Though the cash advance facility offered by credit card companies is a convenient way of getting immediate cash at times of financial crisis, it should be avoided as far as possible. The consumers should realize that cash advances are accompanied by high rate of interest and fees. In addition, there are no grace periods provided for cash advances. Moreover, for consumers who seek debt relief, cash advance could add fuel to the fire. It would be better to be aware of the following points before going ahead for a cash advance through your credit card.
Though the fees for cash advance could vary, it is generally high. Two methods of calculations are used for deciding the fee amount. Mostly it is calculated on a percentage basis, say 1% to 4%. Other card issuers directly ask for ?flat fees? for their cash advances and it is generally constant not based on the amount of advance. Another common trend is to combine both methods of calculation. This is sure to result in higher fees. For example, an issuer could charge x% for cash advance, but charges a minimum $10 irrespective of the amount of advance taken. Another case could be an issuer who charges x% or $20 whichever is higher. In such a case, one should read the credit card agreement carefully before proceeding.
Another point to be noted is to avoid usage of ATM machines for a cash advance. ATMs generally charge extra fee for a cash advance. This fee goes to the financial institution to which that particular ATM belongs. The greatest loophole of a Cash advance is the interest charges. The rate of interest charged for a cash advance through credit card is normally several times higher than the interest rate for day-to-day purchase made through your credit cards. Another possible drawback of a cash advance through credit card is the grace period and the mode of payment by the card issuer. A cash advance does not involve any grace period, as it begins accumulating interest almost immediately on withdrawal of the amount. Hence even if your credit card payment is completed, you may stilled be billed some finance charges for a cash advance. Finally, most card issuers apply the process of payment of card purchases before payment to cash advance. In case such a balance is carried in a credit card, it could result in a high net interest rate.
Cardholders could get easily get tempted through cash advance offers without realizing the serious implications that it could later on leave on them.
Credit card processing and small business loan strategies are closely connected in many ways. Business owners should not overlook the substantial working capital benefits which will accrue to their business by effectively coordinating credit card factoring and processing. If the ten most common business cash advance problems can be avoided, the total business benefits will be maximized.
Even thriving small businesses frequently need more working capital than they can borrow from a bank. One of the most important commercial financing needs for any business is ensuring that short-term cash requirements are successfully met. This is frequently a difficult task.
The use of a viable business cash advance strategy has become an increasingly important business finance tool for many businesses faced with a potential short-term cash shortfall. There are a number of common problems (noted below) to anticipate and avoid when businesses use credit card processing to acquire working capital advances.
Most merchants have documented credit card processing activity and sales volume. Since up to $300,000 and more can typically be obtained using a business cash advance based on future sales, documentation of processing activity is a valuable financial asset.
Businesses should realize that there are several recurring problems that should be anticipated prior to using this strategy for working capital business cash advances. Highlighted below are ten common credit card receivables problems to be avoided when business owners are considering this financing approach.
First, many lenders will attempt to charge closing costs. Business owners should realize that this is an unnecessary transaction cost for business cash advances when dealing with a truly reputable provider of working capital financing based on credit card factoring.
Second, many lenders for these services also charge up-front fees. This is also a transaction cost that can and should be avoided, and with the best programs there will not be any up-front fees.
Third, a number of business cash advance programs require collateral. This is an unnecessary requirement to be avoided by business owners seeking credit card financing.
Fourth, some lenders will require financial statements and tax returns for all business cash advances. Such additional documentation requirements should only be necessary for larger working capital advances.
Fifth, monthly fixed payments to repay merchant cash advances are imposed by some providers. The preferred approach is to avoid such fixed payment requirements.
Sixth, some providers impose a fixed term for repayment. This requirement to pay off the business cash advance over a fixed term should be avoided.
Seventh, many business finance programs require businesses to have at least two years of operating history to qualify for working capital business cash advances. While many business owners can meet such a requirement, a more practical standard for newer businesses is a minimum of one year in business.
Eighth, most business cash advance providers require credit scores of at least 680. In today's difficult economic climate, this can be a challenging requirement. It is feasible to obtain this kind of working capital financing with scores around 500.
Ninth, for merchants needing larger business cash advances, it will be disappointing to learn that many programs are limited to a maximum of $25,000 to $50,000. Providers that are better capitalized for this business finance strategy will be able to accommodate an advance of $300,000 and higher.
Tenth, quite a few programs require up to 24 months of credit card sales of $25,000 or higher. A more practical possibility for business owners will involve a transaction history with six months of $5,000 or more.
It would be unusual for all of the obstacles described above to be relevant for all businesses. Business borrowers are likely to experience several of these problems if they are considering a business cash advance that uses credit card factoring and credit card processing.
Can all ten credit card finance obstacles discussed above be avoided? There are indeed viable credit card receivables programs which avoid all of the problems described. For any business owner considering this approach to working capital financing, it is probably worth repeating that it is not necessary to accept any of these problems in order to obtain business cash advances based on future sales.
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