Best Business Credit Cards in 2011
For anyone in the market for a business credit card in 2011, you’ll be pleased to know there is a plethora of decent options available to both small business owners and medium sized business owners. Similarly to personal credit cards, business credit cards come with a whole host of different features and bonus structures, so you’ll need to know exactly what your small business needs from it’s credit card(s) before opening one. For example, your business may be after reward points for travel and entertainment expenses for entertaining and meeting clients, or maybe you need a low interest rate card to manage cash flow. Either way you go, you’ll need to carefully match your business credit card’s features with the way you operate your company.
Some additional things to consider: Do you need to issue cards to employees? Most of these cards offer this for free but some don’t. Do you need to receive itemized expense reports each month? Again, most offer this service for free. Will an annual fee with a credit card drastically cut back on your earnings/points? Most business credit cards come with an annual fee but will waive it for the first year.
Also keep in mind that in 2011 business credit cards are not protected under the CARD ACT, so you may be better off by simply using a personal credit card for your small business expenses.
Best Business Credit Cards 2011:
1) We like the Ink Bold(SM) with Ultimate Rewards(SM) Card. This card comes with a $100 sign up bonus and the ability to earn over 50,000 bonus points in your first year. There are no limits to the number of points you can earn AND your points will never expire. There are no interest expenses and you’re allowed up to 30 days to pay with this pay-in-full charge card.
2) The Ink Plus(SM) with Ultimate Rewards(SM) Card is another business credit card from the Chase Ink family. This card also comes with the $100 sign up bonus after your first purchase and the ability to earn up to 35,000 bonus points in the first year. You’ll also get some additional travel perks including complimentary lounge access. There are no limit to the number of points you can earn and your points will never expire. If necessary, you may use this as a balance transfer credit card as it comes with a 0% introductory APR for 6 months on new purchases and balance transfers. There is a $60 annual fee with this card that is waived for the first year.
3) Our next favorite is yet again from the Chase Ink family. This card is called the Ink Cash(SM) Business Card. It also comes with the $100 sign up bonus after your first purchase, however, it does come with a monthly maximum to the points you can earn. You’ll get 3% cash back on eligible fuel, home improvement, dining and office supply purchases (subject to the monthly maximum). You’ll get up to 10 points for every $1 spent when you shop online through Chase Rewards Plus. This card comes with NO ANNUAL FEE.
Noteworthy Mentions:
Business Gold Rewards Card from American Express – Earn 25,000 bonus points every year if you shift $50k of your business purchases on the card. There is unlimited rewards potential with no caps and no exp. dates. Save 3-10% on business expenses at office supply stores such as FedEX, Hurtz and OfficeMax. $125 annual fee waived for the first year. You can find this card in our business credit card search engine to see how it stacks up against the competition.
Gold Delta Business Sky Miles Credit Card from American Express - This is a great card for anyone needing to regularly hop from city to city to meet clients. You’ll earn 20,000 bonus miles on your first purchase and you’ll save a total of $250 off Delta Airlines flights. $95 annual fee is waived for the first year.
Have experience with opening a business credit card in 2011? Share your experience by leaving a comment!
