3 ms·
I've seen a few people mention using check or debit cards and that is almost always a bad idea. You lose the fraud protection and you are giving vendors and emp
by manav 9y ago
I've seen a few people mention using check or debit cards and that is almost always a bad idea. You lose the fraud protection and you are giving vendors and employees direct access to your checking account.
For your particular situation I would probably just open a credit card account with whoever your startup banks with. Beyond that I would probably explore do the following (in rough order depending on your company size):
1. Using Personal Guarantee: If you are an early startup you probably cant get easily get a business card without a personal guarantee. In this case its really up to the founding team's credit worthiness and I would recommend Amex/OPEN, Capital One Spark, and Chase Ink. All of these will probably require a personal guarantee to start but these particular ones won't go on your personal credit report (Some other cards may).
2. Establishing Credit: Create a Dunn and Bradstreet account, update it, and make sure you have a good web presence. The easiest business credit accounts to establish are UPS, Fedex, Amazon, Staples/OfficeMax/Depot, Frys, Uline. Open them and pay your bills on time (and in full). This will all boost your D&B Paydex score even if you are only making small purchases from each.
3. Utilize your Bank: In SF Wells Fargo is actually quite good for a small startup, SVB is good once you have funding, and US Bank/First Republic are good alternatives. This is your best bet for first major business line of credit (LOC). A business LOC is almost like a credit card and could even have better terms for repayment. If and how you should actually use it depends on your company and your finances, however if you get one without a personal guarantee they will probably limit your expenses to business expenses.
4. Get Credit without PGs(personal guarantees): Once you are seasoned for around 3-9 months you can start looking to getting credit without a personal guarantee. Beyond your bank I would look at US Bank, Amazon, Amex Business, Cap One Spark. If by that time you have funding and more substantial bank deposits approval will be much easier.