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You probably started your small business because you’re an expert at what you do. What you probably didn’t expect is how many other things you need to be an expert in just to keep your business running!
While small business finances are important to the success of any venture, it’s also one of the most complicated areas of business. Here we’ll tackle some of the most common questions small business owners have when it comes to business credit cards.
How many business credit cards can I apply for?
If you're a business owner in the UK, you may be wondering how many credit cards you can have without damaging your credit score or financial management. Well, there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but here's what you need to know:
Firstly, having multiple business credit cards can impact your credit record, which could make it harder for you to get approved for other credit cards, loans, or mortgages in the future. So, it's essential to keep track of your credit utilisation and pay your bills on time to maintain a healthy credit score.
Secondly, juggling multiple credit cards can be time-consuming, especially if you have to manage them separately. So, it's worth considering whether having multiple cards is worth the extra effort.
Finally, while there's technically no limit on how many business credit cards you can have, applying for too many in a short period can raise red flags for lenders. They may view it as a sign that you're desperate for credit, which could result in your application being rejected or offered less favourable terms.
So, before applying for multiple business credit cards, it's crucial to weigh the pros and cons and consider how they'll impact your credit score and financial management. After all, the last thing you want is to get stuck in debt or struggle to get approved for future credit.
Is it good for a business to have multiple credit cards?
Let me phrase it this way: it’s bad to have multiple credit cards if they make your bookkeeping harder, not easier.
Having at least one small business credit card dedicated to business spend is absolutely critical to keep your personal and business finances separate. Getting these two entangled is a logistical nightmare.
You may want to segment even further by opening different small business credit cards for different categories of spend. For example, you may designate one card to operational overheads while another handles all business transportation and travel.
Having separate cards for separate areas of your business can help you stay organised and make it easier to manage your expenses.
But having too many cards can also become overwhelming to manage. Missing payments or having cards closed because you’re not meeting the minimum spend is not good for your business’s financial health. Really, it’s about finding that sweet spot for your business based on how much you’re spending, how frequently, and across how many categories.
How many business credit cards can I apply for?
There is no limit as to how many business credit cards you can apply for - but it’s good to be wary of business credit cards that have hard inquiries as these can hurt your business credit score, especially if you apply for several in a short period of time.
The main factor you will probably want to consider when determining the right number of credit cards for your small business is their rewards programmes. Your small business credit card shouldn’t just “house” your expenses - it should also work for you. Look for cards not only with high spend limits, but also cash back, travel perks, and the option to redeem points at discounted rates.
Something else to think about when deciding how many business credit cards to carry is if and how many cards you will want for your employees. Make sure you understand how any business credit cards you’re considering handle issuing employee cards and managing their spend limits.
The Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
The Capital on Tap Business Credit Card is custom-built for the unique needs of small businesses. Whether your business is best suited for 1, 3, or more business credit cards, the Capital on Tap Business Credit Card is definitely one you’ll want in your wallet.
Business owners enjoy access to unlimited free 1% cash back, credit limits up to £250,000, and as many employee cards as they need for their business to run smoothly and efficiently – all for free. They can also redeem points for gift cards from a number of airlines and brands including Amazon, Virgin Atlantic, and Uber.
