Every business owner knows that running a company can be hectic. For example, bookkeeping can become a demanding task because keeping track of expenses can be a serious chore. One way to ease this stress is to use a credit card to conduct company transactions, as month-end statements make it much easier to track expenditures.
Many companies offer business credit cards. However, business owners often avoid opening a card, thinking it may compromise the benefits of personal credit cards.
Therefore, should entrepreneurs use their cards or move to business credit cards to make purchases for their company?
Using Personal Credit Cards for Business Purchases
Using a personal credit card for business transactions is possible, and it even has some benefits. One of the most important reasons for using an individual card is the CARD Act of 2009, which prevents credit card providers from charging higher fees and increasing interest rates than personal cards are subject to. Business credit cards do not enjoy these protections.
The second reason relates to the rewards and benefits of using a personal credit card. There is almost always an incentive program to encourage the use of individual cards. On the other hand, business cards do not offer as many benefits as personal cards. There might be some offers intended to attract businesses, including the ability to purchase office supplies at a discounted rate. However, it might still not be enough to entice owners to begin using a business credit card.
Complete research to determine what benefits suit your business and choose a credit card based on those benefits, whether personal or business.
Do Not Dismiss Business Credit Cards
Although choosing a personal credit card sounds desirable, you should not dismiss the possibility of using a business card. There are certainly many advantages associated with getting a business card, and the additional services offered with many business cards might be just what your company needs.
A typical example is a business handing out credit cards to its employees. Most credit card providers facilitate this need by supplying multiple cards associated with a single account. On the other hand, personal credit cards are for individuals and do not offer these services.
Another advantage associated with business cards is spending more than one could on personal credit cards. However, this is useful, especially for companies with many monthly expenses they must put on their card.
Suggestions for Success
It is recommended that you examine the nature of your business expenses. Once you have assessed the needs of your business, you will be able to conclude which card (business or personal) is a better choice to be used in your company’s operations. Once you get the card you want to use for business, keep the following suggestions in mind:
- Do not mix business and personal cards, leading to messy bookkeeping.
- Use the tools provided by your credit card company to keep track of your business expenditures. However, this is the main reason businesses opt for credit cards. It is recommended that you do not ignore this suggestion.
- Build healthy credit habits. These include paying the credit card bills when they are due and in full. Remember that you are using a credit card to keep track of your expenses and that it should be your priority to maintain a good credit score and avoid high-interest payments.
Conclusion
Using a credit card to track business expenses is always an option. When choosing a card, you will use it to help monitor business operations. It is always wise to look around for what is offered and at what price. Healthy credit habits are also necessary to fully use the card without incurring unnecessary liabilities.
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