Chase goes after small businesses with business credit cards

Like the other players entering this market, their business credit cards too are designed to help small business owners free their personal credit cards from the burden of business related expenses whilst offering them a fresh source of purchasing power.

There are a number of business credit cards in their repertoire. Since many small business owners find rewards and discounts to be attractive features in business credit cards, Chase issues several different versions of these. The more interesting offers include cash back features ranging from 3 to 5 percent on the purchases that small business owners typically make on a day to day basis. Chase business credit cards with premier cash rebate, give 3 percent cash back on purchases of gasoline and office supplies, and those purchases made at restaurants, hardware stores, and home improvement centers; all other purchases give one percent cash back.

The cash rewards business credit cards offer 5 percent cash back on purchases from all merchants. Such a substantial cash back feature will doubtlessly induce greater spend on this business credit card.

They have an interesting flexible rewards platinum business credit card, allowing a choice between four kinds of rewards. The business earns 1 point for every dollar spent on this business credit card and the points accumulated are redeemable in the form of cash back, travel, merchandise or gift certificates, from 2,500 points upwards.

Chase also issued business credit cards in partnership with other companies, including Amazon, Bell South and others. Professionals get some special treatment with their own business credit card product, aptly named the Chase Professional card.

In what could well become quite popular, Chase released a purpose designed business credit card for contractors. These business credit cards are issued under the Visa signature business credit card series, which means that there are no pre-set spending limits enforced.

The contractor business credit cards allows for some elbow room on cash flow by giving 60 days of same-as-cash credit for certain qualified construction purchases. Within the 60 days and at a 0 percent APR, the business will not be required to make payments against qualified construction purchases charged to the business credit card. Bear in mind though, that the purchase must exceed the $1,000 mark.

It is important to note, that those in default on their business credit card payments for due balances, will lose the special privilege. Those balances above the revolving credit amount will be subject to finance charges, which will be included in the minimum payments due.

Contractor business credit card holders get 2 percent cash back on all material and supply purchases and 1 percent on all other purchases. The eligible business credit card purchases will include those made at retail stores or with other contractors recognized by Chase. Business credit card purchases made at warehouse clubs, discount stores, and superstores will not be eligible for the 1 point for every $1 purchase feature.