5 Ways a Credit Card Can Help Your Business's Bottom Line
Whether you own a brick-and-mortar business or someone who runs a small business out of your home, there's a lot to consider when managing your cash flow.
You want to ensure that you're paying your bills on time, which means having enough money in the bank. And you also want to ensure that the money you have is being used wisely—that it's going toward the things that matter most for your business.
Like most business people, this probably means using a credit card for some things and cash for others but not having much in between. But if you're using a business credit card, there are ways it can help your bottom line. Read on how getting a business credit card can help your business grow.
1- You Can Get More Rewards Points
Many businesses are using rewards credit cards to help their bottom line. Suppose your business spends much on gas, office supplies, or travel. In that case, you can find a business credit card that offers rewards points for those purchases. Many online and offline stores accept credit card payments, and you can earn rewards points for general business expenses.
Some of the best business credit cards offer 2-5% cash back on all your business expenses, which allows you to get a discount every time you purchase something. And if you're strategic about using your rewards points, you can save even more money on airfare and hotel stays.
2- You Can Build Your Business Credit Score
Your business credit score is separate from your credit score, but it's just as important. Lenders use this three-digit number to determine whether or not you're a good candidate for loans and lines of credit.
Building up your business credit score is essential to growing your business. And one of the best ways to do it is by responsibly using a business credit card. Every time you make a payment on time and keep your balance low, you're helping to build your business credit score.
3- You Can Take Advantage of 0% APR Offers
When you're first starting, cash flow can be tight. But with a business credit card, you can take advantage of 0% APR offers—meaning that you won't have to pay any interest on your purchases for a set period.
Using 0% APR offers can be a great way to manage your cash flow, especially if you need to make a big purchase for your business. Just be sure to pay off your balance before the 0% APR period ends, or you'll be stuck with a high-interest rate.
4- You Can Get an Extended Warranty on Purchases
When you use a credit card to make a purchase, you're automatically entitled to an extended warranty on that purchase—in most cases, double the manufacturer's warranty. So if you buy a new computer for your office and it breaks after two years, you may be able to get a refund or replacement through your credit card issuer.
Of course, this isn't always the case, and you'll want to read the fine print of your credit card agreement to be sure. But it's a valuable perk that can help you save money if something you purchase for your business needs to replace.
5- You Can Get Purchase Protection
In addition to an extended warranty, many credit cards offer purchase protection. If something you buy is lost, stolen, or damaged. You may be able to get a refund or replacement from your credit card issuer.
Again, this benefit varies from card to card, so be sure to read the fine print of your agreement. But it's another way that using a credit card can help protect your business finances.
Final Word
It's important to remember that credit cards aren't just a way to make purchases—they're also a financial tool. Using your card responsibly can help protect your business's finances in the event of theft or damage, along with other benefits mentioned above. So if you don't have one, consider getting one today!