If you own and operate a business of your own – even if that means being self-employed as a sole proprietor – having a business credit card in your business’ name is a good idea. Not only to business credit cards allow you to easily separate tax-deductible business expenses from personal ones, but when you apply for a Business Credit Card under an Employer Identification Number (to which everyone is legally entitled, regardless of whether or not they employ anyone other than themselves), it enables you to shield your personal credit should your business run into hard times.

Business Credit Card make accounting and filing taxes much easier because all your business purchases such as ink and toner, office supplies, tools, vehicle maintenance and even computer software and hardware is all in one place. Some issuers of business credit cards such as Chase will even provide you with quarterly reports which you can access on the World Wide Web, 24/7.

In fact, the benefits of Business Credit Cards are virtually endless. In addition to simplifying accounting and record-keeping, many business credit cards offer generous introductory rates as low as 0% for as long as 15 months and standard APRs as low as 6.99% thereafter. The Advanta Platinum BusinessCard With Rewards is exceptional in this regard; in addition to the extended introductory and low standard interest rates, this business credit card offers 5% rebates on purchases as well as travel expenses as well as total protection from fraud liability.

The American Express Business Gold Rewards Card does not offer an introductory rate, but has many advantages for those whose credit scores are 750 or above. These include discounts on shipping, airlines, hotel stays and other such business expenses. The Business Gold does have an annual fee of $125 (waived the first year), however, there are no spending limits and no finance charges. Cardholders can earn up to 100,000 points during the first year which can be redeemed for travel expenses, office supplies and even gift cards for your employees.

The Discover® Business Card is among those business credit cards that offer a 0% introductory rate as well as generous rebates on office supplies, motor fuel and other purchases. This card even allows the holder to write checks on the account for those merchants and suppliers that do not accept credit cards.

The Gold Delta SkyMiles Business Credit Card may be a choice for someone opening a new business. This business credit card does offer an introductory APR of 0% for the first six months. After this, it goes to 18.24%; in addition, there is an annual fee of $85 after the first year. However, this card is relatively easy to qualify for, and the cardholder is awarded 15,000 frequent flyer miles with the first purchase and accumulates these miles at the rate of one for every dollar spend.