Education

Compare UK business credit cards 2020

24 Mar 2020

Having a business credit card can help you manage expenses and cash flow in a convenient and flexible way. It can be used by both you and your employees to make company purchases and can help you build up your business’ credit rating. Much like a personal credit card, you can choose to pay the balance in full or meet the minimum payment requirements. Your business is responsible for making the payments. Credit cards are a type of unsecured lending and the and limits can be quite strict. Of course, have to meet the lender’s criteria - they’ll want to look into your credit history, trading history, turnover and profit. Your credit limit - usually anywhere between £1,000 and £10,000 - will very much depend on your credit rating, as will your interest rate, interest-free period and rewards.

man holding a selection of credit cards

The deal you’re offered can depend on your business' size and level of financial stability.

Types of business credit card

There are lots of business credit cards on the market today. Some of the most popular include:

Air Miles

Good for: Companies that frequently travel internationally for business - you can accumulate air miles and get discounted or free flights.

Cashback

Good for: Companies planning on using the credit card for purchases - you receive a percentage back on what you spend. 

Rewards

Good for: Companies that want to earn points on what they spend and exchange them for vouchers or other rewards. 

Low or interest-free

Good for: Companies that don’t want to be charged interest for an initial period of time (for example, six months). 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the costs associated with business credit cards?

Business credit card costs include:

Annual fees

It’s more common for business credit cards to charge a yearly fee, however not all of them do. Also, some might have a fee-free period of up to a year.

Interest

In most cases, you’ll have to pay interest on your balance if you don’t pay your credit card balance off in full each month. Interest rates vary - always check the terms and conditions before you apply. 

Depending on the credit card in question, you may also be charged for:

  • Late payments

  • Going over your limit

  • Cash withdrawals

  • Transactions abroad

  • Inactivity fees

Who are business credit cards for?

A business credit card is typically used by:

  • A company’s employee(s)

  • A business owner/director

  • A sole trader

Keep in mind that certain banks will only offer you a business credit card if you open a business account with them. The deal you’re offered can depend on the size of your business and how financially stable it is. 

Wallet with cards showing

https://unsplash.com/photos/em37kS8WJJQ

Can I request several cards for one account?

Yes, if you need to give credit cards to various members of your team you can do so - you’ll still pay one bill. 

What perks can I expect?

Different cards provide different benefits. These can include:

  • Cashback, where a percentage of what you spend is returned as cash to your card

  • Reward points you can exchange for cash, vouchers air miles or other travel services

  • Discounts at specific stores

  • Travel insurance

  • 0% interest on purchases - usually for between three and 30 months

You might also want to check out these alternatives to business credit cards.

Vivek Seda
Vivek Seda

Asset Lending & Property Team Lead

Vivek Seda is the Asset Based Lending & Property Team Lead at Funding Options. Vivek has been in the commercial finance industry for over five years, helping SMEs in the UK access over £40m of funding in that time. He also supports the business on working on corporate finance and structured transactions successfully funding Acquisitions and MBOs for businesses.

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