Of all business owners, 75% of them can be categorized as “small business owners.” And it is this very group that credit card companies are now looking to help get up and running.
Whether starting out or beginning to grow, a small business can definitely benefit from having a business credit card (even a few cards) on the books. In addition to its typically high credit limit, many business credit cards also come with perks thanks to generous reward programs created with the small business in mind.
Overall, a business credit card will enable you to have the purchasing power needed to run a company efficiently, no matter how small it is. Even if it’s just you. It will also help you with cash flow, employee spending, and keeping expense reports in order. As a small business, you’ll also want to make a name for yourself and building your business credit with a business credit card is just the way to do so.
What’s more, as your business grows, there may come the time when you’ll need to apply for a business loan or line of credit. With a robust business credit rating behind you, the process will be that much simpler to secure extra capital. Having a business credit card gives you many advantages and if used properly, any disadvantages will seem minimal.
As for card advantages, they include:
- Accounting: Having a business credit card separates your business transactions from your personal ones, giving you all the info needed in clear and concise form for tax-filing.
- Business Credit: Separate from your personal credit score, a business credit rating is just as important to your business’s financial health and growth.
- Employee Spending: Keep track of your employees’ spending by issuing cards and placing limits. Also, this way, a check won’t have to be cut each time to cover an expense. Cards save time and instill trust.
Then there are the rewards. As said, many business cards also come with added benefits. With reward programs, a business can start earning points with its every purchase. From office supplies to air miles to business dinners, each purchase could spell points in return - later to be redeemed for even more products that’ll benefit your business: software, phone services, even cash.
In short, a business credit card can help you lower your business’s expenses by rewarding your spending with products you’ll definitely need. It’s a win-win situation and all credit card companies are attempting to join you in this partnership. For this reason, you’ll have your pick of offers and reward programs once you’re set to take on a business credit card.
Examples of reward programs include:
- American Express Platinum
Earn one point on every dollar spent with the Rewards Options program. Also benefit from Open Savings, offering discount savings on supplies/services, travel and entertainment, and business-building tools.
- Advanta Platinum BusinessCard (with Rewards)
Earn up to 5% cash back on select purchases and up to 1% on others; option to choose bonus miles for free travel instead.
- Discover Business Card
Earn 5% Cashback Bonus on office supplies, 2% on gas, and up to 1% on other purchases; enroll and receive $100.
- CitiBusiness Card with ThankYou Network
Receive three Thank You Points on every dollar spent on eligible purchases; free employee cards with individual spending limits.
- American Express SimplyCash
Earn 5% cash back on office supplies and wireless services and 3% on gas purchases (up to $12,000 per year).
Most business credit cards also carry with them a lower interest rate than expected for first-time applicants. The idea is that as a small business owner, you’ll start with a clean slate to build from. Should you manage your business credit card well, you’ll also reap the benefits.
Spend on your card(s) and effortlessly earn from the reward programs in place. It’s all set up to help your business flow as well as possible. All that’s asked of you is to manage your credit wisely, with the same approach you’d have for your personal credit. Your business will be set to grow as a result.
