Do You Need a Small Business Credit Card?

So you've recently started a business and you're wondering if you should apply for a small business credit card... Whether or not you need (or are even ready for) a small business credit card can be a big decision. Make sure you make the right one by asking yourself these four questions.

1. How Old Is Your Business?

When considering whether or not to apply for a small business credit card, you should first look at how long your company has been in business.

If you've been in business for fewer than six to twelve months, you may want to wait a bit before applying. However, if your business is out of the "first-year danger zone" you may indeed want to consider getting a credit card in your business's name to help your company's growth and prosperity.

2. How's Your Credit?

Unless your business is very well established, chances are you're going to need to personally sign and be responsible for the small business credit card you obtain for your company. Because of this, you need to evaluate your own credit situation before applying for any business credit cards.

If you have good credit, you really have nothing to worry about. There will be a wide variety of small business credit cards for you to choose from. However, if you have some credit issues, your options will be limited and you may need to apply for secured business credit cards until you are able to improve your credit rating.

3. Can You Afford It?

Another big question that you really need to ask yourself when applying for a small business credit card is whether or not your business can afford to have one. Someone is going to have to pay the bills when the statements come in every month and if your business isn't generating enough revenue, you're going to have to foot the bill.

4. What Kind of Small Business Credit Card Do You Need?

If you have asked yourself the above three questions and have decided that a small business credit card is in your company's best interests, you need to determine what type of business credit card will best meet your needs.

If you plan on paying your balance off in full when the bill comes in each month, then you should look into business credit cards that offer rewards. However, due to their higher interest rates, rewards cards aren't a good option if you plan on carrying a balance. If you plan on carrying a balance, opt for a low-interest card instead.

Deciding whether or not to apply for a small business credit card doesn't have to be hard. Determining where your business stands and what type of small business credit card you need are both critical steps towards finding the business credit cards that will best serve your needs.