Avoiding the Risk of Credit Cards for Small Business

Many financial experts recommend the use of business credit cards for small business entrepreneurs. However, despite the advantages they offer, the success of using business credit cards largely depend on how you utilize your account. In this article, let’s talk about the possible pitfalls that are associated with the incorrect use of business credit cards and how you can avoid them.

Pitfalls of Business Credit Cards

Maxing out your credit. It could be tempting to maximize the use of your credit, particularly if you have a low credit line. Such a habit can pose a great risk because debts can easily pile up in your account until repayment becomes too difficult. Aside from this, maximizing your credit limit can have a negative effect in your credit score. Lenders can instantly consider you as a high risk borrower if your credit history shows that you have the habit of using your credit line to the full.

Charging all your expenses on your business credit card. Because credit cards are so convenient to use, there is also the danger of overspending. In fact, some business owners even charge personal expenses to their business credit cards. This can be a very dangerous habit since it can easily put you in a serious debt situation.

The issue of personal liability. When you apply for a business credit card, there is a statement in your contract that makes you accountable for all debts charged to your business account. This is known as the personal liability statement. Once you sign up for the card, you also agree that you will be responsible to pay for all debts that would be charged to your business credit card. Should you fail to keep up with your payments, your personal credit history is all at stake. Clearly, it is crucial to always be alert on how your business credit card account is used.

Avoid the Pitfalls of Credit Cards for Business

Being aware of the possible dangers on using business credit cards should not at all discourage you from getting one. Instead, it should make you become more responsible and vigilant in managing your credit card account.

One way to reduce the risks is to pay off your balances in full each month. Aside from minimizing the risk of uncontrolled debt, you also avoid unnecessary costs such as the additional interest rates and late penalty charges.

Another vital step in managing business credit cards is to check your account regularly. Examine your monthly billing statements for any errors or unnecessary purchases. This way, you can take the appropriate action immediately and avoid falling in the debt trap.

Make sure that you’ll only use your business credit card exclusively for business expenses. Before charging a purchase, make sure that it’s really important to your business. See to it that you can afford to pay off your charges completely without carrying over your balance for the next month. Finally, submit your credit card payments on time to protect your credit history.


Credit Cards Resources

• Business Credit Card Reviews
• Finance your Business with GREAT Business Credit Cards
• Business Credit Card Articles

Comparing Credit Cards for Your Small Business Profit

These days, the number of small business entrepreneurs who apply for business credit cards continues to increase. Credit card companies recognize this potential and that’s why they now offer a wide array of business credit cards that were especially created to meet the demands and needs of business owners.

If you’re a business owner, it’s up to you to make the choice. You may opt to get two or more business credit cards from different credit card issuers or you may stick with just one company. In any case, your choice should be based upon careful research and examination. This article presents some tips on how you can choose the right credit card for your business.

The Type Of Card that Suits Your Business

Business credit cards are not just meant to be tools for your spending. Some business credit cards come with rewards as well. Take for example business credit cards with cash back rewards. Generally, cash back business credit cards give its holders the chance to earn points from their credit card purchases. These points can be exchanged for cash rebates, gift certificates, or as credit to your account. Thus, every time you use your credit card for purchasing, you get points at the same time.

There are also business credit cards with frequent flyer miles and airline miles rewards programs. These cards are great for business owners who travel a lot to different States and countries to buy supplies or promote their business. By using a business credit card with a miles reward program, an entrepreneur can get huge savings from his travel expenses.

Then there’s also the chance to save on your gasoline expenses through business credit cards with gas rewards. These cards are advisable for business owners who use vehicles for delivering their goods to their customers. Each time they use their a credit card on their gas purchases, they also earn gas rebates on their account.

Yes, reward business credit cards are supposed to help you get more savings from your spending and increase your business profit. How is this possible? By choosing a card that matches your business’s spending and needs.

Examine the Interest Rate And Fees

Of course, the rates and fees vary from one business credit card to the next. Again, the interest rate is not the only fee that you should be concerned about when making a choice. Other fees such as the late penalty charge, balance transfer cost, annual fees, and transaction charges can add burden to your responsibility.

The best business credit card in the market not only comes with a low rate of interest but with reasonable fees and conditions as well. To find out the true costs of a business credit card you’re considering, read and understand the card’s contract. Here, all the fees and conditions of using the credit card should be clearly discussed including all the disclosures from the issuer. By understanding your business credit card agreement, you can better compare one potential credit card from the other.


Credit Cards Resources

* Business Credit Card Reviews
* Reward Credit Cards
* Free Credit Report

Business Credit Cards Online Resources-Beware

One of the most common techniques used by scammers today is “phishing”. If you’re not familiar with this term, it’s time to make yourself aware of this technique to avoid being a victim.

Phishing Scams and Credit Cardholders
First of all, what is “phishing”? Phishing is illegally acquiring personal information from another person through the internet. It is done using e-mails and false websites where an unsuspecting internet user enters his personal details or bank information without realizing that the source of the email or the owner of the website is a scammer. This method has been practiced way back in the early 90’s yet it has become more advanced in our time today.

Expert identity thieves would often “copy” or ”duplicate” a legitimate company’s website and use it to deceive customers into providing their banking information. The website will often look very similar to the original that consumers who are not aware of this scam is easily tricked and scammed. Sometimes an e-mail will be sent that contains links to these “fake” websites so that when the user clicks on them, he will be directed to the scammer’s site.

Online Business Owners – Beware!
Phishing Scams affect not only consumers but business owners as well, especially those with online businesses. Because of online fraud and identity theft, many consumers are hesitant to make transactions online.

The Federal Trade Commission is vehemently against such crimes related to online fraud and stolen identity. FTC encourages all consumers to be cautious when giving away their personal information especially over the web.

Although most credit card companies accept applications online, everyone is warned that not all websites can be trusted. Before filling up any type of online application, see to it that you are dealing with a reputable company. Check their status from Better Business Bureau. If it is a fraudulent company, chances are it will have record of complaint from its clients. Nevertheless, just because it doesn’t have record of complaint doesn’t mean you should easily trust the company. Do more research about its background and track record.

Be sure that the site uses a secured server. A secured site can easily stand out from “bogus” sites if you know the signs to look for. First of all, the URL of the website should begin with https:// which is a standard protocol for secured sites. You should also look for pad lock icon on the bottom right of your browser. Make sure that this icon is locked that indicates security.

Lastly, remember that banks and legitimate financing institutions will never as you to re-enter your personal details for confirmation. If you receive such an e-mail, don’t respond to it. Instead, call your bank and personally ask them about the e-mail you received. The best protection is to always be aware of how you provide and use your personal information. Keep in mind that fraud and identity theft is always a looming possibility and it is up to you to stay on guard and save yourself from becoming a victim.


Credit Cards Resources

• Give your business the power of Credit
• Finance your Business with GREAT Business Credit Cards
• Business Credit Card Reviews