Swipe Smart ? Wise Business Credit Card Use

Posted by Nick Niesen on October 29th, 2010

Credit cards are very common in the United States. Statistics show that nearly every American household has at least one credit card.

In the business world, the utilization of credit cards has tremendous value. Businesses need to use them to track expenses, utilizing general accounting practices. Credit cards provide a clear record of money spent for business purposes. These are more commonly known as business credit cards.

However, the problem with most business credit cards is that entrepreneurs tend to neglect them. They sometimes abuse the value and convenience that business credit cards provide. The main point here is that people with plastic money spend more often. This is something to be mindful of when overseeing your employees' credit card statements.

In recent surveys, most credit card companies report subscriber growth rates of about 20% every year. We see this in the massive explosion of credit card users across the world.

A respected financial analyst noted that since the inception of credit card use in society, a higher spending pattern among cardholders has been observed. This trend has continued regardless whether it is a business credit card or a typical consumer credit card.

The point he is making is that business credit cards nowadays are also commonly used for day-to-day expenses such as dining out, groceries, and shopping, as well as business use.

However, despite the occasional big spender that gets in trouble with debt, most business credit cardholders are now more judicious users of plastic. They do not splurge, although they take advantage of card offers to get the best value.

Most business credit cardholders know that it is not good to just spend and spend to satisfy the impulse of the moment. When used properly, credit cards can actually help businesses get what they need and want. Some banks offer zero interest rates on installment purchases for up to 12 months. This is particularly helpful to homemakers and working mothers as it allows them to stretch their monthly income by paying for a big-ticket item over twelve months instead of immediately.

Indeed, credit card companies are continually thinking up ways to ease the financial burdens and worries of cardholders. Here are some ways to swipe smart even if you are using your business credit card for that matter:

1. Choose the best card for you

There are over 50 business credit card products available in the market today and the number just keeps on growing, so choose wisely. Inspect each card's terms of service and understand as best you can what will be required of you when you use the card.

2. Set a budget and work within it

Do not fall into the trap of buying things just because they are on sale. Try to schedule the perfect time when best to use your credit card without going over your personal limit. Use your card responsibly. Budgeting helps you organize your spending. Keeping track of all business expenses is something every business should do routinely.

3. Check out offers made to you by the credit card company

Read your statement of account for ongoing deals and promotions that may give you better value for your money.

4. Never skip a payment, or make a late payment

To avoid late payment fees and finance charges, you should never miss a payment. This will put a negative mark on your credit history for a very long time. Chances are, a bad credit rating will be almost as bad as no credit at all. So always be on the lookout for due payments and pay them on time. Some financial gurus are recommending that you pay any credit card bill at least 5 days before the due date on the statement. This gives the credit card company time to process and clear the payment.

5. Spend as you earn

If your business is going strong, spending will not be as easy to control. Just remember not to overextend your credit card limit. Do not spend more than the amount you can reasonably repay. Do not borrow in anticipation of future profits from your business. All businesses have slow periods. It is wise to anticipate these periods if you can.

Indeed, business credit cards can give you the maximum financial convenience whenever it comes to cashless transactions. Just be careful in choosing business credit cards, as this will affect your business as well as your life for years to come.