A small business credit card can completely transform your perspective on company expenses.
The best options earn rewards on every dollar spent and provide benefits such as travel insurance, extended warranty, and purchase protection to protect your valuable business assets.
Our expert recommendations evaluate the best credit cards for business so you can find the option that best fits your spending style, rewards preferences, and financial goals.
These are the best cards available this month, as chosen by Business Insider's personal finance experts.
Best Business Credit Cards of June 2025
| Best For | Card | Annual Fee |
| Best for big welcome bonus | Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (rates and fees) | $0 |
| Best for flat-rate cash back | The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card | $0 |
| Best for no annual fee | The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | $0 |
| Best for simple rewards | Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business | $0 |
| Best for offices | Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (rates and fees) | $0 |
| Best for drivers | U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card | $0 |
| Best for Amazon shoppers | Amazon Business Prime Card | $0 |
| Best well-rounded business credit card | Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (rates and fees) | $95 |
| Best for big spenders | Capital One Venture X Business Card | $395 |
| Best for travelers | The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | $695 |
| Best if you have fair credit | Capital One Spark 1% Classic | $0 |
Best Business Credit Card for Big Welcome Bonus
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months
17.49% - 23.49% Variable
Earn $750 bonus cash back
Good to Excellent
- Earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no bonus categories to keep track of
- Intro APR offer
- No annual fee
- You can earn more cash back on some purchases with a card that has bonus categories
The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is a great option for small business owners who prefer a straightforward earning rate and no annual fee. You'll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, and there's no limit to what you can earn.
Ink Business Unlimited- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
The $0-annual-fee Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is best for business owners who want to earn a big welcome bonus.
New cardholders can earn $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. They can also take advantage of a generous zero-interest period: 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months, then 17.49% - 23.49% Variable APR (.
The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is worth keeping long after the 0% APR and welcome bonus expire. Cardholders earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases in the form of valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points that can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, travel, and shopping.
The best Chase cards are well known for offering strong benefits, and the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is no exception. It comes with purchase and travel protections for car rentals, complimentary employee cards, and automatic credit reviews so you can be considered for a credit line increase.
Read our Chase Ink Business Unlimited credit card review to learn more about this card.
Pro tip: If paying off large purchases over time without interest is important to you, check out our guides to the best 0% APR business credit cards and the best balance transfer business credit cards.
Best Business Credit Card for Flat-Rate Cash Back
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening
17.49% – 27.49% Variable
Earn a $250 statement credit
Good to Excellent
- Good choice for earning 2% cash back on all your eligible purchases up to $50,000 a year
- Intro APR offer
- No annual fee
- If your business spends more than $50,000 a year, you'll want to use a different card to earn bonus cash back once you meet that threshold
If you're spending money on your business anyway, you should be rewarded for those purchases by using one of the best small-business credit cards. With The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, you can earn unlimited cash back on your spending with no annual fee.
Amex Blue Business Cash Card- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% – 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is perfect for small business owners who value simple cash back that's easy to redeem in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit. You can "set and forget" this no-annual-fee card for yourself and any employees you choose to add to your account for no additional cost.
The card earns 2% cash back on everyday eligible business purchases (on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
New cardholders can take advantage of two generous offers: $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your card in your first three months of account opening, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening (then a 17.49% – 27.49% Variable APR). Terms apply. (rates and fees)
Pro tip: The Amex Blue Business Cash Card isn't ideal for businesses that spend more than $50,000 a year, or an average of $4,000 a month, since earnings drop to just 1% back after you reach the spending threshold for the year. If you spend more than this each year, check out our recommendation for the best small-business credit card for big spenders.
Read our Amex Blue Business Cash card review to learn more about this card.
Best Business Credit Card with No Annual Fee
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months from account opening
17.49% - 27.49% Variable
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points
Good to Excellent
- The rare no-annual-fee card to earn Amex Membership Rewards points
- Solid earning rate on the first $50,000 in purchases each year
- For eligible purchases above $50,000 each year, you will only earn 1 point per dollar
If you're a small-business owner looking for a credit card that offers flexible rewards points without paying an annual fee, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is an excellent option. You don't need to own a full-time business to be eligible to apply, either — even freelancers and those with side gigs can qualify for a small-business card.
Amex Blue Business Plus Card- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% - 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
- You’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express earns valuable Amex points on business expenses, making it one of the most underrated credit cards for small business owners.
Cardholders earn 2 points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners on the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter (terms and limitations apply).
Amex points (rates and fees) are worth an average of 1.8 cents apiece by Business Insider's assessment of what points and miles are worth, so your rewards could be worth $1,800 toward future travel if you spend $50,000 on this card in a year.
This card is good for business owners even after the first year. Since there's no annual fee, you can easily keep it for long-term use. You can also add free employee cards and connect your card account to QuickBooks for easy accounting. (enrollement required)
New cardholders also get a welcome bonus and a zero-interest period if they want it: 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership, and 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months from account opening (then 17.49% - 27.49% Variable APR)(rates and fees).
Read our Amex Blue Business Plus credit card review to learn more about this card.
Best Business Credit Card for Simple Rewards
The no-annual-fee Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business is best for business owners who value simplicity and don't need many benefits.
Cardholders earn unlimited 1.5 miles per dollar on every purchase, plus unlimited 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site.
There are no pesky foreign transaction fees to worry about, and you'll get a few travel benefits including roadside assistance and secondary car rental insurance.
New cardholders can earn 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Unlike the other options reviewed so far, this card does not offer an introductory 0% APR period.
Read our Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business review to learn more about this card.
Best Business Credit Card for Offices
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months
17.49% - 25.49% Variable
Earn up to $750 bonus cash back
Good to Excellent
- Broad 5% and 2% cash-back categories (you can earn bonus cash back at office supply stores and at gas stations and restaurants)
- Intro APR offer for purchases
- No annual fee
- You can pair this card with a card that earns Ultimate Rewards to redeem your cash back for travel
- Annual cap on bonus categories
Between offering a big welcome bonus, extra rewards in useful categories, and ongoing benefits like primary car rental insurance and purchase protection, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is an excellent no-annual-fee cash-back business credit card for small-business owners.
Ink Business Cash- Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
The no-annual-fee Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is great for business owners who maintain physical offices since the card earns high bonuses on office supplies, internet, and cable services.
This card earns 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
New cardholders can also take advantage of a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months (then a 17.49% - 25.49% Variable APR), making this card a good choice for paying off big purchases over several months. They can also earn an intro bonus of $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.
Read our Chase Ink Business Cash credit card review to learn more about this card.
Best Business Credit Card for Drivers
$0
0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within 30 days of account opening
17.99% - 26.99% Variable
Earn $500 cash back
Excellent/Good
- Strong welcome bonus and bonus categories for a no-annual-fee card
- Introductory 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 12 billing cycles, (then 17.99% to 26.99% APR)
- World Elite Mastercard benefits including cell phone protection
- Foreign transaction fees
- Relatively high minimum spending requirement to unlock bonus
- Authorized user purchases don’t count toward minimum spending requirement
The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is a no-annual-fee card for small business owners with a generous welcome bonus and great bonus categories. It's a good pick if you prefer earning straight cash back, especially if you can use the $100 annual software credit.
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business CardThe U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card is an excellent choice for business owners who pay a lot for gas and EV charging each month.
If you own a business where your employees drive often, this card may offer an ideal solution for tracking mileage and gas expenses since it's free to add employees under your primary account.
Cardholders earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at office supply stores, cell phone service providers, restaurants, and on gas or EV charging transactions of $200 or less; and earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. Gas/EV charging at discount or wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam's Club do not qualify for the bonus rate.
You'll also get an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses like FreshBooks or QuickBooks. If you already subscribe to these services, the statement credit is a nice bonus — and it's particularly generous from a no-annual-fee card.
New cardholders also get two welcome offers: $500 cash back when you spend $4,500 or more on the account owner's card within 150 days from account opening, and 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within 30 days of account opening, followed by a 17.99% - 26.99% Variable APR, which is very uncommon on business cards.
Read our U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards card review to learn more about this card.
Best Business Credit Card for Amazon Shoppers
$0
N/A
19.49% - 27.49% variable
Get a $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval
N/A
- Offers 5% cash back on the first $120,000 in U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market each calendar year, or a 90-day interest-free period for paying off purchases
- 2% cash back on various spending categories
- No annual fee
- Not as many perks and travel benefits as other business credit cards
If you own a small business and already have a Business Prime membership, the Business Prime American Express Card can be a valuable addition to your financial toolkit. Cardholders of this Amazon business credit card can choose between earning up to 5% back or receiving a 90-day grace period of 0% interest on eligible Amazon purchases (then the regular APR will take effect).
Amazon Business Prime CardIf your small business relies on Amazon, AWS, Amazon Business, or Whole Foods, the no-annual-fee Amazon Business Prime Card can save you a lot of money.
Cardholders earn 5% cash back on the first $120,000 of select U.S. Amazon purchases or 90 days of interest-free payment terms; 2% cash back on U.S. purchases at restaurants, gas stations and wireless phone services purchased directly from service providers; 1% cash back on all other purchases. It does not charge foreign transaction fees.
These benefits are valuable because they either put money back in your pocket or help you pay off large expenses over time without incurring high interest. You can also issue authorized user cards to trusted employees at no cost and track credit card activity in QuickBooks.
However, the Amazon Business Prime Card is relatively light on benefits beyond basic purchase protection and extended warranty. It also doesn't earn great returns on purchases outside of Amazon.
New cardholders can earn $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval. There is no 0% intro APR; if you want more time to pay off large purchases, you'll have to choose the card's 90-day no-interest terms.
Read our Amazon Business Prime credit card review to learn more about this card.
Best Well-Rounded Business Credit Card
$95
N/A
20.24% - 26.24% Variable
Earn 90,000 bonus points
Good to Excellent
- High sign-up bonus
- Offers 3 bonus points on several spending categories, including travel and advertising purchases
- Includes comprehensive travel coverage
- Welcome bonus has a very high minimum spending requirement
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers a huge welcome bonus and solid earning and benefits for a moderate annual fee. If your small-business expenses line up with the card's bonus categories and you like redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for travel, this is one of the best small-business credit cards to consider.
Ink Business Preferred Card- Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is ideal if you want a single card that does it all. This credit card offers cell phone protection of up to $1,000 for eligible claims after your deductible has been paid, and earns generous rewards on many common business expenses.
Cardholders earn 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. These include Internet, cable or phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and advertising through social media sites and search engines.
If you already have a consumer travel rewards credit card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you can combine your Chase points to transfer them to Ultimate Rewards partners such as United Airlines or Marriott Hotels.
If you use Chase points to book travel through the Chase Travel℠, they're worth 25% more when you book through the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, or 50% more if you book through the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.
Read our Chase Ink Business Preferred card review to learn more about this card.
Best Business Credit Card for Big Spenders
The Capital One Venture X Business Card is a powerful option for businessses with high monthly expenses.
Cardholders earn 10 miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site, 5 miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One's travel booking site, and 2 miles on all other purchases.
New cardholders can earn a generous welcome offer: 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first three months from account opening and an additional 200,000 miles once you spend $200,000 in the first six months.
This reward is worth $5,950 by Business Insider's valuations, and can be used for travel or to pay down your statement credit. However, the spending requirement to earn this welcome bonus is hefty for many smaller businesses.
The Venture X Business Card has an annual fee of $395 and comes with airport lounge access to Capital One's lounge partner including the Priority Pass network and its proprietary Capital One Lounges.
Read more about this card in our Capital One Venture X Rewards credit card review.
Best Business Credit Card for Travelers
$695
N/A
18.49% - 27.49% Variable
Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points and a $500 statement credit
Good to Excellent
- More travel benefits than you'll find on any other business credit card
- Generous airport lounge access options, from American Express Centurion Lounges to Priority Pass (enrollment required)
- Complimentary hotel elite status (enrollment required)
- Access to Amex concierge services
- Very high annual fee
- Limited opportunities to earn bonus points
- Annual statement credits won't be useful for everyone
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the best small-business cards with an elevated bonus and top-notch benefits (and a premium annual fee to match). It's an excellent offer if you like earning Membership Rewards® points and you can maximize the bonus spending categories and perks — but be sure to assess whether the annual fee is worth it for you before you commit.
Amex Business Platinum Card- Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 10/2024.
- Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
- Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
- NEW! Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight + hotel packages booked at AmexTravel.com. 1X points on other eligible purchases.
- Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is an undeniable status symbol, offering luxury benefits for $695 a year in annual fees (rates and fees).
This card is best for businesses that spend a lot on technology and flights. CEOs and road warriors will appreciate airport lounge access through this credit card and 5 Amex Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels when they book through American Express Travel®. Terms apply.
Cardholders earn 5 points for flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight and hotel packages booked at AmexTravel.com; 1.5 points on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per card account per calendar year); 1 point for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Amex Business Platinum Card's 1.5-point categories include U.S. construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, software and cloud system providers, and shipping providers. Cardholders also earn 1.5 Amex points per dollar on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million in eligible purchases per card account per calendar year. Terms apply.
Cardholders can also enroll in annual statement credits worth thousands of dollars for purchases from Indeed, Adobe, Dell, and wireless services. Many of these benefits require activation, then spending a certain amount of money to trigger the credit. Terms apply.
Read our Amex Business Platinum card review to learn more about this card.
Best Business Credit Card for Fair Credit
$0
N/A
30.49% Variable
N/A
Fair
- No annual fee
- Travel and purchase protection
- Some other business cards offer better rewards
- No welcome bonus
Whether you have a new business or just don't have a ton of credit history, the Capital One Spark 1% Classic could be a good stepping stone. It's possible to get approved for the card with just fair credit, whereas most other business cards that earn rewards require a good or even excellent credit score.
Capital One Spark 1% ClassicThe Capital One Spark 1% Classic is a good option if you struggle with getting approved for other lines of credit due to bad credit or limited credit history.
This card earns unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and unlimited 1% cash back on every other purchase. While this isn't the most generous rate in this guide, it's generous for a starter business card for people with fair credit.
There are no annual fees or foreign transaction fees, and employee cards are free to add, with rewards for their purchases as well. Cardholders also enjoy some helpful benefits including secondary car rental insurance, purchase protection against damage or theft, extended warranty on eligible items, and travel and emergency assistance services.
Read our review of the Capital One Spark Classic for Business to learn more about this card.
Key Advantages of Using A Business Credit Card
There are many unique benefits and advantages to business credit cards for small businesses, including easier accounting and expense-tracking for your company.
Many business credit cards offer generous welcome bonuses for new cardholders and offer bonus rewards on common business expenses such as shipping fees, office supplies, or travel. Business cardholders may also be able to take advantage of zero-interest intro APRs and interest-free periods.
You can choose from several types of business credit cards: cash-back business credit cards, business credit cards for travel, premium cards with exclusive benefits such as airport lounge access and travel insurance, or business credit cards with no annual fee.
Our experts recommend matching card features to your business spending and growth plans to identify the best option for you.
Customer Reviews of Business Credit Cards
In addition to providing our expert take on the best cards available right now, our credit card experts also compiled customer experiences and reviews across forums such as Reddit and FlyerTalk to see what other business owners have to say.
Cash is King
Many business owners like the flexibility of earning cash back because it's so versatile, offering the easiest and most quantifiable way to calculate true value. However, travel rewards often provide better value for booking business- or first-class flights and five-star hotel stays.
Payment Flexibility and Options
Some business owners appreciate payment flexibility features that are unique to small business credit cards. For example, The Plum Card® from American Express offers a 1.5% discount if you pay off what you owe before it's due.
However, Business Insider's credit card experts don't recommend The Plum Card for most business owners because it has a relatively high annual fee of $250 in exchange for minimal benefits beyond the early-pay discount.
Zero-Interest APR Periods Help Pay For Large Purchases
Many business credit cardholders mention the value of a credit card 0% intro APR offer for new purchases and balance transfers.
Zero-interest terms allow business owners to pay down large expenses, such as new equipment or commercial rent, over a longer period of time without incurring additional costs in the form of interest.
Of course, after the initial period ends, you'll return to paying high rates of interest, so make sure you plan ahead to pay off the full amount you owe before your 0% APR term runs out.
Stacking Rewards and Cash-Back Programs
Many small business owners look for business credit cards that earn points or cash back within the same issuer "ecosystems" that they already use for personal credit cards.
For example, many people with one or more Chase consumer credit cards gravitate toward the best Chase business credit cards because it's easy to pool rewards between business and personal accounts.
The best business credit cards often earn bonus rewards on specific purchases that pair well with benefits or bonus categories on personal cards.
Many American Express cards also work well with each other, just like Chase cards do. For example, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express pairs well with the American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express, which are two of the most popular consumer credit cards offered through Amex.
Bank of America Preferred Rewards
Business owners who bank with Bank of America have access to the Bank of America Preferred Rewards loyalty program benefits, which earns additional cash back depending on how much money you deposit with Bank of America or Merrill.
People who value cash back frequently tout the benefits of combining a cash-back credit card like the Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® Credit Card with other Bank of America banking accounts.
Travel and Airline Benefits
Business road warriors rave about travel-related benefits associated with certain business credit cards such as access to airport lounges, earning miles on travel purchases, and additional perks like priority boarding and free checked bags.
We've highlighted the premium benefits of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and the everyday rewards from The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express in this guide.
But you may also want to consider other options if you frequently find yourself traveling for business. Many of the cards Redditors recommend are featured in our guide to the best business credit cards for travel.
Business Expense Management
Few people get excited about accounting tools and features, but they can be a lifesaver for managing and organizing business expenses.
Redditors emphasized the importance of finding business credit cards that offer authorized user and employee credit cards, or integrate with Quickbooks and other common accounting software tools for accurate cash flow management and efficient financial tracking.
Business credit cards also help users separate business expenses from personal finances, which is important for clean accounting and for establishing business credit.
Secured Business Credit Cards
Many small business credit cards rely on consumer credit scores for approval, so business owners with low personal credit may find it hard to get approved for a business credit card.
Secured business credit cards can be the solution here. The best options help businesses build credit history by reporting responsible use to business credit bureaus, and some offer the option to upgrade to an unsecured card for better credit with responsible use.
Redditors who don't otherwise qualify for business credit cards recommend looking at several of the cards in our guide to the best secured business credit cards.
These cards require a cash security deposit, which usually equates to the credit limit you want to set on the credit card.
Business Benefits Alternative: FoundersCard Membership
The FoundersCard program is a paid membership that offers access to exclusive discounts and premium benefits for movers and shakers.
FoundersCard members get exclusive invitations to networking events, advance access to select shows and concerts, discounted rates on select airlines, and elite benefits at major hotel chains like Marriott, Hilton, and IHG.
Joining FoundersCard doesn't come cheap, costing several hundred dollars each year depending on which membership tier you choose.
But it can be worth many times its annual fee for the right demographic: people who frequently travel for business and pleasure, and value premium experiences and top-tier service while doing so.
Our dedicated review delves deeper into what FoundersCard is and whether it's worth the investment.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Business Credit Cards
Business Insider's personal finance experts evaluated dozens of business credit cards currently available to new applicants to determine the best options for most business owners.
We chose our top contenders based on the following criteria:
- Sign-up bonus — Does the card offer a valuable welcome bonus for new cardholders who meet a minimum spending requirement?
- Ongoing rewards — Beyond the welcome bonus offer, does the card offer a competitive rate of points or cash back on purchases?
- Other features — Does the card come with any additional benefits, such as travel protection, free employee cards, cell phone insurance, or primary car rental insurance?
- Annual fee — If the card has an annual fee, does it offer enough benefits to justify it?
Read more about how we rate credit cards at Business Insider.
FAQs
What are the best business cards for small businesses?
Some of the best credit cards for small businesses include the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card for 1.5% back on every dollar spent; The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card for 2% cash back on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, then 1%; the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card for a long intro APR period and generous rewards; and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express for premium travel benefits (terms apply).
Can startups qualify for business credit cards?
Yes, startups can qualify for business credit cards. Some cards are designed with new businesses in mind, offering features that cater to the needs of startups.
What's the difference between a personal credit card and a business credit card?
While personal credit cards are intended for any type of purchase, business credit cards help business owners separate company purchases from personal expenses. You should only use your business credit card for business purchases.
How do I qualify for a business credit card?
It's easier to qualify for a business credit card than you may think. If you do any freelancing or a side gig, such as driving for Uber or selling items on eBay, you can typically qualify for a business credit card as a sole proprietor. In this case, you are personally on the hook for your business' debts.
Should I get a business credit card?
Yes, you should apply for a business credit card if you earn income from a side hustle or other work beyond your regular paycheck. Doing so allows you to separate your personal and business finances for cleaner accounting.
***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
