0 APR Business Credit Cards Balance Transfer for Small Business Owners

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If you're a small business owner struggling to pay off high-interest credit card debt, you're not alone. Many entrepreneurs face this challenge, but there's a solution: 0 APR business credit cards for balance transfer.

These cards offer a 0% introductory APR for a set period, often 6-18 months, allowing you to consolidate your debt and save on interest charges. For example, the Capital One Spark Cash for Business card offers 0% APR for 12 months on balance transfers.

By taking advantage of this offer, you can pay off your debt without incurring additional interest fees. This can be a huge relief for small business owners who need to free up cash flow for other expenses.

Some 0 APR business credit cards also come with additional benefits, such as rewards programs, purchase protection, and travel insurance. The Discover it Cash Back for Business card, for instance, offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which can help offset business expenses.

See what others are reading: Discover Credit Card 0 Apr

Best Business Credit Cards

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If you're looking for a business credit card with a 0% APR for balance transfers, there are several great options to consider. The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is a top pick overall, offering a competitive balance transfer deal.

Here are some key features of top business credit cards for balance transfers:

The BMO Business Platinum Credit Card is a great choice for those who need a long 0% intro APR, offering 12 billing cycles with no interest.

Best Compared

If you're looking for a business credit card that offers a balance transfer, there are several options to consider. U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card offers 0% for 18 billing cycles, which is a great option for those who want a longer zero-interest period.

The balance transfer fee for this card is 3% (min $5), which is a relatively standard fee. However, the PNC Visa Business Credit Card offers an extended balance transfer period, which can be beneficial for those who need more time to pay off their debt.

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Here's a comparison of some of the top business balance transfer credit cards:

The BMO Business Platinum Credit Card offers 0% for a long period, but it's worth noting that the other cards on this list also offer competitive intro APRs.

Interest-Free Purchases

Interest-Free Purchases can be a huge advantage for businesses. The average credit card interest rate is over 20% according to Bankrate.

Some business credit cards offer 0% APR introductory periods, allowing businesses to make purchases without accruing interest. This can be a significant savings opportunity, especially for businesses with high-interest debt.

The Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card, for example, offers a 0% intro APR for the first 12 months from account opening on purchases, as reported by CNBC. This can give businesses a much-needed break on interest payments.

How to Use 0 APR Business Credit Cards

Using a 0 APR business credit card can be a smart financial move, especially for startups and small businesses. You can use it to purchase essential equipment and software without accruing interest, giving you time to generate revenue before the regular APR kicks in.

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For example, a new tech startup used the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card to purchase equipment and software during its first year, taking advantage of the 0% APR for 12 months. This allowed them to stabilize financially and avoid early-stage funding pressures.

To maximize the benefits of a 0 APR business credit card, consider your business's needs and cash flow. If you have a seasonal business, you can stock up on inventory before a busy period and pay off the expenses gradually as sales increase.

A retail business did just that with the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard, which offers a 15-month 0% intro APR period. They stocked up on inventory before a holiday season and paid off the expenses without incurring interest charges.

If you're planning a major project, such as an office renovation, you can use a 0 APR business credit card to finance it. A growing company financed their office renovation through The American Express Blue Business Cash Card, taking advantage of the 12-month 0% intro APR period.

Here are some key things to consider when using a 0 APR business credit card:

  • Look for cards with long 0% intro APR periods, such as the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card's 18 billing cycles.
  • Be aware of the balance transfer fee, which can range from 3% to 5% of the transferred amount.
  • Consider cards with rewards programs, such as the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard, which offers cash back on purchases and balance transfers.
  • Make sure you understand the regular APR and any fees associated with the card.

By choosing the right 0 APR business credit card and using it strategically, you can save money, reduce financial stress, and focus on growing your business.

Fees and Conditions

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Annual fees can be substantial, with some cards charging up to $695 annually, like the American Express Business Platinum Card. This fee can be a significant expense for small businesses.

Balance transfer fees typically range from 3% to 5% of the transferred amount, which can accumulate rapidly and make debt consolidation more expensive than anticipated. These fees can add up quickly.

Late payment fees and penalty APRs can result in high costs, making it essential to understand the terms and conditions of your credit card. Missing payments can lead to significant financial consequences.

Some credit cards, like the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card, do not charge an annual fee, which can be beneficial for cost-sensitive businesses. This can help small businesses save money and allocate resources more efficiently.

It's crucial to assess balance transfer fees, especially if your business plans to transfer existing debt. These fees can significantly impact the overall financial benefit of the 0% APR period.

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Here are some common fees associated with 0% APR business credit cards:

  • Annual fees: $695 annually (American Express Business Platinum Card)
  • Balance transfer fees: 3% to 5% of the transferred amount
  • Late payment fees and penalty APRs: High costs for missing payments

By understanding these fees and conditions, small businesses can make informed decisions and avoid unexpected expenses.

Advantages and Disadvantages

A 0% APR business credit card can provide temporary financial relief for small businesses, offering multiple benefits that aid in both short-term financial relief and long-term strategic planning.

The principal advantage of a 0% APR business credit card is the temporary absence of interest on purchases and balance transfers.

This can be a game-changer for small businesses, allowing them to save money on interest charges and make more informed financial decisions.

The temporary absence of interest on purchases and balance transfers can be especially helpful for businesses with fluctuating cash flows or those that need to make large purchases.

While the benefits of a 0% APR business credit card are significant, there are also some drawbacks to consider.

Significant drawbacks of 0% APR business credit cards include the potential for fees, such as balance transfer fees and late payment fees.

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These fees can quickly add up and negate the benefits of the 0% APR promotion.

Additionally, the 0% APR period is typically temporary and will eventually expire, at which point the regular APR will apply.

This can lead to higher interest charges and a larger debt burden if the balance is not paid off before the promotional period ends.

A different take: Visa 0 Apr Credit Cards

Choosing the Right Card

Choosing the right 0% APR business credit card requires careful consideration of several factors, including the intro balance transfer APR and balance transfer fee.

To maximize your 0% interest balance transfer offer, you'll need the issuer to grant you a credit limit high enough to receive the full amount you want to transfer, ideally without maxing out your new card.

Some balance transfer business credit cards offer both 0% APR for new purchases and a balance transfer for several months, which is the best option for most businesses.

Here are some popular balance transfer cards to consider:

M & T Rewards

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The M&T Business Rewards Credit Card is a great option for businesses seeking a standard balance transfer card that also offers a simplified and unlimited potential for cash back. This card offers 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 12 months from account opening, followed by a 17.49% - 24.49% variable APR.

You can earn unlimited 2% cash back on all new purchases during the first year, followed by 1.5% cash back on purchases each year after. This is a great opportunity for businesses to maximize their rewards.

One of the benefits of this card is that it has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. This can help businesses save money on fees and avoid unnecessary charges.

If you open a business bank account with M&T Bank, you can also link your credit card to your checking account as overdraft protection. This helps you avoid overdraft fees and gives you enough time to pay off your purchase before your credit card statement closes.

Here's an interesting read: Corporate Credit Card Bank of America

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M&T Bank also lets you add employee cards for free and manage each card's spending limit. This can be a huge help for businesses with multiple employees who need to make purchases on behalf of the company.

The M&T Business Rewards Credit Card is a great option for businesses that want a standard balance transfer card with a simplified rewards program.

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards

The U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards card is a great option for small business owners who want to earn rewards on purchases while reducing debt. It offers a low balance transfer APR of 0% for 12 billing cycles.

You'll also earn cash back on various purchases, including 5% on prepaid hotels and car rentals, 3% at restaurants, and 3% on single gas purchases of $200 or less. Plus, you'll get 1% back on all other purchases.

The card has a regular APR of 17.99% - 26.99% (V), and a balance transfer fee of 3% (min $5). To qualify for this card, you'll need good credit or better.

If you're a small business owner with good credit, this card can be a good choice if you want to earn rewards on purchases while paying off debts. Just be aware that the regular APR is relatively high.

If this caught your attention, see: Citi Credit Cards Balance Transfer

Umpqua Bank Visa

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The Umpqua Bank Visa Business Card offers an introductory APR of 0% for 18 months on balance transfers made within 558 days of account opening, which is a great option for those who need time to pay off debt.

It also comes with a $0 annual fee, making it a more affordable choice.

However, the card has a balance transfer fee of 3% (min $5), which is a consideration when making a balance transfer.

If you have excellent credit, the Umpqua Bank Visa Business Card may be a good choice for saving on debt costs, as it offers the longest interest-free transfers.

But, you'll need to visit an Umpqua Bank branch to apply for the card, which may be a limitation for those who don't live in California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, or Washington.

For another approach, see: Visa Credit Cards for No Credit

Why Consider a Transfer

A 0% intro APR on balance transfers can help your business save money on interest while you pay down an existing credit card balance.

Credit: youtube.com, Balance Transfer Credit Cards 101: A Secret To Financial Freedom | NerdWallet

Transferring your balance as quickly as possible is crucial, as most credit cards only offer 0% interest to new cardholders within 30 to 90 days from when you open the account.

Saving money on interest can be a huge relief for small business owners, allowing you to allocate those funds elsewhere in your business.

Compare the Top

If you're looking for a no-frills balance transfer card with a long 0% APR, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is a top choice. It offers 0% intro APR on balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles, followed by a variable APR of 16.24% - 25.24%.

To maximize the benefits of your balance transfer, make sure to transfer the balance you owe as quickly as possible. Most credit cards only offer 0% interest to new cardholders, usually within 30 to 90 days from when you open the account.

Some balance transfer business credit cards offer both 0% APR for new purchases and a balance transfer for several months, which is the best option for most businesses. The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card, for example, offers 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles.

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If you're looking for a card with a longer 0% intro APR period, the Comerica Bank Mastercard Business Credit Card offers 0% for 18 months, with a balance transfer fee of 3% (min $5). The Edward Jones Business Credit Card also offers 0% for 12 months, with a balance transfer fee of 0% intro for 60 days, then 3% (min $5).

Here's a comparison of some top balance transfer business credit cards:

Managing Your Card

The First Citizens Bank Rewards Business Visa offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers for 9 months. This can be a game-changer for businesses looking to pay down credit card balances quickly.

You can maximize rewards by adding employee cards, which is a great feature of this card. By doing so, you can earn 3 points per dollar spent on gas, 2 points on restaurants and travel, and 1 point on all other purchases.

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To make the most of your card, it's essential to track and categorize expenses. Using a business credit card can greatly enhance financial management, allowing you to simplify accounting and tax preparation.

The First Citizens Bank Rewards Business Visa has a balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the transferred balance, depending on which one is greater. This fee is relatively standard in the industry.

By responsibly using a 0% APR card, you can build business credit, which is crucial for future financing. Higher credit limits compared to personal cards provide additional financial flexibility, and the ability to issue additional employee cards streamlines operations.

Card Details

0% APR credit cards are a game-changer for businesses that need to make substantial purchases or consolidate high-interest debt.

The introductory period for these cards can range from 6 to 21 months, giving you ample time to pay off your balance without interest accrual.

For instance, the Wells Fargo Reflect Card offers a 0% intro APR for 21 months on purchases and qualifying balance transfers, which can be a huge help for businesses that need to make big purchases.

Application and Requirements

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To qualify for a 0% APR business credit card, you'll need a good to excellent credit score, typically defined as a FICO score of 670 or higher. Your personal credit will be evaluated, often alongside your business credit profile.

Business owners without a substantial business credit history need a strong personal credit score to qualify. This is especially true for newer or smaller businesses.

A personal guarantee is usually required by issuers, making the business owner personally liable for any debt incurred. This is a critical factor to consider when applying for a 0% APR business credit card.

You'll need to provide comprehensive documentation about your business, such as your legal business name, address, and revenue, when applying. This information will be used to evaluate your creditworthiness.

Issuers may also consider your business's annual revenue and time in operation when evaluating your application. This is another factor to keep in mind when applying for a 0% APR business credit card.

Having a strategic plan to repay any balance before the 0% APR period ends is crucial. This will help you avoid high regular APR rates that can apply to any remaining balance thereafter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do balance transfers hurt your credit score?

A balance transfer can initially help your credit score, but repeatedly opening new credit cards can ultimately damage it. It's a delicate balance that requires careful consideration to avoid long-term credit score harm.

Does 0% APR apply to balance transfers?

While a 0% APR offer is typically associated with balance transfer credit cards, it only applies to new purchases, not balance transfers. You'll need to review the card's terms to see if a 0% APR is offered for balance transfers.

Mike Kiehn

Senior Writer

Mike Kiehn is a seasoned writer with a passion for creating informative and engaging content. With a keen interest in the financial sector, Mike has established himself as a knowledgeable authority on Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), particularly in the UK market. Mike's expertise extends to providing in-depth analysis and insights on REITs, helping readers make informed decisions in the world of real estate investment.

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