Business credit cards, sometimes known as corporate or commercial credit cards, are cards that can be used by an employee or owner of a company to pay for business expenses. They are good for freeing up cash flow by using a line of credit to pay for business expenses. 

It usually comes with perks such as rewards programs, additional cardmembers and expense reporting systems. Also, with a business card, the company is liable for the debt and not the individual, unlike a personal credit card.

Business credit cards, unlike personal credit cards, are designed specifically for work expenditure. They may include features such as additional cards for employees, customisable spending limits and expense tracking. 

Both credit cards, however, are similar in a few other ways. Both give you access to funds up to a specified limit, and allow you to pay off outstanding balance over time (albeit with interest charges if you fail to make payment on time). They also include annual fees, as well as additional costs such as rewards redemption cost.

As a business owner, a business credit card gives you more control and visibility over your business expenses. It can also help you to manage your company’s travel and entertainment expenses. You can also enjoy other perks such as: 

• Rebates or rewards on your spend 
• Complimentary travel insurance 
• Withdrawal services worldwide 
• Complimentary lounge visits 

You could also have at your disposal management and reporting tools, as well as insurance coverage for employee misuse.

Rewards business credit cards: Earn cash, miles or points as you spend. 

Frequent flyer business credit cards: Earn airline loyalty points for every dollar you spend. You can also use these accumulated points to redeem business flights, upgrades, accommodation, cashback and other perks for yourself and your employees. 

Low interest rate business credit cards: Offer flexible financing for business owners. 

Corporate business credit cards: These cards are issued to employees to allow them to charge authorised business expenses such as hotel stays and flight tickets.

The qualifying criteria for a business credit card differs from bank to bank. Some of the criteria include: 

• At least 21 years old 
• Applicant should be a business owner and/or person with executive authority of a Company/Business with a Valid UEN 
• Company must be registered in Singapore (with ACRA) Company must be in operation for at least a number of years 
• Company must meet the minimum annual sales turnover requirement

Having a business card for your small business isn’t compulsory. However, a business credit card offers a range of benefits for small business owners that make running a business easier and more organised — such as higher credit limits, a separate credit amount for your business, tracking expenses and boosting credit rating, among others.

To apply for a business credit card, besides filling in the application form provided, you also should have: 

• Formed a business entity to help separate your personal credit from that of your company 
• Set up your company by registering with ACRA 
• Start a business bank account

You might also require: 

• Company ACRA or Unique Entity Number 
• Photocopy of NRIC/passport 
• Last 2 years’ Income Tax Notice of Assessment

Similar to personal credit cards, business credit cards also charge an annual fee. This annual fee ranges from S$100 to S$300. Some credit cards might waive the annual fees, typically for up to 1 to 2 years. Other charges to take note of include interest rates, currency conversion fees, cash advance fees and late payment fees.