Businesscharge cards are financial productsdesigned specifically for businesses and provide aconvenient way to make purchasesand manage expenses. Unlike credit cards,charge cards require the full paymentof the outstanding balance each month. This featureencourages responsible spendingand ensures that businesses have the funds available to cover their expenses.
Business charge cards often come with a range of perks which can be handy for your business. Perks can include travel insurance, access to airport lounges, concierge services, breakdown cover, rewards and cashback. However, many business charge cards also come with an annual or monthly fee.
Business charge cards can be used to make purchases in the same way as a credit card. But unlike credit cards, they tend not to have a pre-set spending limit. This doesn’t mean you can make unlimited purchases on your card, but you can usually spend more as your company builds a good payment history.
Business charge cards don’t allow you to carry over a balance from month to month and you must instead repay the balance in full. Failure to clear your monthly balance will result in late payment fees and interest might also be applied to the amount you owe.
The key distinction between charge cards and business credit cards lies in their payment requirements. With a credit card, users have the option to carry a balance and make minimum monthly payments, whereas with a charge card you need to pay off the balance in full every month. Charge cards typically have higher spending limits compared to credit cards, making them a potentially good option for businesses with large expenses or purchases to make.
Business charge cards are available to various types of businesses, including sole traders, partnerships, and limited companies. Whether you're a small startup or an established enterprise, there are charge card options tailored to meet your specific needs. Typically, providers will assess your business's financial situation, creditworthiness, and ability to meet the payment requirements before approving your application.
The costs and fees associated with business charge cards can vary depending on the provider and the specific card you choose. While some charge cards may have an annual fee, others may have fee-free options.
It's also important to consider foreign transaction fees, interest charges on late payments, and any other applicable fees.
Carefully review the terms and conditions of each card to understand the costs before making your decision so you can be sure it's the right option for your business.
Charge cards are not as widely accepted as credit cards, so you’ll need to check or make sure you have an alternative payment method with you. You may be able to use your charge card:
In certain shops, restaurants or other businesses
Online
In cash machines
Over the phone
In other countries (fees may apply)
For mail order services
Business charge cards offer robust expense management tools, including detailed statements, categorisation of expenses, and spending controls. These features enable businesses to track and manage their expenditures more effectively.
Many business charge cards come with rewards programmes tailored to the needs of businesses. You can earn cashback, travel rewards, or points that can be redeemed for various benefits. These rewards can provide significant savings and additional value to your business.
With higher spending limits compared to credit cards, business charge cards offer greater purchasing power. This flexibility can be particularly useful for businesses with large or frequent expenses.
Business charge cards allow you to issue additional cards to employees, enabling them to make authorised purchases on behalf of the company. This simplifies expense tracking and eliminates the need for reimbursement processes.
While business charge cards offer many advantages, they may not be the ideal fit for every business. Consider these alternative products:
Business credit cards:If you prefer the flexibility to carry a balance, business credit cards provide the option to make minimum monthly payments.
Prepaid business cards:Prepaid cards allow businesses to control spending by preloading a specific amount onto the card. This option is useful for budgeting purposes and limiting expenses.
Corporate expense management software: Instead of relying solely on cards, businesses can opt for expense management software that integrates with company bank accounts, providing real-time visibility and control over spending.
Business charge cards are available to businesses of all sizes, including small businesses and startups.
It's generally advised to keep business and personal expenses separate. However, some providers may allow limited personal use under certain conditions.
Yes, many providers allow you to issue multiple cards to authorised employees, facilitating better expense management and control.
Failing to pay the full balance on time may result in late payment fees and interest charges, and can impact your business's creditworthiness.
To maximise the benefits, take advantage of rewards programmes, track and categorise expenses, and ensure timely payment of the balance each month.
Remember, before making any financial decisions, carefully review the terms and conditions of each business charge card and consider seeking professional advice to ensure it aligns with your business's specific requirements and financial goals.
Other lending products you could consider
Other business products you may need
Amazing experience even though it…
Got a great savings account from…
Money.co.uk has helped provide the most…
Rachel has spent the majority of her career writing about personal finance for leading price comparison sites and the national press, including for the Mail on Sunday, The Observer, The Spectator, the Evening Standard, Forbes UK and The Sun.