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Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.
Most recently before joining Bankrate, Robert worked as an editor and writer at The Ascent by The Motley Fool, covering a number of personal finance topics, including credit cards, mortgages and loans.
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at Reviews.com and worked as the loans editor at The Simple Dollar.
Jason Steele is a professional journalist and credit card expert who has been contributing to online publications since 2008. He was one of the original contributors to The Points Guy, and his work has been appearing there since 2011. He has also contributed to over 100 of the leading personal finance and travel outlets.
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at Reviews.com and worked as the loans editor at The Simple Dollar.
Jason Steele is a professional journalist and credit card expert who has been contributing to online publications since 2008. He was one of the original contributors to The Points Guy, and his work has been appearing there since 2011. He has also contributed to over 100 of the leading personal finance and travel outlets.
Business credit cards are a popular option for entrepreneurs who need short-term financing to help start or grow their businesses.
The best business credit cards provide a revolving line of credit you can use for any business-related need. Use them for working capital, inventory or to cover your business travel costs. These cards also come with additional features, such as generous rewards programs, expense tracking and money-saving perks.
Our experts have reviewed hundreds of options and compared their features to determine the best business credit cards for March 2024.
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We helped over 300,000 users compare business cards in 2023
We evaluated over 40 business perks
Over 47 years of experience helping people make smart financial decisions
Why choose Bankrate
We helped over 300,000 users compare business cards in 2023
We evaluated over 40 business perks
Over 47 years of experience helping people make smart financial decisions
The Bankrate Promise
At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money and how we rate our cards .
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
Annual fee
Regular APR
5%
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
2%
Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
1%
Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
Few cash back business cards offer such a high rewards rate on office expenses. This includes purchases made at office supply stores and internet, cable and phone services. This business card also packs in bonus cash back at restaurants and gas stations.
Even though the card’s maximum cash back rate only applies to the first $25,000 spent in each bonus category each account anniversary year (then 1 percent), the sign-up bonus, redemption value and additional perks all help make this a standout option for business owners looking for maximum value.
Rewards are generous, particularly for a no-annual-fee credit card.
Cons
Your bonus cash back is subject to cap.
There’s no intro APR on balance transfers.
Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
10% Business Relationship Bonus If you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
No Annual Fee
Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
Annual fee
Regular APR
1.5%
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
With a great rewards rate and a variety of valuable redemption options, this card is a well-rounded, solid choice for nearly any business owner, especially those looking to avoid an annual fee.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
$1,200 cash back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
Annual fee
Regular APR
5%
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2%
Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
If your spending varies or you simply don’t want to put a lot of time and thought into maximizing business rewards, this flat-rate cash back card has plenty of appeal. Namely, you’ll earn at least 2 percent cash back on all purchases. Keep in mind, it’s a charge card; you’ll need to pay your balance off in full each month. Read our full Capital One Spark Cash Plus review.
Pros
The rewards program is straightforward and the flat-rate return on spending is generous.
You’ll skip foreign transaction fees with this business card.
Cons
There’s a steep(ish) $150 annual fee.
Given its a charge card, there are no flexible financing options.
Earn a one-time cash bonus of $1,200 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
Comes with no preset spending limit, so it can adapt to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history and credit profile
Get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Add employee cards for free, and earn unlimited 2% cash back from their purchases
$150 annual fee
Spark Cash Plus has no APR because your balance is due in full every month
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
Annual fee
Regular APR
2X
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners.
1X
2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
When you own a business, there's a long list of things to keep track of. If adding "card rewards categories" to that list is unappealing to you, The Blue Business Plus is a great, hassle-free choice. Because of its promotional APR on purchases, this card is also a great choice for business owners looking to temporarily avoid interest charges on a big purchase.
The rewards are generous for a no annual fee card.
You’ll have access to Expanded Buying Power, a flexible financing option for business cardholders.
Cons
There’s no intro APR offer on balance transfers.
Your bonus rewards are subject to a cap.
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
*The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
150,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
2 miles on every purchase 5 miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel 10 miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Annual fee
Regular APR
2X miles
2 miles on every purchase
5X miles
5 miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
10X miles
10 miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
This card’s terrific travel perks, streamlined rewards rate and flexible redemption options make it a perfect fit for small-business owners who want to get a taste of luxury without drowning in annual fees. As long as you travel enough to take advantage of its annual bonuses, this card is easily worth the cost.
Boasts valuable, practical travel perks, including annual travel statement credits, anniversary miles and airport lounge access, making it easy to offset the annual fee.
Offers ultra-flexible travel redemption, allowing you to redeem miles for travel via Capital One, transfer to participating airline partners and more.
Cons
It’s not a great fit if you want the option to earn cash back. You can redeem miles for cash back, but doing so will cut the redemption value of your miles in half.
You won’t get any airline- or hotel-specific perks like elite status, so a co-branded travel card may be a better fit if you often book with one airline or hotel.
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
This card has no preset spending limit, so you get purchasing power that adapts to your spending needs. The annual fee on this card is $395
Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get the best prices on thousands of options
Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
Skip the lines with up to a $100 statement credit on TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry. Then enjoy unlimited complimentary access to Capital One Lounges and a network of 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Priority Pass™ and Plaza Premium Group lounges
This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
Elevate your stay at luxury hotels and resorts from the Premier Collection with a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits on every booking
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Earn a $750 bonus when you spend $6,000 in the first 3 months of account opening
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere — with no limits or category restrictions
Annual fee
Regular APR
5%
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
1.5%
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere — with no limits or category restrictions
This is a great option for business owners looking for straightforward rewards and low fees. This card has a generous flat-rate and doesn’t carry an annual fee, or foreign transaction fees.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn
Annual fee
Regular APR
3X
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
1X
Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn
Nearly every type of business—from e-commerce to brick and mortar—could benefit from the rewards that this card brings to the table, from advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines to airfare. Businesses already shouldering high monthly expenditures should consider capitalizing on this card’s top-notch sign-up bonus.
The sign-up bonus is one of the largest you'll find.
Frequent business travelers will love the ability to boost point value by 25 percent when booking travel through Chase Travel℠
Cons
There’s a relatively high spend associated with the card’s welcome offer.
There’s no intro APR on purchases or balance transfers.
Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
This no-hassle business credit card lets you earn unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases with no spending caps, allowing you to cover business expenses across a range of categories and earn the same solid rewards. You also have the opportunity to boost those rewards if you qualify for Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards for Business program.
There is a modest 0% intro APR on purchases for 9 billing cycles, after that a 18.49% to 28.49% variable APR.
Cons
There is no intro APR offer on balance transfers.
This card charges a 3 percent foreign transaction fee.
Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases, or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee, and earn up to an unlimited 2.62% cash back on all purchases if you have a Bank of America® business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier.
No annual cap and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
No annual fee.
Choose how to redeem your cash rewards – as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you.
0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. 1% cash back on all eligible purchases after spending $50,000 per calendar year.
Annual fee
Regular APR
2%
Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%.
1%
1% cash back on all eligible purchases after spending $50,000 per calendar year.
Offering flexible financing options and decent rewards (albeit subject to an annual cap), the American Express Blue Business Cash Card is decidedly well-rounded for a no annual fee business card. All in all, it’s one of the better cards for new businesses on the market. Read our full American Express Blue Business Cash review.
Pros
Offers a decent intro APR on purchases
You can access Expanded Buying Power, a flexible financing option for Amex business cardholders.
Cons
The 2 percent cash back is capped to your first $50,000 in purchases per year (1 percent thereafter).
There’s no intro APR on balance transfers.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
N/A
Intro offer
Intro offer is not available for this Revenued credit card.
N/A
Offer valuation
Offer valuation is not available for this credit card.
N/A
Rewards Rate
Rewards rate is not available for this credit card.
Annual fee
N/A
Regular APR
N/A
This prepaid card and credit line combo bases approvals on your business revenue, not your credit score, so it could make sense if you’ve had trouble qualifying for traditional business cards based on your credit history.
Your Flex Line spending limit is based on your business revenue, not your credit history, so your purchasing power can grow as your business grows.
Cons
Though this combo is available with less-than-perfect credit, it still carries business revenue requirements that may be hard for some small-business owners to reach.
The Flex Line uses a purchase of future sales financing model, so you must pay for access to your funds and can’t avoid finance charges like you could if you used a credit card and avoided carrying a balance.
No annual fee and no draw fee
Includes flex line, similar to a line of credit and only pay for what you use
Access cash on demand with funds deposited straight into your bank account
Fast and easy application process - apply online and receive a funding decision in as little as an hour
Approvals based on your business revenue and not personal credit
As your revenue increases, spending limits also increase
Access to business credit tools - Revenued reports to D&B to help build your business credit
Access to a dedicated U.S-based account manager to help you make the most of being a Revenued card holder
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠ Unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more Unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
Annual fee
Regular APR
5%
Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
2.5%
Unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more
2%
Unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
This Chase business card is a top choice for small-business owners with larger budgets and expenses that fall outside of the typical bonus rewards categories available on other business cards. On top of a generous flat rate on all your purchases, you have a chance to earn an even higher rate of cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more.
Offers the one of the highest flat rates available: 2.5% cash back on all large purchases of $5,000 or more
Comes with a high sign-up bonus that’s more accessible than comparable offers
Cons
No bonus categories with boosted rates, which could help you earn rewards faster for specific purchases
High annual fee cuts into reward earnings
Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
Travel Benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, No Foreign Transaction Fees and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
The only business credit card with 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more.
Get the buying power you need to make large purchases, cover monthly expenses and help your business grow. While you must pay your Pay In Full balance each month, this card has built-in flexibility. The Flex for Business feature allows for qualifying purchases to be paid over time with interest.
Purchase with confidence with built-in protections like Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
There's no additional cost for employee cards. Monitor spend with digital tools like purchase alerts, set spending limits, reporting, and more.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com Earn 1.5X on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Annual fee
Regular APR
5X
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
1.5X
Earn 1.5X on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
1X
1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Travel in style with this premium business card from American Express, which offers a number of annual travel credits, a lucrative rewards return, particularly on flights and prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com, and arguably the best airport lounge access on the market. Just be sure you can recoup the card’s hefty $695 annual fee.
New benefits include bonus rewards on key business categories and an annual business-centric statement credit (terms apply).
Cons
The annual credits come with a number of caveats and can be tricky to maximize.
The annual fee is one of the priciest on the market.
Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Earn 1.5X points (that's an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
Unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on a curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your Card.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Business Platinum Card®.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card. 1X is earned for other purchases. **
Annual fee
Regular APR
4X
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
3X
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
1X
1X is earned for other purchases. **
For small business owners, this card offers a lot of value despite the hefty annual fee. Many of the rewards categories tend to be heavy-spend for small businesses, which means cash back rewards will stack up fast. And with American Express's impressive list of airline transfer partners, it's an especially great card if you'd like to redeem your rewards for travel.
You get a generous return on some prime business-centric bonus categories.
Cardholders get access to business expense management tools.
Cons
Your bonus cash back is subject to a cap.
There’s a steep $375 annual fee
Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
Get $12.95 back in statement credits each month when you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. $12.95 plus applicable taxes.
Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Unlimited 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account.
Annual fee
Regular APR
5x
Unlimited 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2X
Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account.
If you make a lot of business trips, the Capital One Spark Miles for Business can help your rewards earnings take off. The unlimited 2X miles on every purchase is great, but it’s even better coupled with the fact that there is minimum redemption and no expiration dates.
The rewards program is straightforward; it’s also generous relative to its annual fee ($95, $0 intro for first year).
Cons
There’s no intro APR on purchases or balance transfers.
Relative to some competitors, this card is slim on ancillary business-centric benefits.
Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
Unlimited 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
Skip the lines with up to a $100 statement credit on TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry
$0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting. Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Annual fee
Regular APR
2X
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit and commuting.
1X
Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
The United Business Credit Card is a great choice for United business travelers. You can earn miles on United and common business purchases while taking advantage of a number of travel benefits. There’s even a sign-up bonus that gives both moderate and frequent business travelers a chance to quickly earn an impressive amount of bonus miles.
Earn a first-year payout with the welcome offer. Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
For a modest annual fee, the card comes with a nice set of airline perks not found with general-purpose business cards.
Cons
Offers free checked bag but only for you and one companion. Other business cards offer this perk for you and four (or more) passengers
No introductory APR offer and a high penalty APR if you make a late payment make this a poor card to use if you don’t intend to pay your balance in full every month
Earn 100,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Receive a 5,000-mile "better together" bonus each anniversary when you have both the United℠ Business Card and a personal Chase United® credit card.
Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting.
Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, employee cards at no additional cost - miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster.
Enjoy a free first checked bag - a savings of up to $140 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United Club℠ one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
$100 United® travel credit after 7 United flight purchases of $100 or more each anniversary year.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Limited Time Offer: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 6/5.
Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible Hilton purchases. Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year. 3X on all other eligible purchases. Terms & Limitations Apply.
5X
Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year.
3X
3X on all other eligible purchases. Terms & Limitations Apply.
This business card rewards Hilton loyalists with elevated membership status and includes boosted rewards rates for more than just purchases made at Hilton Hotels. This card also comes loaded with additional features fit for dynamic business owners who are out of town more often than not, including complimentary Priority Pass visits.
The welcome bonus, boosted rewards rates for business and travel purchases and complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status make this a top hotel rewards cards
Earns boosted points in several categories at once and offers the chance to earn multiple free night rewards from Hilton Honors.
Cons
The card’s $195 annual fee can be hard to justify if you don’t stay at Hilton hotels and take advantage of as many perks as possible
Hilton points are not valued as high as other reward programs’ points, making this a poor choice for general business purchases if you aren’t a Hilton loyalist
Limited Time Offer: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 6/5.
Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible Hilton purchases.
Enhanced: Earn 5X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other purchases made using the Hilton Honors Business Card on the first $100,000 in purchases each calendar year, 3X points thereafter.
New: Enjoy up to $240 back each year for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton.
Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card. With Hilton Honors Gold status, you can enjoy benefits at hotels and resorts within the Hilton Portfolio. As a Gold member, earn an 80% Bonus on all Base Points you earn on every stay getting you to free nights faster.
You may receive an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status if the total eligible purchases on your Card Account during a calendar year reach $40,000 or more.
New: Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club® program is required.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Spend $15,000 in the first 3 months for $200 cashback
This low-hassle business card is affordable to hold, boasting no annual fees or foreign exchange fees for any purchases made abroad. You’ll also enjoy unlimited cards to use for your company and a modest flat rate of cash back on all purchases.
Relatively low on fees and includes no foreign transaction fee.
The 1.5 percent cash back you’ll earn with this card is unlimited, covering an array of purchases.
Cons
Not available to sole proprietorships (the most common business structure) or nonprofits.
Features are limited, and the sign-up bonus has an incredibly high spend requirement compared to other business credit cards.
1.5% unlimited cashback with no annual fee.
17.74% – 35.99% variable APR
No FX fees
$0 annual fee
Limits up to $50,000
Unlimited cards for your employees
Capital on Tap Business Credit Cards are issued by WebBank
BEST FOR NO FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE
Capital One Spark Classic for Business
*The information about the Capital One Spark Classic for Business has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
*
Fair to Good (580 – 740)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
N/A
Intro offer
Intro offer is not available for this Capital One credit card.
1% - 5%
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions. Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Annual fee
Regular APR
1%
Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions.
5%
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
This is a decent flat-rate cash back card for business owners with fair credit. It offers unlimited cash back on all purchases as well as an elevated cash back rate on specific travel booked through Capital One. Along with having solid fraud and liability protection, roadside assistance and no foreign transaction fee, it’s a great choice for people needing to travel for conferences, meetings and more.
Alternatives: You may want to consider the Revenued Business Card if you want a higher rewards rate on every purchase but are having trouble qualifying for most business cards.
Pros
This card’s cash back rate for select travel is fairly decent for no annual fee.
You have access to free employee cards, with which you can track their spending, as well as customizable spending limits.
Cons
Because this card is for people with fair credit, the APR is quite steep, which may make carrying a balance challenging.
The flat cash back rate for all purchases is low compared to other business rewards cards.
Best business card for automatic bonus categories
U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card
*The information about the U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
*
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
A FICO score/credit score is used to represent the creditworthiness of a person and may be one indicator to the credit type you are eligible for. However, credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.
Recommended Credit
Intro offer
Earn $750 when $7,500 is spent within the first 120 days on the account owner’s card
1% - 5%
Rewards Rate
5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked in the Travel Rewards Center 2% back in two top categories where you spend the most each month automatically 1% cash per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
Annual fee
Regular APR
5%
5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked in the Travel Rewards Center
2%
2% back in two top categories where you spend the most each month automatically
1%
1% cash per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases
What we love: This card automatically adjusts your two 2 percent categories each month based on where you’re spending the most. Plus, it has more than 40 eligible categories, including gas stations, software and computer services, utility companies, office supply stores, and more. Almost any business could earn plenty of cash back with this card.Alternatives: The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card earns more in your customizable category and has no annual fee, making it worth a look.
Pros
Business owners can earn an unlimited 2 percent cash back in two eligible categories where they spend the most with this card.
This card offers free employee cards and spending analysis tools to track card use.
Cons
It has a $95 annual fee after the first 12 months.
This card doesn’t have any intro APR offers, which weakens its upfront value.
Comparing Bankrate’s top small-business credit cards
Business Credit Card
Rewards & Highlights
APR
Bankrate Review Score
5% cash back on internet, cable, phone services and office supply stores (up to $25,000 a year in combined purchases)
2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
Intro Offer: Earn up to $750 bonus cash back
Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
5X Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
1.5X points on eligible purchases in key business categories and on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (spending cap applies)
Intro Offer: Earn 120,000 points
Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
4X points on up to $150,000 per year in two select categories (from 6 eligible categories) your business spends the most in each billing cycle, then 1X
3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
Intro Offer: Earn 70,000 points
Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
6X points on select business (U.S. gas stations, U.S. cellphone service providers and U.S. shipping purchases) and travel purchases (U.S. restaurants, airfare booked through Amex Travel and select car rentals)
3X points on all other purchases
Intro Offer: Earn 175,000 Bonus Points
Limited Time Offer: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $8,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card within the first six months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 6/5.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards.
1 percent unlimited cash back for all business purchases
Intro Offer: N/A
Regular APR: 30.74% (Variable)
2% cash back in the top two eligible categories where you spend the most each month automatically
5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center
1% cash back on everything else
Intro Offer: $750
Earn $750 when $7,500 is spent within the first 120 days on the account owner’s card
Regular APR: 21.24% - 26.24% (Variable)
A closer look at our best small business credit cards
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Best for earning rewards on office expenses
One of Chase’s best business cards, it packs a punch if you spend up to $25,000 per year at office supply stores and on cable, internet and phone services.
Small-business owners, e-retailers and Etsy store owners who want exceptional value without having to pay an annual fee and who can take advantage of the card’s bonus categories.
If most of your monthly business expenses go beyond routine office supplies, you may find that a flat-rate card like the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card offers more value.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Best for large welcome offer
The Ink Business Unlimited is a simplified, no-annual-fee option for business owners who don’t want to be bothered with ever-changing bonus categories. You earn unlimited cash back on all purchases and get the rare benefit of an intro APR offer on purchases. Plus, it provides employee cards for no extra cost.
Small-business owners who don’t travel often and prefer to earn straightforward cash back rewards on business expenses.
The high flat-rate cash back on this card is significant. Your rewards won’t expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount. Plus, you can get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000 (See Rates & Fees)
Business owners who spend big every year and prefer flat-rate rewards.
Like the Spark Cash Plus, The Capital One Spark Select for Excellent Credit has no preset spending limit. While the rewards rate is a little lower, the welcome bonus is an upgrade.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Best no-annual-fee business card
This Amex business card has an impressive flat rate on up to $50,000 in purchases each year. This is made even more valuable thanks to Amex’s Membership Rewards program, which provides exceptional value for travel redemptions. Plus, it comes with an introductory APR offer to make it easier to keep your balance paid off.
Small-business owners with limited revenue. This includes sole proprietorships and startups who want to redeem rewards for travel purchases and take advantage of perks like free employee cards and expanded buying power without worrying about paying an annual fee.
Business owners with high monthly expenses may get more value from the Capital One Spark Cash Plus, which also offers flat-rate rewards on purchases but does not put a cap on earnings.
Capital One Venture X Business
Best for travel perks and credits
It comes with a terrific set of perks at a relatively low cost. You’ll enjoy valuable, practical benefits like an annual travel credit, anniversary bonus miles and airport lounge access, all of which should be easy for frequent travelers to make the most of. In fact, these perks may offer enough value to offset the annual fee on their own, so the card could make sense even if you only travel occasionally.
Business travelers looking for practical travel perks and a streamlined rewards program will get the most value out of this card.
If you want the flexibility to redeem rewards at a decent value for both travel and cash back, consider the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. While that card’s points are worth 25 percent more when you redeem for Chase travel, you can still get a solid 1-cent-per-point in redemption value if you opt for cash back.
Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit
Best for no balance transfer fee
The Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit is a great no-annual-fee card (See Rates & Fees) for those looking for solid flat-rate rewards with boosted rewards on travel rewards. Also, compared to its sibling card — the Capital One Spark Cash Plus — the welcome bonus is an upgrade over most at this tier.
Small-business owners who prefer simple rewards programs and only travel occasionally.
If the credit score requirement for the Spark Select is a bit too high, the Brex 30 Card could be a good alternative. Not only does it not require a credit score history, it also doesn’t require a personal guarantee.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Best for flexible travel redemption
The rewards rates make this card valuable for businesses that want to earn 3X points on travel and select business categories (for the first $150,000, then 1X points). The fact that you can redeem your points for 25 percent more value for travel through the Chase Travel℠ portal is icing on the cake. You also have the opportunity to transfer your points at a 1:1 ratio to big-name airline and hotel partners like United, Southwest, British Airways, Marriott and Hyatt.
Small-business owners seeking boosted travel rewards without sacrificing business rewards.
The American Express Business Gold Card offers elevated rewards on spending in your top two select categories where your business spent the most each billing cycle. Though the Ink Business Preferred wins out on travel, the Amex Business Gold’s rewards rate may be a better value for businesses with somewhat predictable expenses.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
Best for Bank of America customers
You get flat-rate cash back on all purchases, without having to think about spending caps or having to tailor your spending toward specific categories. You can also boost those rewards significantly if you qualify for a Bank of America Preferred Rewards, earning up to 2.62% cash back on all purchases.
Business owners whose purchases cover various spending categories and prefer banking with Bank of America.
Big spenders willing to look outside of Bank of America may find more value with the Capital One Spark Cash Plus card and its higher unlimited cash back rate on all eligible purchases.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Best business card for flat-rate cash back
This card charges no annual fee and offers a higher-than-average flat rate on up to $50,000 per calender year. You also get an intro APR offer on purchases and Expanded Buying Power, which allows you to spend above your credit limit without paying an over-limit fee (see terms).
If you love earning straightforward cash rewards on purchases and can stay under the yearly spending limit, you could earn more cash back with this card than the typical flat-rate business credit cards.
Small businesses that prefer the value of points over the convenience of cash back may prefer the Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express. It’s also worth noting that Amex Membership Rewards points can be transferred to partnering hotels and airlines, often boosting their value.
Revenued Business Card
Best for fair credit
Approvals and finance charges are based on your business revenue and history, not your personal credit, so this prepaid card and flex spending line combo could be a big help if you have a growing business but struggle to find affordable financing.
Small-business owners who’ve had a hard time qualifying for business credit cards and are looking for a chance at rewards and a high spending limit based on their business revenue.
Since the Revenued Flex Line uses a purchase of future sales financing model, you can’t avoid finance charges. If you have a good enough credit score to qualify and can avoid carrying a balance, a traditional business card could be a cheaper option. The Capital on Tap Business Credit Card carries a lower rewards rate but offers credit limits up to a high amount with no annual fee. Plus, applying won’t impact your credit score.
Ink Business Premier® Credit Card
Best for large purchases
Big spenders will get the most value, earning unlimited cash back at a solid flat rate for general purchases with a slight boost for larger purchases.
Independent contractors, freelancers or business owners with a high cash flow. For maximum value (and to easily offset the high annual fee), make sure to take advantage of Chase’s Ultimate Rewards Travel portal and the generous 2.5 percent flat rate on purchases of $5,000 or more.
A rewards card with tiered categories may be better if your business spending is more aligned with specific business purchases. The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card charges no annual fee and offers a high cash back rate on office supply store, internet, cable and phone service purchases. If those categories fit your business’ spending habits, this is an excellent opportunity to earn twice as much (or more) on purchases as you would with the Ink Business Premier card.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Best for luxury travel perks
Despite the high annual fee, this is one of the best business travel credit cards. On top of the generous rewards and welcome offer, business travelers can access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide with this card. Plus, cardholders may be able to earn enough statement credits to more than cover the annual fee.
Big spenders who frequently travel and want access to the most premium travel benefits.
The American Express Business Gold Card may be a better match if your business requires little traveling. Not only will you spend a lot less on annual fees, but you stand to earn a higher rewards rate on your top expense categories.
American Express® Business Gold Card
Best for reward category flexibility
American Express offers a high rewards rate on six valuable, business-oriented categories, making it easy for businesses to rack up earnings with this card.
Small-business owners with ever-changing spending habits. Adding employee cards can also help you earn more rewards and offset the $375 annual fee.
While some travel credit cards have complicated rewards structures, the Capital One Spark Miles for Business keeps it simple. You can book travel through Capital One or use your miles to cover travel-related purchases made on your card within the last 90 days, including airfare, hotel bookings, transit and more.
Budget-conscious business travelers who will take advantage of travel perks like the up to $100 application fee credit for Global Entry as well as Mastercard Business Assistant*, a 24/7 service that can help you with entertainment, dining, travel and even finding the perfect gift.
The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card charges the same annual fee but comes with a broader range of travel benefits, including MasterRental® Insurance*.
United℠ Business Card
BEST FOR UNITED AIRLINES BENEFITS
There are enough perks with this card to help occasional and frequent United flyers offset the annual fee that kicks in after the first year. Cardholders can take advantage of first checked bag free for you and a companion, two annual United Club one-time passes and discounts on United inflight purchases. There’s also a chance to earn a yearly statement credit.
Small-business owners loyal to United Airlines looking for boosted rewards on travel, office supplies, dining, gas and local transit make it a solid choice.
If your business-related travel needs are less about where you're flying and more about where you’re staying, the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card can be a solid option. It earns big on Hilton stays as well as purchases at U.S. gas stations, U.S. purchases for shipping and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers. You’ll also earn on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Best for Hilton benefits
This card provides remarkably high rewards rates at Hilton hotels and for business purchases. Coupled with Hilton Honors Gold Status, this card offers more reward opportunities than other travel cards.
Traveling business owners who are Hilton loyalists can make the most of this card’s rewards rates, discounts and points bonuses for Hilton stay milestones.
If you travel for business often but not in areas serviced by Hilton hotels — or don’t prefer Hilton to other hotel brands — a general business travel card like The Capital One Spark Miles for Business credit card may be a better option. In fact, 1 Capital One mile can be worth more than 1 Hilton Honors point based on Bankrate's latest credit card point valuations, which give Capital One miles an average value of around 1.7 cents each.
Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
Best for potentially high credit limit
This card earns flat-rate rewards on all business purchases. It also has no annual fee or foreign transaction fees, making it ideal for small businesses that frequently make purchases abroad or online with international merchants.
If you need a business credit card for an LLC or corporation, the Capital on Tap Business card is a low-maintenance option worth considering.
Business credit cards are revolving lines of credit that help cover short-term expenses and build business credit. Some cards may also earn rewards on eligible business-related spending and offer zero-interest intro APR periods.
Business credit cards work the same as consumer credit cards: If approved, you typically receive a specific credit limit, which serves as your spending maximum. Card issuers report your credit usage, good or bad, to credit bureaus, which can affect your credit score. Like consumer cards, business cards may also come with rewards, often in the form of cash back, points or miles. The best business cards available often require good credit, but secured business credit cards exist as a way to help entrepreneurs get started building or rebuilding their business credit.
If you run a part-time business — like a side hustle or gig — a business card is a great credit tool. A business card can help if you have high startup costs, increased travel expenses or growing operating costs. Plus, if you transition to running your business full time, a card can help build your business credit score.
Pros and cons of business credit cards
Business cards offer several advantages over personal cards when initially funding a business, though you should keep a few potential drawbacks in mind.
Pros
Working capital: A business credit card can help address short-term financing needs.
Lenient qualification: It can be easier to qualify for a business credit card than a business loan or line of credit.
Credit limits: Business credit cards usually provide higher credit limits than consumer credit cards.
Separates business expenses: Business credit cards help track and manage your company's expenses for budgeting and tax purposes.
Lower APR: Business cards often come with lower interest rates than personal credit cards.
Cons
High credit requirements: While secured business credit cards exist, the choices available for businesses with fair or poor credit are slim.
Liability: You may be personally liable for any unpaid debt on the cards, and business credit can affect your personal credit.
Fewer protections: Business credit cards aren’t required to offer the same consumer protections as personal cards under the Credit CARD Act of 2009, though many issuers do voluntarily extend these protections to their business products.
Tips on choosing the best business card for you
Choosing the right business card depends on your specific business. One of the main factors to consider is the type of business card you need. A few of the most common types of business cards are:
Corporate credit cards: These cards are typically only issued to large businesses with established financial and credit histories. Banks will issue a corporate credit card to the business entity, not the individual business owners.
Cash back credit cards:Cash back business cards can earn cash back rotating categories, fixed bonus categories or on all spending. These cards are a good option for any business that wants to earn rewards on their purchases.
Travel rewards credit cards: These cards offer a high rewards rate on various travel purchases, including car rentals, rideshares, hotel and flight bookings.
Charge cards: Some business cards are charge cards, which usually have no set credit line or spending limit. Instead, you pay off your full balance every month.
Once you know what kind of business card best suits your business and its needs, consider these steps when choosing the best one for you.
Pick relevant earning categories
To get maximum value out of your business credit card, choose a card that earns bonus rewards in your business’ top spending categories. If your priority is convenience, choose a flat-rate business rewards card that offers at least 1.5X points or miles for all purchases.
Pay attention to redemption value
The value of your rewards can vary based on how you redeem them. Make sure the card you choose offers at least one cent per point or mile for your favorite redemption option.
Compare additional features
Two cards may offer the same rewards, but one might offer additional features that can save you money. Examples of perks to consider include intro APR offers, cellphone insurance or travel protections.
Mind the fees
Make sure the value you’ll gain from the card exceeds any fees you might pay, such as an annual fee or balance transfer fee. Other costs to consider include late fees and penalty APRs.
If you’re looking for a new business credit card, you may be wondering which cards your fellow small-business owners recommend. To get some first-hand perspectives, we checked out what Reddit and myFICO® Forums users are saying about their favorite business cards.
Contributors regularly recommended a few specific issuers with top business cards:
As you consider your card options, it’s important to assess your business needs and how you plan to use any rewards you earn. One member of the Reddit r/smallbusiness community, beley, noted that deciding on the best card for you, “depends on what you spend money on and what you value (cash back, free travel, or other perks).”
For example, Amex business cards that earn Membership Rewards are useful for travel because American Express has a solid network of transfer partners, including top airlines and hotels. Redditor beley favors the Amex Gold Business card because of its elevated rewards rates on business expenses like advertising and shipping. Those rewards can translate into great travel redemptions, and the same Reddit user said that they take a couple of vacations every year using miles and points.
On the myFICO® Forums, one user noted that Amex cards can be great tools for businesses because “the no pre-set spending limit** offers flexibility.” In addition to the travel benefits, one user chose the Amex Business Platinum for its extended purchase warranty perk.
If you’re looking for a straightforward business card with flat-rate cash back, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus might be a better choice for you. Redditors praised the simplicity of earning rewards with the card’s unlimited 2 percent cash back on every purchase.
Chase Ink business cards also typically have strong welcome offers and solid rewards rates. For example, several Reddit users recommended the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card. On top of its competitive welcome offer, the card provides unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on all business purchases. Plus, the card carries a solid intro APR offer, which will come in handy if you’re looking to finance a large purchase for your business while minimizing interest charges.
With so many great options, how do you decide what’s right for your business? One Reddit user suggested having two separate business cards with different banks, noting that there’s no perfect “one size fits all” product. Maintaining a primary account with one bank and a secondary “backup” account with another bank may also be helpful if one account is compromised.
This Redditor included a few key tips for choosing the right cards.
Make sure at least one of them is a VISA card, since they are accepted in most places.
There are arguments to be made for having your backup be an Amex due to how customer-friendly they are.
In the end, the only answer is "it depends on what YOU" need … I think the arguments for having two accounts with separate banks is supportive of most small businesses' needs.
This advice is solid, especially if your business is your primary source of income or if it’s growing at a rapid pace. For a small business, a catch-all card with solid perks, such as the much-loved Capital One Spark Cash Plus, may be all you need.
*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Be sure to check the issuer's website/terms and conditions for all up to date content. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.
Expert advice for maximizing business credit cards
Like with consumer credit cards, you want to have a clear vision for how your business credit card can help you achieve your financial or business goals. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Use your card to build business credit: Business credit cards are one of the most cost-effective ways to build business credit. As long as you take advantage of the card’s grace period and pay your balance in full each month, you can avoid interest charges. You won’t get this perk with other types of business financing.
Consider having more than one business credit card: For many entrepreneurs, one business credit card won’t be enough. To maximize your credit card rewards, you might need two or three business cards, each with different bonus rewards categories that match your spending habits. For example, one business credit card may be a great fit to cover your travel needs but not offer bonus rewards that can cover your other spending habits.
Have a plan for paying off your debt: If you can’t pay your business credit card in full each month, interest charges can eat away at your rewards and make it harder to pay off that balance. Plus, if you signed a personal guarantee, you’re personally liable for repaying the debt if your business can’t. To avoid your business spending affecting your personal finances, have a plan in place to repay your debt before you start using a business credit card. Create a business budget to help avoid overspending and consistently monitor your cash flow to stay on top of your business finances.
Bankrate Insight
When getting a business card, whether a corporate card or a small-business credit card, it may be a good idea to go through the same issuer as your personal credit card. A few perks can come with going this route, such as a better chance of qualifying and pooling rewards.
DIG DEEPER
7 types of businesses and our recommended credit cards for each
In the news: Rates remain steady but may lower in 2024
The Federal Reserve left interest rates untouched in January 2024 and signaled that it intends to make several cuts throughout the year. Should these cuts come to pass, it marks the end of a series of rate hikes that led to the highest levels seen in 22 years. Small-business owners of all credit levels could see card rates and fees begin to lower in the coming year, though businesses with poor credit may still find issuers wary to lend without proof of strong finances.
Small business owners who can get approved have some options that can cut down on borrowing costs. Zero-interest business credit cards let business owners take advantage of promotional APR offers. During this time, you can avoid interest charges for up to 12 or 18 months depending on the offer.
You may also be able to take advantage of SBA loans, which are guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration. These government-backed loans cap interest rates, helping to make small business loans more affordable. Several types of SBA loans are available, including options to help business owners with bad credit who struggle to get approved for financing.
*For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply. The information about the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
How we assess the best business credit cards
50+
Cards rated
700+
Data points considered
10
Spending categories analyzed
40+
Perks evaluated
When evaluating the best business cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of small-business owners, from earning rewards in popular business spending categories to getting payment flexibility or high-value perks. Whenever possible, we also feature cards that are available at various credit levels and price points.
We analyzed over 50 of the most popular business credit cards and scored each based on its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup.
Here are some of the key factors that we considered:
The best business cards offer rewards in key business spending categories, so a primary criteria for a business card’s rating is its rewards value. This includes the card’s average rewards rate, estimated annual rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value and reward redemption value.
To estimate a business card’s average annual rewards earnings, we first calculate its average rewards rate based on how much it earns in different bonus categories and how closely its categories align with the average small-business owner’s spending habits. In other words, we assess whether the card earns rewards at a high rate in the most popular business spending categories.
We researched 10 key business spending categories including dining, gas, office supplies, travel, telecommunications, insurance and more to get a sense of the average small-business owner’s spending habits. We assumed an average annual spend of around $40,000 per year based on Bankrate survey data.
Using this data, we are able to assign a weighting to each of a card’s bonus categories. We also estimate the redemption value of points or miles from various issuer, airline and hotel rewards programs.
This weighting and rewards valuation allows us to estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings — how many points or miles you’d earn with a given card if your spending was about average and you used the card for all of your business purchases — as well as what those points are worth. We also use point valuations to determine a card’s sign-up bonus value
With these calculations complete, we assign each card a score based on how its average rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value, rewards rate and redemption value stack up against other business cards, factoring in the card’s annual fee.
The better these values, the higher its score will be, making it more worthy of inclusion in our list and increasing its potential ranking.
We also score cards based on how much it costs to keep them in your wallet or carry a balance.
To start, each business card is scored based on whether it offers an intro APR and how its ongoing APR compares to the rates available on other business cards. This is because an intro APR on new purchases or balance transfers can be a lifesaver if you need to pay down debt, finance a large business purchase or free up cash flow.
While intro APRs are not uncommon on business cards, they aren’t a given, so cards that offer this sort of payment flexibility will score higher in our card rating system and are more likely to land a spot on our best cards list.
Even more important to both a card’s score and its inclusion in our list, however, is how its annual fee influences its overall value. We consider a card’s annual fee in two ways — how it ranks relative to the fees you’ll find on other cards in the category and how it impacts a card’s overall rewards value.
Cards with an annual fee will always be at a slight disadvantage in our scoring system since annual fees inherently cut into your rewards value. However, if a card offers terrific value via its ongoing rewards and perks, it can earn a high score and a spot in our list even if it carries a high annual fee. After all, the highest rewards rates and most valuable perks are often found on cards with annual fees.
With this in mind, we rate a card based primarily on how its ongoing rewards value and ongoing perk value (such as annual credits or bonuses) stack up against those of other cards in the category when you subtract annual fees.
That said, we strive to include as many no-annual-fee options in our list as possible since many business owners would rather not worry about offsetting fees, even if a card carries impressive rewards and perks.
Business rewards cards may make it easy to earn a lot of points, miles or cash back, but how easy is it to use those rewards? After all, if it takes a ton of effort to redeem rewards or you can only redeem rewards in a couple of ways, a card may be more trouble than it’s worth.
As such, we rate each card’s flexibility based on the restrictions it imposes on earning and redeeming rewards. We factor this rating into a card’s overall score and consider it when deciding on a card’s inclusion in our list.
Flexibility factors include whether a card only allows you to earn a high rewards rate on only a small amount of spending or requires you to meet a certain earning threshold before you can redeem rewards. We also examine whether your points are worth less when you opt for some redemption options over others and whether a card gives you the flexibility to transfer rewards to travel partners.
We also score each card’s set of features – its perks and benefits — against five tiers of features to provide a rating. Top-tier perks include benefits like airport lounge access, travel credits, elite status with an airline or hotel and credits for expedited security screening membership programs.
We give extra weight to perks especially useful or valuable for small-business owners, like being able to qualify with no personal guarantee, digital advertising credits, free employee cards and accounting perks.
Frequently asked questions about business credit cards
The best business card depends on the type of business you run and its needs, but here are the three highest-rated business cards on Bankrate:
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Though co-branded, the Hilton Honors Amex Business card is surprisingly versatile. It offers great rewards on both Hilton Hotel stays and commonly used business categories along with complimentary Gold Status. With only a $95 annual fee, the card is fairly affordable.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Despite the $695 annual fee, the Business Platinum Amex comes with a ton of benefits that easily outweigh the cost. These benefits include credits on Dell purchases and yearly Priority Pass Select membership.
Capital One Spark Cash Plus: The Capital One Spark is a great choice for business owners who prefer flat-rate cash back over tiered categories. It also comes in handy for businesses with high budgets, as it doesn’t have a preset credit limit. Be aware that the Capital One Spark is a charge card, so you have to pay off the card every billing cycle.
Finding the right business credit card to help cover costs (which averages $40,000 in the first year) and get your new business up and running depends on finding a card with the benefits that matter most to you, gives you maximum value and is something you can afford.
Though uncommon, business cards that do not require a personal guarantee do exist. However, there’s usually a tradeoff. Instead of providing a personal guarantee, you'll usually need to link a corporate bank account with a large balance, provide proof of significant business profits or offer business assets as collateral.
One popular option is the Brex 30 Card. To be approved for the card, you need $50,000 in your bank account if professionally invested, or $100,000 otherwise.
Starting to build your business credit could be as easy as establishing credit with vendors and suppliers. But not all credit lenders will report accounts to business credit bureaus.
Opening a business credit card is a better option. That’s because major issuers like Capital One, American Express and Chase report your activity to the commercial credit bureaus, such as Dun & Bradstreet. Another benefit is that you can avoid interest charges with a business credit card as long as you consistently pay your balance in full each month.
A business credit score applies to businesses rather than individuals. Unlike personal credit cards, business credit scores can range between one and 100 depending on the business credit bureau. Business scores are also public and attached to an Employer Identification Number (EIN) rather than a Social Security Number.
You can check your business credit score at the reporting agencies Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax and Experian. But you may have to pay to see your score or look up other businesses.
Small business credit cards can provide a lot of value, but they’re not the best solution for every business. Some entrepreneurs will need to cover expenses that exceed a credit card’s limits, carry a balance over a long period of time or may simply have poor credit. The most common alternatives to business cards are:
Business loans: The best small business loans can have higher loan amounts and lower interest rates than business credit cards.
Business lines of credit: A business line of credit may come with higher credit limits than a business credit card, especially if you have good or excellent credit.
Personal credit cards: While you may miss out on the perks of a business credit card, personal credit cards at least guarantee you consumer protections against fraud and may have longer intro APR offers.
Ask the experts: How do business credit cards impact business taxes?
Business credit card transactions that are legitimate business expenses may be written off as a business expense in some cases. A tax preparer may use those transactions as they’re working on your bookkeeping or as a means to prepare your taxes. Interest paid on business credit cards transactions is tax deductible, much like the interest paid on a business loan.
For small business owners — particularly single-member LLCs and S-Corps, business cards are an important tool to help track your transactions and keep them separate from your personal expenses. Using business cards to organize expenses really helps me maximize deductions.
A small business’s margins may be slim, and the right business credit card could potentially help. The rewards you earn with business credit cards aren't taxable, so if you maximize them you can earn substantial cash, points or miles. When you use the card exclusively for business expenses, you can also deduct the fees that are associated with these products.
We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.
**No Preset Spending Limit means your spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history.
Most recently before joining Bankrate, Robert worked as an editor and writer at The Ascent by The Motley Fool, covering a number of personal finance topics, including credit…
Courtney Mihocik is an editor at Bankrate Credit Cards and CreditCards.com specializing in credit card news and personal finance advice. Previously, she led insurance content at…
* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.
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