and the American Express® Business Gold Card, which lets you earn 4x points on your top two spending categories each month.
0% Intro APR
If you’ve got a big purchase on the horizon or you’re looking to transfer a balance from a high-interest card, a business credit card with a 0% introductory APR offer can be a lifesaver. These cards give you a set period of time (usually 12-15 months) to pay off your balance interest-free. Just be sure to have a plan in place to pay off your debt before the intro period ends and the regular APR kicks in.
No Annual Fee
Let’s face it – every penny counts when you’re running a small business. If you’re looking to keep costs down, a business credit card with no annual fee is a smart choice. You’ll still get all the benefits of a business card, like expense tracking and employee cards, without the added cost. The The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a great option in this category.
Luxury Perks
If you’re willing to pay a higher annual fee, a premium business credit card can come with some seriously luxe perks. Picture this: exclusive airport lounge access, handy travel credits, and dedicated concierge services await you. Cards like The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® for Business are top contenders if you’re looking for a VIP experience.
How to Qualify for a Business Credit Card
So, you’re sold on the idea of a business credit card. But how do you actually qualify for one? As someone who’s been through the process myself, I can tell you that it’s not as complicated as you might think.
Credit Score Requirements
First things first – your personal credit score matters when you’re applying for a business credit card. Most issuers will want to see a score of at least 670, although some may require a higher score for their premium cards. If your credit is less than stellar, don’t despair – there are still options out there for you, like secured business credit cards that require a cash deposit.
Personal Guarantee
One thing to keep in mind is that most business credit cards will require a personal guarantee. This means that you, as the business owner, are personally responsible for any debts incurred on the card. For new or small-scale enterprises short on credit history, it’s a solid strategy to lessen financial risks from the issuer’s perspective.
Business Revenue
When you’re applying for a business credit card, the issuer will want to know about your company’s revenue. With this info, they determine not just how much credit they should extend but also gauge if you’ll pay it back on time. Don’t worry if you’re just starting out – there are plenty of cards designed for businesses with limited revenue.
Time in Business
The longer your business has been up and running, the better your chances of qualifying for a business credit card. Most issuers like to see at least a year or two of business history, but there are some cards out there that are more startup-friendly. The Brex Card, for example, doesn’t require a personal guarantee or credit check, and is designed for businesses that have been operating for as little as 6 months.
Benefits of Using a Business Credit Card
Now that you know how to qualify for a business credit card, let’s talk about why you’d want one in the first place. As a small business owner myself, I can tell you that the benefits go way beyond just having a convenient way to pay for purchases.
Separating Personal and Business Expenses
One of the biggest advantages of using a business credit card is that it helps you keep your personal and business finances separate. It’s important come April; ensure those receipts are handy because they detail what you’ve spent on your venture. With a dedicated business card, you can easily track and categorize your spending, without having to sift through a pile of personal receipts.
Earning Rewards
Another big perk of business credit cards is the opportunity to earn rewards on your spending. Choosing rewards like cash back, travel points, or miles can really pay off and give your finances a healthy bump. You’ll find that certain credit cards boost your reward points when you spend on business essentials such as office supplies or advertising.
Employee Spending Controls
If you have employees who need to make purchases on behalf of your business, a business credit card can be a lifesaver. Most payment cards allow you the flexibility to define spending thresholds for individuals within your team which helps streamline expense tracking while safeguarding against unauthorized purchases. Imagine cutting down on time and stress with some credit cards offering built-in options for keeping track of expenses and receipts.
Understanding Business Credit Card Fees and Interest Rates
Of course, no discussion of business credit cards would be complete without talking about fees and interest rates. These can vary widely depending on the card you choose, so it’s important to read the fine print and understand what you’re signing up for.
Annual Fees
Some business credit cards charge an annual fee, which can range from less than $100 to several hundred dollars for premium cards. While this may seem like a lot, it’s important to weigh the fee against the benefits you’ll receive. If you’ll be using the card frequently and taking advantage of perks like travel credits or lounge access, the annual fee may be well worth it.
APR for Purchases
The annual percentage rate (APR) is the interest rate you’ll be charged on any balances you carry from month to month. Business credit card APRs tend to be higher than those of personal cards, so it’s important to pay off your balance in full each month if possible. If you do need to carry a balance, look for a card with a low ongoing APR to minimize your interest charges.
Introductory APR Offers
Many business credit cards offer introductory 0% APR promotions on purchases and/or balance transfers. These can be a great way to finance a large purchase or pay off high-interest debt, but be sure to have a plan in place to pay off the balance before the intro period ends. Once the regular APR kicks in, any remaining balance will start accruing interest.
Balance Transfer Fees
If you’re considering transferring a balance from another credit card to take advantage of a lower APR, be aware that most cards charge a balance transfer fee. This is typically 3-5% of the amount transferred, which can add up quickly for larger balances. Do the math to make sure the interest savings will outweigh the transfer fee before making the move.
Streamlining your financial affairs is easier with a business credit card, plus it comes packed with attractive advantages. Whether you need cash back, travel rewards, or 0% intro APR offers, there’s a card for every small business owner’s needs.
Comparing Top Business Credit Card Issuers
When it comes to finding the best business credit cards, it’s important to compare the top issuers. Your business stands to gain from each issuer’s distinct mix of perks, rewards, and advantages designed for growth.
American Express Business Cards
American Express offers a range of business credit cards catering to various needs and preferences. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a great option for businesses looking to earn rewards on everyday purchases. It offers 2X Membership Rewards® points on the first $50,000 spent each year, with no annual fee.
For businesses that want premium travel perks, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a top choice. It offers 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com, as well as airport lounge access and a $200 annual airline fee credit. However, it does come with a hefty $595 annual fee.
Chase Ink Business Cards
Chase’s website showcases their popular Ink Business cards. The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is perfect for businesses that spend heavily on office supplies, internet, cable, and phone services. It offers 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in these categories each year, as well as 2% cash back on gas stations and restaurants. Skip the annual fee and keep your costs down with this economical option.
If your business loves earning travel perks, consider the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card as a top contender. It earns 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone, and advertising purchases each year. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. There is a $95 annual fee, but the rewards can easily offset this cost for businesses that spend heavily in these categories.
Capital One Spark Cards
Capital One’s Spark business credit cards offer straightforward rewards and benefits. The Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business earns an unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, making it easy to earn rewards without worrying about categories. There’s a $95 annual fee, but it’s waived for the first year.
For businesses that prefer travel rewards, the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business is a great option. It earns unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, and miles can be redeemed for travel or transferred to over 10 travel loyalty programs. Like the Spark® Cash card, it has a $95 annual fee that’s waived for the first year.
Mastering the Management of Your Company’s Credit Card
It’s vital to manage your business credit card carefully; doing so keeps your credit score healthy and prevents unnecessary expenses from fees or rising interest charges. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of your account:
Setting Spending Limits
One of the best ways to manage cash flow is by setting spending limits on your business credit card. Control corporate expenditure by allowing individual spend thresholds on employee cards—this keeps everyone within financial boundaries without micromanaging their purchases.
Regularly laying down the law on employee spending habits coupled with ongoing reviews of their charges ensures that we sidestep unwelcome financial surprises—keeping everything within budget.
Reviewing Statements
Make it a habit to review your business credit card statements each billing cycle. You’ll be able to promptly catch mistakes in billing or recognize fraudulent charges while tracking how your expenditures stack up over time.
I set aside time each month to go through my statements line by line, categorizing expenses and making note of any unusual charges. Adopting this simple routine has shielded me from some serious blunders more than a few times.
Making Timely Payments
Late payments can result in fees, higher interest rates, and damage to your credit score. To avoid these consequences, always make at least the minimum payment by the due date.
Even better, pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges altogether. I have my payments set up on auto-pay so I never have to worry about missing a due date.
Monitoring Employee Spending
If you have employees using company credit cards, it’s important to monitor their spending regularly. Look for any unusual or unauthorized charges, and address them promptly.
Why not put together an explicit guide detailing allowed expenses? Make it accessible so each employee grasps what’s expected financially. I also like to set up alerts so I’m notified whenever a purchase exceeds a certain amount. This allows me to catch any potential issues early on.
Maximizing Rewards with Your Business Credit Card
One of the biggest perks of using a business credit card is the ability to earn rewards on your everyday business expenses. Here’s how to make the most of your card’s rewards program:
Choosing the Right Rewards Program
When selecting a business credit card, choose a rewards program that aligns with your spending habits and preferences. If you spend a lot on office supplies and telecom services, a card that offers bonus points in those categories, like the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, could be a great fit.
On the other hand, if you travel frequently for business, a card with travel perks and bonus points on travel purchases, like the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, might be more valuable.
Bonus Categories
Many business credit cards offer bonus categories where you can earn extra rewards. For example, the American Express® Business Gold Card offers 4X Membership Rewards® points on the two categories where your business spends the most each month, from a list of six options.
To make the most out of your spending, channel it into the categories that earn you extra rewards on your card. I always make sure to use my business card for purchases in those categories to rack up extra points.
Redeeming Rewards
Redeeming your rewards wisely can help you get the most value from your business credit card. Many cards offer a variety of redemption options, including cash back, travel rewards, statement credits, and gift cards.
When you’re thinking about how to use your rewards, keep your business’s spending habits and needs front and center. Personally, I like to use my points for travel, as I can often get a higher value per point compared to other redemption options.
Signup Bonuses
Many business credit cards offer generous signup bonuses that can give your rewards balance a quick boost. These bonuses typically require you to spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening your account.
Before applying for a card, make sure you can meet the spending requirement without stretching your budget too thin. I always plan ahead and time my credit card applications around large business purchases to ensure I can earn the signup bonus without overspending.
Business Credit Cards vs. Personal Credit Cards
While business credit cards and personal credit cards may seem similar, there are some key differences to be aware of:
Liability Differences
One major difference between business credit cards and personal credit cards is liability. With personal cards, you’re generally not liable for more than $50 in fraudulent charges.
However, with business cards, you may be liable for all unauthorized charges unless you report them promptly. Always read carefully—understanding your responsibilities is key if you’re considering an issuer’s liability waiver.
Credit Reporting
Another difference is how card activity is reported to credit bureaus. Most personal credit cards report to consumer credit bureaus, which can impact your personal credit score.
With business credit cards, reporting practices vary. Some issuers only report to commercial credit bureaus, while others report to both commercial and consumer bureaus. Depending on who issued it, your business card activities might influence your personal credit score.
Rewards and Perks
Business credit cards often offer rewards and perks tailored to common business expenses, such as office supplies, telecom services, and travel. These cards may provide higher rewards rates or specialized benefits that you won’t find with personal credit cards.
For example, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers cell phone protection when you pay your monthly bill with the card, a perk that’s rare among personal cards.
Choosing which type of card fits best with your business demands careful consideration. I find that having both business and personal credit cards gives me the flexibility to keep my expenses separate while maximizing my rewards.
Compare business credit cards to find the best perks and rewards for your needs. For anyone in need of a reliable credit card option – consider exploring what American Express, Chase or Capital One have to offer. Use employee spending limits, review statements monthly, pay on time, monitor charges, choose suitable reward programs, focus on bonus categories, redeem wisely, leverage signup bonuses and understand liability differences.
Building your business credit? Start with a business credit card.
Build up your business credit; it’s the backbone of your company’s sustained success. Better finance deals are within reach alongside higher borrowing potential and favorable supplier agreements.
One of the most effective ways to build business credit is by using a business credit card responsibly. Here’s how:
Using Your Card Responsibly
I’ve seen firsthand how using a business credit card responsibly can help build a strong credit profile. It’s not just about making purchases – it’s about managing your account wisely.
Charge only what your business can afford to pay off each month. Keep your credit utilization low, ideally under 30% of your credit limit. When you manage credit wisely and avoid stretching yourself too thin, it signals to lenders that you’re a safe bet.
Paying on Time
Late payments can tank your business credit scores. Take it from me; experience has been a strict teacher on this one.
Make it a priority to pay your business credit card bill on time, every time. Set up automatic payments or reminders to ensure you never miss a due date.
Consistently making on-time payments is one of the most important factors in building a strong business credit history. It sends a clear signal to creditors — when debts are repaid faithfully, it establishes your reputation as trustworthy.
Keeping Balances Low
High credit card balances can hurt your business credit scores, even if you’re making payments on time. That’s because credit utilization – the amount of available credit you’re using – is a key factor in credit scoring models.
Aim to keep your business credit card balances as low as possible. Pay off your balance in full each month if you can. If you do carry a balance, try to keep it under 30% of your credit limit.
By keeping those balance numbers down, you demonstrate a strong ability to control spending and use credit sparingly — traits any lender appreciates! Additionally, embracing this method trims your expenditure on accrued interests.
Paying bills punctually and minimizing debt on your corporate charge cards isn’t just smart—it sets the stage for constructing an impressive financial reputation which could lead to exciting openings in future endeavors of yours.
When You Should Think About Getting a Secured Business Credit Card
Think of a secured business credit card as stepping stones towards strengthening or establishing the fiscal reputation of your venture. Unlike traditional business credit cards, secured cards require a cash deposit that serves as collateral.
Although secured cards usually offer lower credit limits and fewer benefits than their unsecured counterparts, they still make a smart option under the right circumstances. Here’s when to consider a secured business credit card:
Poor Personal Credit
If your personal credit is less than stellar, qualifying for a traditional business credit card can be challenging. That’s where secured cards come in.
Since secured cards require a cash deposit, they’re easier to qualify for – even with poor credit. Using a secured business card wisely and keeping up with your payments can really boost your credit scores by building a strong payment history.
Once your scores improve, you may be able to graduate to an unsecured card with better rewards and perks. Through strategic planning, several entrepreneurs have successfully renovated their financial standing—rebuilding poor credit while gaining access to improved finance deals.
Startup Businesses
Launching a new business is exciting, but it can be tough to access credit without an established financial history. If your startup doesn’t yet have the revenue or credit history to qualify for a traditional business card, a secured card can be a great option.
With a secured business credit card, you can start building your company’s credit from day one. Think of responsible spending on your credit card as planting seeds for borrowing power in the future; every timely payment helps it grow stronger.
Just remember to keep your balances low and pay on time – those are the keys to building strong business credit as a startup.
Establishing Business Credit
Here’s a surprising fact: even if you have excellent personal credit, your business credit may be non-existent. That’s because business credit is separate from personal credit – and it’s important to establish a credit history for your company.
One of the easiest ways to start building business credit is with a secured credit card. When you use a credit card responsibly for company costs and settle bills timely, you lay down a strong foundation that can improve chances of securing more finance solutions in the future.
Plus, with a secured card, you don’t have to worry about being denied due to lack of business credit history. As long as you have the cash for the security deposit, you can start building your business credit right away.
If you’re looking to establish or rebuild your business credit, a secured business credit card is definitely worth considering. Just make sure to use it responsibly – that’s the key to unlocking better financing options for your company.
Use a business credit card wisely to build strong business credit. Charge what you can pay off monthly, keep utilization under 30%, and always pay on time. Consider secured cards if your personal credit is poor or you’re just starting out.
Conclusion
Phew, that was a lot of information! But now you’re armed with the knowledge to choose the best business credit card for your small business. Consider this – a smart choice in cards not only aids in building robust credit but also makes handling expenses easier while rewarding you for every spend. It’s like having a trusty sidekick in your wallet.
So, take some time to compare your options and find the card that fits your business like a glove. And don’t be afraid to switch things up if your needs change. With the right business credit card by your side, you’ll be ready to tackle whatever challenges come your way.
Charge forward and claim your victories; you’ve got this, buddy! Your business is about to level up with the power of plastic. Get ready to swipe and connect!