Articles by Hannah Callen on ArticleSnatch.com

How are business credit cards being affected by the recession?

Wed, 04 Feb 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The recession's impact on personal credit cards has been well documented over the past few months - in fact the responsibility for the 'credit crunch' has been squarely laid at the feet of inappropriate credit lending by the banks. Many people are receiving letters from their credit card lenders informing them of an increase in interest rates as the lenders try to recoup some of the substantial losses incurred as the financial crisis deepens, but what effect has the general fiscal malaise had on business credit cards? The economy still needs to operate to fight off the worsening financial picture, and businesses (particularly small businesses) will still need lines of credit. With the Bank of England base interest rate at a record low, business leaders are now calling on the government to cap interest rate charges on business credit cards to give them a little bit of breathing space. The government has consistently resisted the calls on the grounds that a cap could harm the consumers they are designed to protect by restricting access to credit and also reducing the transparency of charging structures. **End Summary** Topics: business credit cards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen has published many articles on Business Finance issues and enjoys breaking down the jargon surrounding business credit cards. You can find out more on business credit cards here.

Managing your business credit cards online

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

British business has changed in the last few years, becoming part of the online revolution and the advent of E-business and Internet financial management. The high street has been the real victim in this groundshift towards more virtual business and despite the continuing worry about recession, financial downturns and the ongoing 'credit crunch' businesses have seen their markets expand globally, thanks to the relentless march of cyberspace. Banking hasn't been left behind either, and it's now rare to find any financial institution that doesn't offer an online banking service. This can only be of benefit, both to customers and to businesses alike. The original thinking behind online financial management was more environmentally altruistic, as it was seen as a means to remove the 'paper-based' system of old. The public was initially reluctant to become part of this revolution, their concerns fuelled by reports of identity theft, online credit card scams and other cybercrimes. Better security systems have replaced the first generation protocols and using the Internet is now a safe and secure method of managing your finances for both personal and business customers. **End Summary** Topics: business credit cards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen has published many articles on Business Finance issues and enjoys breaking down the jargon surrounding business credit cards. Find out more about the business credit cards here

Online business credit card management - the death of paper statements?

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Putting aside all talk of recessions, downturns and 'credit crunch' headlines for a moment, there has been a noticeable shift in the way UK PLC has been doing business over the past couple of years, with a revolution in 'E-business' and online financial management. The high street has been the real victim in this groundshift, whereas businesses online are thriving in a global market. Banking has quickly picked up on this and there are very few banks or credit card providers that do not offer online facilities to their customers. For business, this can only be a good thing. Initially, many banks and financial institutions offered online banking as an environmentally friendly and 'paperless' way to monitor and maintain an account. Despite the initial reluctance by the public (fuelled undoubtedly by stories about identity theft and the ease with which fraudsters could obtain personal details), better security systems introduced by the banks has meant that online banking is a safe and secure way to run your financial affairs. This also holds true for businesses, and online banking offers small and medium size businesses in particular a host of advantages, especially when using business credit cards. **End Summary** Topics: business credit card]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen has published many articles on Business Finance issues and enjoys breaking down the jargon surrounding business credit cards. Find out more about the business credit card here

Compare and contrast - taking advantage of business credit card offers

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The usual plethora of credit card offers that flood the advertising schedules has been noticeable by its absence this year, as credit card companies worry about continued exposure to potential 'bad debt' from consumers. But business credit cards are a different category, and something that many small and medium size businesses rely on to get them through lean months. Many SMEs utilise business credit cards as part of their financial organisation, and the Federation for Small Businesses is calling for a cap on credit charges to help struggling businesses this year. "A cap on interest rates will at a stroke not only reduce business costs but give consumers a real boost and cut the cost of borrowing," says FSB national chairman John Wright. He believes that small and medium size businesses will play a pivotal role in driving the UK economy out of recession and onto the road to recovery, but the interest rate charged on many business cards could scupper some businesses chances of being part of that recovery. According to the latest FSB figures, 23% of entrepreneurs use a business credit card to finance their business, but a worrying 26% use personal credit cards instead. **End Summary** Topics: business credit cards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen, a writer for Money Now, has published many articles on Personal Finance issues and enjoys breaking down the jargon surrounding business credit cards. If you're looking for business credit cards why not visit http://www.mbna.co.uk/business.

Business credit cards - the smart way to improve your cash flow

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

One of the biggest concerns for small and medium size businesses (SMEs) is juggling time and company finances, particularly as the economy slips further into a financial downturn and priorities shift. Business owners are always looking for new ways to give themselves a little bit of financial breathing space that won't unbalance either their business or their books. Using a business credit card could be one weapon that could help to minimise the day to day problems that many businesses encounter, giving them the chance to reappraise their cash flow and give them more control over their daily finances. A business credit card (unlike a personal credit card) can offer SMEs greater financial flexibility and provide an alternative to expensive loans or debilitating overdrafts. If your company only needs a relatively small 'fighting fund' to cover daily expenses or the occasional payment to suppliers, a business credit card could be the answer. By choosing a card that best suits your company's needs, you can reduce the amount of 'empty money' you pay on overdraft interest payments or loan interest charges. **End Summary** Topics: business credit cards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen writes finance based articles for various websites, and finds it useful to break down the day to day financial jargon so it is easily understood. Find out more about business credit cards here.

Credit cards for business can really help your cash flow

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

Managing both business finances and time is increasingly important to SMEs, particularly as everyone reassesses their positions in the teeth of an economic storm. Businessmen and women are constantly looking for new ways to balance their books and give them the capital breathing room that a fiscal downturn demands. Using a business credit card could help in some way to alleviate the day to day problems that many businesses encounter, enabling them to structure and control their cash flow in a much more manageable way. Unlike normal credit cards, a business credit card can offer a small or medium sized company greater financial flexibility, providing an invaluable alternative to expensive business loans or other financial alternatives. If your company only needs a relatively small financial 'slush fund', then a business credit card could be the answer. It reduces cost to the business by being cheaper than a loan or overdraft, is easily managed and can help a business to survive a lean month by making sure suppliers are paid on time. **End Summary** Topics: business credit cards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen writes finance based articles for various websites, and finds it useful to break down the day to day financial jargon so it is easily understood. Find out more about business credit cards here.

How to face the credit crisis in 2009

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

"The Government must and can keep small firms uppermost on its agenda as it negotiates the economy through difficult and choppy waters" is the main focus of the FSB's (Federation of Small Businesses) New Year's message. The FSB, UK's largest campaigning pressure group that looks after the interests of self employed and owners of small firms, released their new year message calling for a light legislative programme for 2009 and a budget focused on "getting the economy running again". "Everyone has a role to play" says John Wright, Chairman of the FSB, in regards to making the recession shallow and short rather than deep and long. He also points out that small businesses will be focal players in getting the UK economy out of the recession and into recovery as they represent 51% of the private sector's turnover. John Wright praises small businesses as being "innovative, enterprising and flexible" and "engines for growth and job creation" and therefore states that consumers and government departments alike should be encouraged to "Keep Trade Local". **End Summary** Topics: small]]> business]]> credit]]> cards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen contributes to various websites and specialises in Business Finance topics. Read more about Business Credit Cards here.

Small businesses and the credit crisis in 2009

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0500

The FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) released their New Year's message indicating that the government's strategy to face the credit crisis in 2009 should begin by helping smaller firms avoid having to face closure due to late payments, an expected decline in trade and increased difficulty in accessing financial help for the year to come. The message continues to say that the government should present a light legislative programme for 2009 and a Budget focused on "getting the economy running again". John Wright, Chairman of the FSB points out that small business represent over half of the private sector turnover and that the innovative, enterprising and flexible nature of these businesses will help see the UK out of recession in 2009 and into recovery. Consumers will also play an important role in the New Year and will be urged to Keep Trade Local, this also goes for government departments and local authorities who shouldn't let their global thinking stop them from buying locally. The FSB New Year's message calls for an extension of the Small Business Finance scheme into a wider business loan guarantee, access to working capitals to help with cash flow problems and guaranteed overdraft facilities. **End Summary** Topics: small]]> business]]> credit]]> cards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen writes articles for various websites and specialises in Business Finance topics. Read more about Business Credit Cards here

How to find the best business credit cards in the market

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

It's no secret that a business credit card is among the best tools that a modern entrepreneur can have. As well as boasting the convenience of a personal credit card, a business credit card also offers the small company owner the capability to separate his own personal finances from that of his or her business. Initially, this may not appear to be an issue and many owners have started trading using their own personal cards as a resource. However, many small company owners have also fallen foul of their own companies; as the company expands, so to do the demands placed upon a credit card and if it's trying to do two jobs at once, the result can often be costly. Yet wise use of a business credit card not only allows you to keep your personal and business spending separate; it also allows you to monitor expenditure more easily and keep up-to-date on your company's transactions with annual and quarterly reports. Owning a card also gives you the opportunity to launch a good credit history, which, in turn, can help when it comes to business expansion. **End Summary** Topics: business credit cards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen writes articles for various websites and specialises in Business Finance topics. Read more about Business Credit Cards here.

Business credit cards: save time online

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

It is common knowledge now that the easiest way to apply for a business credit card is to do it online. Not only does this 'cut out the middle man' and save valuable time, it also offers the applicant the facility to assess and review the package that the credit card provider is offering. Benefits and incentives can be weighed up against specifics within the package that may end up proving to be drawbacks for your specific needs. In addition, there is also time to be saved on the actual application; many online institutions offer an instant decision and some take as little as 24 hours. What is not common knowledge is that many applications are turned down or delayed as the result of a few setbacks that can be avoided with a little foresight and research. As the decision to offer credit or not is going to be initially determined by the applicant's credit score, it may be worth getting a copy of your credit rating from one of the three main credit agencies: Experian, Equifax or Hyperion. **End Summary** Topics: business credit cards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen writes articles for various websites and specialises in Business Finance topics. Read more about Business Credit Cards here.

Help! My bank won't issue my new business a credit card!

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

As a new business owner or an emerging entrepreneur, the last thing you want is for your bank to refuse you a business credit card. However, these things do happen and, before you try again or apply elsewhere, the most important thing to do is to try and work out why it happened. Once you have ascertained the reason behind the bank's decision, you can then take steps to make sure it doesn't happen again. Firstly, it may be worth considering the seemingly simple things; many a business has had their application for a business credit card refused on the grounds of inaccurate information. This most commonly happens on the application form and, in some respects is something we should be grateful for: if someone is trying to get a credit card in your name and the information supplied leads the bank to suspect that this is the case, then you would be delighted that their application has been uncovered and refused. Because of the rise of card fraud and identity theft, card providers have to be pretty strident in their appraisal of applications. **End Summary** Topics: business credit card]]> credit card]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen is a business financial writer for various popular websites. She likes to break down the day to day financial jargon for the public. Find out more information on business credit cards here

Is your company's Cash flow blocked? Unplug it with a business credit card.

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

For many small businesses, cash flow is all; suppliers have to be paid, items have to be bought and sometimes you just can't wait for a customer to settle their invoice. At times like these, a business credit card can be the most effective way to manage your cash flow and run your business as usual. A business credit card allows you the capacity to pay the people whose services you use, without it immediately leaving the company's cash account. This is especially useful if you're waiting for customer payments to clear, or the cash simply isn't there. Using this facility, you can pay for items, supplies and services using the credit available to you through your business credit card. But how much credit can you access? This rather depends on your credit rating and the type of credit you are applying for. When someone is setting up a business and applying for a business credit card, the card provider needs a yardstick against which to measure your capability to maintain credit. The only reference point they will have at that time is your own personal credit rating. **End Summary** Topics: business credit card]]> credit card]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen is a financial writer that specialises in Business Finance. She likes to break down the day to day financial jargon for the public. You can find out more about business credit cards here

Business credit cards: Perking up your business

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Possibly the most confusing aspect of choosing a business credit card for a new business is wading through the seemingly endless lists of incentives and perks that are on offer to the small business owner. These can vary from things such as cashback deals on selected services and supplies to reward schemes that offer discounts on petrol or hotel accommodation. These perks are designed to benefit the entrepreneur and, ultimately, save the business money. This fact, however, doesn't necessarily make the selection process any easier. In order to make the most effective choice, the business owner is well-advised to do a little 'homework'. Firstly, it is a good idea to work out just how much credit the business could and should require. This can be done by analysing the projected turnover of the business and weighing it up against monthly outgoings and expenses, such as wages and office supplies. Once these figures have been compared, it should be relatively simple to decide just how much credit would benefit the company and help begin the selection procedure. Next it is worth considering just how the card will be used, by whom and for what. **End Summary** Topics: business credit card]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen is a business finance writer for various popular websites, she specialises in presenting useful finance information to businesses. Find out further information on a business credit card and other business credit cards here.

Choose the right business credit card to mind your own business

Sun, 07 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

With the vast array of bonuses, packages and deals available in the business credit card marketplace, it can become easy to forget the primary function of a credit card and just what that means to a small or new business. As a means of providing a vital supply of credit during 'lean times' that can affect a business of any size at any time, the business credit card remains unsurpassed and it is worth taking stock and considering just how important a function this can be. The worlds of business and finance can be harsh and unforgiving ones - especially when the chips are down - so it pays to have as many tricks up your sleeve as you can. Ask most successful businessmen about the history of their business and the majority of them will tell you about the bleak periods that came along the way. The reasons may be different - a delayed payment from a large client or a time when your services or product seem as though they can't be given away; each company has its own story and it is generally littered with unforeseen events. **End Summary** Topics: business credit card]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen is a business finance writer for various popular websites, she specialises in presenting useful finance information to businesses. Find out further information on a business credit card and other business credit cards here.

Business credit cards shoulder the burden for employees, as well as employers

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Being an employee in a growing company generally means have to embrace change; you may find yourself working alongside new colleagues as the business expands and you may even find yourself having to assume new and greater responsibilities. With more staff and structural changes, there is generally more administrative work for a company to deal with and this in itself can impact upon the employee - but, if the company owner is 'on the button', these changes can help to save you time and make life easier. A business credit card is just one of these positive changes. In the early stages of expansion, you may find yourself issued with a business credit card by your employer - but what does this mean to you? Obviously, the card extends a credit lifeline that can be used, even if the company is going through an unexpected 'bad patch', such as an unforeseen dip in sales or a delay in payment from a large contract. During times like these you, as a representative and employee of the business, need to be able to conduct yourself as though the business is achieving its regular turnover; **End Summary** Topics: business credit card]]> business credit cards]]> credit cards]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen, writes many articles around Business Finance issues and takes an in-depth look at the use of Business Credit Cards within businesses. Read more here if you are interested in a business credit card or want to know more about business credit cards

Use your business credit card to protect your cash flow

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Much has been written about the benefits of owning a business credit card, and the focus always seems to fall on the seemingly endless lists of offers and promotions that companies that use these cards can qualify for. Of course, these cards are multi-faceted and serve a variety of purposes, not least of which are the available deals and discounts. However, for many businesses, the availability of credit is a vital tool in managing finances through times where cash is limited and yet there are still things that have to be paid for. No-one starts a business in order to close it and this particular feature has steered many small and new businesses away from bankruptcy. Cash flow problems are almost mandatory in the business world and the majority of companies will experience them at one time or another. There can be many reasons behind these issues, ranging from a large account that doesn't meet payments on time to an unanticipated, seasonal dip in sales. **End Summary** Topics: business credit card]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen, writes many articles around Business Finance issues and takes an in-depth look at the managing cashflow within businesses. Read more here if you're interested in learning more about Business Credit Cards or want to apply for a business credit card .

Where to find the best business credit card deals

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

You're ready to apply for your first business credit card - but where do you find the best business card deals? Sure, there are plenty of offers out there; each with deals and discounts that make each one more tempting than the last - but where do you go to make sure that the one you choose is the one that is the best available? The answer may seem an unusual one: the first place you research is your own business. The reasoning behind this is that no two businesses are going to need the same qualities from a business credit card and, unless you've some how started an international, multi-million pound corporation, the likelihood of getting one that is actually tailor-made for your business is minimal to say the least. For the rest of us mere mortals, the best thing you can do is try and take an objective look at your company and ask yourself a few questions, such as: how much credit does my business need? How much can it reasonably afford to repay? What do I need the card for? Who else will use the card? What repeat payments will my company probably need to make? **End Summary** Topics: business credit card]]> credit card]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen has published many articles on Business Finance issues and enjoys breaking down the jargon surrounding the business credit card. Read more about the business credit card and the different types of business credit cards here.

Business credit cards make expense reporting so much easier

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

The aim of a business is to expand. There must be very few business owners who launch a company in order for it to remain as it was when it was first launched; expanding business means more clients, which then means a greater turnover and an increase in profits. Expansion also means more staff and more staff generally incurs more paperwork, especially when it comes to accounting and expense reporting. A business credit card not only offers you a lifeline for times in the business's career when cash flow might be problematic; it also offers you a convenient and simple method of managing the extra bits of paper that accompany a business's development. At the point of expansion, employees are generally issued with a business credit card of their own. Many of these come with the facility to limit employee spending, which can be incredibly useful during a company's formative years; the business may not be awash with cash - perhaps there are delays in payments from large accounts - but business needs to run as normal and that means things need to be paid for. **End Summary** Topics: business credit card]]> credit card]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen is a business finance based author who publishes articles for various popular websites. She specialises in providing information on business credit cards. Visit here for further information on business credit cards and if you interested in the business credit card .

New business, new credit card

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

So you've decided upon the idea and thought long and hard about the name - now it's time to get your new business up and running. You may have an amount of capital from investors, which needs putting into a business account. It's also now time to seriously consider applying for a business credit card that can compliment that initial capital investment. Many new business owners are unsure as to why they might need a business credit card. Surely it's just as easy to put any funds into a personal account and run the business from there? Unfortunately, this couldn't be further from the truth. Separating personal and business finances should be a priority for all new business owners. Not only will it minimise the amount of paperwork necessary during accounting periods, but it will also look far more professional to the Inland Revenue Service when it comes to submitting accounts. Business credit cards also offer spending reports, allowing you to identify spending habits - an advantage which most personal credit cards do not offer. **End Summary** Topics: business credit card]]> credit card]]> credit]]> business finance]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen, a write for Money Now, has published many articles on business finance and likes to provide first hand knowledge of business credit cards. Read more about a business credit card here.

Business credit cards: Robbing Peter to pay Paul?

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Any business, no matter how large or small, requires funding. Once the capital to launch the business has been secured, the new business owner then faces the need for regular turnover in order for the business to perpetuate itself. While this may seem obvious, it can be a tougher task than originally anticipated, especially in the early days when the business may have little or no initial reputation. The new business owner can then be put in the position of having to pay wages or order business items, but not having the access to business capital to be able to do so. Some entrepreneurs take it upon themselves to fund the beginnings of their businesses using their personal credit cards. Whilst this may seem like a perfectly logical solution, it can cause more problems than it solves. Sorting paperwork for the tax period can become a nightmare and result in difficulties for both the business owner and the business itself. A far better method is to apply for a business credit card, which is designed specifically for business funding. **End Summary** Topics: Business credit card]]> Business credit cards]]> 0 percent Business credit card]]> credit card]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen is an independent financial author who writes for various popular websites. Read more about Business Credit Cards and 0 percent business credit cards here.

Time to make a business credit card comparison

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Finding the right business credit card for your company can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack. The perks, deals and incentives that are designed to help your business run cost-effectively can sometimes serve to make the decision process more confusing, but there are logical steps that can help you make an informed decision which will benefit your business. In order to find the business credit card that best suits your needs, the most sensible solution is to look at the cards available on the market and compare between them. Business credit card comparison sites can help you to see which financial institutions offer the best deals for you and also identify and discard those that will not benefit your business's financial planning. The factor that instantly attracts customers is the APR offers. An introductory offer of 0% APR is now commonplace and provides greater flexibility for a business within that time period. However, it is also worth checking out what the APR rises to once the introductory period is over. **End Summary** Topics: Business credit card]]> Business credit cards]]> 0 percent Business credit card]]> credit card]]>]]> About the Author: ]]> Hannah Callen has published many articles on Personal Finance issues and enjoys breaking down the jargon surrounding credit cards. Read more about a business credit card or a 0 percent business credit card here.