Your Sunny Fiscal Update

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Pros and Cons of American Express Business Credit Cards

Have you ever wondered about the pros and cons of American Express business credit cards? Well, wonder no longer. And in particular, if your personal credit is particularly good to excellent, then the pros and cons of American Express business credit cards turns into just the pros. 

Great personal credit scores will always help you. And it is no more apparent than when looking at business credit card offers from American Express. 

Let’s Look at the Pros and Cons of American Express Business Credit Cards

We researched the pros and cons of American Express business credit cards for you. So, here are our selections.

Per the SBA, corporate credit card limits are a massive 10 – 100 times that of personal credit cards!

This reveals you can get a great deal more funding with company credit cards. And it likewise shows you can have personal credit cards at shops. So, you would now have an additional card at the same shops for your company.

And you will not need collateral, cash flow, or financials to get small business credit.

Pros and Cons of American Express Business Credit Cards and Benefits

Benefits can differ. So, make sure to pick the benefit you would like from this selection of alternatives. Note: a lot of the pros and cons of American Express business credit cards come in the form of the personal credit scores you will need in order to qualify. 

If you have fantastic personal credit, then a lot of the cons go away completely.

Pros and Cons of American Express Business Credit Cards with a 0% Introductory APR – Pay Zero!

These first selections are a pair of great choices for regular, everyday expenses. In particular, if you do not travel too often, these could be perfect cards for you. Your only choice would be cash versus points.

Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Have a look at the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. It has no annual fee. There is a 0% introductory APR for the initial year. Afterwards, the APR is a variable 14.74 to 20.74%.

The Pros

Get double Membership Rewards® points on day to day business purchases like office supplies or client suppers for the first $50,000 spent annually. Get 1 point per dollar afterwards.

The Cons

You will need great to superb credit to qualify.

Find it here: https://creditcard.americanexpress.com/d/bluebusinessplus-credit-card/ 

Pros and Cons of American Express Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines. Get credit cards even in a recession!

American Express® Blue Business Cash Card

Also take a look at the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card. Note: the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card is identical to the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. However its rewards are in cash rather than points.

The Pros

Get 2% cash back on all qualified purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year. Then get 1%.

It has no yearly fee. There is a 0% introductory APR for the first twelve months. After that, the APR is a variable 14.74 to 20.74%.

The Cons

You will need great to excellent credit scores to qualify.

Find it here: https://creditcard.americanexpress.com/d/business-bluecash-credit-card/ 

Pros and Cons of American Express Business Credit Cards with Flexible Financing Credit Cards – Check Out This Great Choice!

If you can pay the minimum early every month, then this next card could be the ideal choice for you. But the annual fee is rather high, after the first year’s introductory $0 fee. 

The Plum Card® from American Express

Check out the Plum Card® from American Express. It has an introductory annual fee of $0 for the first year. After that, pay $250 each year.

The Pros

Get a 1.5% early pay discount cash back bonus when you pay within 10 days. You can take up to 60 days to pay without interest when you pay the minimum due by the payment due date.

The Cons

You will need excellent to exceptional credit scores to qualify. And that annual fee is rather high.

Find it here: https://creditcard.americanexpress.com/d/the-plum-card-business-charge-card/ 

Pros and Cons of American Express Business Credit Cards for Lavish Travel Points

Hotel Credit Card

If you spend a lot of time on the road, this could be a good card for you. The annual fee could be better – and it could be a lot worse, too. 

The points and rewards are particularly good. But the price of a second free night in a calendar year? It is far higher than the value of any room at Marriott Bonvoy, anywhere around the world.

If you make a lot of purchases on this card, then it can be worthwhile, and the annual fee can be justifiable. And since you can get multiplied points for everyday activities like eating out and filling your tank, you may be able to make the minimum spend for the really good rewards. 

But that means using this particular credit card practically to the exclusion of all others. 

Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card

Have a look at the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ Card from American Express. It has a yearly fee of $125. There is no introductory APR offer. The regular APR is a variable 17.24 to 26.24%. 

The Pros: Points

You can get 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after using your card to make purchases of $3,000 in the initial three months. Get 6 times the points for qualified purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. You can get 4 times the points at United States restaurants and filling stations. And you can get 4 times the points on wireless telephone services bought directly from US providers and on US purchases for shipping.

Get double points on all other eligible purchases.

The Pros: Rewards

Plus, you get a free night each year after your card anniversary. And you can get one more free night after you spend $60,000 on your card in a calendar year.

You get free Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status with your Card. Also, spend $35,000 on qualified purchases in a calendar year and get an upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status through the end of the following calendar year.

Plus, each calendar year you can get credit for 15 nights towards the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.

The Cons

You will need good to exceptional credit scores to get this card.

Find it here: https://creditcard.americanexpress.com/d/bonvoy-business/

Pros and Cons of American Express Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines. Get credit cards even in a recession!

Airline Credit Card

The main positives for this credit card are the great perks for travel. If you travel a lot, and you buy your airline tickets with this card, then you can probably make the minimum spend for the first three months. 

But the negatives far, far outweigh the positive aspects of this credit card. The annual fee is about what you could pay for three or four other American Express business credit cards. And the points boost will not kick in until you have spent enough to buy a house in Little Rock, Arkansas.

And even if you can make it to the exorbitant spend levels this card demands; the perks are not as generous as they could be.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Have a look at the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. Nowhere are the pros and cons of American Express business credit cards more apparent than here.

The Pros

The best way to use this card is if you travel for business a great deal. Then, and only then, it may be the card for you. Get up to 100,000 Bonus Miles and 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles. You can get 80,000 bonus miles and 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles after you spend $5,000 in your first three months. Also, earn an additional 20,000 bonus miles after your initial anniversary of card membership.

Get triple miles on Delta purchases. And get 1.5 times the miles on eligible purchases the rest of the year after you spend $150,000 in a calendar year. Get a companion certificate annually upon renewal. And you get one Global Entry ($100) statement credit every 4 years. Or you can get one TSA Pre ✓® ($85) statement credit every 4.5 years for an application, free.

The Cons

It has a $550 annual fee! There is no introductory APR offer. Rather, the regular APR is a variable 17.24 to 26.24%.

You will need good to outstanding credit to qualify.

Find it here: https://creditcard.americanexpress.com/d/delta/

Pros and Cons of American Express Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines. Get credit cards even in a recession!

Your Pros and Cons of American Express Business Credit Cards

Your own pros and cons of American Express business credit cards will depend upon your credit report and scores.

Just you can pick which features you want and need. So, ensure to do your homework. What is outstanding for you could be devastating for another person.

In particular, be sure to value these cards’ annual fees versus the required spends to get the best perks. If you cannot make the minimums, then why are you paying for these credit cards?

And, as always, make certain to establish credit in the advised order for the best, fastest benefits.

The post Pros and Cons of American Express Business Credit Cards appeared first on Credit Suite.

The Art of Hiring a Contractor

The Art of Hiring a Contractor

I will certainly be sending write-ups on employing specialists to issue resolving common to not so regular house repair work and also enhancements home owners normally come across. In a previous life, I was a house enhancement professional for a number of years as well as have actually experienced scenarios from the various other side as a specialist. Taking time to discover these points must assist in your choice in employing a residence renovation professional.

I will certainly be sending write-ups on employing service providers to issue fixing regular to not so common house repair work and also enhancements house owners normally come across. In a previous life, I was a house enhancement service provider for a number of years as well as have actually experienced scenarios from the various other side as a specialist. There are points that a property owner can look for when employing a service provider. Taking time to discover these points must assist in your choice in working with a residence renovation specialist.

The post The Art of Hiring a Contractor appeared first on ROI Credit Builders.

The Art of Hiring a Contractor

The Art of Hiring a Contractor

I will certainly be sending write-ups on employing specialists to issue resolving common to not so regular house repair work and also enhancements home owners normally come across. In a previous life, I was a house enhancement professional for a number of years as well as have actually experienced scenarios from the various other side as a specialist. Taking time to discover these points must assist in your choice in employing a residence renovation professional.

I will certainly be sending write-ups on employing service providers to issue fixing regular to not so common house repair work and also enhancements house owners normally come across. In a previous life, I was a house enhancement service provider for a number of years as well as have actually experienced scenarios from the various other side as a specialist. There are points that a property owner can look for when employing a service provider. Taking time to discover these points must assist in your choice in working with a residence renovation specialist.

The post The Art of Hiring a Contractor appeared first on ROI Credit Builders.

The Art of Hiring a Contractor

The Art of Hiring a Contractor I will certainly be sending write-ups on employing specialists to issue resolving common to not so regular house repair work and also enhancements home owners normally come across. In a previous life, I was a house enhancement professional for a number of years as well as have actually experienced …

The post The Art of Hiring a Contractor appeared first on Buy It At A Bargain – Deals And Reviews.

The Art of Hiring a Contractor

The Art of Hiring a Contractor I will certainly be sending write-ups on employing specialists to issue resolving common to not so regular house repair work and also enhancements home owners normally come across. In a previous life, I was a house enhancement professional for a number of years as well as have actually experienced …

Empower Your Business with 0% APR Business Credit Cards in a Recession

Get Epic 0% APR Business Credit Cards in a Recession

Do you know how to get 0% APR Business Credit Cards in a recession? We break down the many choices out there to show you the best corporate credit cards with 0% APR.

Per the SBA, corporate credit card limits are often 10 – 100 times that of personal cards! This means you can get a lot more cash with business credit.

And this also means you can have personal credit cards at retail stores, and now have a second card at the same shops for your company. And you will not need collateral, cash flow, or financials to get small business credit.

0% APR Business Credit Cards in a Recession: Benefits

Features vary, so make certain to pick the perk you prefer from this selection of possibilities.

Alternatives to 0% APR Business Credit Cards in a Recession: Dependable Credit Cards for Fair to Poor Credit, Not Calling for a Personal Guarantee

Brex Card for Startups

Check out the Brex Card for Startups. It has no yearly charge.

You will not need to supply your Social Security number to use. And you will not need to supply a personal warranty. They will take your EIN. Nevertheless, they do not accept every industry. Additionally, there are some industries they will not work with, and others where they want added paperwork. For a list, go here: https://brex.com/legal/prohibited_activities/.

To determine creditworthiness, Brex checks a business’s cash balance, spending patterns, and investors.

You can get 7x points on rideshare. Get 4x on Brex Travel. Also, get triple points on dining establishments. And get double points on recurring software payments. Get 1x points on everything else.

You can have poor credit scores (even a 300 FICO) to qualify.Find it here: https://brex.com/lp/startups-higher-limits/

Check out how our reliable process will help your business get the best business credit cards, even during a recession.

Secure Business Credit Cards for Fair Credit

 

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business

Check out the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business. It has no annual cost. There is no initial APR offer. The regular APR is a variable 24.49%. You can get limitless 1% cash back on every purchase for your business, without minimum to retrieve.

While this card is within reach if you have fair credit, beware of the APR. However if you can pay in a timely manner, and in full, after that it’s a bargain.

Find it here: https://www.capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/spark-classic/0% APR Business Credit Cards in a Recession Credit Suite

Superior Business Credit Cards without Annual Charge

No Yearly Fee/Flat Rate Cash Back

Ink Business Unlimited â„  Credit Card

For a great example of 0% APR business credit cards in a recession, look into the Ink Business Unlimited ℠ Credit Card. Beyond no yearly cost, get an initial 0% APR for the initial twelve months. After that, the APR is a variable 14.74 – 20.74%. You can get endless 1.5% Cash Back rewards on every purchase made for your company. As well as obtain $500 bonus cash back after investing $3,000 in the first three months from account opening. You can redeem your incentives for cash back, gift cards, traveling and even more through Chase Ultimate Benefits ®. You will require excellent credit report to get approved for this card.Find it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/business-credit-cards/ink/unlimited

Alternatives to 0% APR Business Credit Cards in a Recession:

0% APR Business Credit Cards in a Recession – Pay Absolutely Nothing!

Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

For a great example of 0% APR business credit cards in a recession, have a look at the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. It has no annual charge. There is a 0% introductory APR for the initial one year. After that, the APR is a variable 14.74 – 20.74%.

Get double Subscription Rewards ® points on day-to-day business purchases like office supplies or customer suppers for the initial $50,000 spent per year. Get 1 point per dollar after.

You will certainly require excellent to superb credit report to qualify.

Find it here: https://creditcard.americanexpress.com/d/bluebusinessplus-credit-card/

American Express® Blue Business Cash Card

Additionally take a look at the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card. Note: the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card is identical to Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. However its rewards are in cash rather than points.

Get 2% money back on all qualified purchases on approximately $50,000 per calendar year. After that get 1%.

It has no annual cost. There is a 0% introductory APR for the initial year. After that, the APR is a variable 14.74 – 20.74%.

You will need great to superb credit to qualify.

Find it here: https://creditcard.americanexpress.com/d/business-bluecash-credit-card/

Terrific Cards for Cash Back

Flat-Rate Rewards

Capital One ® Spark® Cash for Business 

Look into the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business. It has an introductory $0 annual fee for the very first year. After that, this card costs $95 per year. There is no initial APR offer. The regular APR is a variable 18.49%.

You can get a $500 one-time cash bonus after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. Get unrestricted 2% cash back. Redeem any time with no minimums.

You will need good to superb credit to qualify.

Find it here: https://www.capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/spark-cash/

Flat-Rate Rewards and No Yearly Cost

Discover it® Business Card

For a great example of 0% APR business credit cards in a recession, have a look at the Discover it® Business Card. It has no yearly fee. There is an initial APR of 0% on acquisitions for one year. After that the routine APR is a variable 14.49 – 22.49%. Get unrestricted 1.5% cash money back on all purchases, with group restrictions or perks. They double the 1.5% Cashback Match™ at the end of the very first year. There is no minimum spend requirement.

You can download deals quickly to Quicken, QuickBooks, as well as Excel. Note: you will need great to superb credit scores to get approval for this card.

Find it here: https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/business/?ICMPGN=PUB_HNAV_CARDS_BUSINESS

Check out how our reliable process will help your business get the best business credit cards, even during a recession.

Bonus Categories

Ink Business Cashâ„  Credit Card

For a great example of 0% APR business credit cards in a recession , check out the Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card. It has no annual cost. There is a 0% initial APR for the first year. Afterwards, the APR is a variable 14.74 – 20.74%. You can get a $500 one-time cash bonus after spending $3,000 in the initial 3 months from account opening.

You can earn 5% cash back on the very first $25,000 spent in mixed acquisitions at workplace supply shops and also on web, cord and phone services each account wedding anniversary year. Get 2% cash back on the initial $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and also restaurants each account anniversary year. Get 1% cash back on all other purchases. There is no limit to the amount you can earn.

You will need outstanding credit scores to get approval for this card.

Locate it right here: https://creditcards.chase.com/business-credit-cards/ink/cash?iCELL=61GF

Boosted Cash Back Categories

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

Take a look at the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card. Get an 0% initial APR for the first 9 billing cycles of the account. Afterwards, the APR is 13.74% – 23.74% variable. There is no annual charge. You can get a $300 statement credit offer.

Get 3% cash back in the group of your choice. So these are filling stations (default), office supply shops, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting solutions. Get 2% cash back on dining. So this is for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year. After that make 1% after, unlimited.

You will need excellent credit scores to qualify.

Find it here: https://promo.bankofamerica.com/smallbusinesscards2/

Alternatives to 0% APR Business Credit Cards in a Recession: Flexible Financing Credit Cards – Take A Look at Your Alternatives!

The Plum Card® from American Express

Have a look at the Plum Card® from American Express. It has an initial annual fee of $0 for the first year. Afterwards, pay $250 each year.

Get a 1.5% early pay discount cash back bonus when you pay within 10 days. You can take up to 60 days to pay without interest when you pay the minimum due by the payment due date.

You will need good to outstanding credit to qualify.

Find it here: https://creditcard.americanexpress.com/d/the-plum-card-business-charge-card/

Check out how our reliable process will help your business get the best business credit cards, even during a recession.

Irresistible Cards for Jackpot Rewards That Never Expire

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business

For a great example of 0% APR business credit cards in a recession, have a look at the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business. It has no yearly cost. You can get 1.5% cash back on every purchase. There is no limitation on the cash back you can earn. And get a one-time $200 cash bonus when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months. Rewards never run out.

Pay a 0% introductory APR for 9 months. Then pay 14.49% – 22.49% variable APR after that.

You will need good to excellent credit to qualify.

Find it here: https://www.capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/spark-cash-select/

Company Credit Cards for Extravagant Travel Points

Flat-rate Travel Rewards

Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business

Have a look at the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business. It has an introductory annual cost of $0 for the first year, which then rises to $95. The regular APR is 18.49%, variable due to the prime rate. There is no introductory annual percentage rate. Pay no transfer fees. Late fees go up to $39.

This card is excellent for travel if your expenditures don’t come under standard bonus categories. You can get unlimited double miles on all purchases, with no restrictions. Get 5x miles on rental cars and hotels if you book with Capital One Travel.

Get an introductory benefit of 50,000 miles. That’s the same as $500 in travel. But you only get it if you spend $4,500 in the first 3 months from account opening. There is no foreign transaction fee. You will need a great to superb FICO rating to qualify.

Find it here: https://www.capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/spark-miles/

Bonus Travel Categories with Sign-Up Offer

Ink Business Preferredâ„  Credit Card

For a wonderful sign-up deal and bonus categories, look into the Ink Business Preferredâ„  Credit Card.

Pay an annual cost of $95. Regular APR is 17.49 – 22.49%, variable. There is no introductory APR offer.

Get 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 in the initial 3 months after account opening. This works out to $1,250 towards travel rewards if you redeem using Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Get three points per dollar of the first $150,000 you spend with this card. So this is for purchases on travel, shipping, internet, cable, and phone services. Plus it includes advertising purchases made with social media sites and also search engines each account anniversary year.

You can get 25% more in travel redemption when you redeem for travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards. You will need a good to superb FICO score to qualify.

Find it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/business-credit-cards/ink/business-preferred

No Yearly Fee

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card

For a great example of 0% APR business credit cards in a recession, take a look at this card from Bank of America. It has no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR for purchases during the first 9 billing cycles. Afterwards, its regular APR is 13.74 – 23.74% variable.

You can earn 30,000 bonus points when you make at the very least $3,000 in net purchases. So this is within 90 days of your account opening. You can redeem these points for a $300 statement credit towards travel purchases.

Get unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases, everywhere, every time. And this is no matter how much you spend.

Likewise earn 3 points per every dollar spent when you book your travel (car, hotel, airline) through the Bank of America® Travel Center. There is no limit to the number of points you can earn and points do not expire.

You will need outstanding credit scores to get this one (as in, 700s or better).

Find it here: https://www.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/credit-cards/products/travel-rewards-business-credit-card/

Hotel Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card

Check out the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ Card from American Express. It has a yearly fee of $125. There is no introductory APR offer. The regular APR is a variable 17.24 – 26.24%. you will need good to superb credit scores to get this card.

Points

You can get 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after using your card to make purchases of $3,000 in the first 3 months. Get 6x the points for eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. You can get 4x the points at US restaurants and gasoline stations. And you can get 4x the points on wireless telephone services bought directly from US service providers and on US purchases for shipping.

Get double points on all other eligible purchases.

Rewards

And also, you get a free night each year after your card anniversary. And you can make an additional free night after you spend $60,000 on your card in a calendar year.

You get free of charge Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status with your Card. And also, spend $35,000 on qualified purchases in a calendar year and also make an upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status through completion of the next calendar year.

And also, each calendar year you can get credit for 15 nights towards the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status.

Find it here: https://creditcard.americanexpress.com/d/bonvoy-business/

Your Best 0% APR Business Credit Cards in a Recession and More

Your absolute best 0% APR business credit cards in a recession will hinge upon your credit history and scores. Just you can determine which features you want and need, so make sure to do your research. And, as always, make certain to build business credit in the recommended order for the best, fastest benefits.

The post Empower Your Business with 0% APR Business Credit Cards in a Recession appeared first on Credit Suite.

How to Build Business Credit Without Using Personal Credit

You need to know how to build business credit without using personal credit. It’s possible, but you have to start at the beginning and work through the process. 

How to Build Business Credit Without Using Personal Credit: There is More to the Process than You May Imagine

That’s right, there is a process for how to build business credit without using personal credit.  Just like any process, you can’t start in the middle. You can’t start at the end. There is no other place to start and make it work than the beginning. 

How to Build Business Credit Without Using Personal Credit: Set Your Business Up to Be Fundable

The first step in how to build business credit without using personal credit is to separate your business from yourself.  Until you do that, your personal credit will come into play every time. Your business has to be a separate, fundable entity all on its own.  How do you make this happen?

Set Up Separate Contact Information

First, make sure your business has its own phone number, fax number, and address.   That doesn’t mean you can’t run your business from your house.  There are ways to separate contact information and still do that.

Check out our best webinar with its trustworthy list of seven vendors to help you build business credit.

In fact, you can get a business phone number and fax number that will work over the internet instead of phone lines.  Also, the phone number will forward to any phone you want it too so you can simply use your personal cell phone or landline.  

Furthermore, you can use a virtual office for a business address. That is different than what you may think. A virtual office is a business that offers a physical address for a fee.  Sometimes they even offer mail service and live receptionist services.  In addition, there are some that have meeting spaces for when you  need to meet a client or customer in person. 

EIN

Next, you have to get an EIN. As you may know, that’s an identifying number for your business that works similar to how your SSN works for you personally.  You can get one for free from the IRS.

Incorporate

Not surprisingly, incorporating your business as an LLC, S-corp, or corporation is necessary for separation.  In addition, iIt lends credibility to your business as one that is legitimate. It also offers some protection from liability. 

The truth is, which option you choose relates more to your budget and protection needs.  In fact, the best thing to do is talk to your attorney or a tax professional when making that decision.  

You Need a Separate Business Bank Account

Why?   First, it will help you keep track of business finances.  It will also help you keep them separate from personal finances for tax purposes. 

There’s more to it however.  There are several types of funding you cannot get without a business bank account.  Many lenders and credit cards want to see one with a minimum average balance.  In addition, you cannot get a merchant account without a business account at a bank. That means, you cannot take credit card payments.  Studies show consumers tend to spend more when they can pay by credit card.

Licenses

A legitimate business has all of the necessary licenses it needs to operate legally.   If it doesn’t, warning signals are going to alert lenders that there may be a problem. Make sure you have all of the licenses necessary to legitimately run your business at the federal, state, and local levels. 

Website

You might as well not exist if you don’t have a website.  However, having a website that looks unprofessional or isn’t user friendly can be even worse. Often, this is the first impression you make.  If it appears to be unprofessional that will be bad.

Spend the time and money necessary to ensure your website is professionally designed and works well.  Pay for hosting too. Don’t use a free hosting service.  Along these same lines, your business needs a dedicated business email address.  Make sure it has the same URL as your Website. Don’t use a free service such as Yahoo or Gmail. 

How to Build Business Credit Without Using Personal Credit: Get Initial Accounts Reporting

Now that your business is separate and can have its very own credit, you have to get accounts reporting.  This is the crux of how to build business credit without using personal credit. There are a few ways to do it. 

Ask Current Vendors to Report Payments to Credit Agencies

Vendors you already work with may be willing to extend credit without a credit check.  If not, they may give you net terms on invoices.   The worst they can say is no.  If they say yes, ask them to report the payments to the business credit agencies.

Check out our best webinar with its trustworthy list of seven vendors to help you build business credit.

Ask Monthly Service Providers to Report Payments

You already pay utilities, rent, and internet each month.  Ask those providers to report your payments to the business credit reporting agencies.  If they say yes, make certain your accounts are set up in your business name with your business contact information.  Then, those payments will help build business credit.

Work with Starter Vendors

Starter vendors are the key to how to build business credit without using personal credit.  They are part of what we like to call vendor credit.  These are certain retailers that will extend Net 30 terms in your business name without a credit check.  Then, after you pay, they will report those payments to the business credit report agencies (CRAs). 

This starts a sort of snowball effect for building business credit.  They do not check your credit score, so it doesn’t matter that it may not be great.  As you make these payments responsibly and they are reported, you begin to build positive business credit history.

How to Build Business Credit Without Using Personal Credit: Work Through Getting More Credit

There are actually more kinds of credit beyond vendor credit.  You have to work through them in order. Once you get enough initial accounts reporting from vendor credit, you can apply for revolving store cards (AKA retail credit).  These are vendors as well, but they do check your business credit. 

Generally, these are credit cards limited to use at the stores that issue them.  For example, Office Depot cards can only be used at Office Depot. Best Buy cards can only be used at Best Buy.  

After retail credit comes fleet credit.  This includes fleet credit cards that are limited to use for fuel and auto repair and maintenance costs. Examples include fleet cards issued by Shell, Fuelman, and WEX.

After this comes more universal cash credit.  If you have enough accounts and you handle them responsibly, you should qualify for approval here.  It includes general business credit cards that are not limited to where you can use them or what you can use them on. Often, they even have nice rewards such as cash back. 

Business Credit is Just a Piece of A Much Larger Puzzle

Of course, when it comes to funding your business, business credit isn’t the only thing that makes a difference.  It is arguably the biggest factor, but other things come into play as well. You need to know what those things are so you aren’t going in blind.

Other Business Data Agencies 

There are other business data agencies that affect credit reports indirectly.  Two examples include LexisNexis and The Small Business Finance Exchange. These two agencies collect data from various sources, including public records.  That means, they could have access to information relating to automobile accidents and liens, among other things. I think you’ll agree that most business owners do not expect things like this to affect their ability to get funding. However, it can. 

While you may not be able see or make changes to the data these agencies have on your business, you can make sure that any new information they receive is positive.  Enough positive information can help counteract any negative information from the past. 

Identification Numbers 

Other than the EIN, there are identifying numbers that go along with your business credit reports.  You need to be aware that these numbers exist.  Some of them are assigned by the agency, like the Experian BIN.  At least one, however, you have to apply to get. It is absolutely necessary that you do this. 

Dun & Bradstreet is the largest and most commonly used business credit reporting agency.  Every credit file in their database has a D-U-N-S number.  To get a D-U-N-S number, you have to apply for one through the D&B website. If you do not, you will not have a credit report with D&B.  When a lender tries to pull your business credit score from them, it will not be there, no matter how well you have paid your business accounts.

Business Information

On the surface, it seems obvious that all of your business information should be the same everywhere you use it.  However, when you start changing things up, you may find that some things slip. 

This is a problem.  A ton of loan applications are turned down each year due to fraud concerns because  things do not match up.  Maybe your business licenses have your personal address but now you have a separate business address.  Change it. Perhaps some of your credit accounts have a slightly different name or a different phone number listed than what is on your loan application. Do your insurances all have the correct information?  

The key to this piece of the business fundability is to monitor your reports regularly.   

Financial Statements

This encompasses a broad spectrum of things.  First, there is the obvious. Both your personal and business tax returns need to be in order.  Not only that, but you need to be paying your taxes, both business and personal.   

Business Financials

It is best to have an accounting professional prepare regular financial statements for your business. Having an accountant’s name on financial statements lends credence to the legitimacy of your business. If you cannot afford this monthly or quarterly, at least have professional statements prepared each year. 

Personal Financials

Often tax returns for the previous three years will suffice.  Get a tax professional to prepare them.   This is the bare minimum you will need.  Other information you may need could include check stubs and bank statements, among other things. 

Bureaus

There are several other agencies that hold information related to your personal finances that you need to know about.  Everyone knows about FICO.  Your personal FICO score needs to be as strong as possible. It really can affect business fundability and almost all traditional lenders will look at personal credit along with business credit. 

In addition to FICO reporting personal credit, there is ChexSystems.  In the simplest terms, they keep up with bad check activity.  This makes a difference when it comes to your bank score.  If you have too many bad checks, you will not be able to open a bank account.  That will cause serious fundability issues. 

Everything is fair game.  Have you ever been convicted of a crime? Do you have a bankruptcy or short sell on your record?  How about liens or UCC filings? All of this can and will affect the fundability of your business. 

Personal Credit History

How to Build Biz Credit Without Using Personal Credit SuiteEven once you know how to build business credit without using personal credit, your personal credit score matters.  It has to be in order because it will definitely affect the fundability of your business.  Work on improving it while you’re building business credit without it.  The number one way to get a strong personal credit score or improve a weak one is to make payments consistently on time. 

Also, make sure you monitor your personal credit regularly to ensure mistakes are corrected and that there are no fraudulent accounts being reported. 

Application

Consider the timing of the application.  Is your business currently fundable?  If not, do some work first to increase fundability. Next, ensure that your business name, business address, and ownership status are all verifiable.  Lenders will check into it.  Lastly, make sure you choose the right lending product for your business and your needs. Do you need a traditional loan or a line of credit? Would a working capital loan or expansion loan work best for your needs?  Choosing the right product to apply for can make all the difference.

Check out our best webinar with its trustworthy list of seven vendors to help you build business credit.

How to Build Business Credit Without Using Personal Credit: It Is Possible

You need to know how to build business credit without using personal credit, especially if your personal credit is bad. However, you cannot just ignore personal credit.  It affects the fundability of your business as well as many other factors. Take the time to improve your personal credit and evaluate the other pieces of your complete fundability picture while building business credit.  Then, you will always be able to get the funding you need.

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