At Ascendus, we believe that financial education is the foundation of entrepreneurial success. Whether someone is launching a first business or preparing to grow an existing one, understanding how credit cards work—and how to use them strategically—can make a real difference.

Let’s walk through the essentials and support informed, confident decisions.
This Way Up.

Credit Cards: Tools to Build, Not Just to Borrow

Used with care, credit cards can be powerful financial tools for small business owners. They can help:

• Build or strengthen a credit profile

• Manage short-term or seasonal expenses

• Provide access to emergency funding

• Keep business and personal finances separate

At the same time, credit cards come with real risks. Without a plan in place, interest charges and revolving debt can accumulate quickly.

That’s why education and guidance matter. With the right support, credit becomes a resource—not a burden.

Key Concepts to Know

Before applying for a credit card, it helps to understand a few essential terms:

• Annual Percentage Rate (APR): The cost of borrowing when the full balance is not paid each month.

• Credit Limit: The total amount available to borrow on the card.

• Minimum Payment: The smallest amount required each month. Only paying the minimum can result in long-term debt.

• Rewards and Perks: Some cards offer cash back, points, or other benefits. These only provide value when balances are paid in full.

Looking to learn more? The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s credit card guide offers helpful tools and comparisons.

Building Credit with Confidence

Good credit habits can unlock opportunities. Over time, they can lead to better financing options, business growth, and greater financial flexibility.

Here are some strong credit habits:

• Pay the full balance on time every month

• Use less than 30% of the credit limit

• Review statements regularly to monitor for errors or fraud

• Choose cards with transparent terms that align with business needs

There’s no need to navigate this alone. Our certified Loan Consultants are here to help every step of the way.

How Ascendus Supports Your Credit Journey

At Ascendus, we offer more than access to capital—we offer guidance and partnership.

Support includes:

• One-on-one credit coaching with certified specialists

• Educational tools to understand and improve credit

• Access to flexible and responsible loan options

• A long-term strategy to build financial resilience

Our mission is to expand access to credit and financial education—especially for small business owners traditionally excluded from mainstream systems.

What Comes Next?

Understanding how credit works is the first step. Taking action is the next. For those ready to strengthen their credit and build toward long-term success, our team is here to help.