Best business balance transfer cards

Many businesses, even those that are profitable and well-run, might occasionally need to carry debt. Balance transfer credit cards can help you consolidate high-interest debt and work on paying it off over time at a lower or 0 percent APR. But be warned, balance transfer offers on business credit cards are rare.

A balance transfer card works like a regular credit card, with the main feature being an interest-free term for paying off transferred balances. These cards can also help build business credit and provide perks like business tools and consumer protections.

If you’re looking for a solid business credit card that makes it easier to consolidate and pay off credit card debt, here are some of the best business balance transfer cards.

Top business balance transfer credit cards

Best for sole proprietors

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• Bankrate’s view

  While this isn’t a business card, it’s well-suited for sole proprietors with smaller business expenses. A lengthy 0% intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers is a great way to consolidate your debt while earning rewards and a welcome offer on your necessary expenses (17.74% – 26.74% Variable APR APR thereafter). It also includes a 3% intro balance transfer fee, up to 5% fee on future balance transfers (see terms)*.

  The card also earns rewards, giving it value long after the debt is paid off. Cardholders can:

  • Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically.
  • Earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.

  If you drive frequently for your small business, this may be a strong option to consider.

• Pros and cons

  

  Pros

  • With a decent base rewards rate and elevated rates for gas stations and restaurants (on up to $1,000 in combined purchases per quarter), this is a great card for everyday spending.
  • The intro APR for balance transfers is highly competitive and great for consolidating debt.

  

  Cons

  • Other cards may have better rewards rates, more versatile bonus categories or more flexible introductory terms.
  • This card doesn’t have as many perks or travel benefits some small business owners may be looking for.

Comparing the best business balance transfer credit cards

How to choose a business balance transfer credit card

Assess your business needs when considering business balance transfer cards. You’ll want to find the right tools to consolidate your debt with the most favorable terms based on your creditworthiness.

• Prioritize consolidating high-interest debt. Examine how much high-interest debt you want to consolidate. You’ll want to make credit card debt payoff your top priority, so look for the longest 0 percent APR period available for a balance transfer, and try to pay your balance by the end of your intro APR term. 
• Find terms that work for you. No matter how much debt you have to pay down, pay attention to the balance transfer terms, including balance transfer fees, the window to transfer balances and the term of repayment. If the balance transfer fee is too high, it might not justify the savings on interest. 
• Calculate your payoff plan beforehand. Once you know how much debt you want to transfer, consider the length of the introductory offer to determine how much you’ll need to pay monthly to pay it off without additional interest. For example, if you transfer $10,000 of debt for a 15-month intro period and a 3 percent balance transfer fee, you’ll need to pay $687 a month to pay the balance in full before interest charges apply.
• Check your eligibility. Find the minimum credit score needed to qualify for a card, and check your credit score to see where you stand. While a business credit card may not impact your personal credit, issuers may consider your personal credit score when you apply.

Maximizing business balance transfer credit cards

Only a few cards offer intro APR rates that include balance transfers, so consider the following as you decide.

• Consider an intro purchase APR instead. If you have large upcoming purchases for your business in addition to your existing debt, you might look for a credit card offering an intro APR on purchases instead of a balance transfer offer. You won’t accrue interest charges on your purchases and can make smaller payments during the intro purchase term while paying off more of your high-interest debt. However, be careful not to overspend. 
• Pay your balance in full. Make sure you pay your balance in full by the end of the balance transfer term to avoid expensive penalty fees or interest charges. If your card has a high APR, then you might be adding to your debt significantly.
• Build your credit. If your credit is less-than-ideal or if you are just starting out, consider how these cards could help you build your credit and improve your credit score. With responsible card use, you can gain access to better card opportunities.

What’s next?

The bottom line

A business balance transfer credit card offer is worth considering for consolidating debt. The best balance transfer options offer lengthy introductory 0 percent APR rates, although you’ll usually pay a balance transfer fee.

As you consider your options, remember that even the best small business credit cards won’t help unless you pay off as much as possible during your card’s introductory period. Evaluate your budget and have a plan to pay down debt before you transfer balances to a new card.

Frequently asked questions about business balance transfer cards

• Am I eligible for a business credit card?

  Any type of business structure is eligible to open a business credit card. This includes corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and sole proprietorships.

• Do business credit cards show up on my credit report?

  Business credit card activity isn’t typically reported on your personal credit report, but exceptions exist. Issuers might report your credit card to consumer credit bureaus if your account becomes delinquent.

• Can I transfer a balance from my personal card to a business card?

  Yes, you can typically transfer a balance from your personal credit to a business card. If you have been using your personal card for business purchases, you might consider applying for a business card with an intro APR offer to help consolidate any growing debt on your personal card. It’s also a good idea to keep personal expenses and credit separate from your business accounts.

*The information about the Edward Jones Business Plus Mastercard, PNC Visa® Business Credit Card and Citi Custom Cash® Card has been collected independently by Bankrate. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.