An easy way to build credit for your business is by using credit cards. A credit card is means of purchasing items on credit and then making monthly payments toward overall purchases and the interest that incurs over time. While they aren’t for every business owner, those who are responsible can use a credit card to keep track of business expenses in a more efficient way.

Visa credit card providers offer a variety of credit cards to meet your business needs that are worthy of consideration. As you search for the right credit card company for your business, consider the following Visa credit cards basics:

1. There are several different incentives that make it worthwhile to apply for Visa credit card.

2. Many Visa credit cards offer rewards programs that earn you free stuff.

3. You should always be responsible when making purchases with your Visa business credit card.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compare Visa credit card incentives

Many Visa credit card issuers offer sign-on incentives to make your decision easier. A common incentive is a low introductory APR, such as 0% for the first six months. Others offer a fixed-rate APR that's lower than most other cards. Additionally, rewards programs may offer a boost in points received during the first few months on the program. Find incentives that work best for your needs and explore all of your options before making a decision, including when those incentives that expire and what the 'normal' rates will be once they do.

I recommend: Citi Platinum Select Visa offers 0% APR on balance transfers and purchases for the first 12 months and then a low variable APR after that. Go to CreditCards.com for information on what to look for when applying for a credit card, including incentives.

Sign up for Visa credit cards with rewards programs

Visa credit card offers several different reward programs. Visa Extras, offered by some Visa card issuers, are points earned per dollar spent. Specific card providers set the return rates for the Visa Extras program in their terms and conditions. Other specific rewards programs include cash back rewards, for the business owners who don't know what they'd redeem their points for, and travel rewards, for those that make a lot of business trips.

I recommend: For more information on Visa credit cards rewards, visit the Visa Extras website. With the Visa Travel Rewards Card, offered by Metropolitan National Bank, you can earn up to 10,000 points a month by getting one point for every dollar you spend.

Be responsible when using your business Visa credit card

Regardless of the type of card or rewards program that you choose, the important thing is that you're responsible when it comes to using your Visa credit card. It's simply good business practice to use the card as a means of building credit and not as a means of building your company. You should always be able to pay off what you spend each month and avoid putting your business in a lot of debt.

I recommend: The Motley Fool provides tips for managing your credit cards responsibly. Visa small business podcasts, such as Eight Steps to Managing Your Money, will teach you how to be more responsible with your business finances, including credit card use.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Affinity Visa credit cards are available that cobrand with a specific company, such as the Amazon.com Rewards Visa. These credit cards offer rewards programs with normal selections, such as cash rewards or merchandise, with an increase in reward redemption rates when you purchase something from the affiliated business.

Visa credit cards can be found in millions of wallets worldwide. But you may not know that Visa is an association owned by 21,000 member financial institutions. Visa credit cards for business or personal use are linked to merchants and financial institutions through VisaNet, the world’s biggest electronic payment network.

Visa credit cards can be applied for directly through Visa or through banks, retailers or airlines that offer co-branded Visa credit cards. Many co-branded cards come with incentives, such as discounts on merchandise and services. There are also Visa credit cards called affinity cards that carry the logo of non-profit organizations, such as colleges and charities. A small percentage of each transaction made using an affinity card goes to the organization.

Some factors to consider when choosing Visa credit cards:

1. Take advantage of low fixed-rate balance transfer offers from Visa credit card providers if you’re sure you can pay off the balance before the low rate expires.
2. If you frequently use your credit cards to make purchases from overseas vendors, apply for Visa credit cards from Visa credit card providers with the low overseas transaction fees.
3. When you apply for a business Visa credit card, your personal credit history may be taken into account if your company is too new to have a credit history.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pick your personal Visa credit cards

Visa credit cards for personal use come with benefits such as the Zero Liability policy, which assures that you won't be liable if an unauthorized person makes a purchase with your card.

I recommend: Consider Visa Classic or Visa Secured if you want a basic credit card or are shopping for your first credit card. If you have a solid credit history, consider Visa Gold or Visa Platinum. Visa also offers students their own slate of credit card choices. For more information on Visa credit cards, go to Visa’s Card Advisor, then compare Visa personal card benefits.

Get rewarded for using your Visa credit cards

Looking for free goodies? Apply for reward cards from Visa credit card providers.

I recommend: To earn points for airline miles, hotel stays and other purchases, check out Visa credit cards such as Visa’s personal reward cards and Visa Signature luxury reward cards. For example, with a Nordstrom-branded Visa card you get reward points when you make a purchase at a Nordstrom department store.

Get down to business with Visa business credit cards

A business Visa credit card lets you complete business transactions via the Internet or over the phone. Visa credit cards for business can also help a growing business through a cash crunch.

I recommend: Consult the Visa Business Card Advisor to compare the benefits of the Visa Business Credit Card, Visa Signature Business Card and Visa Business Check Card. Visa also offers the Visa Business Line of Credit card. Holders of Visa business credit cards are eligible for discounts on shipping, office supplies and more.

Sign up with major Visa credit card providers

Major Visa credit card providers typically offer more options when it comes to opening a credit card account.

I recommend: Capital One is a popular choice for personal cards or for a business Visa credit card. Other common providers include banks, such as Bank of America and Chase.

Shop for Visa business credit cards and personal cards at comparison sites

Several comparison sites let you search for the best Visa credit cards by the type of card - rewards, low interest, instant approval, cash back, business - by your credit quality or by bank issuer.

I recommend: Use comparison sites, such as CreditCards.com, CardFusion or CreditCardGuide.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  With a fixed rate, Visa credit card providers must give you 15 day's notice if your interest rate changes. A variable rate can change without warning.
• •  When applying for Visa credit cards, remember that affinity cards usually don't come with reward offers.
• •  If you have multiple Visa credit cards, pay down the balance of cards that carry the highest interest rates first.

A business Visa credit card has several benefits, such as presetting employee spending limits and tracking their purchases to make sure they are legitimate. Using a Visa card for business supplies and maintenance also helps you to separate business purchases for tax purposes. Incentives, sign-up bonuses and rewards programs are added bonuses to Visa card usage.

However, before you apply for Visa credit card online, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. Check customer reviews of Visa credit card issuers to make sure the usage benefits and customer service standards are up to par. Use the following methods to obtain Visa credit cards advice and ratings before making a final decision:

1. Use info about Visa credit cards on financial blogs to make smart decisions.

2. Analyze the difference between Visa credit card providers and other companies.

3. Compare Visa credit card incentives through rating and review websites.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out blogs that cover Visa credit cards

Many financial bloggers like to discuss the credit cards they own, such as what they like and dislike about them. They also provide great advice on how to properly use your credit card to avoid debt and bad credit ratings. Blogs are also a great source of information on how to get the most out of your credit card rewards, introductory interest rates and other incentives.

I recommend: CreditCards offers news, advice and blogs regarding credit card issuers and proper usage. Check out the Credit Card Watcher Visa category for past blog posts on the company.

Determine how Visa business credit cards compare to other offers

Comparative websites provide helpful information on all the credit cards offered by all the providers and banks, not just Visa. This gives you an opportunity to compare all of your options and make sure that a Visa credit card provider is the best choice for you and your business. These sites also typically offer an online application, once you've made your decision.

I recommend: Visit CompareCards or CreditCardGuide for comparisons and reviews on Visa credit cards.

Visit review websites to obtain ratings for Visa credit cards for business

Websites with customer reviews and overall ratings should be the first thing you look at before applying for a Visa card. These will have the most reliable feedback. Many websites also offer editor ratings as the website host organization's recommendations. Hopefully, said editor has a bit of financial expertise. Typically, these websites rate the cards on a scale of one to five, often portrayed with stars, with five stars being the best.

I recommend: Go to Apex Credit Cards for ratings and reviews of Visa card offers. CreditCardFlyers also offers comparisons and reviews of Visa cards.