How many business credit cards can you have?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer when you ask yourself how many business credit cards you should have. However, the best way to decide is by carefully assessing your needs against the associated costs and benefits.

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We’ll walk you through the most important considerations and help you make the best decision for your business.

Factors to consider when applying for multiple cards

Before you can reach a definitive answer to how many credit cards you should have, note that several factors can influence this decision, including the following:

Credit score

Your credit score is a major factor to consider when applying for multiple cards. According to Dun & Bradstreet, a business credit score of 80 to 100 is considered a low risk which is generally a good credit score. A healthy score will give lenders an indication of your ability to manage credit responsibly.

Debt-to-income ratio

Your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio measures how much debt your business has in comparison to your income. A higher DTI can make getting approved for multiple cards difficult, so keeping yours as low as possible is important.

Business size and revenue

The size and type of your business can also influence how many cards you should get. Larger businesses, for example, may be able to get approved for more cards than smaller ones. Additionally, your business revenue can be a factor in determining approval.

Credit utilization

Your credit utilization rate is the amount of credit you use relative to the total amount of credit available. Generally, it is ideal to maintain your credit utilization rate at around 30% or lower. This shows lenders that you are managing your credit responsibly.

Credit history

Your credit history is a major factor in determining how many cards you can get approved for. A longer, positive credit history will make applying for business credit cards easier and may result in better terms or credit limits. The length of your business credit history should coincide with the age of your business, or at least the timeframe when your business first began using credit. Lenders will look for an established business credit history before approving multiple cards.

The benefits and drawbacks of having multiple business credit cards

As with any financial decision, having multiple business credit cards has advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits:

• Spending power: Multiple cards can help you manage your business expenses more effectively, allowing you to make larger purchases or spread out costs over time.
• Increased rewards: Many business credit cards offer rewards, such as cash back or points, for purchases made with the card. Having multiple cards can mean more rewards.
• Greater convenience: With multiple credit cards, you won’t have to worry about running out of available credit when you need it most.

Drawbacks:

• Increased cost: Managing multiple business credit cards can be expensive, as there will be additional fees and interest charges to consider.
• Higher credit utilization: Having multiple cards can increase your credit utilization rate, which could hurt your credit score if it gets too high.
• More responsibility: Managing multiple cards can be time-consuming and requires careful planning to ensure you don’t miss payments or exceed your credit limits.

How many business credit cards can you have?

There isn’t an exact formula to determine the number of credit cards a company should use. The best way to decide how many business credit cards you should have is to assess your financial situation and determine which cards best meet your needs. Remember, with any type of credit, it's important to handle debt carefully and stay within your credit limits. Doing so will help ensure you get the maximum benefit from your credit cards and protect your business credit score.

Tips for managing multiple business credit cards

While having multiple business credit cards can offer some benefits, managing them in a sensible way is key. Here are a few tips to help you manage your cards effectively:

• Establish clear spending limits: Decide in advance the maximum amount you’ll spend with each card. This can help you avoid overspending and minimize your credit utilization rate.
• Pay your bills on time: Missing payments can result in late fees, penalty interest rates, and a lower credit score. Establish a budget and payment schedule to ensure you make all your payments on time.
• Know the terms and conditions: Read through each card’s terms and conditions to understand the fees, rewards, and other relevant details.
• Track your spending: Track all your purchases and payments to ensure you stay within your spending limits and budget.

Ramp: Manage your business cards in one place

Whether you decide to have two or ten business credit cards, Ramp can help you manage them all. With Ramp, you can easily keep track of all your business cards in one place, and view updates in real-time. Offering a comprehensive 5-in-1 software that combines corporate cards, expense management, bill payments, accounting, and reporting, Ramp streamlines your financial processes while saving time and money. 

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Experience unparalleled control over your spending with unlimited virtual credit cards, zero touch expenses, and rewarding transactions – all with no annual fees and high limits. Make the smart choice for your business finances and embrace the convenience of Ramp's innovative platform today. Get started for free.