How to Get an M&T Business Credit Card

(June 2024)

How to Get an M&T Business Credit Card

In This Article

Introduction

Operating a business comes with no shortage of expenses. Ensuring you have a robust business credit card like the M&T (Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company) business credit card to optimize spending and earn attractive rewards is essential.

M&T offers a highly customizable card with perks for your diverse business needs. Its card boasts features like:

  • Competitive rewards on category spending
  • Valuable account management tools
  • Business banking support teams

With a broad presence spanning over 700 branches across 8 states and Washington D.C., M&T provides convenient access to banking services along the entire East Coast.

Key states where M&T has a significant presence include New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia. Major metropolitan markets are New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington D.C.

With an application checklist in hand, you can confidently apply and get set up with the perfect M&T business card for your needs. One that provides flexible purchasing power plus opportunities to earn cashback or travel rewards on every business outlay.

SUMMARY

  1. Consider your business goals
  2. Review the rewards of the credit card
  3. Gather your documents
  4. Apply
  5. Activate it
  6. Customize your card

Recap

1. Consider your business goals

To get an M&T business credit card, consider your business goals. When applying for a small business credit card, an important early step is clearly defining your business goals and how the card will help achieve them. Different cards offer different benefits, so aligning to your aims maximizes value.

For instance, if your business mostly involves travel for conferences, client meetings, and events, prioritize a card with rewards on airfare and hotels. Earning airline miles can offset those frequent business trips.

Or if you run an online retail business with significant advertising and shipping costs, consider a card offering bonus rewards on digital ads and parcel services. That accelerates points earning.

Maybe your goal is simply boosting everyday purchasing power. In that case, a card with a higher overall spending limit meets that need.

Defining your business growth objectives also helps select ideal rewards. So are you looking to earn cashback for operating expenses? Or accrue travel perks for employee recognition?

2. Review the rewards of the credit card

To obtain the M&T Bank business credit card, review its rewards. Take time to review the rewards of its business card before applying. Some rewards include the following:

The M&T Business Rewards Credit Card provides an attractive 2% cash back on all purchases for the first year. After that, you earn 1% cash back on eligible purchases. With no annual fee, it’s a solid everyday spending card.

For a lower interest rate, the M&T business credit card offers an intro 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months (13.24-21.24% variable APR after). With no rewards, it’s best for large purchases where you need financing.

The M&T Visa Business Credit Card blends aspects of both cards. It offers 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases without category restrictions. Redeem points for cash back or travel. The $95 annual fee is offset by generous rewards-earning potential.

3. Gather your documents

To ensure you streamline your application for an M&T business card, take time to gather all the necessary documents and financial records an M&T business credit card application requires:

  • Tax documents – Have at least 2 years of business tax returns to provide as proof of your time in business. This verifies your company has an operating history.
  • Financial statements – Submit current balance sheets, income statements, profit and loss statements, or financial projections to demonstrate your business’s financial health and validity. These help show revenue flows and the ability to repay debt.
  • Business formation documents – Include relevant business licenses, DBA filings, articles of incorporation, and your Employer Identification Number (EIN) confirmation letter. This proves proper business registration and entity formation.
  • Bank statements – Recent business bank account statements further validate ongoing operations, cash balances, and generation of regular revenue. Statements establish financial stability.
  • Ownership information – If your business partner or co-founder has at least a 20% ownership stake in the business, provide tax returns as well. As principal owners, their finances need reviewing.

Having all the correct documents ready for submission allows your M&T application to go through a prompt review. Accurate documents portray business maturity and viability.

4. Apply

To apply for an M&T business credit card, complete your application. How?

  • Schedule an appointment – You can apply in person at a branch location. Online applications are also possible.
  • Provide accurate information – When filling out the application, supply your details along with business information like EIN, address, time in business, contact info, and revenue accurately.
  • Accept the terms – Carefully review the cardholder agreement terms covering fees, rates, credit limits, and other policies before accepting. Understand billing cycles and minimum payment rules as well.
  • Submit application and documents – Send in your application and supporting financial documents through the online portal or in person. Double-check everything before submitting.
  • Monitor the status – Log in online to view your application status. Provide any additional details M&T requests to aid the decision.
  • Get a decision – You should receive a decision within 7-10 business days in most cases. Follow up with a business banker if you don’t hear after 10 days.

5. Activate it

To start using your M&T business credit card, activate it. Once you get approval, you will receive your new M&T business credit card by mail within 5-7 business days. It’s time to activate it and put it to use:

  • Call to activate – Call the number on the back of the card to activate it and confirm receipt. This also verifies your identity.
  • Check your account – Log in online or via the app to view activity, and statements, make payments, track rewards, and set alerts.
  • Contact M&T – Reach out to a business banker for any account needs, benefits questions, or transaction disputes.
  • Enjoy the perks – From anywhere account access to support teams, take advantage of all the conveniences and financial tools your new business credit card offers.

6. Customize your card

For a unique look on your M&T business credit card, customize it. This is a unique perk M&T Bank offers. When you apply, you can opt to personalize your cards by uploading a logo, selecting background colors/patterns, featuring a tagline, and adding other creative touches that represent your brand.

This makes pulling out your card a mini marketing opportunity to highlight your company identity and make an impression.

The flexibility to style your cards with your business’s visual identity gives a feel superior to plain generic corporate cards. It shows clients and vendors you take pride in your enterprise.

So whether you’re showcasing your elegant logo, using bold colors that pop, or adding a catchy motto, take advantage of customizing your M&T cards to align their look with your brand.

Recap

With some preparation, getting an M&T business credit card is straightforward. Use it responsibly to optimize spending and cash flow!

First, review M&T’s business card options and select the best fit. Next, gather your financial documents and submit a complete application with accurate personal and business details. Get approval within 7-10 days in most cases, activate the card, and start earning rewards. Use the online account dashboard for easy card management and contact its banking team anytime questions arise.

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