Thursday, September 18, 2008

Business Credit Cards

A true business credit card is a line of credit that is taken in the name of the business, under the business' credit. Activity, whether good or bad, is reflected on your business' credit report through D&B and other financial institutions, and the liability for any debts incurred and bills owed is with the business.

However, some companies out there offer "business" credit cards which they require a person guarantee for. These institutions will often ask for a personal guarantee, and will almost always ask for a social security number from the person applying for the business credit card. If this is the case, the credit card is not a business credit card, but is simply a personal credit card which is used for the business. The business is not liable for bills and debts - you are.

When applying for a business credit card for your business, watch out for areas asking for your SSN (and not your TaxID orEIN) and be wary of any business credit card that asks for a personal guarantee. By ensuring that your business credit card is in the name of your business, you can help to build your business' credit, while avoiding creating problems with your own personal credit.

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