Business banking is big business and there are a lot of banks and building societies vying to sign up business owners for their latest deals. There are a number of solutions for business owners looking to manage cash flow effectively. Here are a few options to consider.

Business Debit Card

A business debit card works just like a regular debit card. You normally get one with a business current account, and the debit card is an easy way to replace a chequebook. A business debit card is used to pay for items and the money comes straight out of the business account. The only people who can use the debit card are signatories to the account. With a business debit card, a business owner can only spend the money that is in the account, unless the account also has an overdraft facility.

Business Charge Card

A business charge card gives business owners credit. Business charge cards are similar to credit cards. Business owners can use them to pay for purchases and buy good or services. However, unlike a credit card, the balance on the charge card must be paid in full at the end of the month. There is usually an annual fee for a business charge card. Business owners can issue charge cards to key employees and may even be able to limit employees' spending on the card.

Business Credit Card

Like business charge cards, business credit cards can be issued to employees with pre-approved spending limits. Business credit cards work like personal credit cards. There is a prearranged credit limit and an interest-free period of up to 56 days. Interest rates can be high if the balance isn't settled.

Why Have Business Credit?

Like other cards, business credit cards can be a good way of managing cash flow. The ability to issue cards to employees makes it easy for them to travel on business and pay for accommodation, flights, car hire, corporate hospitality and their own meals. Employees don't have to worry about waiting several weeks to be reimbursed. Employers get the satisfaction of keeping tabs on employees' expenses. Issuing a business credit card makes it less likely that employees' personal expenses will be lumped in with the rest.

A business credit card also cuts down on accounting time. Instead of spending time sorting out individual expense claims, business owners can examine the itemised monthly statement to see if there are any discrepancies.

What To Consider When Choosing A Business Credit Card

As with other credit cards, there are key factors for business owners to consider when choosing a business credit card. In addition to the interest rate and interest free period, business owners should find out whether there is an application fee for the card and what the annual fee is likely to be.

Business owners also need to assess the penalties for late payment. It is important to know how many cards can be issued on the account and whether individual spending limits can be set for each one. Finally, it's worth thinking about whether the card offers an incentive that might benefit the business, such as hotel discounts or other travel-related perks.