Big Changes with WEX Fleet Cards Regarding Personal Guarantees

Wrights Express, or WEX,  is a universal fleet fuel card provider associated with a number of stations across the U.S. They offer a number of fuel card rewards programs and benefits designed to cater to a business’s specific needs and gas station preference. 

Historically, they have also been one of the only credit issuers that a company could get a business credit card from without a personal guarantee. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case.

WEX Now Requires a Personal Guarantee on Business Fleet Cards 

As of Friday, May 13th, 2022, WEX now requires a personal guarantee on any business credit card they issue. This is a big change that is going to rock the fleet credit world. In fact, it may even be the biggest change with the most impact on business credit in the past 10 years.

What Does this Mean for Businesses?

It’s going to make it hard for a lot of businesses to get a credit card or account to manage company automobiles. Trucking company owners looking to add a business credit card to manage their fleet are going to be hit the hardest. They aren’t the only ones though. Any company that wants to use fleet credit is likely to struggle.

Why Will the WEX Personal Guarantee Requirement Cause Some Business Owners to Struggle?

Before the change, WEX was one of the few fuel card options for business owners that do not have good consumer credit. They could access a WEX fuel card on the merits of their business credit only. Then, they could take care of fleet related expenses using the business credit card regardless of consumer credit.

Approval Based Only On Business Credit History No Longer an Option

Now, this is no longer an option. With the added requirement of a personal guarantee, business owners with bad credit will have a harder time getting the fleet fuel cards that they need.

Why Did WEX Change Their  Personal Guarantee Requirements for Business Credit Cards?

Most business credit cards already require a personal guarantee. There are a select few that do not, and with this change, the number is even fewer

The reasoning behind the WEX decision is that it helps prevent fraud. The addition of a consumer credit check and personal guarantee requirement is thought by WEX to be a way to help prevent fraud.

They see it as a layer of protection for both themselves and the small business owners they serve with business credit cards. Of course, in the end, this policy reduces risk for WEX and increases personal risk and personal liability for business owners. This is because by definition, a personal guarantee means if the business defaults, the business owner is responsible for the debt.

How Big Of An Impact Will This Change Have on the Ability to Get a Business Credit Card for Fuel?

Honestly, it’s big. Just to give you an idea, here is a list of brands affected in addition to WEX’s own brand.

WEX Associated Fuel Card Brands

  • 7-Eleven
  • 76®  
  • Chevron and Texaco  
  • Circle K
  • CITGO
  • DK
  • ExxonMobil  
  • GetFleet
  • Gulf
  • Irving Commercial 
  • Kum & Go
  • MAPCO
  • Marathon
  • Maverik
  • Meijer
  • Murphy USA
  • Phillips 66®
  • QuikTrip
  • RaceTrac
  • Royal Farms
  • Sheetz
  • Shell  
  • Sinclair
  • Speedway  
  • Stripes
  • Sunoco
  • Tesoro
  • Thorntons
  • Valero
  • Wawa

As you can see from this list, the ripples caused by this monumental  change are far reaching. Add in the fact that often this type of credit card isn’t just for fuel purchases, and the impact is even larger. Sometimes they aren’t even limited to purchases at gas stations. In addition to fuel purchases, many fuel cards can be used to pay for fleet maintenance, car washes, and even snacks at gas stations.

What Can You Do?

The big question, if you fall into the rather large category of those needing to access business credit fleet fuel cards that do not have the best consumer credit, is what now? Well, now is the time to double down on both business credit and consumer credit.

Build Credit for Your Business

Building business credit is more important than ever. That’s because if you do have great company credit, your consumer credit may not weigh as heavily into the approval decision.

Business Credit Can Help With More Than Approval

Beyond that, it can affect the terms, limits, and rates you receive. A consumer credit score that is just okay along with a great company credit score is going to do a lot better than two just okay scores. This is true with most any credit card for businesses, not just fleet fuel cards.

Business Credit Still Matters

Whatever you do, do not let business credit go by the wayside simply because consumer credit is now going to come into play when you apply for a WEX fuel card.

The stronger it is, the more likely you are to get approval for WEX fleet fuel cards, and any other credit card for your business for that matter, even if your personal credit is lower than those who make approval decisions would like.

Still, it may be harder to get fleet fuel cards initially, before you have established business credit, if your consumer credit does not meet the WEX requirements for a personal guarantee.

WEX is Still Useful for Building Credit For Your Business

It’s important to note that WEX is still one of the few credit card providers for businesses that report to the business credit bureaus.

That means their fleet fuel cards are still useful not just for managing cash flow and expenses, but also for building business credit.

You just have to be more aware of your personal credit and ensure your company credit is as strong as possible before you apply for a fuel card from them.

Can You Still Access Business Gas Cards?

Yes! There are still options for Business Fuel Credit Cards without a personal guarantee, it may just require a little additional work to get there. You need to build business credit in the fastest, most effective way possible. That’s where Credit Suite can help.

Not only can we help you build your credit for your business, but we can also help you find the best business credit cards and accounts for your specific needs.

The post Big Changes with WEX Fleet Cards Regarding Personal Guarantees appeared first on Credit Suite.

Presto! Turn Your Commercial Fleet into a Turo Fleet

Is it Magic? No, it’s Turo!

One of the inevitable side effects of having a fleet of vehicles is they do nothing for you if they’re idle. In fact, you lose money on them, as you need to pay for parking. Plus, of course, they’re depreciating every single day. Turo is a company that can help you turn idle vehicles into cash cows – no magic wand necessary.

But first, you need to get the vehicles – and here’s how you do ALL that.

Building Your Commercial Fleet While You Build Your Business and Its Credit

Your business doesn’t start off with good business credit already built. In much the same way, you probably didn’t start with any vehicles. Or, at least, not with business vehicles you wanted to keep. And even if you bought your business fully created, you can still build it to greater heights. For all three goals, it pays to work in an orderly fashion. Step by step, it all works together.

Building business credit means getting vendor accounts. Starting with vendor credit accounts is a proven way to start building business credit. But we don’t include vendors just because they report to the business CRAs. We include them because they have quality products you can use, and great customer service. They are more than a means to an end!

Building Business Credit the Right Way

Let’s start with building business credit. You can’t start with high limits. First build starter trade lines that report (vendor credit). Then you’ll have an established credit profile. Then you’ll get a business credit score. With an established business credit profile and score you can start getting high credit limits.

Use your credit. Pay on time, like you should with personal credit. These vendors we’ll show you will report to the business CRAs. And you’ll build a good business credit score.

But Wait: What is Starter Vendor Credit?

These trade lines are creditors who will give you initial credit when you have none now. These vendors often offer terms such as Net 30, instead of revolving. So if you get an approval for $1,000 in vendor credit and use it all, you must pay the money back in a set term. Such as, within 30 days on a Net 30 account. But there are some revolving accounts still considered to be starter vendors.

Vendor Credit Accounts

You must pay net 30 accounts in full within 30 days. And you must pay net 60 accounts in full within 60 days. Unlike with revolving accounts, you have a set time when you must pay back what you borrowed or the credit you used.

To start your business credit profile the RIGHT way, you need approval for vendor accounts that report to the business CRAs. Once that’s done, you can then use the credit, pay back what you used.  Then the account is on report to Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, or Equifax, or some combination.

Once it reports, then you have trade lines, an established credit profile, and an established credit score. With an established business credit profile and score, you can then get approval for more credit under your EIN. For vendor credit, you can usually leave your SSN off the application. Because this credit isn’t offered through a bank. Then the credit issuer pulls your EIN credit, sees a solid profile and score, and as a result can approve you for more credit. Keep in mind, credit through a bank will demand your SSN. It’s an anti-money laundering requirement under federal law.

Vendor Credit Cards

Vendor credit cards will kick off business credit building for your business. Once you’ve added payment experiences from three vendors, and they have sent reports to business CRAs like Dun & Bradstreet, you can start qualifying for fleet credit. Make sure business credit cards don’t report on your personal credit.

Every step and every credit provider is designed to help your business. It’s meant to help you qualify for business credit cards you will actually use. This isn’t building for the sake of building, and it isn’t just to increase a number. These credit providers are going to have what your business needs to succeed.

Business Credit

Keep in mind, business credit is independent of personal. Applying for it often won’t harm your personal credit scores, although it can if you offer a PG and then fail to pay. An inquiry will also impact personal credit. Too many inquires can hurt your ability to get an approval. Building this asset can only help your business. You can help your future business right now.

Vendor Credit Benefits

You need 3 or more vendor accounts reporting to move onto more credit with higher limits and better terms.  More reporting accounts are even better. It will take 30-90 days for those accounts to report – 60 days on average. Do NOT apply for tier 2 credit without having 3 or more accounts first.

Getting a Vendor to Pull Credit Under your EIN

There is no Social Security requirement for starter vendor credit. This is unlike bank loans and bank cards. So leave the field blank. Don’t fill in any other number.  It’s a violation of two Federal laws.

A blank field will force them to pull your business credit under your EIN. But note: some creditors will still want an SSN for verification purposes. You should present your SSN in this situation. But make sure you aren’t agreeing a PG or personal credit check.

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

Building Business Credit – What You Really Need to Know

You won’t get a Visa or a MasterCard (bank credit cards) right away. You need to have credit to get more credit. Start building trade lines to get the big payoff. Getting initial credit is the hardest part. The vast majority of trade vendors who issue credit don’t report it to the business CRAs. So, you MUST find sources which actually report.

Using Business Credit Vendors

Check out three of our favorite starter vendors:

  • Wex Fleet
  • Marathon
  • 76

All three come from Wex.

Wex Fleet

They report to Experian and D&B. They offer universal fleet cards, heavy truck cards, and universally accepted business fleet cards. Their cards have features supporting a small business. This includes a rewards program. Before applying for several accounts with WEX Fleet cards, leave enough time between applying so they don’t red flag your account for fraud.

If you don’t get an approval based on business credit history, or been in business for at least a year, then a $500 deposit is necessary or a PG. Apply online or over the phone. Terms:  Net 15 (Wex Fleet Card), Net 22, or revolving (Wex FlexCard).
To qualify, you need:

  • Entity in good standing with Secretary of State
  • EIN number with IRS
  • Business address- matching everywhere.
  • D-U-N-S number
  • Business license (if applicable)
  • And a business bank account
  • Business phone number with a listing on 411

 

Marathon

Marathon Petroleum Company provides transportation fuels, asphalt, and specialty products throughout the US. Their product line supports commercial, industrial, and retail operations. This card reports to Dun & Bradstreet and Experian. Remember: before applying for several accounts with WEX Fleet cards, leave enough time between applying so they don’t red-flag your account for fraud.

To qualify, you need:

  • Entity in good standing with Secretary of State
  • EIN number with IRS
  • Business address- matching everywhere.
  • D-U-N-S number
  • Business license (if applicable)
  • And a business bank account
  • Business phone number with a listing on 411

Your SSN is necessary for informational purposes. If concerned they will pull your personal credit talk to their credit department before applying. You can provide a $500 deposit instead of using a PG if you’ve been in business less than a year. Apply online or over the phone. Terms are Net 15.

76

Phillips 66 Company owns 76. It has more than 1,800 retail fuel sites in the United States. This card reports to: D&B and Experian. Keep in mind: before applying for several accounts with WEX Fleet cards. make sure to leave enough time between applying so they don’t red flag your account for fraud.

To qualify, you need the following:

  • Corporate entity must be in good standing with the applicable Secretary of State
  • An EIN
  • Company address matching everywhere
  • D-U-N-S number from Dun & Bradstreet
  • Your business license (if applicable)
  • A business bank account
  • Business phone number with a listing on 411

Your SSN is necessary for informational purposes. If concerned they will pull your personal credit talk to their credit department before applying. You can give a $500 deposit instead of using a personal guarantee.  if you’ve been in business less than a year. Apply online or over the phone. Terms are Net 15. You can used this card at any P66, 76, or Conoco fueling location. Let’s move onto fleet credit.

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

Fleet Credit

Fleet credit comes after starter vendors. It comes from places like Gulf and Exxon. You use it to:

  • Buy fuel
  • Maintain vehicles of all sorts
  • Repair vehicles

Even businesses which don’t have big fleets can still benefit. These are usually gas credit cards.

You may need to have a minimal time in business. If your business doesn’t have enough time in business, you may be able to instead offer a personal guarantee or give a deposit to secure the credit. Now that you’ve got a bunch of cards to support your fleet, it’s time to look at vehicle financing to buy the fleet!

Vehicle Financing

Chances are you didn’t buy personal vehicles outright. In the same way, financing is a great way to get a vehicle now, without having to wait until you can pay cash and drive it off the lot. With a fleet car, your choices are usually buying or leasing. Providers include banks like Bank of America or the financing arm of the manufacturer, like Chrysler Capital.

Using Business Credit for Vehicle Financing

Finance a Vehicle or Lease Credit SuiteYou can even finance a vehicle purchase or lease through our Business Credit Builder. These offers are in Tier 4. So they have certain requirements that business credit neophytes won’t be able to meet. Lenders will want to see you have the income to support the purchase. Consider Ford Commercial Vehicle Financing.

Ford Commercial Vehicle Financing Through Credit Suite

Ford offers several commercial vehicle financing options. These include loans, lines, and leases to actual business entities. This is not for sole proprietorships. You can get a loan or a lease.

Ford may ask for a personal guarantee if you do not get an approval on the merit of your application. Apply at the dealership. Ford will report to D&B, Experian, and Equifax.

To qualify, you need:

  • Entity in good standing with Secretary of State
  • EIN number with IRS
  • Business address- matching everywhere
  • D-U-N-S number
  • Business license (if applicable)
  • And a business bank account
  • Strong business credit history
  • Must have a good Experian business credit score

Ally Car Financing Through Credit Suite

Ally provides personal financing. But they will also report to business credit bureaus. If your business qualifies for financing without the owner’s guarantee, you can get financing in the business name only. Ally will report to D&B, Experian, and Equifax.

Ally Car Financing: Ally Commercial Line of Credit

To qualify, you need:

  • Entity in good standing with Secretary of State
  • EIN number with IRS
  • Business address- matching everywhere
  • D-U-N-S number
  • Business license (if applicable)
  • And a business bank account
  • Bank reference
  • Fleet financing references

If you use a PG, Ally will not report to the personal credit bureaus unless the account defaults.

Ally Car Financing: Ally Commercial Vehicle Financing

Get a lease or a loan. To qualify, you need the same things as you need for an Ally Commercial Line of Credit. This is except for a bank reference and fleet financing references. There is no time in business requirement. Apply in person only. The dealer will say if you get approval or must provide a PG. Now that you’ve got the cars and the cards, let’s explore Turo.

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

What’s Turo, Anyway?

Turo is a peer-to-peer car sharing marketplace. You can book any car you want, wherever you want it, from a community of trusted hosts across the US, Canada, and the UK. Guests choose from a unique selection of nearby cars. Hosts earn extra cash to offset the costs of car ownership.

How Do Turo, Business Credit, and Business Ownership Work Together?

There are going to be times when some of the vehicles your fleet aren’t in use. This could happen if there’s a personnel change, or if an employee with an older vehicle gets an upgrade to a newer one. This could be a perk accompanying a promotion. Or an employee with a vehicle could be out for parental leave. But no matter how or why any vehicles are idle. you can be making money from them.

Turning the Idle Vehicles in Your Fleet into Moneymakers

Turo says you can make an average of $620 per month per vehicle. This comes from 2019 stats for hosts with twelve or more trips and “at least average quality metrics”. You can set your own price and availability dates. Make 70% of the price, or 80% if you can prove you have your own insurance and waive Turo’s coverage. Turo offers an array of coverage options with different percentages and deductibles. So you can choose what appeals most to you. Liability insurance comes from a policy issued to Turo by Liberty Surplus Insurance Corporation. They’re a member of the Liberty Mutual Group.

Bringing Out the Best in Your Vehicles to Make the Most Money

There are ways to make more money and get your vehicle out there to more riders, more often. Turo offers tips on taking better photographs of your car and listing your car’s options.  as riders may be searching for things like all-wheel drive or air conditioning, etc.

Working with Turo

Turo will provide guidance on how to write better descriptions,  and otherwise make a vehicle more appealing to riders. There is even a section on writing a business plan. Also – earnings go through Turo so you will get a 1099. And even making a few hundred per month per vehicle is a VAST improvement over letting a vehicle idle while you pay for parking and it depreciates! To end, let’s touch on personal guarantees for financing.

Vehicle Financing

With commercial vehicle financing, business owners may need to personally guarantee vehicle loans.  If you are a co-borrower the loan will most likely report to your personal credit report. Starting off by giving a personal guarantee means you can get money, and start building your commercial fleet now instead of later.

PG (Personal Guarantee) Financing

According to Investopedia, a personal guarantee is:

“an individual’s legal promise to repay credit issued to a business for which they serve as an executive or partner. Providing a personal guarantee means that if the business becomes unable to repay the debt, the individual assumes personal responsibility for the balance. Personal guarantees provide an extra level of protection to credit issuers who want to make sure they will be repaid.”

When you provide a PG, you are adding your Social Security number to the application. You should expect a hard inquiry. You’re also adding the details of your personal income to the application.

No PG Financing

With no PG financing, you can get higher limits and better terms. Continue to build exceptional business credit and pay your bills on time. In general, the following you won’t need to provide a personal guarantee for this type of financing if you have:

  • good business credit
  • a decent amount of time in business or
  • good personal credit

Much like with any other kind of business borrowing, the more assurances you can give the lender, the better.

Turo, Business Credit, and Growing Your Business: Takeaways

Use business credit to buy everything you need to run a fleet, from fuel to service. And use auto financing to buy the vehicles. Plus, you can make money with the idle vehicles in your fleet! Turn your fleet into a regular, reliable moneymaker – without having to pull any rabbits out of your hat. Let’s get together and talk about getting started.

The post Presto! Turn Your Commercial Fleet into a Turo Fleet appeared first on Credit Suite.

When The Most Successful Companies Look for Fleet and Vehicle Financing … Here’s What They Do …

The Perfect Business Credit Portfolio Includes Vehicle Financing

Does your business need vehicles to get the work done? This can be any number of kinds of vehicles, such as trucks for deliveries and hauling, sprinter vans, company cars, and even vans to facilitate commuting for your employees. Vehicle financing can be a smart way to afford all of them.

Vehicle Financing in a Nutshell

Much like you probably didn’t buy your personal vehicle outright, financing is a great way to go in order to get a vehicle now, without having to wait until you can just pay cash and drive it off the lot. With a car for personal use, your choices are usually buying or leasing. Providers include banks like Bank of America or the financing arm of the manufacturer, such as Chrysler Capital.

Commercial vehicle funding has certain parameters. Whether a vehicle is purchased new or used will affect the number of years you can finance the vehicle and the rates you will pay. If a vehicle is used, then the number of miles on it will also affect terms. Plus, business owners may be required to personally guarantee vehicle loans.  If you are a co-borrower the loan will most likely report to your personal credit report. Some loans have a prepayment penalty and charge you for paying ahead.

In general, the following will eliminate the need to provide a personal guarantee for this type of financing: good business credit, a decent amount of time in business or good personal credit. And much like with any other kind of business borrowing, the more assurances you can give the lender, the better.

Basic Terms and Qualifying

You need to establish the amount of money you have for a down payment, and the vehicle you need. Plus, you must establish the costs associated with buying the vehicle.

You’ll need to provide documentation that proves you are the owner of a business. This includes business licenses, partnership agreements, LLC documents, and articles of incorporation (if applicable), listing you as having at least a 20% stake in the business.

You may also have to provide personal documentation like personal credit score and credit history. If you are a sole proprietor and the business is under your Social Security number, you are the borrower and guarantor. Hence you are personally liable for repaying the loan. It is also a good idea to have a loan proposal. A loan proposal should detail your business, loan needs, and financial statements.

Good Business Credit Can Help

If your company needs vehicles for operation build your business credit. This, way you will be able to qualify with no PG. Having this ability can give you the freedom to grow your fleet, and without your signature. More on this later. First, let’s look at those four keys to financing.

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

Vehicle Financing Key #1: Using Business Credit for Vehicle Financing

You can even finance a vehicle purchase or lease through our Business Credit Builder. These offers are in Tier 4, so these lenders will have certain requirements that business credit neophytes just won’t be able to meet. Lenders will want to see that you have the income to support the purchase. 

As an example, consider Ford Commercial Vehicle Financing.

Ford Commercial Vehicle Financing Through Credit Suite

Ford offers several commercial funding options. These include loans, lines, and leases to actual business entities. This is not for sole proprietorships. You can get a loan or a lease.

Ford may ask for a Personal Guarantee (PG)  if you don’t get an approval on the merit of your application. Apply at the dealership. Ford will report to D&B, Experian, and Equifax.

Ford Commercial Vehicle Financing: Terms and Qualifying

To qualify, you need:

  1. Entity in good standing with Secretary of State
  2. EIN number with IRS
  3. Business address- matching everywhere
  4. D-U-N-S number
  5. Business license (if applicable) and a business bank account

You will need to have a strong business credit history. And you must have a good Experian business credit score.

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

Ally Car Financing Through Credit Suite

Ally provides personal financing. But Ally will also report to business credit bureaus. If your business qualifies for financing without the owner’s guarantee, you can get financing in the business name only. Ally will report to D&B, Experian, and Equifax

Ally Car Financing: Terms and Qualifying

For Ally Commercial Line of Credit, to qualify, you need:

  1. Entity in good standing with Secretary of State
  2. EIN number with IRS
  3. Business address- matching everywhere
  4. D-U-N-S number
  5. Business license (if applicable)
  6. And a business bank account
  7. Bank reference
  8. Fleet financing references

If you use a personal guarantee, Ally will not report to the personal credit bureaus unless the account defaults.

With Ally Commercial Vehicle Financing, you can get a lease or a loan. To qualify, you need:

  1. Entity in good standing with Secretary of State
  2. EIN number with IRS
  3. Business address- matching everywhere
  4. D-U-N-S number
  5. Business license (if applicable)
  6. And a business bank account

There is no minimum time in business requirement. Apply in person only, dealer will advise if approval or Personal Guarantee (PG) needed.

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

Vehicle Financing Key #2: Credit Line Hybrid

Yet another potential form of vehicle financing is through the Credit Suite Credit Line Hybrid. A credit line hybrid is a form of unsecured funding. Our credit line hybrid has an even better interest rate than a secured loan. Get some of the highest loan amounts and credit lines for businesses. Get 0% business credit cards with stated income. These report to business CRAs. So you can build business credit at the same time. This will get you access to even more cash with no personal guarantee.

Credit Line Hybrid: Terms and Qualifying

You need a good credit score or a guarantor with good credit to get an approval (a FICO score of at least 680). No financials are necessary. You can often get a loan of five times the amount of current highest revolving credit limit account. This is up to $150,000.

Vehicle Financing Key #3: 401(k) Financing

Another option for vehicle financing is using your 401(k) as collateral. This is not a loan. You will not have to pay an early withdrawal fee or a tax penalty. You put the money back by contributing, just like with any 401(k) program. This means you won’t lose your retirement funds. This is a 401(k) Rollover for Working Capital program. The IRS calls it a Rollover for Business Startups (ROBS).

Per the IRS, a ROBS qualified plan is a separate entity with its own set of requirements. The plan, through its company stock investments, rather than the individual owns the trade or business. Therefore, some filing exceptions for individuals may not apply to such a plan. This type of financing isn’t a loan against, your 401(k), so there’s no interest to pay. It does not use the 401(k) or stocks as collateral. Instead, this is simply a movement or change of custodian.

401(k) Financing: Terms and Qualifying

Pay low rates, often less than 5%. Your 401(k) will need to have more than $35,000 in it. You can usually get up to 100% of what’s “rollable” within your 401(k) . The lender will want to see a copy of your two most recent 401(k) statements.

You can get 401(k) financing even with severely challenged personal credit. The 401(k) you use cannot be from a business where you are currently employed. So it will need to be from older employment. You cannot be currently contributing to it.

Vehicle Financing Key #4: SBA 504 Loans

The SBA 504 loan can be used to purchase “Long-term machinery and equipment”. As a result, it’s not a standard car loan. But you can purchase a truck with it. You can use an SBA 504 loan when the vehicles being purchased qualify as heavy equipment.

Some examples of trucks as ‘heavy equipment’ can include:

  1. Cement trucks
  2. Dump trucks
  3. Custom-build heavy trucks fit for specific purposes (loading/unloading septic tanks, for instance)
  4. Semis and tanker trailer trucks

If your vehicle needs run in this direction, then an SBA loan could be perfect for your needs.

SBA 504 Loans and Credit Suite

Did you know that you can get SBA loans through Credit Suite? Established businesses with tax returns that show good revenues and profitability can get very large sums of funding with Secured Small Business Loans. If you have positive business tax returns, you should apply for secured government-backed SBA program loans from $250,000 up to $12,000,000. Approval amounts will vary based on the collateral your business has, and the amount of net profit reflected on your tax returns.

The total time to close these loans is about 2-4 months. SBA loans offer some of the longest payback terms available for business financing. Get loan terms for 10, 15, or even 25 years with the SBA. Interest will total approximately 3% of the debt. The rate may be financed with the loan.

Get approved for up to $12 million. Your credit will have to be of good quality. Your collateral will need to equal 50% of the loan amount. Financials will be necessary.

SBA 504 Loans Through Credit Suite: Documentation 

The SBA will require certain documentation to qualify including:

  1. Business and personal financials
  2. Resume and background information
  3. Personal and business credit reports
  4. Your business plan
  5. Bank statements
  6. Collateral and any other documentation relevant to the transaction

Vehicle Financing: Takeaways

Getting vehicle funding involves variables like whether the vehicle is new or used. Heavy vehicles like dump trucks can be paid for with SBA 504 loans. There is a possibility that you would have to provide a personal guarantee to get a loan or lease. Credit Suite offers financing that you can use to purchase vehicles, and we offer even more options through our Business Finance Suite. There are four keys to open the door to affording vehicles for your business. And there are a lot of options. Let’s explore them together.

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When The Most Successful Companies Look for Fleet and Vehicle Financing … Here’s What They Do …

The Perfect Business Credit Portfolio Includes Vehicle Financing

Does your business need vehicles to get the work done? This can be any number of kinds of vehicles, such as trucks for deliveries and hauling, sprinter vans, company cars, and even vans to facilitate commuting for your employees. Vehicle financing can be a smart way to afford all of them.

Vehicle Financing in a Nutshell

Much like you probably didn’t buy your personal vehicle outright, financing is a great way to go in order to get a vehicle now, without having to wait until you can just pay cash and drive it off the lot. With a car for personal use, your choices are usually buying or leasing. Providers include banks like Bank of America or the financing arm of the manufacturer, such as Chrysler Capital.

Commercial vehicle funding has certain parameters. Whether a vehicle is purchased new or used will affect the number of years you can finance the vehicle and the rates you will pay. If a vehicle is used, then the number of miles on it will also affect terms. Plus, business owners may be required to personally guarantee vehicle loans.  If you are a co-borrower the loan will most likely report to your personal credit report. Some loans have a prepayment penalty and charge you for paying ahead.

In general, the following will eliminate the need to provide a personal guarantee for this type of financing: good business credit, a decent amount of time in business or good personal credit. And much like with any other kind of business borrowing, the more assurances you can give the lender, the better.

Basic Terms and Qualifying

You need to establish the amount of money you have for a down payment, and the vehicle you need. Plus, you must establish the costs associated with buying the vehicle.

You’ll need to provide documentation that proves you are the owner of a business. This includes business licenses, partnership agreements, LLC documents, and articles of incorporation (if applicable), listing you as having at least a 20% stake in the business.

You may also have to provide personal documentation like personal credit score and credit history. If you are a sole proprietor and the business is under your Social Security number, you are the borrower and guarantor. Hence you are personally liable for repaying the loan. It is also a good idea to have a loan proposal. A loan proposal should detail your business, loan needs, and financial statements.

Good Business Credit Can Help

If your company needs vehicles for operation build your business credit. This, way you will be able to qualify with no PG. Having this ability can give you the freedom to grow your fleet, and without your signature. More on this later. First, let’s look at those four keys to financing.

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

Vehicle Financing Key #1: Using Business Credit for Vehicle Financing

You can even finance a vehicle purchase or lease through our Business Credit Builder. These offers are in Tier 4, so these lenders will have certain requirements that business credit neophytes just won’t be able to meet. Lenders will want to see that you have the income to support the purchase. 

As an example, consider Ford Commercial Vehicle Financing.

Ford Commercial Vehicle Financing Through Credit Suite

Ford offers several commercial funding options. These include loans, lines, and leases to actual business entities. This is not for sole proprietorships. You can get a loan or a lease.

Ford may ask for a Personal Guarantee (PG)  if you don’t get an approval on the merit of your application. Apply at the dealership. Ford will report to D&B, Experian, and Equifax.

Ford Commercial Vehicle Financing: Terms and Qualifying

To qualify, you need:

  1. Entity in good standing with Secretary of State
  2. EIN number with IRS
  3. Business address- matching everywhere
  4. D-U-N-S number
  5. Business license (if applicable) and a business bank account

You will need to have a strong business credit history. And you must have a good Experian business credit score.

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

Ally Car Financing Through Credit Suite

Ally provides personal financing. But Ally will also report to business credit bureaus. If your business qualifies for financing without the owner’s guarantee, you can get financing in the business name only. Ally will report to D&B, Experian, and Equifax

Ally Car Financing: Terms and Qualifying

For Ally Commercial Line of Credit, to qualify, you need:

  1. Entity in good standing with Secretary of State
  2. EIN number with IRS
  3. Business address- matching everywhere
  4. D-U-N-S number
  5. Business license (if applicable)
  6. And a business bank account
  7. Bank reference
  8. Fleet financing references

If you use a personal guarantee, Ally will not report to the personal credit bureaus unless the account defaults.

With Ally Commercial Vehicle Financing, you can get a lease or a loan. To qualify, you need:

  1. Entity in good standing with Secretary of State
  2. EIN number with IRS
  3. Business address- matching everywhere
  4. D-U-N-S number
  5. Business license (if applicable)
  6. And a business bank account

There is no minimum time in business requirement. Apply in person only, dealer will advise if approval or Personal Guarantee (PG) needed.

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

Vehicle Financing Key #2: Credit Line Hybrid

Yet another potential form of vehicle financing is through the Credit Suite Credit Line Hybrid. A credit line hybrid is a form of unsecured funding. Our credit line hybrid has an even better interest rate than a secured loan. Get some of the highest loan amounts and credit lines for businesses. Get 0% business credit cards with stated income. These report to business CRAs. So you can build business credit at the same time. This will get you access to even more cash with no personal guarantee.

Credit Line Hybrid: Terms and Qualifying

You need a good credit score or a guarantor with good credit to get an approval (a FICO score of at least 680). No financials are necessary. You can often get a loan of five times the amount of current highest revolving credit limit account. This is up to $150,000.

Vehicle Financing Key #3: 401(k) Financing

Another option for vehicle financing is using your 401(k) as collateral. This is not a loan. You will not have to pay an early withdrawal fee or a tax penalty. You put the money back by contributing, just like with any 401(k) program. This means you won’t lose your retirement funds. This is a 401(k) Rollover for Working Capital program. The IRS calls it a Rollover for Business Startups (ROBS).

Per the IRS, a ROBS qualified plan is a separate entity with its own set of requirements. The plan, through its company stock investments, rather than the individual owns the trade or business. Therefore, some filing exceptions for individuals may not apply to such a plan. This type of financing isn’t a loan against, your 401(k), so there’s no interest to pay. It does not use the 401(k) or stocks as collateral. Instead, this is simply a movement or change of custodian.

401(k) Financing: Terms and Qualifying

Pay low rates, often less than 5%. Your 401(k) will need to have more than $35,000 in it. You can usually get up to 100% of what’s “rollable” within your 401(k) . The lender will want to see a copy of your two most recent 401(k) statements.

You can get 401(k) financing even with severely challenged personal credit. The 401(k) you use cannot be from a business where you are currently employed. So it will need to be from older employment. You cannot be currently contributing to it.

Vehicle Financing Key #4: SBA 504 Loans

The SBA 504 loan can be used to purchase “Long-term machinery and equipment”. As a result, it’s not a standard car loan. But you can purchase a truck with it. You can use an SBA 504 loan when the vehicles being purchased qualify as heavy equipment.

Some examples of trucks as ‘heavy equipment’ can include:

  1. Cement trucks
  2. Dump trucks
  3. Custom-build heavy trucks fit for specific purposes (loading/unloading septic tanks, for instance)
  4. Semis and tanker trailer trucks

If your vehicle needs run in this direction, then an SBA loan could be perfect for your needs.

SBA 504 Loans and Credit Suite

Did you know that you can get SBA loans through Credit Suite? Established businesses with tax returns that show good revenues and profitability can get very large sums of funding with Secured Small Business Loans. If you have positive business tax returns, you should apply for secured government-backed SBA program loans from $250,000 up to $12,000,000. Approval amounts will vary based on the collateral your business has, and the amount of net profit reflected on your tax returns.

The total time to close these loans is about 2-4 months. SBA loans offer some of the longest payback terms available for business financing. Get loan terms for 10, 15, or even 25 years with the SBA. Interest will total approximately 3% of the debt. The rate may be financed with the loan.

Get approved for up to $12 million. Your credit will have to be of good quality. Your collateral will need to equal 50% of the loan amount. Financials will be necessary.

SBA 504 Loans Through Credit Suite: Documentation 

The SBA will require certain documentation to qualify including:

  1. Business and personal financials
  2. Resume and background information
  3. Personal and business credit reports
  4. Your business plan
  5. Bank statements
  6. Collateral and any other documentation relevant to the transaction

Vehicle Financing: Takeaways

Getting vehicle funding involves variables like whether the vehicle is new or used. Heavy vehicles like dump trucks can be paid for with SBA 504 loans. There is a possibility that you would have to provide a personal guarantee to get a loan or lease. Credit Suite offers financing that you can use to purchase vehicles, and we offer even more options through our Business Finance Suite. There are four keys to open the door to affording vehicles for your business. And there are a lot of options. Let’s explore them together.

The post When The Most Successful Companies Look for Fleet and Vehicle Financing … Here’s What They Do … appeared first on Credit Suite.

Get in the Fast Lane with Fleet Credit

What is Fleet Credit? How Can it Help a Business?

To understand fleet credit, you need to understand business credit first.

Business Credit

Business credit is credit in the name of a business. When built correctly, it has no relationship to an owner’s personal credit. This is the case even if a business has but one owner, and that person is also the business’s sole employee.

Types of Business Credit

You can divide business credit into three separate categories. Vendor credit is credit you can get even if you have no other credit; often net 30 and similar terms. Store credit is often revolving terms; may require some time in business; and offered by major retailers. And cash credit is more universal credit from providers like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express; harder to qualify for; may require more time in business and more paperwork before approval.

Fleet Credit

Fleet credit has some things in common with both vendor and store credit. Terms can be either net 30 (or net 60, etc.), or they can be revolving. This is credit to buy fuel, and to repair and maintain vehicles of any type.

The kinds of vehicles a business needs to maintain can include taxicabs, trucks, vans (for deliveries or to transport workers or passengers), or company cars.

Industries Based on Vehicle Use and Risk

While any company can use vehicles, some industries solely depend on vehicles to deliver their services. Risk is denoted by SIC (Standard Industrial Classification), and NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) standards.

Typical High-Risk Industries

Normally, high-risk industries have some things in common. There can be high risks of injury on the job. Or an industry may engage in a lot of cash transactions. This is true regardless of the safety record of a particular business, or the majority of its transaction types. Trucking and many other vehicle-intense businesses come under the injury risk umbrella.

NAICS Codes for Vehicle-Based Businesses 

Over the road trucking is considered a high-risk industry. See referenceforbusiness.com/industries/Transportation-Communications-Utilities/Trucking-Except-Local.html. So is local transportation. See referenceforbusiness.com/industries/Transportation-Communications-Utilities/Local-Passenger-Transportation-Elsewhere-Classified.html. And so are taxicabs. See referenceforbusiness.com/industries/Transportation-Communications-Utilities/Taxicabs.html.

Fleet Credit and Gas Cards Today

Small business credit is independent of the economy. But be aware that, as the situation continues, some of the requirements could change. Always be sure to check the links directly, to be sure to get 100% up to date information straight from the source.

The Benefits of Gas Cards for Business

Per the SBA, business credit card limits are high! They’re a whopping 10 – 100 times that of personal credit cards. You can get a lot more money with small business credit. And you will not need collateral, cash flow, or financials in order to get business credit.

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

Get Excellent Gas Cards Via Our Business Credit Builder

Gas Credit Cards Credit SuiteOur Business Credit Builder is full of amazing business credit cards. And that includes gas cards! These cards are starter vendors. We know they report to business credit reporting agencies. Whether you’re new to business credit building, or have been at it for a while, it pays to get these cards.

Marathon

Marathon Petroleum Company provides transportation fuels, asphalt, and specialty products, throughout the United States. Their comprehensive product line supports commercial, industrial, and retail operations. This card reports to Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax. Before applying for multiple accounts with WEX Fleet cards, make sure to have enough time in between applying so they don’t red-flag your account for fraud.

Qualifying

To qualify, you need an entity in good standing with the applicable Secretary of State, and an EIN number with the IRS. You will need to have a business address matching everywhere. Plus you need a D-U-N-S number, and all applicable business licenses. You will need to have a business bank account, and a business phone number listed on 411.

Your Social Security number is required for informational purposes. If concerned they will pull your personal credit talk to their credit department before applying. You can give a $500 deposit instead of using a personal guarantee, if in business less than a year. You apply online. The terms are Net 15. Get it here: marathonbrand.com.

76

76 is owned by Phillips 66 Company. They sell gas in more than 1,800 retail fuel sites in the United States. This card reports to Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax. And it can be used at any P66, 76, or Conoco fueling location.

Qualifying

To qualify, you need an entity in good standing with the applicable Secretary of State, and an EIN number with the IRS. You will need to have a business address matching everywhere. Plus you need a D-U-N-S number, and all applicable business licenses. You will need to have a business bank account, and a business phone number listed on 411.

Your Social Security number is necessary for informational purposes. If concerned they will pull your personal credit, talk to their credit department before applying. If not approved based on business credit history or you have been in business less than 1 year, then a $500 deposit is needed or a personal guarantee (PG). You can apply online or over the phone. The terms are net 15. Get it here: 76fleet.com.

Wex Fleet Card

Wrights Express (WEX Card) offers universal fleet cards, heavy truck cards, and universally accepted business fleet cards. These cards have features that support small business, including a rewards program.

Before applying for multiple accounts with WEX Fleet cards, make sure to have enough time in between applying. This way, they won’t red flag your account for fraud. This card reports to Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, and Equifax.

Qualifying

To qualify, you need an entity in good standing with the applicable Secretary of State, and an EIN number with the IRS. You will need to have a business address matching everywhere. Plus you need a D-U-N-S number, and all applicable business licenses. You will need to have a business bank account, and a business phone number listed on 411.

If you’re not approved based on business credit history, or have been in business a year or less, then a $500 deposit is needed or a personal guarantee. Apply online or over the phone. The terms are net 15 (WEX Fleet Card), Net 26, or Revolving (WEX Flex Card). Get it here: wexinc.com/solutions/fleet-management.

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

Fleet Credit Can Help with More than Fuel and Maintenance

All forms of business credit can help you build good business credit scores, as business credit is mainly based on your payment history. As a result, fleet credit can help your business eventually get funding, such as loans and other forms of financing.

But Conventional Banks are Not the Best Place to Find Funding for High Risk Industries

Over 89% of business applications are denied by the big banks. High-risk industries are subject to stricter underwriting guidelines. It is possible to get loans from conventional sources, but it’s not easy. Alternative lenders are often your best bet. Here’s some great funding we’ve found.

National Funding

You can get equipment financing for commercial truck leasing and financing. Up to $150,000 is available. Their requirements are 6 or more months in business, an equipment quote from a vendor, and a 575 personal credit score or better. See www.nationalfunding.com/industries/loans/trucking-business

Or get auto repair shop financing, via leasing.  Their requirements are 6 or more months in business, an equipment quote from a vendor, and a 620 personal credit score or better. See nationalfunding.com/industries/leasing-financing/automotive-repair-equipment.

Kabbage

Kabbage offers loans specifically for truckers. Up to $250,000 is available. Their requirements are 1 or more years in business, and $50,000 or more in annual revenue. See www.kabbage.com/truck-driver-loans.

Crossroads Equipment Lease & Finance, LLC

Get transportation equipment financing. Up to $750,000 is available. Poor credit is not a problem. You can get approval in as little as 24 hours. See https://crlease.com/transportation-equipment-financing.

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

Fundbox

You can get a business line of credit. Up to $100,000 is available. No personal credit score is necessary. You must use online accounting software that can link to Fundbox. See creditsuite.com/fundbox and https://fundbox.com/truck-loans.

Credit Line Hybrid

Got good personal credit? Then a hybrid credit line could be the perfect solution. You can get up to $150,000, even if your business is a startup.

To qualify, your personal credit score should be at least 685. You can’t have any liens, judgments, bankruptcies, or late payments. In the past 6 months you should have fewer than 5 credit inquiries, and you should have less than a 45% balance on all business and personal credit cards. It’s better if you have established business credit as well as personal credit. See creditsuite.com/business-loans.

Takeaways

Business credit is credit in the name of a business. Fleet credit is used by businesses to buy fuel, and to fix and maintain all sorts of vehicles. It can help you build business credit and qualify for loans and more forms of funding. Alternative lenders are one option. And the Credit Suite Credit Line Hybrid is even better if you’ve got good personal credit.

The post Get in the Fast Lane with Fleet Credit appeared first on Credit Suite.