Just like consumer credit cards provide rewards for spending, business credit cards reward cardholders for categories like office supplies, advertising, telecommunication services or other common business expenses.
When selecting a business credit card, you’ll want to examine your expenditures and cash flow — how much and where you spend money will help determine which card will work best for you. You’ll also want a credit card that lets you add as many employees as you need to be authorized users.
Note that business credit cards are not the same thing as corporate credit cards. While corporate cards from employers are mostly used for personal work-related expenses, business credit cards are generally used by business owners and entrepreneurs and have more features designed specifically for them.
Read more: Chase Business Credit Cards
Best overall business credit card
Intro OfferBest Offer Ever: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
APR16.24% – 22.24% Variable
Intro Purchase APR0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months
Recommended Credit Good, Excellent
- 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 card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
Annual Fee$0
Balance Transfer APR16.24% – 22.24% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fees 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Penalty APR Up to 29.99%
- 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 card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
Our Take
The Chase Ink Business Cash offers most businesses the most value overall. The rewards program is very strong, netting you 5% cash back on common business expenses — up to $25,000 in spending at office supply stores and internet, phone and cable services per year. You’ll also earn 2% back on the first $25,000 spent at gas stations and restaurants each year. To round it out, you’ll earn 1% on all other purchases. You also get a competitive introductory APR and welcome bonus.
A solid offering for United customers
Intro OfferEarn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
APR19.49% – 26.49% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining (including eligible delivery services), at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting
- Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Annual Fee$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
Balance Transfer APR19.49% – 26.49% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fees $0
Penalty APR Up to 29.99%
- Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining (including eligible delivery services), at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting
- Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Our Take
The United Business card is designed for United frequent flyers. It earns rewards across more bonus categories than most airline cards and offers a few extra perks that makes it a card worth considering.
While it has a $99 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year), it also includes an annual $100 United credit after seven United flights purchases of $100 or more each card anniversary year. It also includes two one-time United Club passes each year for airport lounge access, Priority Boarding to get you to your plane seat faster and your first checked bag free of charge.
1.5% cash-back flat rate
Intro OfferBest Offer Ever: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
APR16.24% – 22.24% Variable
Intro Purchase APR0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 Months
Recommended Credit Good, Excellent
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
Annual Fee$0
Balance Transfer APR16.24% – 22.24% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fees 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Penalty APR Up to 29.99%
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
Our Take
If you’re spending less on office supplies and telecommunication services, the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card is a good option that earns you 1.5% cash back on all purchases. You can also take advantage of 0% intro APR financing on purchases for the first 12 months after account opening (16.24% to 22.24% variable APR thereafter), making this a good option if you need to cover some upfront costs when getting off the ground. The welcome bonus is identical to that of the Ink Business Cash, as well.
Intro OfferEarn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
APR16.99% – 24.99% Variable
Intro Purchase APR0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
- 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.
- 1% cash back on all eligible purchases after spending $50,000 per calendar year.
Annual FeeNo annual fee
Late Payment Fee Up tp $39
Foreign Transaction Fees 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Penalty APR 29.99% Variable
- 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.
- 1% cash back on all eligible purchases after spending $50,000 per calendar year.
Our Take
The Blue Business Cash credit card from American Express has two features that stand out: It has the highest flat cash-back reward rate of all the no-annual-fee cards we evaluated, and it has automatic reward redemption. The first feature speaks for itself, but the second is sneakily awesome. Most credit cards require you to log in and manually redeem points or miles when you hit a certain threshold (such as 2,500 points or $25). The Blue Business Cash card, in contrast, automatically applies your cash rewards to your account, so you save money without even thinking about it.
This card offers all of the standard features you want in a business credit card: up to 99 employee cards for no additional charge (see rates and fees) and an account manager, spending summaries organized by category and the American Express Business App, which helps manage receipts.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Intro OfferWelcome 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.*
APR17.99% – 25.99% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
- Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month.
- 1X is earned for other purchases. **
Annual Fee$295
Penalty APR 29.99% Variable
- Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month.
- 1X is earned for other purchases. **
Our Take
If you travel often for your business, the American Express® Business Gold Card earns you 4x points on the two categories where you spend the most each billing cycle (including categories such as airfare purchased directly from airlines, U.S. gas station purchases and dining expenses at U.S. restaurants) on up to $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1x. This card is also worth considering if your company spends a decent amount on TV or radio advertising.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Choose your business rewards
Intro OfferGet a $300 statement credit online bonus after you make at least $3,000 in net purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening – with no annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire.
APR15.24% – 25.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Intro Purchase APR0% Intro APR for 9 billing cycles for purchases
Recommended Credit Excellent Credit
- 3% cash back in the category of your choice (on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter).
- 2% cash back on dining purchases (on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter).
- 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.
Annual Fee$0
Balance Transfer APR15.24% – 25.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Balance Transfer Fee Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fees 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each transaction
- 3% cash back in the category of your choice (on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter).
- 2% cash back on dining purchases (on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter).
- 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.
Our Take
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card gives you the control of which purchases your business earns rewards for, with no annual fee.
Choose between earning rewards at gas stations, office supply stores, for travel, TV/telecom and wireless, computer services or business consulting services. It’s somewhat hampered by its spending limit, but if your business spends less than $50,000 each calendar year it’ll be a lucrative choice.
In addition to its flexible rewards, you could earn even more depending on your Bank of America or Merill investing account balance. It has a lot to offer business owners for a credit card without an annual fee, including a short introductory APR offer on purchases.
Intro OfferWelcome 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.
APR17.99% – 25.99% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Good, Excellent
- Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com
- Earn 1.5X points on eligible purchases 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 everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year
- 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Annual Fee$695
Late Payment Fee $39 or 2.99% of any past due Pay in Full amount, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Penalty APR 29.99% Variable
- Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com
- Earn 1.5X points on eligible purchases 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 everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year
- 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Our Take
The Business Platinum Card from American Express has one of the highest annual fees of any business card, at $695. Like its consumer-oriented counterpart, The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card offers premium travel benefits like airport lounge access and a host of travel- and business-related annual credits. Some of these include:
- Up to $360 in statement credits for Indeed purchases
- Up to $150 in statement credits for select Adobe subscriptions
- Up to $200 airline fee statement credit (incidental travel fees on one selected qualifying airline, including things like checked bags and in-flight refreshments)
- Up to $189 statement credit back on CLEAR® membership
The rewards program isn’t worth the high annual fee, but this card’s value balloons if you can take advantage of at least half of those annual credits.
For more annual credits and other card details, see our full review of The Business Platinum Card from Amex.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Business Rewards for Marriott Bonvoy customers
See Rates and Fees Terms Apply
Intro OfferWelcome Offer: Earn 75,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
APR19.49% – 28.49% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
- 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
Annual Fee$125
Late Payment Fee Up to $39
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Penalty APR 29.99% Variable
- 6x points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
Our Take
If you typically stay at Marriott Bonvoy properties while away on business, the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex card could make your stay less expensive and more comfortable.
Unlike the Hilton card on this list, you won’t need to spend anything to qualify for an annual free night award. However, if you want a second one, you’ll need to spend $60,000 in a calendar year with the card. You’ll also gain complimentary Gold Elite status which offers extra amenities like late checkout and a bonus to point earnings.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
For shipping and advertising
Intro OfferEarn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
APR18.99% – 23.99% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Good, Excellent
- 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 – with no limit to the amount you can earn
Annual Fee$95
Balance Transfer APR18.99% – 23.99% Variable
Balance Transfer Fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Foreign Transaction Fees $0
Penalty APR Up to 29.99%
- 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 – with no limit to the amount you can earn
Our Take
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers categorized points that may be ideal for certain business owners. This card’s large welcome bonus and high rewards rates for businesses with large ad budgets (with social media sites and search engines) and shipping expenses make this card another option worth considering. Points are valued at $0.01 each when redeemed for cash back, so you’ll earn 3% back on these categories — as well as on internet, cable and phone services, and travel purchases (on up to $150,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary year).
A useful business travel companion
Intro OfferEarn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
APR23.99% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won’t expire for the life of the account.
Annual Fee$0 intro for first year; $95 after that
Intro Balance Transfer APRN/A
Balance Transfer APR23.99% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee $0 at this Transfer APR
Late Payment Fee Up to $39
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Penalty APR 32.40% (Variable)
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won’t expire for the life of the account.
Our Take
If you travel for business a few times per year, you should consider a travel credit card. The Capital One Spark Miles for Business* offers good value in exchange for its $95 annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year).
It includes an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can get you to your gate faster at the airport. You can also use your rewards for past travel expenses to fund your business trips.
It’s a solid mid-range card that might not offer any bells and whistles like annual statement credits but does offer enough to make it worth considering.
Intro OfferLimited Time Offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first 3 Months of Card Membership. Plus you can earn a Free Night Reward after you spend $10,000 in purchases on the Hilton Honors Business Card in the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 12/21/22.
APR18.74% – 27.74% Variable
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- 12X at hotels & resorts in the Hilton portfolio
- 6X on Select Business & Travel Purchases
- 3X on all other eligible purchases. Terms & Limitations Apply.
Annual Fee$95
Late Payment Fee Up to $39
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Penalty APR 29.99% Variable
- 12X at hotels & resorts in the Hilton portfolio
- 6X on Select Business & Travel Purchases
- 3X on all other eligible purchases. Terms & Limitations Apply.
Our Take
Do you prefer staying with Hilton while traveling for business? The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card offers rewards and amenities for Hilton customers.
It’ll be especially useful for businesses that spend upwards of $60,000 annually as that’s how you unlock its two free night rewards (earn a free night reward after spending $15,000 in purchases in a calendar year, plus another free night reward after spending an additional $45,000 in the same calendar year) so you’ll want to spend at least that much to get the most from the card. There’s also 10 complimentary Priority Pass visits annually to alleviate some of the stress found in airports. The rewards are pretty impressive too.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Intro OfferEarn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
APR16.99% – 24.99% Variable
Intro Purchase APR0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
Recommended Credit Excellent, Good
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® 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
Annual FeeNo annual fee
Late Payment Fee Up to $39
Foreign Transaction Fees 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Penalty APR 29.99% Variable
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® 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
Our Take
The Amex Blue Business Plus card has the same reward structure as the Blue Business Cash, you just earn Membership Rewards® points instead of cash back. And it’s worth noting that Membership Rewards points may be less flexible than cash back. You’ll earn 1 cent per point if you redeem points for a flight booked through American Express Travel or as a NYC taxi ride, but 0.6 cents as a statement credit. There is also an option to transfer points to partner travel programs.
Otherwise, the welcome offer is less than what you’ll get from the Blue Business Cash. As such, the Blue Business Plus makes the most sense for frequent business travelers who can take advantage of the point transfer option.
For more information, see our breakdown of American Express business cards.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
For big business budgets
Intro OfferEarn up to a $1,000 cash bonus; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, and $500 once you spend $50,000 in the first 6 months of account opening
APRN/A
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
Annual Fee$150
Intro Balance Transfer APRN/A
Balance Transfer APRN/A
Balance Transfer Fee N/A
Late Payment Fee 2.99% of the unpaid portion
Foreign Transaction Fees None
Penalty APR N/A
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
Our Take
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus* is designed for big business spenders. There is a substantial welcome bonus if you can spend enough: You can earn $500 when you spend $5,000 in the first three months and an additional $500 if you spend $50,000 in the first six months. There’s also an opportunity to earn a $200 annual cash bonus if you spend $200,000 in the year, which totally offsets the $150 annual fee.
This card has no preset spending limit or interest rate — but you’ll have to pay off your balance completely every cycle or get hit with a 2.99% monthly late fee, which can add up to much more than the APR than you’ll find on a typical credit card.
For more information about the rewards program and other features, see our Capital One Spark Cash Plus review.
A low APR card for small businesses
Intro OfferSpend $15,000 in the first 3 months for $200 cashback
APR9.99% – 34.99% APR
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good Credit
- 1.5% unlimited cashback with no annual fee
Annual Fee$0
- 1.5% unlimited cashback with no annual fee
Our Take
The Capital on Tap Business Credit Card* provides an uncomplicated rewards program with a potentially far lower APR than most cards — as low as 9.99%. This is a great choice if you continuously revolve a balance, though it’s best to pay off your statement in full each month if possible.
It has all the standard business card features including spend tracking and free employee cards, and isn’t as rewarding as some of the other cards here, but the low APR range may make it worthwhile.
Best for large purchases
Intro OfferEarn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
APRFlex for Business Variable APR: 17.24% – 25.24%
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good Credit
- Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more
- Unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
Annual Fee$195
Foreign Transaction Fees $0
Penalty APR NONE
- Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more
- Unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
Our Take
The Ink Business Premier is Chase’s latest entry into its Ink Business card family. It earns higher rewards for purchases of $5,000 or more and offers a slew of travel and purchase protections with a sizable welcome bonus. However, it is relatively pricey for what it offers with an $195 annual fee.
It’s also important to note that this is a pay in full card, meaning you won’t be able to revolve a balance and must pay your statement off each month. There is a Flex for Business option for eligible purchases, however, which lets you pay them off over time with interest.
It offers a flat, competitive cash-back rate for everything you buy. Depending on how much your business spends, you could rake in the rewards considering there’s no limit to what you can earn.
A customizable corporate card
Intro OfferN/A
APRN/A
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Recommended Credit Excellent Credit
- 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no limits or restrictions
Annual FeeN/A
- 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no limits or restrictions
Our Take
The Ramp Card* offers more flexibility for employee cards than most business credit cards. It offers an app where you can set spending limits on specific cards as well as block vendors if you so choose.
You can monitor thousands of cards with the app, making it better suited to larger businesses. It earns a flat 1.5% for every purchase with no foreign transaction fees.
Intro OfferEarn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 on the Account Owner’s card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
APR17.74% – 26.74% (Variable)
Intro Purchase APR0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases
Recommended Credit Excellent/Good
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
Annual Fee$0
Intro Balance Transfer APR0% intro on balance transfers for 15 Billing Cycles
Balance Transfer APR17.74% – 26.74% (Variable)
Balance Transfer Fee Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
Foreign Transaction Fees 3%
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
Our Take
The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards card* offers one of the best cash-back rates for certain business expenses and features an annual statement credit — a unique offer among cards with no annual fee.
The annual statement credit is $100 for QuickBooks or FreshBooks recurring software subscriptions. The rewards span basic spend categories including office supply stores, gas stations and EV charging, but it also includes a dash of travel. It’s a Swiss Army business card, but its primary selling points are its high uncapped cash-back rate coupled with an introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers to help your business avoid interest charges.
How to choose a business credit card
When choosing which credit card is right for your business, you’ll want to consider all its facets: the rewards, fees, interest rates and any additional perks it may include.
Make sure the card offers rewards for the types of purchases your business makes regularly. Or, consider a flat-rate business card that earns no matter what you’re buying. It’s also important to be aware of any spending limits the card has. If your business spends over the spending limit, the card’s rewards will decrease making it a far less rewarding option.
Rewards can also be a good way to help offset any annual fee the card might have. You’ll want to be sure you can get enough out of the card to justify any of the fees it may have, and to see if there are any annual statement credits you could take advantage of in order to lessen its impact. If you won’t use a card very much, consider a business card without an annual fee.
In addition to any annual statement credits, a travel business card might offer airport lounge access, loyalty programs with hotels or airlines, or an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Other business cards might include free employee cards, ways to track and manage your spending, or credits with specific retailers. Ultimately, you’ll want to make sure you’re able to use the card to its fullest extent.
How to make the most out of your business credit card
Use your card as smartly as you can. Take advantage of all it has to offer, from annual statement credits to airport lounge access.
When it comes time to redeem, be sure you’re doing so in the most lucrative way. Some travel credit cards, for example, won’t earn as much per-point if you redeem for statement credits rather than using your rewards for airfare.
You may even consider keeping multiple business credit cards on hand. This can help you maximize rewards on all of your purchases, and is particularly manageable with cards with no annual fee.
And of course, be sure you’re paying on time to avoid any financial headaches that come with missing a payment. Pay off your full statement credit each month to avoid interest charges, and keep an eye on your employee’s spending.
Who should get a business credit card?
If you run a small or large business, you should consider applying for a business credit card. They’re great tools to use to offset some of your expenses with rewards, or to provide added amenities like TSA PreCheck or airport lounge access for business owners who travel frequently.
There are credit cards available for all kinds of businesses, whether you spend $20,000 a year or $500,000. Choose the one that best fits your business needs and spending habits.
What type of business rewards should you choose?
It depends on what type of business you have. If you travel often, consider a business travel card that earns miles that can be used to fund your flights and accommodations. Travel credit cards often make your airport experience better via lounge access and other amenities. There are also airline credit cards and hotel credit cards to consider if you prefer a specific airline or hotel property.
Otherwise, a general business reward credit card that provides a solid return for your expenses is a good way to go. There are cards that offer rewards no matter what you’re buying, or cards that provide greater rewards but only for specific purchases. Consider the needs of your business to determine the best fit.
Who qualifies for a business card?
Any business owner, from dog walkers to corporate leaders, are eligible for a business credit card. Whether you’re a sole proprietor, self employed, in a partnership or lead a corporation, you can qualify for a business credit card.
Gig workers and people who are self-employed can also qualify for a small-business credit card. You don’t even need employees. How old the business is doesn’t matter either: Credit card issuers will check your personal credit score and history when you apply.
How to apply for a business credit card
Applying for a business credit card is pretty similar to applying for a personal credit card, only you’ll need to provide some additional information. Just like any other credit card, you can follow the links above or apply directly on the credit card issuer’s website.
In addition to the standard personal identification and financial information, be ready to provide the issuer with:
- Business name, address and phone number
- Industry
- Number of years in business
- Number of employees
- Annual business revenue
- Federal Tax ID: Your employer identification number (EIN) or your Social Security number (SSN).
The issuer will likely have an answer for you instantly unless it requires clarification or additional information.
FAQs
Can you use a business card for personal expenses?
It would be a very bad idea to do so. It’ll make bookkeeping more difficult and encourage a bad habit of using your businesses resources for personal spending. It might also void the user agreement you signed when you were first approved for your business card, plus complicate filing your taxes should you ever be audited.
Does a business credit card impact personal credit?
Yes. When you apply for a business credit card, the card issuer will do a hard credit check which will temporarily lower your credit score. It also depends on which credit bureaus your issuer reports activity to. If your issuer reports to both personal and business credit bureaus, activity on your business credit card could impact your personal credit.
How do you check your business credit score?
You can purchase a one-time copy of your credit report from the major business credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and Dun & Bradstreet. Some may charge a fee, while others may offer a limited number of checks per year. Check with your issuer to see which bureaus it reports activity to.
CNET reviews credit cards by exhaustively comparing them across set criteria developed for each major category, including cash-back, welcome bonus, travel rewards and balance transfer. We take into consideration the typical spending behavior of a range of consumer profiles — with the understanding that everyone’s financial situation is different — and the designated function of a card.
For cash-back credit cards, for example, key factors include the annual fee, the “welcome bonus” and the cash-back rate (or rates, if they differ by spending category). For rewards and miles cards, we calculate and weigh the net monetary value of a card’s respective perks. And with balance transfer credit cards, we analyze specs such as the duration of the introductory 0% APR period and the balance transfer fee, while acknowledging secondary factors such as the standard APR and the length of time you have to make a balance transfer after you open the account.
For rates and fees of the American Express Blue Business Cash Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the American Express Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card, click here.
*All information about the Capital One Spark Cash Plus, Capital One Spark Miles for Business, the Ramp Card, the Capital on Tap Business Card and the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards card has been collected independently by CNET and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.