Small Business Owner’s Guide to Using a Business Credit Card

business credit cards explained

Many report that rewards significantly reduce annual costs, especially for advertising and travel. The flexibility to issue employee cards simplifies expense management and keeps financial control in one place. These benefits allow owners to focus on growth rather than administrative challenges. Spark 2% Cash Plus and Spark 1.5% Cash Select are designed for this purpose. They offer unlimited cashback on every purchase, meaning owners can receive money back on office supplies, advertising, or client entertainment. For companies with consistent monthly expenses, cashback provides steady returns that directly support profit margins.

business credit cards explained

Expense Management Made Easy: Business Credit Cards Explained

They report to major business credit bureaus (D&B, Experian Business, etc.) and sometimes personal credit bureaus too. Many offer a path to graduate to an unsecured card after 12 to 18 months of responsible use. Despite being secured, these cards often include basic rewards programs (1% cash back is common), and some offer business expense tracking tools.

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Business credit card applications typically ask for similar personal information as a personal credit card application, like name, date of birth, Social Security number and address. Business card applications also require information related to the business itself, like name of business, industry, retained earnings EIN (if applicable) and revenue. Large businesses and corporations with corporate cards can usually enjoy commercial liability, which means that the business itself (not the cardholder) is liable for debts should a creditor come knocking. Some business cards provide extended interest-free periods, allowing for longer periods of low or no APR financing beyond the standard 21-day period.

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When applying for a business credit card account, many issuers will conduct a hard inquiry on your personal credit report, which can temporarily impact your personal credit score. Once approved, your credit https://beigeapp.beigevideoevents.com/what-are-t-accounts-definition-with-examples/ utilization and payment history on the business card can also affect your personal credit score if the issuer reports to consumer credit bureaus. The Brex Card is a corporate credit card geared toward venture-backed startups.

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business credit cards explained

However, corporate credit cards have disrupted this tradition by basing business card eligibility on business structure and cash flow rather than credit scores and personal guarantees. You won’t be able to carry a monthly balance with a corporate card, but you will get access to funds for business purchases and employee purchases (generally with higher credit limits). If you don’t have a business credit score yet, check out the best corporate credit cards to see your options.

business credit cards explained

  • This risk underscores the importance of prudent financial management and maintaining a clear distinction between personal finances and business finances.
  • The card issuer sets a credit limit, which is the maximum total amount you can borrow at any given time.
  • Like personal credit cards, many business cards offer rewards programs, such as cash back on purchases or travel rewards.
  • Business credit cards are generally meant for business expenses, like purchasing supplies, office furniture or travel.
  • Bank deposit accounts, such as checking and savings, may be subject to approval.
  • With Chase for Business you’ll receive guidance from a team of business professionals who specialize in helping improve cash flow, providing credit solutions, and managing payroll.

Some business cards are actually charge cards, which means they typically require payment in full each month. When you responsibly use a business credit card and pay at least your minimum payment each billing cycle, you may begin to establish a business credit score. This business credit score, similar to your personal credit score, is a way for lenders to evaluate your creditworthiness.

business credit cards explained

business credit cards explained

If you don’t have the credit score for good or excellent cards, you’ll need to find a credit card for bad credit. Or, if you do have good credit, you’ll want to leverage this to access the best APR rates and credit limits rather than settling for a low score card or a secured card. One downside of Revenued is that you won’t receive the cashback rewards that you’ll find with traditional business credit cards or corporate cards. The best business credit cards offer strong rewards, competitive APRs, what is a business credit card and business-related perks like partner discounts or accounting integrations. Each card on this list offers a wide variety of perks and a range of credit score requirements so you can find the best credit card for your small business. Learn about business cards with no personal credit checks and minimal requirements.