Key takeaways

  • Business credit cards can help you keep track of and better organize your business spending, which is convenient for tax purposes.
  • There are a variety of business credit cards on the market, some offering benefits relating to potential business expenses like travel and gas purchases or to office supplies and restaurant spending.
  • If you’re thinking about signing up for a business credit card, you should go with one that’s aligned to your type of business and its spending needs, as well as one that has the right credit limit and rewards structure.

There are myriad reasons to get a business credit card, and they extend far beyond the convenience factor credit cards offer when you make purchases in-person and online. For example, a business credit card can help you organize business-related purchases for accounting purposes and streamline your expenses to make filing business taxes a breeze.

Many business credit cards also let you earn points or miles on business purchases, all while enjoying various consumer protections and travel-related perks. Some business credit cards even come with welcome offers worth $1,000 or more when you hit a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of account opening.

But, which type of card is best for your business? That typically depends on what you spend the most on and what cardholder benefits you use the most — but it also depends on the type of business you have. This guide breaks down some of the most common types of small businesses and our recommended credit card picks for each.

Freelance businesses

These businesses are among the most common in the country and can cover a wide range of pursuits, from freelance writers and designers to photographers and web developers. But they’re all built around self-employment.

The Business Platinum Card From American Express

Delivery or rideshare service businesses

These businesses are primarily run by gig workers who spend a lot of money on gas and vehicle maintenance.

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

Shops and retail businesses

While many shop and retail owners have dedicated storefronts, it’s becoming more and more common to have online-only stores. These businesses sell anything from clothing and accessories to art and books.

Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

Businesses with traditional offices

While many businesses have gone fully remote, there are still many others that require traditional office spaces.

Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Hospitality businesses

Hospitality businesses come in many forms, including hotel and lodging businesses, tour companies, travel agents and travel vendors.

American Express Blue Business Cash Card

Digital marketing businesses

The popularity of social media and e-commerce platforms has made digital marketing a lucrative business. These businesses can operate on a large, national scale, but they can also be run as small businesses with a single team.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Restaurant and food service businesses

Restaurant and food service businesses can range from franchise owners to those running a small kitchen out of their home. But those who own eateries or work in food services like catering don’t always see consistent spending levels month to month. Depending on the type of business and its location, margins can vary quite drastically.

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

The bottom line

When it comes to what business credit card to get for your venture, you have a lot of factors to consider. The right card for your business depends on the type of business you have and the cardholder perks you want the most. Ultimately, that’s why it always makes sense to compare the best business credit cards to see how they stack up in terms of rewards, sign-up bonus offers and other perks. Be sure to also compare cards based on their fees and interest charges, looking into cards that fit your spending style and your budget.

From there, you can think about which card would leave you better off due to the rewards you can earn or the cardholder benefits you receive.

*Information about the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi and the Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card has been collected independently by Bankrate. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

The Bank of America content on this page was last updated on February 26, 2024.