Business credit cards offer rewards, travel protections and business management tools. They can also help keep your business purchases separate from your personal spending. The best business credit cards provide a line of credit to tap into, which can be useful if you’re a small business owner without capital on hand.
“Anyone who earns money outside of regular (W2) employment could be considered a small-business owner,” said credit card expert Jason Steele. “This includes unincorporated sole proprietors. Small-business credit cards allow you to separate your personal expenses from your business charges -- it makes bookkeeping and tax preparation easier.”
Whether you’re a gig worker, small-business owner or part of a larger corporation, a business credit card could help you earn rewards for your expenses while providing business-centric perks. They could also help make running a business a little easier.
The Chase Ink Business Cash offers most businesses the most value overall. The rewards program is very strong, netting you 5% cash back on common business expenses -- up to $25,000 in spending at office supply stores and internet, phone and cable services per year. You’ll also earn 2% back on the first $25,000 spent at gas stations and restaurants each year. To round it out, you’ll earn 1% on all other purchases. You also get a competitive introductory APR and credit card sign up bonus.
Check out our full Ink Business Cash Credit Card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 18.49% – 24.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Chase Ink Business Cash offers most businesses the most value overall. The rewards program is very strong, netting you 5% cash back on common business expenses -- up to $25,000 in spending at office supply stores and internet, phone and cable services per year. You’ll also earn 2% back on the first $25,000 spent at gas stations and restaurants each year. To round it out, you’ll earn 1% on all other purchases. You also get a competitive introductory APR and credit card sign up bonus.
Check out our full Ink Business Cash Credit Card review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months
- Regular APR
- 18.49% – 24.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards card* offers one of the best cash-back rates for certain business expenses and features an annual statement credit -- a unique offer among cards with no annual fee.
The annual statement credit is $100 for QuickBooks or FreshBooks recurring software subscriptions. The rewards span basic spend categories including office supply stores, gas stations and EV charging, but it also includes a dash of travel. It’s a Swiss Army business card, but its primary selling points are its high uncapped cash-back rate coupled with an introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers to help your business avoid interest charges.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 Billing Cycles
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards card* offers one of the best cash-back rates for certain business expenses and features an annual statement credit -- a unique offer among cards with no annual fee.
The annual statement credit is $100 for QuickBooks or FreshBooks recurring software subscriptions. The rewards span basic spend categories including office supply stores, gas stations and EV charging, but it also includes a dash of travel. It’s a Swiss Army business card, but its primary selling points are its high uncapped cash-back rate coupled with an introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers to help your business avoid interest charges.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- 0% intro on balance transfers for 15 Billing Cycles
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases
- Regular APR
- 19.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
If you travel often for your business and are a United Airlines loyalist, the United Business card can help you earn money back on each trip. It earns rewards across more bonus categories than most airline cards and offers a few extra perks that makes it a card worth considering.
While it has a $99 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year), it also includes an annual $100 United credit after seven United flight purchases of $100 or more each card anniversary year. It also includes two one-time United Club passes each year for airport lounge access, Priority Boarding to get you to your plane seat faster and your first checked bag free of charge.
You’ll also get a complimentary one-year DashPass membership from DoorDash, but you must activate it by Dec. 31, 2024, to reap the benefits.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.99% – 28.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
If you travel often for your business and are a United Airlines loyalist, the United Business card can help you earn money back on each trip. It earns rewards across more bonus categories than most airline cards and offers a few extra perks that makes it a card worth considering.
While it has a $99 annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year), it also includes an annual $100 United credit after seven United flight purchases of $100 or more each card anniversary year. It also includes two one-time United Club passes each year for airport lounge access, Priority Boarding to get you to your plane seat faster and your first checked bag free of charge.
You’ll also get a complimentary one-year DashPass membership from DoorDash, but you must activate it by Dec. 31, 2024, to reap the benefits.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.99% – 28.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
If you’re spending less on office supplies and telecommunication services, the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card is a good option that earns you 1.5% cash back on all purchases. You can also take advantage of 0% intro APR financing on purchases for the first 12 months after account opening (18.49% to 24.49% variable APR thereafter), making this a good option if you need to cover some upfront costs when getting off the ground. The welcome bonus is similar to the Ink Business Cash, offering $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 in the first three months.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 Months
- Regular APR
- 18.49% – 24.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
If you’re spending less on office supplies and telecommunication services, the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card is a good option that earns you 1.5% cash back on all purchases. You can also take advantage of 0% intro APR financing on purchases for the first 12 months after account opening (18.49% to 24.49% variable APR thereafter), making this a good option if you need to cover some upfront costs when getting off the ground. The welcome bonus is similar to the Ink Business Cash, offering $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 in the first three months.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 Months
- Regular APR
- 18.49% – 24.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card* gives you control over which purchases your business earns rewards for, with no annual fee.
You’ll earn 3% cash back on a selected category, including travel, office supply stores, gas stations and EV charging stations, computer services, telecom and wireless services or business consulting services. Additionally, earn 2% cash back on dining purchases (on up to $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases per calendar year, then 1%) and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. It’s somewhat hampered by its spending limit, but if your business spends less than $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, it’ll be a lucrative choice.
In addition to its flexible rewards, you could earn even more depending on your Bank of America or Merrill investing account balance. It has a lot to offer business owners for a credit card without an annual fee, including a short 0% introductory APR offer on purchases for the first nine billing cycles (then 18.49% to 28.49% variable APR).
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 9 billing cycles for purchases
- Regular APR
- 18.49% – 28.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 4% of the amount of each transaction
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card* gives you control over which purchases your business earns rewards for, with no annual fee.
You’ll earn 3% cash back on a selected category, including travel, office supply stores, gas stations and EV charging stations, computer services, telecom and wireless services or business consulting services. Additionally, earn 2% cash back on dining purchases (on up to $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases per calendar year, then 1%) and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. It’s somewhat hampered by its spending limit, but if your business spends less than $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, it’ll be a lucrative choice.
In addition to its flexible rewards, you could earn even more depending on your Bank of America or Merrill investing account balance. It has a lot to offer business owners for a credit card without an annual fee, including a short 0% introductory APR offer on purchases for the first nine billing cycles (then 18.49% to 28.49% variable APR).
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% for 9 billing cycles for purchases
- Regular APR
- 18.49% – 28.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
- Balance Transfer Fee
- 4% of the amount of each transaction
The Blue Business Cash credit card from American Express has two features that stand out: It has among the highest flat cash-back reward rates of all the no-annual-fee cards we evaluated, and it has automatic reward redemption. Most credit cards require you to log in and manually redeem points or miles when you hit a certain threshold (such as 2,500 points or $25). The Blue Business Cash card, in contrast, automatically applies your cash rewards to your account, so you can redeem rewards without even thinking about it.
This card offers all of the standard features you want in a business credit card: up to 99 employee cards for no additional charge (see rates and fees) and an account manager, spending summaries organized by category and the American Express Business App, which helps manage receipts.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
- Regular APR
- 18.49% – 26.49% Variable
The Blue Business Cash credit card from American Express has two features that stand out: It has among the highest flat cash-back reward rates of all the no-annual-fee cards we evaluated, and it has automatic reward redemption. Most credit cards require you to log in and manually redeem points or miles when you hit a certain threshold (such as 2,500 points or $25). The Blue Business Cash card, in contrast, automatically applies your cash rewards to your account, so you can redeem rewards without even thinking about it.
This card offers all of the standard features you want in a business credit card: up to 99 employee cards for no additional charge (see rates and fees) and an account manager, spending summaries organized by category and the American Express Business App, which helps manage receipts.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
- Regular APR
- 18.49% – 26.49% Variable
If you travel often for your business, the American Express® Business Gold Card earns you 4x points on the two categories where you spend the most each billing cycle (from six eligible categories including U.S. gas stations, U.S. restaurants, U.S. electronics purchases, U.S. advertising in select media, U.S. wireless telephone service and transit purchases) on up to $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1x. This card is also worth considering if your company spends a decent amount on TV or radio advertising. Only the top two categories each billing cycle will count toward the $150,000 cap.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
If you travel often for your business, the American Express® Business Gold Card earns you 4x points on the two categories where you spend the most each billing cycle (from six eligible categories including U.S. gas stations, U.S. restaurants, U.S. electronics purchases, U.S. advertising in select media, U.S. wireless telephone service and transit purchases) on up to $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1x. This card is also worth considering if your company spends a decent amount on TV or radio advertising. Only the top two categories each billing cycle will count toward the $150,000 cap.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card offers a solid sign-up bonus and lucrative hotel rewards for IHG loyalists. However, if you don’t frequent IHG properties for your business travel, you might benefit more from a different business credit card. With the IHG One Rewards Premier Business card, you get automatic Platinum Elite status for as long as you’re a cardholder and a free Anniversary Night at an eligible IHG hotel worldwide.
You can earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Plus, earn 35,000 bonus points after spending $7,000 in the first six months, a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases each calendar year. If you are a business owner loyal to IHG, you can get significant value out of this card for only $99 a year.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card offers a solid sign-up bonus and lucrative hotel rewards for IHG loyalists. However, if you don’t frequent IHG properties for your business travel, you might benefit more from a different business credit card. With the IHG One Rewards Premier Business card, you get automatic Platinum Elite status for as long as you’re a cardholder and a free Anniversary Night at an eligible IHG hotel worldwide.
You can earn 140,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Plus, earn 35,000 bonus points after spending $7,000 in the first six months, a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points after you spend $20,000 on purchases each calendar year. If you are a business owner loyal to IHG, you can get significant value out of this card for only $99 a year.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express has one of the highest annual fees of any business card at $695. Like its consumer-oriented counterpart, The Platinum Card® from American Express*, The Business Platinum Card offers premium travel benefits like airport lounge access and a host of travel- and business-related annual credits. Some of these include:
- Over $1,000 in annual statement credits on eligible business product purchases and services, such as select purchases with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe and U.S. wireless service providers.
- Up to $150 in statement credits for select Adobe subscriptions
- Up to $200 in airline fee statement credits (incidental travel fees on one selected qualifying airline, including things like checked bags and in-flight refreshments)
- Up to $189 statement credit back on CLEAR® Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal)
The rewards program isn’t worth the high annual fee, but this card’s value balloons if you can take advantage of at least half of those annual credits.
For more annual credits and other card details, see our full review of The Business Platinum Card from Amex.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Business Platinum Card from American Express has one of the highest annual fees of any business card at $695. Like its consumer-oriented counterpart, The Platinum Card® from American Express*, The Business Platinum Card offers premium travel benefits like airport lounge access and a host of travel- and business-related annual credits. Some of these include:
- Over $1,000 in annual statement credits on eligible business product purchases and services, such as select purchases with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe and U.S. wireless service providers.
- Up to $150 in statement credits for select Adobe subscriptions
- Up to $200 in airline fee statement credits (incidental travel fees on one selected qualifying airline, including things like checked bags and in-flight refreshments)
- Up to $189 statement credit back on CLEAR® Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal)
The rewards program isn’t worth the high annual fee, but this card’s value balloons if you can take advantage of at least half of those annual credits.
For more annual credits and other card details, see our full review of The Business Platinum Card from Amex.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 19.49% – 28.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers categorized points that may be ideal for certain business owners. This card’s large welcome bonus and high rewards rates for businesses with large ad budgets (with social media sites and search engines) and shipping expenses make this card another option worth considering. Points are valued at $0.01 each when redeemed for cash back, so you’ll earn 3x points on these categories -- as well as on internet, cable and phone services, and travel purchases (on up to $150,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary year, then 1x thereafter.).
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 26.24% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers categorized points that may be ideal for certain business owners. This card’s large welcome bonus and high rewards rates for businesses with large ad budgets (with social media sites and search engines) and shipping expenses make this card another option worth considering. Points are valued at $0.01 each when redeemed for cash back, so you’ll earn 3x points on these categories -- as well as on internet, cable and phone services, and travel purchases (on up to $150,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary year, then 1x thereafter.).
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 21.24% – 26.24% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
If you travel for business a few times per year, you should consider a travel credit card. The Capital One Spark Miles for Business* offers good value in exchange for its $95 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year).
It includes an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can get you to your gate faster at the airport. You can also use your rewards for past travel expenses to fund your business trips.
It’s a solid midrange card that might not offer any bells and whistles like annual statement credits but does offer enough to make it worth considering.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 26.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- $0 at this Transfer APR
If you travel for business a few times per year, you should consider a travel credit card. The Capital One Spark Miles for Business* offers good value in exchange for its $95 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year).
It includes an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can get you to your gate faster at the airport. You can also use your rewards for past travel expenses to fund your business trips.
It’s a solid midrange card that might not offer any bells and whistles like annual statement credits but does offer enough to make it worth considering.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 26.24% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer Fee
- $0 at this Transfer APR
Do you prefer staying with Hilton while traveling for business? The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card offers rewards and amenities for Hilton customers.
The most impressive feature of this card are its rewards and welcome offer. In addition to its strong rewards, cardholders get up to $240 back each year for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton. If you can take full advantage of that, that’ll cover the card’s $195 annual fee.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
Do you prefer staying with Hilton while traveling for business? The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card offers rewards and amenities for Hilton customers.
The most impressive feature of this card are its rewards and welcome offer. In addition to its strong rewards, cardholders get up to $240 back each year for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton. If you can take full advantage of that, that’ll cover the card’s $195 annual fee.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Ink Business Premier is Chase’s latest entry into its Ink Business card family. It earns unlimited 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and offers a slew of travel and purchase protections with a sizable welcome bonus. However, with a $195 annual fee, it’s relatively pricey for what it offers.
It’s also important to note that this is a pay-in-full card, meaning you won’t be able to revolve a balance and must pay your statement off each month. There is a Flex for Business option for eligible purchases, however, which lets you pay them off over time with interest.
It offers a flat, competitive cash-back rate for everything you buy. Depending on how much your business spends, you could rake in the rewards considering there’s no limit to what you can earn.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- Flex for Business Variable APR: 19.49% – 27.49%
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Ink Business Premier is Chase’s latest entry into its Ink Business card family. It earns unlimited 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and offers a slew of travel and purchase protections with a sizable welcome bonus. However, with a $195 annual fee, it’s relatively pricey for what it offers.
It’s also important to note that this is a pay-in-full card, meaning you won’t be able to revolve a balance and must pay your statement off each month. There is a Flex for Business option for eligible purchases, however, which lets you pay them off over time with interest.
It offers a flat, competitive cash-back rate for everything you buy. Depending on how much your business spends, you could rake in the rewards considering there’s no limit to what you can earn.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- Flex for Business Variable APR: 19.49% – 27.49%
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Amex Blue Business Plus card has the same reward structure as the Blue Business Cash, you just earn Membership Rewards® points instead of cash back. And it’s worth noting that Membership Rewards points may be less flexible than cash back. You’ll earn 1 cent per point if you redeem points for a flight booked through American Express Travel. Prepaid hotels, cars, cruises and planned vacations are only worth 0.7-cent per point. There is also an option to transfer points to partner travel programs.
As such, the Blue Business Plus makes the most sense for frequent business travelers who can take advantage of the point transfer option.
For more information, see our breakdown of American Express business cards.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
- Regular APR
- 18.49% – 26.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Amex Blue Business Plus card has the same reward structure as the Blue Business Cash, you just earn Membership Rewards® points instead of cash back. And it’s worth noting that Membership Rewards points may be less flexible than cash back. You’ll earn 1 cent per point if you redeem points for a flight booked through American Express Travel. Prepaid hotels, cars, cruises and planned vacations are only worth 0.7-cent per point. There is also an option to transfer points to partner travel programs.
As such, the Blue Business Plus makes the most sense for frequent business travelers who can take advantage of the point transfer option.
For more information, see our breakdown of American Express business cards.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- 0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
- Regular APR
- 18.49% – 26.49% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus* is designed for big business spenders. There is a substantial welcome bonus if you can spend enough: You can earn a cash bonus of $1,200. Earn $1,200 after you spend $30,000 in the first three months. You can also get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000.
This card has no preset spending limit or interest rate -- but you’ll have to pay off your balance completely every cycle or get hit with a 2.99% monthly late fee, which can add up to much more than the APR you’ll find on a typical credit card.
For more information about the rewards program and other features, see our Capital One Spark Cash Plus review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus* is designed for big business spenders. There is a substantial welcome bonus if you can spend enough: You can earn a cash bonus of $1,200. Earn $1,200 after you spend $30,000 in the first three months. You can also get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000.
This card has no preset spending limit or interest rate -- but you’ll have to pay off your balance completely every cycle or get hit with a 2.99% monthly late fee, which can add up to much more than the APR you’ll find on a typical credit card.
For more information about the rewards program and other features, see our Capital One Spark Cash Plus review.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Capital on Tap Business Credit Card* provides an uncomplicated rewards program with a potentially high credit limit.
It has all the standard business card features including spend tracking and free employee cards. It isn’t as rewarding as some of the other cards here, but if you’re looking for a higher credit limit, this could be a card worth considering.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 17.74% – 35.99% variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Capital on Tap Business Credit Card* provides an uncomplicated rewards program with a potentially high credit limit.
It has all the standard business card features including spend tracking and free employee cards. It isn’t as rewarding as some of the other cards here, but if you’re looking for a higher credit limit, this could be a card worth considering.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 17.74% – 35.99% variable APR
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Ramp Card offers more flexibility for employee cards than most business credit cards. It offers an app where you can set spending limits on specific cards as well as block vendors if you so choose.
You can monitor thousands of cards with the app, making it better suited to larger businesses. It earns a flat 1.5% for every purchase with no foreign transaction fees. Ramp also advertises having higher credit limits than other options.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Ramp Card offers more flexibility for employee cards than most business credit cards. It offers an app where you can set spending limits on specific cards as well as block vendors if you so choose.
You can monitor thousands of cards with the app, making it better suited to larger businesses. It earns a flat 1.5% for every purchase with no foreign transaction fees. Ramp also advertises having higher credit limits than other options.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The experts’ take on business credit cards
Business credit cards can help all kinds of entrepreneurs and business owners, but something you may not realize is that your personal credit will help you be approved for a business card.
“If you build your personal credit, it makes obtaining business credit a lot easier,” credit expert Shonda Martin said. “Most banks or financial institutions will require what’s called a personal guarantee, or a guarantor, which is just you as a person. They’ll pull your personal credit report to determine if you’re eligible for the card.”
Martin said that, while a business credit card typically won’t impact your personal credit, it’ll still help your chances of getting approved. According to credit expert Julia Menez, most business cards require a personal credit score of at least 690, but some may aim even higher.
When it comes to choosing the right business credit card, Menez said it’s important to know what you’re looking to get out of it.
“When shopping for a business credit card, business owners should look for a card that fits their business goals,” Menez said. “For example, an e-commerce business owner that spends a lot on ads and shipping might look into the Chase Ink Business Preferred, which earns 3x on ads and shipping**.”
Credit expert Gerri Detweiler said it’s also important to know what type of rewards you’re looking to earn and if you want a travel-focused card or a general rewards card.
“Just like shopping for a personal credit card, you need to know your spending habits and the types of rewards you value as a business owner,” Detweiler said. “Some business owners prefer travel rewards, while others may just want to keep it simple with cash back. I’ve talked to business owners who save their cash back or travel points to reward employees, while others may prefer to treat themselves to a low-cost vacation.”
**Ink Business Preferred earns 3x points on shipping and advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines and other select business categories (on up to $150,000 spent in combined purchases each year, then 1x).
How to choose a business credit card
When choosing which credit card is right for your business, you’ll want to consider all its facets: the rewards, fees, interest rates and any additional perks it may include.
“[You] should choose a small business card much like any other credit card,” said Steele. “Look at the rates and fees, as well as the benefits and rewards, and focus on the features that matter most to you and your business.”
Make sure the card offers rewards for the types of purchases your business makes regularly. If your spending isn’t as streamlined, consider a flat-rate business card that earns no matter what you buy. But if your purchases tend to lean towards one category, like travel, consider a business credit card that offers rewards geared toward travel. It’s also important to know the card’s spending limit on rewards categories (if one applies). If your business spending exceeds the limit, the card’s rewards will decrease, making it a far less rewarding option.
Rewards can also help offset any annual fee the card might have. Business credit cards that offer more premium rewards and perks generally come with an annual fee. Before applying for a business credit card, make sure you can get enough value out of the card to justify paying an annual fee. If you don’t feel confident your business expenses can cover the cost of the fee and turn a profit after factoring in cash back or points, consider a card without an annual fee, like the Ink Business Cash or Ink Business Unlimited.
If there’s a chance you might carry a balance on your business credit card, compare annual percentage rates. You don’t want to kick-start your business with a ton of credit card debt, so plan accordingly. If you need time to finance a considerable expense or pay off your balance each month, browse business credit cards offering a 0% introductory APR period to afford more time.
Pros
Earn a return on your business expenses
Utilize spend management tools to keep track of your spending
Issue employee cards, sometimes at no additional cost
Business travel credit cards can provide time and money saving perks
Cons
Could lead to overspending
Some businesses cards require higher spending thresholds to get the most from them
Missing a payment could damage your personal credit
How to make the most out of your business credit card
You should use your business credit card like any other credit card -- charging only what your business can afford to pay back. You must also pay your balance in full each month to avoid accruing interest. Leverage your business expenses with the right business credit card to maximize its rewards potential. You can do so by taking advantage of all it has to offer, from annual statement credits to airport lounge access.
When it comes time to redeem your rewards or points, make sure you’re doing so in the most lucrative way. Some travel credit cards, for example, won’t earn as much per point if you redeem for statement credits rather than using your rewards for airfare.
You may even consider keeping multiple business credit cards on hand. This can help you maximize rewards on all purchases and is particularly manageable if you have at least one business card with no annual fee.
Lastly, be sure you’re paying on time to avoid any financial headaches that come with missing a payment. Pay off your full statement balance each month to avoid interest charges, and keep an eye on your employee’s spending (if they are linked to the account).
Who should get a business credit card?
Business credit cards are geared toward the needs of business owners -- no matter the size of your operation. You should consider applying for a business credit card if you run a small or large business. They’re great tools to use to offset some of your expenses with rewards, or to provide added amenities like TSA PreCheck or airport lounge access for business owners who travel frequently.
“Credit cards can be a valuable tool for short-term financing, but they are poor instruments for long or even medium term,” said Steele. “If you think that you will need to carry a balance for more than a few months, you should look into other forms of financing like a small business line of credit.”
But like any credit card, it’s important to prioritize responsible use to ensure the financial longevity of your business. “You should never have more credit cards than you can manage responsibly, which is to say that you should always pay your bills on time and carry little, if any debt,” said Steele.
There are credit cards available for all kinds of businesses, whether you spend $20,000 a year or $500,000. You should choose the one that best fits your business needs and spending habits.
What type of business rewards should you choose?
Depending on what type of business you have, you should pick a business credit card that complements your spending habits. If you travel often, consider a business travel card that earns miles to fund your flights and accommodations. Travel credit cards often improve your airport experience with lounge access and other amenities. There are also airline credit cards and hotel credit cards to consider if you prefer a specific airline or hotel property.
Otherwise, a general business reward credit card that provides a solid return for your expenses is a good way to go. Some cards offer rewards on all purchases or provide greater rewards but only for specific purchases. Consider the needs of your business to determine the best fit.
Who qualifies for a business card?
Any business owner, from dog walkers to corporate leaders, is eligible for a business credit card. Whether you’re a sole proprietor, self-employed, in a partnership or lead a corporation, you can qualify for a business credit card.
Gig workers and people who are self-employed can also qualify for a small-business credit card. You don’t even need employees on the payroll. How old the business is doesn’t matter either because credit card issuers will check your personal credit score and history when you apply.
How to apply for a business credit card
Applying for a business credit card is similar to applying for a personal credit card, but you’ll need to provide some additional information. Like any other credit card, you can follow the links above or apply directly on the credit card issuer’s website.
In addition to the standard personal identification and financial information, be ready to provide the issuer with the following:
- Business name, address and phone number
- Industry
- Number of years in business
- Number of employees
- Annual business revenue
- Federal Tax ID: Your employer identification number (EIN) or your Social Security number (SSN).
The issuer will likely have an answer for you instantly unless it requires clarification or additional information.
FAQs
Using a business credit card for personal expenses could be a recipe for disaster. It’ll make bookkeeping more challenging and encourage a bad habit of using your business’s resources for personal spending. It might also void the user agreement you signed when you were first approved for your business card, plus complicate filing your taxes should you ever be audited.
Yes. When you apply for a business credit card, the card issuer will do a hard credit check, temporarily lowering your credit score. It also depends on which credit bureaus your issuer reports activity to. If your issuer reports to both personal and business credit bureaus, activity on your business credit card could impact your personal credit.
You can purchase a one-time copy of your credit report from the major business credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and Dun & Bradstreet. Some may charge a fee, while others may offer a limited number of checks per year. Check with your issuer to see which bureaus it reports activity to.
Other credit cards we researched
- Business Green Rewards Card
- Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
- World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
- United℠ Business Card
Our methodology
CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash-back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance transfer. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles -- with the understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different -- and the designated function of a card.
For cash-back credit cards, for example, key factors include the annual fee, the “welcome bonus” and the cash-back rate (or rates, if they differ by spending category). For rewards and miles cards, we calculate and weigh the net monetary value of a card’s respective perks. And with balance transfer credit cards, we analyze specs such as the duration of the introductory 0% APR period and the balance transfer fee, while acknowledging secondary factors such as the standard APR and the length of time you have to make a balance transfer after you open the account.
For rates and fees of the American Express Blue Business Cash Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.
*All information about the Capital One Spark Cash Plus, Capital One Spark Miles for Business, Capital on Tap Business Card, The Platinum Card from American Express, Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard credit card and the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
This article includes some material that was previously published on NextAdvisor, a CNET Money sister site that was also owned by Red Ventures and which has merged with CNET Money. It has been edited and updated by CNET Money editors.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
