Paying for Business Expenses Applying for a business credit card is something a small business should seriously consider for itself. Business credit cards can provide a range of benefits to a business. They allow a company to build up credit for better borrowing conditions down the road. They’re also quite easy to apply for. In this article, we’ll go over how to apply for a business credit card and other important points to note. What Is a Business Credit Card? A business credit card is a credit card that is intended for business expenses. These cards are not meant for any individual’s personal use, but they are available to businesses of all sizes. What Is a Business Credit Card Used For? Business credit cards are meant for business expenses, and as such, they come with several perks that you wouldn’t get with a normal credit card. Business credit cards typically have far higher credit limits than normal cards, but they are also harder to qualify for. [youmaylike] As a business phenomenon, business credit cards vary their offers greatly, and certain cards are meant for certain businesses. They are also highly customizable when it comes to individual payment terms. Businesses don't always have consistent incomes like individuals do, and business credit cards handle this problem. These cards are used to gain access to a long line of credit, to control employee spending on business expenses and more. One of their other common uses is to make accounting easier, as putting all business expenses on one separate account makes reporting to the Internal Revenue Service easier. In the end, there are many uses for a business credit card. Why Would I Need a Business Credit Card? You might not need one, but if you run a business, you’ll be leaving money on the table by not at least looking into them. Business credit cards can solve many of the problems business owners face. If you need employees to make purchases for the business, a business credit card is the safest option. These cards can be given to authorized users, a status you can easily give to any of your employees. From here, these cards make it easy to monitor employee spending and spot any discrepancies. You can attach customized user privileges to each card to limit spending and place limits on where the card can be used. As mentioned, if you feel like your credit is too limited, business credit cards are a sure way around low credit. According to the American Bankers Association, the average monthly payment on a business credit card is twice as high as the average payment on a normal one. If you’ve found yourself annoyed with the Internal Revenue Service over the complicated reporting processes for business owners, you’re not alone. This is where a business credit card can solve another problem. Simply handing over your business credit card statements to your accountant will make them love you. It will also provide them with the information they need to predict future spending. Another great use for a business credit card is lifting your liability for debts. Liability for credit card debt is determined by the liability offered by the card. If you’re using a personal credit card for business expenses, you are liable for all debts. On the other hand, if you use a business credit card with commercial liability, your business is liable for any debts, which changes the game. Keep in mind that some cards offer joint liability, which leaves both you and your business liable for any debts. Make sure you know what you’re getting into before signing any paperwork. Lastly, just as personal credit cards offer rewards programs, so do business cards. The main difference here is that business credit card rewards are tailored to your business needs. How to Apply for a Business Credit Card Before you apply for a business credit card, you should make sure you’re eligible. For the most part, you only require the following to be able to apply for one: A legal name for your business. A business structure to apply with, such as a Limited Liability Corporation. An explanation of the nature of your business. You’ll typically be given a list of industry types to choose from. A tax ID number issued by the Internal Revenue Service Your roll in the business you’re representing Various business/financial information including: Annual revenue. Number of employees. Length of time in business. Estimated monthly expenses. If you have this information ready, you can apply for a business credit card. At this point, it would be wise to shop around and find the best option for your business. Your decision on the business credit card you choose will have larger ramifications than your choice of a personal credit card. Applying for a business credit card is much the same as applying for a personal one. There are a few differences, but the main thing to remember is that business credit cards are taken more seriously than normal ones, so you’ll have to face a higher bar of entry. This doesn’t mean getting a business credit card is hard, but it does mean you need to arrive more well-prepared than you normally would. To make things easier, you can prepare for certain obstacles in advance. You may need to sign a personal guarantee that you will pay off any debts. Also keep in mind that if you’re the one applying for a business credit card, and your business doesn’t already have one, they will conduct a personal credit check. It may be best to try to optimize your personal credit if you plan on applying for a business credit card in the future. Some Options at a Glance Here are some of the most popular options for small business credit cards: Chase Inc Business Preferred This is a great option for a few reasons. With the Business Preferred card from Chase Inc, you get 80,000 ultimate reward points when you spend $5,000 with the card in the first three months. The card also provides generic, but highly useful benefits for business owners. Business Platinum Card from American Express The Business Platinum is ideal for businesses that spend a lot on flights and travel. This card offers numerous rewards on flight and hotel expenses and makes sure you get something serious back if you use it for these expenses. Chase Inc Business Unlimited The Chase Inc Business Unlimited offers unlimited 1.5% cash back. While we’ve said enough already, they also offer several other perks that are overshadowed by their first one.
What Is a Credit Union?
In a world where there are seemingly hundreds of different banks, how do you decide where to put your money?
There are a million variables to consider. Some folks crave face-to-face interaction, while others are quite okay with doing everything online. Others might want an account with a good interest rate. Some banks specialize in one thing, while others seem like they have a branch located on every corner.
Some people don’t even bother going with a bank, choosing to entrust their money with a credit union instead. Credit unions seem to offer almost everything banks do, and their fans tend to be very loyal supporters. But many people don’t really know what separates a credit union from a traditional bank.
Is a credit union right for you? Should you entrust your money with one? Let’s take a closer look.
How Does a Credit Union Work?
Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is a credit union, anyway? And how does it differ from a bank?
I can understand why people might be confused about this part. On the surface, it seems like there isn’t a whole lot of difference between a credit union and a bank. They both offer deposits, loans, investment advice and other similar products. There’s very little visual difference between a bank branch and a credit union branch, too. Some credit unions even take steps to hide that fact, using generic names that could easily be mistaken for a bank.
But there are some important differences. The biggest one is a traditional bank is owned by shareholders, people who want to make a profit on their investment. A credit union, meanwhile, is owned by its members. If it makes any profit, that reward is shared by the members.
Most credit unions are non-profit entities. They strive to break-even, choosing to forego charging various fees that would lead to a profit. These cost savings are passed back to members, who get access to sophisticated banking products on the cheap. And when these credit unions do make a profit, they don’t have to pay corporate income taxes on the gains.
There are hundreds of different credit unions across the United States. Some are quite large with hundreds of different branches, millions of members and billions of assets under management. Others are much smaller, with only a few different branches.
Reasons to Use a Credit Union
For most people, choosing a credit union over a traditional bank comes down to a few very important factors.
The first reason is cost of banking. The average bank seems to charge for everything these days. Since credit unions aren’t so concerned with making money, they’ve eliminated many of these fees. Most credit unions offer no-fee chequing accounts and free ATM withdrawals. This advantage usually translates into better CD rates as well.
Most members also agree they get better service at a credit union versus a traditional bank. Since a credit union can afford to be less interested in profit, employees get more freedom to make customers happy.
Many credit union members also think they end up getting better investment advice versus folks who go with a traditional bank. Remember, major banks have major capital market divisions, which creates a certain amount of conflict of interest. Sometimes a bank will recommend a stock because it wants to help that company with its next share offer, not because it’s a good investment.
Finally, credit unions offer deposit insurance just like a regular bank. Both are ultimately backed by the federal government. You don’t need to worry; your cash inside of a credit union is just as secure as it would be inside a bank.
Reasons to Avoid Credit Unions
Although every credit union is different, most banking analysts agree that credit unions typically don’t offer great rates on mortgages or other loans. The reason is a bank might offer a low rate to entice customers to get a loan, while credit unions are only concerned with providing that service to its members. In other words, low interest rates on loans are viewed as a customer acquisition cost by a bank.
You must also apply to become a member of a credit union. Many open their branches to most everybody, but others are exclusive clubs that won’t allow just anybody to join. Some credit unions are exclusive to military personnel (like the navy federal credit union), certain big employers or even members of large trade unions.
Once you’re accepted as a credit union member, you’ll be required to make a token investment before you’re allowed to open a bank account or get a mortgage. Although this investment is usually only a few dollars, some people are annoyed to have to pay to belong to a credit union.
Many credit unions — especially smaller ones — don’t offer nearly as many perks as larger banks. It’s a lot easier to use a nationwide bank with tens of thousands of branches versus a small credit union with only a handful of locations, especially if you move. Large banks will also have more money to invest in technology, making that part of the banking process easier.
This also applies to credit cards. There are plenty of credit unions in the United States that don’t even issue credit cards. The ones that do generally have lackluster options. Credit unions can’t really compete on this front, and it shows.
Should You Join a Credit Union?
Ultimately, it all comes down to what you prefer.
You’ll likely get access to more branches, better technology and lower loan rates if you go with a traditional bank. You also won’t have to pay to join.
But credit unions offer many advantages too. You won’t get nickel and dimed on fees, your cash is protected, and you’ll likely get a better interest rate on CDs. Service when you’re inside the branch should be better as well, although some smaller banks will give credit unions a good run for their money.
More than 100 million Americans are members of credit unions. They continue to stick around because of excellent service, a member-oriented business outlook, and simply because of a kinder, gentler banking experience. If that sounds good to you, then maybe it’s time to give your local credit union a try; a simple way to start your research is to search "credit unions near me".