Low Interest Business Credit Cards

Choosing low interest business credit cards for major and minor purchases can help small businesses stay afloat amidst uncertain economic times. Running a company takes access to money that most small owners don't have; and a lack of cash flow is the most common cause of business failures. But companies that rely on credit to bridge the gap between income and expenses are at a distinct advantage. Buying supplies and inventory, paying for airline travel, or footing the bill for out-of-town accommodations with credit allows small businesses an opportunity to operate in the red in spite of slow paying customers or contracts that require 30-day payouts. Instead of having to hold off creditors, small entrepreneurs operating on a shoestring budget can take advantage of low interest business credit cards as an alternative to expending cash on hand. Independent contractors, sole proprietors, and economically-disadvantaged enterprises can afford to compete for larger contracts and take advantage of out-of-state and foreign opportunities with low-interest lines of credit.

Mom and Pop operations, freelancers, home based purveyors, and independent consultants can't keep up with larger corporations offering similar services; and overhead expenses can sometimes become overwhelming. Most small businesses have limited spending accounts and keeping cash on hand is a formidable task. In spite of cash flow, employees and vendors have to get paid, supplies must be ordered, and products need to be shipped. Low interest business credit cards help small business owners buy what they need when they need it without having to pay charge account balances all at once. Because card issuers offer small entrepreneurs flexible rates -- from 0% APR for a limited term to less than 7% ongoing -- owners can afford to pay as they go without incurring huge charge account debts. Issuers offer additional cards for employees, such as sales personnel or company executives. Businesses can afford to pay for airline travel, vehicle maintenance and fuel, office supplies, hotel rentals, dinners, and corporate training without worrying about finding ready cash.

In the corporate world, image is everything and carrying cash is almost taboo. And in today's high-tech economy, plastic is king, operating on a cash basis is rare, and electronic commerce is the norm. Imagine a company exec trying to win over a major client resigned to counting out dollars at the dinner table. That's neither a good image nor a good sign of a company's capabilities. But using low interest business credit cards is an omen of financial stability. Wielding plastic cash personalized with a company logo makes a definitive statement and lends credibility to successful enterprises. Clients reason that a company with credit is not only stable, but smart, savvy and with the times. Corporate charge accounts are as essential as opening a merchant account -- both are tools to make running an enterprise more efficient. Those who seek to stand out in the marketplace should not only strive for an outward appearance of success, but also the inward attribute of righteousness which can only be found in Christ Jesus. "Lift not up your horn on high; speak not with a stiff neck. For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He putteth down one, and setteth up another" (Psalm 75:5-7).

When it comes to fringe benefits and flexibility, low interest business credit cards can be better than cash in the till. Card issuers offer incentives, such as no-interest charges for a limited introductory period; discounts off of airline fares, hotel accommodations or car rentals for multiple card users; or special savings on ground shipping, spa treatments, and office electronics -- all which can be credited to account holders. Some issuers offer 24/7 monitoring and customer service, along with online tools to keep corporate spending from getting out of hand. Because electronic transactions are tied to owners' bank accounts, each purchase is automatically annotated on quarterly or monthly statements, along with bank fees.

Another advantage of using major low interest business credit cards is that owners can choose to pay off accounts in full or make interest payments according to cash flow. When account receivables are slow, but account payables still have to be paid, corporate cards can keep the company afloat from poverty to peak selling seasons. To closely monitor spending, employers can also set predetermined limits on employee spending. Word to the wise: to keep corporate manageable, employers should strive to pay off account balances within 90 days. If balances linger too long on the books, even low interest rates accumulate and owners run the risk of getting in over their head in debt. Companies also need to scrutinize employee expenditures to ensure that workers do not use corporate funds for personal purchases or pleasure. Owners operating on a shoestring may be concerned about safeguarding corporate accounts, but most issuers offer options to replace stolen or lost low interest business credit cards.

Busy entrepreneurs can shop, compare, and apply for low interest business credit cards online. Some web-based companies offer sites to compare features of major issuers' programs, such as interest rates, rewards, and discount for airlines, hotels, office supply stores, and other venues. Issuers also offer packages for smaller corporations which include balance transfers, cash credited to accounts, and points. Rewards, discounts and incentives serve to ease operating expenses for owners trying to balance a budget. To apply for low-interest charge accounts, entrepreneurs simply fill out applications online. Electronic applications are approved instantly and spending limits will be largely based on consumer credit scores. As with most financing, the higher the credit score, the lower the interest rate on charge accounts. Small entrepreneurs and independent contractors can get the same features on low interest charge cards offered to larger corporations and eliminate worrying about having enough cash on hand to operate a successful enterprise.

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