Credit and charge cards can be useful tools to manage cash flow and track expenses in a small business. The loyalty programs – that typically give you something back for each dollar you spend on a card – can also help you accumulate valuable business resources.

There are more choices in business cards than ever before and many factors should influence your decision regarding which one to choose. Ask yourself the following questions during the decision making process to ensure that you don’t overlook important card features in your consideration process.

How quickly do you intend to pay off your balance?

Answering this question can help you determine whether the “float” provided by a charge card would provide enough of a cash flow cushion or whether the ability to revolve a balance offered by credit cards might be a better fit for you. Some business owners prefer the discipline of charge cards such as the American Express® Business Gold Card, which require the balance to be paid in full each month, but may have no-preset spending limit. Others prefer a credit card’s flexibility of paying off their balances over time.

What type of rewards would you like to earn?

Many charge and credit cards offer you the ability to earn points or miles for your spending on their cards that can be redeemed for everything from airline tickets and hotel stays to electronics, clothing, and more. Other cards, such as the Business Cash Rebate Credit Card from American Express, enable customers to earn cash rebates on purchases. Choose a charge or credit card that has a rewards program that best meets your preferences.

Can the card save you money?

Many business credit and charge cards provide savings at various merchants that serve small businesses. By clearly assessing these discounts, a business can save significantly on common business expenses such as shipping and delivery or office supplies. For example, the OPEN SavingsSM program offers Cardmembers exclusive discounts at AT&T, FedEx, Staples, Hertz, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM and more. Use your Business Card and see the savings on your statement. No coupons or codes are needed and the savings are in addition to other discounts your business may already receive.*

Do you intend to transfer balances?

If you currently have balances on high interest cards, consider a card that enables you to transfer balances at lower rates, which could help you save money on interest charges. You may also be able to take advantage of lower initial rates to give yourself some extra financial breathing room. In addition, consolidating balances can further help you simplify your record keeping by reducing the number of bills flowing into your company.

Do you need multiple cards for your staff?

Giving credit or charge cards to your staff for business-related purchases can save you time, help you manage cash flow and track expenses, and reduce the need to write checks or use petty cash. Some credit and charge card providers have services such as online account management that can help simplify the process of managing your supplemental cards, letting your view spending by employee or purchase category.

Do you prefer the flexibility of managing your accounts online?

Some credit and charge cards provide comprehensive, online account management tools that provide customers with 24x7 access to their accounts to view current and past charges, check balances and make payments online. For example, The OPEN Network’s Small Business Dashboard provides customers with online Expense Management Reports that enable them to view categorized expense reports on a monthly basis.

Learn more about business Charge and Credit Cards from American Express.