Comparing Business Credit Cards

Filed Under (Abbey credit card) by admin on 20-04-2010

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When talking about business credit cards, you probably often hear that it is better to shop around and compare the different business credit card products. Perhaps you have been wondering what comparing business credit cards really entail. The task of comparing business credit cards involves an examination of all the factors and features and not only the offered rate of interest or the nature of rewards.

The reason that there are so many types of business credit cards on the market – even from within the stable of the same business credit card issuer – is that each of these addresses a different set of needs. Your particular business needs will therefore dictate the type of business credit card you should be applying for.

There are a number of established business credit card brands, each with a distinctive package of benefits that may be markedly similar in some ways, yet discernibly different in terms of their features.

Those who do a lot of traveling may be attracted to American express business credit cards. Bear in mind that you must have good credit ratings when applying for this business credit card brand as their standards for business credit card approvals favor only those with good to excellent credit. In exchange, you gain access to a fine range of travel benefits from a company that has catered for the needs of travelers for decades.

The more generally available business credit cards are Visa and MasterCard, because of the fact that these are issued by a plethora of member banks. These banks are seriously competing for your business, so you are likely to benefit from variations in rates and several rewards programs. The other business credit card brands — Discover and Diners — may not have as many banks issuing them, but they do have attractive features for business credit card holders.

In studying the particular needs of your business situation, you probably will want to look at zero APR business credit cards for balance transfers if you owe some money on your existing cards. Almost all the business credit cards offer the zero APR for balances transferred from other business credit cards within a specified introductory period. This can range from 6 months to 13 months. Those who want to save on interest would probably be inclined to those business credit cards that offer longer introductory periods. You should take note of the prevailing APR once the introductory period expires. Some business credit card issuers may impose higher APR than others.

Those who need to lower the effective cost of their purchases, especially for everyday items like gasoline, office supplies, courier expenses and the like, will probably prefer those business credit cards with favorable rewards and cash back rates. There are many business credit cards that offer 3 percent cash back on these purchases, but a few others will give as much as 5 percent. This could add up to substantial savings. Remember to compare your estimated savings from these cash back business credit cards against the annual fees charged by the business credit card issuer: some cash back business credit cards may have higher annual fees than others.

Those who are still trying to establish (or in some cases, re-establish) credit for their business should look for business credit cards that cater to those with bad credit. These offer special terms that enable you to rebuild your credit. Remember to try establishing your credit reports with business credit bureaus, like Dun & Bradstreet.

Business Credit Cards Can Make You Money

Filed Under (Abbey credit card) by admin on 12-08-2009

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Small business owners, more than any other credit card users, are in the best position to profit from their use of credit cards. Profit from credit cards? The idea may seem foreign, if not preposterous. However, the truth of the matter is simple: if you use your business credit card wisely and open a high yield savings account, your credit card can easily make you a few hundred pounds a month.

Let’s begin by discussing the types of small business credit cards on the market. The first and often easiest for new businesses to attain are charge cards. There are a wide variety of these available from American Express’ OPEN, the small business network. The first benefit of a business charge card is the zero percent interest you pay. Yes, you must pay your balance in full in each month. However, we’ll soon see how borrowing money interest free is a great thing.

OPEN credit cards, like other American Express business credit cards, allow you to earn Amex rewards points with every purchase. In general, you earn 1 point for every pound spent. In general, a point is worth between 12 to 1% of purchases, depending if you want to redeem your rewards for cash (12% value) or retail gift certificates and travel rewards (1%).

Now let’s assume your small business spends £10,000 a month. You will earn £100 in rewards from American Express. Plus, if you place that £10,000 into a high yield savings account with an interest rate of 4% or higher, you will earn over £30 a month in interest. Thus, the net earnings you will accrue by using an American Express small business credit card can easily equal £130 a month on £10,000 spending. Over the course of a year, that can add up to over £1500.

Small business credit cards with rewards provide similar profit opportunities, and fantastic short term profit opportunities, as many offer 0% interest rates for up to 6 months on purchases. For example, if you spend £10,000 the first month you have a 0% small business card, you can earn £100 in rewards, plus a very nice £200 in interest over the course of the introductory offer. When the 0% expires, you simply pay your bill in full and avoid all interest charges. You’ll find your business £300 richer.

Once the 0% APR expires on a small business credit card, you will have a “grace period” of around 25 days to pay off your new purchases before interest is charged. Thus, you simply treat your credit card like a charge card, and pay your balance in full each month, allowing you to earn rewards points on every purchase you make while earning interest on the money you already spent.

Over the course of a year, a small business that uses an American Express OPEN card and spends £10,000 per month can earn the equivalent of £1200 in Amex cash, travel, or retail rewards, plus over £400 in interest. That frees up over £1600 in capital that can be used to offset the cost of travel, purchase new equipment, or simply enhance your company’s cash flow.

Using small business credit cards strategically can positively affect your company’s bottom line, free up cash, and generate income through interest and rewards. With the wide range of cards on the market, it is important for each business owner to examine the interest rates, types of rewards, and fine print of small business credit cards before making a final choice. Personally, I’ve been a proud American Express OPEN Gold and Platinum small business cardholder for nearly two years and have nothing but praise for the company.

©2006, Credit Card Depot Inc. This article may be reprinted as long as the author’s bio and a live link to http:www.credit-card-depot.com remains intact.