Table of Contents
FULL LIST OF EDITORIAL PICKS:
BEST BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS
Click the card name to read our review. Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
Our pick for: Cash back — flat-rate rewards
Reading: Best Business Credit Cards
The capital One Spark Cash Plus is an excellent option for business operators whose expenses don’t fall into the bonus categories on other business credit cards. You get a high, flat rewards rate on every purchase, with no limit to how much you can earn. Just make sure that you can pay off your spending in full each month, as this is a charge card that doesn’t let you revolve a balance. is an excellent option for business operators whose expenses do n’t fall into the bonus categories on other clientele credit cards. You get a high, flat rewards rate on every purchase, with no limit to how much you can earn. Just make sure that you can pay off your outgo in full each month, as this is a charge menu that does n’t let you revolve a balance. Read our review
Our pick for: Cash back — bonus categories
If your commercial enterprise ‘s spend matches the bonus categories on the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, you can rack up some serious cash back. (If not, then look elsewhere.) There’s an excellent sign-up bonus for a no-annual-fee cash-back card, plus an introductory APR period for purchases. , you can rack up some good cash back. ( If not, then look elsewhere. ) There ‘s an excellent sign-up bonus for a no-annual-fee cash-back card, plus an basic APR menstruation for purchases. Read our review.
Our pick for: Cash back — flat-rate rewards + no annual fee
The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card earns a simple, flat cash-back rate on every purchase, with no limit on how much you can earn. The sign-up bonus is outstanding for a cash-back card, particularly one with no annual fee, and there’s an intro APR period for purchases. earns a bare, bland cash-back rate on every buy, with no limit on how a lot you can earn. The sign-up bonus is outstanding for a cash-back tease, particularly one with no annual fee, and there ‘s an presentation APR period for purchases. Read our review.
Our pick for: Travel rewards — bonus categories + big sign-up offer
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card starts you off with one of the biggest sign-up bonuses of any credit card anywhere (assuming you spend enough to earn it), then gives you bonus rewards in common business spending categories. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. starts you off with one of the biggest sign-up bonuses of any accredit card anywhere ( assuming you spend enough to earn it ), then gives you bonus rewards in common business spend categories. Points are worth 25 % more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a twelve airline and hotel partners. Read our review.
Our pick for: Travel rewards — flat-rate rewards
The capital One Spark Miles for Business is basically a business version of the popular is basically a occupation translation of the popular capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. You earn 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, and miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase, without the blackout dates and other restrictions of branded hotel and airline cards. The card offers a great sign-up bonus, too. . You earn 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, and miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent each for any travel leverage, without the amnesia dates and early restrictions of stigmatize hotel and airline cards. The card offers a bang-up sign-up bonus, excessively. Read our revue.
Our pick for: Travel rewards — premium rewards and perks
Like the consumer interpretation of this circuit board, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a big annual fee. But business travelers who prefer to go in style will find plenty that appeals to them: high rewards on certain travel purchases, bonus rewards on larger non-travel purchases, a superb newcomer welcome offer, extensive airport lounge access, elite hotel status, hundreds of dollars a year in available credits and a list of perks as long as your arm. It’s not cheap, but luxury never is. Terms apply. comes with a boastful annual tip. But clientele travelers who prefer to go in style will find batch that appeals to them : high rewards on certain travel purchases, bonus rewards on larger non-travel purchases, a superb newcomer welcome extend, extensive airport lounge entree, elect hotel status, hundreds of dollars a year in available credits and a list of perks equally long as your branch. It ‘s not bum, but luxury never is. Terms apply. Read our review.
Our pick for: Travel rewards — no annual fee
This is the business version of the issuer ‘s excellent no-annual-fee change of location menu. The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® citation card pays solid rewards on every purchase and gives you wide flexibility in redeeming your points for any travel purchase, without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards. pays solid rewards on every purchase and gives you wide flexibility in redeeming your points for any travel leverage, without the restrictions of stigmatize airline and hotel cards. Read our review.
Our pick for: Intro APR + AmEx points
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a near-twin to the is a near-twin to the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, with one key difference: Rather than cash back, it pays you in AmEx Membership Rewards points. , with one key remainder : rather than cash back, it pays you in AmEx Membership Rewards points. Read our inspection.
Our pick for: Intro APR + cash-back rewards
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card boasts one of the better introductory APR offers among business credit cards. Beyond that, you earn a solid cash-back rate (at least for a while — the rate drops after you hit a spending threshold). There’s also no annual fee. boasts one of the better introductory APR offers among business credit cards. beyond that, you earn a solid cash-back rate ( at least for a while — the rate drops after you hit a spend doorsill ). There ‘s besides no annual fee. Read our recapitulation.
Our pick for: Balance transfer business card
The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard is a solid cash-back card for business owners. is a solid cash-back card for clientele owners. earn 3 % cash back on eligible purchases at accelerator stations, office issue stores, cell earphone overhaul providers and restaurants. Earn 1 % cash back on all other eligible net income purchases. Plus, the card offers a competitive welcome bonus and . Plus, the batting order offers a competitive welcome bonus and 0 % presentation APR on Purchases for 15 charge cycles and 0 % intro APR on Balance Transfers for 15 Billing Cycles, and then the ongoing APR of 14.24 % -23.24 % variable APR — all with a $ — all with a $ 0 annual fee. annual tip. Read our recapitulation.
Our pick for: Airline credit card for business
If your business has you on the road a fortune, you ‘ll appreciate the airport loiter access on the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, which includes both Delta’s own Sky Clubs and American Express’s Centurion Lounges when flying Delta. The annual companion certificate — which is good even in first class — and the checked-bag benefit add considerable value, too. Terms apply. , which includes both Delta ‘s own Sky Clubs and American Express ‘s Centurion Lounges when flying Delta. The annual company certificate — which is good evening in first class — and the checked-bag benefit total considerable value, excessively. Terms apply. Read our follow-up.
Our pick for: Hotel credit card for business
The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card can pay for itself just with the automatic free night’s stay every year. Add in automatic elite status, generous rewards, a dandy welcome offer and more, and it’s hard to go wrong. Terms apply. can pay for itself just with the automatic pistol free night ‘s stay every year. Add in automatic elite condition, generous rewards, a bang-up welcome offer and more, and it ‘s hard to go wrong. Terms apply. Read our review.
Our pick for: Fair credit
The rewards rate on the capital One® Spark® Classic for Business isn’t going to wow anyone; there’s no sign-up bonus and the APR is high. What makes this card valuable is that it’s available to business operators with fair credit (a FICO score between 630-689), who don’t have a lot of options in business credit cards — and it has no annual fee. is n’t going to wow anyone ; there ‘s no sign-up bonus and the APR is high. What makes this card valuable is that it ‘s available to business operators with fairly credit ( a FICO score between 630-689 ), who do n’t have a lot of options in business credit cards — and it has no annual tip. Read our review.
Our pick for: No personal guarantee
Unlike most cards designed for entrepreneurs, the Brex Card doesn’t require the cardholder to personally guarantee the debt on the card. Instead, Brex determines creditworthiness by evaluating a company’s cash balance, spending patterns and investors. It’s a good option when a business owner has a thin credit file but is well capitalized. The card earns rewards, too. does n’t require the cardholder to personally guarantee the debt on the card. alternatively, Brex determines creditworthiness by evaluating a company ‘s cash counterweight, outgo patterns and investors. It ‘s a good option when a business owner has a thin credit file but is well capitalized. The batting order earns rewards, besides. Read our inspection.
OTHER RESOURCES
Can you apply for a small-business credit card?
small-business cards can make common sense for anyone who is in clientele for him- or herself, whether it’s a full-time job, freelancing, gig work or a The term “ little occupation ” is often associated with enterprises like a corner store, an accountant ‘s position or a landscaping company. Butwhether it ‘s a full-time job, freelancing, gig work or a side bunco
You don’t need to be incorporated or have a formal business structure,
like an LLC or partnership. Most entrepreneurs are “sole proprietors” — sole proprietorships account for about three-quarters of all businesses in the U.S. — and they’re eligible to apply for small-business credit cards.
Why get a business credit card?
Business cards help you keep business and personal finances separate. When you use the card only for business spending, interest and fees on the card can be tax-deductible business expenses. And business credit cards offer rewards, perks and bonuses that rival (and in many cases surpass) those on consumer credit cards.
What the application asks for
Applications for small-business credit cards are a lot like those for consumer cards, with a few important differences. The application may ask for:
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A business name.
If you don’t have a formal business name, this can just be
your
name. When you’re a sole proprietor, you literally are the business.
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Business contact information.
If you don’t have a separate business address and phone number, don’t sweat it. Your personal address and phone number are just fine.
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A federal Taxpayer Identification Number.
Don’t get intimidated by this term. Your Social Security number is a federal tax ID number, and if you’re a sole proprietor, you can put that down. If you have employees or a formal business structure, you’ll probably have an Employer Identification Number, and you can use that.
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The industry you’re in.
What do you do in your business? This can be a broad category like retail, medical or professional services, or something more specific. If you’re stumped for the proper way to describe it, think about the service you provide. Drive for Uber? That’s transportation. DoorDash or Grubhub? That’s delivery.
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How long you’ve been in business.
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Revenue and expenses.
Revenue is simply how much money you brought in from your business. Expenses are all the money you spent in to earn that money.
What you do NOT need
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A formal business structure.
The application will ask you to specify what kind of business it is. If your business is organized as a corporation, partnership or LLC, put that down. If you operate without a formal or legal business structure, that’s fine, too. You can put down “sole proprietor.”
- An existing business credit history .Although businesses can have credit histories and credit scores of their own (more on that below), a separate business credit file isn’t necessary to qualify for a small-business credit cards. That’s because most cards require you to personally guarantee the debts of the business (also discussed below). In other words, Although businesses can have credit rating histories and citation scores of their own ( more on that below ), a separate business credit file is n’t necessary to qualify for a small-business credit cards. That ‘s because most cards require you to personally guarantee the debts of the business ( besides discussed below ). In other words, business credit cards for startups are available circuit board based on your personal credit history and credit scores .
How long does it take to get a business credit wag ?The card issuer will need to review your personal and business credit history. While some The poster issuer will need to review your personal and business recognition history. While some business credit cards advertise near-instant approval, you may need to wait a couple weeks for your card if your credit is n’t excellent .
Understanding business credit cards
Consumer and business credit cards differ in a few critical ways. hera ’ s what you should know before applying .
You’ll have to sign a personal guarantee
about all small-business credit card applications include personal guarantees, where you agree to be personally liable for the debt accrued. This means you ’ rhenium creditworthy for the balances even if your business goes bankrupt. Keep this in mind when applying and avoid borrowing more than you ’ re able to pay back .
Your personal credit may be affected
When you apply for a commercial enterprise credit rating card, the application will probably show up as an inquiry on your personal credit report, which can cost you a few points on your credit scores for a inadequate meter. That ’ sulfur because your issuer wants to make sure that you, the commercial enterprise owner, are personally on solid fiscal footing before letting you borrow money. If your credit history is thin or poor, bad accredit business citation cards are available . After that, small-business cards by and large fall into two categories : some report your account payment history entirely to commercial credit bureaus, while others report to both consumer and commercial chest of drawers. In the latter case, your dependable or badly outgo habits on your minor commercial enterprise credit card could affect both your personal and business credit
They generally aren’t covered by consumer protection laws
As a courtesy, issuers today by and large extend many consumer protections for personal credit cards to small-business credit cards. But the law doesn ’ thyroxine require them to do thus. The consumer-friendly Credit Card Act of 2009 located authoritative limits on fees, interest calculations and disclosures for personal credit cards, but it doesn ’ metric ton cover business credit cards .
Small-business cards aren’t corporate cards
There are two types of occupation credit cards : small-business cards and corporate cards. If you ’ re precisely starting out and your gross is in the thousands, not the millions, you ’ ll probably want to go with a small business credit card, the kind featured on this tilt. Once you hit the adult time, you might want to switch over to a corporate card. This would limit your personal fiscal liability for the explanation .
Business credit scores vs. personal credit scores
Businesses can have credit scores just like individuals. When you’re just getting a business off the ground, you’ll probably have to rely on your personal credit to open a small-business credit card or obtain a loan. But as a business builds its credit over time, it becomes easier to secure financing separate from the owner’s personal credit, as well as qualify for a business insurance policy.
Below are key differences between business credit scores and personal credit scores.
Reporting bureaus
Like consumer credit scores, business scores are generated by credit reporting bureaus — companies that collect information about debts and then use that information to estimate how risky it would be to lend money to a person or, in this case, a business. The higher the score, the lower the risk.
The main consumer credit reporting bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The main bureaus for business scores are Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax and Experian.
Range
Consumer credit scoring systems typically have a score range of 300 to 850. The range for business scores is usually 0 to 100.
Standardization
Consumer credit bureaus collect information independently from each other, but they use similar algorithms to calculate scores. As a result, your personal scores are likely to be similar, even if not identical, from one bureau to the next. Business credit score algorithms don’t follow an industry standard and can vary from bureau to bureau.
Access
federal law gives you the right to a free copy of your personal credit report from each of the three major consumer accredit chest of drawers once every 12 months. Further, you can get free access to your personal accredit score in a number of ways ( including from NerdWallet ). not therefore for occupation credit. You ’ ll have to pay to see your caller ’ south credit report and score at the major business recognition chest of drawers .
Privacy
Only you and certain companies have the right to see your personal credit reports and scores. But with business credit reports, all information is public, and you can get information on other companies as long as you’re willing to pay for it.
How to choose a business credit card
Chances are, you ‘ll use your occupation recognition card quite a sting, so cook sure you ’ re getting one with favorable terms. hera ’ sulfur how :
Take stock of your business’s spending habits
If you plan on carrying balances from month to month, getting a card with a 0% APR period or low ongoing interest is more important than searching for generous rewards. Alternatively, if you plan on paying in full every month, a card with a big sign-up bonus and lucrative rewards could be a perfect fit.
Figure out what type of rewards you should go for
If earning big rewards is your goal, start by looking at your costs. For businesses that spend plenty on travel and office supplies, a card that gives bonus rewards in those categories would be an excellent choice. And for companies with spending that doesn’t fit into the usual categories, a flat-rate rewards card would fit the bill.
» Confused about miles and points programs ? See what these rewards are worth and read about how these programs work with our See what these rewards are worth and read about how these programs work with our guide to travel rewards programs
Look for business-friendly benefits
Some cards come with programs that allow you to match photos of receipts to your card purchases in-app. Many also offer free employee cards and itemized end-of-year statements that help at tax time.
How to compare business credit cards
As you narrow down your choices based on your business’s needs, here’s how to evaluate and compare the features of different cards.
Annual fee
many of the best small-business credit cards charge an annual fee, frequently in the $ 100 scope. The rewards you earn from your spend can easily make up for it, so do n’t dismiss the estimate of paying a fee out of bridge player. High-volume businesses, particularly, can earn rewards that dwarf the tip. If you spend $ 200,000 a year on a card with a 2 % rewards pace, for exemplar, that ‘s $ 4,000 a class in rewards, well worth a $ 100 tip. If you ‘re spending that much, an annual fee may besides indicate a high-limit occupation credit batting order — though your actual credit rating telephone line will depend on your creditworthiness .
Annual fees are also deductible business expenses. But if you’re 100% opposed to paying a fee, there are fine no-fee options available.
Rewards structure
If you opt for a rewards credit card, you’ll have two choices to make. The first is whether you want a flat-rate card or a bonus-category card:
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Flat-rate cards
pay you the same rewards on every purchase, regardless of what you buy or where. If you want simplicity, or if your business’s expenses tend to run the gamut without any particular category predominating, then a flat-rate card may be best for you.
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Bonus-category cards
pay a higher rewards rate in certain categories and a lower base rate on everything else. If you don’t mind (or if you enjoy) keeping track of categories and moving spending around to maximize your return, then these cards may be right for you. A bonus category card is an excellent choice if you spend a lot of money in just a few areas. Typical bonus categories for business credit cards include things like office supplies, travel, telecommunications, advertising and shipping.
The second choice is whether you want your rewards as cash back or points.
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Cash-back cards
pay you back a certain percentage of every purchase. Flat-rate cards tend to offer 1% to 2% back — spend $1,000 on something, get $10 to $20 back. Bonus-category cards go as high as 5%. Cash back is most commonly redeemed as a credit against your account.
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Points cards
give you points or miles for each dollar you spend, either at a flat rate or with bonus points in certain categories. These rewards can usually be redeemed for travel, though you may have other options, such as merchandise or cash back.
Introductory APR period
A number of cards offer a lower interest rate, often 0%, when you first open the account. The 0% period may last a year or more. This can be of great benefit if you have a major business-related purchase you’re looking to finance.
Ongoing APR
If you plan to pay your credit card bill in full each month, then the ongoing APR doesn’t have to be a major factor in your decision. That’s because you’ll pay no interest. But if you expect to carry a balance from month to month, the ongoing interest rate becomes very important. Interest charges can easily eat up the value of your rewards, so prioritize a lower ongoing APR if you’re going to be carrying debt.
Financing options
Some small-business credit cards offer special financing options, such as a discount if you pay early or the ability to set up installment plans to pay off specific charges. These can be useful if your business is seasonal or subject to irregular cash flow.
Free cards for employees
If you’re earning rewards, you’ll want to get as much company spending on the card as possible. Many issuers allow you to get additional cards at no extra cost for employees who are authorized to spend money on behalf of the business. You also may be able to set spending limits or other restrictions on employee cards.
Expense management tools
It’s helpful if the issuer offers tools to help you track and categorize expenses. For example, you may be able to download transaction data into bookkeeping software. Or you could match photos of receipts to transactions. Or you may get a detailed annual report for use in preparing your taxes.
Perks
If your business has you traveling a lot, look for a card that can make your trip more comfortable. Co-branded airline and hotel cards offer special status and upgrades. Some cards give you access to airport lounges. Others provide travel insurance or rental car coverage for peace of mind.
Getting the most out of your small-business card
Pay with your credit card whenever possible
For entrepreneurs who pay in full every month and don’t overspend, using a rewards credit card for everything makes those points, miles or cash back add up fast. Avoid paying with a credit card when a convenience charge is added, if possible.
Lock down that sign-up bonus
To get your card’s sign-up bonus, you typically need to make a few thousand dollars’ worth of purchases in the first few months after opening the account. Check your card’s terms and track your spending to make sure you don’t miss out.
Know when your introductory 0% APR ends
Read your credit card statements and make a note of when your promotional offer expires to avoid unpleasant surprises .
Deduct interest and fees on your taxes
If you’re using your card for business costs, fees and interest count as business expenses. That means you can deduct them at tax time.
To view rates and fees of the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, see , see this foliate To view rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, see , see this foliate To view rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, see , see this page To view rates and fees of The Plum Card® from American Express, see , see this page To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, see , see this page
To view rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, see , see this page
