1. How large a business am I?
   This is the first question that credit card companies will ask. Depending on the size of your business, you may qualify for a small business or corporate card. The size of your business may also affect your credit limit.

2. How much do I spend each month?
   You should select a credit card that gives you a credit limit which is easy to pay off yet which allows you to cover all needed expenses.

3. Do I travel a lot?
   If the answer is yes you may want a card that offers travel miles or travel rewards, so that you can save on trips. Also, look for a business credit card that offers travel privileges, such as free hotel room upgrades or free flight upgrades.

4. Which rewards and bonuses would help me the most?
   Decide where most of your money goes and find a credit card with rewards or bonuses that will help save you money. If you order many office supplies, for example, look for a card with a reward program that lets you save money on paper products and computers.

5. How many employees need a credit card?
   Which employees do I completely trust with a credit card? The answers to these two questions may not be the same. If some of your employees need credit cards to conduct company business, you can purchase extra employee cards. However, you should be careful to only give cards to employees you completely trust. You can get prepaid cards if you are not sure about employee reliability.

6. What supplies do I order a lot of?
   Some business credit cards come with merchant tie-ins. This handy feature allows you to get special privileges (such as free shipping or prompter service) as well as sometimes considerable discounts on your business purchases. If you order a lot of raw materials, for example, you may want to seek out a card with merchant tie-ins you can use.

7. How linked are my business and private expenditures?
   Most business cards will allow you to keep personal and business expenses separate. However, if you are trying to create separate credit ratings for you and your business, you may wish to apply for completely separate accounts for you and your company.

8. What security features do I need?
   Consider whether you need special features such as photo cards or other safety mechanisms. If you will be using your card a lot and you have a high credit limit, talk to your card company about getting the maximum amount of security measures on your cards.

9. What credit cards do I own now?
   The credit card companies you already do business with may be able to offer the best business credit cards and the best rates, thanks to your previous relationship, so call your card companies for their best offers.

10. Have I recently applied for a lot of loans?
    If you have, be aware that the fact may affect your credit rating and so your ability to get a new credit card. You may wish to wait a while to apply for your business credit card or pay off some of your other debts to boost your rating.

11. Which bank do I do business with?
    Your financial institution may be able to offer you great rates on business credit cards in order to keep your patronage. Call to get the best offer.

12. How much do my expenses fluctuate?
    If your expenses are fairly steady, look for a no-fee card with a credit limit. If you need more flexibility, though, a no-limit card may make more sense than a high-limit card.

13. How much in debt am I?
    How much in debt is the business? If you are in considerable debt, consider before adding another financial responsibility to your roster. Credit cards carry high fees and you certainly don't want to ruin your credit rating - or your business credit score - by taking on a credit you cannot afford.

14. How profitable is my business and where is the paperwork to prove it?
    Any company or institution issuing credit cards to businesses will want to see proof of your profitability before accepting your card application. The more profitable your business, the higher credit limits and better rates you can expect.

15. Which money management tools and features do I need?
    Many credit cards for businesses offer special money-management features that make bookkeeping a snap. You may wish to look for a company that can let you download your monthly bill and expense analysis into your favorite accounting software, for example. You may also wish to find a card company that offers detailed spending analysis each month. This can help you make financial plans and forecasts for your business.

16. Which companies offer the types of cards I want?
    Once you have a clear idea of what you need and want in a business card, you will want to seek out those companies offering you the credit card products you desire. You will certainly want to find a card company that offers a credit card recognized at most merchants. Most card companies today offer a range of credit services and products designed for many business needs. Some companies specialize in specific products. Advanata National Bank, for example, has developed an impressive reputation for its line of small business credit cards. To find the best offers, call several companies and explain your needs. Ask for the best credit card offers they can give you and compare the offers carefully to find the best card for your business.

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