With the number of small and home businesses growing at such an incredible rate, it is no surprise that business credit cards are making more of a showing these days in the market place. It was not long ago that small business owners had to depend on small credit lines or business loans from banks to manage cash flow on a monthly basis, which could be tedious and costly. This meant spending more time doing paperwork for the bank, and less time managing the business.
The release of business cards has helped to alleviate these problems. About 65% of all small businesses are currently using business cards, and this number is only going to increase. Most major creditors now have a business credit card offering, and availability is increasing by the moment.
Business credit cards bring several powerful advantages to the table for the small business owner, including:
Cash Flow Management – The number one concern of almost every business owner is cash flow. A bad month can bring down an entire quarter is the business has no means to float itself through a rough time. Business credit cards can be a key element in making through a rough patch.
Credit Rating Increase – The credit rating of a business can mean more than just financing. Customers may not want to do business with a firm that has a poor credit history, and corporate growth will most certainly be delayed if not stopped entirely. Business credit cards used in a responsible way can help build the overall credit rating of the firm, as well as help open new avenues of financing down he road.
Spending Control – Giving employees the ability to make purchases for the company on the fly can help streamline day to day business. This of course can also open the door to inappropriate expenditures, or simply over spending on needed items. With a little management these problems can be easily overcome, and recording as well as reporting corporate spending will be all the better for it.
Business Taxes – For home based and small businesses credit cards offer the opportunity to consolidate all corporate spending. While a larger business would be hard pressed to do this, there is no reason every business expense incurred by a small business couldn’t be placed on a credit card. This means all corporate spending is managed through one sources, and when tax time comes around it is a simple matter to record.
Rewards Programs – Using a business credit card to manage all corporate spending is a good way to earn bonus packages from rewards cards. Air miles and cash back incentive programs really add up if you are routing your business spending through one card.
Business cards are an indirect way to help solidify your firm in the mind of your client. Take them to lunch and pay with the corporate card. This shows a certain level of stability and depth to a possibly new firm, and also helps to increase your credibility.
From cash flow to taxes, to a greater level of spending control, business credit cards provide a valuable service to any size firm. As with all credit cards, care must be taking when managing their usage. For all the good they can do for a business, they can also cause problems when mishandled. Use the business card wisely and reap the benefits.