10 Best Business Credit Cards for Consultants in 2022
Tricia has nearly two decades of experience in commercial and federal government lending. Her expertise is highlighted throughout small business loan content on Fit Small Business.
Benilyn has over a decade of experience as a banking officer. Her expertise is featured throughout Fit Small Business in personal finance, credit card, and real estate investing content.
This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post with regularly updated card details.
The best business credit cards for consultants offer premium rewards on expense categories you usually spend on, like travel, dining, fuel, and supplies. To decide which credit card is right for you, consider factors, such as fees, interest-free financing options, sign-up bonuses, and additional features your consultancy business needs. If your expenses vary from month to month, you may benefit more from business credit cards with fixed-rate rewards.
Here are the best business credit cards for consultants:
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best overall credit card for consultants
- Chase Ink Business Cash®: Best for rewards on office essentials, fuel, and dining expenses
- American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for earning rewards points where you spend the most
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi: Best for earning rewards on fuel expenses
- Chase Ink Business Preferred®: Best for earning rewards on online advertising
- U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for longest 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: Best for flexible buying power
- Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit: Best for consultants with good credit and easy cash back rewards
- Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business: Best for consultants with fair credit
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Card: Best for consultants with bad credit
To see how these cards stack up against others we have reviewed on our site, simply click Add to Compare on a card below and select up to two additional cards for comparison.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best Overall Credit Card for Consultants
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Earning top rewards on travel purchases booked through Bank of America
Intro APR
0% for 9 billing cycles
Regular APR
14.49% to 24.49% Variable APR on purchases
Annual Fee
$0.00
Credit Needed
Excellent
- Earn 30,000 bonus points when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening, which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases everywhere, every time―no matter how much you spend. Points don't expire.
- Earn 3 points per every dollar spent on travel purchases like car, hotel, and airline booked through the Bank of America® Travel Center.
- No annual fee and no international transaction fees.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first nine billing cycles.
- Redeem points for travel with no blackout dates, cash back or gift cards.
- Get 75% more points on the base earn of every purchase you make when you’re a Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier member. That means you will earn 2.62 points for every $1 you spend and 4.12 points per every $1 you spend at the Bank of America® Travel Center.
Pros
- No annual fee: By not having to pay an annual fee, you can reduce your overall credit card cost while earning unlimited rewards on your expenses.
- No blackout dates on travel: You can redeem your points for travel or travel credits through the Bank of America® Travel Center anytime, with no blackout dates.
- 3x points on travel: You can earn 3x points for every dollar spent when you book your travel (car, hotel, or airline) through the Bank of America® Travel Center.
- Welcome bonus points: If you can spend $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of opening an account, you will earn 30,000 bonus points.
Cons
- Low ongoing rewards on nontravel: While you can earn high rewards points on travel, you can only earn 1.5x points on all other purchases.
- Short 0% APR introductory period: The Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® offers 0% APR for the first nine billing cycles from opening an account—this is a disadvantage if you need a longer 0% APR period.
- No 0% APR on balance transfers: The introductory 0% APR only applies to purchases—if you need to transfer a balance from another credit card, you’ll need to pay an APR ranging from 12.24% to 22.24%.
- Bank of America doesn’t disclose details of its additional card features. To find out more about these additional features, review your guide to benefits when you receive your card in the mail.
Intro APR
0% for 9 billing cycles
Regular APR
14.49% to 24.49% Variable APR on purchases
Annual Fee
$0.00
Credit Needed
Excellent
- Earn 30,000 bonus points when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening, which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit toward travel purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases everywhere, every time―no matter how much you spend. Points don't expire.
- Earn 3 points per every dollar spent on travel purchases like car, hotel, and airline booked through the Bank of America® Travel Center.
- No annual fee and no international transaction fees.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first nine billing cycles.
- Redeem points for travel with no blackout dates, cash back or gift cards.
- Get 75% more points on the base earn of every purchase you make when you’re a Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier member. That means you will earn 2.62 points for every $1 you spend and 4.12 points per every $1 you spend at the Bank of America® Travel Center.
Pros
- No annual fee: By not having to pay an annual fee, you can reduce your overall credit card cost while earning unlimited rewards on your expenses.
- No blackout dates on travel: You can redeem your points for travel or travel credits through the Bank of America® Travel Center anytime, with no blackout dates.
- 3x points on travel: You can earn 3x points for every dollar spent when you book your travel (car, hotel, or airline) through the Bank of America® Travel Center.
- Welcome bonus points: If you can spend $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of opening an account, you will earn 30,000 bonus points.
Cons
- Low ongoing rewards on nontravel: While you can earn high rewards points on travel, you can only earn 1.5x points on all other purchases.
- Short 0% APR introductory period: The Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® offers 0% APR for the first nine billing cycles from opening an account—this is a disadvantage if you need a longer 0% APR period.
- No 0% APR on balance transfers: The introductory 0% APR only applies to purchases—if you need to transfer a balance from another credit card, you’ll need to pay an APR ranging from 12.24% to 22.24%.
- Bank of America doesn’t disclose details of its additional card features. To find out more about these additional features, review your guide to benefits when you receive your card in the mail.
Why we like it: The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® is our choice for the overall best consultant credit card because, among all the business cards on this list, it comes with the lowest starting APR. Moreover, it has no annual or foreign transaction fees, and you can take advantage of interest-free financing on purchases for the first nine billing cycles. It’s one of our picks for the best business credit cards with no annual fee and leading business credit cards for travel.
In addition, it offers an introductory bonus of 30,000 points when you spend at least $3,000 in the first 90 days of card ownership, which is equivalent to a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining expenses. This card is best paired with a Bank of America business checking account so that you can benefit from the optional overdraft protection service through Balance Connect™.
Rewards:
- 3x points per dollar spent when you book your travel, including car rentals, hotel stays, and flights, through the Bank of America® Travel Center
- Unlimited 1.5x points for every $1 you spend on all purchases
- Up to 75% more points on every purchase if you have a Bank of America business checking account and qualify for the highest Preferred Rewards for Business tier
Chase Ink Business Cash®: Best for Rewards on Office Essentials, Fuel & Dining Expenses
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Office-based businesses that want top cash back rewards
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
16.99% - 22.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- BEST OFFER EVER: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from 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 Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- 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
Pros
- Top rewards for office supply spending
- Introductory APR on purchases
- Cash sign-up bonus
Cons
- 0% APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- High balance transfer fee of 5%
- Designed mainly for office-oriented companies
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the United States and abroad.
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year.
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
16.99% - 22.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- BEST OFFER EVER: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from 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 Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- 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
Pros
- Top rewards for office supply spending
- Introductory APR on purchases
- Cash sign-up bonus
Cons
- 0% APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- High balance transfer fee of 5%
- Designed mainly for office-oriented companies
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the United States and abroad.
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year.
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.
Why we like it: The Chase Ink Business Cash® card offers premium rewards on expenses such as office supplies, internet, cable, phone, fuel, and dining, and is thus a great choice if your consulting business spends significantly on office expenses or when you’re on the road working with clients. Additionally, you can earn a $900 bonus cash back when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.
Your cash back rewards can be redeemed as a statement credit at the end of each billing cycle or directly deposited into most checking and savings accounts. You can also redeem your rewards toward travel, gift cards, or merchandise through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Furthermore, you can also benefit from the 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months and zero annual fees. If you have registered your consultancy business as a limited liability company (LLC), this card is a great option as it’s our top-recommended best LLC credit card.
Rewards:
- 5% cash back on office supplies, internet, cable, and phone services for the first $25,000 each account anniversary year
- 2% cash back on purchases at gas stations and restaurants for the first $25,000 each account anniversary year
- 1% back on all other purchases with no limit to the number of rewards you can earn
American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for Earning Points Where You Spend the Most
American Express® Business Gold Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Maximizing rewards in the two categories where you spend the most
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
17.99% - 25.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$295
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- MORE REWARDS: Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month. 1X is earned for other purchases. **
- **4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year.*
- AIRLINE BONUS: Get 25% points back after you use points for all or part of an eligible flight booked with Amex Travel, up to 250,000 points back per calendar year.*
- PAY OVER TIME OPTION: Decide whether you want to pay eligible purchases in full each month—or pay over time with interest.*
- *Terms Apply
Pros
- Earn 4x points in two categories every month
- Pay eligible charges over time with interest, or pay your balance in full monthly
Cons
- You’ll pay a high annual fee of $295
- No interest-free financing opportunities
- Premium roadside assistance: Free of charge up to four times a year. You can receive towing up to 10 miles, winching, jump starts, flat tire change, lockout service when the key is in the vehicle, and delivery of up to two gallons of gas
- Return protection: American Express will refund you for eligible purchases when the store doesn’t accept returns of undamaged items. Coverage is limited to 90 days from purchase, up to $300 per item, and up to a maximum of $1,000 per year.
- Baggage insurance: If your baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, you’re eligible for coverage of up to $1,250 for carry-on luggage and $500 for checked bags
- Extended warranty: Receive one additional year of coverage on purchases with eligible warranties of five years or less
- Purchase protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per incident.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
17.99% - 25.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$295
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- MORE REWARDS: Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month. 1X is earned for other purchases. **
- **4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year.*
- AIRLINE BONUS: Get 25% points back after you use points for all or part of an eligible flight booked with Amex Travel, up to 250,000 points back per calendar year.*
- PAY OVER TIME OPTION: Decide whether you want to pay eligible purchases in full each month—or pay over time with interest.*
- *Terms Apply
Pros
- Earn 4x points in two categories every month
- Pay eligible charges over time with interest, or pay your balance in full monthly
Cons
- You’ll pay a high annual fee of $295
- No interest-free financing opportunities
- Premium roadside assistance: Free of charge up to four times a year. You can receive towing up to 10 miles, winching, jump starts, flat tire change, lockout service when the key is in the vehicle, and delivery of up to two gallons of gas
- Return protection: American Express will refund you for eligible purchases when the store doesn’t accept returns of undamaged items. Coverage is limited to 90 days from purchase, up to $300 per item, and up to a maximum of $1,000 per year.
- Baggage insurance: If your baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, you’re eligible for coverage of up to $1,250 for carry-on luggage and $500 for checked bags
- Extended warranty: Receive one additional year of coverage on purchases with eligible warranties of five years or less
- Purchase protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per incident.
Why we like it: With the American Express® Business Gold Card, your spending habits determine where you earn the most points, making it an excellent option if you have varied expenses each month. Plus, you can earn 70,000 bonus points in the first three months of card ownership if you spend at least $10,000 on eligible purchases. It gives you the option to either pay your balance in full each month or use its Pay Over Time feature, which allows you to carry a balance with interest. However, unlike most other cards on this list, it doesn’t offer an introductory 0% APR.
While there’s a $295 annual fee, you can enjoy flexible redemption for your rewards. You can redeem your points for travel, gift cards, fashion, home and outdoor, technology, entertainment, and more. You can also use points at Amazon or PayPal checkout, along with many other retailers. If you fly often, you can book your flights with Amex Travel using your rewards points and get 25% of those points back, up to 250,000 points per year. It’s also one of our leading high-limit business credit cards, making it a great option if your consultancy business needs to access a high credit limit.
Rewards:
- 4x points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases on the top two categories where your business spent the most each billing cycle, including:
- Flights purchased directly from airlines
- Advertising in select media, such as online, TV, radio
- Purchases made directly from select United States technology providers of computer hardware, software, and cloud solutions
- Gas stations, restaurants, and shipping
- 1x on other purchases
Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi: Best for Earning Rewards on Fuel Expenses
Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Existing or new Costco members
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
17.49%
Annual Fee
0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- 4% cash back on eligible gas worldwide, including gas at Costco, for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
- 3% cash back on restaurant and eligible travel purchases worldwide
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Pros
- No annual fee
- Generous cashback categories
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Inflexible cashback redemption system
- Benefits are only applicable to Costco members
- No sign-up bonus
- Damage & theft protection: This can cover you for either repairs or a refund if items purchased with your Citi card are damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase (90 days for New York residents).
- Fraud early warning: Citi will contact you by text, email, phone, or mail to help secure the card if there’s suspicious activity.
- Paperless statements & e-communications: You can view, print, and save previous and current statements immediately, at no additional cost.
- Citi Quick Lock: This helps instantly block new purchases and cash advances while allowing recurring transactions, payments, balance transfers, and credits to continue without disruption.
- Citi® Concierge: Citi® Concierge gives you access to several experts that work around the clock to help you with your travel, shopping, dining, entertainment, and everyday needs.
- Citi Entertainment: Card holders can get special access to presale tickets and exclusive events, including the year’s most anticipated concerts, sporting events, dining experiences, and more.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
17.49%
Annual Fee
0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- 4% cash back on eligible gas worldwide, including gas at Costco, for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
- 3% cash back on restaurant and eligible travel purchases worldwide
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Pros
- No annual fee
- Generous cashback categories
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Inflexible cashback redemption system
- Benefits are only applicable to Costco members
- No sign-up bonus
- Damage & theft protection: This can cover you for either repairs or a refund if items purchased with your Citi card are damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase (90 days for New York residents).
- Fraud early warning: Citi will contact you by text, email, phone, or mail to help secure the card if there’s suspicious activity.
- Paperless statements & e-communications: You can view, print, and save previous and current statements immediately, at no additional cost.
- Citi Quick Lock: This helps instantly block new purchases and cash advances while allowing recurring transactions, payments, balance transfers, and credits to continue without disruption.
- Citi® Concierge: Citi® Concierge gives you access to several experts that work around the clock to help you with your travel, shopping, dining, entertainment, and everyday needs.
- Citi Entertainment: Card holders can get special access to presale tickets and exclusive events, including the year’s most anticipated concerts, sporting events, dining experiences, and more.
Why we like it: If you’re always on the road, a significant portion of your expenses may go to gas purchases. In that case, you can benefit from the Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi by earning premium rewards on purchases at eligible gas stations. It’s one of our top choices for the best fuel cards for small businesses. Moreover, it’s also ideal for those who frequently shop at Costco and Costco.com.
Keep in mind that this card is only available for Costco members. There’s no annual fee outside of your Costco membership, as well as no foreign transaction fee on international purchases. Cash back will be provided as an annual credit card reward certificate and can be redeemed for cash or merchandise at US Costco Warehouses.
Rewards:
- 4% cash back on fuel purchases at eligible gas stations and electric vehicle (EV) charging purchases worldwide, including Costco, for the first $7,000 per year; and then 1% thereafter
- 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases worldwide
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
Chase Ink Business Preferred®: Best for Earning Rewards on Online Advertising
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Maximizing travel rewards at a lower annual fee
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.74% - 24.74% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Credit Needed
- Earn 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®
- 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 Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- 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 Ultimate Rewards®
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Pros
- Reward points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® card
- Comprehensive travel and purchase protection
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No interst-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers
- With annual fee
- Need to make extremely large purchases to qualify for the sign-up bonus
- Cellphone protection: Get up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees listed on your monthly cellphone bill
- Purchase protection: Can cover your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft of up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account
- Extended warranty protection: You can extend the period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Fraud monitoring: Chase will help keep your accounts safe with account alerts – and you can choose how you’d like to receive them
- Free employee cards: You can create employee cards at no additional cost, and lets you set individual spending limits―helping you earn rewards even faster
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.74% - 24.74% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn 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®
- 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 Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- 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 Ultimate Rewards®
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Pros
- Reward points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® card
- Comprehensive travel and purchase protection
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No interst-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers
- With annual fee
- Need to make extremely large purchases to qualify for the sign-up bonus
- Cellphone protection: Get up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees listed on your monthly cellphone bill
- Purchase protection: Can cover your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft of up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account
- Extended warranty protection: You can extend the period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Fraud monitoring: Chase will help keep your accounts safe with account alerts – and you can choose how you’d like to receive them
- Free employee cards: You can create employee cards at no additional cost, and lets you set individual spending limits―helping you earn rewards even faster
Why we like it: If you use online searches or social media for advertising your consulting business, the Chase Ink Business Preferred® card is a great option for you. It offers premium rewards on online advertising expenses, which you can redeem for cash back, gift cards, or travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
It also comes with a low annual fee of $95; however, there’s no 0% introductory rate. But, as an introductory bonus, you’ll receive 100,000 bonus points if you spend $15,000 in the first three months, which is equivalent to $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. If you have a real estate consultancy business, this may be the best fit as it’s named our best overall credit card for real estate agents.
Rewards:
- 3x points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in the following categories per year:
- Shipping purchases
- Internet, cable, and phone services
- Advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines
- Travel
- 1x point per dollar on all other purchases
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for Longest 0% Introductory APR
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
0% APR for 15 billing cycles
Intro APR
0% for first 15 billing cycles
Regular APR
17.74% - 26.74% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 17.74% - 26.74%.
- No annual fee.
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
Intro APR
0% for first 15 billing cycles
Regular APR
17.74% - 26.74% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 17.74% - 26.74%.
- No annual fee.
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
Why we like it: If you need to transfer high balances off of other business credit cards, or if there are any large or costly business purchases you need to make, the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is your best bet. You can benefit from the 0% APR for the first 15 months of card ownership, so you can make purchases interest-free during that time or use the 15 months to pay down a consolidated credit card debt. It has the longest zero-interest period among all other cards on this list. It’s also named one of the best 0% APR business credit cards.
As an introductory bonus, you’ll earn $500 cash back after spending $4,500 in the first 150 days after opening your account. Cash rewards can be redeemed as a statement credit or as a U.S. Bank Rewards Card, or they can be deposited into most checking, savings, or money market accounts. Plus, there’s no annual fee and no limit on total cash back earned—and rewards never expire.
Rewards:
- 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
- 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center
- $100 annual statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks
American Express Blue Business CashTM: Best for Flexible Buying Power
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Those who want better cash back rewards
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
16.99% - 24.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 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.
- Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.99% - 24.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- Fixed rate rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power, when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
16.99% - 24.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 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.
- Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.99% - 24.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- Fixed rate rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power, when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter.
Why we like it: The American Express Blue Business CashTM card is ideal for consultants needing a credit card that offers a flexible credit limit. With its expanded buying power, you can spend beyond your credit limit whenever you need to. The amount you can spend above your credit limit adjusts based on your card usage, payment history, credit record, and financial resources.
Plus, you can benefit from a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months, and it has no annual fee. You can also earn a $250 statement credit after spending at least $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of opening an account. It’s also a great choice if your consultancy business is relatively new, as it’s one of our best credit cards for startup businesses.
Rewards:
- 2% cash back on all eligible purchases of up to $50,000 per calendar year
- 1% cash back on purchases in excess of $50,000 within the same calendar year
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit: Best for Earning Easy Cash Back Rewards for Consultants With Good Credit
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit
BEST FOR:
Businesses with good credit that want a 0% introductory APR
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
18.99%, 23.99%, or 26.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Unlimited 1.5% fixed-rate cash back on all purchases with no limits or category restrictions
Pros
- No annual fee
- Ability to finance purchases with 0% APR for 12 months
- Free employee cards
Cons
- 0% APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- No sign-up bonus
- $0 foreign transaction fee: No foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside of the United States
- $0 fraud liability: Advance emergency replacement for lost and stolen card plus a cash advance
- Roadside assistance: Services like jump-starting, tire changing, and towing
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
18.99%, 23.99%, or 26.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Unlimited 1.5% fixed-rate cash back on all purchases with no limits or category restrictions
Pros
- No annual fee
- Ability to finance purchases with 0% APR for 12 months
- Free employee cards
Cons
- 0% APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- No sign-up bonus
- $0 foreign transaction fee: No foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside of the United States
- $0 fraud liability: Advance emergency replacement for lost and stolen card plus a cash advance
- Roadside assistance: Services like jump-starting, tire changing, and towing
Why we like it: For consultants with a good credit rating, the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit is an easy-to-use, straightforward card. It offers fixed-rate rewards on all purchases, which you can redeem easily by setting up an automatic redemption preference at a set time each calendar year or when a specific dollar amount threshold has been reached. Cash back can be received as a statement credit or as a check that’s mailed to you.
Besides that, it offers interest-free financing on purchases for the first 12 months. You can also reduce your overall credit cost because this card doesn’t charge annual, balance transfer, or foreign transaction fees.
It’s important to note that, unlike most other business cards on this list, this card doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus. But, because of its simplicity, it’s also a great option if you’re a self-employed consultant. It’s one of our top-recommended credit cards for self-employed individuals.
Rewards:
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business: Best for Consultants with Fair Credit
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Fair credit business owners (580 to 669)
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
26.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Average, Fair, Limited
- 1% cash back every time you swipe
- Build your business credit through responsible usage
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- Opportunity to build business credit
- Only requires fair credit
- No annual fee
Cons
- No 0% introductory APR
- No sign-up bonus
- High APR
- Purchase protection: Capital One will replace, repair, or reimburse you for eligible items in the event of theft or damage within the first 90 days of purchase.
- Extended warranty protection: You’ll get additional warranty protection on eligible items that are purchased with your business card, up to 1 year past the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You’re covered for damage due to collision or theft when you rent an eligible car with your Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business card.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
26.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Average, Fair, Limited
- 1% cash back every time you swipe
- Build your business credit through responsible usage
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- Opportunity to build business credit
- Only requires fair credit
- No annual fee
Cons
- No 0% introductory APR
- No sign-up bonus
- High APR
- Purchase protection: Capital One will replace, repair, or reimburse you for eligible items in the event of theft or damage within the first 90 days of purchase.
- Extended warranty protection: You’ll get additional warranty protection on eligible items that are purchased with your business card, up to 1 year past the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You’re covered for damage due to collision or theft when you rent an eligible car with your Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business card.
Why we like it: If you’re a consultant with fair credit (580 to 669), the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business is a great choice to use as an unlimited rewards card. It’s also our best fair credit business card, thanks to its simple rewards program. While it has no annual fee, there’s no sign-up bonus and 0% introductory APR.
Keep in mind, however, that the APR for this card is high at 26.99%, so it’s best to pay the bill in full each billing cycle rather than carry a balance. Also, make sure to pay your balances on time and use this card responsibly to help improve your credit score. Your payment history will be regularly reported to the major credit bureaus, which can greatly help in growing your score.
Rewards:
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured: Best for Consultants with Bad Credit
Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those who cannot qualify for unsecured business credit cards
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
24.49%
Annual Fee
None
Credit Needed
Poor
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Pros
- No annual fee
- Unlimited rewards
- Builds business credit
Cons
- Security deposit is required
- No sign-up bonus
- No 0% Intro APR
- Cash flow management tools
- Travel and emergency services
- Online and mobile access
- Balance Connect™ for overdraft protection
- Zero liability protection
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
24.49%
Annual Fee
None
Credit Needed
Poor
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Pros
- No annual fee
- Unlimited rewards
- Builds business credit
Cons
- Security deposit is required
- No sign-up bonus
- No 0% Intro APR
- Cash flow management tools
- Travel and emergency services
- Online and mobile access
- Balance Connect™ for overdraft protection
- Zero liability protection
Why we like it: If you have bad or limited credit, consider the Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card. It’s our best business credit card for bad credit and top secured business credit card. It has no annual fees, and you can earn cash back on all purchases. Cash back rewards may be redeemed as a deposit into your Bank of America checking or savings account, a statement credit, or a check mailed to you.
To qualify for this card, you need to make a security deposit of at least $1,000. The amount of your credit limit will depend on your security deposit. Keep in mind that while it offers unlimited cash back rewards, there’s no sign-up bonus, and it also doesn’t offer an interest-free financing period. With consistent on-time payments and responsible usage, you can build your business credit over time, allowing you to qualify for unsecured business credit cards.
Rewards:
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
How We Evaluated the Best Credit Cards for Consultants
Since consultants work in a wide range of industries, we selected cards with strong rewards programs and compared annual fees, interest rates, introductory rates, bonuses, credit requirements, and the rules for redeeming rewards.
Bottom Line
As an independent consultant, the best credit card for your business offers the most rewards in your preferred spending categories. If your purchases are inconsistent month over month, a fixed-rate rewards card is a better choice. If you’d like to see a wider variety of business credit cards, check out our roundup of the best small business credit cards or visit our credit card marketplace for more suggestions.
