Why everyone should have a business credit card

Points aren't just for the beach we have used points for travel to hit the slopes. 

Everyone loves making money.  Many of the people I know make additional money outside of their main profession.  They hustle their way to some extra cash.  For those of you that fit this description, personal credit cards are only one half of the rewards pie.

We used Chase Points for flights to Chicago

Business owners can apply for additional lucrative credit cards.  These cards come with additional earning categories and big bonuses.  The additional earning categories are usually phone, internet, cable, and advertising such as social media marketing.  My current business card, Chase Ink Bold, gives me 5 points per dollar spent at office supply stores, or on cable, internet, and phone.  Those bonus points add up quickly.  A family with four cell phones, cable tv, and high speed internet can easily receive 1500 to 2000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points each month.  Over a year that adds up to free flights, hotels, or gift cards.  Unfortunately, Chase does not allow people to apply for the Chase Ink Bold anymore.  Later on in this post I will go over my favorite business credit card.  For now let's see who qualifies for a business card.

We used Chase points for a free hotel night in Newport, KY.  The Aquarium was fun!

To qualify for a business credit card you do not need to have employees, a website, or a brick and mortar location.  You also don't need an EIN (Also known as Federal Tax ID Number).  Instead of entering an EIN you can simply enter your social security number.  Do you sell things on Ebay and Amazon?  Do you coach sports or tutor students?  Basically anything you do to make money and is not a hobby will most likely be considered a business.   Here is a list of a few examples:
- Etsy sellers
- Ticket resellers
- Coaching
- Tutors
- Direct Marketing - Scentsy, 31, Beachbody, Avon etc..
- Garage sale flippers
- Ebay & Amazon sellers

Just be honest when filling out the applications regarding revenue.  Most of these business credit cards will now itemize you purchases for the year which makes it easier to keep your business expenses organized come tax time.

Another difference between personal and business credit cards is that some business cards are charge cards.  Charge cards do not have interest charges because you are required to pay the balance in full each month.  Late fees are charged in lieu of interest charges.  American Express is the biggest charge card issuer and these cards usually require great credit history.  Chase's small business cards are not charge cards they are credit cards.  As I have mentioned before, you should not apply for credits cards unless you can pay of the balance each and every month!

We currently have two business cards open.  Kim has the American Express Business Platinum and as I mentioned before I have the Chase Business Ink Bold credit card.

Every Summer we use Chase points on our trip to Ocean City

My favorite card:

In my opinion the best current business card available is the Chase Ink Business Preferred Card.  It comes with a huge bonus - 80,000 Chase Ultimate Reward Points.  Since this card allows you to book travel with a 25% bonus through the Chase travel website this 80,000 points is worth $1,000!!

Some additional benefits:
- This card does not count against the Chase 5/24 rule.  See this post where I explain this rule.
- The 80,000 point bonus is applied after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months after opening the card.
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, and on advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year
- No foreign transaction fees when purchasing items outside of the United States.
- $95 annual fee not waived the first year.

Chase points can be used to book free flights to Tampa, FL. 

As with all the other Chase Credit Cards, these points can be transferred to loyalty partners.

Here are some options to spend your bonus:

Skiing:  Park City, Utah -
15,000 points per night
Most likely the 80k points can get you two flights and 3 nights hotel if you plan right.

Hit the slopes for cheap 

Sun:  San Diego, California -HYATT REGENCY MISSION BAY SPA AND MARINA 
15,000 points per night

Relax on the water

South Beach Miami, Florida - Hyatt Centric South Beach Miami
25,000 points per night

Sip a mojito in Miami

This post has additional transfer redemption ideas.   This card has an awesome sign up bonus and great points earning options for everyday spend.  The 3x points on phone, cable, and internet is worth keeping the card open in my opinion.  If you are interested in signing up for this card please use the link below(it is the same as the public offer however, I may get a few points if you sign up here):
Click here to apply


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