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Small Business Credit Cards: The Advantages of Paying Business Expenses with Credit Cards

Does it make sense for a business owner to use small business credit cards? You bet it does! There are numerous advantages to paying virtually all business expenses with a credit card. Let's examine a few of these advantages.

Better Terms

Sometimes in business, you have to spend money to make money, and this can mean putting up cash on the front-end before you see any returns. Your options are limited — you can pay the money now in cash, pay with a credit card, or, if available, choose a net 30 term of payment.

Most small business credit cards offer a better interest rate and have fewer annual fee charges than individual cards. Credit card companies typically see a more reliable payment history for businesses than they do with individual consumers, so they give these business credit cards a lower interest rate. And, with the credit card market becoming more and more competitive, companies are lowering, and, in many cases, eliminating the annual fee.

This makes paying business expenses with a credit card an attractive way to regulate cash flow. You keep your cash on-hand and can pay the bill off on your own schedule for relatively little additional cost.

Rewards

Many small business credit cards also offer very attractive rewards programs that include cash-back incentives, airplane miles, gifts, and complimentary services. Some cards also offer savings from specific retailers simply by using the credit card to make the purchase. Why not pay all business expenses with a credit card and take advantage of these free rewards?

Many small business credit cards, such as the American Express Platinum Card, give the cardholder free membership into various airline clubs. This comes in handy for the traveling businessman. Airline clubs give the cardholder a nice private club atmosphere in nearly every airport that offers free wireless internet access, phone services, food and beverage, and a quiet place to relax.

Another benefit most small business credit cards offer their members is a concierge service that will assist you with getting restaurant reservations, tickets to concerts and sporting events, and many other services that can be useful for a small business owner. Some cards even offer free automobile and travel emergency services as well as free travel insurance.

Ease of Banking

Many small business credit cards offer free online reporting. This allows the business owner to pay their credit card bill, monitor business expenses instantaneously, and review statement charges anytime online. Most cards can also classify the charges by business-related categories on a quarterly and year-end summary statement. This is very useful for the small business owner in preparing the company tax return as well as having a great snap shot view of seeing where and how the company is spending its money.

Consumer Protection

When it comes to business expenses, credit cards offer the same protection as for the individual consumer. This is an often-overlooked advantage of having a small business credit card. Paying with a business credit card for business expenses gives the business owner protection against fraudulent charges and, in many cases, an extended warranty over and above the manufacturer's normal warranty. Also, in the event you pay for something where there is fraud involved, the credit card company will protect you and reverse these charges, putting the burden of proof on the vendor.

Conclusion

Using small business credit cards to pay business expenses offers added security, convenience, and attractive rewards — financial and otherwise. And, they allow you to receive added financial incentives while regulating cash flow to meet the ebbs and flows of your business. With the growing market for business credit cards, you are sure to find an attractive credit card option that offers quality payment terms and fits in with your business needs.

About the Author

Woody Alpern, CPA, is the founder and creator of MyCreditCard.com, an online service that lets you compare credit cards and choose the best fit for you. He is the co-founder of both Capital Investment Advisors and Capital Benefits Administration, Inc.. He is also a partner in both firms. In addition, he serves as CEO of real estate investment company Roswell Holdings, LLC. A graduate of the University of South Carolina with both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in accounting, Alpern spent several years in the tax division of the accounting firm Touche Ross (now Deloitte & Touche) before partnering with Michael Reiner to found his own businesses.