The Requirements for Opening a Business Credit Card

A business credit card can be issued to a small business owner in the business's name. The credit card can allow a small business owner to get loans, make payments and build credit history without putting their personal credit on the line. Another benefit of the credit card is that, should the small business fail, the business owner's personal credit history would not be affected. Applying for a business credit card can be a complicated process that does involve some risk, but business owners can avoid those problems and get the business credit card by being careful and thorough as they apply.

Getting Started

The business owner's first step should be to establish some assets and start a business-only checking account. At first, the business owner's credit score will double as the business's credit score, but it will change as the business checking account is used more and more often. The business owner should make sure to pay all her bills and other financial obligations on time--failing to do so will hurt her chances of getting a good business credit card.
Since it will take a while for the business credit score to be established, business owners should wait at least a year before applying.

Choosing a Credit Company

All major credit card companies offer business credit cards. A business owner should take a look at each company's products to try to figure out which ones work best for her business's financial needs. She should also carefully check each card's interest rates and other fees. She should try to find a balance between low fees and the right range of services. She should also make sure she has enough capital to pay the business credit card bills on time.

Paperwork Requirements

Once she chooses a bank, a business owner can begin the application process. Before applying for the business credit card, she must put together certain information and documents and have them on hand as she fills out the applications. This includes the Social Security numbers of the business owner and anyone who would be authorized to use the card, the business's legal name and street address, the business's tax ID number and a copy of business gross sale and profit figures for the last fiscal year. Some lenders may request other financial documents as the application process continues.

The Next Step

Once the application paperwork is submitted, the bank will look over it and judge whether or not the business is financially sound enough to get a business credit card. If an application is not accepted, the business owner can always file again, but she should wait at least a year before doing so.

Potential Business Credit Card Drawbacks

First and foremost, business credit cards should be used to manage the business's existing financial assets. They should not be used to generate cash flow unless the business owner has no other choice. The reason for that is simple. Compared to personal credit cards, business credit cards have higher interest rates and other fees. That means that if the business owner falls behind on payments, the consequences will be more severe. This will also have a negative impact on the business's ability to attract clients and get more loans.
Business owners should also make sure they carefully check their business credit card bills and expenses. Unlike personal credit cards, business credit cards have no protections against unauthorized spending. The credit card companies also have more leeway to change the terms without warning.