The Difference between Secured vs Unsecured Business Credit Cards

Having a poor personal credit can be a major disadvantage when trying to start a business.  Since you can’t qualify for business credit cards that require good or excellent credit, you are left with two options.  You can either apply for a secured business credit card or look for an unsecured business credit card that accepts average credit.  Needless to say, both of these options involve higher costs than business credit cards that are reserved for people with good credit.

Still this doesn’t mean you can’t find a reasonable deal.  If you do careful research, you should be able to find a credit card company that offers bad credit credit cards for small businesses with reasonable fees and terms.  Now, which is a better option for you- a secured business credit card or an unsecured business credit card?  The answer of course, may depend on your situation.

The Difference Between a Secured and an Unsecured Credit Card

A secured credit card basically requires a security deposit in your account.  This fund will be used only if you failed to keep up with your credit card payments.  This way, your credit card company is assured that in case you default from your debts, they can simply tap into your account and use the money to pay your unpaid charges.  For this reason, the value of your security deposit would also determine your credit limit.  Obviously, the higher the amount of your deposit is, the higher your credit limit would be.

In this case, submitting a smaller security deposit in your account can put a limit on your credit card use.  If you need to make large purchases, you may not be able to do so because of a low credit limit.  On the other hand, this drawback can also be an advantage since it can protect your business from the risk of extremely large debts.

On the other hand, an unsecured credit card does not require any security deposit.  However, because of the greater risk involved, credit card companies charge higher interest rates and penalty charges on these business credit cards.  Still, some business owners prefer this type of account because it gives them more flexibility with the use of their credit.

Which One Is Best For My Business?

Clearly, bad credit business credit cards have their pros and cons.  Making the right choice would depend on the financial needs and spending style of your business.  Whichever you choose however, the important thing to remember is your obligation to pay.  Bear in mind that failing to keep up with your payments would only bring more damage to your credit history.

On the contrary, the wise use of your business credit card and the timely submission of your payment are the key to improving your poor credit.  Lastly, don’t forget to check if your preferred business credit card reports your payments to the credit bureaus since it is the only way to repair bad credit.  After a few months or a year of consistent payments, ask your credit card issuer to upgrade your account to a standard business credit card that doesn’t require a security deposit and with lower rates and charges.