Access to credit lines for businesses provides many advantages.
Most business owners are aware credit lines are beneficial.
The larger the company, the more advantageous a credit line.
There are a variety of credit line products available on the market and the selection continues to expand.
For business owners in the startup phase of their company, the choice of financing available can be confusing.
It may be difficult to decide which option best suits their circumstances.
One popular product is a small credit card.
Another is an unsecured business line of credit.
Understanding the practical details of each may be of assistance in determining your preference.
The small credit card is a form of credit line designed for new businesses.
It is often obtained without difficulty.
Small business cards payments are accepted by most suppliers, which may be attractive to entrepreneurs without a proven business history.
Bonus features are often attached to small business credit cards.
Discounts or cost-effective options may be offered.
A new business may find these opportunities attractive.
For a business without access to readily available funds, a small business card may be the answer.
There are drawbacks to small business credit cards however.
Most credit card issuers compel the business owner to sign a personal liability agreement.
This means that, if the business is unable to make payment on business debt incurred on the credit card, the owner will have put their own personal assets at risk to satisfy any arrears.
Another consideration is the business owner's personal credit rating.
An unfavourable business credit score may be included with the business owner's own personal crediting rating.
This may occur even though the owner has not used the credit card for personal transactions.
Obtaining a credit card that does not oblige the owner to sign a personal liability agreement is recommended.
Unsecured Line of Credit An unsecured line of credit does not require the business to provide assets, known as collateral, against the amount borrowed.
In other words, if the business defaults on payment of the line of credit, the lender may not seize personal assets to recover its losses.
To obtain this kind of financing, the business needs to have established an unblemished credit history.
New businesses will not likely qualify for an unsecured line of credit.
To become eligible, the new business must first build a business credit.
As such, this form of financing may not be appropriate in the early stages of a business.
If the business has the requisite credit history and has existed for a period of time, the unsecured line of credit can be advantageous.
As a business expands a higher credit line is often useful.
This is especially true for businesses which make bulk purchases or have sizable expenses.
The unsecured line of credit charges a lower interest rate than small business credit cards.
It also advances an increased credit limit.
This may offer greater flexibility with comparable features to the small credit card.
Important facts to remember are to build an excellent credit score, conduct research into which financing option best meets your business's requirements, monitor your credit expenditures and make payments on schedule.
Your business's prosperity and expansion will benefit if a business credit line is chosen and handled with care.