6 Benefits To Financing A Small Business With A Credit Card

As with any financial product, not all business credit cards are the same. An annual statement is a popular feature of most business credit cards. Tallying up business related products and services are made simple with the convenience of recorded statements. Nevertheless, a good business credit card should have other features besides a balance sheet. Here are other features, to look for in a small business credit card:

· An exceptional credit line

· A low preferred business APR

· Extra business credit cards for employees

· Customizable business checks

· Custom cards with your business name

· Complimentary online account management

All of the above features can be mission critical to starting and conducting business. Review the following six benefits to finance a new company on a business credit card:

1. Easy Expenditure Tracking

Depending on the credit card company, a record of all transactions may be available annually or by request only. Small business credit cards offering free online account management is an important feature. The ability to check transactions and manage online payments simplifies bookkeeping. The same record can be used during tax-time to calculate profits and earnings.

2. Finance Business Needs With a Low APR

A low preferred business APR can ease the transition of being paid by new clients and covering unforeseen expenses. The financial stresses of starting a new small business can hinder productivity. Be it the cost of renting or buying new equipment, immediate expenditures can wreak costly distress on any business. A business credit card with a low APR can help offset the pangs of paying a balance over time versus right away. The best business credit cards offer a 0% introductory APR.

3. Control Employee Spending

To ensure that employees are conscientious about the company budget, additional business credit cards may control their spending. A business credit card with online management and additional credit cards enables a small business owner to track spending, maintain records and receipts. During conventions, Bill Amato’s sales representatives put in long hours. To compensate and track their meals, each of his employees has a company credit card. Bill uses Advanta business cards because it allows him the ability to control employee expenditures by tracking their spending transactions online.

4. Manage Client Expenses

For simple account management, small business owners can pay for products and services using a business credit card check. For instance, Jane Brody, proprietor of an event management company uses business credit card checks to pay for additional client expenditures. Since the checks are customized to her business and then made payable to the supplier for a specified job and client, she is able to track and tack on any additional fees to each customer’s invoice. Not to mention, each client is billed for late payment transaction fees.

5. Ensure Business Productivity

An exceptional credit line is useful for the fast growing small business that has to cover travel, new technology and other expenditures. A robust credit line can be the difference between staying in business and going out of business. The inability to access a line of credit without depending on a small business loan, can bring a growing company to a screeching halt.

In the case of new franchise owner, Jim Denko his new small business was just beginning to return an investment. On the down side, Jim required a line of credit so that he did not have to dip into the family’s money market account and emergency reserve. Because Jim was qualified for a small business credit card, he was approved with a generous line of credit. The availability allowed him the freedom to test out new inventory for his franchise.

6. Take Advantage of Extras

The ultimate business credit card can be found in the “extras.” For instance, certain business credit cards come with amazing discounts and special incentives. These advantages can add up to savings. Perfect example, Advanta business credit cards, not only come with a healthy credit line, the credit card is devised for small business owners to be successful. Many popular business credit cards feature generous cash back and travel rewards.

Small Business Advice: To minimize confusing your personal cost with the costs of starting a new business, apply for a business credit card that provides you with the tools to run a profitable business.

Click here to find offers for Small Business Credit Cards. Ed Vegliante runs www.Credit-Card-Surplus.com, a directory assisting people to compare and apply for credit cards.

Credit Cards For Summer Vacations

Unfortunately, traveling with only cash and checks in your wallet is not recommended. Whether you plan to rent cars, fly on airplanes or stay in hotels, travel is always easier if you have a credit card at your disposal. Even if you only use it for the big purchases – like rental cars and airlines – your travel experience will be much smoother if you have plastic.

For one thing, credit cards allow you to easily document each transaction. When you purchase an airline ticket, a record of that purchase is made with your credit card company, and you can refer to that record if anything goes wrong. Flights are canceled every day, so you’ll want to plan for every contingency.

Credit cards are also easier to keep track of than large wads of cash or a bulky check book. When you visit theme parks and other tourist destinations, you can slip a credit card or two into a fanny pack, a pocket or a zippered compartment of your purse. It doesn’t add much weight and is about fifteen times less likely to be stolen than a protruding stack of paper bills.

So how do you choose a credit card for summer vacations? If you’re going to be charging your purchases, you should at least reap the rewards of the best credit cards available. Earning airline miles, cash back and reward points can making using plastic much more enticing. And since vacations are inevitably expensive, you might as well get something back for your efforts!

Chase Flexible Rewards Platinum Visa Card

Most credit cards have very specific reward programs that allow you to redeem points only at specific locations or with certain vendors. The Chase Flexible Rewards card is a bit more diverse. With this card, however, you earn one reward point for every dollar spent (as well as 1,000 bonus points after your first purchase) and the points can be redeemed with a variety of merchants rather than just one or two. You can get cash back, gift certificates, or free travel, whichever works best for you. Customers also enjoy a 0% introductory APR and no annual fee.

HSBC MasterCard

This card is a cash back credit card that allows customers to earn 1% cash back on all purchases. This card is especially appealing because of its low APR; 0% for the first twelve months, and then a low ongoing rate. You also get travel accident insurance as a platinum benefit, which can be beneficial if you plan on taking lots of vacations this summer.

Blue Sky from American Express

This card has been getting a lot of media attention because of it’s travel rewards program. Customers receive one reward point for every dollar they spend, and the points can be redeemed for savings on airline tickets. It comes with no annual fee and a 0% interest rate for the first six months.. It is surprisingly easy to earn points, as well. If you save 7,500 points, for example, you can redeem them for $100 off your next airline ticket.

Summer vacations are made easier by carrying a credit card with you instead of cash or a checkbook, and you can even earn rewards for purchases made with certain credit cards. Take a look at three top picks for credit cards to use while on vacation.

Click here for the Chase Flexible Rewards Platinum Visa Card www.credit-card-surplus.com/chase.php. Ed Vegliante runs www.Credit-Card-Surplus.com, a directory helping consumers to compare and apply for credit cards.

Discover Credit Cards: A Look At The Top 3

Here are three popular Discover credit cards:

The Miles Card from Discover Card

The Miles Card is one of the most versatile frequent flier credit cards in that it allows you to earn miles as well as gift certificates or cash back. Customers earn one mile for every dollar spent, and can choose how they want to redeem their points.

Discover recently increased the bonus miles card holders can earn with the Miles Card to 12,000. On both purchases and balance transfers, the introductory rate is 0%. There are no blackout dates and miles can be redeemed both online and over the phone. In addition, you can redeem your points for flights on any airline. Discover might not offer some of the fringe benefits that accompany Visa and MasterCard credit cards, but they make up for it in rewards.

Discover Platinum Gas Card

With gas prices rising nearly every day, many consumers are turning to gas rebate cards to offset the amount they’re spending at the pump. Gas rebate cards, such as the Discover Platinum Gas Card, offer cash back rewards for every dollar you spend at gas stations.

The Discover gas rebate card is singularly unique because of its double-reward program. Typically, customers earn 5% cash back on all purchases at gas stations, but if you redeem your cash back rewards with select merchants, you receive double the original amount. Discover offers a 0% introductory APR of 0%, which applies to both purchases and balance transfers.

Customers also enjoy 0% fraud liability and free online Bill Pay. This card does require excellent credit, however, and they do have a minimum spending limit to receive the full 5% cash back. This card has a $50,000 credit limit.

Discover Gold Card

The Discover Gold card is one of the oldest Discover credit cards, and is still popular today. Like the platinum card, the Gold card allows customers to earn up to 5% cash back on purchases at select merchants and the cash back doubles if used within the Discover Merchant Network.

Customers can choose between three unique card faces and enjoy 0% fraud liability. Stores within the Discover Merchant Network include Red Lobster, Sharper Image and the Sunglass Hut. As with most Discover cards, there is a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for the Gold card.

The Gold card requires a good credit rating and there is a minimum spending limit in order to receive the full 5% cash back rewards. The card offers up to $25,000 in auto rental insurance coverage and up to $500,000 in travel accidental death insurance.

Discover Card is the newest credit card company, but it is growing in popularity as they continue to offer excellent customer service and valuable rewards programs. Take a look at our top three Discover cards and choose the one that works for you.

Click here to find Discover Credit Cards. Ed Vegliante runs www.Credit-Card-Surplus.com, a credit card directory helping consumers to compare and apply for credit cards.

Consolidating Credit Cards: How To Effectively Use Balance Transfers

Credit History

If you have a poor credit history, then you have a lower chance of securing a credit card with a low interest rate. Credit card companies base their decisions upon consumers’ credit scores and collection accounts, so it will help if you are familiar with your credit report. That way, you aren’t applying for several credit cards at once, thus planting those applications on your credit report.

Those with high credit scores can usually obtain a credit card with a low APR (annual percentage rate) or even a 0% APR. Many credit card offers include 0% interest on balance transfers for the first six-to-twelve months, which can save you hundreds of dollars immediately.

Credit Card Balance

A high credit card balance will make it more difficult to execute a single balance transfer. Most credit cards have limits on how much debt you can transfer at one time; sometimes the limit is as high as $10,000, while others might be as low as $2,000. Do your homework before applying for credit cards and find out what the balance transfer limit will be. That way you aren’t obtaining a credit card for which you will have no use.

Balance Transfer Fees

Many credit card companies charge fees for balance transfers, which are typically around 3% of the transfer amount. Although most credit cards have caps on the fee amount for a balance transfer, you should always read the terms and conditions to make sure. Compare the fees that credit card companies charge, and choose one that offers a low or no balance transfer fee.

Debt Management

Sometimes, it isn’t the credit card that’s the problem. People who lack the ability to effectively manage debt will not reap the rewards of balance transfers. Even if you take debt from several different places and put it into one account, you are still going to owe the money.

Keep a folder that contains all of the information you have about your credit card debt. Research balance transfers carefully, and when you have chosen the right card, begin to manage your debt. Decide how much of the debt you will pay off each month, and stick to that, no matter what other problems or temptations might crop up in your life. Balance transfers won’t help if you never begin to pay off the debt.

Balance transfers can be valuable tools if you know how to use them effectively. Pay careful attention to your debt and do proper research on the management of that debt. While credit cards can ultimately be your best resource for debt management, they can also cause a wealth of problems if you are not prudent in your solutions.

Click here to find Balance Transfer Credit Cards. Ed Vegliante runs www.Credit-Card-Surplus.com, a directory helping consumers apply for credit cards online.

Gas Rewards Credit Cards: A Look At The Top Three

One of the most effective ways to reap a few rewards on gasoline purchases is to purchase a gas rewards credit card. More and more people are applying for these cards so that they can earn cash back and discounts for every gallon of gas they purchase.

There are four major advantages to obtaining a gas rewards credit card:

1. You can earn rewards for other purchases – not just gasoline
2. When you use the card to buy gas, you know that you’ll be saving money in the end
3. Many Gas rebate cards have low APR’s with no annual fee
4. Some gas rebate cards charge 0% interest on balance transfers

Take a look at three top picks for gas cards, and choose the one that’s right for you. With no end to the gas price surges in sight, you might as well be getting rewarded for purchasing gasoline.

Discover Platinum Gas Card

The Discover Platinum Gas card is a cash back credit card that allows customers to earn 1% cash back on all regular purchases, and 5% cash back on gasoline purchases. It has a twelve-month introductory APR of 0% for both purchases and balance transfers, with no annual fee. In addition to the 5% cash back reward system, customers can double their reward points when they redeem them for gift certificates at Discover’s partner merchants. Discover offers several benefits, including fraud protection, 24-hour customer service and online bill pay. .

Citi Dividend Platinum Select

Unlike the Discover gas card, the Citi Dividend credit card offers 5% cash back for purchases at drugstores and supermarkets as well as gas stations. When you use your card at those locations – called the Citi Dividend Merchant Network - you receive 5% cash back on all of your purchases. You also receive 1% cash back at other locations.

This card has no annual fee and an introductory APR of 0%, but the regular APR is higher than Discover. This card is better used by customers who plan to pay off most (if not all) of their balance each month. Platinum customers also receive travel insurance, Citi’s Lost Wallet Protection Service and Citi’s PhotoCard service for added security.

Blue Cash from American Express

The Blue cards from American Express have been exploding across the market lately, mostly because of the reward programs and the low APR’s. The Blue Cash card, like the Citi Dividend card, offers fast cash back at multiple vendors, such as drug stores, gas stations, super markets and home improvement stores. They also offer the same cash back rewards for customers with two or more cards on the same account.

The six-month introductory APR of 0% is a popular incentive. The Blue Cash card has no minimum spending limit and no annual fee. They also offer no-fee balance transfers and CoolBlueOffers®, which are designed to offer even more rewards for qualified customers.

Gas prices are getting higher and higher every day, which is why consumers are rushing to apply for gas rewards credit cards, which allow customers to earn cash back and rewards for paying at the pump. When you use these three cards to purchase gasoline, you can earn cash back and reward points.

Click here to find Gas Rewards Credit Cards. Ed Vegliante runs www.Credit-Card-Surplus.com, a directory helping consumers to compare and apply for credit cards.

Minimum Monthly Credit Card Payments On The Rise

Under pressure from the U.S. government, banks are increasing the minimum monthly payments. This can mean both good news and bad news for consumers, though it is supposed to be designed to assist cardholders with paying off debt.

In the recent past, minimum monthly payments have been between 2% and 3% of the total balance owed on the card. This means that 97-98% does not immediately have to be paid, and the balance continues to accrue interest as time goes on. Since some credit card APR’s number between 12% and 20%, consumers are paying off debt over several years.

Federal regulators say that by increasing minimum monthly payments, consumers will pay off their debts faster and spend far less in interest payments. In addition to the rise in monthly minimum payments, credit card companies will also have to include a Public Service warning on all bills stating that paying off debt faster will result in lower interest payments.

For consumers that count on low minimum payments this change might be devastating. It will make it more difficult (rather than less) to get out of debt, and many accounts may be entered into collections. For consumers who can afford the increase, however, they will find that they pay less in interest rates and get out of debt much faster.

This might also help consumers with their purchases. If you frugally determine your spending practices based on your budget, you’ll be less likely to purchase things for which you cannot afford the higher monthly payment. This will result in better spending practices and less debt.

To deal with this new increase, most financial institutions are allocating money that will help to cover defaulting cardholders. They are also cognizant of the fact that they might have to negotiate with cardholders to lower interest rates so that they can afford to pay off their debts. If you are concerned about affording the minimum payment, you are encouraged to call the financial institution to discuss your options.

How to Handle the Increase

Examine Your Budget. Take a careful look at what you can pay each month, and work around it. Spend less on eating out or entertainment until you can significantly lower the balance on your credit card(s).

Talk to a Credit Counselor. Credit counseling can help you learn how to manage your debt and can increase your awareness of spending with credit cards. You might also receive valuable advice for dealing with creditors.

Set Personal Limits. Consumers who are used to spending with credit cards may find it difficult to stop. Put your credit cards where they are not readily accessible, and determine for yourself what qualifies as a credit card need. Perhaps you’ll only use credit cards for bills or for emergencies. Set those limits for yourself.

Ed Vegliante runs www.Credit-Card-Surplus.com, a directory helping the consumer to compare and apply for credit cards. Please click here to find online Credit Card Applications.

Which Credit Card To Apply For? - Tips To Help You Choose

*Will you carry a balance every month or almost every month? If so, a lower interest rate is better for you. If you transfer a high balance credit card to a lower or 0% APR credit card (often an introductory period), you will save even more.

*Will you be paying the credit card balance off every month? Then you will want to apply for a credit card without an annual fee. Finance charges may be higher, but since you pay the balance off every month, you won’t be charged. Look for credit cards that offer grace periods, usually between 25 to 30 days, before credit interest begins.

*Will you be shopping for credit card balance transfer? Be sure to check out the transaction fees and the introductory periods. Occasionally your credit card company will offer you a credit card debt consolidation with convenience checks so that you can transfer one or more credit card balances, but be sure to check out the transfer guidelines.

*Will you need cash advances? Apply for a credit card that offers a lower APR and lower transaction fees. Be sure to read the fine print on their requirements. Some credit card companies impose a transaction fee and a cash advance fee plus the interest rate. Some credit cards charge a higher rate for cash advances than regular purchases.

*Will you be traveling frequently, and charging your trip expenses? If this is your situation, then a cash back credit card reward program may suit you best. Be sure to consider your interest rate first, however. Rewards should come secondary to your spending habits and the cost of the credit card itself. Cash rebate cards offer you a cash back refund at the end of the year that you can use anyway you choose. Other credit card reward programs offer purchase points or redeemable rebates. Airline credit cards offer you miles as credit for every dollar you spend, sometimes offering you double or triple miles.

Whatever credit card offer you apply for, be sure to carefully consider the terms of your credit card, including the interest rate (APR), annual fees, transaction fees and balance transfer fees. Those hidden charges can add up quickly and cost you more than what you bargained for, so choose your credit card wisely.

Ed Vegliante runs www.Credit-Card-Surplus.com, a directory enabling the consumer to compare and Apply For Credit Cards.