business letter essay questions

How to Write Business Letter Essay: Elements, Fonts, Examples, Templates, Tips

Business letters are a crucial form of communication in the business world. Whether it's to send important information, make a request, or express appreciation, a well-written business letter can achieve significant results. However, it is equally important to ensure that the business letter is properly formatted. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different parts of a business letter template, the correct format, and the steps on how to format a business letter effectively. We will also provide you with a free template and an example for your reference.

Before we delve into the proper formatting of a business letter, it is essential to understand the different parts of a business letter.

Parts of Business Letter

Sender Information

The sender's information is the sender's name, address, and contact details. This information should be placed at the top of the letter, aligned to the left-hand side of the page. It is important to ensure that the sender's information is accurate and up-to-date. If there are any changes to the sender's details, it is essential to update them immediately.

The date should be included below the sender's information and aligned with the left-hand margin. The date is an essential part of the letter as it provides a reference point for the recipient. It is crucial to ensure that the date is accurate and corresponds with the date the letter was sent.

Recipient Information

The recipient's information consists of the recipient's name, title, and address. This information should be placed below the date, aligned with the left-hand margin. It is essential to ensure that the recipient's information is accurate and up-to-date. If there are any changes to the recipient's details, it is essential to update them immediately.

Salutation/Greeting

The salutation or greeting is the opening of the letter. It is usually addressed to the recipient and must be polite and professional. So, how to address a business letter properly?

If you know the name of the recipient, use their name; if not, use 'Dear Sir/Madam' or 'To Whom It May Concern.' The salutation sets the tone for the rest of the letter, so it is essential to get it right.

The body is the primary part of the letter and usually consists of three to four paragraphs. It should be well-structured and convey your message clearly and concisely. In this section, you can explain the reason for writing the letter, provide details, and request the action required. It is essential to ensure that the body of the letter is well-written and free from errors. The body of the letter is where you can make your case, so it is important to make it persuasive and convincing.

For example, if you are writing a business letter essay to a potential client, you might want to highlight your company's strengths and explain how your product or service can benefit them. You could also provide examples of how your product or service has helped other clients in the past.

On the other hand, if you are writing a business letter to a supplier, you might want to provide details about the products or services you require and explain any specific requirements you have. You could also provide information about your company's payment terms and any other relevant details.

The closing must be polite and formal. It should match the tone of the salutation and the rest of the letter. Examples of business letter closings include 'Sincerely,' 'Yours sincerely,' or 'Best regards.'

The closing is an essential part of the letter as it signals the end of the communication. It is important to choose an appropriate business letter closing that reflects the nature of the letter and the relationship between the sender and the recipient.

The letter should end with a signature, followed by the sender's name, title, and company name. The signature is a sign of authenticity and indicates that the letter has been written and sent by the sender. It is important to ensure that the signature is legible and matches the name of the sender.

Overall, according to our experts, a well-written and properly formatted business letter can be an effective tool for communication in the business world. By following the guidelines for each part of the letter, you can ensure that your message is clear, concise, and professional.

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Business Letter Format and Font Notes

Block format.

Normally, senders should stick to the block letter format. It is the most widespread layout of this type of document (but not the only possible one). It suggests that there should be a double space between paragraphs and a single space between the lines. All the text should be left-justified.

Keep in mind the correct formatting and font to ensure that your letter looks professional and is easily readable.

Block Format - The block letter format remains the commonly used layout for most business letters. It involves double-spacing between paragraphs and single-spacing within the lines while aligning all text to the left.

Modified Block Format - In the modified block formats, the date and closing are centered. The body of the letter, along with the sender's and recipient's addresses, is positioned on the left. Lines within the letter are single-spaced. Although less frequently used than the block format, it offers an alternative approach.

Semi-Block Format - Another option for creating an effective business letter format example is the semi-block format. It closely resembles the modified block format but differs in the indentation of paragraphs instead of left-justifying them.

Please note that these examples provide general guidance, and individual companies may have their own templates and letterhead designs.

For users of Microsoft Office 2000, the Letter Wizard feature can be helpful for creating business letters. Accessed through the Tools button, the Letter Wizard offers templates for semi-block, modified block, and block form letters. By inputting the necessary addresses and data, the Wizard will automatically format them. However, it may be less precise and may not meet the needs of experienced professionals. Therefore, when composing a business letter, it is advisable to consult additional formatting guidelines to ensure accuracy and professionalism.

Font and Font Size - Choosing the right font and font size is crucial in creating a professional-looking business letter. The preferred fonts for a business letter are Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, and the font size should be 12 points. These fonts are easy to read and are widely accepted in the business world.

According to our MBA essay writing service , it is essential to avoid using fancy or decorative fonts that may be difficult to read, as this can make your letter appear unprofessional. Additionally, using a font size smaller than 12 points can make your letter challenging to read, especially for older readers.

Margins and Line Spacing - The margins and line spacing are also essential elements of a well-formatted business letter. The standard margins for a business letter essay are one inch from all four sides of the page. This margin ensures that your letter looks neat and well-organized.

Line spacing should be one and a half, and the spacing between paragraphs should be double-spaced. This line spacing ensures that your letter is easy to read and that there is enough space between paragraphs for the reader to distinguish between different sections of the letter.

Alignment - The alignment of your letter is also crucial in creating a professional-looking document. The text of a business letter should be aligned to the left, except for the sender's information, which should be aligned to the right.

Aligning the text to the left ensures that the letter is easy to read and that the text flows smoothly. Aligning the sender's information to the right ensures that it stands out and is easy to find.

How to Write a Business Letter Essay

Writing a business letter is an essential skill that every professional should master. A well-written business letter can make a lasting impression on the recipient and help you achieve your goals. In this section, we will walk you through the seven steps on how to write a business letter format efficiently.

Step 1: Determine the Purpose

The first step in writing a business letter, including top interview questions, is to determine the purpose of the letter. Ask yourself what specific information you are seeking or what key points you wish to address during the interview. Identifying the purpose of the letter will enable you to structure your questions effectively and ensure a productive and informative interview session.

Step 2: Research the Recipient's Information

Before you start writing the letter, you need to ensure that you have the correct recipient's information. This includes the recipient's name, job title, company name, and address. Double-check the spelling of the recipient's name and the address to avoid any mistakes that could lead to the letter being sent to the wrong person.

Step 3: Plan the Content

Once you have identified the purpose of the letter and gathered the recipient's information, you can start planning the content of the letter. Jot down the primary points you want to convey and organize them logically. Consider the tone of the letter and ensure that it is appropriate for the recipient and the purpose of the letter.

It's also essential to consider the structure of the letter. Much like an essay on ethics , a typical business letter consists of an opening, a body, and a closing. The opening should be brief and introduce the purpose of the letter. The body should provide the details of the message, and when closing a business letter, you should summarize the main points with any necessary follow-up information.

Step 4: Write the Letter

Using the business letter format and the information you have gathered, write the letter in a clear, concise, and professional manner. Start with a business letter salutation, such as 'Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],' and be sure to use the appropriate title. In the body of the letter, provide the necessary details and information to support your purpose. Use a professional tone and avoid using slang or jargon that the recipient may not understand.

Step 5: Review and Edit

After you have written the letter, it's essential to review and edit it. Read through the letter to ensure that it is well-structured and that there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Edit the letter to make it more concise and persuasive. Consider the recipient's perspective and ensure that the letter addresses their needs and concerns.

Step 6: Print and Sign the Letter

Once you have reviewed and edited the letter, it's time to print it out and sign it in the space provided at the end. A handwritten signature adds a personal touch and shows that you have taken the time to sign the letter personally.

Step 7: Send the Letter

Finally, it's time to send the letter through the appropriate channels, such as email or postal mail. Ensure that the letter reaches the intended recipient and that you have followed up if necessary.

By following these seven steps, you can write an effective business letter essay that achieves your goals and leaves a lasting impression on the recipient.

How to Format a Business Letter Essay: 6 Tips

Writing a business letter can be a daunting task, but with the right format and tone, it can be a breeze. Here are some valuable tips on how to format a business letter essay effectively.

Use Clear and Concise Language

When writing a business letter, it is important to use a language that is easy to read and understand. Avoid using complex words and jargon that may confuse the reader. Keep your sentences short and to the point. This will help you get your message across quickly and effectively.

Maintain a Professional Tone

A business letter is a formal document, so it is important to maintain a professional tone. Just like when preparing a formal speech, you need to avoid using slang or informal language. Use a polite and respectful tone , even if you are writing to someone you know well. So, whether you need help with writing a formal email business letter send us your request. We ensure that it adheres to the appropriate tone, using polite and respectful language.

Ensure that the Letter is Well-Structured

A well-structured letter is easy to follow and understand. Use paragraphs to break up your text, and ensure that each paragraph has a clear and concise message. Use headings and subheadings to make it easy for the reader to navigate the letter.

Use Bullet Points or Numbering

Bullet points or numbering can make your letter essay more readable. Use them to highlight important points or to list items in a series. This will help the reader to quickly identify the key messages in your letter.

Use an Appropriate and Readable Font

The font you use can have a big impact on the readability of your letter. Use a font that is easy to read, such as Arial or Times New Roman. Avoid using fonts that are too small or too fancy, as they can be difficult to read.

Proofread the Letter Multiple Times

When you're done, make sure to send a completely polished business letter. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure that your message is clear and concise. Ask someone else to read the letter and provide feedback, as a fresh pair of eyes can often catch mistakes that you may have missed.

By following these tips on how to create a business letter format, you can ensure that your business letter is well-formatted and effective. Remember to keep your tone professional and your message clear, and you will be sure to make a great impression on your reader.

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Business Letter Template

Here is a business letter format example, which might be useful before starting writing. And if you feel hesitant or unsure about writing on your own, you can always rely on our services.

[Your Name]

[Your Title/Position]

[Your Company/Organization]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

[Recipient's Name]

[Recipient's Title/Position]

[Recipient's Company/Organization]

[Recipient's Address]

Dear [Recipient's Name],

Subject Line: [Brief description of the purpose of the letter]

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to [state the purpose of the letter] and explore the possibility of [mention specific request, proposal, or opportunity]. I have carefully considered [briefly explain the rationale or context behind your request/proposal/opportunity].

[Provide additional details or supporting information related to your request/proposal/opportunity. This section may vary depending on the nature of your letter, but ensure it is clear and concise.]

Moreover, I am confident that [state how your request/proposal/opportunity will benefit the recipient or their organization]. By [mention the potential outcomes or advantages], we can [describe the positive impact it could have on both parties].

I would be delighted to discuss this matter further with you or any relevant representative from your organization. Please feel free to contact me at [your phone number or email address] to schedule a meeting or address any questions or concerns you may have.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

[Your Full Name]

Business Letter Example

Here is a business letter essay example prepared by our essay writers for hire , who are experts in this field.

Sales Manager

ABC Corporation

123 Main Street Anytown, USA 12345

[email protected]

(555) 123-4567 June 6, 2023

Emily Thompson

Procurement Manager

XYZ Company

456 Elm Avenue Otherville, USA 67890

Dear Ms. Thompson,

Subject: Proposal for Supplying Office Stationery

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to explore the possibility of supplying office stationery to XYZ Company. After carefully considering your organization's requirements and reviewing our extensive range of high-quality office supplies, I believe that ABC Corporation can fulfill your stationery needs efficiently and affordably.

ABC Corporation has been a trusted supplier of office products for over 10 years. We pride ourselves on delivering top-notch customer service and providing a wide variety of office stationery, including pens, paper, notepads, sticky notes, and other essential items. Our commitment to quality and timely delivery has earned us an excellent reputation in the industry.

By partnering with ABC Corporation for your office stationery requirements, you can benefit from our competitive pricing, bulk order discounts, and reliable inventory management system. Additionally, our dedicated account managers ensure personalized attention and prompt resolution of any issues that may arise.

We understand the importance of having a steady supply of office stationery to ensure uninterrupted workflow and productivity. Our efficient distribution network enables us to meet your requirements promptly, and our inventory management system helps prevent stockouts or excess inventory, ensuring cost-effectiveness for your organization.

I would be delighted to discuss your office stationery needs in more detail and provide a customized proposal that aligns with your requirements. Please feel free to contact me at (555) 123-4567 or via email at [email protected]. I am available at your convenience to schedule a meeting or address any questions or concerns you may have.

Thank you for considering ABC Corporation as your preferred office stationery supplier. We value the opportunity to serve your organization and look forward to the possibility of establishing a mutually beneficial business relationship.

John Davis Sales Manager ABC Corporation

Writing a business letter may initially appear overwhelming, but by understanding the structure and necessary steps involved, it can become a straightforward task. Whether you need to write a business letter our team is here to assist you. Trust our expertise to help you make a lasting impact with your correspondence or any research paper you may require.

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Business Communication  - How to Write a Formal Business Letter

Business communication  -, how to write a formal business letter, business communication how to write a formal business letter.

Business Communication: How to Write a Formal Business Letter

Lesson 7: how to write a formal business letter.

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How to write a formal business letter

Whenever you need to communicate with another company or share important news, business letters can present your message in a classic, polished style. Unlike internal memos, business letters are usually written from one company to another, which is why they’re so formal and structured . However, letters are also quite versatile, as they can be used for official requests, announcements, cover letters, and much more.

Despite the formality, letters can still have a friendly tone , especially because they include brief introductions before getting to the main point. Regardless of the tone you use in your letter, your writing should remain concise, clear, and easy to read.

Watch the video below to learn about formal business letters.

This lesson focuses on American business letters. Letters written in other parts of the world may have minor differences in formatting.

The structure of a business letter

The business letter’s precise structure is crucial to its look and readability. As you write your letter, you can follow the structure below to create an effective document.

• Opening : Include your mailing address, the full date (for example, July 30, 2017), and the recipient’s name, company, and address. Skip one line between your address, the date, and your recipient’s information. Don’t add your address if you’re using letterhead that already contains it.
• Salutation : Address the recipient using “Dear,” along with their title and last name, such as “Dear Mr. Collins” or “Dear Director Kinkade.” If you don’t know the recipient’s gender, use their full name, such as “Dear Taylor Dean.” Finally, be sure to add a colon to the end of the salutation.
• Body : In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and the main point of your letter. Following paragraphs should go into the details of your main point, while your final paragraph should restate the letter’s purpose and provide a call to action, if necessary.
• Closing : Recommended formal closings include “Sincerely” or “Yours truly.” For a more personal closing, consider using “Cordially” or “Best regards.” Regardless of what you choose, add a comma to the end of it.
• Signature : Skip four lines after the closing and type your name. Skip another line and type your job title and company name. If you’re submitting a hard copy, sign your name in the empty space using blue or black ink.
• Enclosures : If you’re including documents with this letter, list them here.

Another important part of the structure is the layout , which determines how the text is formatted. The most common layout for a business letter is known as block format , which keeps all text left-justified and single spaced, except for double spaces between the paragraphs. This layout keeps the letter looking clean and easy to read.

As stated in Business Writing Essentials , revision is a crucial part of writing. Review your letter to keep it concise, and proofread it for spelling and grammar errors. Once you’re finished writing, ask someone to read your letter and give you feedback , as they can spot errors you may have missed. Also make sure any enclosures are attached to your document and that any hard copies are signed.

After revising the content, consider the appearance of your letter. If you’re printing a hard copy, be sure to use quality paper. Also try using letterhead to give your document a more official look.

Example of a business letter

To see this lesson in action, let’s take a look at a polished business letter by reviewing the example below.

This letter looks great! The structure is perfect, and the text is left-justified and single spaced. The body is formal, friendly, and concise, while the salutation and closing look good. It also contains a handwritten signature, which means it’s ready to be submitted as a hard copy.

Knowing how to write a business letter will serve you well throughout your career. Keep practicing and studying it, and you’ll be able to communicate in a classic style.

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Examples of business letter format.

In this section, you will find many instructional materials we’ve developed for our Writing Center teaching.

However, there are limitations to these materials. Assignments vary, and different instructors want different things from student writers. Therefore, the advice here may or may not apply to your writing situation.

Finally, handouts can give only a fraction of the customized guidance that an individual conference with a Writing Center instructor can provide. If you have questions about the information in our handouts, please make an appointment to see a Writing Center instructor.

5 Hill Street Madison, Wisconsin 53700

March 15, 2005

Ms. Helen Jones President Jones, Jones & Jones 123 International Lane Boston, Massachusetts 01234

Dear Ms. Jones:

Ah, business letter format-there are block formats, and indented formats, and modified block formats . . . and who knows what others. To simplify matters, we’re demonstrating the block format on this page, one of the two most common formats. For authoritative advice about all the variations, we highly recommend The Gregg Reference Manual, 9th ed. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), a great reference tool for workplace communications. There seems to be no consensus about such fine points as whether to skip a line after your return address and before the date: some guidelines suggest that you do; others do not. Let’s hope that your business letter succeeds no matter which choice you make!

When you use the block form to write a business letter, all the information is typed flush left, with one-inch margins all around. First provide your own address, then skip a line and provide the date, then skip one more line and provide the inside address of the party to whom the letter is addressed. If you are using letterhead that already provides your address, do not retype that information; just begin with the date. For formal letters, avoid abbreviations where possible.

Skip another line before the salutation, which should be followed by a colon. Then write the body of your letter as illustrated here, with no indentation at the beginnings of paragraphs. Skip lines between paragraphs.

After writing the body of the letter, type the closing, followed by a comma, leave 3 blank lines, then type your name and title (if applicable), all flush left. Sign the letter in the blank space above your typed name. Now doesn’t that look professional?

John Doe Administrative Assistant

Indented Form

15 March 2005

Ah, business letter format–there are block formats, and indented formats, and modified block formats . . . and who knows what others. To simplify matters, we’re demonstrating the indented format on this page, one of the two most common formats. For authoritative advice about all the variations, we highly recommend The Gregg Reference Manual, 9th ed. (New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001), a great reference tool for workplace communications. There seems to be no consensus about such fine points as whether to skip a line after your return address and before the date: some guidelines suggest that you do; others do not. Let’s hope that your business letter succeeds no matter which choice you make!

If you are using the indented form, place your address at the top, with the left edge of the address aligned with the center of the page. Skip a line and type the date so that it lines up underneath your address. Type the inside address and salutation flush left; the salutation should be followed by a colon. For formal letters, avoid abbreviations.

Indent the first line of each paragraph one-half inch. Skip lines between paragraphs.

Instead of placing the closing and signature lines flush left, type them in the center, even with the address and date above, as illustrated here. Now doesn’t that look professional?

Academic and Professional Writing

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How to Write a Business Essay: an Ultimate Guide

Table of Contents

Writing an essay can be boring. A lot of essays are basically the same thing over and over again. You write an introduction, then you write your supporting paragraphs, and then you create a conclusion. Overall, the process is not a lot of fun, and you can often feel as though you are simply going through the motions for the sake of churning out extra work. But since you have to write an essay, it’s worth considering the many ways that you can make the process faster and easier. In this ultimate guide, we’ll discuss the best way to write a business essay so you can get through the process faster and with relatively little trouble.

It might seem obvious, but the first thing you need to do when you write an essay is to read the essay question. You need to be sure you understand each part of the essay question and how the parts of the question work together. You would be surprised how many students only glance at the question and then write a paper that only partially addresses the assignment. You don’t want to lose points because part of your paper isn’t on topic. If you find any parts of the paper that you don’t understand or that require explanation, be sure to contact your instructor for clarification before you start writing.

Read the essay rubric

These days, most essays have a grading rubric included with the question. A grading rubric is like a cheat sheet for writing your essay. When you review the essay rubric, you’ll see exactly how your instructor will grade your paper and what your instructor will be looking for. When you write your paper, you will therefore know exactly what to include and how to write about it in order to maximize your points—and you’ll also see what you can spend less time on because it won’t contribute to your overall grade.

Make friends with your library

Many students automatically turn to search engines like Google in order to research their papers, but this is not the most effective way to find high-quality business sources for your paper. Instead, take advantage of your library’s databases. Your college or university library will likely have dedicated business databases that collect high-quality academic articles on business topics. Using these resources in your paper will make your essay stronger and more effective, and it will put your paper on a solid academic footing.

Compile your sources before you write

Many students use the start-and-stop method to write their papers, composing a sentence or two and then stopping to look up more information in order to keep going. This, however, is an inefficient way to work. A better way is to read through your research sources before you start and copy into a separate file a series of quotations and facts that you might use in your paper, creating in-text citations and reference list entries for each before you start. Doing so will make sure that you don’t have to stop for research and have a ready bank of pre-cited material to work with as you write.

Outline before you write

Outlining is an important skill that will both save you time and improve the quality of your essay. Take time before you write to lay out your paper from beginning to end. Start with your thesis statement and carefully lay out the body paragraphs with a topic sentence, supporting details (including research, quotes, and citations ), and a closing paragraph . Plan your transitions to link paragraphs together. Any amount of outlining can be helpful, but the more effort that you put into outlining at this stage, the easier it will be to write your paper, and the less likely it will be that you get stuck in a tangent that goes nowhere or meander into a point that requires you to change your thesis and revise you whole essay.

Remember to revise and proofread

When you finish the draft of your paper, you aren’t done yet. The first draft is rarely the finished product. You should always set aside time to read your work back and to make revisions to make it clearer. You also need to carefully proofread for mechanical grammar, punctuation, and syntax issues to ensure that your paper is as close to perfect as possible. You don’t want to leave points on the table because your paper had easy to fix minor spelling or grammar errors.

Consider professional writing help

Another great way to get your paper done quickly is to seek out custom professional help from an essay writing service with academic experts. An online writing company such as this can create business papers for college students and deliver them fast. When you utilize professional writing assistance, you can receive a custom-written essay that can serve as a great model to help you understand how a professional would approach your business topic and organize and develop an essay to address your assignment. Using a model such as this can save you time and effort as you work on your own paper, allowing you to focus on the learning process more than the mechanics of academic essay writing.

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The Science of Strong Business Writing

• Bill Birchard

Lessons from neurobiology

Brain scans are showing us in new detail exactly what entices readers. Scientists can see a group of midbrain neurons—the “reward circuit”—light up as people respond to everything from a simple metaphor to an unexpected story twist. The big takeaway? Whether you’re crafting an email to a colleague or an important report for the board, you can write in a way that delights readers on a primal level, releasing pleasure chemicals in their brains.

Bill Birchard is an author and writing coach who’s worked with many successful businesspeople. He’s drawn on that experience and his review of the scientific literature to identify eight features of satisfying writing: simplicity, specificity, surprise, stirring language, seductiveness, smart ideas, social content, and storytelling. In this article, he shares tips for using those eight S’s to captivate readers and help your message stick.

Strong writing skills are essential for anyone in business. You need them to effectively communicate with colleagues, employees, and bosses and to sell any ideas, products, or services you’re offering.

• Bill Birchard is a business author and book-writing coach. His Writing for Impact: 8 Secrets from Science That Will Fire Up Your Reader’s Brain will be published by HarperCollins Leadership in April 2023. His previous books include Merchants of Virtue, Stairway to Earth, Nature’s Keepers, Counting What Counts, and others. For more writing tactics, see his website .  

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Writing the Basic Business Letter

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Parts of a Business Letter

This resource is organized in the order in which you should write a business letter, starting with the sender's address if the letter is not written on letterhead.

Sender's Address

The sender's address usually is included in letterhead. If you are not using letterhead, include the sender's address at the top of the letter one line above the date. Do not write the sender's name or title, as it is included in the letter's closing. Include only the street address, city, and zip code.

The date line is used to indicate the date the letter was written. However, if your letter is completed over a number of days, use the date it was finished in the date line. When writing to companies within the United States, use the American date format. (The United States-based convention for formatting a date places the month before the day. For example: June 11, 2001. ) Write out the month, day and year two inches from the top of the page. Depending which format you are using for your letter, either left justify the date or tab to the center point and type the date. In the latter case, include the sender's address in letterhead, rather than left-justified.

Inside Address

The inside address is the recipient's address. It is always best to write to a specific individual at the firm to which you are writing. If you do not have the person's name, do some research by calling the company or speaking with employees from the company. Include a personal title such as Ms., Mrs., Mr., or Dr. Follow a woman's preference in being addressed as Miss, Mrs., or Ms. If you are unsure of a woman's preference in being addressed, use Ms. If there is a possibility that the person to whom you are writing is a Dr. or has some other title, use that title. Usually, people will not mind being addressed by a higher title than they actually possess. To write the address, use the U.S. Post Office Format. For international addresses, type the name of the country in all-capital letters on the last line. The inside address begins one line below the date. It should be left justified, no matter which format you are using.

Use the same name as the inside address, including the personal title. If you know the person and typically address them by their first name, it is acceptable to use only the first name in the salutation (for example: Dear Lucy:). In all other cases, however, use the personal title and last/family name followed by a colon. Leave one line blank after the salutation.

If you don't know a reader's gender, use a nonsexist salutation, such as their job title followed by the receiver's name. It is also acceptable to use the full name in a salutation if you cannot determine gender. For example, you might write Dear Chris Harmon: if you were unsure of Chris's gender.

For block and modified block formats, single space and left justify each paragraph within the body of the letter. Leave a blank line between each paragraph. When writing a business letter, be careful to remember that conciseness is very important. In the first paragraph, consider a friendly opening and then a statement of the main point. The next paragraph should begin justifying the importance of the main point. In the next few paragraphs, continue justification with background information and supporting details. The closing paragraph should restate the purpose of the letter and, in some cases, request some type of action.

The closing begins at the same vertical point as your date and one line after the last body paragraph. Capitalize the first word only (for example: Thank you) and leave four lines between the closing and the sender's name for a signature. If a colon follows the salutation, a comma should follow the closing; otherwise, there is no punctuation after the closing.

If you have enclosed any documents along with the letter, such as a resume, you indicate this simply by typing Enclosures below the closing. As an option, you may list the name of each document you are including in the envelope. For instance, if you have included many documents and need to ensure that the recipient is aware of each document, it may be a good idea to list the names.

Typist initials

Typist initials are used to indicate the person who typed the letter. If you typed the letter yourself, omit the typist initials.

A Note About Format and Font

Block Format

When writing business letters, you must pay special attention to the format and font used. The most common layout of a business letter is known as block format. Using this format, the entire letter is left justified and single spaced except for a double space between paragraphs.

Modified Block

Another widely utilized format is known as modified block format. In this type, the body of the letter and the sender's and recipient's addresses are left justified and single-spaced. However, for the date and closing, tab to the center point and begin to type.

The final, and least used, style is semi-block. It is much like the modified block style except that each paragraph is indented instead of left justified.

Keep in mind that different organizations have different format requirements for their professional communication. While the examples provided by the OWL contain common elements for the basic business letter (genre expectations), the format of your business letter may need to be flexible to reflect variables like letterheads and templates. Our examples are merely guides.

If your computer is equipped with Microsoft Office 2000, the Letter Wizard can be used to take much of the guesswork out of formatting business letters. To access the Letter Wizard, click on the Tools menu and then choose Letter Wizard. The Wizard will present the three styles mentioned here and input the date, sender address and recipient address into the selected format. Letter Wizard should only be used if you have a basic understanding of how to write a business letter. Its templates are not applicable in every setting. Therefore, you should consult a business writing handbook if you have any questions or doubt the accuracy of the Letter Wizard.

Another important factor in the readability of a letter is the font. The generally accepted font is Times New Roman, size 12, although other fonts such as Arial may be used. When choosing a font, always consider your audience. If you are writing to a conservative company, you may want to use Times New Roman. However, if you are writing to a more liberal company, you have a little more freedom when choosing fonts.

Punctuation

Punctuation after the salutation and closing - use a colon (:) after the salutation (never a comma) and a comma (,) after the closing. In some circumstances, you may also use a less common format, known as open punctuation. For this style, punctuation is excluded after the salutation and the closing.

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Business Letter Test

Are the following statements true or false.

1. With block format, all new paragraphs are indented. True False

2. In business letters a salutation is generally followed by a comma or a colon. True False

3. Business letters should be simple and easy to read. True False

4. It is advisable to wait a day between writing and sending an important letter. True False

5. The date on a business letter should appear after the salutation. True False

6. An "Enclosure" note should appear below the typed name of the sender at the end of the letter. True False

7. The first paragraph of a business letter should be comprised entirely of "small talk". True False

8. Contact suggestions generally appear in the closing paragraph of the letter. True False

9. Identifying the audience is one of the first steps in planning a business letter. True False

10. It is considered standard formatting to include the recipient's address before the salutation in a business letter. True False

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Everything You Need to Know About Business School Essays

Padya Paramita

February 8, 2021

You’ve worked hard to achieve a good GMAT score and beef up your resumé as you prepare to apply to your top-choice MBA programs. While you’ve got those components out of the way, you might still need to work on the element which could make all the difference between an acceptance and a rejection from the admissions committee: your business school essays .

Business school essays are program-specific and are geared towards helping admissions committees understand who you are and how their institution can help you reach your goals. In order to answer these prompts, you need to frame the biggest factors behind your choice of a school in terms of how they align with your personality and aspirations. 

You must take advantage of this essay component to give admissions committee members a concrete and memorable idea of who you are. To guide you through what to expect, we’ve outlined the 2020-2021 prompts for the top 20 MBA programs, how to answer common questions, explained the importance of the essays in the admissions decision, as well as  shared some final tips to aid you through the process.

Prompts for Top Schools

Here’s the thing: not all business schools ask for the same essay. In fact, for most schools, you have to answer multiple short prompts that add up to convey a bigger picture of who you are. While the prompts and word limits differ, they all ask questions which help provide context for other parts of your application, as well as demonstrate how you would fit into the school. Without further ado, let’s look at the prompts for business school essays assigned by the top 20 MBA programs for the upcoming cycle:

As you can see from the table, essay prompts and lengths vary from school to school. One personal statement won’t cover all of the MBA programs on your list! Nor can you copy one essay and directly paste it for another prompt, as you have to be specific to each school and its specialties. 

How to Tackle Common Prompts

Now that you’ve read the prompts for business school essays you’re likely to encounter, it’s time to analyze how to answer them. For any MBA response, it’s important to think about the following:

• Who you are
• What you’ve done so far
• Where you hope to go
• How an MBA from the school of your choice can help you reach your goals

To further break down specific ways to answer some common questions, let’s look at how to answer three typical MBA prompts you’ll almost certainly have to tackle.

The “Why Our School” Essay

Anyone can say they want an MBA from a top school. The “why our school” essay is your chance to convince admissions committees that you’ve done your research on their program and are convinced that this is the institution for you over any other. Each school frames it differently, and assigns their own limits such as:

Penn : What do you hope to gain professionally from the Wharton MBA? (500 words)

Columbia : Why do you feel Columbia Business School is a good fit for you? (250 words)

There’s no beating around the bush. You’ve made a choice to apply to the program, so make it clear why you’ve done so. Writing this essay will also prepare you to confidently back up your decision if you are invited to interview with the school. This is your chance to demonstrate that you know the program and aren’t writing generic statements that can apply to any MBA. Whether it’s Columbia’s J-Term or the Harvard Business School Case Method , know what opportunities you would have at the school whose essay you’re tackling that you can’t find anywhere else. 

Most importantly, remember that this is your business school application. Just outright stating that these resources are great won’t do. You have to tie them to the experiences you’ve had, the kind of business you want to engage with in the future, and how these resources can help you get where you want in your career. How can the school of your choice help you hone your teamwork skills? Is there a particular leadership program at the school that can benefit your long-term plans? Show the admissions reader that you know the opportunities inside out, that you’re aware of exactly which fellowships or seminars are perfect for you, and in turn, outline how you can contribute to the class environment.

The Career Goals Essay

For a lot of schools, the career goals and “why our school” questions are fused in one prompt. A few of the top schools ask you to write about where you see yourself at various points in the future:

Michigan: Michigan Ross is a place where people from all backgrounds with different career goals can thrive. What is your short-term career goal and why? (200 words)

UVA : What is your short-term, post-MBA goal and why? (150 words)

While attending business school and receiving an MBA can open you up to new career possibilities, admissions committees want to know that you’re an ambitious, reflective, and driven individual. Since you’ve probably taken time to step into the workforce for a few years, you should use this prompt to connect these dots and your forward-looking vision. If your word limit is restricted, don’t focus too much on the past. Mention the most meaningful aspects of your work experience or the field you wish to join, describe your biggest aspirations, and how an MBA from that specific school can help you get there. If a school has asked the “why our school” and career goals questions separately like Columbia has, make sure you haven’t repeated any information; each essay should convey something new.

Similar to the “why our school” question, the career goals essay also provides great practice for your interviews because schools will undoubtedly want to hear more extensively about what you’ve done where you plan to go, and how the institution fits into it all. A carefully written response can help you set up a compelling answer for your interview. So, make sure you don’t exaggerate or write about anything you can’t elaborate on if faced with the question in person.

The “Tell Us Who You Are” Essay

The “tell us about yourself” or “introduce yourself” questions for business school essays can seem broad. Where do you even start? Schools frame this type of question very simply, or sometimes in unconventional ways:

UT Austin : Please introduce yourself (250 words) 

NYU : Describe yourself to the Admissions Committee and to your future classmates using six images. 

However worded, it’s time for you to reflect on what makes you a unique, memorable candidate when compared to thousands of others from all over the world.

The key to writing such an essay is to stay organized. Don’t write down every single thing you’ve ever done in your response. Take a hint from the Cornell Johnson prompt: “Please help us get to know you better by sharing ONE example of a life experience, achievement, or passion that will give us a sense of who you are as a potential community member.” When you’ve got limited words and readers with very little time on their hands, you need to narrow it down to the most compelling aspect about yourself. 

Think about leadership opportunities, honors and awards, and your family background. You could talk about your biggest passion and how it arose, you could talk about any experience which has shaped your perspective, or you could talk about your family background and how it has directed your career choices. No matter what you cover in your essay, you have to make sure it paints a memorable picture. Using anecdotes to drive your points home is an effective way of showing rather than telling. If you want to talk about work experience, make sure you’re not just writing about how you worked at a consulting firm where hundreds of your peers have also worked. It won’t help distinguish you to admissions officers. In fact, it might just do the opposite. You have to find a unique spin.

Make sure your response has a clear focus, so that the admissions committee members will be able to remember you easily once they’ve finished reading.

The Importance of Your Business School Essays: What Admissions Officers Look For

Your business school essays make up one of the most important components of your application, as they provide admissions committees the chance to understand your personality, figure out what matters to you, and gauge whether you would be a good fit for the school. No matter how strong your grades or test scores are, weak responses to essays can definitely prevent you from making it to the acceptance pile. Remember, your business school essay is not the place for you to explain why you have shortcomings in your application—schools typically have a separate addendum section for that. If your topic and writing are stellar enough, admissions committees might overlook slightly lower numbers. Of course, you need to work on your other elements as well, but the essay acts as a highly valuable opportunity to differentiate yourself.

When reading your essays, admissions committee members look to get a greater sense of who you are and how you’ve taken steps to pursue your interests. While your resumé outlines what you’ve done so far, the business school essays tie the most important pieces of it together to portray why your experiences matter. It’s crucial that you expand on a story that is your own—not your parents’ or your friends’—and one which helps admissions committees understand you beyond your grades and consulting experience. 

Business schools have specific characteristics that they look for in students. For example, Harvard Business School wants leaders who can thrive in a fast-paced environment and actively collaborate with their community. So, an important part of school research is ensuring that you know what kind of characteristics the school wants you to bring, and letting those traits shine in the anecdotes and points you bring up in your essays.

Final Writing Tips 

• Authenticity and Uniqueness are Key - Trying to figure out what admissions officers want to hear, instead of actually reflecting on your career and goals, is the wrong way to approach MBA applications. Your business school essays should stand out as your chance to tell business schools your unique story. Think about whether or not your response will help you become a memorable candidate in admissions officers’ eyes. If you have a professional or personal experience that you know your peers won’t have, that’s what you should consider writing about in your essays.
• Be as Specific as Possible - Saying you want to work in consulting or in investment banking once you’ve received your MBA is far from enough. It tells nothing unique about you. Why do you want to work where you do? What kind of consulting firms are you looking for and why? How do you hope to leverage your experiences and education to create something bigger? The more specific you are to your own goals and story, the more you can stand out to the reader.
• Start Writing with Plenty of Time in Hand - If you’re applying to a handful of business schools, chances are you’ll have over 10 essays to write! In order to make sure all of your essays are as polished as possible; you need to give yourself plenty of time to work on each carefully. So, don’t wait until 3 weeks before the deadline to start. Plan ahead and put your best efforts into convincing admissions officers why you’re ideally suited for their MBA program.

Business school essays provide a great opportunity to emphasize your individuality and supply context on how your background, work experiences, and interests can contribute to the MBA program, as well as the world of business once you’ve graduated. Think carefully about topic choices, and let the admissions committee know that there’s more to you than just your grades and work experiences. Show that you will prove to be a wonderful asset to their institution.

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List Of 40 Formal Letter Writing Topics [PDF Included]

Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Editorial Team

Are you tired of staring at a blank page when you need to write a formal letter? Do you find yourself struggling to come up with topics to write on? Fear not, because we’ve got you covered! 

In this blog post, we’ve compiled 25 formal letter-writing topics on professional communication, along with tips and tricks to help you craft the perfect letter every time. Whether you’re writing a cover letter, a complaint letter, or a letter of recommendation, this post has everything you need to know to make a lasting impression. So grab a pen and paper, and let’s get started!

Formal letter writing topics: A comprehensive list for professional communication practice

Since effective written communication is crucial, writing a well-crafted formal letter can demonstrate your professionalism, attention to detail, and effective communication skills. By learning how to write a formal letter, you can enhance your ability to communicate effectively and increase your chances of success in various professional contexts in the future. Here are a few topics for you to practice:

• A complaint letter to a teacher or principal about a school issue.
• A request letter to ask for a recommendation letter from a teacher or mentor.
• A letter to a local representative or official about a community issue.
• A letter to a university or college to request information or admission.
• A Letter of inquiry to a company or organization regarding job or internship opportunities.
• A letter to a school board or district regarding a policy or funding issue.
• A letter to a news or media outlet regarding a social issue or event.
• Writing a letter of appreciation to a teacher or mentor.
• A letter to HR regarding an Application for a job
• A letter to Request a salary increase
• A Letter to a landlord giving notice of intent to vacate a rental property
• A letter to Request an appointment with a doctor
• Letter to principal to grant sick leave
• Request for a recommendation letter from a former employer
• Letter to a company requesting a product sample
• Letter to a customer apologizing for a mistake
• Request for a review of a performance appraisal
• Request for a leave of absence from work
• Letter of resignation from a volunteer position
• Application for an internship
• Cover letter for a job application
• Letter to a professor requesting an extension on an assignment
• Letter to a restaurant complaining about poor service
• Request for a copy of a transcript from a school
• Suggesting a new school program or activity
• A letter to the principal requesting permission to organize a school event
• A letter to the school board requesting a change in the curriculum
• A letter to the school administration requesting an extension on a deadline
• A letter to the school counselor seeking advice on personal issues
• A letter to the teacher thanking them for their support and guidance
• A letter to the school administration requesting financial assistance for a student’s education
• A letter to the school administration regarding a concern over the quality of education being provided.
• Complaint letter about a teacher or school policy
• Request for a recommendation letter from a teacher or guidance counselor
• Letter to the principal expressing concerns about school safety
• Letter to the school administration requesting better resources for students with disabilities
• Invitation letter to a school event, such as a fundraiser or talent show
• Letter to the school board requesting more funding for extracurricular activities
• Letter to the school administration requesting a change in school start times
• Complaint letter about school transportation services.

The art of crafting the perfect letter: Tips and tricks to make your message stand out”

Crafting a perfect letter can be daunting, especially if you want to communicate your thoughts and emotions in written form. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can brainstorm while writing as you draft a compelling letter that accomplishes your objective. Here are some suggestions to help you create a perfect letter:

• Identify the Purpose: Before you start writing, determine why you are writing the letter. Are you expressing appreciation, asking for something, or apologizing? Understanding your letter’s purpose will aid you in crafting your message effectively.
• Consider the Recipient: It is crucial to consider the person who will be reading the letter and their relationship with you when composing a letter. Adapt your tone and language to suit the recipient.
• Begin with a Strong Opening: The beginning of your letter should be intriguing, captivating, and cohesive . You may start with a relevant quotation, a personal story, or a thought-provoking question. A strong opening will maintain your recipient’s interest.
• Be Brief and To the Point: A perfect letter should be concise and straightforward. Avoid rambling or veering off topic. Stick to the letter’s purpose and keep your message brief and to the point.
• Use a Conversational Tone: To create an ideal letter, use a conversational tone. Write as if you are speaking to the recipient face-to-face. Avoid using overly formal or complex language, which can be off-putting.
• Include Specific Examples: Use specific examples related to the letter’s purpose to make your message more convincing. This will help to clarify your point and make your message more memorable.
• End with a Clear Call-to-Action: A perfect letter should end with a clear call-to-action. Whether you want a response, a meeting, or are expressing gratitude, make it clear what action you want the recipient to take.

Few notable additional tricks

• Use Active Voice: Using active voice in your letter can make it more engaging and persuasive. It can also emphasize your point.
• Edit and Proofread: Before sending your letter, carefully review and proofread it. Check for spelling and grammar errors, and ensure that your message is clear and concise.
• Personalize it: A personalized letter is more likely to be well-received than a generic one. Address the recipient by name and reference specific details relevant to them.

By following these tips and tricks, you can create a perfect letter that effectively communicates your message and accomplishes your goal.

  Conclusion

Writing a perfect letter, email or message may seem challenging, when it comes to making a compelling message that achieves your desired outcome. Remember to identify the letter’s purpose, consider the recipient, use a conversational tone, include specific examples, and end with a clear call to action.

Additionally, utilizing active voice, editing, and proofreading, and personalizing the letter can further enhance its effectiveness. With these tools, you can confidently craft a perfect letter that effectively communicates your thoughts and emotions.

With these tips and tricks and some practice, you’ll be well on your way to becoming skilled in writing like Adam Searle !

I am Shweta Sharma. I am a final year Masters student of Clinical Psychology and have been working closely in the field of psycho-education and child development. I have served in various organisations and NGOs with the purpose of helping children with disabilities learn and adapt better to both, academic and social challenges. I am keen on writing about learning difficulties, the science behind them and potential strategies to deal with them. My areas of expertise include putting forward the cognitive and behavioural aspects of disabilities for better awareness, as well as efficient intervention. Follow me on LinkedIn

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Essay Type Questions: What are essentials of a good business letter?

The essentials of a good business letter : 1. correct information 2. lucid language 3. prompt replies 4. secrecy 5. politeness 6. legal matters 7. consideration 8. image of the company.

Tips for Writing an Effective Application Essay

How to Write an Effective Essay

Writing an essay for college admission gives you a chance to use your authentic voice and show your personality. It's an excellent opportunity to personalize your application beyond your academic credentials, and a well-written essay can have a positive influence come decision time.

Want to know how to draft an essay for your college application ? Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing.

Tips for Essay Writing

A typical college application essay, also known as a personal statement, is 400-600 words. Although that may seem short, writing about yourself can be challenging. It's not something you want to rush or put off at the last moment. Think of it as a critical piece of the application process. Follow these tips to write an impactful essay that can work in your favor.

1. Start Early.

Few people write well under pressure. Try to complete your first draft a few weeks before you have to turn it in. Many advisers recommend starting as early as the summer before your senior year in high school. That way, you have ample time to think about the prompt and craft the best personal statement possible.

You don't have to work on your essay every day, but you'll want to give yourself time to revise and edit. You may discover that you want to change your topic or think of a better way to frame it. Either way, the sooner you start, the better.

2. Understand the Prompt and Instructions.

Before you begin the writing process, take time to understand what the college wants from you. The worst thing you can do is skim through the instructions and submit a piece that doesn't even fit the bare minimum requirements or address the essay topic. Look at the prompt, consider the required word count, and note any unique details each school wants.

3. Create a Strong Opener.

Students seeking help for their application essays often have trouble getting things started. It's a challenging writing process. Finding the right words to start can be the hardest part.

Spending more time working on your opener is always a good idea. The opening sentence sets the stage for the rest of your piece. The introductory paragraph is what piques the interest of the reader, and it can immediately set your essay apart from the others.

4. Stay on Topic.

One of the most important things to remember is to keep to the essay topic. If you're applying to 10 or more colleges, it's easy to veer off course with so many application essays.

A common mistake many students make is trying to fit previously written essays into the mold of another college's requirements. This seems like a time-saving way to avoid writing new pieces entirely, but it often backfires. The result is usually a final piece that's generic, unfocused, or confusing. Always write a new essay for every application, no matter how long it takes.

5. Think About Your Response.

Don't try to guess what the admissions officials want to read. Your essay will be easier to write─and more exciting to read─if you’re genuinely enthusiastic about your subject. Here’s an example: If all your friends are writing application essays about covid-19, it may be a good idea to avoid that topic, unless during the pandemic you had a vivid, life-changing experience you're burning to share. Whatever topic you choose, avoid canned responses. Be creative.

6. Focus on You.

Essay prompts typically give you plenty of latitude, but panel members expect you to focus on a subject that is personal (although not overly intimate) and particular to you. Admissions counselors say the best essays help them learn something about the candidate that they would never know from reading the rest of the application.

7. Stay True to Your Voice.

Use your usual vocabulary. Avoid fancy language you wouldn't use in real life. Imagine yourself reading this essay aloud to a classroom full of people who have never met you. Keep a confident tone. Be wary of words and phrases that undercut that tone.

8. Be Specific and Factual.

Capitalize on real-life experiences. Your essay may give you the time and space to explain why a particular achievement meant so much to you. But resist the urge to exaggerate and embellish. Admissions counselors read thousands of essays each year. They can easily spot a fake.

9. Edit and Proofread.

When you finish the final draft, run it through the spell checker on your computer. Then don’t read your essay for a few days. You'll be more apt to spot typos and awkward grammar when you reread it. After that, ask a teacher, parent, or college student (preferably an English or communications major) to give it a quick read. While you're at it, double-check your word count.

Writing essays for college admission can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. A well-crafted essay could be the deciding factor─in your favor. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll have no problem creating memorable pieces for every application.

What is the format of a college application essay?

Generally, essays for college admission follow a simple format that includes an opening paragraph, a lengthier body section, and a closing paragraph. You don't need to include a title, which will only take up extra space. Keep in mind that the exact format can vary from one college application to the next. Read the instructions and prompt for more guidance.

Most online applications will include a text box for your essay. If you're attaching it as a document, however, be sure to use a standard, 12-point font and use 1.5-spaced or double-spaced lines, unless the application specifies different font and spacing.

How do you start an essay?

The goal here is to use an attention grabber. Think of it as a way to reel the reader in and interest an admissions officer in what you have to say. There's no trick on how to start a college application essay. The best way you can approach this task is to flex your creative muscles and think outside the box.

You can start with openers such as relevant quotes, exciting anecdotes, or questions. Either way, the first sentence should be unique and intrigue the reader.

What should an essay include?

Every application essay you write should include details about yourself and past experiences. It's another opportunity to make yourself look like a fantastic applicant. Leverage your experiences. Tell a riveting story that fulfills the prompt.

What shouldn’t be included in an essay?

When writing a college application essay, it's usually best to avoid overly personal details and controversial topics. Although these topics might make for an intriguing essay, they can be tricky to express well. If you’re unsure if a topic is appropriate for your essay, check with your school counselor. An essay for college admission shouldn't include a list of achievements or academic accolades either. Your essay isn’t meant to be a rehashing of information the admissions panel can find elsewhere in your application.

How can you make your essay personal and interesting?

The best way to make your essay interesting is to write about something genuinely important to you. That could be an experience that changed your life or a valuable lesson that had an enormous impact on you. Whatever the case, speak from the heart, and be honest.

Is it OK to discuss mental health in an essay?

Mental health struggles can create challenges you must overcome during your education and could be an opportunity for you to show how you’ve handled challenges and overcome obstacles. If you’re considering writing your essay for college admission on this topic, consider talking to your school counselor or with an English teacher on how to frame the essay.

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What the Fight Over the Capital One-Discover Merger Misses About Our Terrible Credit Card System

By Aaron Klein

Mr. Klein served as deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Treasury from 2009 to 2012.

A fight has commenced over Capital One’s effort to acquire Discover, a deal that would birth an enormous credit card company rivaling Visa, Mastercard and American Express. The resulting competition could, in the short run, lower some costs to businesses and consumers. However, over the longer term, the merger would keep intact the broken and predatory system in which credit card companies profit handsomely by rewarding our richest Americans and advantaging the biggest corporations.

Credit card companies increasingly generate money via swipe fees, or the money merchants pay issuers every time a credit card is used. Total swipe fees rose 20 percent in 2022 to an estimated $160 billion a year nationally. The pandemic changed how we buy things, significantly increasing the share of transactions put on credit cards rather than conducted in cash, adding to the swipe fees merchants pay.

On top of this, a 2018 Supreme Court ruling effectively forces merchants to accept either every type of card — from, say, a basic Green Card to the Platinum Card — from an issuer like Amex or none of them. And even though fancier types of cards generally demand higher swipe fees, the ruling also barred merchants from incentivizing consumers to use the cheaper ones. These facts combine in a way that makes it even more appealing for Capital One, a giant credit card issuer, to merge with Discover, which owns a payment system, and generate greater profits from credit cards, particularly higher-end reward cards.

Your Rewards Card Is Actually Bad for You, and for Everyone Else

Chasing credit card points is a game in which everyone loses..

This is a story about you and your favorite credit card, the one that earns you points. You use your card for everything. You pay off your balance every month. And you watch with glee as your rewards grow and grow and grow. And when it’s time to cash in, you announce that you’re going to get a family gift. And each member will get one vote. And then your daughter argues that the family needs another iPad. And your son has fallen in love with the ugliest garden gnome that you’ve ever seen. And so to break up the skirmish, you decide that you’ll be getting the frying pan. Because what brings the family together more than food? Marty is the answer. But let’s keep him out of this. And when they complain and say, “But that’s not what I wanted,” you look them in the eye and say, “This was never about you.” “It’s about us, all of us.” And then two weeks later your frying pan arrives. And you can’t help but smile because you kind of did get this for yourself, though you’ll never admit it. And you’re looking at the frying pan. And it’s staring at you and you at it and it at you and you at it. And you just have this split second where you think to yourself: Who actually paid for this? Who pays for all of this? Well, if you love your rewards card, then you’re probably not going to like the answer. Because you try to be a good person, you shop locally. And each week you buy, let’s say, $100 in groceries from MJ. When you swipe your card, that $100 doesn’t go straight to MJ. Instead, store owners are charged a series of fees, the largest of which is called the swipe fee. It’s set by the card network, usually Visa or Mastercard. And your bank uses it to pay for your rewards. The swipe fee is usually between 1.5 percent and 3.5 percent of your total. The more premium your credit card, the more that MJ is charged. Now, that might not sound like much. But it can add up. For small businesses like MJ’s, swipe fees can be one of their biggest expenses. And small stores like hers get charged higher rates than big-box competitors. In order to cope, store owners like MJ raised their prices. That means that all of us are paying more. But only those who have special cards are getting rewards. And here’s the catch: The wealthiest Americans tend to have the best cards that give them the most rewards, while poorer Americans are more likely to pay in cash or debit with no rewards or benefits. So what we really have is a system that forces everyone to pay higher prices in order to subsidize rewards that primarily go to the wealthy. So this rewards card, it’s really a screw-over-poor- people card. Every time you use it, you’re contributing to inequality, helping to drive up prices and further squeeze the most cash-strapped Americans, all so that you can get that free frying pan. You’re probably not benefiting from rewards as much as you thought. In 2020, the Federal Reserve found that the average American at every income level loses more to swipe fee price hikes than they earn in rewards. And of course, the poorest Americans are still getting handed the worst deal. On average, they pay five times more in price mark-ups than they’ll ever receive in rewards. Why are we stuck in this system? Why are swipe fees in the U.S. nine times higher than they are in Europe? Why do we have to pay so much just to pay? Well, it’s largely thanks to two companies, Visa and Mastercard. This system is their core business. It’s what they do for a living. And, sure, they’re providing a service and deserve to earn a profit. But these two companies control over 80 percent of the credit card market. With scant competition, Visa and Mastercard have faced little pressure to rein in swipe fees. The truth is for the vast majority of Americans, the best deal might not come in the form of a new piece of plastic but instead a new piece of legislation. That’s because Congress has the power to regulate swipe fees. In fact, in 2010, they did just that for debit cards. Remember the swipe fee on that $100 grocery purchase? If you paid with a debit card, it would have only cost MJ 26 cents. Dick Durbin, the senator who helped crack down on swipe fees for debit cards, has authored a bipartisan bill that would use competition to drive down credit card swipe fees. But the banks and credit card companies are, of course, pushing back. Right now, there are two things that you can do. First, call your senator and encourage them to support this bill. You can go to this website to find their number. Second, if you’re shopping at a small business that you want to support, remember that how you pay can make a difference. Using your debit card can save small businesses a lot in swipe fees. But the best solution might be elsewhere in your wallet. Increasingly, small businesses are offering discounts for cash payers. Avoiding this predatory system can be a win for both of you. And if those rewards are just too good to say goodbye to, well, then at least don’t go around telling people that you’ve never taken a handout, because you have. And the working class is paying for it. [MUSIC PLAYING]

Credit card companies found they could command ever-greater swipe fees from merchants while at the same time offering their wealthiest consumers more deluxe credit cards that reward big spending with cash back, travel points, access to fancy airport lounges and the like — and then pass on the cost of those rewards to merchants. Merchants must then choose whether to accept and pay the higher swipe fee demanded by these platinum expensive cards or not take any from that card company. In our increasingly digital economy, most merchants have little alternative but to accept the pricey versions and to pay for the privilege. Naturally, merchants pass on their increased cost to all of their customers.

That’s how the rest of us, whether we pay with cash, a debit card or a middle-of-the-road credit card, wind up paying more — because we are subsidizing these rewards cards for whom only the wealthiest qualify. One study from economists at the Boston Federal Reserve estimated that the highest-income households profit over $1,000 a year tax-free from the payment system, adjusted for inflation .

Because swipe fees include a fixed cost in addition to a percentage of the total cost, small-dollar transactions are extremely expensive for merchants. My research found huge costs for such transactions as buying a cup of coffee or paying for a bus or subway ride. One year my oldest friend’s small coffee shop paid more in card processing costs than for coffee beans.

Big companies can leverage their resources to lower swipe fees, giving them a leg up. Starbucks stole a page from the credit card playbook and built an app that gives consumers rewards on future purchases if they upload larger amounts of money from their credit cards, thus lowering the total fees Starbucks has to pay the credit card companies for each swipe.

Some big businesses negotiate discounted swipe fees. Costco is the most aggressive; there have been reports that the big discount retailer’s contract with Citibank and Visa lowered its costs to 0.4 percent while a local dry cleaner may be paying closer to 3 percent.

The problem isn’t limited to nonwealthy consumers and small businesses: Parking meters that used to run on coins now rely on credit-card-powered apps, which charge transaction fees that can be over 20 percent, such as 45 cents on $2. Public transit agencies can lose 7 percent of the money they generate in fares in card-processing fees. A growing gap between what users pay and local agencies receive could stress budgets and require higher taxes, increased fees or reduced public services.

To fix the problem, Congress should legislatively correct the Supreme Court’s mistake. For starters, give merchants the power to reject the priciest credit cards, and let’s see if their users are willing to pay the true cost of their rewards. This solution ought to have some bipartisan support; the idea was strong enough politically to be supported by states as diverse as Ohio, Texas and Maryland. Bipartisan legislation to overturn a conservative Supreme Court ruling may sound like a pipe dream, but in payments policy we’ve seen a few examples such as the Durbin Amendment to what became the Dodd-Frank Act, which lowered debit interchange fees, received 64 votes (including 16 from Republicans) in the Senate and made it into law.

Second, brave policymakers could start taxing reward points. The richer you are, the more likely you qualify for bigger rewards. Progressive taxation rates mean that exempting rewards from taxation makes them nearly four times as valuable to those in the top tax bracket as the bottom. Why is interest from my savings account taxed, but the cash back from card spending not? Once upon a time the value of frequent flier miles was hard to quantify; now the Points Guy has it down.

Finally, we could require all merchants have access to the same swipe-fee pricing, regardless of size. Why should the payment system give big business another advantage? The electronic cash register should not tilt the playing field.

Our payment system’s problems will not be solved by allowing or stopping a combination of Capital One and Discover. Adding a fourth major issuer to compete with the big three will make little difference if the system’s rules remain the same. Capital One already seems to be competing with American Express for wealthy customers who like elite airport lounges and big travel perks, which are funded in part from higher swipe fees. The rewards have kept getting richer over the past 20 years. Simply adding one more company to earn large profits through the existing system will hardly stop it.

Blocking the merger will fail to change the payment system that continues to drive greater rewards to those with the most money already, paid for by merchants and consumers who use cash, debit or lower-tier cards because they are not rich enough to qualify. As the economy continues to digitize with more micropayments, the credit card burden will keep growing, particularly on smaller businesses. Today’s large banks and payment companies will make more profit, sharing it based on who qualifies for elite status.

Until legislators are willing to change a system that showers tax-free rewards on the upper middle class, the cash register will continue to exacerbate the wealth gap and help big business get even bigger. It may feel great to stand up against a merger and fight those “big banks” — while enjoying a “free meal” at an exclusive airport lounge before taking a vacation using frequent flier miles. But if victory is more of the status quo, then the biggest losers will be those the government should protect the most.

Aaron Klein is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. He served as deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Treasury from 2009 to 2012.

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