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Best business credit cards of March 2024

Updated March 18, 2024

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.

Best for earning rewards on office expenses
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Info
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$750

Offer valuation

Info

1% - 5%

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best for large welcome offer
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Info
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$750

Offer valuation

Info

1.5%

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best for annual cash bonus
Rating: 4.6 stars out of 5
4.6
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Excellent (740 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$1200

Offer valuation

Info

2% - 5%

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best no-annual-fee business card
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$300

Offer valuation

Info

1X - 2X

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

awards-badge
2024 Bankrate Awards Winner
Best for travel perks and credits
Rating: 4.9 stars out of 5
4.9
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Excellent (740 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$2550

Offer valuation

Info

2X miles - 10X miles

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best for no balance transfer fee
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Excellent (740 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$750

Offer valuation

Info

1.5% - 5%

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best for flexible travel redemption
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Info
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$2000

Offer valuation

Info

1X - 3X

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best for Bank of America customers
Rating: 3.9 stars out of 5
3.9
Info
Apply now Lock
on Bank of America's secure site
Excellent (740 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$300

Offer valuation

Info

1.5%

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best business card for flat-rate cash back
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$250

Offer valuation

Info

1% - 2%

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best for Fair/Subprime Credit
Best for fair credit
Rating: 2.7 stars out of 5
2.7
Info
Apply now Lock
on Revenued's secure site
Bad to Fair (300 – 670)
Info
Recommended Credit

N/A

Intro offer

Info

N/A

Offer valuation

Info

N/A

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

N/A

Regular APR

Best for large purchases
Rating: 3.4 stars out of 5
3.4
Info
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$1000

Offer valuation

Info

2% - 5%

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best for luxury travel perks
Rating: 4.8 stars out of 5
4.8
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$2400

Offer valuation

Info

1X - 5X

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best for reward category flexibility
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
5.0
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$1400

Offer valuation

Info

1X - 4X

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best for easy rewards redemption
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$850

Offer valuation

Info

2X - 5x

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best for United Airline benefits
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Info
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$900

Offer valuation

Info

1X - 2X

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best for Hilton benefits
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
4.5
Info
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$780

Offer valuation

Info

3X - 12X

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best for potentially high credit limit
Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
3.5
Info
Apply now Lock
on Capital On Tap's secure site
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

$200

Offer valuation

Info

1.5%

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

BEST FOR NO FOREIGN TRANSACTION FEE
Image of Capital One Spark Classic for Business

Capital One Spark Classic for Business
*

Fair to Good (580 – 740)
Info
Recommended Credit

N/A

Intro offer

Info

1% - 5%

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

Best business card for automatic bonus categories
Image of U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card

U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card
*

Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
Info
Recommended Credit

Intro offer

Info

1% - 5%

Rewards Rate

Info

Annual fee

Regular APR

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 $750 bonus cash back
Info
Regular APR: 18.49% - 24.49% Variable

4.6 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on business purchases
Intro Offer: Earn $750 bonus cash back
Info
Regular APR: 18.49% - 24.49% Variable

4.2 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site

Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase

Intro Offer: $1,200 cash back
Info
Regular APR: N/A

4.6 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site

2X points on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1x)

Intro Offer: 15,000 Membership Rewards® points
Info
Regular APR: 18.49% - 26.49% Variable

4.1 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel

2X miles on other purchases

 
Intro Offer: 150,000 miles
Info
Regular APR: N/A

4.9 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site

5% cash back on travel booked through the Capital One Travel portal |

1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases

Intro Offer: $750
Info
Regular APR: 18.49% - 24.49% (Variable)

4.1 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site
3X points on the first $150,000 annually in combined travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services
Intro Offer: 100,000 points
Info
Regular APR: 21.24% - 26.24% Variable

4.4 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site

Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases

Intro Offer: $300
Info
Regular APR: 18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers

3.9 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Bank of America's secure site

2% cash back on eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%

Intro Offer: $250 statement credit
Info
Regular APR: 18.49% - 26.49% Variable

4.3 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

N/A

Intro Offer: N/A
Regular APR: N/A

2.7 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Revenued's secure site

5% cash back on travel booked through Chase travel portal

2.5% cash back on purchases over $5,000

2% cash back on all other eligible purchases

Intro Offer: $1,000 Cash Back
Info
Regular APR: Flex for Business Variable APR: 19.49% - 27.49%

3.4 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site

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
Info
Regular APR: 19.49% - 27.49% Variable

4.8 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

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
Info
Regular APR: 19.49% - 27.49% Variable

5.0 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply

Unlimited 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

2X miles on every purchase
Intro Offer: 50,000 miles
Info
Regular APR: 26.24% (Variable)

4.4 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital One's secure site

2 miles for every dollar spent on United purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores and on local transit

Intro Offer: Earn 100,000 bonus miles
Info
Regular APR: 21.99% - 28.99% Variable

4.4 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Chase's secure site

12X points directly with Hilton properties

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 130,000 Bonus Points
Info
Regular APR: 20.99% - 29.99% Variable

4.5 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on American Express's secure site
See Rates & Fees , Terms Apply
Unlimited 1.5% cash back
Intro Offer: $200 Cashback
Info
Regular APR: 17.74% - 35.99% variable APR

3.5 / 5

Info
(Read card review)
Apply now Lock
on Capital On Tap's secure site
Image of Capital One Spark Classic for Business
Capital One Spark Classic for Business

1 percent unlimited cash back for all business purchases

Intro Offer: N/A
Regular APR: 30.74% (Variable)
Image of U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card
U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card
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
Info
Regular APR: 21.24% - 26.24% (Variable)

A closer look at our best small business credit cards

Image of Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Best for earning rewards on office expenses

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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.
Image of Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Best for large welcome offer

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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 Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit offers the same rewards rate, but its sign-up bonus comes with a much lower spending requirement.
Image of Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Best for annual cash bonus

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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.
Image of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Best no-annual-fee business card

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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. 
Image of Capital One Venture X Business

Capital One Venture X Business

Best for travel perks and credits

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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. 

Image of Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit

Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit

Best for no balance transfer fee

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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.
Image of Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Best for flexible travel redemption

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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. 
Image of Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

Best for Bank of America customers

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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.
Image of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Best business card for flat-rate cash back

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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. 
Image of Revenued Business Card

Revenued Business Card

Best for fair credit

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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.
Read our full Revenued Business card review or jump back to offer details.
Image of Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card

Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card

Best for large purchases

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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. 
Image of The Business Platinum Card®  from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Best for luxury travel perks

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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. 
Image of American Express® Business Gold Card

American Express® Business Gold Card

Best for reward category flexibility

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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.
Though the Business Platinum Card from American Express comes with a whopping annual fee of $695, globetrotting business owners may find its premium travel perks worth every cent.
Image of Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Best for easy rewards redemption

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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*. 
Image of United℠ Business Card

United℠ Business Card

BEST FOR UNITED AIRLINES BENEFITS

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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.

Image of The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

Best for Hilton benefits

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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. 
Image of Capital on Tap Business Credit Card

Capital on Tap Business Credit Card

Best for potentially high credit limit

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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. 

The Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards card also has no annual fee and offers the same flat cash back rate. Plus, existing Bank of America and Merrill customers stand to earn significantly higher rewards through its Preferred Rewards program, provided they meet program requirements. 

What’s a business credit card?

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.

What you need to apply for a business credit card 

You’ll need to provide the following information about yourself and your business when applying for a business credit card. These include your:

  • Business name and contact information
  • Role in the company
  • Annual business income
  • Business details
  • Supporting documentation (such as an Employer Identification Number)
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Bankrate Insight

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

  • Checkmark

    Working capital: A business credit card can help address short-term financing needs.

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    Lenient qualification: It can be easier to qualify for a business credit card than a business loan or line of credit.

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    Credit limits: Business credit cards usually provide higher credit limits than consumer credit cards.

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    Available to sole proprietors: They’re available to the self-employed, like freelancers, independent contractors and gig workers.

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    Separates business expenses: Business credit cards help track and manage your company's expenses for budgeting and tax purposes.

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    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.

What people say about business credit cards

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.

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.
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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.

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DIG DEEPER 7 types of businesses and our recommended credit cards for each
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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

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50+
Cards rated
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700+
Data points considered
Credit Card Cash Back
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Spending categories analyzed
Credit Card Reviews
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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:

Frequently asked questions about business credit cards

Ask the experts: How do business credit cards impact business taxes?


Financial Educator, Debt and Credit

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.

Contributor, Personal Finance

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.

Contributor, Credit Cards

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.

**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.