Friday, November 28, 2008

Small Business Credit Cards for Canadians

By Dewey Finn

In this article, we are going to review some of the small business credit cards, what they offer and why some cards are not your best options. Small business credit cards were designed to help those families and individuals that often have difficulty getting approved for credit lines, since they own their own business. You would think that owning a small business would spark some interest, rather these people, like those will bad credit are considered risky candidates for credit lines.

Why do you need a business credit card? What is the purpose of having a major credit card? Can I control my spending if I apply for a major credit card? Notice this piece started out with questions, which I feel are three of the most important question anyone should ask, seeking a credit card. If you do not ask these questions before a applying for a credit card, guess what you will be saying later. Why did I apply for a credit card? What was my purpose? I wish I could have controlled my spending. This may or may not happen, but if you are searching for a credit card, you may want to ask your self-first, why you need a credit card. YES or NO the answer is clear you need to apply for a business credit card to keep things straight.

Balance Transfer cards offer fixed rates for the endurance of the 'balance, and for the balance transfers made sometimes up to six months of the cards membership. The annual fees on few of these cards for the standard cardholder. This applies also to additional cards, 'unless you are the cardholder' that qualifies for the "Business Charge Card Product." In this case, your annual fees are reduced for the standard cards. Of course, they present a slick by offering the cards to small business owners for the first year, free. You must have good credit ratings to apply for this card. Otherwise, the fees may increase, if you are able to get the card.

The Business Network has no financial charges, with no pre-set limits for spending, and the first year the card is free. The annual percentage rates are free for the Additional cards also. The company will send you a monthly 'expense management report' as well as offering 'online account management. Again, you must have good credit to qualify for the Business Gold type cards.

The Platinum Business Cards from companies like American Express have no annual fees, and "pay over time" plus 0% APR on all purchases made on the card plus the balance transfer. The card is good for small business owners that have good credit.

Some Canadian Small Business Credit Cards offer rebates and enable you to earn money back on eligible purchases on the credit card. The cards have a 'built-in smart chip for Internet security,' and have no limits on the cash rebates. This card qualifies small business owners with good credit.

Let's stop and review the cards shortly to see which cards are best for you? I'm considering the last card on the list, since some of the Business Cards offer cash back rewards, and does not appear to have an annual fee. However, I would read the Terms & Conditions, since it might state in the agreement that an annual fee will apply after the first year. You want to know what the fee is on this card. The cards that promote annual fees are cards you want to be careful of when applying, since some have hidden stipulations and fees. The "Built-in Smart chip for Internet Security is also appealing, since this is not always offered with credit cards, and the security is worth paying an annual fee, since you are protected. NOTE: be sure to look in the Terms & Agreements, searching for Fraud Protection. Since the card providers put a chip on the card of course you are protected more so if you didn't have the chip; still you want to know what the fees if any are if the card is lost or stolen. There should not be any fees; however, some card providers will do their best to get money.

The three preceding ideas for cards may be of some value, however, the offers do not seem appealing since you have high interest rates possibly after the Introductory, and as well, you have annual fees with no rewards. - 16747

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