Business Credit Cards with Rewards

How to Take Advantage of Your Business Credit Card with Rewards

Explanation of Rewards Programs

Many individuals are familiar with personal credit cards with rewards programs but are unaware of the options for business credit cards. The business credit card rewards programs typically work the same as personal credit cards with similar options.

For each dollar spent with the credit card, the cardholder earns a certain number of points. Typically, cardholders will earn 1 point for each $1 but depending on the program and the purchase, they may earn as much as 6 points for each $1. Rewards for business credit cards are also very similar to those available through personal credit cards. Typically, businesses will be able to choose from cash back, travel, merchandise or gift cards.

Why Choose a Business Credit Card

Entrepreneurs and small business owners are often tempted to use their personal credit card for business purchases; especially when their personal card has a rewards program. However, the tracking and bookkeeping involved with separating personal and business expenses can be tricky. Also, these individuals may be missing out on appealing business discounts by utilizing a personal credit card alone. This is because many business credit cards come with discount programs for typical business expenses like rental cars, shipping, printing and office supplies.

How to Take Advantage of Your Business Rewards

It’s important for businesses to keep in mind that not all rewards credit cards are the same. Here are some tips when it comes time for you to shop for your company’s rewards credit card as well as some steps you can take once you have chosen the card that is right for your business.

• Look for a card that offers an introductory bonus – many cards will provide cardholders with bonus points simply for utilizing their card within the first several months of opening. While these are a one-time bonus, it helps you accrue points from the start so you can experience the benefits of the rewards.

Ink Bold℠ With Ultimate Rewards Intro APR (P) Intro APR (BT) APR as low as - - N/A Earn up to 50,000 bonus points - 25,000 after your first purchase, plus an additional 25,000 after you spend $10,000 in 3 months - that's $500 in rewards of your choice, or $625 towards airfare when you redeem online through our Ultimate Rewards booking tool Earn up to 5X points per dollar on eligible business purchases, and points do not expire No foreign transaction fees Free Employee Cards No interest charges because it's a pay-in-full charge card Transfer points you've earned to participating frequent travel programs at a 1:1 value No Annual Fee in the first year - a $95 savings

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN Intro APR (P) Intro APR (BT) APR as low as - - N/A FOR A LIMITED TIME: Earn 25,000 Membership Rewards® points by spending $5,000 in the first 3 months. Enroll and select an airline to receive up to $200 annually in statement credits for incidental fees such as checked bags, in–flight refreshments, and change fees.* 20% Travel Bonus when redeeming with Membership Rewards® Pay with Points Take advantage of 40 premium benefits and rewards, including 24/7 concierge service and dedicated business consultants Complimentary airport club access to 600+ partner lounges, a $950/yr value By Invitation Only: Receive exclusive access to events, ideal for entertaining clients or treating staff, worldwide that aren't available to the general public No pre-set spending limit*

Ink℠ Classic Business Intro APR (P) Intro APR (BT) APR as low as 0% for 12 months 0% for 12 months 10.24% (Variable) Up to 25,000 bonus points - 10,000 bonus points after your first purchase, plus an additional 15,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months! 5X points per dollar on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores, and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services 2X points per dollar on the first $25,000 spent annually at gas stations and for hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel 1 point per dollar on all other card purchases with no limit on the amount you can earn Points do not expire 0% Introductory APR for 12 months No Annual Fee

• Use a card that has bonus categories – as mentioned previously, there are some business rewards credit cards that feature categories that receive bonus points. These may be for gas, restaurant, office supply or even advertising purchases. If you find a card that aligns with your common purchases, then you will be able to accrue points that much quicker.

[business-bonus-reward-points.cards]

• Stick to just one card – many card programs allow businesses to have cards for individual employees that link to the same account. This will allow you to accrue points in one account while still allowing multiple departments to easily make their purchases. You will also have better control over spending because you often can designate various credit limits on a per card basis.

• Utilize the card for everyday purchases – the more you use your card, the more points you can accrue. If you typically give employees cash to pick up coffee or certain supplies, have them use their company credit card instead. As long as you keep a close eye over spending so that you don’t end up paying interest on Starbucks runs, your company will win through extra rewards.

Ink Cash℠ Business Card Intro APR (P) Intro APR (BT) APR as low as 0% for 12 months 0% for 12 months 10.24% (Variable) Up to $250 cash back bonus - $100 cash back bonus after your first purchase, plus an additional $150 after you spend $5,000 within 3 months! 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores, and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at gas stations and restaurants 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn Cash back rewards do not expire 0% Introductory APR for 12 months No Annual Fee

SimplyCash® Business Card from American Express OPEN Intro APR (P) Intro APR (BT) APR as low as 0% for 6 months, 9 months or 12 months, based on your creditworthiness - 12.24% - 19.24% (Variable) Get 5% cash back on wireless services and office supply purchases* Get 3% cash back on automobile gasoline* Get 1% cash back on other purchases* No limit to the amount of cash back you can earn Cash back on purchases is automatically credited to your statement each month Save 3% to 10% automatically on business expenses from FedEx, Hertz®, OfficeMax®, and more with OPEN Savings®* No annual membership fee

• Know the details of your program – make sure to read the fine print of your credit card terms and rewards programs. Many offer unlimited points with no expiration. But there are some programs that cap the amount of bonus points that can be accrued and require their cardholders to redeem their accrued points by a certain date each year.

These cards work well for many businesses, so if they are a good match for you, don’t let an expiration date deter you from the card. However, you will want to make sure that you are redeeming your rewards by the designated deadline or you’ll be missing out.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by Chase. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of Chase, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Chase. This site may be compensated through Chase Affiliate Program.

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.