Are no preset spending limit credit cards a smart idea for your business?

In 2022, four out of five small business owners were concerned about rising costs. Close to 8,000 small businesses responded to the Small Business Credit Survey, resulting in some interesting statistics. These insights may explain why many businesses are now showing interest in no preset spending limit credit cards.

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Nearly half of the small businesses participating in the survey were struggling to meet operational expenses or experiencing uneven cash flows. The good news is that the number of businesses operating at a profit increased for the first time since 2020. There is hope, but you may still consider a no-limit credit card as a fast way to give your business a little more financial security.

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To help you make an informed decision, this guide will explain what cards with no preset spending limit are, how they work, and how to choose the right card for your business.

What is a no preset spending limit credit card?

A no preset spending limit credit card offers a flexible spending limit that can change monthly. In many cases, you don't even know what your maximum spending limit is or if it has changed from one month to the next.

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These business credit cards adjust your monthly spending power based on factors such as your spending history, credit score, income, and payment history. Signs of a thriving business and consistent bill payments will usually result in higher spending limits. On the other hand, missed credit card payments, reduced income, lower profitability, or a poor credit history could lead to reduced spending limits.

Do business credit cards have spending limits?

Yes, business credit cards usually have spending limits based on your business's financial standing and creditworthiness. Some cards offer flexible or higher limits to accommodate business expenses, while others feature a "No Preset Spending Limit" (NPSL), which adjusts based on usage, payment history, and other factors.

Are there credit cards with no limits?

There are no credit cards that don’t have a credit limit. The risk for card issuers would simply be too high for such an agreement.

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When you hear terms like "no preset spending limit" or "limitless credit card," you might think you can just swipe your card for any large expense, and it's guaranteed to go through without question. But, really, there’s usually an adjustable limit that’s been set on the card.

How much can I spend on a no-preset spending limit?

The amount you can spend on a card with no preset spending limit adapts based on factors like your purchase and payment history and credit score. If you demonstrate responsible use by paying off your card balance before the due date, and you’ve been increasing your number of purchases, your credit card provider may clear you for a higher limit.

Benefits of no-preset-limit credit cards for businesses

• Greater flexibility: Make the large purchases needed to keep your business running smoothly without worrying about rigid spending limits.
• Large purchases encouraged: Once you demonstrate that you can make substantial purchases and pay them off by the end of the month, the provider will trust you with even higher spending limits.
• Financial backup: If you're concerned about the rising cost of goods, services, or employee retention, a no preset limit business credit card can give you a greater sense of security.
• Lucrative rewards: Large purchases mean more substantial rewards.

Potential drawbacks of credit cards with no preset limits

• Fast repayment: It's important to pay your balance in full every monthly billing cycle, as carrying a balance on a no-limit credit card often results in higher interest rates. Some cards, like the Amex Plum Card, allow cardholders to carry a charge for up to 60 days with no interest fee, so you can pay over time.
• Unknown maximum limits: Limitless business credit cards do have spending limits, but you may not know what yours is at any time. Your credit card issuer has the right to decrease your limit, so an expense you charged last month might be declined this month.
• Heightened risk: It's easier to get in over your head when you can make substantial credit card charges. If you tend to make impulse decisions or often regret purchases later, you may need the rigidity that comes with a known maximum spending limit.

Can you build business credit with no-preset-limit credit cards?

Building business credit with a limitless credit card is more difficult but not impossible. One of the main factors in determining your credit score is your credit utilization ratio, which refers to the percentage of available credit that you have spent. Keeping your utilization below 30% is generally considered ideal.

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However, credit cards with no preset limits usually don't disclose their maximum spending limits, so the available credit on those cards is usually not included in your credit utilization ratio. While it's a missed opportunity to boost your credit score, it's not a lost cause.

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Making regular payments on your limitless or high-limit card can still help boost your credit score. Additionally, simply having a credit card with no limit is a signal to other lenders that you are not a substantial risk, which can benefit future financial applications.

How to get a credit card with no preset spending limit

Applying for a no preset spending limit credit card is similar to applying for a standard business credit card, which is usually done online. Most banks and lenders are not too flexible with extending limits beyond $25,000.

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Before submitting your application, consider some factors that may influence your decision:

• Intended use: What expenses do you plan to charge on your no-limit credit card, and how often do you expect to use the card?
• Financial need: How much do you anticipate charging on your business credit card every month?
• Repayment & responsibility: Can you use your card responsibly and pay off the full balance every month?

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To choose the best business credit card for your business, compare the terms of all the available cards. Consider the rewards programs and perks, and fees like interest rates, foreign transaction fees, and balance transfer fees. Be sure you understand what terms apply to each card.

Which credit cards have no preset spending limits?

Some credit cards offer no set spending limit, but these typically have higher qualification requirements. You may also be unable to carry a balance month-to-month, and these cards can have an unclear impact on your credit utilization ratio and credit score, even if you pay your balance in full. For those reasons, you might want to explore a high-limit credit card you know you can pay off monthly instead.

Is a credit card with no preset spending limit a wise choice for my business?

A limitless credit card may suit your business if you regularly make large purchases and have the ability to repay the full balance every month. It can be useful for travel rewards and can provide financial security during challenging times. A no-limit credit card allows you to cover expenses immediately with available cash flow.

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Giving yourself until the end of the month or even up to 60 days may take the stress out of managing your business finances. When selecting a card, make sure to compare the terms and choose one that allows you to carry a balance if having that sense of security is important to you.

Alternatives to no preset spending limit credit cards

While credit cards with no limits offer convenience, they may not be ideal for every business. You might not feel comfortable charging large sums of money and assuming the obligation to repay it every month. Additionally, if your business doesn't involve significant travel or you don't expect to spend enough in the first three months to take full advantage of welcome rewards, these cards might not be the best fit.

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In that case, you can consider a corporate charge card from Ramp as an alternative. While these cards have preset spending limits that you cannot exceed, you can set the limit as high as you want. If you wish for it to function like a no-limit credit card, simply set a higher limit than you anticipate your business will actually reach in a given month.

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Ramp lets you issue unlimited free employee cards, and you can set spending limits to keep every member within the budget. AI insights will help you spend smarter with little effort, and automation makes it faster than ever to close your books without human error.

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Want to learn more? Contact Ramp today, or walk through a demo online.