No Preset Spending Limit with the Advanta Business World MasterCard®

We've added the Advanta Business World MasterCard® to our lineup of recommended business credit cards. This card does not come with an attractive 0% balance transfer offer, and it the purchase APR is currently 16.99% (indexed to Prime.) So why do we like this card?

Because for certain individuals this card could be a very nice fit. Those small business owners who pay their credit card bills in full each and every month -- thus avoiding any finance charges -- will almost certainly find the "no preset spending limit" aspect of this card attractive. This card is very unique: it's a credit card with no preset spending cap. Usually, only charge cards like the Gold Card from American Express card have no preset limit.

Here's a clip from the Advanta Business World MasterCard terms and conditions:

"....Because your account has no pre-set spending limit, we may permit you to incur charges that cause your balance to exceed your revolving credit limit. We may evaluate each such charge based on your account performance with us and your experience with other creditors. Any amount that we allow you to spend above your revolving credit limit will be due in your next statement, but we will not charge you an overlimit fee. All rates, fees and comparisons are valid as of April 1, 2008 but not necessarily thereafter. You should consult your tax advisor as to the proper tax treatment and deductibility of any business expenses, including the cost of credit..."

No need to worry about being charged an over-your-credit-limit fee, ever. But, if you do go over your credit limit, be prepared to pay whatever amount you go over when your next statement arrives. If you want to spend above your limit but Advanta decides not to permit the overage, the charge will be declined.

Interested? Click here to apply.

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Help Entrepreneurs In Developing Nations Thrive with The New Advanta Kiva Business Credit Card

Advanta has just introduced the new Kiva business credit card. What's so special about this new Kiva card? Well, if philanthropy is your thing, this card might be just the right fit for you. That's because, as a Kiva BusinessCard accountholder, anytime you make a grant to Kiva.org using the Kiva card, Advanta will match the grant -- dollar for dollar -- up to $200 per month. Your grant will help entrepreneurs in developing nations.

Microfinance is a beautiful thing. A small donation can make a huge difference to a struggling entrepreneur in a relatively poor country. The future of philanthropy is in microfinance, in my humble opinion. Handouts can help deserving recipients temporarily. A grant to an entrepreneur, on the other hand, will not only improve that business owner's life, but also his family and his community.

The annual percentage rate (APR) for purchases with the new Kiva card is a very competitive Prime + 2.74%, which adds up to 7.99% at the time of this posting (NB: the index never drops below 5.25% for this card, no matter where the Prime Rate is.)

You can transfer a credit card balance at 0% Intro APR and the interest-free period will last 15 months! That's pretty darn strong. If you don't payoff your transferred balance by the time 15 billing cycles are up, the "goto" APR will be 7.99%, which is also very competitive.

A couple things I should point out before you decide to take the plunge:

• From the terms and conditions:
  

  
  "...Balance transfers must be from another business credit account..."

  
  
• Again, from the terms and conditions:
  
  

  "...Finance charges on balance transfers and cash advances begin to accrue on the date we process the transaction..."

Visit www.kivab4b.org for more info about how the Kiva program works. You can also visit the blog at www.b4bcommunity.org for the latest Kiva-related news.

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New Business Credit Card from American Express

If you fly with Delta Airlines a lot, then today's news may interest you. American Express recently announced the launch of a new line of business credit cards aimed at consumers and small business owners who fly with Delta Airlines often. The cards are the Delta Reserve Credit Card and the Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card. Here's a notable quote from the April press release:

"...The Delta Reserve Credit Cards are now the most elite Cards offered in the line of American Express and Delta co-branded cards..."

If the above quote has piqued your interest, here's a much bigger clip from the release:

"...American Express and Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) are launching new premium co-branded credit cards for U.S.-based consumers and small businesses called the Delta Reserve Credit Card and the Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card. These new products will offer added value, flexibility and new benefits for Cardmembers who are most loyal to Delta.

The Delta Reserve Credit Cards are designed to cater to the needs of Delta's on-the-go customers and provides Cardmembers with a greatly enhanced travel experience through benefits such as the ability to earn Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) faster, share MQMs with family and friends for the first time ever, access to the dedicated Breezeway priority boarding lane and frequent traveler security line, Delta Crown Room Clubs® access, and 24-7 concierge services. The Delta Reserve Credit Cards are now the most elite Cards offered in the line of American Express and Delta co-branded cards.

'We are delighted to expand our partnership with Delta and to offer these premium co-branded cards that reward our most loyal customers in new and unique ways,' said David Rabkin, vice president, Delta Cobrands, American Express. 'We know that affluent customers want access to distinctive services and experiences, so we continually look for ways to meet these needs. With the launch of the new Delta Reserve Credit Cards, we can deliver on that commitment.'

'The Delta Reserve Credit Card was created to offer premium customers a best-in-class co-brand card that provides them preferential treatment when flying Delta,' said Jeff Robertson, Delta's managing director of SkyMiles. 'Not only does this unique Card offer generous rewards, it will also provide loyal Delta customers an experience that is designed to exceed their expectations.'

The Delta Reserve Credit Cards offer distinct benefits and options that allow Cardmembers to:

• Achieve higher Delta SkyMiles Medallion status faster:

• Earn MQMs as a first purchase bonus;

• Earn 15,000 MQMs and 15,000 bonus miles when eligible spending reaches $30,000 in a calendar year;

• Earn an additional 15,000 MQMs and 15,000 bonus miles when eligible spending reaches $60,000 in the same year.

• Give the MQMs earned from Card spending to colleagues, friends or family – for the first time ever.

Enjoy complimentary access to Delta's Crown Room Clubs with two guests when flying on Delta.

Access to the dedicated Breezeway priority boarding lane and frequent traveler security line.

Utilize American Express' Personal Concierge Service with features such as gift buying and restaurant reservations – 24 hours a day/seven days a week.

Receive one complimentary companion certificate each year on the Cardmember's anniversary, good for either First or Coach Class travel.

Access to Pay with Miles, a new exclusive benefit for Gold and Platinum Delta SkyMiles Credit Cardmembers -- and now Delta Reserve Credit Cardmembers. Pay with Miles offers added flexibility, allowing Cardmembers to redeem miles for any available Delta seat, any time. Cardmembers can book flights on delta.com and use Delta SkyMiles to pay for all or part of a Delta ticket, with no blackout dates or inventory restrictions.
Terms, conditions, and restrictions apply to these benefits. See www.americanexpress.com/deltareserve for details.

The Cards are available for an annual fee of $450. If a Cardmember is the Basic Cardmember of a domestic American Express consumer Charge Card account or of a domestic American Express small business charge card account that has an annual fee greater than or equal to $55, the annual fee is $395.

Consumers will continue to earn Always Double Miles® (i) on every eligible dollar they spend on Delta purchases, as well as at gas stations, supermarkets, drugstores, home improvement stores, and more.

The new Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card incorporates all the above benefits of the Delta Reserve Credit Card. However, the ability to earn Always Double Miles® (ii) on every eligible dollar spent includes the following business relevant categories: Delta purchases, gas stations, home improvement stores, wireless phone bill payments, and office supplies. In addition, the Business Card offers programs and services tailored specifically to the needs of small business owners. In addition, the Business Card provides expense management reporting, an online spend tracking system and spending limits on additional cards that aid in better managing employee spending..."

Enjoy!

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New Card Added: The Advanta Platinum with Rewards Customized BusinessCard

Advanta Business Credit Cards

We've just added the Advanta Platinum with Rewards Customized BusinessCard to the list of card we recommend at this website. We like this card a lot, not only because it's cool, but also because it comes with some very competitive terms and conditions.

Why is this card cool? Because, as far as we know, it's the only business credit card in the American market that you can customize with your own logo or a favorite image, and/or have your company name emblazoned with bold lettering at the top of the card.

If you want to transfer a balance to this card, you'll have to pay a balance transfer fee, but this downside is very well balanced with the upside of a 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for 15 months. Very competitive indeed.

And that's not all. The APR on purchases is a very competitive Prime + 0.24%. Now, it should be noted that the purchase APR cannot go lower than 7.75%, no matter how low the Prime Rate falls (Prime is currently at 5.25%, and is likely to be cut again on April 30.) A Clip from the terms and conditions:

...Your account rate for Purchases will be Prime plus a Purchase Margin of 0.24%...Your Variable Rate Index for any billing cycle will be chosen by us from among the Prime Rates published in The Wall Street Journal's "Money Rates" section during the three (3) months prior to the month which contains that cycle's Billing Cycle Closing Date, but will not be less than 7.75%...

Bottom line: despite these somewhat convoluted APR terms for purchases, the introductory and purchase APR's associated with this card are still excellent.

Other powerful features of this card:

• Choice of 5% Cash Back or Travel Rewards
  
  
• No Annual Fee
  
• No Limit on the Total Rewards you can earn
  
  
• $0 Fraud Liability

If you end up with this card in your wallet, feel free to revisit this blog entry and post your comments here. Thanks!

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A New Business Credit Card from Advanta: The Life-of-Balance Platinum Business Card

Advanta business credit cards

Most consumer and business credit cards are indexed to the U.S. Prime Rate, which means that the Prime Rate is used a base or foundation rate for determining a credit card's annual percentage rate (APR). Finding a credit card with an APR that's close to the Prime Rate is not easy; finding a credit card with an APR that's lower than the U.S. Prime Rate is very rare.

So it's no surprise that we've been recommending the Advanta Platinum Business Card with Rewards Options for many months now: the APR is Prime minus 0.26%, and you can transfer credit card balances and pay no interest on the transferred balance for 15 months. It's a hot offer, but make sure your credit rating is up to snuff before applying, because with an APR below Prime, you can be sure that the folks at Advanta will be selective.

Advanta's New "Life-of-Balance" Platinum Business Card

We've added a new Advanta business card to the site. We like Advanta's new "Life-of-Balance" Platinum Business Card because the APR is quite competitive at Prime + 1.74%. But we really like the fact that you can transfer other credit card balances to this card at 2.99%, and the APR associated with the transferred balance will stay at 2.99% until you pay the transferred balance down to zero (you have to initiate the balance transfer within 3 months of opening the account.) The card also features a generous 6% cash back rewards program, or, if cash back isn't for you, you can choose to take advantage of travel rewards.

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If You Hate Fees, Then You'll Like The New Commerce Bank Small Business Credit Card

Commerce Bank

Have you had enough with credit card fees? Have you ever wished for a credit card that doesn't charge any fees? What if I were to communicate to you that there's a new small business credit card on the market that doesn't assess any of the following fees:

• Annual fee
• Late payment fee
• Over-the-limit fee
• Cash advance fee
• Balance transfer fee

Would you believe me?

Well, it's true. According to a recent press release, the folks at Commerce Bank are offering a new, small business Visa® credit card that is literally feeless. Believe it!

Now, I know what you are thinking: if a credit card doesn't have any fees, then the annual percentage rate (APR) -- the interest rate charged on outstanding credit card balances -- must be high. Well, here's another surprise for you: the APR associated with the new Commerce Bank Visa credit card is a reasonable Prime + 4.99%. So, if you were to signup for the new Commerce Bank business card today, the APR would be 8.25% + 4.99%, or 13.24%, which is quite competitive, considering the number of business and consumer credit cards out there which currently have APR's that are higher than 13.24% -- and some that are much higher!

If the absence of annoying credit card fees and a competitive APR aren't enough for you, here's another great feature associated with the new Commerce Bank business Visa card: it's a rewards card.

For more about the new Commerce Bank Visa credit card for small business, point your web browser to http://www.CommerceOnline.com. Here's a clip from a recent press release:

"...Commerce Bank, 'America's Most Convenient Bank,' and one of the nation's top small business lenders, has launched a new Visa® Platinum credit card for small business customers that carries absolutely no fees and provides a significant rewards program.

The new, no-fee credit card is the only small business credit card available that has eliminated all the membership and penalty fees typically charged by banks and credit card companies. Commerce small business Visa cardholders will pay absolutely no fees for this platinum credit card account:

• No annual fee
• No late payment fee
• No over-the-limit fee
• No cash advance fee
• No balance transfer fee
• No default pricing

The new Commerce Bank Visa credit card will enable small business owners to avoid paying unnecessary fees and better manage their cash flow.

'By eliminating ridiculous bank fees and penalties charged by other financial institutions, the new Commerce Visa small business card doesn't penalize business owners for being busy running their businesses,' said Commerce Bank Founder and Chairman Vernon W. Hill. 'Commerce Bank is proud to support small business, the backbone of our nation's economy, by offering the best and most convenient free products and services for small business owners.'

Commerce introduces the new small business Visa credit card at a time when most credit card companies and banks are charging more and higher fees than ever. A report issued in October 2006 by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) indicates that the average penalty in 2005 for making a late payment was $34 - a 115 percent increase from the average late fee of $13 in 1995. Late fees will make up about 70 percent of the industry's $17.1 billion in penalty-fee income this year, estimates R.K. Hammer, a bank-advisory firm. Additionally, CardWeb.com says that in the past decade, fees assessed for exceeding a credit limit jumped 138 percent, to an average of $30.81 last year.

The new Commerce Bank Visa credit card also enables customers to earn quadruple Visa Extras Rewards Points for every purchase made -- four points for every dollar spent; most rewards programs typically award only one point for each dollar spent. Rewards points can be redeemed for a variety of business, travel, dining and entertainment products, services and gift certificates from popular retailers and service providers.

Commerce Bank's no-fee Visa small business credit card will carry a low annual percentage rate (APR) of Prime plus 4.99%. Last month, the Office of Advocacy of the U.S. Small Business Administration reported a recent increase in small business loans, which came mostly from credit card use by small business. 'Access to credit is vital for small business survival,' said Dr. Chad Moutray, Chief Economist for the Office of Advocacy, commenting on the report. Noting the increase of both the number of micro business loans and the increase in the dollar amount of outstanding loans, Moutray stated, 'The small business credit card market continues to be quite dynamic.'

Commerce is one of the leading small business lenders throughout its footprint and beyond. The bank has supported the growth and prosperity of the nation's small businesses by providing more than $1 billion in loans over the last five years. Commerce has consistently ranked high among regional lenders in the industry in both dollar volume and the number of Small Business Administration (SBA) loans made, and the bank regularly surpasses its regional competitors in dollar volume of loans made to minority-, women- and veteran- owned businesses.

Commerce business customers enjoy the same convenience, advanced technology and personalized service as retail customers. Business owners and their employees can bank at 400+ retail locations, seven days a week, during extended hours, or via the Internet or phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Commerce combines its community bank roots with the financial strength of a major regional bank to meet the diverse needs of commercial customers. Commerce Bank's lending professionals are local bankers making local loans, and they establish customer relationships focusing on service and the delivery of individualized financing solutions.

About Commerce Bank

Commerce Bank, 'America's Most Convenient Bank,' is a leading retailer of financial services with 400+ convenient stores in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland and Florida. Headquartered in Cherry Hill, N.J., Commerce Bancorp (NYSE: CBH - News) has $45.3 billion in assets and in fiscal year 2006 achieved an 18% increase in core deposits, a 23% increase in net loans and total asset growth of 18%. For more information about Commerce, please visit the company's interactive financial resource center at http://www.commerceonline.com, or call 888-751- 9000..."

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No Need To Work for Your Rewards with The SimplyCash Business Credit Card from American Express

American Express Credit Cards

Don't you just hate it when a bank or credit card company makes you work for your rewards? I know I do.

With one of the consumer credit cards I carry in my wallet, they won't send me a penny unless I login to my account, check how many rewards points I've accrued, then make a formal request for a check if I've accumulated enough points. Bah! Who has time for all that?

I like cash back rewards as much as the next guy, but no one should have to work in order to reap the benefits of any credit card rewards program. That's my opinion, and I'm very confident that I'm not the only one who feels this way.

American Express to The Rescue!

The latest business credit card from the good folks at American Express is the SimplyCash^SM card, which features cash back on just about anything you buy with the card, and the rewards program will automatically (no work!) credit your account each month with any rewards you've earned. Cardholders get 5 percent cash back on wireless charges, office supplies and gas, and 1 percent cash back on just about everything else that's charged to the card.

As an added bonus, the SimplyCash card comes with a 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR) on new, card-in-hand purchases for the first 12 months, with a "go to" rate as low as the U.S. Prime Rate after that.

As usual, the folks at American Express get it.

Lots more details below in the following clip from a recent press release:

"...American Express today announced the launch of the American Express SimplyCash^SM Business Card, which makes cash- back rewards simple for time-pressed small business owners through automatic monthly cash-back rebates(1). The new Business Card gives cash back on virtually all purchases and automatically delivers the rewards each month as a statement credit.

Cash rebates are among the most popular rewards, with 42% of small business owners saying they prefer cash back rewards, according to the OPEN from American Express Small Business Monitor, a semi-annual survey of small business owners.

With the SimplyCash Business Card, cash-back rewards are easy and automatic. All Business Cardmembers have to do is use their SimplyCash Business Card to automatically receive 5% cash back each month on gas, office supplies, and wireless charges, and 1% cash back on nearly all other purchases. There are no spending limits or caps on the cash-back rewards a Business Cardmember may receive, and the Business Card carries no annual fee.

Like all American Express Business Cards, the SimplyCash Business Card gives small business owners additional savings through the OPEN Savings® program. The OPEN Savings(2) program gives Business Cardmembers automatic savings at select travel and service providers, and business suppliers, such as Delta, JetBlue, Fedex Kinko's, and Hyatt. In just two years the OPEN Savings program has already saved small business owners more than $150 million.

'The American Express SimplyCash Business Card's automatic monthly rebates make cash-back rewards easy for small business owners who want to earn immediate cash-back savings on all their purchases, but don't have time for complicated cash-back redemption rules,' said Raymond Joabar, senior vice president and general manager, OPEN from American Express. 'In addition, this easy cash-back program has no cap on the savings that Business Cardmembers can earn, and cash-back savings are combinable with any merchant discount, as well as with the automatic discounts available through the OPEN Savings program.'

The American Express SimplyCash Business Card offers small business owners an introductory Annual Percentage Rate of 0% on purchases for the first 12 months.

American Express SimplyCash Business Card benefits include:

• 5% cash back on gas, office supplies, and wireless charges
  
• 1% cash back on virtually all purchases
  
• Cash-back reward credited automatically on monthly statement
  
• No caps on the amount of cash-back rewards Business Cardmembers can earn
  
• 0% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for 12 months; after 12 months, as low as Prime + 0%(3).
  
• No annual fee, and fee-free additional Cards
  
• The OPEN Savings program, which offers automatic savings at select travel and service providers, and business suppliers like Delta, JetBlue, Fedex Kinko's, and Hyatt. For more information, visit OpenSavings.com
  
• Retail and travel protections such as Global Assist, Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance(4), Purchase Protection Insurance(5), Travel Accident Insurance(6), American Express Card Baggage Insurance(7), Buyers Assurance Plan(8), Automatic Bill Payment, Express Cash Emergency Card Replacement, Emergency Check Cashing, and 24-hour customer service.

About OPEN from American Express
OPEN is the American Express team dedicated exclusively to the success of small business owners and their companies. The OPEN Team supports business owners with exceptional service. With tailored products and services, the team delivers purchasing power, flexibility, control and rewards to help customers run their business. Specifically, business owner customers can leverage an enhanced set of products, tools, services and savings, including charge and credit cards, convenient access to working capital, robust online account management capabilities and savings on business services from an expanded lineup of partners. To obtain more information about OPEN, visit http://www.OPEN.com, or call 1-800-NOW-OPEN to apply for a Card or loan. Terms and conditions apply.

American Express Company (http://www.americanexpress.com) is a leading global payments, network and travel company founded in 1850.

1. Cash Rebate: Your Rebate is awarded monthly on the amount of your purchases (net of credits for purchases) made during the previous billing period, based on the following structure: You will receive a Rebate of 5% for purchases of wireless telephone services, automobile gasoline, and office supplies and equipment, in each case not purchased at warehouse clubs, superstores or supermarkets ("5% Purchase(s)"). You will receive a Rebate of 1% for all other purchases.

Important: You will receive a 5% Rebate only if the merchant submits the Charge for your 5% Purchase under the appropriate merchant code, industry code and required service or product identifier established by us with/for the merchant. For example, if a general merchandise retailer sells office supplies, and the retailer processes your Card transaction as a general merchandise charge instead of an office supply charge, you will receive a Rebate of 1%, not a Rebate of 5%.

You will not receive a Rebate for balances transferred from other accounts, purchases of American Express Travelers Cheques or American Express Gift Cheques, fees, Finance Charges, Cash Advances and similar means of accessing your Card Account. Additional terms and conditions apply.

2. OPEN Savings(R): Payment must be made with an American Express® Business Card at the time of purchase. Savings will be credited to your American Express Business Card billing statement. All savings referenced are in addition to any offers made by participating companies. Participation and offers are subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply. For more information, please visit opensavings.com.

3. Annual percentage rate for purchases: 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases made with plastic only. Then, 8.25%, 12.24%, 15.24%, or 18.24%, respectively, as determined by us based on our credit evaluation and a number of factors, including size of the credit line.

Other APRs: Balance Transfer APR: 7.99% fixed for the life of the transferred balance, but only if transfer is made during the first six months as a Cardmember. Then the Standard APR for Purchases will apply.

Cash Advance APR: 23.24% Default APR: 24.24% (30.24% for Cash Advances) for defaulted accounts; 30.24% on all balances for seriously defaulted accounts.

4. Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance: Underwritten by AMEX Assurance
Company, Administrative Office, Green Bay, WI. Coverage is determined by the terms, conditions, and exclusions of Policy AX0925 and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the Policy.

5. Purchase Protection Plan: Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, Green Bay, WI. Coverage is determined by the terms, conditions, and exclusions of Policy AX0951 and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the Policy.

6. Travel Accident Insurance Plan: Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, De Pere, WI. Coverage is determined by the terms, conditions, and exclusions of Policy AX0948 and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the Policy.

7. American Express Card Baggage Insurance Plan: Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, De Pere, WI. Coverage is determined by the terms, conditions, and exclusions of Policy AX0400 and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the Policy.

8. Buyer's Assurance Plan: Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company, Administrative Office, Green Bay, WI. Coverage is determined by the terms, conditions, and exclusions of Policy AX0953 and is subject to change with notice. This document does not supplement or replace the Policy..."

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A New Business Credit Card from American Express: The Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card

You probably know Starwood by the brands they own:

• Sheraton
• Westin
• Four Points by Sheraton
• W Hotels
• St. Regis
• The Luxury Collection
• Le Méridien
• Aloft

American Express

Yup: some of the finest, world-class luxury hotels and resorts are owned by Starwood.

And now for today's news: Starwood and American Express® are introducing a new business rewards credit card: The Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card.

You'll be impressed with the rewards and bonuses offered by the Starwood Preferred Guest Business Card. You can earn complimentary nights at over 800 Starwood resorts and hotels around the world. And earning reward flights is a snap, because there are over 30 airline brands that have partnered with the Starwood Preferred Guest Business Card rewards program.

And how's this for a great signup bonus: you get 10,000 Starpoints® just for making one purchase with the Starwood Preferred Guest Business Card; 10,000 Starpoints can be traded-in for up to three free nights at a Starwood resort or hotel. Good stuff!

More details from a recent press release below:

"American Express Company and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. today announced the launch of the Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card for small business owners and the enhanced Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card for consumers. Cardmembers can take advantage of greater benefits and richer rewards, making it easier than ever for consumers, and now small business owners, to earn free nights at more than 825 Starwood hotels and resorts around the world and award flights with more than 30 airline partners.

New offerings on the Cards, include:

• 10,000 Starpoints® bonus with first purchase – that's enough for up to three free nights(1)
• Double Starpoints on stays at participating Starwood Hotels & Resorts and purchases at select Starwood retail outlets, such as Bliss Spa and more(2)
• Automatic upgrade to Gold Preferred Guest® membership status by spending $30,000 on the Card in each calendar year
• Access to private sales with select Starwood retail outlets

The new Business Card incorporates all of the improved benefits of the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card, as well as programs and services tailored specifically to the needs of small business owners, including the OPEN Savings(SM) program which was designed specifically for small businesses and gives automatic discounts on purchases at OPEN Savings(3) partners, such as Delta, FedEx Kinko's and JetBlue. In addition, the Business Card provides expense management reporting, an online spend tracking system and spending limits on additional cards that aid in better managing employee spending.

Both Cards showcase a new vibrant design to reflect the American Express brand, as well as Starwood's brands, which include St. Regis®, The Luxury Collection®, Sheraton®, Westin®, Four Points® by Sheraton, W® Hotels, Le Méridien® and the recently announced Aloft(SM) and Element(SM) Hotels.

'We are excited about the expansion of our partnership with American Express and know that our mutual consumer and small business customers will appreciate the enhancements that the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Cards bring to the Starwood Preferred Guest program,' said Robin Korman, vice president, Loyalty Marketing at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. 'The benefits of both cards truly reflect our dedication to the principles that have made Starwood Preferred Guest an award-winning program - to set a benchmark in the industry and deliver the most generous and flexible award earning opportunities available.'

'In listening to our customers, they told us they want help managing rapidly rising travel costs and using rewards to offset travel expenses,' said Raymond Joabar, senior vice president and general manager, OPEN from American Express. 'The Starwood Cards from American Express offer consumer and small business Cardmembers one of the most lucrative rewards program with no blackout dates.'

Additional benefits for both Cards, include:

• One (1) Starpoint for every eligible dollar spent on the Card
• Redeem Starpoints at over 825 participating Starwood hotels and resorts in 95 countries with no black out dates – if there's a standard room it's yours.
• Transfer Starpoints to over 30 frequent flyer programs, most on a one-to-one basis
• Receive 5,000 Starpoint bonus when you transfer 20,000 Starpoints to miles(4)
• First year fee-free, and $30 annual fee thereafter; fee-free additional cards
• Automatic enrollment as a Starwood Preferred Plus member
• Receive a 50% off certificate, good towards a Starwood hotel stay, upon Card approval and annual renewal
• No limit on the amount of Starpoints a Cardmember can earn
• Competitive Introductory purchase Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for six (6) months
• Retail and travel protections such as Global Assist, Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance, Purchase Protection Insurance, Travel Accident Insurance, American Express Card Baggage Insurance, Buyers Assurance Plan, Express Cash Emergency Card Replacement, Emergency Check Cashing, and 24-hour customer service. For these and other benefits visit spg.com/americanexpress, terms and conditions apply.

The new Starwood Preferred Guest Business Card and enhancement to the Consumer Card are an expansion of the existing relationship between Starwood and American Express. The new Cards make it easier than ever for consumers and small business owners to quickly earn exceptional travel rewards through spending on their cards. Starwood and American Express have enjoyed a strong cobranded card partnership since 1996, when American Express first launched the ITT Sheraton ClubMiles Card.

The Starwood Preferred Guest program made headlines when it launched in 1999 with a breakthrough policy of no blackout dates and no capacity controls, meaning members can redeem free nights anytime, anywhere.
The program also offers members the ability to redeem awards at more resorts, more luxury properties, more European hotels and more golf properties than any other hotel program, which has proven to be a big draw for the world's most frequent travelers, and a significant competitive advantage.


(1) To be eligible to receive 10,000 bonus Starpoints, you must make your first purchase with the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card within one year of Card approval. Bonus Points will appear on your Starwood Preferred Guest statement 8-12 weeks after your first purchase. Bonus Starpoints are for first-time Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Cardmembers only. You may have more than one Starwood Preferred Guest account, however, if you have or had any such account you are not eligible to receive bonus Starpoints you may be offered for any other such account.

(2) You will receive one additional Starpoint for each U.S. dollar of Eligible Spending charged on your Card Account at Starwood branded hotels and resorts then participating in the Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty program, and at stand-along retail establishments and on-line stores that, in each case, are wholly-owned by Starwood Hotels and resorts Worldwide, Inc.

(3) OPEN Savings(SM): Payment must be made with an American Express® Business Card. Savings will be credited to your American Express Business Card billing statement. All savings referenced are in addition to any offers made by participating companies. Participation and offers are subject to change without notice. Terms and conditions apply. For more information and the full OPEN Savings partner terms and conditions, please visit opensavings.com.

(4) A 5,000 Starpoint bonus is based on airlines with a 1 Starpoint to 1 mile conversion rate; equivalent bonus will be awarded in accordance with other airline conversion rates."

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A New Small Business Credit Card from Discover

Discover Credit Cards

People all across the country have been visiting our credit card balance transfer site to take advantage of great credit card offers from the folks at Discover Card: Discover has been offering some of the most competitive annual percentage rates (APR's) for some time now -- and they still are.

Now Discover is jumping into the business credit card game, offering a new small business credit card with highly competitive benefits and features, like no annual fee and a credit line as high as $50,000. I think it's safe for me to write that the new Discover small business credit card is financial tool that small business owners can get excited about.

For more details, here's a clip from today's press release:

"Discover Financial Services LLC, a business unit of Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS), today announced the launch of the Discover Business Card: a single payment solution for small business owners designed to fundamentally change how they pay for everyday business purchases. The Discover Business Card delivers the financial flexibility and control business owners are seeking.

The Discover Business Card also leverages the core strengths of the Discover Card for consumers. For no annual fee, it offers Discover Card's leading Cashback Bonus® rewards program and unmatched customer service, customized to meet the unique needs of small business owners.

'The Discover Business Card provides the opportunity for the Company to take a leadership position in the small business payments space by addressing the underserved needs of the small business owner,' said David W. Nelms, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Discover Financial Services. 'With credit card penetration among small businesses at an estimated 35 percent - and only 10 percent of small business spending on plastic - the Discover Business Card's customized features and services address many of the challenges that have discouraged small business owners from using credit cards in the past.'

Unmatched Financial Flexibility and Control

Financial flexibility and control are critical to the success of small business owners. The Discover Business Card meets these needs with key features including:

• PurchaseChecks: Unique, fee-free PurchaseChecks let small business owners pay merchants and suppliers who do not accept credit cards, allowing Business Cardmembers to receive benefits such as earning rewards, and the same APR and payment grace period as card purchases.
• Employee Cards: Free Employee Cards with real-time, customizable limits and monthly spend reporting ensure that business owners have the necessary oversight and control they need to give Cards with confidence to their employees.
• Extensive Reporting and Control: Online quarterly and annual statements by category, downloadable to QuickBooks(R), help ensure easy tracking of expenses and streamlined bookkeeping, especially during tax season. Simple, yet extensive, online account management tools help small business owners pay bills, redeem rewards, track or categorize expenses, and set up e-mail alerts to help them stay on top of their finances.
• Business-Sized Credit: The Discover Business Card features highly competitive rates and business-sized credit limits up to $50,000.

America's Leading Rewards Program and Customer Service, Customized for Business

As the original innovator of cash rewards, Discover Card offers America's number one rewards program customized for businesses. The Discover Business Card provides special rewards for categories that are valued most by business owners, including 5% Cashback Bonus on office supplies, 2% Cashback Bonus on gas and up to 1% Cashback Bonus on all other purchases. The Discover Business Card also features unlimited rewards that never expire for active Cardmembers, which is especially important for business owners who lack the time to keep track of their rewards. The Card also offers the most flexible redemption options, and the ability to increase - even double - cash rewards with Discover Card's exclusive network of over 60 brand-name redemption partners.

Business Cardmembers can expect specialized customer care and can always access a dedicated Discover Business Card account manager in less than one minute. And Discover Business Card account managers are committed to taking care of Cardmembers' issues in just one phone call.

The Discover Business Card also provides the most advanced and convenient fraud protection available today, with a $0 fraud liability guarantee, free secure online account numbers and the industry's most vigilant fraud early warning system.

Building on a History of Innovation and Growth

With the launch of the Discover Business Card, Discover Financial Services continues to build upon its history of innovation as it evolves into a broad-based payments company offering a full range of modern and convenient payments products, including credit, PIN, signature debit and stored value.

Discover Card's twenty-year track record of firsts include the launch of Cashback Bonus rewards with the most redemption choices of any cash rewards program, no annual fee, 24/7 customer service and secure online account numbers."

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American Express® Has A New Business Credit Card: The Platinum Business FreedomPass Credit Card from OPEN

American Express® has recently introduced a new business credit card with a great rewards program, no annual fee, 0% intro APR on purchases, travel accident insurance and more. It's the Platinum Business FreedomPass Credit Card from OPEN^SM. Click here for more info.

The Platinum Business FreedomPass Credit Card also offers:

• 5000 point welcome bonus
  
  
• Redeem for savings on any flight, hotel, car rental or cruise
  
  
• No blackout dates and no travel restrictions
  
  
• OPEN Savings including Travel Accident insurance and Purchase Protection Plan
  

Click Here to Apply.

Click here to view other great credit card offers from American Express.

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CitiBank (Citi) Offers New Business Credit Card: The Professional Card

The professional card? What the heck is that supposed to mean? Yeah, that's what I asked myself when I first heard about this new credit card being offered by CitiBank. Well, it turns out that it's a new business credit card that is targeted towards professionals (doctors, lawyers, etc.) who can use a card specifically for business spending purposes. Sounds good to me.

The Citi® Professional^SM Card boast some handsome features, like a very attractive 0% APR on credit card balance transfers for the first 9 months (nice!) The card also has a great rewards program:

• Get 3 ThankYou Points for every dollar you spend at restaurants, gas stations, on auto rentals and at certain office supply merchants.*
• Get 1 point for every dollar you spend on other purchases*
• Redeem your points for: air travel, statement credit, gift cards and certificates, merchandise or create your own reward.
• Plus get 10,000 bonus ThankYou Points after your first purchase that can then be redeemed for a $100 gift card.

Here are some other details about The Citi® Professional^SM Card:

• Categorized monthly statements and quarterly and annual summaries.
• A unique Online Expense Reporting Tool that helps you use your online statement to customize reports for billing or reimbursement.
• Access to dedicated Customer Service representatives who understand the needs of today's professionals.

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Cayman National Bank Offers New Business Credit Card

Ever thought about starting a new business in the Cayman Islands? Or maybe moving your current business to the Cayman's? Well, maybe you should. Businesses of all types and sizes often setup shop in the Cayman Islands in order to take advantage of the British protectorate's tax free way of running things. Cayman Islanders enjoy the highest standard of living in the Caribbean Sea. There's no inheritance tax, no property tax and, most significantly, no income tax. Sounds like an entrepreneur's paradise, eh? Well, it is!

And now banking may get a little easier for businesses setup in the Caymans, thanks to a new business credit card that is being offered by the Cayman National Bank. The CNB Visa Business Card has some very attractive attributes like competitive interest rates, a nominal annual fee and a rewards program. Business owners will also like having the ability to manage employee spending by utilizing the card's preset spending limits feature.

If you have a Cayman National Bank Visa Business Card, please feel free to post a comment(s) about the credit card, or perhaps you can provide us with a detailed review!

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Top Small Business Lender Joins with MBNA to Offer 2 New Business Credit Cards

June 1, 2005: CIT Small Business Lending Corporation, a division of CIT Group Inc. (America's #1 Small Business Administration [SBA] lender five years running) has joined forced with credit card giant MBNA America to offer two (2) new business credit card products for CIT's Small Business Lending customers. One business credit card will have no annual fee, while the second business credit card product will be a travel/merchandise rewards card with a $35 annual fee. Both cards will feature a competitive, fixed interest rate and both will also feature low minimum monthly payments.

Click here to read the full story...

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