While some credit companies take great care to offer their customers a fair deal, others specialize in hijacking unsuspecting customers through high interest rates and hidden fees.

That's why it's important for savvy small business owners to take the time to research before they sign on the dotted line.

Since each small business owner's situation is unique, one of the primary considerations in choosing a credit card is determining which card is the best fit for your individual circumstances.

With that in mind, here are our recommendations for credit card deals that may be right for your company.

• If you pay your balance in full at the end of each month, try American Express Clear - The American Express Clear card offers some distinct advantages for those who are diligent in paying off their balances at the end of each month. In exchange for your diligence, you will receive a loyalty reward program, no annual fee, and a generous 1-month grace period.
• If you carry a balance from month to month, try Pulaski Bank Visa Classic - The Pulaski Bank Visa Classic is a fantastic option for credit users who typically don’t pay off their balance at the end of each month. This card does have a modest annual fee, but it is more than compensated for by its extremely low interest rate (somewhere around 7%). Be aware, however, that the approval process is somewhat more stringent than you can expect from cards with higher rates.
• If you pay late sometimes, try Amalgamated Bank MasterCard - No one likes to pay their credit card bill late, but sometimes there’s no way to avoid it. If that happens to you sometimes, then you might want to consider the Amalgamated Bank MasterCard. In addition to no annual fee, you’ll benefit from this card’s no annual fee and no penalty interest features. The interest rate isn’t exorbitant and normal late fees ($20 range) make it a safe option.
• If you want to transfer a balance,try Discover Platinum - If you’re like most small business owners, chances are you are already carrying a balance on another card. If you want to transfer that balance to a new card, it’s important to make sure the new credit card company won’t assess transfer fees or other costs that might negatively impact your decision. The Discover Platinum card offers a low (0%) introductory rate on balance transfers and purchases for the first year without an unreasonably high rate after the introductory period expires. With no annual fee, this card may be another good option for your company.

Since credit card offers are constantly changing, it's a good idea to check around for the latest credit card offers. Sites like www.e-wisdom.com and creditcardguide.com let you compare credit card information, comparison charts, and applications for a variety of business credit cards, including Visa and MasterCard.