Tag: credit

How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession?

Do you know? How hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession?

It’s a brilliant question. How hard is it to establish business credit in a recession? Is business credit building impossible? Or is it just some nightmare? And what happens in an economic downturn?

I assure you it is not only possible, it is downright sure-fire. And business credit is all but recession-proof!

Business credit is credit in a business’s name. It doesn’t link to an owner’s personal credit, not even if the owner is a sole proprietor and the solitary employee of the corporation. Because of this, an entrepreneur’s business and consumer credit scores can be very different.

The Advantages

Because business credit is distinct from individual, it helps to safeguard a business owner’s personal assets, in the event of court action or business insolvency. Also, with two separate credit scores, an entrepreneur can get two separate cards from the same merchant.

This effectively doubles buying power.

Another benefit is that even startups can do this. Visiting a bank for a business loan can be a formula for frustration. But building small business credit, when done right, is a plan for success.

Individual credit scores are dependent on payments but also additional considerations like credit usage percentages. But for small business credit, the scores actually merely depend on whether a corporation pays its invoices timely.

How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: The Process

Establishing business credit is a process, and it does not occur automatically. A corporation will need to proactively work to build business credit. Nonetheless, it can be done readily and quickly, and it is much swifter than developing individual credit scores.

Merchants are a big component of this process.

Doing the steps out of sequence will cause repetitive rejections. No one can start at the top with company credit. For instance, you can’t start with store or cash credit from your bank. If you do you’ll get a rejection 100% of the time.

Learn more here and get started toward building business credit attached to your company’s EIN and not your SSN. Get money even in a recession!

How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: Company Fundability

A business has to be authentic to lenders and vendors. As a result, a company will need a professional-looking website and email address, with website hosting from a company like GoDaddy. Additionally business phone and fax numbers need to have a listing on ListYourself.net.

At the same time the company telephone number should be toll-free (800 exchange or the like).

A company will also need a bank account dedicated strictly to it, and it must have every one of the licenses essential for running. These licenses all must be in the accurate, accurate name of the company, with the same business address and phone numbers.

Keep in mind that this means not just state licenses, but potentially also city licenses.

How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: Dealing with the Internal Revenue Service

Visit the IRS web site and obtain an EIN for the small business. They’re free of charge. Select a business entity like corporation, LLC, etc.

A small business can start off as a sole proprietor. But will most likely wish to switch to a form of corporation or partnership to decrease risk and maximize tax benefits.

A business entity will matter when it concerns tax obligations and liability in the event of litigation. A sole proprietorship means the owner is it when it comes to liability and tax obligations. No one else is responsible.

If you run a company as a sole proprietor, then at least be sure to file for a DBA (‘doing business as’) status.

If you do not, then your personal name is the same as the small business name. Therefore, you can find yourself being directly responsible for all company debts.

And also, per the IRS, with this structure there is a 1 in 7 probability of an IRS audit. There is a 1 in 50 chance for corporations! Prevent confusion and drastically lower the odds of an Internal Revenue Service audit as well.

Learn more here and get started toward building business credit attached to your company’s EIN and not your SSN. Get money even in a recession!

How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: Starting off the Business Credit Reporting Process

Begin at the D&B website and obtain a cost-free DUNS number. A DUNS number is how D&B gets a corporation into their system, to produce a PAYDEX score. If there is no DUNS number, then there is no record and no PAYDEX score.

Once in D&B’s system, search Equifax and Experian’s websites for the company. You can do this at https://www.creditsuite.com/reports/. If there is a record with them, check it for accuracy and completeness.

If there are no records with them, go to the next step in the process. By doing this, Experian and Equifax will have something to report on.

Trade Lines

First you must build trade lines that report. This is also known as vendor accounts. Then you’ll have an established credit profile, and you’ll get a business credit score.

And with an established business credit profile and score you can start obtaining revolving store and cash credit.

These kinds of accounts have the tendency to be for the things bought all the time, like shipping boxes, outdoor work wear, ink and toner, and office furniture.

But first of all, what is trade credit? These trade lines are credit issuers who will give you initial credit when you have none now. Terms are oftentimes Net 30, instead of revolving.

Hence if you get approval for $1,000 in vendor credit and use all of it, you will need to pay that money back in a set term, like within 30 days on a Net 30 account.

Details

Net 30 accounts must be paid in full within 30 days. 60 accounts need to be paid in full within 60 days. Compared to with revolving accounts, you have a set time when you must pay back what you borrowed or the credit you made use of.

To begin your business credit profile the right way, you should get approval for vendor accounts that report to the business credit reporting agencies. As soon as that’s done, you can then make use of the credit.

Then repay what you used, and the account is on report to Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, or Equifax.

Not every vendor can help like true starter credit can. These are vendors that will grant an approval with very little effort. You also want them to be reporting to one or more of the big three CRAs: Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax, and Experian.

And Continue…

So get 3 of these to move onto the next step, which is revolving store credit.

1. Uline Shipping Supplies

Uline Shipping Supplies is a true starter vendor. Find them online at https://www.uline.com/. They offer shipping, packing, and industrial supplies, and they report to D&B and Experian.

You need to have a DUNS number. They will ask for 2 references and a bank reference. The initial few orders may need to be paid in advance to initially get approval for Net 30 terms. Also, you may need to buy some things you do not need.

2. Crown Office Supplies

Crown Office Supplies is another true starter vendor. Find them online at https://crownofficesupplies.com.

They sell a variety of office supplies and take helping clients seriously. They say, “just starting your business, or maybe have an existing business, but you have a question regarding office supplies… we are here to help!” And they report to Dun and Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax.

There is a $99.00 yearly fee, though they do report that fee to the business credit reporting agencies. For other purchases to report, the purchase must be at least $30.00. Terms are Net 30.

3. Grainger Industrial Supply

Grainger Industrial Supply is also a true starter vendor. Find them online at https://www.grainger.com/. They sell safety equipment, plumbing supplies, and more, and they report to D&B. You will need a business license, EIN, and a DUNS number.

For less than $1000 credit limit they will approve virtually anybody with a business license.

Accounts That Don’t Report

Non-Reporting Trade Accounts can also be helpful. While you do want trade accounts to report to at the very least one of the CRAs, a trade account which does not report can yet be of some worth. You can always ask non-reporting accounts for trade references.

Also credit accounts of any sort will help you to better even out business expenditures, consequently making financial planning simpler. These are companies like PayPal Credit, T-Mobile, and Best Buy.

Revolving Store Credit

Once there are 3 or more vendor trade accounts reporting to at least one of the CRAs move to revolving store credit.

Use the corporation’s EIN on these credit applications.

Fleet Credit

Are there more accounts reporting? Then progress to fleet credit. These are companies like BP and Conoco. Use this credit to buy, repair, and take care of vehicles. Make certain to apply using the business’s EIN.

Cash Credit

Have you been sensibly managing the credit you’ve gotten up to this point? Then move onto more universal cash credit. These are service providers such as Visa and MasterCard. Keep your SSN off these applications; use your EIN instead.

These are typically MasterCard credit cards. If you have more trade accounts reporting, then these are doable.

Learn more here and get started toward building business credit attached to your company’s EIN and not your SSN. Get money even in a recession!

How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: Monitor Your Business Credit

Know what is happening with your credit. Make sure it is being reported and fix any inaccuracies ASAP. Get in the practice of checking credit reports. Dig into the specifics, not just the scores.

We can help you monitor business credit at Experian and D&B for $90 less. Update the relevant information if there are errors or the details is incomplete.

Disputing Mistakes

So, what’s all this monitoring for? It’s to challenge any mistakes in your records. Errors in your credit report(s) can be taken care of. But the CRAs typically want you to dispute in a particular way.

Disputing credit report inaccuracies usually means you send a paper letter with copies of any proof of payment with it. These are documents like receipts and cancelled checks. Never mail the originals. Always send copies and retain the originals.

Disputing credit report inaccuracies also means you specifically detail any charges you challenge. Make your dispute letter as clear as possible. Be specific about the issues with your report. Use certified mail so that you will have proof that you mailed in your dispute.

How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: A Word about Business Credit Building

So always use credit sensibly! Don’t borrow beyond what you can pay off. Monitor balances and deadlines for payments. Paying on time and fully will do more to boost business credit scores than virtually anything else.

Establishing corporate credit pays. Good business credit scores help a company get loans. Your credit issuer knows the corporation can pay its financial obligations.

They know the corporation is authentic. And the business’s EIN connects to high scores, and credit issuers won’t feel the need to require a personal guarantee.

How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: Takeaway

Business credit is an asset which can help your small business for years to come.

Obtaining merchant accounts for business credit means that you are on your way to getting good business credit.

These three should conveniently get you going. How hard is it to establish business credit in a recession? Pretty easy! So go out there and clobber it! Learn more here and get started toward establishing business credit.

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The Best Credit Card Processing Companies (In-Depth Review)

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There are many touchpoints along the customer journey. The transaction is of course one of the most important, if not the most important.

So, the way in which you accept payments matters for both you and the customer. You need to have the right software and/or hardware in place to make sure transactions are simple and secure for both parties. 

Not only that, as a business owner you need to know that you’re not shelling out cash on inferior services or unnecessary additional fees.

Therefore, this post will cover everything you need to know about choosing the right credit card processing company. Plus, I’ll introduce my top picks for a wide range of businesses of different sizes and with different needs.

The Top 10 Credit Card Processing Companies

  1. Square
  2. PayPal
  3. FIS
  4. Stripe
  5. Payline Data
  6. Fiserv
  7. BitPay
  8. Adyen
  9. Dharma Merchant Services
  10. Fattmerchant

How to Choose the Best Credit Card Processing Company for You

Here are some key elements to consider when choosing the right credit card processing company for you:

1. Fees

Look at the payment terms and fees carefully. Different companies offer different pricing models and things can start to get a little complex.

Firstly, there are interchange fees, which is the percentage taken by the company on every transaction made. Full-service credit card processing companies also take a monthly fee. There may also be additional costs, such as setup or monthly minimum fees.

2. Accepted Payment Methods

Nowadays, you need a payment processing company that accepts more than just debit and credit cards. Digital wallets like PayPal, Google Pay or Apple Pay have become extremely popular. 

3. Customer Experience

When shopping, customers want the entire experience to be quick and easy. This is particularly important in e-commerce where the checkout process needs to be streamlined. 

In fact, a long and complicated checkout process is the number three reason why consumers abandon their carts in 2020.

It’s also vital that the payment gateway is secure because obviously we’re dealing with sensitive data here. So, look for elements such as PCI compliance and encryption.

4. User Experience

Of course, you or your staff are going to be the ones actually using these systems. Thus, the software, apps and/or hardware need to be user-friendly.

Furthermore, with tech, there’s likely to be a glitch or an issue at some point. This means that you need a credit card processing company that offers superior customer support. The reason being, the longer your payment processor is down, the more sales you lose.

Now you know what you need to consider when researching credit card processing companies, let’s take a look at how they work.

The Different Types of Credit Card Processing Company

There are two main types of credit card processing company. Here’s the 411:

Credit Card Processor

A credit card processor is the go-between that takes care of transactions. The processor takes the funds from the customer’s account and deposits them in your merchant account. It also ensures that the transaction information is correct, the customer has sufficient funds and notifies the payment gateway that the transaction was successful.

Full-Service Credit Card Processor & Merchant Account

Full-service providers do the same as credit card processors but also provide a merchant account, meaning you don’t need an additional merchant account with a bank. These providers tend to offer lower interchange fees but also charge a monthly fee and additional fees, such as the above-mentioned setup fees and so on.

Depending on the size of your operation and the volume of payments you receive, you’ll have to calculate which type of credit card processing company is going to keep costs low overall. Look for companies that are transparent and straightforward about the way in which they operate and take fees.

#1 – Square — The Best for Ease of Use

Square is a hugely popular, low-fee credit card processing company for online and brick-and-mortar stores.

Its POS app is rich in features and easy-to-use. Square is also known for providing an exceptional, frictionless range of POS systems:

Bonus: you can get the software and Square Reader for free.

The beauty of Square truly lies in its simplicity. The company offers a transparent, straightforward pricing model: 2.6% + 10¢ for every tap (mobile payment), dip (chip card) or swipe (magstripe card) on the POS and 2.9% + 30¢ for e-commerce transactions.

Other benefits include active fraud prevention, end-to-end encryption, a quick sign-up process and live phone support.

Essentially, Square is an easy-to-use all-rounder that would be an excellent choice for a wide range of businesses.

#2 – PayPal Commerce Platform Review — The Best for Individuals & Low-Volume Sellers

You’re no doubt familiar with PayPal (unless you’ve been living under a rock), but you may not be as familiar with its commerce platform.

With the PayPal Commerce Platform you can take payments online, in-store, on-the-go with an iZettle card reader, by QR code, over the phone and via social shopping links:

If you’re a solopreneur or small business just starting out then the platform is a fantastic choice for you. PayPal offers a flat-rate system where you only pay for the processing services you use.

The other great thing about PayPal is that it’s a highly recognizable and trusted brand. Therefore, advertising the fact that you accept PayPal payments could lead to more conversions.

Overall, the PayPal Commerce Platform is a secure, user-friendly and low-cost solution for beginners, individuals and low-volume sellers.

#3 – FIS — The Best for Small Businesses

FIS (formerly Worldpay) is a global banking software provider that offers payment processing solutions for large enterprises, small businesses and e-commerce stores.

However, this company puts most of its focus on small businesses, serving a range of industries including grocery, retail, restaurants, personal and professional services: 

And this is where FIS really shines as they work directly with small businesses to give them competitive terms and rates. You must contact FIS for a quote.

FIS also stands out as a great provider because of their superior 24/7/365 customer support. Furthermore, their software integrates with 1000+ POS systems which is great if you don’t wish to purchase one of their smart terminals.

FIS is the choice for you if you own a small business and want a customizable solution.

#4 – Stripe — The Best for Internet Businesses

Stripe was designed with a range of online businesses in mind, including e-commerce, mobile commerce, subscription services, marketplaces and other platforms. So, if you’re primarily a web-based business then Stripe is the choice for you.

What also makes it the best choice for online businesses is that the company provides tons of pre-built integrations and ready-made checkout forms for major e-commerce platforms, subscription services and the like:

There’s a simple pay-as-you-go pricing model of 2.9% + 30¢ with no additional monthly or setup fees. 

Stripe is also one of the most technologically-advanced solutions out there with its dedication to improving the platform and machine learning models for intelligent optimizations.

If you’re looking for a competitively-priced credit card processor that will integrate easily with your online business, choose Stripe.

#5 – Payline Data — The Best for High-Risk Merchants

Payline Data offers in-person, online and mobile payment solutions for companies of varying sizes. 

It’s the best option for high-risk merchants that struggle to get approved for accounts elsewhere. Thanks to its partnerships with major banks and premiere support team, Payline Data is able to simplify high-risk account management.

Payline Data’s pricing model is a little more complex than other options with setup, monthly and other additional fees involved. Take a look:

However, you can work out exactly what your monthly costs will be using their payment calculator tool.

Another advantage of using Payline Data is its integrations with major POS, shopping cart and accounting software providers, along with developer APIs for a customizable solution.

As long as you consider the costs carefully, this could be the simplest and cheapest option for those looking for a high-risk merchant account.

#6 – Fiserv — The Best for High-Volume Retailers

This company provides a convenient, secure and reliable payment processing service as well as end-to-end accounting services, if you require them.

What makes Fiserv the best choice for high-volume retailers is the fact that you can negotiate favorable interchange-plus pricing and terms. Or you can opt for flat-rate pricing via its Clover platform.

Having recently merged with international payment processing leader First Data, Fiserv is also a great option for those who operate globally. 

Seven out of the ten largest digital merchants trust Fiserv. Plus, retailers can accept a range of payment methods that are popular around the world, such as Alipay.

Fiserv is the right choice for more experienced, high-volume and global retailers.

#7 – BitPay — The Best for Accepting Crypto

Though technically not a credit card processing company, BitPay is a forward-thinking payment processing company for those who want to add crypto into the mix.

Owned by Shark Tank powerhouse, Mark Cuban, BitPay allows you to accept a range of cryptocurrencies online, via email and in-store. 

The way it works is simple – the customer gets an invoice, they pay in crypto at a locked-in exchange rate, BitPay converts the payment into your local currency and you receive the payment in your account the next day:

Due to the nature of crypto, you can accept payments from around the globe without having to worry about fraudulent purchases. What’s more, BitPay promises a flat rate fee of 1% and no hidden fees. 

So, if you’d like to expand your reach and gain access to the crypto market, BitPay is for you.

#8 – Adyen — The Best for Growing Enterprises

Adyen isn’t for newbies. It counts the likes of Uber, Virgin Hotels, Hunter and Spotify among its customers. So, it’s perfect for growing enterprises that are ready to take their business to the next level. 

You can benefit from transaction optimization to help you get the most revenue from your sales, as well as in-depth reporting on the platform to better understand your customers and aid growth:

Fees vary depending on the payment method used. Yet, Adyen provides a transparent list of all fees for each payment method on their site.

Other benefits include data-driven security, fraud prevention and access to a dedicated team of payment specialists who will provide you with expert advice.

Overall, if you’re focused on growth, Adyen is the perfect partner.

#9 – Dharma Merchant Services — The Best for Quick Service Payments

Dharma is a low-fee credit card processor that specializes in retail and quick service transactions. In other words, if you own a restaurant, bar, fast food joint or other quick service business then this is a great choice for you.

The company offers a low fee of 0.15% and $0.07 per transaction above interchange for storefronts and restaurants:

Plus, the virtual terminal and app are free. The e-commerce rate is slightly higher at 0.20% + $0.10.

With Dharma, you also benefit from exceptional customer service. If you’re new to credit card processing you can get a free consultation and ask all of the questions you need to. Plus, they offer 24/7 tech support.

Choose Dharma if you own a quick service business and need support along the way.

#10 – Fattmerchant — The Best for Professional Services

Fattmerchant provides a range of smart payment processing solutions, but really nails it when it comes to professional service providers.

The reason being, the platform offers the ability to send invoices and retrieve recurring payments quickly and easily. There’s also the option to create payment links and even buttons to take payments for subscription services.

The platform has features which will speed up your business processes through automation, e.g. automated payment reminders:

Fattmerchant offers a different pricing model to many other credit card processing companies. There’s a flat rate subscription fee starting at $99 but 0% markup on interchange and no pesky additional fees.

Essentially, Fattmerchant’s software is a fantastic choice for a range of businesses, but especially for those in professional services or that take recurring payments.

Summing Up

Naturally, there are several criteria to consider when choosing a credit card processing company. Often it will depend on the type of business you run and the volume of payments you take.

Furthermore, some options are better suited to smaller businesses or beginners while others provide more advanced solutions for experienced, higher-volume companies.

Above all, you want a company that offers transparency, security, strong customer support, great software and hardware and the right pricing model to suit your needs.

Now it’s over to you to explore these top providers further and make the right choice.

The post The Best Credit Card Processing Companies (In-Depth Review) appeared first on Neil Patel.

How to Establish Business Credit for the First Time in a Recession

As the novel coronavirus changes our economy, you may be wondering if you even can establish business credit for the first time in a recession. You most certainly can! And here’s how.

Establish Business Credit for the First Time in a Recession

Establishing small business credit means that your company gets opportunities you never knew you would. You can get all-new equipment, bid on realty, and cover the company payroll, even when times are a bit lean. This is specifically helpful in seasonal companies, where you can go for calendar months with solely hardly any sales. It’s time to establish business credit for the first time in a recession.

Yes, this can even happen during a bleak economy.

Given this, you should really work on developing your company credit. Improve and maintain your scores and you will have these chances. Do not, and either you do not get these chances, or they will set you back you a lot more. And no company owner wants that. You ought to recognize what affects your company credit before you can make it better.

Establish Business Credit for the First Time in a Recession: Business Credit Building

Small business credit is credit in a business’s name. It doesn’t tie to an owner’s consumer credit, not even when the owner is a sole proprietor and the sole employee of the business.

Thus, an entrepreneur’s business and individual credit scores can be very different.

The Benefits

Considering that business credit is independent from personal, it helps to secure a business owner’s personal assets, in the event of litigation or business insolvency.

Also, with two distinct credit scores, an entrepreneur can get two separate cards from the same merchant. This effectively doubles buying power.

Another benefit is that even startup businesses can do this. Going to a bank for a business loan can be a formula for frustration. But building small business credit, when done correctly, is a plan for success.

Consumer credit scores depend on payments but also additional components like credit usage percentages.

But for business credit, the scores truly just hinge on whether a company pays its bills on a timely basis.

Establish Business Credit for the First Time in a Recession: The Process

Building small business credit is a process, and it does not happen automatically. A company has to actively work to develop business credit.

That being said, it can be done easily and quickly, and it is much speedier than developing consumer credit scores.

Vendors are a big component of this process.

Performing the steps out of order will lead to repetitive rejections. Nobody can start at the top with company credit. For example, you can’t start with retail or cash credit from your bank. If you do, you’ll get a denial 100% of the time.

Establish Business Credit for the First Time in a Recession: Company Fundability

A company must be fundable to lending institutions and merchants.

For this reason, a company will need a professional-looking web site and email address. And it needs to have website hosting bought from a company such as GoDaddy.

Plus, business telephone and fax numbers ought to have a listing on ListYourself.com.

In addition, the company telephone number should be toll-free (800 exchange or the equivalent).

A company will also need a bank account devoted strictly to it, and it has to have every one of the licenses necessary for running.

Licenses

These licenses all must be in the accurate, correct name of the small business. And they must have the same small business address and phone numbers.

So bear in mind, that this means not just state licenses, but potentially also city licenses.

Learn more here and get started toward building business credit attached to your company’s EIN and not your SSN. Get money even in a recession!

Establish Business Credit for the First Time in a Recession: Dealing with the Internal Revenue Service

Visit the IRS website and get an EIN for the business. They’re free of charge. Pick a business entity such as corporation, LLC, etc.

A company can begin as a sole proprietor. But they will more than likely want to switch to a variety of corporation or an LLC.

This is in order to lessen risk. And it will take full advantage of tax benefits.

A business entity will matter when it pertains to tax obligations and liability in the event of litigation. A sole proprietorship means the owner is it when it comes to liability and taxes. Nobody else is responsible.

Sole Proprietors Take Note

If you operate a business as a sole proprietor, then at least be sure to file for a DBA. This is ‘doing business as’ status.

If you do not, then your personal name is the same as the company name. Therefore, you can find yourself being directly responsible for all company financial obligations.

Also, according to the Internal Revenue Service, using this structure there is a 1 in 7 chance of an IRS audit. There is a 1 in 50 probability for corporations! Steer clear of confusion and drastically lower the odds of an Internal Revenue Service audit simultaneously.

But don’t look at a DBA filing as being anything beyond a steppingstone to incorporating.

Establish Business Credit for the First Time in a Recession: Kicking Off the Business Credit Reporting Process

Start at the D&B website and obtain a free D-U-N-S number. A D-U-N-S number is how D&B gets a company in their system, to produce a PAYDEX score. If there is no D-U-N-S number, then there is no record and no PAYDEX score.

Once in D&B’s system, search Equifax and Experian’s websites for the business. You can do this at www.creditsuite.com/reports. If there is a record with them, check it for correctness and completeness. If there are no records with them, go to the next step in the process.

In this way, Experian and Equifax will have activity to report on.

Vendor Credit

First you need to build trade lines that report. This is also called vendor credit. Then you’ll have an established credit profile, and you’ll get a business credit score.

And with an established business credit profile and score you can start to get retail and cash credit.

These kinds of accounts often tend to be for the things bought all the time, like marketing materials, shipping boxes, outdoor work wear, ink and toner, and office furniture.

But first of all, what is trade credit? These trade lines are credit issuers who will give you starter credit when you have none now. Terms are usually Net 30, instead of revolving.

Hence, if you get an approval for $1,000 in vendor credit and use all of it, you must pay that money back in a set term, like within 30 days on a Net 30 account.

Learn more here and get started toward building business credit attached to your company’s EIN and not your SSN. Get money even in a recession!

Details

Net 30 accounts must be paid in full within 30 days. 60 accounts must be paid completely within 60 days. In contrast to with revolving accounts, you have a set time when you have to pay back what you borrowed or the credit you made use of.

To launch your business credit profile properly, you ought to get approval for vendor accounts that report to the business credit reporting agencies. As soon as that’s done, you can then make use of the credit.

Then repay what you used, and the account is on report to Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, or Equifax.

Vendor Credit – It Makes Sense

Not every vendor can help like true starter credit can. These are merchants that will grant an approval with very little effort. You also want them to be reporting to one or more of the big three CRAs: Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax, and Experian.

You want 3 of these to move onto the next step, which is retail credit.

Store Credit

Once there are 3 or more vendor trade accounts reporting to at least one of the CRAs, then move to store credit. These are service providers such as Office Depot and Staples.

Only use your Social Security Number and date of birth on these applications for verification purposes. For credit checks and guarantees, use the business’s EIN on these credit applications.

Fleet Credit

Are there more accounts reporting? Then move onto fleet credit. These are service providers such as BP and Conoco. Use this credit to buy fuel, and to fix and maintain vehicles. Only use your SSN and date of birth on these applications for verification purposes. For credit checks and guarantees, make certain to apply using the small business’s EIN.

Learn more here and get started toward building business credit attached to your company’s EIN and not your SSN. Get money even in a recession!

Cash Credit

Have you been responsibly handling the credit you’ve up to this point? Then move to more universal cash credit. These are service providers such as Visa and MasterCard. Just use your Social Security Number and date of birth on these applications for verification purposes. For credit checks and guarantees, use your EIN instead.

These are often MasterCard credit cards. If you have more trade accounts reporting, then these are in reach.

Establish Business Credit for the First Time in a Recession: Monitor Your Business Credit

Know what is happening with your credit. Make sure it is being reported and take care of any mistakes ASAP. Get in the habit of taking a look at credit reports. Dig into the details, not just the scores.

We can help you monitor business credit at Experian and D&B for a lot less.

Update Your Information

Update the details if there are inaccuracies or the information is incomplete.Establish Business Credit for the First Time in a Recession Credit Suite

Establish Business Credit for the First Time in a Recession Fix Your Business Credit

So, what’s all this monitoring for? It’s to dispute any errors in your records. Mistakes in your credit report(s) can be fixed. But the CRAs normally want you to dispute in a particular way.

Get your small business’s PAYDEX report at: www.dnb.com/about-us/our-data.html. Get your company’s Experian report at: www.businesscreditfacts.com/pdp.aspx?pg=SearchForm. And get your Equifax business credit report at: www.equifax.com/business/credit-information.

Disputes

Disputing credit report inaccuracies typically means you send a paper letter with copies of any proof of payment with it. These are documents like receipts and cancelled checks. Never send the originals. Always send copies and keep the originals.

Fixing credit report inaccuracies also means you specifically detail any charges you challenge. Make your dispute letter as understandable as possible. Be specific about the problems with your report. Use certified mail so that you will have proof that you mailed in your dispute.

Establish Business Credit for the First Time in a Recession: A Word about Building Business Credit

Always use credit responsibly! Don’t borrow beyond what you can pay off. Track balances and deadlines for payments. Paying off promptly and completely will do more to increase business credit scores than just about anything else.

Establishing company credit pays off. Excellent business credit scores help a business get loans. Your loan provider knows the company can pay its debts. They understand the company is for real.

The company’s EIN links to high scores and loan providers won’t feel the need to call for a personal guarantee.

Establish Business Credit for the First Time in a Recession: Takeaway

Business credit is an asset which can help your business for years to come. It’s time to get started on how to establish business credit for the first time in a recession. Or at any other time! The COVID-19 situation will not last forever.

The post How to Establish Business Credit for the First Time in a Recession appeared first on Credit Suite.

Business Credit Cards with Cashback Rewards

Are you looking for business credit cards with cashback rewards? Check out our choices inside.

Get the Best Business Credit Cards with Cashback Rewards

We researched a lot of company credit cards for you. So, here are our selections.

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

This shows you can get a lot more funds with corporate credit cards. And it also shows you can have personal credit cards at shops. So, you would now have an added card at the exact same shops for your company.

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

Business Credit Cards with Cashback Rewards: Benefits

Benefits can differ. So, make sure to pick the benefit you would like from this selection of alternatives.

Business Credit Cards with Cashback Rewards That Never Expire

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business

Take a look at the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business. It has no annual fee. You can get 1.5% cash back on every purchase. There is no limit on the cash back you can get. And earn a one-time $200 cash bonus as soon as you spend $3,000 on purchases in the initial three months. Rewards never expire.

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

You will need great to excellent credit scores to qualify.

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

Business Credit Cards with Cashback Rewards for Cash Back

Flat-Rate Rewards

Capital One ® Spark® Cash for Business 

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

You can get a $500 one-time cash bonus after spending $4,000 in the first three months from account opening. Get unlimited 2% cash back. Redeem at any time without minimums.

You will need great to superb credit scores to qualify.

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

Business Credit Cards with Cashback Rewards Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines.

Flat-Rate Rewards and No Annual Fee

Discover it® Business Card

Have a look at the Discover it® Business Card. It has no annual fee. There is an introductory APR of 0% on purchases for one year. Then the regular APR is a variable 14.49 – 22.49%.

Get unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no category restrictions or bonuses. They double the 1.5% Cashback Match™ at the end of the first year. There is no minimum spend requirement.

You can download transactions| quickly to Quicken, QuickBooks, and Excel. Keep in mind: you will need good to outstanding credit scores to get approval for this card.

https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/business/

Bonus Categories

Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card

Have a look at the Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card. It has no annual fee. There is a 0% introductory APR for the initial twelve months. 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 first 3 months from account opening.

You can get 5% cash back on the initial $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year.

Get 2% cash back on the initial $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gasoline stations and 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 superb credit to qualify for this card.

Find it 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

Check out the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards MasterCard® credit card. Get an 0% introductory APR for the initial 9 billing cycles of the account. After that, the APR is 13.74% – 23.74% variable. There is no yearly fee. You can get a $300 statement credit offer.

Get 3% cash back in the category of your choice. So these are gas stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services. Earn 2% cash back on dining. So this is for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year. Then earn 1% after, with no limits.

You will need exceptional credit to qualify.

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

Business Credit Cards with Cashback Rewards for Extravagant Travel Points

Flat-rate Travel Rewards

Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business

Take a look at the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business. It has an introductory annual fee 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 great for travel if your expenses do not come under typical bonus categories. You can get unlimited double miles on all purchases, without any limits. Get 5x miles on rental cars and hotels if you book with Capital One Travel.

Get an introductory bonus of 50,000 miles. That’s the same as $500 in travel. However 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 good to outstanding FICO score to qualify.

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

Business Credit Cards with Cashback Rewards Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines.

Bonus Travel Categories with a Sign-Up Offer

Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card

For a wonderful sign-up offer and bonus categories, have a look at the Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card. 

Pay an annual fee 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 first three months after account opening. This works out to $1,250 toward travel rewards if you redeem with Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Get 3 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 search engines each account anniversary year.

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

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

Business Credit Cards with Cashback Rewards and No Yearly Fee

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

For no annual fee while still getting travel rewards, have a look at this card from Bank of America. It has no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR for purchases during the initial nine billing cycles. Afterwards, its regular APR is 13.74 – 23.74% variable.

You can earn 30,000 bonus points when you make at 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.

Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases, everywhere, every time. And this is despite how much you spend.

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

You will need exceptional 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/

Business Credit Cards with Cashback Rewards: A 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 outstanding credit to get this card.

Points

You can earn 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 United States restaurants and filling stations. And you can get 4x the points on wireless telephone services purchased directly from US providers and on American purchases for shipping.

Get double points on all other eligible purchases.

Rewards

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

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

Plus, 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/

Business Credit Cards with Cashback Rewards with No Annual Fee

No Annual Fee/Flat Rate Cash Back

Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card

Take a look at the Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card. Beyond no annual fee, get an introductory 0% APR for the first year. Afterwards, the APR is a variable 14.74 – 20.74%.

You can earn unlimited 1.5% Cash Back rewards on every purchase made for your business. And get $500 bonus cash back after spending $3,000 in the first three months from account opening. You can redeem your rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. You will need outstanding credit scores to qualify for this card.

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

Business Credit Cards with Cashback Rewards Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines.

Business Credit Cards with Cashback Rewards with a 0% Introductory APR – Pay Zero!

Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Check out the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. It has no yearly fee. There is a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months. After that, the APR is a variable 14.74 – 20.74%.

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

You will need great to exceptional credit scores to qualify.

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

American Express® Blue Business Cash Card

Also have a look at the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card. Keep in mind: the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card is identical to the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express. But its rewards are in cash as opposed to points.

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 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/

The Best Business Credit Cards with Cashback Rewards for You

Your straight-out ideal business credit cards with cashback rewards will always hinge on your credit history and scores.

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

And, as always, ensure to establish credit in the recommended order for the best, speediest benefits.

The post Business Credit Cards with Cashback Rewards appeared first on Credit Suite.

Check Out the Best Discover Business Credit Card and More

Are you looking for a Discover business credit card?

The Very Best Discover Business Credit Card

We looked into lots of corporate credit cards for you, to find the best Discover business credit card. So, here are our choices.

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

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

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

Discover Business Credit Card Benefits

Benefits can vary. So, make certain to pick the benefit you would prefer from this choice of alternatives.

A Discover Business Credit Card and More Cards for Cash Back

Here is a great Discover business credit card and some similar cards from other providers, so you can make a reasonable comparison.

Flat-Rate Rewards and No Annual Cost

Discover it® Business Card

Check out the Discover it® Business Card. It has no annual fee. There is an introductory APR of 0% on purchases for twelve months. After that the regular APR is a variable 14.49 – 22.49%. 

Get unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no category restrictions or bonuses. They double the 1.5% Cashback Match™ at the end of the first year. There is no minimum spend requirement.

You can download transactions| quickly to Quicken, QuickBooks, and Excel. Note: you will need good to outstanding credit scores to get this Discover business credit card.

https://www.discover.com/credit-cards/business/

Flat-Rate Rewards

Capital One ® Spark® Cash for Business 

Have a look at the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business. It has an introductory $0 annual fee for the first year. Afterwards, this card costs $95 annually. There is no introductory 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 initial three months from account opening. Get unlimited 2% cash back. Redeem at 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/ 

Discover Business Credit Card Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines.

Bonus Categories

Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card

Check out the Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card. It has no yearly fee. There is a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months. 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 first three months from account opening.

You can get 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on web, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year. 

Get 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. There is no limit to the amount you can earn.

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

Find it 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

Have a look at the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards MasterCard® credit card. Get an 0% introductory APR for the initial 9 billing cycles of the account. After that, the APR is 13.74% – 23.74% variable. There is no yearly fee. You can get a $300 statement credit offer.

Get 3% cash back in the category of your choice. So these are filling stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services. Earn 2% cash back on dining. So this is for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year. Then earn 1% after, with no limits.

You will need superb credit to qualify.

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

An Alternative to a Discover Business Credit Card: Company Credit Cards with a 0% Introductory APR – Pay Zero!

These cards have another feature similar to the Discover business credit card rated above.

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 one year. After that, the APR is a variable 14.74 – 20.74%.

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

You will need good to outstanding credit to qualify.

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

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. Yet its rewards are in cash rather than points.

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 year. Afterwards, the APR is a variable 14.74 – 20.74%. So, the APR is comparable to that of the Discover business credit card.

You will need great to superb credit scores to qualify.

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

Here are a few more great business credit cards with different features which may also be of interest.

Secure Business Credit Cards for Fair Credit Scores

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business

Have a look at the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business. It has no annual fee. There is no introductory APR offer. The regular APR is a variable 24.49%. You can earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase for your business, without any minimum to redeem.

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

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

Discover Business Credit Card Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines.

Outstanding Business Credit Cards with No Annual Fee

No Yearly Fee/Flat Rate Cash Back

Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card

Take a look at the Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card. Past no annual fee, get an introductory 0% APR for the first 12 months. Afterwards, the APR is a variable 14.74 – 20.74%.

You can get unlimited 1.5% Cash Back rewards on every purchase made for your business. And get $500 bonus cash back after spending $3,000 in the first three months from account opening. You can redeem your rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more via Chase Ultimate Rewards®. You will need excellent credit to get approval for this card.

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

Unbeatable Cards for Jackpot Rewards That Never Expire

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business

Take a look at the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business. It has no annual fee. You can get 1.5% cash back on every purchase. There is no limit on the cash back you can get. And get a one-time $200 cash bonus as soon as you spend $3,000 on purchases in the initial three months. Rewards never expire.

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

You will need great to superb credit scores to qualify.

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

Small Business Credit Cards for Luxurious Travel Points: Alternatives to the Best Discover Business Credit Card

Flat-rate Travel Rewards

Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business

Take a look at the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business. It has an introductory yearly fee of $0 for the first year, which after that 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 wonderful for travel if your expenditures don’t fall into standard bonus categories. You can get unlimited double miles on all purchases, without limits. Earn 5x miles on rental cars and hotels if you book via Capital One Travel.

Get an introductory bonus of 50,000 miles. That’s the same as $500 in travel. But you just 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 good to outstanding FICO rating to qualify.

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

Discover Business Credit Card Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines.

Bonus Travel Categories with a Sign-Up Offer

Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card

For a terrific sign-up offer and bonus categories, take a look at the Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card.

Pay a yearly fee 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 first 3 months after account opening. This works out to $1,250 towards travel rewards if you redeem with Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Get three points per dollar of the initial $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 search engines each account anniversary year.

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

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

No Annual Fee

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

For no yearly fee while still getting travel rewards, check out this card from Bank of America. It has no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR for purchases during the initial 9 billing cycles. Afterwards, its regular APR is 13.74 – 23.74% variable.

You can earn 30,000 bonus points when you make a minimum of $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 each $1 you spend on all purchases, everywhere, every time. And this is no matter how much you spend.

Likewise get 3 points per every dollar spent when you reserve your travel (car, hotel, airline) with the Bank of America® Travel Center. There is no limit to the number of points you can earn and points don’t 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

Take a look at the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ Card from American Express. It has an annual fee of $125. There is no introductory APR offer. The regular APR is a variable 17.24 – 26.24%. You will need good to outstanding 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 qualified purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. You can get 4x the points at United States restaurants and filling stations. And you can get 4x the points on wireless telephone services bought straight from American providers and on American purchases for shipping.

Get double points on all other eligible purchases.

Rewards

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

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/

The Best Discover Business Credit Card for You

Your straight-out best Discover business credit card will depend upon your credit report and ratings.

Only you can select which features you want and need. So, ensure to do your research. What is exceptional for you could be devastating for another person.

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

The post Check Out the Best Discover Business Credit Card and More appeared first on Credit Suite.

How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession?

Do you know? How hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession?

It’s a brilliant question. How hard is it to establish business credit in a recession? Is business credit building impossible? Or is it just some nightmare? And what happens in an economic downturn?

I assure you it is not only possible, it is downright sure-fire. And business credit is all but recession-proof!

Business credit is credit in a business’s name. It doesn’t link to an owner’s personal credit, not even if the owner is a sole proprietor and the solitary employee of the corporation. Because of this, an entrepreneur’s business and consumer credit scores can be very different.

The Advantages

Because business credit is distinct from individual, it helps to safeguard a business owner’s personal assets, in the event of court action or business insolvency. Also, with two separate credit scores, an entrepreneur can get two separate cards from the same merchant.

This effectively doubles buying power.

Another benefit is that even startups can do this. Visiting a bank for a business loan can be a formula for frustration. But building small business credit, when done right, is a plan for success.

Individual credit scores are dependent on payments but also additional considerations like credit usage percentages. But for small business credit, the scores actually merely depend on whether a corporation pays its invoices timely.

How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: The Process

Establishing business credit is a process, and it does not occur automatically. A corporation will need to proactively work to build business credit. Nonetheless, it can be done readily and quickly, and it is much swifter than developing individual credit scores.

Merchants are a big component of this process.

Doing the steps out of sequence will cause repetitive rejections. No one can start at the top with company credit. For instance, you can’t start with store or cash credit from your bank. If you do you’ll get a rejection 100% of the time.

Learn more here and get started toward building business credit attached to your company’s EIN and not your SSN. Get money even in a recession!

How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: Company Fundability

A business has to be authentic to lenders and vendors. As a result, a company will need a professional-looking website and email address, with website hosting from a company like GoDaddy. Additionally business phone and fax numbers need to have a listing on ListYourself.net.

At the same time the company telephone number should be toll-free (800 exchange or the like).

A company will also need a bank account dedicated strictly to it, and it must have every one of the licenses essential for running. These licenses all must be in the accurate, accurate name of the company, with the same business address and phone numbers.

Keep in mind that this means not just state licenses, but potentially also city licenses.

How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: Dealing with the Internal Revenue Service

Visit the IRS web site and obtain an EIN for the small business. They’re free of charge. Select a business entity like corporation, LLC, etc.

A small business can start off as a sole proprietor. But will most likely wish to switch to a form of corporation or partnership to decrease risk and maximize tax benefits.

A business entity will matter when it concerns tax obligations and liability in the event of litigation. A sole proprietorship means the owner is it when it comes to liability and tax obligations. No one else is responsible.

If you run a company as a sole proprietor, then at least be sure to file for a DBA (‘doing business as’) status.

If you do not, then your personal name is the same as the small business name. Therefore, you can find yourself being directly responsible for all company debts.

And also, per the IRS, with this structure there is a 1 in 7 probability of an IRS audit. There is a 1 in 50 chance for corporations! Prevent confusion and drastically lower the odds of an Internal Revenue Service audit as well.

Learn more here and get started toward building business credit attached to your company’s EIN and not your SSN. Get money even in a recession!

How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: Starting off the Business Credit Reporting Process

Begin at the D&B website and obtain a cost-free DUNS number. A DUNS number is how D&B gets a corporation into their system, to produce a PAYDEX score. If there is no DUNS number, then there is no record and no PAYDEX score.

Once in D&B’s system, search Equifax and Experian’s websites for the company. You can do this at https://www.creditsuite.com/reports/. If there is a record with them, check it for accuracy and completeness.

If there are no records with them, go to the next step in the process. By doing this, Experian and Equifax will have something to report on.

Trade Lines

First you must build trade lines that report. This is also known as vendor accounts. Then you’ll have an established credit profile, and you’ll get a business credit score.

And with an established business credit profile and score you can start obtaining revolving store and cash credit.

These kinds of accounts have the tendency to be for the things bought all the time, like shipping boxes, outdoor work wear, ink and toner, and office furniture.

But first of all, what is trade credit? These trade lines are credit issuers who will give you initial credit when you have none now. Terms are oftentimes Net 30, instead of revolving.

Hence if you get approval for $1,000 in vendor credit and use all of it, you will need to pay that money back in a set term, like within 30 days on a Net 30 account.

Details

Net 30 accounts must be paid in full within 30 days. 60 accounts need to be paid in full within 60 days. Compared to with revolving accounts, you have a set time when you must pay back what you borrowed or the credit you made use of.

To begin your business credit profile the right way, you should get approval for vendor accounts that report to the business credit reporting agencies. As soon as that’s done, you can then make use of the credit.

Then repay what you used, and the account is on report to Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, or Equifax.

Not every vendor can help like true starter credit can. These are vendors that will grant an approval with very little effort. You also want them to be reporting to one or more of the big three CRAs: Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax, and Experian.

And Continue…

So get 3 of these to move onto the next step, which is revolving store credit.

1. Uline Shipping Supplies

Uline Shipping Supplies is a true starter vendor. Find them online at https://www.uline.com/. They offer shipping, packing, and industrial supplies, and they report to D&B and Experian.

You need to have a DUNS number. They will ask for 2 references and a bank reference. The initial few orders may need to be paid in advance to initially get approval for Net 30 terms. Also, you may need to buy some things you do not need.

2. Crown Office Supplies

Crown Office Supplies is another true starter vendor. Find them online at https://crownofficesupplies.com.

They sell a variety of office supplies and take helping clients seriously. They say, “just starting your business, or maybe have an existing business, but you have a question regarding office supplies… we are here to help!” And they report to Dun and Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax.

There is a $99.00 yearly fee, though they do report that fee to the business credit reporting agencies. For other purchases to report, the purchase must be at least $30.00. Terms are Net 30.Fundability in a Recession Credit Suite

3. Grainger Industrial Supply

Grainger Industrial Supply is also a true starter vendor. Find them online at https://www.grainger.com/. They sell safety equipment, plumbing supplies, and more, and they report to D&B. You will need a business license, EIN, and a DUNS number.

For less than $1000 credit limit they will approve virtually anybody with a business license.

Accounts That Don’t Report

Non-Reporting Trade Accounts can also be helpful. While you do want trade accounts to report to at the very least one of the CRAs, a trade account which does not report can yet be of some worth. You can always ask non-reporting accounts for trade references.

Also credit accounts of any sort will help you to better even out business expenditures, consequently making financial planning simpler. These are companies like PayPal Credit, T-Mobile, and Best Buy.

Revolving Store Credit

Once there are 3 or more vendor trade accounts reporting to at least one of the CRAs move to revolving store credit.

Use the corporation’s EIN on these credit applications.

Fleet Credit

Are there more accounts reporting? Then progress to fleet credit. These are companies like BP and Conoco. Use this credit to buy, repair, and take care of vehicles. Make certain to apply using the business’s EIN.

Cash Credit

Have you been sensibly managing the credit you’ve gotten up to this point? Then move onto more universal cash credit. These are service providers such as Visa and MasterCard. Keep your SSN off these applications; use your EIN instead.

These are typically MasterCard credit cards. If you have more trade accounts reporting, then these are doable.

Learn more here and get started toward building business credit attached to your company’s EIN and not your SSN. Get money even in a recession!

How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: Monitor Your Business Credit

Know what is happening with your credit. Make sure it is being reported and fix any inaccuracies ASAP. Get in the practice of checking credit reports. Dig into the specifics, not just the scores.

We can help you monitor business credit at Experian and D&B for $90 less. Update the relevant information if there are errors or the details is incomplete.

Disputing Mistakes

So, what’s all this monitoring for? It’s to challenge any mistakes in your records. Errors in your credit report(s) can be taken care of. But the CRAs typically want you to dispute in a particular way.

Disputing credit report inaccuracies usually means you send a paper letter with copies of any proof of payment with it. These are documents like receipts and cancelled checks. Never mail the originals. Always send copies and retain the originals.

Disputing credit report inaccuracies also means you specifically detail any charges you challenge. Make your dispute letter as clear as possible. Be specific about the issues with your report. Use certified mail so that you will have proof that you mailed in your dispute.

How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: A Word about Business Credit Building

So always use credit sensibly! Don’t borrow beyond what you can pay off. Monitor balances and deadlines for payments. Paying on time and fully will do more to boost business credit scores than virtually anything else.

Establishing corporate credit pays. Good business credit scores help a company get loans. Your credit issuer knows the corporation can pay its financial obligations.

They know the corporation is authentic. And the business’s EIN connects to high scores, and credit issuers won’t feel the need to require a personal guarantee.

How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession: Takeaway

Business credit is an asset which can help your small business for years to come.

Obtaining merchant accounts for business credit means that you are on your way to getting good business credit.

These three should conveniently get you going. How hard is it to establish business credit in a recession? Pretty easy! So go out there and clobber it! Learn more here and get started toward establishing business credit.

The post How Hard is it to Establish Business Credit in a Recession? appeared first on Credit Suite.

Establishing Corporate Credit in a Recession

Do you know about establishing corporate credit during a recession? And what about for a startup? As a brand-new company, by definition, you have no or little commercial credit history, so it can be hard. When you ask: What is the credit score of a new company? The answer is– it’s usually not so great. But don’t worry! Here are some ideas which will work – even as COVID-19 keeps changing our economy.

The good news is, business credit does not rely upon financial institutions. Or economies, or viruses.

Every Entrepreneur Needs to Know About Establishing Corporate Credit

Corporate credit is credit in a corporation’s name. It doesn’t attach to an owner’s individual credit, not even when the owner is a sole proprietor and the sole employee of the corporation. 

As a result, a business owner’s business and consumer credit scores can be very different.

The Advantages When Establishing Corporate Credit

Because corporate credit is distinct from personal, it helps to secure an entrepreneur’s personal assets, in case of litigation or corporate insolvency.

Also, with two separate credit scores, a business owner can get two different cards from the same merchant. This effectively doubles purchasing power.

Another benefit is that even startups can do this. Heading to a bank for a business loan can be a recipe for frustration. But establishing corporate credit, when done right, is a plan for success.

Personal credit scores depend on payments but also other elements like credit usage percentages. 

But for corporate credit, the scores truly only hinge on if a company pays its bills in a timely manner.

The Process

It’s a process  when you’re establishing corporate credit. It does not occur automatically. An entrepreneur must actively work on establishing corporate credit during a recession or any type of economic conditions.

Having said that, it can be done easily and quickly, and it is much more rapid than establishing consumer credit scores. 

Merchants are a big component of this process.

Doing the steps out of sequence results in repetitive denials. Nobody can start at the top with corporate credit. For instance, you can’t start with retail or cash credit from your bank. If you do, you’ll get a rejection 100% of the time.

Corporate Fundability

A corporation must be fundable to credit issuers and vendors. 

Hence, a corporation needs a professional-looking web site and email address. And it needs to have website hosting bought from a merchant such as GoDaddy. 

Also, company phone and fax numbers should have a listing on 411. You can do that here: http://www.listyourself.net. 

Likewise, the company telephone number should be toll-free (800 exchange or the like).

A corporation also needs a bank account devoted only to it, and it needs to have all of the licenses necessary for operating. 

Licenses

These licenses all have to be in the identical, accurate name of the corporation. And they need to have the same company address and telephone numbers. 

So note, that this means not just state licenses, but possibly also city licenses.

Recession Business Cash Today Credit Suite

Learn more here and get started with establishing corporate credit. Get money even in a recession! 

Working with the Internal Revenue Service

Visit the IRS website and get an EIN for the business. They’re free. Choose the type of corporation which works best, i.e. LLC, C-corp, or S-corp. 

A corporate business entity is best to limit risk. And it will make the best use of tax benefits.

A business entity matters when it involves tax obligations and liability in case of litigation.

Establishing Corporate Credit by Starting the Reporting Process

Start at the D&B web site and get a free D-U-N-S number. A D-U-N-S number is how D&B gets any business in their system, to generate a PAYDEX score. If there is no D-U-N-S number, then there is no record and no PAYDEX score.

Once in D&B’s system, search Equifax and Experian’s sites for the business. You can do this at www.creditsuite.com/reports. If there is a record with them, check it for accuracy and completeness. If there are no records with them, go to the next step in the process. 

This way, Experian and Equifax have something to report on.

Vendor Credit

First you should establish trade lines that report. This is also called vendor credit. Then you’ll have an established credit profile, and you’ll get a corporate credit score. 

And with an established corporate credit profile and score you can begin to acquire retail and cash credit.

These sorts of accounts often tend to be for the things bought all the time, like marketing materials, shipping boxes, outdoor work wear, ink and toner, and office furniture.

But first of all, what is trade credit? These trade lines are credit issuers who give you starter credit when you have none now. Terms are often Net 30, versus revolving. 

Hence, if you get approval for $1,000 in vendor credit and use all of it, you need to pay that money back in a set term, such as within 30 days on a Net 30 account.

Details

Net 30 accounts need to be paid in full within 30 days. 60 accounts need to be paid fully within 60 days. Compared to with revolving accounts, you have a set time when you must pay back what you borrowed or the credit you used. 

To begin your corporate credit profile the right way, you ought to get approval for vendor accounts that report to the business credit reporting agencies. As soon as that’s done, you can then make use of the credit. 

Then pay back what you used, and the account is on report to Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, or Equifax.

Vendor Credit – It Helps

Not every vendor can help in the same way true starter credit can. These are merchants that grant an approval with nominal effort. You also want them to be reporting to one or more of the big three CRAs: Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax, and Experian.

You want 3 of these to move onto the next step, which is retail credit. Here are some stellar choices from us: https://www.creditsuite.com/blog/5-vendor-accounts-that-build-your-business-credit/ 

 Accounts That Don’t Report

Non-reporting trade accounts can also be helpful. While you do want trade accounts to report to a minimum of one of the CRAs, a trade account which does not report can still be of some worth. 

You can always ask non-reporting accounts for trade references. Also credit accounts of any sort ought to help you to better even out business expenditures, consequently making budgeting simpler. These are providers like PayPal Credit, T-Mobile, and Best Buy.

In particular, during a recession, it can only help you more, the faster you build corporate credit. Adding trade references will help to speed along the process.

Retail Credit

Once there are 3 or more vendor trade accounts reporting to at least one of the CRAs, then move onto retail credit. These are companies like Office Depot and Staples. 

Just use your Social Security Number and date of birth on these applications for verification purposes. For credit checks and guarantees, use the business’s EIN on these credit applications.

Fleet Credit

Are there more accounts reporting? Then progress to fleet credit. These are businesses such as BP and Conoco. Use this credit to buy fuel, and to repair, and take care of vehicles. Only use your SSN and date of birth on these applications for verification purposes. For credit checks and guarantees, make certain to apply using the company’s EIN.Get Recession Money Now Credit Suite

Learn more here and get started with establishing corporate credit. Get money even in a recession!

Cash Credit

Have you been responsibly handling the credit you’ve up to this point? Then move to more universal cash credit. These are businesses such as Visa and MasterCard. Just use your SSN and date of birth on these applications for verification purposes. For credit checks and guarantees, use your EIN instead.

These are usually MasterCard credit cards. If you have more trade accounts reporting, then these are in reach.

Establishing Business Credit in Recession Credit Suite

Learn more here and get started with establishing corporate credit. Get money even in a recession!

Monitor Your Corporate Credit

Know what is happening with your credit. Make certain it is being reported and address any errors as soon as possible. Get in the habit of taking a look at credit reports. Dig into the particulars, not just the scores.

We can help you monitor corporate credit at Experian and D&B for 90% less than it would cost you at the CRAs.

At Equifax, you can monitor your account at: www.equifax.com/business/business-credit-monitor-small-business.

Update Your Record

Update the details if there are mistakes or the details is incomplete. At D&B, you can do this at: https://iupdate.dnb.com/iUpdate/viewiUpdateHome.htm. For Experian, go here: www.experian.com/small-business/business-credit-information.jsp. So for Equifax, go here: www.equifax.com/business/small-business.

Fix Your Corporate Credit

So, what’s all this monitoring for? It’s to challenge any problems in your records. Errors in your credit report(s) can be taken care of. But the CRAs normally want you to dispute in a particular way.

Get your business’s PAYDEX report at: www.dnb.com/about-us/our-data.html. Get your company’s Experian report at: www.businesscreditfacts.com/pdp.aspx?pg=SearchForm. And get your Equifax corporate credit report at: www.equifax.com/business/credit-information.

Disputes

Disputing credit report mistakes typically means you send a paper letter with duplicates of any proofs of payment with it. These are documents like receipts and cancelled checks. Never send the original copies. Always send copies and keep the originals.

Fixing credit report errors also means you specifically detail any charges you dispute. Make your dispute letter as understandable as possible. Be specific about the problems with your report. Use certified mail to have proof that you sent in your dispute.

Dispute your or your company’s Equifax report by following the instructions here: www.equifax.com/small-business-faqs/#Dispute-FAQs. 

You can dispute inaccuracies on your or your business’s Experian report by following the directions here: www.experian.com/small-business/business-credit-information.jsp. 

And D&B’s PAYDEX Customer Service telephone number is here: www.dandb.com/glossary/paydex.

A Word about Establishing Corporate Credit

Always use credit sensibly! Never borrow beyond what you can pay off. Keep an eye on balances and deadlines for payments. Paying on schedule and fully does more to boost corporate credit scores than just about anything else.

Growing corporate credit pays. Good corporate credit scores help you get loans. Your lender knows the company can pay its financial obligations. They understand the corporation is authentic. 

The corporate EIN attaches to high scores and lending institutions won’t feel the need to require a personal guarantee.

Takeaways for Establishing Corporate Credit in a Recession

Corporate credit is an asset which can help your corporation for many years to come.

The post Establishing Corporate Credit in a Recession appeared first on Credit Suite.

Get Business Credit Without SSN, and Other Tips for Becoming Fundable

Did you know you can apply for credit in your business name and it won’t hit your personal credit report?  You can, no matter what is happening with the economy!  There’s a trick to it though.  You have to set your business up properly, and you have to apply with the right information.  It is possible to get business credit without SSN being an issue.

Get Business Credit without SSN and Make Your Business More Fundable

When you get business credit without using your SSN, you take the first step in obtaining credit in the name of your business.  That is separate credit that only affects the credit score of your business, not your personal credit score. 

Of course, there is way more to separating business credit from personal credit than knowing how to get business credit without SSN, but that is definitely a place to start.

Check out our best webinar with its trustworthy list of seven vendors to help you build business credit, even in a recession.

Get Business Credit Without SSN

get biz credit without SSN Credit SuiteThere is really no amazing trick to this.  You can easily get business credit without SSN by simply using an EIN (Employer Identification Number) in place of the SSN on credit applications.  That one simple step will disconnect debt taken in the name of your business from your personal debt.  Again, there are a few more steps to keep it completely separate but, this is huge and very simple. 

You can get an EIN for free on the IRS website.  Just go to IRS.gov and apply.  The process is fast.  Once you have that number, you have taken the first step in building credit for your business separate from yourself.  This is the pivotal step getting business credit without your SSN.

It is important to note that you may have to provide your SSN for identification purposes to help prevent fraud.  However, this is different than getting credit using your SSN.  If you use your social security number for identification purposes only, the debt will still not be connected to it. 

Separate Your Bank Accounts

You have to open a separate, dedicated business bank account.  There are a few reasons for this.  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 can’t get a merchant account without a business account at a bank. The result is, you cannot take credit card payments.  Studies show shoppers usually spend more when they can pay by credit card.

Kick Your Business Out of the Nest! Separate Contact Info Is a Must

Your business needs its own phone number, fax number, and address.  You can still run your business from your home or on your computer.  You don’t even have to have a fax machine.  

In fact, you can get a business phone number and fax number that will work over the internet instead of phone lines without a lot of trouble.  In addition, the phone number will forward to any phone you want it to.  You can simply use your personal cell phone or landline if you want.  Whenever someone calls your business number it will ring straight to you. 

Faxes can be sent to an online fax service, if anyone ever happens to actually fax you.  This part may seem outdated, but it does help your business appear legitimate to lenders. 

You can use a virtual office for a business address. How do you get a virtual office?  What is that?  It’s not what you may think.  This is a business that offers a physical address for a fee, and sometimes they even offer mail service and live receptionist services.  In addition, there are some that offer meeting spaces for those times you may need to meet a client or customer in person.

Make Sure Your Website and Email Address are In Synch

What does a website and email address have to do with business funding?  These days, you do not exist if you do not have a website.  However, having a poorly put together website can be even worse.  It is the first impression you make on many, and if it appears to be unprofessional it looks bad to lenders as well as customers. 

Spend the time and money necessary to make sure 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. 

Incorporate

Incorporating your business as an LLC, S-corp, or corporation is non-negotiable.  It lends credence to the legitimacy of your business. It also offers some protection from liability. 

Which option you choose does not matter as much for fundability as it does for your budget and needs for liability protection.  The best thing to do is talk to your attorney or a tax professional.  

Now, incorporation is important to business credit building.  However, so is time in business.  The longer you have been in business the more fundable you appear to be. Time in business starts on the date of incorporation, regardless of when you actually started doing business. That means, it is vital to incorporate as soon as possible.

Check out our best webinar with its trustworthy list of seven vendors to help you build business credit, even in a recession

Where to Start to Get Business Credit without SSN

Once you have these things in place, you can start applying to get business credit without SSN, but with your EIN.  Don’t just jump into credit cards.  It helps to begin with starter vendors.  There are a few out there.  

Starter vendors are vendors that sell items you use everyday in the course of business.  They will extend credit in the form of net terms on invoices without a credit check.  Then, they will report payments on those invoices to the business credit reporting agencies.  

If you have followed the steps, then when they report those payments, they will be reporting in your business name to the business credit reporting agencies such as Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax, and Experian. This is how you start to build your business credit score. 

Get Business Credit Without SSN: What Next? 

After you get enough starter vendor accounts reporting, you’ll be able to apply for other types of cards and without your SSN.  The key is to apply for certain types of cards in a specific order.  For example, it is best to start with store cards.  These are cards that are issued with a specific store name.  Typically, you can only use them at that specific store or on that store’s website.  Examples include Office Depot and Best Buy. Some fleet cards fall into this category as well. 

Fleet cards are cards that you can only use for fuel or auto repair and maintenance.  It is usually easier to get approval for these cards after you have several starter vendors and store cards reporting.  Examples of fleet credit cards include Fuelman and Shell. 

After enough of these types of accounts are reporting to the business credit reporting agencies in your business name, with your EIN, then you can apply for general use credit cards.  Those are the credit cards you can use anytime, anywhere, on anything.  Usually, they have the best interest rates and rewards.  They also have the highest credit limits, meaning you have instant access to the funds you need to run your business day in and day out. 

Get Business Credit With SSN: A Warning

Here are a few key things to remember when you get business credit without SSN.  

First, the whole point is to separate your business credit from your personal credit.  Why do this?  There are a few reasons.  For example, you typically get a higher credit limit when you get credit related to your business with an EIN than you would with your SSN. 

Another reason, however, is so that your personal credit is not affected if you have problems on your business credit report.  However, you want your business credit to be strong also.  The only way to make this happen is to handle your credit responsibly.  Do not bite off more than you can chew. Make your payments regularly and on-time.  Bad business credit is just as harmful as no business credit. 

Keep and Eye on Your Business Credit

It’s important to keep an eye on your business credit while you are going through this process.  Once you get business credit without SSN, you’ll need to keep tabs on which accounts are reporting, how many accounts are reporting, and what your score looks like.  This is how you will know when it is time to apply for other types of cards. 

It is also how you will know when there is a mistake.  If you do see a mistake, you can contest it in writing to have it removed.  

When it comes to business credit monitoring, there are a few different credit reporting agencies. The main three we have already mentioned.  They include Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax.  There are others as well, but if you know what your business credit score is with the main three, you can have a good idea of what it is with any credit reporting agency. 

Funding in the Meantime

It takes some time to get business credit without SSN.  If you need money to run your business quickly, while you work through the process, you might consider a credit line hybrid. This is revolving, unsecured financing that allows you to fund your business without putting up collateral.  Furthermore, you only pay back what you use.  

It’s easier than you may think to qualify.  You can do so with a personal credit score that is way below what you would need to get approval for a term loan or line of credit at a traditional bank.  The minimum is 685. Even if you did get approval at a traditional bank with this score, your interest rate would be much more than what is typical with a credit line hybrid. 

In addition to meeting the minimum credit score requirement, you can’t have any liens, judgments, bankruptcies or late payments.  Also, in the past 6 months, you should have less than 5 credit inquiries, and less than a 45% balance on all business and personal credit cards.  While it is preferred that you have established business credit as well as personal credit, it is possible to qualify without business credit. In fact, a credit line hybrid can help build business credit. 

What If I Don’t Qualify?   

If you do not meet all of the requirements, there is still a chance. You can take on a credit partner that meets each of these requirements.  Many business owners work with a friend or relative to fund their business.  If a relative or a friend meets all of these requirements, they can partner with you to allow you to tap into their credit to access funding. 

What Makes a Credit Line Hybrid A Good Option? 

There are many benefits to using a credit line hybrid.  First, it is unsecured, meaning you do not have to have any collateral to put up.  Next, you do not have to provide any bank statements or financials.  

Also, typical approval amounts are up to 5x that of the highest credit limit on the personal credit report. Additionally, interest rates can go as low as 0% for the first few months.  You can put that savings back into your business.

Check out our best webinar with its trustworthy list of seven vendors to help you build business credit, even in a recession

The process is pretty fast, especially with a qualified expert to walk you through it.  One other benefit is this.  With the approval for multiple credit cards, competition is created.  This makes it easier to get interest rates lowered and limits raised every few months. 

Get Business Credit Without SSN and Have Access to Funding to Run and Grow Your Business

One of the largest parts of establishing business credit is to get business credit without SSN.  If you use your SSN to apply, that account is going to end up on your personal credit report.  This is the opposite of what you want.  However, using an EIN instead of an SSN is not enough.  You have to follow the other steps to create separation between you and your business. Then, you will be well on your way to building business credit separate from your personal credit. Now is a great time to get started.

The post Get Business Credit Without SSN, and Other Tips for Becoming Fundable appeared first on Credit Suite.

Get the Best Credit Card for Business Travel

Check out the best credit card for business travel. 

We’ve Got the Best Credit Card for Business Travel

We investigated and found the best credit card for business travel. There’s more than option – it depends on what you want and need. So, here are our selections.

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

This shows you can get a lot more money with corporate credit cards. And it also shows you can have personal credit cards at stores. So, you would now have an extra card at the very same stores for your small business.

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

The Best Credit Card for Business Travel: Benefits

Benefits can vary. So, make sure to select the benefit you would like from this selection of alternatives.

Get the Best Credit Card for Business Travel Points

Flat-rate Travel Rewards

Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business

Check out the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business. It has an introductory annual fee 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 fantastic for travel if your expenses do not fall under conventional bonus categories. You can get unlimited double miles on all purchases, without any limits. Get 5x miles on rental cars and hotels if you book via Capital One Travel.

Get an introductory bonus 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 good to excellent FICO rating to qualify.

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

Best Credit Card for Business Travel Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines. Get the best credit card for business travel – even during a recession.

Bonus Travel Categories with a Sign-Up Offer

Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card

For a fantastic sign-up offer and bonus categories, take a look at the Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card. 

Pay a yearly fee 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 initial $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 search engines each account anniversary year.

You can get 25% more in travel redemption when you redeem for travel through 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 no yearly fee while still getting travel rewards, check out this card from Bank of America. It has no yearly fee and a 0% introductory APR for purchases during the initial nine billing cycles. After that, its regular APR is 13.74 – 23.74% variable.

You can get 30,000 bonus points when you make a minimum of $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.

Earn 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) with the Bank of America® Travel Center. There is no limit to the number of points you can get and points don’t expire.

You will need superb credit 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/

Best Credit Card for Business Travel Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines. Get the best credit card for business travel – even during a recession.

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 great to exceptional credit 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 three months. Get 6x the points for eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. You can get 4x the points at US restaurants and gas stations. And you can get 4x the points on wireless telephone services purchased directly from US service providers and on American purchases for shipping.

Get double points on all other eligible purchases.

Rewards

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

You get Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status with your Card. Plus, spend $35,000 on qualified purchases in a calendar year and earn 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.

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

Airline Credit Card

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Check out the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card. It has a $550 yearly fee! There is no introductory APR offer. Rather, the regular APR is a variable 17.24 – 26.24%.

Yet if you travel for business a lot, it could 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 initial three months. Also, earn an extra 20,000 bonus miles after your initial anniversary of card membership.

Get triple miles on Delta purchases. And get 1.5 x miles on qualified purchases the remainder 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.

You will need good to exceptional credit to qualify.

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

Best Credit Card for Business Travel for Fair to Poor Credit, Not Requiring a Personal Guarantee

Brex Card for Startups

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

You will not need to supply your Social Security number to apply. And you will not need to provide a personal guarantee. They will take your EIN.

Nonetheless, they do not accept every industry.

Also, there are some industries they will not work with, as well as others where they want more paperwork. For a list, go here: https://brex.com/legal/prohibited_activities/.

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

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

You can have poor credit (even a 300 FICO) to qualify.

Find it here: https://brex.com/lp/startups-higher-limits/

Best Credit Card for Business Travel Credit Suite

Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines. Get the best credit card for business travel – even during a recession.

Best Credit Card for Business Travel with No Annual Fee

No Annual Fee/Flat Rate Cash Back

Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card

Have a look at the Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card. Beyond no yearly fee, get an introductory 0% APR for the first twelve months. After that, the APR is a variable 14.74 – 20.74%.

You can get unlimited 1.5% Cash Back rewards on every purchase made for your business. And get $500 bonus cash back after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. You can redeem your rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more using Chase Ultimate Rewards®. You will need excellent credit scores to receive this card.

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

Terrific Cards for Cash Back

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% introductory APR for the first 9 billing cycles of the account. After that, the APR is 13.74% – 23.74% variable. There is no annual fee. You can get a $300 statement credit offer.

Get 3% cash back in the category of your choice. So these are gasoline stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services. Earn 2% cash back on dining. So this is for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year. Then get 1% after, with no limits.

You will need superb credit to qualify.

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

The Best Credit Card for Business Travel for You

Your straight-out best credit card for business travel will always hinge on your credit history and scores.

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

And, as always, ensure to establish credit in the recommended order for the best, quickest benefits.

The post Get the Best Credit Card for Business Travel appeared first on Credit Suite.

Get a Merchant Cash Advance Bad Credit No Problem

Are you looking for a merchant cash advance bad credit notwithstanding? A merchant cash advance is a way to get money for your business quickly. You do so by borrowing against your future credit card sales. Because your personal credit score does not matter, you really can get a merchant cash advance bad credit or any kind of credit.

What is the Best Way to Get a Merchant Cash Advance Bad Credit or Not?

One thing about a merchant cash advance bad credit is that it is probably not going to be helpful during an economic downturn. They may even be impossible to get during a recession. But in a better economy, they are a proven way to fund a business and keep your doors open.

How Do These Loans Work?

These loans use your past and current credit card history to determine how much financing you can get approval for.

Money is advanced to you. The amount has a basis in how much you process each month in credit card transactions.

How Do You Pay a Merchant Cash Advance Bad Credit Back?

A small portion of each future credit card sale goes towards paying back the merchant advance loan. It does not interfere with your cash and check receipts.

There are no fixed repayment amounts or terms for merchant cash and capital. So this gives flexibility to your business if you are having a slow month.

One of the best benefits of merchant advances is you can get money in your bank account. So you can get it as soon as 24 hours after approval.

Why is a Merchant Cash Advance Bad Credit So Great?

The chief benefit of a merchant cash advance bad credit is you do not have to have good credit to qualify.  These loans leverage your positive credit card processing history to get you approval, not your credit scores.

There are some credit score restrictions, but in most cases, you can get approval with even below average personal credit scores.

And there is no personal guarantee necessary. Plus, no collateral is necessary.

Merchant Cash Advance Bad Credit Credit Suite

Demolish your funding problems with 27 killer ways to get cash for your business.

How Much Can You Get from a Merchant Cash Advance Bad Credit or Not?

You can get merchant loans for up to $150,000.  How much you process in credit card transactions each month will determine how much you will get approval for.

So, every business has its strengths and weaknesses.

Do you use credit cards as a payment source for your clients? If so, then a merchant advance can be the perfect way for you to get a lot of money in a short period of time.

These loans are available for businesses that process as low as $3,500 monthly in credit card transactions.  So the more you process, the higher advance loan you will get approval for.

What Are the Fees for a Merchant Cash Advance Bad Credit?

So there are no application fees and there are no out of pocket costs for merchant cash advance relief.

And you can use the funds for payroll, marketing, or to increase business inventory. Get a loan to pay taxes, pay rent, or for advertising. So, try a loan to order supplies and equipment. Or you can expand your business and open an additional location. Or you can use the funds for working capital.

An Alternative to a Merchant Cash Advance Bad Credit or Not – Building Business Credit

Company credit is credit in a small business’s name. It doesn’t link to an entrepreneur’s personal credit, not even if the owner is a sole proprietor and the only employee of the company.

As a result, an entrepreneur’s business and personal credit scores can be quite different.

The Benefits

Because small business credit is distinct from consumer, it helps to protect a business owner’s personal assets, in the event of litigation or business bankruptcy.

Also, with two distinct credit scores, a business owner can get two different cards from the same vendor. This effectively doubles buying power.

Another benefit is that even startup businesses can do this. Visiting a bank for a business loan can be a recipe for frustration. But building company credit, when done right, is a plan for success.

Consumer credit scores depend upon payments but also additional considerations like credit usage percentages.

But for business credit, the scores actually merely hinge on if a company pays its debts on time.

The Process

Establishing small business credit is a process. It does not happen automatically. A business needs to proactively work to establish small business credit.

Yet, it can be done readily and quickly, and it is much speedier than developing consumer credit scores.

Merchants are a big component of this process.

Doing the steps out of order leads to repetitive rejections. No one can start at the top with small business credit. For example, you can’t start with retail or cash credit from your bank. If you do, you’ll get a rejection 100% of the time.

Merchant Cash Advance Bad Credit Credit Suite

Demolish your funding problems with 27 killer ways to get cash for your business.

Company Fundability

A small business needs to be fundable to loan providers and vendors.

That’s why, a business needs a professional-looking website and e-mail address. And it needs to have site hosting bought from a vendor like GoDaddy.

Also, business phone and fax numbers need to have a listing on 411. You can do that here: http://www.listyourself.net.

In addition, the business telephone number should be toll-free (800 exchange or comparable).

A business also needs a bank account devoted solely to it, and it must have all of the licenses necessary for operating.

Licenses

These licenses all have to be in the perfect, appropriate name of the business. And they must have the same small business address and phone numbers.

So note, that this means not just state licenses, but potentially also city licenses.

The IRS

Visit the IRS web site and get an EIN for the business. They’re free of charge. Pick a business entity like corporation, LLC, etc.

A business may begin as a sole proprietor. But they absolutely need to switch to a sort of corporation or an LLC.

This is to minimize risk. And it will make best use of tax benefits.

A business entity matters when it concerns taxes and liability in case of litigation. A sole proprietorship means the entrepreneur is it when it comes to liability and taxes. No one else is responsible.

The best thing to do is to incorporate. You should only look at a DBA as an interim step on the way to incorporation.

Setting off the Business Credit Reporting Process

Begin at the D&B website and get a cost-free D-U-N-S number. A D-U-N-S number is how D&B gets a company into their system, to produce a PAYDEX score. If there is no D-U-N-S number, then there is no record and no PAYDEX score.

Once in D&B’s system, search Equifax and Experian’s sites for the small business. You can do this at www.creditsuite.com/reports. If there is a record with them, check it for correctness and completeness. If there are no records with them, go to the next step in the process.

In this way, Experian and Equifax have activity to report on.

Starter Vendor Credit

First you should build tradelines that report. Then you’ll have an established credit profile, and you’ll get a business credit score.

And with an established business credit profile and score you can start to get credit for numerous purposes, and from all sorts of places.

These sorts of accounts have the tendency to be for things bought all the time, like marketing materials, shipping boxes, outdoor work wear, ink and toner, and office furniture.

But to start with, what is trade credit? These trade lines are credit issuers who give you starter credit when you have none now. Terms are generally Net 30, rather than revolving.

Hence, if you get an approval for $1,000 in vendor credit and use all of it, you must pay that money back in a set term, like within 30 days on a Net 30 account.

Details

Net 30 accounts need to be paid in full within 30 days. 60 accounts need to be paid fully within 60 days. In comparison with revolving accounts, you have a set time when you must pay back what you borrowed or the credit you made use of.

To kick off your business credit profile the proper way, you ought to get approval for vendor accounts that report to the business credit reporting bureaus. When that’s done, you can then use the credit.

Then pay back what you used, and the account is on report to Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, or Equifax.

Vendor Credit – It Helps

Not every vendor can help in the same way true starter credit can. These are vendors that grant approval with a minimum of effort. You also need them to be reporting to one or more of the big three CRAs: Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax, and Experian.

As you get starter credit, you can also start to get credit from retailers. This is to continue to confirm you are trustworthy and pay on time. Here are some stellar choices from us: https://www.creditsuite.com/blog/5-vendor-accounts-that-build-your-business-credit/

Store Credit

Store credit comes from a variety of retail businesses.

You must use your Social Security Number and date of birth on these applications for verification purposes. For credit checks and guarantees, use the company’s EIN on these credit applications.

Fleet Credit

Fleet credit is from service providers where you can purchase fuel, and repair and take care of vehicles. You must use your Social Security Number and date of birth on these applications for verification purposes. For credit checks and guarantees, make certain to apply using the company’s EIN.

Cash Credit

These are companies such as Visa and MasterCard. You must use your Social Security Number and date of birth on these applications for verification purposes. For credit checks and guarantees, use your EIN instead.

These are typically MasterCard credit cards.

Monitor Your Business Credit

Know what is happening with your credit. Make certain it is being reported and address any mistakes as soon as possible. Get in the habit of taking a look at credit reports. Dig into the specifics, not just the scores.

We can help you monitor business credit at Experian and D&B for 90% less than it would cost you at the CRAs.

At Equifax, you can monitor your account at: www.equifax.com/business/business-credit-monitor-small-business.

Merchant Cash Advance Bad Credit Credit Suite

Demolish your funding problems with 27 killer ways to get cash for your business.

Fix Your Business Credit

So, what’s all this monitoring for? It’s to challenge any inaccuracies in your records. Mistakes in your credit report(s) can be corrected. But the CRAs usually want you to dispute in a particular way.

Disputes

Disputing credit report inaccuracies usually means you send a paper letter with copies of any proof of payment with it. These are documents like receipts and cancelled checks. Never send the original copies. Always mail copies and retain the original copies.

Fixing credit report errors also means you precisely spell out any charges you challenge. Make your dispute letter as understandable as possible. Be specific about the problems with your report. Use certified mail to have proof that you sent in your dispute.

A Word about Building Business Credit versus Merchant Cash Advances

Always use credit smartly! Never borrow beyond what you can pay off. Monitor balances and deadlines for repayments. Paying on time and in full does more to raise business credit scores than pretty much anything else.

Establishing company credit pays. Great business credit scores help a company get loans. Your lender knows the business can pay its debts. They know the small business is authentic.

The business’s EIN connects to high scores and loan providers won’t feel the need to demand a personal guarantee.

Takeaways for Getting a Merchant Cash Advance Bad Credit No Problem

Merchant cash advances are a creative way to leverage future sales. They can help your business get past a financial hurdle. And don’t forget about building company credit! Because even when business cash advances are hard to get, you can build business credit. And your merchant cash advance bad credit could even be enhanced by business credit.

The post Get a Merchant Cash Advance Bad Credit No Problem appeared first on Credit Suite.