In today’s fast-paced business world, it is important for small businesses and SMEs to have efficient and convenient payment methods. This is where prepaid business cards come in. These cards are becoming increasingly popular among business owners as they offer a range of benefits and advantages. In this article, we will discuss what a prepaid business card is, its pros and cons, and the best prepaid cards available in the market.
A prepaid business card is a payment card that is preloaded with funds and can be used for various business expenses, such as travel, office supplies, and employee reimbursements. It works like a debit card, where the funds are deducted from the card balance, but it is not linked to a bank account. This means that the cardholder can only spend the amount that has been loaded onto the card, making it a great budgeting tool for businesses.
One of the main advantages of using a prepaid business card is the control it offers over business expenses. As the card is preloaded with a fixed amount, it helps business owners to stick to their budget and avoid overspending. This is especially useful for small businesses and SMEs who have limited funds and need to carefully manage their expenses.
Another benefit of using a prepaid business card is the ease of tracking and managing expenses. Most prepaid cards come with online account management tools that allow business owners to monitor their spending in real-time. This not only helps in keeping track of expenses but also simplifies the process of bookkeeping and tax filing.
Prepaid business cards also offer added security compared to traditional credit cards. As the card is not linked to a bank account, there is no risk of overspending or overdraft fees. Additionally, if the card is lost or stolen, the cardholder can easily report it and have the remaining balance transferred to a new card.
However, like any other financial tool, prepaid business cards also have their drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is the fees associated with these cards. Most prepaid cards charge a monthly or annual fee, as well as transaction fees for each purchase. These fees can add up and eat into the card’s balance, so it is important to carefully consider the fees before choosing a prepaid card.
Another downside of prepaid business cards is that they do not offer the same rewards and benefits as traditional credit cards. For example, most prepaid cards do not offer cashback or airline miles, which can be a disadvantage for businesses that make frequent purchases. Additionally, some businesses may not accept prepaid cards as a form of payment, which can limit the cardholder’s options.
Now that we have discussed the pros and cons of prepaid business cards, let’s take a look at some of the best prepaid cards available in the market.
1. Revolut for Business
Revolut is a popular prepaid card among small businesses and SMEs. It offers a range of features, including real-time expense tracking, multiple currency accounts, and the ability to freeze and unfreeze the card instantly. Revolut also offers competitive exchange rates and low fees, making it a great option for businesses that make international transactions.
2. Soldo
Soldo is another prepaid business card that offers a range of features to help businesses manage their expenses. It allows business owners to set spending limits for each card, track expenses in real-time, and even integrate with accounting software. Soldo also offers a mobile app that allows cardholders to manage their expenses on the go.
3. Pockit Business
Pockit Business is a prepaid card designed specifically for small businesses and freelancers. It offers a simple and transparent fee structure, with no monthly or annual fees. Pockit Business also offers a mobile app that allows cardholders to track their expenses and manage their account.
4. Cashplus Business
Cashplus Business is a popular prepaid card that offers a range of features, including online account management, expense tracking, and the ability to set spending limits for employees. It also offers a rewards program where cardholders can earn cashback on their purchases.
5. Tide
Tide is a prepaid business card that is designed for small businesses and freelancers. It offers a range of features, including real-time expense tracking, the ability to create and send invoices, and the option to integrate with accounting software. Tide also offers competitive exchange rates and low fees for international transactions.
6. Starling Business
Starling Business is a prepaid card that offers a range of features, including real-time expense tracking, multiple currency accounts,