Securing business capital is often the biggest hurdle for entrepreneurs and real estate investors who want to scale their ventures. Traditional bank loans can be hard to obtain, slow to process, and filled with restrictive requirements. But the good news is that there are innovative strategies that offer access to $50,000 to $250,000 in business credit—often at 0% interest.
In a recent episode of Raising Private Money, industry expert Ari Page, founder and CEO of Fund&Grow, shared invaluable insights on how to strategically tap into business credit and grow your business without the stress of traditional lending.
Business Credit: An Untapped Resource
Many people mistakenly believe that their funding options are limited to hard money lenders, banks, or mortgage companies. Business credit cards, however, are often overlooked as a viable funding tool. These cards are designed specifically for business purposes and, when leveraged correctly, can provide a flexible, affordable alternative for financing deals, covering rehab costs, and paying for contractors or marketing campaigns.
The notion that a business credit card can only be used for routine purchases is a misconception. Thanks to approved third-party payment services, business owners can use their credit cards to pay vendors who don’t accept cards, write checks, or even fund escrow accounts. This flexibility is a game-changer for investors who need to move quickly and efficiently.
The Power of 0% Interest
One of the most attractive features of business credit cards is the availability of introductory 0% interest rates, which typically range from 6 to 18 months. This means entrepreneurs can finance deals, pay for materials, or cover business expenses without incurring immediate interest charges. During this time, it’s possible to complete rehab projects, flip properties, or increase cash flow, making repayment much more manageable. Banks are motivated to offer these deals because they earn substantial fees from merchants every time a card is swiped, not just from interest paid by borrowers.
The rewards don’t stop at low interest rates. Many business credit cards also offer cash back and airline miles, which can further reduce the cost of doing business. By stacking cards and repeating the funding process over multiple rounds, entrepreneurs can maintain a cycle of low-interest financing for new projects.
How Business Credit Supports Real Estate Investing
The flexibility and speed provided by business credit cards make them ideal for real estate investors. According to Ari Page, some of the most popular uses among his clients are funding rehabs and providing down payments for larger projects. Instead of being limited by the restrictions of hard money loans, investors can draw directly from their business credit lines or use payment services to pay contractors or escrow accounts. When the property is improved and refinanced, the credit cards are paid off, freeing those lines for the next project.
Qualifying for business credit is also more straightforward than many believe. A 700+ personal credit score is essential, and you need a business entity. Even startups can qualify, making this an excellent option for new entrepreneurs. Once granted, these cards typically do not affect your personal credit report, provided they are kept in good standing.
Why Professional Guidance Is Key
While it may be tempting to apply for business credit independently, data shows that working with experienced professionals like Fund&Grow can significantly increase your funding potential. The application and negotiation process with banks is nuanced, and most approvals are secured through strategic follow-ups and negotiations—not just the initial application. In fact, the majority of funding secured for clients is obtained after the formal application process, a result of specific techniques honed over years of experience.
Navigating business credit cards in today’s evolving lending landscape can be challenging, with changing offer terms and tighter standards compared to previous years. Expertise matters more than ever to avoid mistakes and maximize approvals.
Take the Next Step
For real estate investors and business owners eager to expand, leveraging business credit is a smart move. The process is quicker, more flexible, and often cheaper than traditional funding sources. With the right guidance, you can secure significant capital, seize new opportunities, and drive your business forward—without being beholden to the bank.
10 Discussion Questions from this Episode:
- What are the main differences between business credit and traditional lending options for real estate investors, as discussed by Jay Conner and Ari Page?
- How did Ari Page’s personal experience in 2005-2008 shape his approach to business credit and helping entrepreneurs access funding?
- What are some common misconceptions about using business credit cards in real estate, and how does Ari Page address them?
- Ari Page mentions third-party services that convert credit card spend into payments to vendors—how do these services work, and what are their limitations?
- Why do banks offer 0% business credit cards, and how do they benefit even when charging no interest during the introductory period?
- What are the most popular ways real estate investors use business credit, according to Ari Page, and why do you think these methods are effective?
- What are the requirements for qualifying for business credit cards, and how does personal credit history impact business credit access?
- In what ways can mistakes from trying to secure business credit without expert help limit funding potential, based on the data and stories Ari Page shares?
- How has the business credit landscape changed since 2020, and what challenges or opportunities exist now, according to Ari Page?
- Considering Ari Page’s process and consulting approach, what are some steps small business owners can take today to improve their chances of securing business credit?
Fun facts that were revealed in the episode:
- Ari Page and his company, Fund&Grow, have helped entrepreneurs and investors access nearly $2.1 billion in business credit since 2007, and they’ve been featured on the Inc. 5000 list every year since 2016!
- You don’t need an established business with years of income to qualify for business credit cards—according to Ari Page, even startups can get approved as long as the owner has a good personal credit score (700 or above).
- About 72.4% of funding approvals that Ari Page’s clients receive actually happen after the initial business credit card application, thanks to a special negotiation and verification process his team walks clients through!
Timestamps:
00:01 Funding Real Estate Without Banks
06:05 Business Credit Cards for Investors
09:26 Credit Cards and Merchant Fees
11:36 Funding Solutions for Real Estate Investors
13:56 Business Credit Linked to Personal
17:10 Fund&Grow Funding Process Explained
21:28 Post-Application Funding Success Strategy
24:52 Business Credit Cards in 2026
27:00 Connect with Ari Page:
https://www.fundandgrow.com/jayconnerpq/
27:19 Free Business Credit Prequalification
30:08 Expanding Funding for Real Estate
Free Report:
https://www.jayconner.com/MoneyReport
Join the Private Money Academy:
https://www.JayConner.com/trial/
Have you read Jay’s new book, Where to Get the Money Now?
It is available FREE (all you pay is the shipping and handling) at
https://www.JayConner.com/Book
What is Private Money? Real Estate Investing with Jay Conner
https://www.JayConner.com/MoneyPodcast
Jay Conner is a proven real estate investment leader. He maximizes creative methods to buy and sell properties with profits averaging $67,000 per deal without using his money or credit.
What is Real Estate Investing? Live Private Money Academy Conference
YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/RealEstateInvestingWithJayConner
Apple Podcasts:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/jay.conner.marketing
Listen to Our Podcast:
Comments