Updated: March 21, 2024
Updated: March 21, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Business credit cards, while similar to personal credit cards, come equipped with features and tools tailored to business needs. Whether you're a startup owner or run an established enterprise, understanding how business credit cards work, their benefits and potential pitfalls is key to using them effectively.
A business credit card is a card designed to be used specifically for business-related expenses. Business credit cards can offer various benefits like higher spending limits, no annual fees, rewards in certain spending categories, travel perks and extended credit. To get a business card, you generally need a strong credit score. However, if your credit is lacking, you might opt for a secured card where a deposit determines your credit limit.
As the account holder, you're responsible for all expenses, including those by other authorized users. When you apply, the issuer checks your individual credit history, and if your business has its own credit record, that might be reviewed, too.
A business credit card operates much like a personal one but is tailored to business needs. When approved, businesses receive a credit limit to cover expenses. If balances aren't paid in full by the due date, interest accrues. Many cards offer rewards like cash back or points and provide additional cards for employees with set spending limits. These cards often feature tools for expense tracking, making tax and budgeting tasks easier. By using the card responsibly, businesses can also build their credit profile, which in turn helps them when it comes to making loans or financing projects.
Just like with a personal card, you need to apply for a business credit card. Lenders will evaluate the creditworthiness of your business based on factors such as business revenue, years in operation and your personal credit history (as the business owner).
Once approved, you're assigned a credit limit, which is the maximum amount you can charge to the card.
You can use the business credit card to pay for business-related expenses, from office supplies to business travel.
If you don't pay off the full balance by the due date, you'll incur interest on the remaining amount. Most cards offer a grace period, which is the time between the end of a billing cycle and when payment is due without accruing interest. This is typically around 21 to 25 days.
Many business credit cards offer rewards such as cash back, points or miles for every dollar spent. These cards may also come with additional benefits tailored to businesses, like higher limits on certain categories, travel perks or tools for expense management.
Some business credit cards charge an annual fee in exchange for better rewards or other benefits. Like personal cards, business cards may also charge fees for late payments, cash advances or foreign transactions.
Business credit card accounts often allow the account holder to issue additional cards for employees. The primary account holder can typically set individual spending limits for each card and monitor their usage.
Business credit cards often come with tools or software integrations to help track and categorize expenses, which can be useful during tax season or for budgeting purposes.
These cards might offer added protection, such as purchase protection, extended warranties and rental car insurance. They also employ security measures like fraud alerts and zero liability for unauthorized transactions.
By responsibly using and repaying a business credit card, you can build or improve your business's credit profile. This can be advantageous for securing other forms of business financing in the future.
Business credit cards can have different interest rates, terms and conditions than personal cards. It's crucial to read the fine print to understand any fees, penalties or special terms associated with the card.
Many business credit cards offer flexible repayment options, allowing businesses to carry a balance from one month to the next (with interest) or pay in full each month.
Business credit cards are primarily the responsibility of the business owner. They often come with the advantage of high category-based rewards and generally have lower fees than their corporate counterparts. However, misuse of these cards could negatively impact the owner's personal credit score. Additionally, business cards usually lack purchase protection.
On the other hand, corporate cards shift liability, which can be on the business, its individual employees or shared between both. These cards demand high yearly expenditures and come with dedicated account managers to oversee transactions. They also tend to offer less competitive reward rates compared to typical business cards.
More: Business vs. Corporate Credit Cards: What’s the Difference?
If you're keen on establishing a credit history for your business, obtaining a business credit card could be a good move. Most business card providers relay payment behaviors to commercial credit agencies. Furthermore, some card issuers might allow you to ensure that the card's transactions don't impact your individual credit record.
Technically, you can use a business credit card for personal expenses, but it's strongly discouraged for several reasons:
It's best practice to keep personal and business expenses separate. If you find yourself often tempted or needing to use a business card for personal expenses, it might be worth revisiting your personal financial strategies or considering a personal credit card or line of credit to address those needs.
Business credit cards are useful tools for managing company expenses and building a strong credit history. They have their own set of benefits, but it's important to use them wisely. While it might be tempting to mix business and personal spending, it's best to keep them separate for clear financial records. Using a business credit card right can lead to great rewards and a solid financial future for your business.
The FAQ section below offers answers to some commonly asked queries about business credit cards.
While having a business credit history can be beneficial, many card issuers also consider the owner's personal credit history, especially for small businesses or startups.
Most credit cards, whether business or personal, offer fraud protection. However, the extent and conditions might vary. Always check with your issuer.
If you've provided a personal guarantee (which is common), you could be held personally responsible for the card's debt.
This can vary by jurisdiction, but in many places, credit card rewards are not considered taxable income. However, always consult with a tax professional for clarity.
About Grace Pilling
Grace Pilling was the Senior Content Manager for Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. She previously led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com and MoneyUnder30.
Pilling has a bachelor's degree in English from Western Sydney University and a diploma in book editing, proofreading and publishing. She is focused on empowering readers to make informed financial choices that support their best lives, not a company’s bottom line.
