Tuesday, December 26, 2006

The Business Credit Card: Spending in the Company’s Name

By Aaron Ballantyne

Credit cards offer individual consumers the advantage of spending more without carrying dangerous amounts of cash in their wallets. But did you know that there are packages available for big businesses and companies – and that business credit cards can offer businessmen and corporations the same benefits that consumers have?

How do business credit cards differ from individual credit cards, and how may these be advantageous to a business?

Most business credit cards will have much higher credit limits than individual credit cards. Because businesses have to spend on large amounts of money on bulk purchases such as computers, printers, and desks, they also need to be able to spend more. The higher the credit standing of a business, the higher the credit limit set on its credit card.

Most business credit cards will also have rewards programs, and these will be even more rewarding than individual consumer cards. Because business credit cards also ensure that more money will pour into a credit card company, there are more attractive incentives offered for business credit card users.

Most individual credit cards will have rewards programs, but credit companies will set a limit on the rewards you can receive, or on the cash that you can get back if you make gas or transport purchases. There will usually be no such limits for business credit cards, and you will get your cash back no matter how much you spend initially.

Points and frequent flyer miles acquired for purchases made by individual credit cards will usually expire if they are not used immediately. There are no such deadlines for most business credit cards, and the points and frequent flyer miles can be used whenever the business sees it fit.

What incentives do business credit cards commonly have?

Points accrued from purchases can be used as frequent flyer miles for certain airlines. If your company is in good credit standing, you can also be rewarded with bonus miles the moment you apply for a business credit card. This is especially advantageous to companies that require their employees to travel. There are also more travel rewards associated with business credit cards, and these include discounts on air fare, or upgrade privileges.

Business credit card companies can issue additional, individual credit cards for employees depending on the applying company’s credit line.

Some business card companies offer rewards programs for purchases of office supplies at establishments such as computer merchants and bookstores.

Some credit card companies also offer cash back, or money back bonuses on employee travel expenses, such as gas, transport, accommodations, and dining.

If your company is in good credit standing, some credit card companies will offer thousands of points in bonus on your initial application. This can get you jump-started on their rewards programs, if any.

Some credit card companies can double your points when you use their business credit card to make purchases at certain establishments. This means that you can get more rewards faster.

If you are interested in applying for a business credit card for your company, then search for available packages through your bank, or online. When you have the details of many business credit card packages on hand, compare their advantages and incentives, and search for the credit card company that will meet your business needs. As with all credit cards, read the fine print for any taxes or fees that you may need to pay.

And, as with all other credit cards, control your business’ spending. If you can handle all the risks associated with credit cards, and if you choose the credit card that best fits your needs and budget, then you can get the most out of that business credit card.

Aaron Ballantyne is the owner of a credit card website with links where you can apply for a credit card which best suits your needs.

No comments: