If cash flow is tight in any given month, the Plum Card allows you to defer part of your payment for 60 days – with no interest. Or, in months where cash flow is steady, you can earn 1.5% cashback if you pay your balance early. In addition to these flexible payment options, the card has several other interesting features for small business owners.
Pros:
1.5% cashback when you pay your balance earlyDefer your payment for up to 60 days, interest-freeNo foreign transaction fees (See Rates & Fees)No preset spending limit
Cons:
Higher annual feeNo bonus categories or rewards pointsNo welcome bonus
This may not seem like an important feature for some, but it could make a big difference if your monthly cash flow tends to be unpredictable. If you have this card, you can prioritize your most critical business expenses first and get more time to pay off your other bills. It’s worth mentioning, however, that you’ll need to spend a decent amount of money in order for the cashback rewards to offset the $250 annual fee. In fact, you’ll need to charge nearly $17,000 on your Plum Card each year (and pay it off early) to break even on the annual fee.
No foreign transaction feesNo annual fees on additional cards for employeesOption to set your own billing cycleAccess to card management tools, including the American Express Business App and Vendor Pay by Bill.comCar rental insurance and 24/7 Global Assist hotline accessAdditional services from American Express, including purchase protection, extended warranty, and dispute resolution
For anyone who doesn’t need these features, there are plenty of other small business credit cards to consider – including ones with lower annual fees and better rewards programs. We’ve included some of our top recommendations below. Other perks of business credit cards include a higher spending limit, points and cashback programs, and additional cards for employees. Most notably, charge cards don’t allow you to carry a balance and must be paid in full at the end of each billing cycle. (One slight exception: the Plum Card from American Express lets you defer your payment by up to 60 days.) And unlike credit cards, charge cards don’t include a preset spending limit each month.
American Express® Business Gold Card: While it has a slightly higher annual fee ($295, see rates and fees), it also offers a standard rewards program that’s both flexible and lucrative. The Business Gold card offers cardholders 4x points per dollar (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases) in the top two spend categories each month. The card also features travel-centric perks and protections that any traveling businessperson can appreciate.The Chase Ink Business Preferred: It’s both less expensive and more rewarding. With an annual fee of $95, the Ink Business Preferred provides cardholders with a lucrative rewards program, a large welcome bonus, and an assortment of useful perks. Take advantage of its 1:1 transfer rate to Chase’s travel partners to potentially find even more value for your points.Capital One Spark Cash Plus: A simple card, but none the worse for it. It carries a $150 annual fee, earns an unlimited 2% cash back for every purchase and offers an easy-to-reach welcome bonus. It also features a $200 bonus every year your business spends $200,000 or more.
