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Not everyone has great credit. Some people might have a limited credit history, while others have seen their credit take a hit following job loss, divorce or medical bills. When your credit is not considered to be “excellent” or “good”, but not quite “poor”, you fall into the “fair” or “average” range. This range is generally defined as having a credit score of 600-679, although it can vary based on the scoring model used.
Many business owners rely on personal credit to obtain financing. In fact, a recent report from 12 Federal Reserve banks showed that 87% of employer firms relied solely or in part on personal guarantees and personal credit to finance their business. When it comes to getting a credit card for your business, personal credit scores are important. (You can check your personal and business credit scores for free on Nav.com so you can make the right credit card choice for your business.)
When small business owners have a credit score in the “average” range, it can certainly be more difficult to qualify for a business credit card, but it’s not impossible. Thankfully, there are several good credit cards (both business credit cards and personal credit cards) offered to those with fair or average credit that you can use for your business. These cards allow you benefit from the security and convenience of a credit card while you improve your credit and work to upgrade to a better credit card down the road.
Here are five of the top credit cards that can help business owners with average credit scores.
1.
This business card features unlimited 1% cash back rewards on all purchases. Benefits include rental car insurance, a purchased protection plan and extended warranty coverage. You also get free employee cards as well as quarterly and year-end summaries. There’s no annual fee for this card, and no foreign transaction fees.
2. Visa Business Rewards From BBVA Compass
This business card is designed for those with average credit and offers rewards. Cardholders earn one Compass Point for every dollar spent. You can also earn double and triple CompassPoints when you make purchases in the categories you select, such as office supplies, utilities, groceries, gas, travel and healthcare. You can receive free employee cards and utilize online account services to track employee expenses and view past account data. There’s no annual fee for this card.
3. Capital One Quicksilver Rewards
This rewards card offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which is very competitive. It also offers new cardholders a chance to receive a higher credit line after five months as part of its Credit Steps program. Other benefits include extended warranty coverage, auto rental insurance and a price protection policy. There’s a $39 annual fee for this card, and no foreign transaction fees.
4. Platinum Credit Card From Capital One
This basic card has no rewards, but offers low fees. New cardholders start off with a modest line of credit that is automatically reviewed after five months as part of its Credit Steps program. You also receive benefits such extended warranty coverage, auto rental insurance, and a price protection policy. There’s no annual fee for this card, and no foreign transaction fees.
5. Discover it Chrome Gas & Restaurant Card
With average credit, you may be approved for the standard version of the Discover it gas and restaurants card, or you may be offered the secured version of this card. Either way, you’ll earn 2% cash back at gas and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Discover will also match all the cash back you earn in the first year of your account. Other benefits include a purchase protection policy, extended warranty coverage and price protection. There’s no annual fee for this card.
More Credit Cards to Consider
This article was originally written on April 17, 2017 and updated on December 10, 2018.
BBVA compass business credit card requires that you apply for the card in person. this is basically useless unless there is a BBVA bank location near you.
I need a card with at least a 5,000 credit limit.