 TITLE: How Do I Choose a Business Credit Card? CONTENT: Learn How Business Credit Cards Work\n------------------------------------\nSmall business credit cards are similar to personal credit cards in many ways, but there are some important differences to be aware of. Because they're intended for business use, these cards have features that can help companies better manage their finances, such as the ability to track and categorize expenses, prepare taxes and generate spending reports.\nYou don't have to have employees, be incorporated or even operate under a DBA to qualify for a business credit card. Even if you're a freelancer, self-employed sole proprietor or gig worker, a business credit card can help you keep your business expenses separate from your personal expenses, which is important at tax time.\nMany business credit cards also offer rewards or discounts for buying products and services businesses frequently need. While a consumer credit card might offer rewards for buying groceries, for example, business credit cards typically allow you to earn rewards for business-related purchases such as travel, phone services, advertising or office supplies.\nBecause business credit cards are exempt from many of the consumer protection provisions of the Credit CARD Act of 2009, they offer fewer protections than personal credit cards. However, many card issuers opt to have their small business cards comply with most of the laws affecting personal credit cards. Read the terms of your business credit card agreement carefully to see what protections are included.\nAs you look for business credit cards, you may also run across business _charge cards_. Both let you make purchases without using cash, but that's where much of the similarity ends. With a credit card, you can choose whether to pay your balance in full by the end of month or carry a balance to the next one. If your cash flow is down to a trickle one month, you could make the minimum payment on your credit card and avoid a late fee. With a charge card, you must pay your balance in full every month or be charged a fee. Charge cards don't charge interest because it's assumed you'll never carry a balance, nor do they have preset spending limits.\nIf you have employees who travel, entertain clients or make other purchases for your business, getting employee credit cards for them can simplify the payment process. Most business credit cards offer free employee cards. The employee essentially becomes an authorized user on the account, and can use their card to cover work-related expenses. You'll be responsible for all charges your employees make; however, you'll also get all the perks, such as rewards points or airline miles. END