As with any other aspect of your business, choose your tools carefully for the long-term management of your finances. Of course, credit and deposit accounts in the name of your business will help build the company's credit rating and likewise prevent a problem at the company from affecting your personal credit.

If monthly expenses tend to be up one month and down the next, a credit card with a revolving balance feature can help you manage cash flow and deal with the fluctuations.

On the other hand, a charge card is good if you know you can pay it in full at the end of every month and just use it as a tool to manage expenses within the payment time frame. With no preset spending feature it gives you the flexibility to manage unpredictable expenses such as entertainment and travel. In either case, you should look for the other benefits you'll use most, including insurance, reward points, and member discounts at your most often-used business vendors

As businesses work their way to terrific credit, they have the advantage of negotiating longer payment cycles, which may in turn continue to improve cash flow. And now, fiscally successful small businesses may receive The Plum Card from American Express OPEN (SM), which makes it possible to receive trade terms virtually everywhere.

With The Plum Card (SM), you can take up to two months from your statement closing date to pay your balance in full; without interest or finance charges when you make an initial payment of at least 10% of your balance by the Please Pay By date. It's what good business credit may get you.