Why Combining Personal and Business Credit is a Big Deal

Using personal and business credit together can open up new opportunities. 

Done right, it helps you:

Get More Money: Higher credit limits mean more funding for your needs.

Earn More Rewards: Use the best cards for your spending to rack up points and perks faster.

Protect Your Credit: Build business credit without putting your personal score at risk.

Here’s how to make it work for you.

Step 1: Keep Personal and Business Finances Separate

It’s important to keep things clean between personal and business money.

Here’s what to do:

Set Up Your Business

Start an LLC or corporation to protect your personal assets. Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) to open business accounts.

Open a Business Bank Account

Use this account only for business spending. This helps build your business credit and keeps records clear.

Get a Business Credit Card

Pick cards that match your business needs: Chase Ink Business Preferred: Great for travel, shipping, and ads. Amex Business Gold: Adjusts to your top spending categories.

Step 2: Earn More Rewards with the Right Cards

Using personal and business cards the right way can double your rewards.

Use Personal Cards for Everyday Stuff

For groceries and dining, try the Amex Gold (4x points). For travel and dining, use the Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x points).

Use Business Cards for Big Expenses

Charge business costs like ads and travel to these cards: Amex Business Gold: Earns more on your biggest spending categories. Chase Ink Business Cash: Get 5% back on office supplies and utilities.

Stack Your Rewards

Use portals like Rakuten to earn cashback on purchases – you can earn Membership Reward Points instead of cashback. Combine with offers from your card, like Amex Offers, to earn even more.

Step 3: Keep Your Credit in Good Shape

Smart credit use means staying on top of things.

Watch Your Spending

Keep credit use below 30% of your limits on all cards. Spread spending across cards to avoid maxing out.

Check Your Credit Regularly

Use tools like Experian.com for personal credit and Nav.com for business credit monitoring. Fix mistakes fast to keep your score strong.

Use Business Credit for Growth

Business credit generally doesn’t show up on personal reports, so big spending won’t hurt your personal score. However, Discover, Capital One, and Barclays may report your Business credit spending/usage on your personal credit profile. 

Use 0% APR business cards to fund purchases without paying interest.

Pro Tip: Pair the Right Cards

Combine personal and business cards to cover all your spending: Use the Chase Sapphire Preferred (personal) for dining and travel (2x points).

Pair it with the Chase Ink Business Cash (business) for 5% back on office supplies and bills – 5% Cash back = 5x Ultimate rewards points.

This strategy ensures you’re earning the most rewards from every dollar spent.

Booking of the Week:

A $22,000 First-Class Experience for Under $2,000.

• Outbound: Emirates First Class – Washington, DC (IAD) to Dubai (DXB)
  Award Rate: 163,500 miles + $839
  

• Return: Etihad First Class – Abu Dhabi (AUH) to New York (JFK)
  Award Rate: 160,000 miles + ~$700

Out-of-pocket cost: ~$1,600 vs. Cash equivalent: Over $22,000.

Here’s the real win: 

This client gets to experience two world-class first-class products—Emirates and Etihad—just by leveraging points earned through their everyday business spending.

You’re already spending money. Why not make that money work for you?

Build credit. Earn rewards. Travel in luxury.
Let your credit card company fund your next dream vacation.

If you already have the points and need help booking at the best rates, check out our Award Booking Service.

What to Do Next?

Here’s your action plan:

Separate your personal and business finances.
Choose the best credit cards for your unique spending habits.
Protect your credit while leveraging it for growth.

Here’s to smarter spending, bigger rewards, and business growth.

– Ade O.

The Leverage Letter.