A business credit card can lower your travel expenses if you take advantage of rewards and other money-saving perks, such as redemption bonuses and annual travel credits. However, you’ll likely need to pay an annual fee to get the best card benefits.
Some credit cards are tied to a specific hotel or airline and offer rewards or complimentary elite membership status. Consider your travel budget, where you stay most often and which airline you prefer to fly with before applying. Here are some of the best business travel cards to choose from.
The American Express® Business Gold Card has a ton going for it, from earning potential to redemption value. Cardholders can redeem Amex points for flights through AmexTravel.com at 1 cent per point, but you might find a higher per-point value by transferring to travel partners. Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to a range of airline and hotel partners, which makes it possible for cardholders to get even more value for their rewards.
In terms of travel benefits, the American Express® Business Gold Card comes with access to a Global Assist hotline and the Hotel Collection through American Express. Other benefits that come standard in exchange for this card’s $375 annual fee include up to a $240 flexible business credit each year (up to $20 statement credit each month for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores), up to a $155 annual Walmart+ membership statement credit (plus-ups not eligible; subject to auto-renewal) and cell phone protection**.
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 American Express® Business Gold Card has a ton going for it, from earning potential to redemption value. Cardholders can redeem Amex points for flights through AmexTravel.com at 1 cent per point, but you might find a higher per-point value by transferring to travel partners. Amex Membership Rewards points transfer to a range of airline and hotel partners, which makes it possible for cardholders to get even more value for their rewards.
In terms of travel benefits, the American Express® Business Gold Card comes with access to a Global Assist hotline and the Hotel Collection through American Express. Other benefits that come standard in exchange for this card’s $375 annual fee include up to a $240 flexible business credit each year (up to $20 statement credit each month for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores), up to a $155 annual Walmart+ membership statement credit (plus-ups not eligible; subject to auto-renewal) and cell phone protection**.
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 also earns flexible American Express Membership Rewards points that can be used for travel through AmexTravel.com or transferred to the brand’s airline and hotel partners. However, this card offers more travel benefits than the American Express® Business Gold Card. This makes sense, considering it has a much higher $695 annual fee.
For example, cardholders get the broadest airport lounge membership available today, up to $400 in statement credits for U.S. purchases with Dell Technologies each year, up to $360 in statement credits toward Indeed each year, up to $150 in Adobe statement credits each year for eligible purchases, up to $120 in statement credits each year for U.S. wireless phone service providers, up to $189 in statement credits each year toward CLEAR® Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) and up to a $200 airline incidentals credit each year at one select qualifying airline.
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 also earns flexible American Express Membership Rewards points that can be used for travel through AmexTravel.com or transferred to the brand’s airline and hotel partners. However, this card offers more travel benefits than the American Express® Business Gold Card. This makes sense, considering it has a much higher $695 annual fee.
For example, cardholders get the broadest airport lounge membership available today, up to $400 in statement credits for U.S. purchases with Dell Technologies each year, up to $360 in statement credits toward Indeed each year, up to $150 in Adobe statement credits each year for eligible purchases, up to $120 in statement credits each year for U.S. wireless phone service providers, up to $189 in statement credits each year toward CLEAR® Plus membership (subject to auto-renewal) and up to a $200 airline incidentals credit each year at one select qualifying airline.
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 Capital One Venture X Business* is a charge card instead of a credit card, meaning there’s no preset spending limit but the balance on the card must be paid in full each month. This card also comes with a range of benefits that help make up for its $395 annual fee, including Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership, access to Capital One airport lounges and a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership.
The Capital One Venture X Business also earns flexible Capital One miles that can be redeemed for options like statement credits, gift cards, travel through Capital One Travel or transfers to Capital One airport and hotel partners.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Capital One Venture X Business* is a charge card instead of a credit card, meaning there’s no preset spending limit but the balance on the card must be paid in full each month. This card also comes with a range of benefits that help make up for its $395 annual fee, including Priority Pass Select airport lounge membership, access to Capital One airport lounges and a fee credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership.
The Capital One Venture X Business also earns flexible Capital One miles that can be redeemed for options like statement credits, gift cards, travel through Capital One Travel or transfers to Capital One airport and hotel partners.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- N/A
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is great for flexibility since it earns points in the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. These points can be used for cash back, gift cards, merchandise and other flexible options. But more importantly, cardholders get 25% more value for points when they redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠, and they can transfer points to Chase airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio.
While the card charges a $95 annual fee, it comes with travel insurance benefits like primary auto rental collision damage waiver when renting a car for business purposes, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and roadside dispatch.
- 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 is great for flexibility since it earns points in the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. These points can be used for cash back, gift cards, merchandise and other flexible options. But more importantly, cardholders get 25% more value for points when they redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠, and they can transfer points to Chase airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio.
While the card charges a $95 annual fee, it comes with travel insurance benefits like primary auto rental collision damage waiver when renting a car for business purposes, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and roadside dispatch.
- 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 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card comes with a $650 annual fee, yet its benefits make the fee well worth it for frequent Delta flyers. In addition to Amex Centurion lounge access, cardholders get 15% off award flights with TakeOff 15, and Delta Sky Club membership (Effective 2/1/2025, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/2025, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/2024 and 12/31/2024, and each calendar year thereafter; retail value of $695).
Other perks include two Delta Sky Club passes for guests, Main Cabin 1 priority boarding, your first checked bag free, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership fee credit, trip cancellation and interruption insurance**, trip delay coverage** and a baggage insurance plan**.
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 Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card comes with a $650 annual fee, yet its benefits make the fee well worth it for frequent Delta flyers. In addition to Amex Centurion lounge access, cardholders get 15% off award flights with TakeOff 15, and Delta Sky Club membership (Effective 2/1/2025, Reserve Card Members will receive 15 visits per year to the Delta Sky Club; to earn an unlimited number of Visits each year starting on 2/1/2025, the total eligible purchases on the Card must equal $75,000 or more between 1/1/2024 and 12/31/2024, and each calendar year thereafter; retail value of $695).
Other perks include two Delta Sky Club passes for guests, Main Cabin 1 priority boarding, your first checked bag free, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership fee credit, trip cancellation and interruption insurance**, trip delay coverage** and a baggage insurance plan**.
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 Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is for serious Southwest flyers who want to rack up Southwest Rapid Rewards points while enjoying elite benefits. This card comes with 9,000 points after each cardmember anniversary, four upgraded boardings each year (when available), up to 365 in-flight wifi credits each year and a fee credit toward Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck membership.
A $199 annual fee applies, but cardholders can also use this card to get a boost toward elite status with the airline. In fact, every $10,000 spent each calendar year on the card gives users 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-list status.
- 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 Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is for serious Southwest flyers who want to rack up Southwest Rapid Rewards points while enjoying elite benefits. This card comes with 9,000 points after each cardmember anniversary, four upgraded boardings each year (when available), up to 365 in-flight wifi credits each year and a fee credit toward Global Entry, NEXUS or TSA PreCheck membership.
A $199 annual fee applies, but cardholders can also use this card to get a boost toward elite status with the airline. In fact, every $10,000 spent each calendar year on the card gives users 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-list status.
- 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 United℠ Business Card makes the most sense for business owners who frequently fly with United Airlines or its Star Alliance partners. It has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 annual fee, and it earns lucrative United miles that can be used for flights around the world.
Cardholder perks include two United Club passes each year, a first checked bag free for the cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation, priority boarding, and 25% back on eligible in-flight purchases with the airline. The card also comes with a $100 United credit after cardmembers make at least seven United purchases of $100 or more within an anniversary year.
Some benefits are also offered for frequent flyers who want to pursue elite status with the airline. Specifically, cardholders earn 25 Premier Qualifying Points for every $500 spent on purchases, up to 1,000 PQP in a calendar year.
- 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.
The United℠ Business Card makes the most sense for business owners who frequently fly with United Airlines or its Star Alliance partners. It has a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99 annual fee, and it earns lucrative United miles that can be used for flights around the world.
Cardholder perks include two United Club passes each year, a first checked bag free for the cardholder and a companion traveling on the same reservation, priority boarding, and 25% back on eligible in-flight purchases with the airline. The card also comes with a $100 United credit after cardmembers make at least seven United purchases of $100 or more within an anniversary year.
Some benefits are also offered for frequent flyers who want to pursue elite status with the airline. Specifically, cardholders earn 25 Premier Qualifying Points for every $500 spent on purchases, up to 1,000 PQP in a calendar year.
- 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.
Business owners who frequently stay in Marriott properties should consider the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card. This card offers more points on Marriott stays in addition to base points earned for being a loyalty program member. Plus, cardholders get a free night award each anniversary year (up to 35,000 points) and can earn another free night award after spending at least $60,000 on purchases within a calendar year.
A $125 annual fee applies, but cardholders get automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold status and premium internet access when they stay with the brand. The card also comes with 15 elite night credits toward the next tier of elite status each year.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
Business owners who frequently stay in Marriott properties should consider the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card. This card offers more points on Marriott stays in addition to base points earned for being a loyalty program member. Plus, cardholders get a free night award each anniversary year (up to 35,000 points) and can earn another free night award after spending at least $60,000 on purchases within a calendar year.
A $125 annual fee applies, but cardholders get automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold status and premium internet access when they stay with the brand. The card also comes with 15 elite night credits toward the next tier of elite status each year.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
Business owners who spend a lot of time in Hilton properties throughout the year can earn a high rewards rate on those stays and other purchases with the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.
Its welcome offer is on par with top-tier travel cards that typically charge a higher annual. Cardholders can also get up to $240 back each year for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton -- more than enough to cover the card’s $195 annual fee.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
Business owners who spend a lot of time in Hilton properties throughout the year can earn a high rewards rate on those stays and other purchases with the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.
Its welcome offer is on par with top-tier travel cards that typically charge a higher annual. Cardholders can also get up to $240 back each year for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton -- more than enough to cover the card’s $195 annual fee.
- Intro Balance Transfer APR
- N/A
- Intro Purchase APR
- N/A
- Regular APR
- 20.99% – 29.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer Fee
- N/A
A business travel credit card is a type of business credit card or charge card that earns rewards for travel and comes with travel-related benefits. For example, cards in this niche frequently earn flexible rewards that can be redeemed for travel in more than one way. Some common perks include airport benefits like fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership or airport lounge access, as well as travel insurance benefits and annual travel credits.
Co-branded airline and hotel credit cards for businesses also tend to offer brand-specific perks. For example, these cards can come with free checked bags and priority boarding for flights with the airline or its alliance partners, a head start toward elite status and travel-related discounts.
Pros
Simplify overseas spending with a card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees
Earn points or miles for travel-related spending
Enjoy travel perks that can save time and money
Cons
Lack of rewards flexibility with co-branded credit cards
You’ll have to pay an annual fee to get the best travel cards
High interest rates
How to choose a business travel card
Before you settle on a business credit card for travel, compare them based on the following factors.
Rewards
Make sure the cards you’re considering offer the type of rewards you want, whether you prefer flexible rewards points, airline miles or hotel points. Also, look at each card’s earning rate to ensure you’ll earn an optimal amount of rewards for how your business normally spends. If it won’t reward you for how you spend already, then you’re better off choosing another card.
Welcome offer
Consider each card’s welcome bonus and whether you can meet the minimum spending threshold to earn it with regular business purchases and bills. Many business credit cards for travel require high spending requirements ($10,000 or more within the span of a few months) to earn the welcome bonuses they offer. If you have to overspend to reach it, you’ll negate any value you’d get from the bonus.
Travel perks
Ask yourself which travel perks you could benefit from the most. This might be frequent flyer benefits if you fly for work all the time, or you might be better off with on-site hotel benefits if you spend weeks of each year in a hotel for business travel.
Other business credit cards for travel offer more general travel benefits like airport lounge access and membership fees for Global Entry, NEXUS, TSA PreCheck or CLEAR.
How to get the most out of your business travel credit card
Using a business credit card for travel could be a lucrative move, but it could also create problems for you and become costly in the long run. These tips can help you maximize your card’s benefits.
- Take advantage of statement credit offers. Some business credit cards for travel come with statement credits for expedited airport security and airline incidentals. Keep track of the statement credits your card offers and make sure you use them to get more value from your card.
- Use your card in bonus categories to earn more rewards. Keep tabs on the bonus categories your card earns the most rewards in, then use your card for those regular purchases.
- Only charge purchases when you have the cash. No matter what you do, don’t use your business travel card as a short-term loan. If you need a business credit card because you plan to carry a balance, look at cards with a lower APR or business credit cards that offer 0% APR for a limited time.
Alternatives to business travel credit cards
Business travel credit cards let you earn rewards while enjoying travel-related benefits, but there are some alternatives to consider if you want to make the most of your business spending or you need to borrow money:
- Cash-back business credit cards: Some business credit cards offer cash back instead of travel rewards points, and they tend to come with no annual fee. Some business cards in this category even offer 0% APR on purchases for a limited time, which can be useful if you plan to carry a balance in the short term.
- Small business loan: If you need to borrow money and pay it off over several years, you’ll want to skip credit cards in favor of a small business loan instead. These loans tend to come with much lower interest rates than credit cards, although they don’t come with any perks or rewards.
How to apply for a business travel credit card
Finding a business credit card for travel is only one part of the process, meaning you still have to apply and get approved. The following steps can help you get to the finish line.
- Compare card options: Pick a business credit card that offers the type of rewards and benefits you want, and aligns with how you already spend. Also, consider how an annual fee might fit into your travel budget.
- Gather important information: Make sure you know the total income of your household, your annual business income, your Social Security number and the Employer Identification Number for your business (if you have one).
- Apply for a credit card: Apply for the card you want online by filling out the application. You’ll need to share your home address and contact information, your SSN, your EIN (if you have one), the type of business you have, your full income and your business income.
- Get your card: You should hear back instantly with the credit card issuer’s decision, but it may reach out for clarification or more information. Once you’ve received your card, remember to always pay your bill on time.
FAQs
The best business travel card is the American Express® Business Gold Card for its flexible rewards and good redemption options.
Yes. When you first apply, your personal credit will typically undergo a hard credit check. Also, if your issuer reports to both personal and business credit bureaus, activity on your business credit card could affect your personal credit.
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.
*All information about the Capital One Venture X Business has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
**Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
For rates and fees of the American Express Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Card, 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.
For rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card, click here.
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.
