Articles by Uma A Ilango

Finding the best credit card offer in the market is probably no different than finding a needle in a haystack. Let us try to make it more feasible with the following ten tips:

Tip 1: Know thyself

Study the most important factor – You! Be honest when you look at your spending tendencies. Know your credit card needs. List down your goals from getting a credit card. Are you the sort to overspend if given a chance? Do you need a card only in case of emergencies or is it to purchase something you cannot afford at one go and would like to pay off monthly? Do you hope to increase your credit rating with your card or is it required to make internet or phone payments? Understanding your needs and habits will allow you to choose a card that is best for you.

Tip 2: Low APR on both purchases and cash advances Often credit cards are used to supplement customers financially when in need and the resulting credit card balances are paid off monthly over a period of time. Additional interest charges are applied to these balances. As such, it is crucial to know everything about the Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Ensure that the APR is low so that you do not end up paying much more on interest in addition to the principle sum owed. Sometimes, the low APR applies only to purchases made. The best credit card offer is preferably one in which the low APR applies to purchases as well as cash advances.

Tip 3: Fixed APR

Most often, low APR is only introductory. Please avoid them unless you are doing a balance transfer to pay off balances on another card and you are SURE that you will be able to pay it off within the introductory period. Usually high interest rates will kick in after the introductory period and payment will pose quite a nightmare after that. Also check on the company you are getting the card from. Some companies have a tendency to change (normally, increase) their interest rates often blaming it upon economy. So, for the best credit card offer, favour a company with a more stable operation and as much as possible, go for a fixed APR.

Tip 4: Calculation of balance that APR is applied to

The 3 common ways of calculating the balance to which APR is applied are:

Two-cycle balance - Avoid this method as you may wind up paying additional interest
Average daily balance - Most common type
Adjusted balance - Most beneficial to consumer
Tip 5: Overlimit

Unlike in the past, most credit cards allow you to continue paying for purchases even if you have reached your credit limit. It is best that you do not have this option so that you can prevent getting deep in debt. If you do have or want this option available, compare overlimit fees which are an addition to the interest charged on the outstanding balance on the credit card. The lower the overlimit fees, the better they are for you.

Tip 6: Transaction charges, late fees & annual fees

These additional fees can vary quite a bit from one credit card to another. So in order to land on the best credit card offer, remember to compare these. Some cards even offer zero annual fees.

Tip 7: Grace period

If you are one of those responsible consumers who will pay off the credit card balance completely each month, you should compare the grace period offered. The best credit card offer should ideally have a longer grace period. Some offer anywhere from 25 to 72 days.

Tip 8: Reward Programs

If you will be using your credit card to make a lot of purchases, you need to be concerned about rewards programs in addition to low interest rate and long grace period. Rewards program may even come with cash back offers which may be used to offset annual fees. Go through what the different credit card offers entail and select the one that suits your needs most.

Tip 9: Customer service

The best credit card offer must offer the best customer service too. Often overlooked, this factor will only affect people when in need. Suppose you are overseas and you run into a problem with your card, you must be able to get effective customer support that is quick and 24/7. Obtain referrals from current users of the cards you’ve narrowed down to before making your final choice.

Tip 10: The fine print

People hate reading the fine print. almost 75% admit to not doing it. It is a struggle especially with all the technical jargon. However, the fine print is important. If you really cannot bring yourself to read everything, at least read the portions that discuss the 9 other areas of concern mentioned above. Ensure that your final decision on the best credit card offer is well-informed.

A business credit card may save you money, make bookkeeping easier and increase your company’s credibility. The first step to applying for a business credit card is to do an extensive research on the various business credit card offers in the market.

Only after you have compared the perks, rates, customer service, terms and solutions thoroughly, should you embark on applying for the best business credit card that suits your business needs.

Gone are the days of messy paperwork involving application forms and supporting documents as well as weeks of waiting for a response. Now you can start the process in the comfort of your home. Most websites that allow you to compare business credit cards come with the additional option of applying online.

There are usually two main components to a business credit card application form. In one component, you are required to provide information about your business. In the other one, you have to provide your personal information. If your business is new, the business credit card would probably be issued based on your personal credit history.

Other than the two components, you may find sections that provide you with options to select credit cards for your employees and for your certified consumers. You may even be allowed to do balance transfers. Once you are sure that have filled out all the details accurately, you can submit the application form online.

Once your application form has been submitted, you’ll receive the response online almost immediately in most cases. If your business credit card application has been approved, you will receive the credit card in your mail within 2 weeks.

Regardless of the institution that you are applying for your business credit card from, the procedures are more or less the same. It is almost effortless, quick and needs general details. However, be sure to check on the reliability and security features of the website before providing your details.

Even if your business is small sized, you must have wondered at some point in your business career if you need a business credit card. Well, to answer that question, let us look at the advantages of subscribing to one and how it may help your business.

Legitimacy & Credibility

The first and foremost change you would bring about by getting a business credit card is that of perception. Your customers, business associates, employees and even you, the owner will begin to perceive your business as a legitimate organization with credibility. With this you would have automatically distinguished your business from your competitors and most likely, moved your company up to the next level.

Easier Bookkeeping

Most people dread reconciling the accounts. However, the day-to-day operations of your organization can be made a whole lot manageable with a business credit card. Your expenditure on purchases, operation and office necessities can be made with the card. There is no need to fork out any cash. The best part is that you can keep track of every expense with the management reports that are provided with the card. These reports even include itemised listings of purchases. Now, that makes bookkeeping seem like a breeze, doesn’t it?

Separate from Personal Expense

Business credit cards are issued in the name of the company and not yours. This allows you to keep your personal and business accounts separate. Furthermore, the debts of your company become the responsibility of the business and not you.

Note of caution: If yours is a new business, the business credit card may be issued based on your personal credit history. You may even have to sign a personal-liability agreement. This is not recommended (but mostly unavoidable for new businesses) because if you run into any problems with payment, your personal credit history may be severely affected although the expenses were not personal but for your business. In order to establish a distinct business credit history, you may want to register your company with a business credit bureau as soon as possible. This allows you to eventually give up your personal-liability agreement.

Benefits to Key Employees

It is inevitable, sometimes, for employees to have to shell out their own money to cover purchases made for the company. This practice, albeit common, is not fair to them. Providing your key employees with a business credit card will eliminate this practice and make the running of your company smoother and more efficient.

Note of caution: Although business credit cards prove to be advantageous, there is a real danger of employees being dishonest and misusing the business credit cards. Be vigilant and keep track of any spending on the business credit cards using the management reports. If you discover any instance of fraud, report it immediately.

Spending Limits This feature is usually considered a plus. It helps keep your business expenses in check and prevents the danger of getting into debt. There are usually limitations on purchases as well as withdrawals from ATM. These limits are also applied to the business credit cards that you may issue to your employees.

Savings & Safety

By paying for your expense only once a month, you would effectively be stretching your company’s dollars further. Moreover, as long as you pay within the grace period (please do this religiously), you will not have to pay any interest on the amount that you had borrowed from the credit card company.
Using business credit cards is usually cheaper than using cheques.
With business credit cards, you can make online purchases or orders which are usually more economical as compared to buying in stores.
You can also avoid carrying around large amounts of cash when making purchases or paying for the operations of your company.
Perks & Rewards

Business credit cards are often complemented with perks and rewards such as flying miles and discounted hotel stays. Compare these perks and select a card that suits your particular business needs. Choosing the right set of perks and rewards may help you save on your business operation costs. Business credit cards can prove to be an asset as long as you use them wisely and carefully. Compare the offers available thoroughly. Watch out for any hidden costs and read the fine print in your contracts circumspectly. Do not be swayed by the attractive perks. Compare the perks as well as the rates, customer service, terms and solutions conscientiously and you’ll probably save yourself a lot of money.