
As a small business owner, managing cash flow can be a daily struggle. The best credit cards for small business owners can help alleviate this stress by providing a convenient way to manage expenses and earn rewards.
The American Express Blue Business Plus Card offers a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, giving small business owners extra time to pay off expenses without incurring interest charges.
Having a credit card with a long intro APR can be a lifesaver for small business owners who need to manage cash flow during slow periods.
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus Card offers 2% cash back on all purchases, which can add up to significant savings for small business owners who use their credit cards frequently.
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Choosing the Right Credit Card
Choosing the right credit card is crucial for small business owners. You need to consider your needs and preferences to find a card that aligns with your business's spending habits.
To start, check your credit score to get an idea of your potential options. Unfortunately, credit card companies don't specify minimum credit scores, but you can research online before applying to get an idea of what to expect.
A welcome bonus can be a great incentive to sign up for a new credit card. Make sure you can spend enough to earn the bonus, and consider whether the card's rewards program aligns with your business's spending.
Some business credit cards offer introductory 0% APR promotions, travel benefits, and more. Think about what you want out of your business credit card and try to find a card that aligns with those preferences.
Before committing to a card with an annual fee, weigh the cost against the rewards program and benefits. If the benefits outweigh the cost, then the annual fee might be worth it.
Here's a quick checklist to consider when choosing a business credit card:
- Credit requirements: Check your credit score and research potential options.
- Welcome bonus and rewards: Consider whether the rewards program aligns with your business's spending.
- Other features: Think about what you want out of your business credit card, such as introductory 0% APR promotions or travel benefits.
- Annual fee: Weigh the cost against the rewards program and benefits.
Financial Management
Using a business credit card can make it easier to manage your finances, as it keeps your business and personal expenses separate. This can save you time at tax time.
A business credit card can help you track and categorize your business purchases, making it easier to reconcile your accounts at the end of the financial year. This is especially helpful if you have a lot of expenses to keep track of.
Having a business credit card can also make it easier to see where your money is going, helping you make more informed financial decisions for your business.
Credit Card Options
If you're a small business owner, you know how important it is to find the right credit card for your needs.
To get started, check your credit score to get an idea of your potential options. Unfortunately, credit card companies don't specify minimum credit scores.
Many business credit cards offer welcome bonuses and ongoing rewards on your purchases. The Capital One Spark Cash Select, for example, offers a $500 bonus when you spend $4,500 in the first 3 months of account opening.
Consider whether the card's rewards program aligns with your company's spending. If you spend a lot on office supplies, look for a card that offers bonus cash back, points or miles on that spending category.
Some business credit cards may offer introductory 0% APR promotions, travel benefits, and more. The Capital One Spark Cash Select, for example, offers unlimited 1.5% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere.
Annual fees can be a consideration. If you're considering a card that charges one, look at the rewards program and benefits to assess whether the cost is worth what you get in return.
Here are some key features to consider when choosing a business credit card:
- Capital One Spark Cash Select: Earn a $500 bonus when you spend $4,500 in the first 3 months of account opening, and earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
- Consider your credit requirements: Check your credit score to get an idea of your potential options.
- Look for a card that offers welcome bonuses and ongoing rewards on your purchases.
- Think about other features you want, such as introductory 0% APR promotions or travel benefits.
- Assess whether the annual fee is worth the benefits and rewards you'll receive.
Using Credit Cards for Business
Using credit cards for business can be a game-changer for small business owners. You can earn rewards on common business costs, such as office supplies, cable, internet, and phone services.
Business credit cards often offer rewards on everyday business expenses, like office supplies, shipping, and advertising. This can help you save money and earn rewards on your business spending.
Having a dedicated business credit card simplifies filing taxes and tracking expenditures, providing more legal protection in the event of a lawsuit or bankruptcy. Separating personal and business expenses is vital for accurate record-keeping and minimizing personal liability.
Some business credit cards, like the Chase Ink Business Cash, offer up to 5% cash back on business expenses, and add employee cards to your account free of charge. You can also earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months after account opening.
Business credit cards can also offer other benefits, such as employee cards with spending controls, integration with popular accounting software, spending reports, and more. Some cards, like the American Express Blue Business Cash, offer 2% cashback on everyday eligible business purchases, up to $50k per year.
Here are some key benefits of using credit cards for business:
- Earn rewards on common business costs
- Simplify tax filing and tracking expenditures
- Provide more legal protection in the event of a lawsuit or bankruptcy
- Offer employee cards with spending controls
- Integrate with popular accounting software
- Provide spending reports and more
Note: The APR and fees for business credit cards can vary, so be sure to check the terms and conditions before applying.
Getting the Most Out of Your Credit Card
To get the most out of your credit card, it's essential to understand the rewards programs available.
Business credit cards often offer a wide range of rewards programs, including travel rewards, cashback, and access to various services.
Check the terms and conditions of each program to know the rules surrounding balance transfers, points expiration, and any additional costs.
This will help you determine which program offers your LLC the best benefits.
Some programs may have strict rules about balance transfers, so it's crucial to review these terms carefully.
Additional reading: Balance Transfer Cards Fair Credit
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best business cards for small businesses?
For small businesses, top credit card options include the Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express and the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, offering rewards and cashback benefits. These cards cater to small business owners seeking flexible and lucrative payment solutions.
Can I use my EIN to get a credit card?
You can use your EIN to sign up for a corporate business credit card, but it's intended for established companies with high revenue and cash requirements. To see if you qualify, read on to learn more about business credit cards and their requirements.
Can you use an LLC to get a credit card?
Yes, LLCs can qualify for business credit cards, which help separate personal and business finances while building business credit. This can be a smart financial management tool for new LLCs.
Sources
- https://staxpayments.com/blog/business-credit-cards-for-llc/
- https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards/business-credit-cards
- https://thefrugalexpat.com/the-top-12-business-credit-cards-to-get-for-your-small-business/
- https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/credit-cards/the-best-rewards-credit-cards-for-small-businesses
- https://www.foxbusiness.com/features/six-best-credit-cards-for-your-small-business
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