Raise your hand if you have a business credit card. Raise your hand if you use it. Raise your hand if you use it perfectly. Just what I though…not many hands went up. Many people tend to think that they can use their business credit card the same way they use their personal credit card. This is not the case.

Here are a few pointers you can use to start using your business credit card effectively.

1. Try getting a secured credit card. When it comes to business credit cards, not many business owners think about going the “secured credit card” route. In fact, secured credit cards can be a smarter option than unsecured credit card. They aren’t the “taboo” that everyone makes them out to be. Take some time to research different secured credit card options. Look at the pros and cons of a secured credit card and an unsecured credit card. Now, which one looks better?

2. Is “Image really Everything?” Surely you’ve heard the adage “image is everything” in the business world. Right? Well, you don’t want to give potential clients the wrong impression about your company by buying drinks or lunch with a personal credit card…do you? Your business will seem much more solid, grounder and established if your clients notice you using a business credit card. Believe it or not, clients take not of seemingly insignificant things such as that.

3. Personal vs. Business. When it comes to credit cards and credit histories, your personal account/history should NEVER be mixed up with your business account/history. Your business needs to establish its own credit rating and credit history. Let your business create a solid credit history by using credit cards in the business name. If your business is just getting off the ground, it might not qualify for any unsecured credit cards. Try using a secured credit card. Secured credit cards, if used wisely, are an excellent way to build and establish a superior credit history.

4. Take advantage of the rewards. Just because you use your business credit card instead of your personal one doesn’t mean that you need to skip the rewards. Business credit cards come with just as many rewards as personal credit cards. Similarly, if you are trying to build business credit and have to use a secured credit card, you can also accumulate just as many reward benefits as with an unsecured credit card. Take advantage of these rewards and get your business off on the right foot.

Using a business credit card is not tricky and it can certainly build the reputation of your business. Keep all of your personal finances completely separate from your business transactions. You can also try using a secured credit card. Discretely flash your business credit card in front of clients and/or potential clients to keep your business image up. Lastly, don’t forget about those rewards. Take advantage of as many credit card rewards as you possibly can by using your business credit card for all business transactions.