Why You Should Consider a Business Credit Card, Even for Your Side Hustle

business credit card

When thinking about business credit cards, it’s easy to jump to the conclusion that they’re exclusively for large established businesses—not for everyday folks like us, right? Well, think again.

Whether you’re tutoring, whipping up baked goods from your kitchen, dabbling in online sales, or anything in between, a business credit card could be your new best friend.

But first … 

What’s the Difference Between a Personal Credit Card and a Business Credit Card?

A personal credit card, which is designed for individual use, is typically geared towards covering everyday expenses such as groceries, clothing, and entertainment. 

On the other hand, a business credit card caters to businesses of all sizes, offering rewards specifically tailored to the needs of business owners.

Beyond providing a streamlined avenue for accounting purposes, these cards are versatile and can also be used for the everyday expenses that you carry out for your business. Here are some reasons to consider applying for one.

4 Reasons Why Small Business Owners Should Switch to Business Credit Cards

1) It’s easier to manage expenses and cashflow

Running a business requires a whole lot of accounting. If you’re using 1 credit card for both business and personal expenses—you’re going to get confused.

A business credit card works perfectly for someone like a home baker. You can meticulously assess ingredient costs, packaging expenses, and other overheads all within a single credit card statement.

This not only streamlines accounting but also offers a comprehensive overview of your business’s financial health, allowing for better-informed decisions and a more accurate assessment of profitability.

Another benefit of a business credit card is getting access to a revolving credit line. With start-up businesses, a revolving credit line can be a game changer, as it allows you to manage cashflow better.

One business card that offers a revolving credit line is The American Express Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card (also known as the Amex® HighFlyer Card). You can enjoy up to 51 interest-free days from transaction date for greater flexibility with your payments.

2) You get to access business-specific rewards

Business credit cards let you access a whole new tier of rewards tailored for businesses. 

With the Amex® HighFlyer Card, you get to enjoy rewards through the HighFlyer Programme, which is a business travel programme designed exclusively for business owners.

Through this programme, you can earn HighFlyer points (valid for 3 years) which can be used to redeem or pay for SIA flights—perfect for those who travel frequently for business. The best part? No caps or blackout dates.

  • Earn up to 8.5 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent on eligible Singapore Airlines Group flights, worth an impressive 8.1% cashback on airfare
  • Get 1.8 HighFlyer points per S$1 spent on all other eligible transactions (worth 1.7% cashback)
  • Enjoy a 1:1 conversion rate of HighFlyer points into KrisFlyer miles, allowing you to redeem personal rewards from your business spending*

*T&Cs apply

3) You’ll enjoy exclusive travel benefits

Who says you can’t mix business and leisure? Known for travel perks, American Express cards are pretty generous when it comes to the travelling bit. 

With the Amex® HighFlyer Card, cardholders get a free Accor Plus membership worth S$418. Annual perks include a complimentary night’s stay across Asia Pacific each year and up to 50% off your dining bill at over 1,400 participating Accor Hotel restaurants. This includes over 1,000 hotels across 20 countries and notable brand names such as Fairmont, Pullman, Swissotel, Sofitel, Mondrian, and Mercure, Novotel. 

You’ll also be placed on a fast track to KrisFlyer Elite Gold Status when you make eligible spends of S$15,000 and above with SIA Group within the first 12 months once the card has been approved.

The KrisFlyer Elite Gold status grants you access to over 1,000 Star Alliance Gold Lounges worldwide. Other benefits include an additional 20kg luggage check-in allowance, priority airport check-in, priority baggage handling, and priority boarding for Economy class. 

If you haven’t reached the KrisFlyer Elite Gold Status yet, you can still enjoy complimentary Priority Pass membership (worth S$221) that offers two free lounge visits every year at participating lounges.

Talk about travelling in style!

4) There’s a low barrier to entry

Even the smallest business can enjoy the privileges of a business credit card.

To apply for the Amex HighFlyer Card, all you need is a valid Unique Entity Number (UEN). This means you’ll need to get your business registered with ACRA, be it a sole proprietorship, limited liability partnership, or company—which is something that you would probably have already done if your business is up and running.

 

Getting a business credit card is a no-brainer when you think about the convenience it offers, the ease of application, and of course, the wealth of rewards that come along with it.

You’ll have to make purchases in the name of your business anyway, so why not make the most of it? After all, that hard work deserves some reward—and there’s no better way to treat yourself than with exclusive travel perks and fancy hotel stays.

Turn your business expenses into unforgettable experiences with The American Express® Singapore Airlines Business Credit Card. Sign up before 29th May 2024 and choose a welcome offer of 68,000 HighFlyer points (worth S$647) for your next flight or receive a Samsonite Choca Spinner 68/25 worth S$700!

T&Cs Apply. 

What are you waiting for? Apply Now.

 


This post was written in collaboration with American Express. While we are financially compensated by them, we nonetheless strive to maintain our editorial integrity and review products with the same objective lens. We are committed to providing the best information in order for you to make personal financial decisions with confidence.