Small and medium businesses, also known as SMEs are often faced with financial challenges especially if they have not yet established themselves very well. However, there are ways in which they can obtain operational finances to buy some raw products, small assets and even pay some suppliers. Having an SME business credit card is one of the best decisions an entrepreneur can make.
According to those who have already used these credit cards, they can attest to having enjoyed numerous benefits. Let us look at the top advantages that come with owning a business credit card for your small or medium business.
Availability of Cash Flow
One of the challenges facing small businesses is the lack of cash flow to run operations especially from the middle to the end of the month. If you have a high credit limit, you can take care of various expenses. This allows business operations to continue as usual. The credit card debt can be cleared when the businesses have received payments at the end of the month. Actually, this is the main reason why SMEs seek to have credit cards; some have more than one.
User and Purchase Protection
If your business is exposed to any fraud, it is likely to suffer a lot. This is a challenge that can even send you home if you are not careful especially when dealing with online purchases. Credit cards offer users purchase protection through their secure platforms. Using one for your business purchases reduces such fraud, which makes sure that your business does not incur unnecessary losses.
Improving the Credit Score
Just like individuals, businesses are also assigned a credit score depending on how they repay loans, pay bills and manage their credit cards. Managing their credit cards well, keeping a low balance, repaying the credit balance punctually and maintaining a favorable credit utilization ratio will earn them points. If you then buy seasoned tradelines, your credit score will rapidly increase while your credit history will start to move in the right direction.
Earning Bonuses and Points
Some business credit card providers enroll clients in their bonus and points programs. Therefore, using your credit card will earn you points. The benefit of this is reduced interest rates, receiving cash back and numerous other benefits. Check with your credit card issuer if they have any of these programs and be sure that you understand how they work.
Streamlining Expenses
Without a business credit card, the next available option to deal with tough times is to use personal credit cards and reimburse yourself at the end of every month. This is a major hassle especially when employees use their credit cards. Again, it inconveniencies them, and this can affect their credit scores. However, having a business credit card eliminates such procedures. So, the business will have organized expenditures that can be tracked with ease to balance the accounts at the end of the month.
Conclusion
From the above advantages, any entrepreneur operating a small or medium business will agree that it is a must to have a business credit card. If you use it carefully, you will enjoy even more benefits than what we have discussed above.
