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Originally Published: Mar 01, 2024
Originally Published: Mar 01, 2024 Last Updated: Mar 27, 2024 20 min read

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Best No-Annual Fee Business Credit Card for Everyday SpendingBest 1.5% Flat-Rate Cash Back Business Card With No Foreign Transaction FeesBest No-Annual-Fee Business Credit Card for Office ExpensesBest Small Business Credit Card Best 1.5% Flat-Rate Cash Back Business Credit Card with Flexible Rewards
The Blue Business<sup>&reg;</sup> Plus Credit Card from American Express Logo
Capital One Spark Cash Select Logo
Chase Ink Business Cash<sup>SM</sup> Credit Card Logo
Chase Ink Business Preferred<sup>&reg;</sup> Credit Card Logo
Chase Ink Business Unlimited<sup>SM</sup>  Credit Card Logo
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American ExpressCapital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent CreditInk Business Cash® Credit CardInk Business Preferred® Credit CardInk Business Unlimited® Credit Card
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Annual Feeannual_fees

(Click here for rates and fees.)

annual_feesannual_feesannual_feesannual_fees
Welcome Offerbonus_miles_fullbonus_miles_fullbonus_miles_fullbonus_miles_fullbonus_miles_full
Highlights

Earn high rewards on most eligible purchases without being limited to specific bonus categories

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on most eligible purchases, without any caps or foreign transaction fees (which many no-annual-fee cards charge)

Earn high rewards at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services, among other popular categories

Ideal for small businesses that spend often on travel, shipping, online advertising, internet, cable and phone services

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back that can be redeemed for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards, travel and more

Best No-Annual Fee Business Credit Card for Everyday Spending
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Our Partner
Learn More
Annual Fee
annual_fees

(Click here for rates and fees.)

Welcome Offer
bonus_miles_full
Highlights

Earn high rewards on most eligible purchases without being limited to specific bonus categories

Best 1.5% Flat-Rate Cash Back Business Card With No Foreign Transaction Fees
Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit
Our Partner
Learn More
Annual Fee
annual_fees
Welcome Offer
bonus_miles_full
Highlights

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on most eligible purchases, without any caps or foreign transaction fees (which many no-annual-fee cards charge)

Best No-Annual-Fee Business Credit Card for Office Expenses
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Our Partner
Learn More
Annual Fee
annual_fees
Welcome Offer
bonus_miles_full
Highlights

Earn high rewards at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services, among other popular categories

Best Small Business Credit Card
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Our Partner
Learn More
Annual Fee
annual_fees
Welcome Offer
bonus_miles_full
Highlights

Ideal for small businesses that spend often on travel, shipping, online advertising, internet, cable and phone services

Best 1.5% Flat-Rate Cash Back Business Credit Card with Flexible Rewards
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Our Partner
Learn More
Annual Fee
annual_fees
Welcome Offer
bonus_miles_full
Highlights

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back that can be redeemed for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards, travel and more

Best Business Cards Main Takeaways

  • Business credit cards can keep business and personal expenses separate, simplifying bookkeeping and tax filing.
  • Money has vetted hundreds of credit cards, considering their annual fees, redemption options, insurance coverage and more.
  • Our best business cards picks offer rewards on gas, travel, dining, office supply purchases, cell phone service as well as other benefits such as access to cash flow management tools.

Why Trust Us?

During the evaluation process, our editors and writers verify current offers from credit card issuers. Additionally, we delve into each card's fine print to analyze their features and potential value. We review cards independently, ensuring our content is accurate and guided by editorial integrity. Read the full methodology to learn more.

  • 44 business credit cards evaluated
  • 10+ data points used, including ongoing fees, reward programs and welcome offers
  • 100+ sources reviewed

Our Top Picks for the Best Business Credit Cards

Money.com has partnered with CardRatings.com for our coverage of credit card products. Money and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. This site does not include all card companies or all available card offers.

Our top picks are listed in alphabetical order.

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Best Business Credit Cards Reviews

Best business card for flexible reward categories

Pros
  • No preset spending limit gives more spending flexibility (Terms apply)
  • Includes car rental, trip delay and baggage insurance*
  • Benefits at over 700 hotels (when you book two or more nights)
Cons
  • Auto rental coverage is secondary***
  • Statement credits are worth only 0.6 cents per point

Terms apply. Click here for applicable rates and fees.

Annual fee

$375

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.*

Regular APR:

19.49% - 27.49% Variable

Intro APR:

N/A

Recommended credit:

Good, Excellent

Rewards

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the two categories in which your business spends the most each billing cycle from this list:

  • U.S. media providers for advertising purchases in select media (online, TV, radio)
  • Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
  • U.S. gas stations
  • U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
  • U.S. electronic goods retailers and software and cloud system providers
  • Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
  • Terms apply

The 4X reward rate is limited to the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases per year; after that, it drops to 1X per dollar. (Only purchases in your top two spending categories each billing cycle count towards the annual cap.)

You also earn 3X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com and 1X points on all other eligible purchases.

Read our review

Who it’s best for: The American Express® Business Gold Card is ideal for business owners who need flexible spending categories.

What we like: This card offers a high reward rate in the two categories (from a list of six) where you spend the most each month. It automatically adjusts to your spending habits without the need to opt in or pick your preferred categories each month.

What we don’t like: This is a charge card, so you have to pay your balance in full each month. However, note that some eligible purchases can be paid over time. (Terms apply.) It also has a high annual fee of $375, so it’s best to pick another business card if your spending doesn’t align with its bonus categories.

Best business card for bad credit

Pros
  • Earn 1.5% cash back on every eligible purchase
  • No annual fee
  • Complimentary access to Dun & Bradstreet business credit score
Cons
  • Security deposit required
  • No bonus categories
  • No introductory bonus or APR period
  • Offers less redemption options than other cards

Rewards

  • Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases

Read our review

Who it’s best for: The Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® Secured Credit Card is a great option for business owners aiming to build or repair their credit.

What we like: This card requires a $1,000 minimum security deposit that acts as collateral if you ever fail to make the monthly payments, making it easier to qualify for. Additionally, the card offers travel perks like $100,000 in travel accident insurance, auto rental insurance, emergency ticket replacement, lost luggage assistance and legal and medical referrals while traveling. It also provides free access to your Dun & Bradstreet business credit score, so you can easily track your progress.

What we don’t like: The card doesn’t offer a welcome bonus or an introductory APR period. You also get fewer redemption options (statement credit, a check or a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account) than other business cards.

All information about the Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® Secured Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

Best business card for customizable rewards

Pros
  • Earn 3% cash back on the first $50,000 in in your chosen bonus category each calendar year (1% thereafter)
  • Earn up to 75% more cash back on eligible purchases if you're a Bank of America business checking account holder and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors
Cons
  • Bonus categories have a combined annual spending cap of $50,000
  • 3% foreign transaction fee

Rewards

  • 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations, office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom and wireless, computer services or business consulting services
  • 2% back on dining
  • 1% all on other eligible purchases

You'll earn 3% and 2% cash back only on the first $50,000 in combined purchases between your choice category and dining each calendar year, 1% thereafter.

Read our review

Who it’s best for: The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® offers reward customization capabilities that are quite uncommon, making it a great choice for those who want more control over their bonus categories.

What we like: This card lets you choose your top-earning category from a list of six options, and you can change your pick as often as once a month. So, if you plan ahead, you could maximize your cash back. For example, you could set travel as your preferred bonus category before a business trip and earn 3% back on the flight ticket and rideshare services (like Uber). Additionally, the card features perks such as travel accident and auto rental insurance.

What we don’t like: The card’s 3% and 2% cash back rates are limited to the first $50,000 spent in combined purchases yearly. Once you reach the cap, you’ll only earn 1% back.

All information about the Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

Best business card for fair credit

Pros
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Bonus points on some travel purchases through Capital One Travel
Cons
  • Earns only 1% cash back on most purchases
  • Doesn’t include perks or travel protections

Rewards

  • 1% cash back on most eligible purchases
  • 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars if booked through Capital One Travel.

Read our review

Who it’s best for: While most of the best business credit cards require good or excellent credit, the Capital One Spark 1% Classic is available for business owners with a limited credit history or those with fair scores.

What we like: This card is a solid option for those who need to build or improve their credit. And while it’s a starter business credit card with few perks, it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, which other no-annual-fee cards charge.

What we don’t like: The card doesn't offer a welcome bonus or many benefits. So, if you have a good or excellent credit score, you're better off with one of the other cards in our list.

All information about the Capital One Spark 1% Classic has been collected independently by Money.com. It has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Best 2% cash back business charge card

Pros
  • High flat reward rate on all eligible business purchases
  • Get a $150 statement credit if you spend at least $150,000 by your membership anniversary date
  • Includes car rental insurance
  • No preset credit limit
Cons
  • $150 annual fee
  • Few extra benefits
  • Balance must be paid in full each month
Annual fee

$150

Sign-up bonus

$1,500 Cash Back once you spend $20,000 in the first 3 months, and an additional $1,500 once you spend $100,000 in the first 6 months

Regular APR:

N/A

Intro APR:

N/A

Recommended credit:

Excellent

Rewards

  • 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One travel portal
  • 2% back on all other purchases, with no annual spending caps
  • Read our review

    Who it’s best for: The Capital One Spark Cash Plus lets you earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, with no caps or category restrictions.

    What we like: This cards comes with no preset spending limit. The limit changes based on your spending behavior, payment history and credit profile. This can give business owners with excellent credit more spending flexibility. Also, you can get the card’s $150 annual fee refunded (as a statement credit) if you spend at least $150,000 in a year.

    What we don’t like: Since this is a charge card, you must pay your balance in full each month or else you’ll get charged late fees and your account will be considered past due — unlike standard credit cards that let you accrue a balance as long as you make a minimum monthly payment. The card also has fewer benefits than similarly priced business cards.

    Best flat-rate cash back business card with no foreign transaction fees

    Pros
    • Unlimited 1.5x cash back for your business on all purchases
    • No yearly spending caps
    • No annual or foreign transaction fees
    Cons
    • Few additional perks
    • No direct deposit redemption option
    Annual fee

    $0

    Sign-up bonus

    $750 Cash Back once you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening

    Regular APR

    18.49% - 24.49% (Variable)

    Intro APR

    N/A

    Recommended credit

    Excellent

    Rewards

  • 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 1.5% cash back on all other eligible purchases
  • Read our review

    Who it’s best for: The card_name is a great option for those looking to earn unlimited cash back with a higher base reward rate than most no-annual-fee business cards and with no foreign transaction fees.

    What we like: Not only do you earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on most eligible purchases for your business, you can earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Additionally, the card doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees, while most business cards without annual fees charge around 3% on transactions processed outside of the U.S.

    What we don’t like: The card’s bonus categories are limited, so those who spend a lot on travel, office supplies and other business-centered categories can miss out on rewards. Also, you can only redeem your cash back as a statement credit or check.

    Best business travel credit card

    Pros
    • Annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
    • 10,000 bonus miles every year (starting on your first anniversary)
    • Access to over 1,000 airport lounges worldwide
    • Up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® (when you use card)
    Cons
    • High annual fee ($395)
    • Outstanding balance must be paid in full every month
    Annual fee:

    $395

    Welcome offer:

    150,000 Miles once you spend $20,000 in the first 3 months, and an additional 150,000 miles once you spend $100,000 in the first 6 months

    Regular APR:

    N/A

    Intro APR:

    N/A

    Recommended credit:

    Excellent

    Rewards

  • Unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every eligible purchase
  • 5X on flights booked through Capital One Travel
  • 10X on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Read our review

    Who it’s best for: The Capital One Venture X Business is an obvious choice for business owners seeking valuable travel benefits and a straightforward rewards program for an affordable annual fee.

    What we like: You’ll earn travel rewards from day-to-day spending without the hassle of tracking spending categories or limits. To add to its appeal, the card provides several premium travel benefits at a reasonable cost, including:

    • $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
    • 10,000 bonus miles every year (starting on your first anniversary)
    • Up to a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
    • Complimentary Priority Pass™ for access to 1,300+ airport lounges

    What we don’t like: Because it’s a business charge card, your bill is due in full every month. Also, this card’s rewards are rather narrowly tailored for travel, so it isn’t the best option for those who want a variety of reward categories.

    Best no-annual-fee business credit card for office expenses

    Pros
    • No annual fee
    • Includes primary rental car coverage
    • High rewards rate for office supplies, cable, internet and phones services and more
    • Redeem for statement credits, checking account deposits, gift cards, travel purchases and more
    Cons
    • $25,000 spending cap on bonus categories
    • Foreign transaction fees
    Annual fee

    annual_fees

    Sign-up bonus

    bonus_miles_full

    Regular APR

    reg_apr,reg_apr_type

    Intro APR

    intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration

    Recommended credit

    credit_score_needed

    Rewards

  • 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined yearly purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services
    • 2% back on the first $25,000 spent per year in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants
    • 1% back on all other eligible purchases

    Read our review

    Who it’s best for: The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is a solid no-annual-fee business credit card for small business owners who spend big on office supplies and cable, internet and phone services.

    What we like: The Ink Business Cash® offers flexible redemption options. While it's advertised as a cash-back credit card, it actually earns Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. These are worth around one cent each and can be redeemed for statement credits, checking account deposits, gift cards, travel purchases and more. You can also transfer your points to other cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, even if they’re not business cards.

    What we don’t like: This card is not the best choice for businesses with high operational costs. Businesses that spend more than $25,000 each year in this card’s reward categories might get more value from a card with higher spending caps, like the Chase Ink Business Preferred®.

    Best small business credit card

    Pros
    • Get bonus points for airfare, hotels, rental cars and more booked through any platform
    • Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠ portal
    • Can transfer your points to over 10 travel partners
    • No foreign transaction fees
    Cons
    • $150,000 annual cap on bonus rate might be low for some businesses
    • $95 annual fee
    Annual fee

    $95

    Sign-up bonus

    New Cardmember Offer! Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Regular APR

    21.24%-26.24% Variable

    Intro APR

    N/A

    Recommended credit

    Excellent, Good

    Rewards

    Earn 3x points per dollar on up to $150,000 in combined purchases each card anniversary year (1x points after that) on the following categories:

    • Shipping purchases (such as postal and freight shipping companies)
    • Advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines Internet, cable and phone services
    • Travel (including airlines, hotels, car rental agencies and more)

    Read our review

    Who it’s best for: The card_name is ideal for small businesses that spend often on travel and common business expenses, like shipping purchases.

    What we like: The card offers valuable travel redemption options when you book through the Chase Chase Travel℠ portal. When you use the portal, your points will be worth 1.25 cents apiece (instead of the usual one cent), and you can transfer your points to over 10 airline and hotel partners, including Jetblue, United and Marriott. The card also includes trip cancellation and interruption insurance, primary rental car coverage and cell phone coverage.

    What we don’t like: If your operational costs exceed $150,000 early in the year, you might do better with a card without annual caps, like the Chase Ink Business Premier℠.

    Best business credit card for large business expenses

    Pros
    • Solid cash-back potential for business that often make purchases of $5,000 or more
    • Includes travel protections like primary auto rental and trip cancellation/interruption insurance
    • Cell phone protection plan for all devices listed on your monthly bill
    • Offers more spending flexibility that a traditional charge card
    Cons
    • $195 annual fee
    • Can’t combine your rewards with other Chase cards
    • Reward can’t be transferred to travel partners
    • Purchases that don’t qualify for Flex for Business must be paid in full every month
    Annual fee:

    $195

    Welcome offer:

    Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Regular APR:

    Flex for Business variable APR: 19.49% - 27.49% Variable

    Intro APR:

    N/A

    Recommended credit:

    Good, Excellent

    Rewards

  • 5% total cash back on travel purchased through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal
  • 5% back on Lyft rides through March 2025
  • 2.5% cash back on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more
  • 2% cash back on all other eligible business purchases
  • Read our review

    Who it’s best for: The Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card is an excellent option for larger businesses that need the spending power a charge card can offer.

    What we like: This card offers outstanding earning potential for businesses that make frequent large purchases of $5,000 or more. Also, while it’s a charge card that needs to be paid fully each month, the Flex for Business feature lets you pay qualifying purchases of $500 or more over time with interest (up to a set credit limit). This makes the card more flexible than similar charge cards.

    What we don’t like: Some might consider it a hassle to track which transactions must be settled by the end of the month and which can be paid over several months. Also, unlike with other Chase business cards, you can't transfer your points to travel partners or other Chase cards.

    Best flat-rate cash back business credit card with flexible rewards

    Pros
    • Unlimited 1.5x points on purchases made for your business
    • No yearly spending caps
    • Primary rental car insurance
    • No annual fee
    Cons
    • No bonus categories
    • Foreign transaction fees
    Annual fee

    $0

    Sign-up bonus

    Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

    Regular APR

    18.49% - 24.49% Variable

    Intro APR

    0% Intro APR on Purchases 12 months

    Recommended credit

    Excellent, Good

    Rewards

  • Earn 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases made for your business, without any yearly caps
  • Read our review

    Who it’s best for: The card_name is an excellent option for business owners who prefer a simple earning structure and flexible redemption options.

    What we like: This card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on most purchases and lets you transfer your rewards to other cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, such as the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. This makes it a great addition to your wallet if you already own other Chase credit cards. Also, you can redeem your cash back for statement credits, account deposits, gift cards, travel purchases and more.

    What we don’t like: The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card doesn’t offer any additional bonus categories, and it’s not a good option for international travelers since it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.

    Best cash back business card with no annual fee

    Pros
    • High flat reward rate for most purchases
    • No annual fee
    • Access to Expanded Buying Power feature lets you spend above your credit limit (Terms apply)
    Cons
    • You can only redeem your cash back earnings as a statement credit
    • Annual cap on bonus category

    Terms apply. Click here for applicable rates and fees.

    Regular APR:

    18.49% - 26.49% Variable

    Intro APR:

    0% on purchases 12 months from date of account opening

    Recommended credit:

    Good, Excellent

    Rewards

  • 2% cash back on eligible business purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%)
  • Read our review

    Who it’s best for: The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is an excellent choice for business owners who prefer a simple cash-back rate and automatic redemptions.

    What we like: Business owners can earn cash back on most everyday purchases without being limited to bonus categories. Also, your cash back is automatically redeemed as a statement credit at the end of each billing cycle, making the card even easier to use.

    What we don’t like: You can’t redeem your cash back for account deposits, checks, travel or gift cards, like with other business credit cards.

    Best no-annual fee business credit card for everyday spending

    Pros
    • No annual fee
    • Can transfer your points to 16 travel partners
    • Access to Expanded Buying Power that lets you spend above your credit limit (Terms apply)
    Cons
    • Statement credits are worth only 0.6 cents per point
    • Secondary auto rental coverage***

    Terms apply. Click here for applicable rates and fees.

    Annual fee

    No annual fee

    Welcome 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.

    Regular APR

    18.49% - 26.49% Variable

    Intro APR

    0% on purchases 12 months from date of account opening

    Recommended credit

    Good, Excellent

    Rewards

  • 2x Membership Rewards® points per dollar on the first $50,000 spent in eligible business purchases each year (1x point thereafter)
  • 1x on other eligible purchases
  • Terms apply
  • Read our review

    Who it’s best for: Consider The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express if you want to earn high rewards on most purchases without being limited by bonus categories. (Terms apply.)

    What we like: You can redeem your points for travel bookings or transfer them to one of the issuer’s airline and hotel partners, which include Delta, Jetblue and Hilton. Also, this card features Expanded Buying Power, which lets you spend above your credit limit up to a certain amount. (Terms apply.)

    What we don’t like: This card is not ideal if you'd like to redeem your points for statement credits as points are valued at 0.6 cents per dollar when used this way.

    Best business card for luxury perks

    Pros
    • Comprehensive travel insurance*
    • Transfer points to 16 travel partners, including Delta and Marriott
    • Airport lounge access in more than 1,400 locations worldwide (enrollment required)
    Cons
    • $695 annual fee
    • Car rental insurance is secondary**
    • Statement credits are worth only 0.6 cents per point

    (Terms apply. Click here for applicable rates and fees.)

    Annual fee

    $695

    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.

    Regular APR

    19.49% - 27.49% Variable

    Intro APR

    N/A

    Recommended credit

    Good, Excellent

    Rewards

  • 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through the amextravel.com
    • 1.5x points (up to the first $2 million spent combined each year) at U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, software and cloud system providers and shipping providers
    • 1.5x points (up to the first $2 million spent combined each year) on purchases of $5,000 or more, regardless of the category

    Read our review

    Who it’s best for: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is an excellent business and travel rewards credit card featuring an extensive list of benefits that few other cards can match, making it a no-brainer for frequent travelers.

    What we like: The card provides yearly statement credits for purchases made at Dell, Indeed, Adobe and/or U.S. wireless telephone providers. (Enrollment required.) It also features several statement credits that make it an excellent travel credit card, including:

    • Up to $200 per year in airline fee credits to cover checked bags, in-flight refreshments and other incidental fees charged by the airline to your Business Platinum Card® (must select a qualifying airline)
    • $100 credit for Global Entry or $85 for TSA PreCheck® (every 4 or 4.5 years, respectively) ​​when you use your Business Platinum Card® to enroll
    • Up to $189 for CLEAR® Plus membership once per year (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay for membership using your Business Platinum Card®
    • Access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide (enrollment required for Priority Pass Select)
    • Terms apply

    What we don’t like: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has one of the steepest annual fees ($695) in the market. However, it's well worth it if you travel enough to take advantage of its extensive list of benefits.

    Best cash back business credit card with no annual fee​

    Pros
    • No annual fee
    • No yearly caps on cash back earned
    • Annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription services
    Cons
    • 3% foreign transaction fee

    Rewards

    • 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants
    • 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center
    • 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

    Read our review

    Who is it best for: The U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card is a great option for business owners who spend a lot on gas and EV charging stations, as well as restaurants.

    What we like: You get unlimited 3% cash back on popular spending categories (gas, EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants). Additionally, you get a yearly $100 statement credit after you make 11 consecutive monthly purchases with an eligible software service provider, such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.

    What we don’t like: The card offers few benefits and redemption options compared to similar no-annual-fee business cards. For example, it doesn’t include rental car insurance and you can’t redeem your cash back for travel bookings.

    All information about the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

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    Business Credit Cards Guide

    Business credit cards can be valuable financial tools for established businesses, startups, sole proprietorships and even freelancers.

    These types of credit cards do more than offer high bonus rewards on business expenses. They give your business greater spending flexibility and offer rewards in often-used categories such as advertising or shipping services.

    They also separate your business and personal finances and help you build your company’s credit profile, which can give you access to favorable interest rates and a wider array of financial products.

    Read on for an overview of how these cards work and how to choose the best business credit card for you.

    What is a business credit card?

    Business credit cards are a financial tool designed to help streamline business transactions. They provide business owners with a separate credit line from their personal ones, which can facilitate the tracking of company expenses and tax filing.

    They often feature higher credit limits than personal credit cards and business-centric features, such as free employee cards and automated quarterly and year-end summaries. Additionally, these cards typically offer generous rewards for business expenses, including gas, office supplies, phone plans and social media advertising.

    How do business credit cards work?

    Business credit cards work the same way as personal cards do. They give you access to a revolving line of credit, meaning you can make purchases or take out cash advances up to a certain amount, known as the credit limit.

    You'll receive a monthly account statement disclosing the total amount owed and the minimum amount due. You'll have to make at least the minimum payment to avoid late fees and keep your account in good standing. However, paying the full balance is preferable to avoid racking up interest charges on the remaining balance.

    What is a business credit score?

    Business credit scores are calculated based on your business’s credit report, which can include details such as the number of employees, debt owed and payment history. Similar to your credit score, a business credit score tells issuers how likely or not a company is to pay back debt.

    Most business credit scores are ranked on a scale of 0 to 100. For example, the PAYDEX scoring system by Dun & Bradstreet classifies companies with ratings of 80 or more as prompt payers, while those with scores below 50 are at a high risk of making payments 30 or more days past due.

    If you’d like to check your business credit score, you’ll have to either pay a one-time fee or subscribe to the bureaus’ credit monitoring services. Here’s where you can request the report and score of each business credit bureau:

    Note that to get a business credit score from Dun & Bradstreet, you first need a D-U-N-S (Data Universal Numbering System) number. You can request one for free here.

    What is an EIN number?

    An Employer Identification Number, or EIN, is a unique nine-digit number issued to your business by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). An EIN is necessary to file taxes, open a business bank account and apply for business licenses and credit cards.

    Independent contractors and freelancers are generally not required to have an EIN; only business owners with employees do. However, there are exceptional cases, so check out this guide from the IRS to check if you need an EIN. You can apply online using the IRS’s EIN Assistant if you need one.

    Types of business credit cards

    Here’s a rundown of how the differences between the three main types of business credit cards:

    Small business credit cards

    Most business cards available online are considered small business credit cards. These generally offer perks and benefits tailored towards small business owners or freelancers with limited staff and lower operational expenses compared to larger companies.

    These cards feature reward programs that let you earn points redeemable for cash back, statement credits, travel, gift cards and more — depending on the issuer.

    Corporate credit card

    Corporate cards are similar to small business ones in terms of reward programs. However, their benefits are typically geared towards larger corporations with a well-established business history, significant revenue and hundreds of employees or more.

    A business must be registered as a C Corp or an S Corp to qualify, not as a sole proprietorship or partnership (although some card issuers welcome different types of business structures). Also, the company is responsible for paying the card, not the cardholder directly. This means that approval of the account is based mainly on the company's finances — unlike small business cards, which take into account an individual's credit report.

    Charge cards

    The main difference between a charge card and a small business credit card is that charge cards don't have pre-set spending limits. Instead, issuers approve each purchase you make with a charge card individually, based on your income, creditworthiness and payment history.

    This system gives business owners with excellent credit greater spending flexibility. However, charge cards must be paid in full each month. If you don’t settle the outstanding balance on time, you'll incur late fees and other penalties, depending on your card's agreement.

    It's worth noting that some credit card providers allow you to repay select purchases over time, with interest. For instance, certain American Express business cards offer the Pay Over Time feature, which allows for minimum payments on eligible purchases — like a traditional credit card.

    Business credit cards vs. personal credit cards

    Business credit cards

    Personal credit cards

    Best for

    These cards are best for business owners who want to separate their business expenses from their personal ones while building their business credit score.

    These cards are best for individuals who want an accessible line of credit for everyday expenses and to build their credit history.

    Credit limit

    It’s calculated based on the business's credit score and financial information. Many lenders also consider your personal credit history.

    Lenders consider your employment status, income and credit report, which includes information on your payment history and current debts.

    Credit reporting

    Transactions on business credit cards are reported to business credit bureaus, such as Dun & Bradstreet. However, lenders might report late payments to consumer credit agencies, impacting your personal credit score.

    The account activity on personal credit cards gets reported to the three major credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and TransUnion.

    Rewards and benefits

    Business credit cards are designed to meet the needs of businesses. They feature benefits such as expense tracking tools and bonus categories for gas, office supplies, internet services and more. Some also include travel insurance.

    Personal credit cards often provide bonus points or miles for everyday expenses, such as dining, grocery shopping and streaming services. They often feature travel benefits, like car rental insurance and purchase protections, such as extended warranty coverage.

    Authorized users

    They usually offer free employee cards for which you can set customized spending limits. This makes it easier to track employee spending, and you can earn rewards from their purchases.

    You can typically add free authorized users to your account, who get access to most of the same benefits as the primary cardholder. However, some high-end credit cards charge an annual fee for each additional authorized user.

    How to choose a business credit card

    If you’re looking for a new business credit card, these are some of the factors you should consider:

    • Go over your business's expenses and identify the main spending categories. This can help you narrow your card options to those offering bonus categories that align with your spending habits.
    • Check if the card's bonus categories have quarterly or annual spending caps, which can impact your reward-earning potential.
    • Compare cards based on their fees and interest rates. For example, if you travel often, you may want a card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.
    • Prioritize the card's ongoing benefits over its welcome offer. Perks like travel accident insurance and cell phone protection often determine the long-term value of a card, especially if you'll be paying an annual fee. Also, make sure the card’s features align with your business needs.
    • Consider the card's redemption options. For instance, some cards reduce the value of your points or miles if you redeem them for cash back.

    How to get a business credit card

    Before applying for a business credit card, you should evaluate your credit history to get an idea of what lenders will see. Watch out for inaccurate or outdated information on your credit report that might be lowering your credit score, and if you find any, dispute it. (Check out How to Dispute Your Credit Report for more information.)

    Besides checking your report, creditors will also ask for detailed information about your company’s revenue and expenses. Providing as much documentation as possible will help you accelerate the process and improve your approval odds.

    Business credit card requirements

    Most card applications can be completed online in a couple of minutes. Here are some details you’ll likely need to provide during the process:

    • Legal name
    • Date of birth
    • Social Security number
    • Home address
    • Email address
    • Phone number
    • Annual income
    • Business name and contact information
    • Number of employees
    • Business type and category
    • Legal business structure
    • Employer identification number (EIN)
    • Estimated revenue
    • Monthly expenses

    Pros and Cons of having a business credit card

    Pros
    • Some cards offer high rewards on business-related spending categories, like office supply stores and internet plans.
    • Cards include account and expense management tools, such as year-end account summaries and bookkeeping software.
    • You can give cards to each of your employees, assign separate credit limits and monitor their spending.
    Cons
    • Most require a personal guarantee, which means you'll be personally liable for any debt even if the business fails.
    • Their highest reward rates are limited to business purchases.
    • To qualify, the card issuer will look into your personal credit history and credit score. A poor credit history will lower your approval odds.

    How to get the most out of your business credit card

    Here are some tips to get the most out of your card’s rewards program and features:

    • Use your card often but wisely. The more you use your card, the more you'll earn points, miles or cash back rewards you can redeem for account deposits, statement credits, airfare, gift cards and more (depending on your credit card issuer). Having said that, it’s important to stay below your credit limit and aim to pay your monthly bill in full to avoid interest charges.
    • Maximize the card's bonus categories. Make sure you know your card’s bonus categories and use it to make purchases that align with those.
    • Take advantage of its benefits. Most cards include benefits such as extended warranties, insurance policies and roadside assistance. If you get a card with travel insurance, use it to pay for your tickets so that you can be reimbursed if any of the events covered by the policy should cause you to miss, cancel or delay your trip. .
    • Add employees to your account. Their spending will earn you extra rewards. However, it's a good idea to set spending limits for their cards to control expenses.
    • Make sure you use the introductory offer. For example, if the card has a 0% APR introductory period, you can plan major purchases during these months and carry a balance without incurring interest charges. (Note: you'll still have to make monthly minimum payments during a 0% APR period.)

    Latest News in Business Credit Cards

    Business Credit Cards FAQs

    What is the best business credit card?

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    The best credit card for your business depends on your company's needs. When comparing credit card offers, take the time to evaluate reward rates and ongoing benefits, as well as fees and interest rates. We found that some of the best business credit cards offer high rewards on office supplies, phone plans and media advertising purchases, like the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.

    How do you check your business credit score?

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    To check your company's score, you have to either pay a one-time fee or subscribe to a credit monitoring service by one of the business credit bureaus — Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax and Experian.

    How to build business credit

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    The first step is to register your business and obtain any necessary state or federal licenses. You'll also have to apply for an EIN with the IRS and a DUNS number with Dun & Bradstreet, one of the main business credit reporting agencies. After that, apply for a business credit card. Most credit card issuers report your activity to business credit bureaus, which will raise your credit score if you use it responsibly.

    What is a good business credit score?

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    Business scores range between 0 and 100. According to the Paydex scoring systems, one of the most popular models, scores of 80 or above are considered excellent and will likely give you access to the best credit terms available. Scores of 50 to 79 indicate moderate risk, and lenders view anything lower as a high risk of late payments.

    Which business credit cards report information to consumer credit bureaus?

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    Credit card issuers usually don't report activity from your business credit card to your personal credit file. However, some might if your account is delinquent. With this in mind, consider confirming with your issuer whether they report information to consumer credit bureaus, especially if you're concerned about the impact on your personal credit score.

    How We Chose the Best Business Credit Cards

    We evaluated dozens of business credit cards based on their rewards rates, ongoing benefits, fees and redemption options.

    • Reward programs. We evaluated the rewards programs of each card and considered how their spending categories could help businesses maximize earnings.
    • Redemption options. We considered how many redemption options each card offered, such as statement credits, cash back and travel bookings.
    • Ongoing benefits. We preferred cards that feature several ongoing benefits, like extended warranty, purchase protection, rental car insurance, travel coverage and more.
    • Introductory offers. If some cards had similar bonus rates and benefits, we compared their welcome bonuses and introductory APR offers.
    • Annual fee. We considered each card’s annual fee, generally preferring cards with low or no fees. If the card had high annual fees, we evaluated whether its benefits were worth the cost.
    • Other fees. We also took into account each card’s APR, foreign transaction and balance transfer fees.

    Summary of Money’s Best Business Credit Cards of March 2024

    To see rates and fees for The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, please visit this link. Terms apply.

    To see rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this link. Terms apply.

    To see rates and fees for the American Express® Business Gold Card, please visit this link. Terms apply.

    To see rates and fees for The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, please visit this link. Terms apply.

    * Insurance disclosures for American Express Cards on this page:

    Trip Delay Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

    Global Assist Hotline: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

    Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Baggage Insurance Plan: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

    Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

    ** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

    *** Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.