If you are new to the business, you would definitely have thought about main and alternative sources of finance for small businesses, and you may know that there are many ways to finance your business other than loans and invoicing. One of the alternative sources of finance for small businesses is the business credit card. A business credit card is a credit card that is intended for business use rather than personal use. Businesses of all sizes may apply for business credit cards, which can help them build a credit profile and improve future financing options, indirectly amplifying a business’ purchasing power.
How do business credit cards work? Business credit cards function similarly to personal credit cards in that they provide access to a line of credit immediately at the point of sale, as well as bonuses, incentives, and advantages. Unlike a personal credit card, however, business credit cards are intended to support a company’s spending rather than your own. They frequently provide a higher spending limit as well as greater incentive programmes. They also provide options for tracking spending across many categories or by employee usage.
Now that the basics are covered, it is important to understand how to use a credit card for business. Used efficiently, this could be a great tool to finance your business to generate great returns. First, understanding your business needs is paramount to deciding what kind of card to get. If your business involves a lot of overseas trips, get one that returns your frequent flyer points. If a lot of driving is involved, get one that offers a good deal on fuel cashback. Many business credit cards tend to offer rewards that are useful for the nature of the business. The best benefits of business credit cards are that it is easier to bookkeep without having to spend ages poring over receipts and logbooks, as using business credit cards will generate statements of spending.
If you have decided to go ahead and apply for a business credit card, consider the following points for the most effective usage:
– Limits
Admittedly, when you have the power to purchase whatever you need for your business, it may be tempting to go ahead and do exactly that. However, it is best to have clear spending limits in place, such as which expenses may be charged to cards, how much employees can spend, and how frequently they can use their cards. It is vital that the policy is documented and that every employee who receives a card read and sign it.
– Accountability
The most important thing a small business can do to ensure credit cards are used effectively is to establish a strong accountability system that includes everything from preapproval of all spending to stringent receipt requirements to the removal of credit cards from those that fail to produce receipts transparently and timely. Create a system that is consistent, rigorous, and fair, with no exceptions, before applying for a business credit card.
– Management
Business credit cards can assist you in tracking and categorising your company’s expenses. It also helps small business owners to distinguish work-related expenditures from personal expenditures, which may come in handy when it is time to do business accounting and taxation. Besides, it is also useful to keep track of employees’ business-related spending.
– Earn back (use statements for tax deductions, etc.)
In return for using the card, many cards provide rewards programmes such as airline miles and retail discounts to business owners. Some also provide cashback benefits, which reimburse cardholders for a part of their purchases. Having a statement to prove your purchases also helps with tax rebates and returns.
– Maintain cash flow
When they own a business credit card, businesses can use the credit line at any time and in a variety of ways to help spread out expenses and lower financing costs. They can use the statements and invoices to keep track of incoming payments. Best of all, the cashback and rewards programmes can be utilised to cover some company expenditures without using the business capital.
– Build business credit
Using a small business credit card responsibly—that is, paying the bill on time, paying more than the minimum statement amount, and staying below the credit limit—can help build up a favourable credit record for your company, which can make you more likely to qualify for a future loan at a cheaper interest rate as you have established credibility.
Business credit cards can be used as a financial cushion for businesses, especially small and medium corporations. If managed correctly, it can help establish a good credit score for the business, thus opening up other avenues for financing. It does, however, require proper management and planning to effectively use a business credit card for the benefit of the business. For more articles on establishing a successful small business, read more on our blog now!
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