Look Past the Pitch to Find Your Best Card Provider

Credit cards are fast becoming the go-to method for corporate payments, so providers offer a wide list of incentives to compete for your business. Cash rebates, introductory APRs, category-spend bonuses and other perks can sweeten the pitch, but do they deliver real value?

The right card should actually provide better financial intelligence, payment process optimization, cost controls and other game-changing improvements. To find a card program that will best support your business, take a close look at each of these areas.

• Industry knowledge: The playing field in technology differs from that in retail, just as the dynamics of new media are distinct from those of manufacturing. When a bank’s team has expertise in your particular sector, it’s better able to recognize how your commercial card program can be used to meet the needs of your staff and payables department. Ask for examples of bank customers that are similar to your company.

• Personal liability: Your business may now be well established and growing, but if you signed on to a small-business-oriented commercial card program as a startup, your existing card agreement may carry a personal guarantee. Ask providers whether the corporation or an individual owner is ultimately financially liable for the account.

• Customization: Ask providers if they can tailor their program to match both your immediate financial needs and your longer term operational plans. A one-size-fits-all approach — one that assigns you to a certain bucket based on your head count or revenue — rarely provides the best solution for the challenges you face. For example, some card programs require a minimum number of cardholders before they allow you to implement cost controls. Look for a provider that is willing to discuss flexibility around program features.

• Supplier enablement: You can derive the most benefit from your card program when you use it for accounts payable as extensively as possible. Ask providers what programs or specific help they can give you to shift supplier accounts from checks to cards. Ask if they have experience working with businesses to streamline their payables process by integrating card payment tools. 

• Service: Will your requests for support be routed to a customer service call center? Or can you start building relationships with product and relationship advisors who take the time to understand your entire business and how commercial cards can improve your financial performance? Many banks focus their attention on larger customers, but having an advisor who ensures that the right solutions are in place can be even more critical for smaller companies.

• Proactive monitoring: Will you initiate all contact when you need help, or is a prospective provider’s standard of customer support more proactive? Highlight those that will actively monitor your card usage and advise you on when it may be smart to make changes to your card program. Ask for examples of recommendations a company like yours might receive. A hands-on team at the issuing bank will maximize the card’s value to your company and allow you to focus on growing your business.

You’ll still want to ensure that the card program you choose delivers competitive rebates, with terms that meet your business needs. But push hard to learn about each provider’s commitment to serving your business and helping you grow. When you choose a card program from the right provider, the operational benefits will ultimately far surpass the value of perks.

Learn more about SVB’s  Commercial Card program, or contact your  SVB Global Treasury and Payments Advisor to get started.

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Read more in our series about how to optimize your company's payments tools and processes on SVB's Payments Trends & Insights page.