Having strong personal credit is the key to getting your first business card. But what happens after that?
Knowing how to keep your business and personal credit separate is important for any business owner — but especially those who stack up credit card rewards with their business expenses.
Today we’re talking about:
🤓 Business vs. personal credit: What you should know
🧳 A much easier way to get through customs (and it’s not Global Entry)
☕ Rewards on your cup of Joe
… and more.
NEWS & NOTES
Checking in: Your smart travel briefing
There’s been a lot of big news in the travel and loyalty worlds since we were last in your inbox. Let’s catch you up on some of the big stories we’ve been covering.
The TSA brought its new “e-gates” to another major airport. But only certain passengers are allowed to use them.
Hot topic (or iced, if you prefer): Which coffee loyalty program is best — Starbucks, Dunkin’ or Dutch Bros? Let us know what you think below.
After just two years in service, Frontier Airlines is now pulling out of this major hub.
American Airlines’ new Flagship Business suites are so snazzy you’ll forget all about the fact that they’re replacing the classic Flagship First cabin.
Last, but definitely not least: The best-ever offers on these no-annual-fee Chase business cards — worth an easy $1,000 cash back or 100,000 points, after you meet the spending requirements — are ending soon. Don’t miss out, because these are the kinds of cards (and bonuses) any business owner should be all over!
CREDIT
Business vs. personal credit: What to know
Strong personal credit can get you through the door with most business credit cards. But if you’re serious about long-term growth, building business credit is where things get interesting.
A solid business credit score can unlock better loan terms, higher credit limits and even lower insurance premiums. Plus, since your business credit report is accessible to lenders, suppliers and potential partners, it can help (or hurt) your reputation before you even shake hands.
Are you still going through customs the hard way? Try this program (and no, it’s not Global Entry)
Don’t get me wrong — Global Entry is great, and we will be the first to point out that there are many credit cards that can help you join this time- and grief-saving program for free.
But it’s not the only way to breeze through customs.
MPC lets travelers submit passport details, answer customs questions and upload a selfie right from their phone before landing. At many U.S. airports, that means access to a dedicated customs lane that’s often much faster than the standard line.
The big difference? Unlike Global Entry, MPC is free, doesn’t require preapproval and can be used by U.S. citizens, permanent residents and some international visitors.
It’s especially useful if you don’t travel internationally often enough to justify Global Entry — or if enrollment appointments are booked months out.
If you’re flying home soon from being abroad, this under-the-radar tool could save you serious time.
TOGETHER WITH
The business card built for up to 10% back
With Engine X, you can earn up to 10%* back on travel booked through Engine. Plus, save up to 60% on hotel stays when booking through Engine.com. Terms apply.*
Don't forget about this record-high 200K-point Chase offer
The Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ packs more than $2,500 in annual cardmember value through its many high-end travel and lifestyle perks. And right now, you can earn its highest-ever bonus of 200,000 Ultimate Rewards points after spending $30,000 on purchases in your first six months from account opening.
This is the highest offer we have ever seen on an Ultimate Rewards card, worth more than $4,000 per our September 2026 valuations. So don’t let this limited-time offer pass you by.
The Ink Business Unlimited earns unlimited 1.5% cash back for no annual fee. This starter business card is a powerful Chase Ultimate Rewards companion.
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The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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