Playing Your Cards Right

Lenders have good reason to be interested in the small business owner- owners represent an estimated $75 to $100 billion market. Choices such as cash-back incentives, free additional cards for employees, and free online account management are all perks that indicate increased interest in the small business segment.


Tom Sclafani, spokesperson with Open for American Express, says that Open: The Small Business Network, offers a variety of features specifically relevant to the business owner, including online account management and discounts from partner vendors. “With Open, cardholders receive automatic discounts from Open partners which include Staples, AT&T, and FedEx.”

Open also offers expense reporting tools and online account management for all the credit cards tied to the account. Says Sclafani, “not only does this allow the owner to manage cash flow and budget, they are able to compile expenditure information to leverage with their suppliers.”

CitiBusiness Mastercard offers an "Ask the Experts" business consulting program. Owners can ask specific business-related questions and within two business days receive a personalized answer that includes information, ideas and suggestions.

(These are just a few of the incentive offers and business management tools offered. For more information on these and other business cards, visit the business credit section of CardRatings.com.)