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Business owners have a unique opportunity to turn their everyday business expenses into cash back, miles or points with the right credit card.
The best business credit cards offer valuable rewards, financing offers and other benefits at a reasonable cost. Choosing the right credit card for your business depends on how much you spend each month, which categories you spend the most in, and the type of rewards you want. It is also important to consider what your credit score is and if you're willing to pay an annual fee. Learn more about credit cards for your business to determine which card is right for you.
Best business credit cards: Summary
- Best for unlimited cash back: card_name
- Best for rewards: card_name
- Best for travel: card_name
- Best for small business: card_name
- Best for no annual fee: card_name
- Best for 0% intro APR offer: U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Credit Card
- Best for bad credit: FNBO Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card
- Best for hotels: card_name
- Best for gas: card_name
Our recommendations for the best business credit cards
We selected these business cards based on features for a variety of customer profiles. You'll find each card's welcome bonus details and why they were our choice in the sections below.
Best for unlimited cash back: card_name
Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit
Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Why we chose it: With the card_name, you'll earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make. You don't need to worry about bonus categories or spending caps getting in the way of your rewards. Instead, you can focus on your business knowing you'll get generous cash back rewards on every purchase.
The card comes with free management tools to enhance your business, including virtual card numbers, downloadable account history, year-end summaries, and lists of recurring transactions. Business owners can also add account managers to act on their behalf and free employee cards to earn additional rewards. Individual spending limits and transaction reports help to keep track of employee spending. Plus, there are no foreign transaction fees and eligible transactions receive an extended warranty at no additional cost.
Best for rewards: card_name
Capital One Venture X Business
Capital One Venture X Business
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full.
Why we chose it: Capital One offers a compelling rewards program for the card_name. With this small business credit card, you will earn 2x miles on every purchase or up to 10x miles when booking reservations with Capital One Travel. There is no preset spending limit, but you must pay the card in full every month. While there is a annual_fee_disclaimer annual fee, the card includes a $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel and 10,000 bonus miles each year you renew the card.
The card also includes TSA PreCheck or Global Entry reimbursement and complimentary access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide. Business owners can redeem miles for travel without blackout dates, statement credits and more. Miles also transfer to 15+ airline and hotel partners for a potentially higher value.
Best for travel: card_name
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Why we chose it: The card_name is the ultimate travel credit card for business owners. It earns 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel and 1.5x points in key business categories or purchases of $5,000 or more. All other purchases earn 1x points per dollar. Points can be used to book travel, shop online, get statement credits, transfer to airline and hotel partners and more. When booking flights through Amex Travel, you'll get back 35% of your points redeemed.
Although it has a annual_fee_disclaimer (Rates & Fees) annual fee, the card includes over $1,000 in business value, including credits for Dell, Indeed, Adobe, wireless bills and more. It also includes complimentary access to the Global Lounge Collection, a $200 airline fee credit and a $189 CLEAR Plus credit. Cardholders also receive automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold and Hilton Honors Gold elite status. Plus, you receive premium travel protections in case of delay, cancellation or interruption.
Best for small business: card_name
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Why we like it:
The is the best business card for travel due to its rewards flexibility, foreign transaction fees, and protective consumer benefits.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Why we chose it: The card_name offers 3x bonus points on many common business spending categories, including shipping, online advertising, travel and internet, cable and phone services. You'll earn 3x points on the first $150,000 you spend in these categories each year, and 1x points on all other purchases.
Points can be redeemed to book travel, get cash back, buy gift cards, transfer to airline and hotel partners and more. When booking travel through Chase, points are worth 25% more, which means that the welcome bonus is worth $1,250 in travel. The card has a reasonable annual_fee_disclaimer annual fee, and it includes numerous travel, purchase and cell phone protections to provide extra value.
Best for no annual fee: card_name
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
- 1.5% cash back on every business-related purchase
- 5% cash back on Lyft (through March 2025)
Why we like it:
The card_name doesn’t offer a lot of variety in its rewards earnings (a flat 1.5% everywhere), but that’s part of its charm. Those who find bonus categories appealing should stay away, but anyone valuing simplicity has found their new daily driver. A minimum of 1.5% back on everything is above average.
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full. Offer ending Jan. 18th, 2024.
Why we chose it: This cash back credit card has no annual fee and earns an unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. Rewards can be used to book travel, get statement credits, buy gift cards and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards. The card_name also includes a intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration, so you have extra time to pay off your balance. The card also includes primary rental car coverage, purchase protection and an extended warranty on eligible purchases.
Best for 0% intro APR offer: U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard
Welcome offer: Earn $500 in cash back with net purchases of $4,500 or more within 150 days from account opening.
Why we chose it: Most small business credit card APR offers max out at 12 months. But the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card gives small business owners 15 months of interest-free financing on both purchases and balance transfers without charging an annual fee. The card earns 3% on gas, EV charging, office supplies, cellphone service and dining plus 1% on everything else. You can also earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals through the Travel Rewards Center. Plus, you'll receive a $100 credit on recurring software subscription services charges to the card, like FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
Best for bad credit: FNBO Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card
FNBO Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card
FNBO Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card
Welcome offer: None.
Why we chose it: There are limited options for small business owners with bad credit, but the FNBO Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card is a solid choice to rebuild credit. Business owners can request their own credit limit from $2,000 to $100,000 when they make a refundable security deposit of 110% of their limit. For example, a $5,000 credit limit requires a security deposit of $5,500. There is an annual fee of $39, but the security deposit does earn interest while it's with the bank so it acts more like a savings account.
Best for hotels: card_name
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Why we chose it: Small business owners who love to stay at Marriott hotels will enjoy the card_name. The card earns 6x points at Marriott hotels, 4x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, U.S. wireless providers and U.S. shipping services and 2x points everywhere else. The card includes a 7% discount on standard rooms at Marriott properties, complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold status and 15 Elite Night Credits each year toward higher elite status levels. It comes with an annual free night worth up to 35,000 points and a second free night when you spend $60,000 or more each year.
Best for gas: card_name
American Express® Business Gold Card
American Express® Business Gold Card
Welcome offer: bonus_miles_full
Why we chose it: The card_nameearns 4x points on its top two business categories each billing cycle. These business spending categories include U.S. gas stations, airfare, U.S. advertising, eligible computer expenses, U.S. restaurants and U.S. shipping purchases. You'll automatically get the highest rewards on the first $150,000 you spend each year based on the categories in which you spend the most per statement period. All other purchases earn 1x points.
There is no preset spending limit, so you can make larger purchases based on how your spending profile adapts to your purchase, payment and credit history. The card also includes complimentary travel benefits, like The Hotel Collection, baggage insurance, rental car coverage and trip delay insurance. Eligible purchases are also covered with purchase protection and an extended warranty.
Best business credit cards comparison chart
| Card name | Annual fees | Credit score needed | Bonus rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
$0 | Excellent | $300 online bonus cash rewards | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
$0 | Good, Excellent | $500 cash bonus | |
$39 | Bad/Poor | N/A | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles |
Our Methodology
When selecting the best business credit cards, we reviewed current offers from the largest U.S. banks and several smaller card issuers. We reviewed more than 36 business credit cards to compare each card's:
- Welcome bonus.
- Minimum spending requirement.
- Type of rewards earned.
- Bonus categories.
- Quarterly and annual spending limits.
- Annual fees.
- Foreign transaction fees.
- Ongoing perks and benefits.
- Into APR offers.
We weighed the features of each option to determine which business credit card is best suited for each type of cardholder.
What is a business credit card?
A business credit card is a form of financing that allows business owners to make purchases today and repay them over time. Each business credit card has a set spending limit, which dictates how much you can spend. As you pay down your balance, your available credit increases to allow additional purchases.
Many business credit cards earn rewards, include benefits and offer intro APR financing. These features distinguish one card from another based on which ones are most important to your business. Some credit cards for business owners charge annual fees to help the card issuer cover these benefits.
Business owners can avoid interest on their purchases by paying off the statement balance by the due date. If you cannot pay the full amount, paying the monthly minimum payment avoids late fees. Any unpaid balance that is carried over to the next month is charged interest based on the average daily balance during that month.
In most cases, business credit cards do not report on the business owner's personal credit report. However, the initial credit inquiry does post on your credit report since you are personally guaranteeing repayment of any charges to your card. If you miss payments or go into default, these negative marks may post to your credit report.
Corporate card vs. small business credit cards
Business credit cards enable your company to make purchases and keep expenses separate from your personal life. Depending on the size of your revenues and expenses, you'll get either a corporate card or a small business credit card for your business. While all business credit cards can be used to make purchases, there are distinct differences between these cards.
Small business credit cards
Most of the credit cards available from bank websites and mailers are designed for small business owners. These small business credit cards are similar to personal credit cards, but they generally have bonus categories and benefits that align with businesses versus consumers.
Typically, small business credit cards are approved based on the owner's credit history and income. Small business owners generally provide a personal guarantee if the business does not pay the bill.
While these credit cards for small businesses offer employee cards, spending controls, and transaction reporting are fairly basic. For example, you can set an individual credit limit, but most small business employee cards cannot restrict purchases to specific vendors or purchase categories.
Corporate credit cards
Corporate credit cards offer purchasing power and rewards to larger businesses. These cards are often available to public companies, multi-million dollar revenue businesses, and other organizations with significant annual expenses.
Approval for a corporate credit card is typically based on the company's revenues, expenses, and profitability. In most cases, there isn't a personal guarantee because large companies typically have numerous shareholders, and its executives may own just a small percentage of its stock.
Corporate cards have robust reporting and customization capabilities. These features allow the card's manager to restrict when and where the employee's card can be used, including how much they can spend per day or per transaction. The cards are often integrated into a corporate expense tracking system that simplifies monthly expense reporting and assigning costs to specific projects or clients.
Types of business credit cards
All business credit cards can be used to make purchases, but there are distinct differences among them. Business owners should choose their credit card types depending on their goals. Here are a few of the major types of business credit cards that you need to know about.
Cash back credit cards. These cards earn cash back rewards when making purchases. The cash back is generally applied as a statement credit to your account. However, many banks also allow you to redeem your cash back in other ways.
- Airline credit cards. You'll earn airline miles on eligible purchases towards future flights. Airline credit cards typically offer exclusive benefits when flying on a co-branded airline such as free checked bags, priority boarding, inflight discounts and accelerated elite status based on your annual spending.
- Hotel credit cards. Hotel credit cards earn points on eligible purchases and include benefits specific to the hotel. Typical benefits include annual free nights, elite status and higher rewards on purchases at the hotel.
- Flexible rewards cards. General travel rewards credit cards earn flexible points that can be redeemed in numerous ways. Redemptions include booking travel, cash back, gift cards and online shopping. The highest value redemptions tend to be transferring points to airline and hotel partners for premium flights or hotel reservations.
- 0% Intro APR cards. Business owners can take advantage of interest-free financing on balance transfers, purchases or both. Although you must make monthly minimum payments, interest isn't charged until the promotional period expires. Balance transfers typically require a fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred. When the promo period expires, the interest rate reverts back to the standard rate.
Secured business credit cards. For business owners with bad credit or a limited credit history, a secured business credit card is a good first step. Your initial credit limit equals your deposit with the bank. With responsible use, you may qualify for a higher credit limit or conversion to an unsecured card.
TIME Stamp: Business credit cards help owners achieve their goals
By strategically using business credit cards, business owners can earn rewards, get interest-free financing, build credit and more. You can choose among the numerous types of credit cards to find one that matches your goals and budget. Business credit cards provide instant purchasing power with the ability to earn cash back, miles or points or get extra time to pay off your bill. If you have a favorite airline or hotel, choosing a co-branded credit card can help you earn elite status and receive additional perks with those brands.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Do business credit cards check your credit score?
Yes, in most cases, the card issuer will perform a hard inquiry on your personal credit report. This inquiry will cause a temporary drop in your credit score of approximately five points or less. After that, most business credit cards do not report to your personal credit report unless you miss a payment or go into default.
What do you need to apply for a business credit card?
Business credit card applications vary among lenders, but most request similar information. They want to know your business name, tax ID number, annual revenues, address and phone number, and what type of business it is. Additionally, most applications request information about the business owners, including name, Social Security number, contact information and annual income.
Can you have a business credit card with bad credit?
Yes, some card issuers offer credit cards specifically for people with bad credit. These credit cards are often easier to get approved since they have lower minimum credit requirements. Since these borrowers are higher risk, small business credit cards for bad credit may charge higher interest rates and fees while offering fewer benefits. As your credit improves, you can apply for cards with more appealing perks, rewards and fees.
Is a business credit card a tax write-off?
All eligible purchases made with your small business card can be written off, just as if you paid for them with cash or check. It is possible to write off the annual fees, interest charges and other fees associated with your small business credit card. However, consult with your tax professional to determine if these expenses should be included in your tax returns.
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