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KeyBank Business Mastercard® Credit Card
KeyBank Business Mastercard® Credit Card
- 16.24% to 26.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 16.24% to 26.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 0% for 6 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
An unassuming business credit card, the KeyBank Business Mastercard is a simple solution for customers looking to fund their companies’ expenses without the promise of additional perks.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 0% introductory APR for 6 months on purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
- Generous credit lines offered
- Lost or stolen reporting available 24/7
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 6 months from account opening date
- Regular Purchase APR: 16.24% to 26.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 6 months on transfers made within 60 days from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 16.24% to 26.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the amount of each transaction in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Over Limit Penalty Fee: $39 per cycle
- Own or operate a business
- Want a business credit card without an annual fee
- Have a large upcoming expense that they can benefit from paying off over time with 0% interest
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
- 20.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
Featuring a sizable welcome offer and convenient perks that frequent travelers adore like priority boarding and a free first checked bag, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card is a reliable travel partner for loyal Delta flyers.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 8/2/23
- Save 15% On Award Travel With TakeOff 15. Eligible Card Members now enjoy exclusive savings on Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees
- Check or stow your bag with ease: First Checked Bag Free on Delta Flights + Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding
- Earn 2 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta, on every dollar spent on eligible U.S. purchases for advertising in select media, on every dollar spent on eligible U.S. shipping purchases, on every eligible dollar spent at restaurants. Earn 1 Mile on every eligible dollar spent on other purchases
- Additionally, receive a $100 Delta Flight Credit to use toward future travel after you spend $10,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year
- Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel overseas
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
- Terms and limitations apply
- Regular Purchase APR: 20.99% to 29.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $0 for the first year. After that, $99
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: $39
- You're interested in earning 2X miles on dining
- You want to earn 5X miles on Delta purchases
- You want to earn enhanced rewards for purchases in advertising and U.S. shipping
- You want to earn 50,000 bonus miles after making $2,000 in purchases in the first three months of card ownership
- You don’t want to pay foreign transaction fees while you travel with your airline rewards card
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
- 18.49% to 26.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 0% for 12 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is a no-annual-fee business and cash back card from American Express and earns a flat 2% cash back on all purchases which are applied as a statement credit. It is best suited as a supplementary business card to use when an expenditure won’t earn rewards with another card.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That's why you've got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
- Intro Purchase APR: 0% for 12 months from account opening date
- Regular Purchase APR: 18.49% to 26.49% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: If eligible, either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 2.7% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: $39
- You need a card that can handle large, unexpected business expenses regardless of the credit card limit
- You want cash back earnings applied towards your credit card balance
- You want complimentary employee cards with cash back earning potential
- You want rewards points on everyday business purchases on the card
JetBlue Business Card
JetBlue Business Card
- 21.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 21.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 30.49% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The JetBlue Business Card takes the strengths of its consumer travel card and adds business-oriented perks such as 2X points for office supplies and free employee cards with customizable limits. The result: a point-earning juggernaut with a 70,000 sign up bonus that would do well in the back pocket of the business owner who frequently travels within the U.S.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- 6X points on JetBlue purchases
- 2X at restaurants and office supply stores
- 1X on all other purchases
- Free first checked bag for up to 3 companions on the same reservation
- 50% savings on inflight purchases
- 5,000 bonus points every account anniversary
- Complimentary employee cards with individual credit lines and single purchase credit limits
- Regular Purchase APR: 21.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 21.24% or 30.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 30.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 3% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Annual Fee: $99
- Foreign Transaction Fee: None
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: $39
- You have members of your business that regularly travel within the United States or the Caribbean
- You frequently taking clients or staff to dine at restaurants
- You always want to stay connected to the business even when in the air
- You would like the option to redeem points for flights for employees in addition to the primary cardholder
Black Hills Federal Credit Union Visa Cash Back Business Credit Card
Black Hills Federal Credit Union Visa Cash Back Business Credit Card
- 13.90% to 17.90% variable based on creditworthiness Regular Purchase APR
- 13.90% to 17.90% variable based on creditworthiness Balance Transfer APR
- 13.90% to 17.90% variable based on creditworthiness Cash Advance APR
- 2.90% for 12 months from account opening date Intro Purchase APR
At a Glance
For small business owners, growing a business can be expensive; using a credit card both to make business purchases and also build a credit score doesn’t mean you can’t earn rewards – the Black Hills Federal Credit Union Visa Cash Back Business Credit Card makes this possible, and easy! Earn 1 reward point per $1 spent on all eligible everyday purchases for your business, and take advantage of a low, competitive APR and no annual fees.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee, no cash advance fee and no balance transfer fee
- Earn 1 point for every $1 spent, towards travel, merchandise, experiential, and more
- Grace period on purchases, 24/7 Card Support
- Travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver
- Intro Purchase APR: 2.90% for 12 months from account opening date
- Regular Purchase APR: 13.90% to 17.90% variable based on creditworthiness
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: 2.90% for 12 months from account opening date
- Balance Transfer APR: 13.90% to 17.90% variable based on creditworthiness
- Cash Advance APR: 13.90% to 17.90% variable based on creditworthiness
- Foreign Transaction Fee: Up to 1% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $25
- You want a business card with no annual fee, no balance transfer fee, and no cash advance fee
- You want to enjoy a grace period on new purchases
- You'll take advantage of a rewards program that earns you 1 point per $1 for everyday purchases
- You're looking for a business card with an easy-to-use mobile app and 24/7 support
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
- 21.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 21.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
When growing your business, traveling to trade shows, meeting clients, and networking can be crucial to your success; using a business airline rewards card that earns points from travel purchases can really make a difference. The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card, which offers up to 4X unlimited Rapid Rewards® points on business purchases and spending with Southwest Airlines®, as well as a suite of generous perks and benefits, is a great candidate for small business owners.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 80,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months
- Receive 9,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary
- Earn 4 points for every $1 you spend on Southwest Airlines® purchases
- Earn 3 points for every $1 you spend on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases
- Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend on local transit and commuting, including rideshare services
- Earn 2 points for every $1 you spend on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services
- Earn 1 point for every dollar you spend on all other purchases
- 9,000 anniversary points each year
- Earn 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $10,000 spent – with no limit on the amount of TQPs you can earn.
- $500 Fee credit for points transfers when you use your Rapid Rewards Business Credit Card to transfer points to another Rapid Rewards Membe
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Fee Credit up to $100 every 4 years
- Regular Purchase APR: 21.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 21.24% to 28.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $15 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $199
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: $40
- You're a small business owner who frequently flies with Southwest Airlines®
- You want to earn up to 4X points on travel and business purchases
- You will take advantage of the chance to earn 80,000 bonus points by spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months
U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card
- 21.24% to 26.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 21.24% to 26.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The U.S. Bank Business Leverage Visa Signature Card is a rewards card that changes with your business. Unlike other rewards credit cards, the U.S. Bank Business Leverage Card allows you to earn 2x points for every dollar spent on purchases in categories where your company’s spend is the highest, and these 2X rewards change monthly with your business’ spending habits – meaning you get the most rewards with the least effort.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Limited time offer: Earn $750 in rewards when you spend $7,500 in eligible purchases on the account owners' card within the first 120 days of opening your account
- Earn 2% back in the top two categories where you spend the most each month automatically
- 1% cash per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first 12 months. After that $95 for the first year and every year after it will be $95 for Account Owners and $0 for Authorized Employees
- No reward caps or limits on the total rewards your business can earn. Redeem for your choice of cash back, gift cards, merchandise and travel
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
- Regular Purchase APR: 21.24% to 26.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Intro Balance Transfer APR: N/A
- Balance Transfer APR: 21.24% to 26.24% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of each transfer amount (introductory). After that, either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $15 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: 29.99%
- Annual Fee: $0 for the first 12 months. After that, $95
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: $39
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: $39
- You want free employee cards
- You want to earn two points for every dollar spent on the purchases they make the most
- You want the flexibility of a rewards program that changes with spending habits
- You have excellent credit
Capital on Tap Regular Rewards Business Visa
Capital on Tap Regular Rewards Business Visa
- 17.74% to 35.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 35.99% Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Capital on Tap Regular Rewards Business Visa is the no annual fee business card offering from Capital on Tap and WebBank. The card features credit limits of up to $50,000, an APR as low as 10%, and 1% cash back on all purchases.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- No annual fee
- Unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase
- Up to 20 additional employee cards free of charge
- No foreign transaction fees
- Regular Purchase APR: 17.74% to 35.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 35.99%
- Penalty APR: 34.99% for 12 months
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: $29
- You have a U.S.-registered business with at least three months of trading history
- You have a good or excellent credit score
- You want additional employee cards to maximize rewards earning
- You don’t want to pay an annual fee
United Club Business Card
United Club Business Card
- 21.74% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 21.74% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
Business owners who are looking for a premium business credit card that earns reward miles with United airlines will find a good match with the United Club Business Card. Earn 2X miles per $1 spent directly with United Airlines, and 1.5X miles per $1 on all other purchases. Additionally, they’ll enjoy a hefty introductory bonus of 75,000 miles after using their r new card to spend $5,000 in the first three months of opening an account with the Chase United business credit card.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 2 miles per dollar spent directly with United, including tickets, Economy Plus, in-flight food, beverages, and Wi-Fi
- Earn 1.5 miles per $1 spent on all other purchases
- First and second checked bags are free for cardholder and one companion
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- Complimentary United Club membership
- Premier Access® travel services
- 25% back on United inflight purchases
- 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is ope
- Regular Purchase APR: 21.74% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 21.74% to 28.74% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $15 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Penalty APR: Up to 29.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Annual Fee: $450
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: $40
- You're a small business owner who wants to maximize your rewards earning potential with United
- You would like to earn 2x points per dollar with United
- You will take advantage of the introductory bonus by spending $5,000 in the first three months to earn 75,000 bonus miles
- You want a card with no foreign transaction fees
Capital on Tap Founder Rewards Business Visa
Capital on Tap Founder Rewards Business Visa
- 17.74% to 35.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 35.99% Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
The Capital on Tap Founder Rewards Business Visa is the premium business card offering from Capital on Tap and WebBank. The card features the same credit limits of up to $50,000 as the no annual fee card, an APR as low as 10%, and the benefit of 2% cash back on all purchases – for a $199 annual fee.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase
- Up to 20 additional employee cards free of charge
- No foreign transaction fees
- Interest rates as low as 9.99%
- Regular Purchase APR: 17.74% to 35.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance APR: 35.99%
- Penalty APR: 34.99% for 12 months
- Annual Fee: $199
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: $29
- You have a U.S. registered business with at least three months of trading history
- You have a good to excellent credit score
- You want additional employee cards to maximize rewards earning
- You prefer earning a higher level of cash back rewards
- You spend enough to justify the $199 annual fee
You've viewed 5 of 152 credit cards
What Is a Business Credit Card?
A business credit card can be a powerful tool for entrepreneurs looking to separate their personal and business expenses. It is a financial product specifically designed for business owners to manage their business expenses. It works just like a personal credit card but with added features tailored to businesses’ needs.
One of the main advantages of using a business credit card is the ability to keep your personal and business expenses separate, which makes it easier to track and manage your business finances. This separation can also help you when filing your taxes, as you can easily identify and deduct your business expenses.
A business credit card also provides you with a line of credit that you can use to make purchases for your business. This can be especially useful if you need to make large purchases or if you experience cash flow issues. It gives you the flexibility to make necessary purchases and pay them off over time.
Additionally, a business credit card often comes with certain perks and benefits specifically tailored to businesses. These can include rewards programs, cash back rewards, travel rewards, and discounts on business-related expenses. These perks can help you save money and earn valuable rewards as you spend on your business.
What are the Benefits of Business Credit Cards?
Using a business credit card can offer a range of benefits for companies of all sizes. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key advantages:
- Simplified Expense Tracking: With a business credit card, you can easily track and categorize your business expenses. Most business credit cards provide detailed statements, making monitoring your spending simple and identifying areas where you can cut costs.
- Improved Cash Flow Management: A business credit card provides you with a revolving line of credit, allowing you to make purchases even when you are short on cash. This can be particularly helpful during slow business periods or when unexpected expenses arise.
- Separation of Personal and Business Expenses: Separating personal and business expenses is crucial for accurate financial reporting and tax purposes. A business credit card helps you maintain this separation, making it easier to identify and deduct your business expenses during tax season.
- Access to Business-Specific Perks and Rewards: Many business credit cards offer rewards and benefits tailored to businesses’ needs. These can include cashback on business purchases, travel rewards, discounts on office supplies, and more. Taking advantage of these perks can help you save money and earn valuable rewards for your business.
- Building Business Credit: By using a business credit card responsibly and making timely payments, you can build a positive credit history for your business. This can be beneficial when you need to secure financing in the future or negotiate favorable terms with suppliers.
Can Startups Get Business Credit?
Most people assume you need a physical location or an LLC to qualify for a business card. This, however, isn’t true. You do need a registered business, but the qualifications of what a “business” is are surprisingly broad.
If you are a freelancer, sell your goods on eBay or Amazon, or even teach music to local children, you may qualify for a business credit card. If you engage in any work where you earn money—without being an employee for someone else—you probably qualify as having a business.
Because of these loose requirements, business credit cards are a viable option for startups and other non-traditional or established companies.
What to Look for in a Business Credit Card
Rewards Program
Travel business cards are known for their generous bonuses and rewards programs. Even if you don’t own a business that requires frequent travel, you can still apply for a travel business card and enjoy its benefits. By using the card for company expenses, you can earn points or miles that can be redeemed for a well-deserved vacation.
For general travel cards, purchases in select categories, such as flights or restaurants, earn points at a higher rate. Hotel and airline co-branded cards offer additional points for specific categories and purchases directly from the brand.
Other Features to Consider
When choosing a business card, there are other features to look for:
- Free Employee Cards: If you have employees who regularly make company expenses, look for a credit card that allows you to issue additional cards at no extra cost. This is a popular perk offered by many issuers.
- Business Tools: Some issuers provide resources to help you manage your finances more efficiently. These can include integration between your account statement and accounting software, custom expense reports, and alerts for irregular activity.
- Intro APR: If you anticipate carrying a balance on your card, look for one that offers an introductory period with no interest charges. This can be a valuable incentive, especially for larger purchases or multiple small expenses.
How to Apply for a Business Credit Card
Applying for a business credit card is straightforward but requires careful preparation.
Check Your Credit Score
Knowing your credit score before applying for a business credit card is essential. Some issuers require business credit to apply for credit cards, while other banks prefer to use your personal credit score to gauge suitability. The credit card issuer will evaluate your creditworthiness based on this score. If your score is low, take steps to improve it before applying.
Eligibility
Next, you’ll need to determine what type of business you operate. If you are a freelancer, tutor, or operate any other business independently, you will need to apply for a business card as a sole proprietor.
Required Documents and Information
Typically, when applying for a business card as a sole proprietor, there isn’t much more information than you’d expect from a personal credit card application. There are, however, two bits of information to keep an eye out for:
Info | Explained |
---|---|
① The legal name and contact address of your business | Even if you don’t provide your personal information, you will need to provide all relevant contact information for your business, including the company’s legal name, any names your company is doing business under, and the mailing and phone contact information. |
② Basic information about your business | Most banks and lenders want to know some basic facts about your company. These facts include your industry type, the structure of your company and number of employees, and your annual revenue. |
③ Tax ID number |
Most business card applications require a tax ID number, which is the number the IRS uses to designate your company when you file your taxes. Many sole proprietorships have no employees – and never plan to hire additional help. Still, business credit card applications often ask for an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is basically an SSN for a business – it is the same as a tax ID. If you are a freelancer, tutor, run an online shop, or run some other solo venture, chances are you won’t need your EIN or tax ID. The IRS stipulates that an EIN is only necessary for those companies that:
|
④ Estimated monthly spend on the card | Lenders want to ensure that your business’ finances aren’t stretched too thin, so expect to answer basic questions about how much you – and your employees – typically place on credit cards each month. |
⑤ Personal credit history | If you need to provide a personal guarantee, expect to provide all relevant credit information for the primary account holder. This information includes full legal name, home contact information (phone number, mailing address, e-mail), and your Social Security Number. |
If none of these apply to your side hustle – congratulations – you will only need to provide your personal SSN.
Research and Apply
Look for reputable credit card issuers that offer business credit cards. Research their offerings, interest rates, fees, and rewards programs to find the best fit for your business. Once you’ve chosen a credit card issuer, visit their website and fill out the online application form. Provide accurate information, including your personal details and business information. Double-check the application for any errors before submitting it.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive your business credit card in the mail. Activate the card according to the issuer’s instructions and use it for your business expenses.
Related Article: How to Use An EIN to Get a Business Credit Card
Tips for Managing Business Credit Card Expenses
Effectively managing your business credit card expenses is crucial for maintaining financial stability and maximizing the benefits of your card. Here are some tips to help you manage your business credit card expenses:
- Create a Budget: Establish a budget for your business expenses and stick to it. This will help you allocate funds to different categories and avoid overspending. Regularly review your budget and adjust as needed.
- Use Expense Tracking Tools: Take advantage of the expense tracking tools your business credit card issuer provides. These tools can help you monitor your spending, categorize expenses, and generate reports for accounting and tax purposes.
- Set Spending Limits: If multiple employees can access your business credit card, consider setting individual spending limits. This will help prevent overspending and ensure that expenses are within budget.
- Pay on Time: Timely payment is crucial for maintaining a good credit history and avoiding late payment fees. Set reminders or automate your payments to ensure that your credit card bills are paid on time.
- Review Statements Regularly: Review your credit card statements regularly to verify the accuracy of charges and identify fraudulent or unauthorized transactions. Report any discrepancies to your credit card issuer immediately.
- Minimize Balance Carrying: Whenever possible, pay off your credit card balance in full each month to avoid accruing interest charges. If carrying a balance is necessary, make a plan to pay it off as soon as possible.
- Keep Personal and Business Expenses Separate: Separating personal and business expenses is essential for accurate financial reporting and tax purposes. To maintain proper separation, avoid using your business credit card for personal expenses.
Tips for Building Business Credit
A business credit card can be a valuable tool for building and improving your business credit. By using your card responsibly and making timely payments, you can establish a positive credit history for your business. Here are some tips for building and improving your business credit with a business credit card:
- Use Your Card Regularly: Make regular purchases with your business credit card and pay off the balance in full each month. This demonstrates that you can responsibly manage credit and make timely payments.
- Monitor Your Credit Utilization: Credit utilization refers to the percentage of your available credit that you are using. To maintain a healthy credit score, aim to keep your credit utilization ratio below 30%. Paying off your balance in full each month can help you achieve this.
- Make Timely Payments: Pay your credit card bills on time to avoid late payment fees and negative impacts on your credit score. Consider setting up automatic payments to ensure that your bills are always paid on time.
- Avoid Maxing Out Your Credit Card: Maxing out your credit card can negatively impact your credit score. Instead, keep your credit card balances well below the credit limit to demonstrate responsible credit usage.
- Regularly Check Your Credit Report: Monitor your business credit report regularly to ensure its accuracy and identify any errors or fraudulent activity. Address any discrepancies promptly by contacting the credit reporting agencies.
- Establish Relationships with Creditors: Building relationships with your creditors can benefit your business credit. Maintain open lines of communication and notify them of any changes or challenges your business may face.
- Be Patient: Building a strong business credit history takes time. Be patient, make responsible credit decisions, and monitor your progress regularly. Over time, you will see improvements in your business credit score.
FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning business cards:
- You must meet specific criteria to qualify for a business credit card:
- You must operate a for-profit enterprise – even if you haven’t made a profit yet
- If you receive a 1099 tax form from your employer, you qualify as an independent contractor
- You must state your current business income and any anticipated growth
- Yes. While there are no unsecured credit cards for businesses with bad credit, there are secured cards for small businesses. These secured cards require a deposit but offer many of the perks of other top business cards. Unfortunately, the deposit may be a hindrance to many potential applicants.
- Most card issuers require a business to have a good credit score. A good credit score range is anything about 680 on your FICO Score. If your company doesn’t have a credit history or has poor credit, however, considering using your own credit score to improve the chances of getting a business card.
- An EIN is also known as an Employer Identification Number or a tax ID. While you don’t need an EIN to apply for a business credit card, you can use this number. To apply using this tax ID number, you will need to contact specialty business credit bureaus to establish a file. Once established, you can sue the EIN to apply for credit in most cases.
- Yes. Most business credit cards offer significant credit lines to help companies finance significant purchases and improve cash flow. Business card lines of credit can be more than $50,000, with big signup bonuses. Some cash back cards, for example, offer over $50,000 per calendar year in value, but with huge spending requirements – sometimes requiring spending $15,000 within 90 days.
- Yes. American Express offers a business version of both the Platinum Card and the Gold Card. The Business Platinum Card from American Express acts just like any other charge card. This means businesses can spend beyond your credit limit, helping to increase cash flow.
- Rewards are one of the most important things to consider when looking for good business cards. These rewards can be broken down into the following subsections:
- Signup Bonuses: Many cards today provide impressive signup bonuses worth thousands of dollars. Travel business cards, in particular, can be very generous with their introductory bonuses.
- Rewards Programs: Travel rewards business cards involve a rewards or loyalty program that earns points or miles with qualifying purchases. For general travel cards, purchases in select categories – like flights or restaurants – accumulate points at a multiplied rate. Co-branded cards through airlines and hotels will also provide additional points on specific groups, as well as when you make purchases directly with these brands.
- Cash Back: Cashback is the other significant rewards setup found in business cards. Like travel cards, select categories – think office supply stores and telecommunications services – can earn you cash back at an accelerated rate.
- Some of the other factors you should examine when selecting a business card include:
- Additional Employee Cards: Business credit cards offer an efficient way to keep track of company spending, and if you have employees who regularly make company expenses, look for a credit card that allows you to issue additional cards for your staff. Other cards issued at no extra cost is a popular perk, so you’ll find it in multiple offers.
- 0% Intro APR: Another popular feature in business cards is introductory 0% APR periods. You may have plenty of use for your card, be it for multiple small purchases or one big-ticket expense, so paying off a balance over time with no interest charges to worry about is a welcome incentive. These promotional periods range from six months to over 12, so plan your shopping accordingly to maximize your interest-free grace period.
- Business Management Software Tools: Issuers can make it easy to keep track of your money’s movements thanks to resources like the integration between your account statement and accounting software, custom expense reports, and irregular activity alerts.
Conclusion
A business credit card is a valuable tool for businesses (and entrepreneurs) looking to separate their personal and business expenses. It allows for easy tracking and management of business finances, simplifies expense tracking, and improves cash flow management. Business credit cards also offer perks and rewards tailored to businesses, help build business credit, and are accessible to startups and non-traditional businesses.
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