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, annual percentage rate (APR), introductory offers, and other additional features that are valuable to your consultancy business.
Here are our eight best business credit cards for consultants:
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best overall credit card for consultants with travel rewards
- Chase Ink Business Cash®: Best for earning rewards on office essentials, fuel, and dining expenses
- U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for 0% introductory APR for 15 months and $100 software credit
- American Express Blue Business Cash™: Best for consultants who want fixed-rate cash back and the flexibility to exceed their credit limit
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards: Best for earning rewards on the category of your choice
- Chase Ink Business Preferred®: Best for high credit limit with high introductory bonus
- Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business: Best for consultants with fair credit
- Brex Card: Best for no personal credit check with daily or monthly payment options
Overview of the Best Business Credit Cards for Consultants 2023
Best For | Annual Fee | Welcome Offer | Ongoing Rewards | Credit Needed | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® | Overall best credit card for consultants with travel rewards | $0 | 1.5x points per dollar | Excellent | ||
Chase Ink Business Cash® | Earning rewards on office essentials, fuel, and dining expenses | $0 | Up to 5% cash back | Good to Excellent | ||
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® | 0% introductory APR for 15 months and $100 software credit | $0 | Up to 5% cash back | Good to Excellent | ||
American Express Blue Business Cash™ | Consultants wanting fixed-rate cash back and the flexibility to exceed your credit limit | $0 | $250 statement credit | Up to 2% cash back | Good to Excellent | |
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards | Earning rewards on the category of your choice | $0 | Up to 3% cash back | Excellent | ||
Chase Ink Business Preferred | High credit limit with high introductory bonus | $95 | 100,000 bonus points | Up to 5x points | Good to Excellent | |
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business | Consultants with fair credit | $0 | None | Up to 5% cash back | Fair | |
Brex Card | No personal credit check with daily or monthly payment options | $0 | Up to 8x points | No credit check |
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best Overall Credit Card for Consultants With Travel Rewards
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card
BEST FOR:
Earning top rewards on travel purchases booked through Bank of America Travel Center
9 billing cycles
- Earn 30,000 online bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent, or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee, and earn up to an unlimited 2.62 points for every $1 spent on all purchases if you have a Bank of America® business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier.
- No limit to the amount of points you can earn and points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee and no international transaction fees.
- Choose how to redeem points for a statement credit to offset travel and dining purchases, travel with no blackout dates at the Bank of America® Travel Center, for cash back or gift cards.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
- Charges $0 annual and foreign transaction fees
- Offers fixed-rate cash back rewards
- Has no blackout dates
Cons
- Does not offer a 0% introductory period on balance transfers
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- 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.
9 billing cycles
- Earn 30,000 online bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent, or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee, and earn up to an unlimited 2.62 points for every $1 spent on all purchases if you have a Bank of America® business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier.
- No limit to the amount of points you can earn and points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee and no international transaction fees.
- Choose how to redeem points for a statement credit to offset travel and dining purchases, travel with no blackout dates at the Bank of America® Travel Center, for cash back or gift cards.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
- Charges $0 annual and foreign transaction fees
- Offers fixed-rate cash back rewards
- Has no blackout dates
Cons
- Does not offer a 0% introductory period on balance transfers
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- 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: This card is our top choice for the best business credit cards for consultants because of its simple rewards structure—and you can redeem rewards for travel, cash back, and gift cards. It also provides ways to save on costs by not charging annual and foreign transaction fees and offering a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles.
Consider the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® if you have:
- To travel for business frequently because you can redeem your points for travel and travel credits
- An existing business deposit account with Bank of America
It is also one of our top business credit cards for self-employed, making it a viable option for consultants who are also independent contractors.
Chase Ink Business Cash®: Best for Earning Rewards on Office Essentials, Fuel & Dining Expenses
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Office-based businesses that want top cash back rewards
- 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
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Pros
- Top rewards for office supply spending
- Introductory APR on purchases
- Cash welcome offer
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 fewer.
- 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
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Pros
- Top rewards for office supply spending
- Introductory APR on purchases
- Cash welcome offer
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 fewer.
Why we like it: This credit card offers premium rewards on office supplies, internet, cable, phone, fuel, and dining—which you can redeem for cash back, gift cards, travel, and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. It also comes with generous welcome rewards; you’ll receive $750 bonus cash back when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.
Consider the Chase Ink Business Cash® credit card if you:
- Have frequent expenses on office supplies, internet, cable, and phone services
- Can refer your friends and family for any Chase Ink® Credit Card to earn extra rewards
It is also a great option for limited liability companies (LLCs) as it is one of our top-recommended LLC credit cards.
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for 0% Introductory APR for 15 Months & $100 Software Credit
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
0% APR for 15 billing cycles
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- 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 19.24% - 28.24%.
- No annual fee.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- $0 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.
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- 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 19.24% - 28.24%.
- No annual fee.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- $0 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: It comes with a 15-month long 0% APR on both purchase and balance transfer transactions, making it an ideal option if you need to consolidate your credit card debts or make a significant purchase. What’s more, it lets you earn a $100 annual statement credit for recurring software purchases like QuickBooks and Freshbooks.
Consider the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® if you:
- Need more time to pay off your balance without interest—the 0% introductory APR rate for 15 billing cycles is one of the longest offers available for business credit cards
- Have significant expenses on gas—you’ll earn 3% cash back at gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, making it our top business fuel credit card
It also leads our roundup of the best business cards with no annual fee because it offers several ways to save on credit costs.
American Express Blue Business CashTM: Best for Consultants Who Want Fixed-rate Cash Back & the Flexibility to Exceed Their Credit Limit
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want better cash back rewards
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- 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.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome bonus
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 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.
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- 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.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome bonus
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 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: This card is known for its fixed-rate cash back that is automatically credited to your billing statement without the need for manual redemption. On top of that, it is one of the few business credit cards that offers flexibility when it comes to credit limits through its Expanded Buying Power feature, which allows you to spend over your credit limit based on your credit usage, credit score, payment behavior, and other financial factors.
Consider the American Express Blue Business CashTM if you:
- Don’t want to redeem your rewards manually
- Need to exceed your credit limit from time to time
This card is also on our lists of the:
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards: Best for Earning Rewards on Category of Choice
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
BEST FOR:
Those who want to earn 3% cash back in a spending category of their choice
9 billing cycles
- Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations & EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services, 2% cash back on dining purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll earn 3% cash back on purchases in the category of your choice and 2% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
- You can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back in your selected choice category and up to 3.5% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in those combined purchases each calendar year, and up to an unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Choose how to redeem your cash rewards-as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you. Cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to the Mobile Banking app or Business Advantage 360, our small business online banking. You can change it once each calendar month, or make no change and it stays the same.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
- Offers flexible redemption options
- Doesn’t charge annual fees
- Welcome offer
Cons
- Premium cash back rewards are capped on a selected spending category
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Short introductory APR period
- Access to a business credit score: Bank of America lets you view and monitor your Dun & Bradstreet business credit score for free through Business Advantage 360.
- Zero liability protection: Stay protected against unauthorized transactions. Bank of America offers additional protections that cover certain purchases against loss, damage, theft, or fire and provides extended warranty coverage.
- Fraud monitoring: Bank of America will block potential fraud if it detects abnormal patterns in your transactions. It’ll also notify you if it suspects any fraudulent activity.
9 billing cycles
- Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations & EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services, 2% cash back on dining purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll earn 3% cash back on purchases in the category of your choice and 2% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
- You can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back in your selected choice category and up to 3.5% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in those combined purchases each calendar year, and up to an unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Choose how to redeem your cash rewards-as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you. Cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to the Mobile Banking app or Business Advantage 360, our small business online banking. You can change it once each calendar month, or make no change and it stays the same.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
- Offers flexible redemption options
- Doesn’t charge annual fees
- Welcome offer
Cons
- Premium cash back rewards are capped on a selected spending category
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Short introductory APR period
- Access to a business credit score: Bank of America lets you view and monitor your Dun & Bradstreet business credit score for free through Business Advantage 360.
- Zero liability protection: Stay protected against unauthorized transactions. Bank of America offers additional protections that cover certain purchases against loss, damage, theft, or fire and provides extended warranty coverage.
- Fraud monitoring: Bank of America will block potential fraud if it detects abnormal patterns in your transactions. It’ll also notify you if it suspects any fraudulent activity.
Why we like it: It has a unique rewards structure in that it lets you choose the expense category on which you can earn premium cash back. Because of this, it is highly recommended for those businesses that have varied spending habits every month. What’s more, you can redeem your earned rewards in multiple ways—as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit, or as a check mailed to you.
Consider the Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards if you:
- Have an existing deposit account with Bank of America so that you can maximize your rewards
- Want to control the spending categories for your premium rewards
Even if it has a shorter 0% APR period than other business credit cards, its unique rewards program is one of the reasons why it is one of our top-recommended 0% APR business cards.
Chase Ink Business Preferred®: Best for High Credit Limit With High Introductory Bonus
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Maximizing travel rewards at a lower annual fee
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 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
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase 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.
- Member FDIC
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 interest-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers
- With annual fee
- Need to make extremely large purchases to qualify for the welcome offer
- 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 United States 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
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 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
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase 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.
- Member FDIC
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 interest-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers
- With annual fee
- Need to make extremely large purchases to qualify for the welcome offer
- 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 United States 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: The card offers a generous introductory bonus of 100,000 points when you spend at least $8,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. This is equivalent to $1,000 cash back or $1,250 when redeemed toward travel. Note that due to its significant initial spending requirement, it’s highly likely that you will get a higher credit limit compared to other business credit cards.
Consider the Chase Ink Business Preferred card if you:
- Need a high credit limit and can spend at least $8,000 during the first three months to take advantage of the lucrative introductory rewards
- Travel frequently for business—you can redeem your points at a higher value for travel
It is also one of our leading high-limit business credit cards. In addition, it is also a great option for real estate consultants, as it made our list of the top business cards for real estate agents.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business: Best for Consultants With Fair Credit
- 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 to qualify
- Doesn’t charge annual and balance transfer fees
Cons
- Charges high ongoing APR
- Has no 0% introductory APR
- No welcome offer
- Automatic payments: Setting up AutoPay in the Capital One mobile app will save you from having to worry about signing in to your account every month
- $0 fraud liability: If your card is either lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and cash advance.
- Purchase records: You can download all purchase records quickly and securely in multiple formats, including Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®.
- Extended warranty: Get free additional warranty and protection on eligible items purchased with your business credit card.
- Free employee cards: You can create multiple employee cards, track employee spending, and customize spending limits while earning all the rewards from their purchases.
- 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 to qualify
- Doesn’t charge annual and balance transfer fees
Cons
- Charges high ongoing APR
- Has no 0% introductory APR
- No welcome offer
- Automatic payments: Setting up AutoPay in the Capital One mobile app will save you from having to worry about signing in to your account every month
- $0 fraud liability: If your card is either lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and cash advance.
- Purchase records: You can download all purchase records quickly and securely in multiple formats, including Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®.
- Extended warranty: Get free additional warranty and protection on eligible items purchased with your business credit card.
- Free employee cards: You can create multiple employee cards, track employee spending, and customize spending limits while earning all the rewards from their purchases.
Why we like it: This card only requires a fair credit score, meaning that even business owners with low credit scores may qualify. Plus, it offers unlimited cash back on your purchases without charging an annual fee.
Consider the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business if:
- Your credit score could not qualify for other business credit cards with more favorable terms
- You can pay your balance in full each month—the card comes with a high ongoing APR, making it costly to carry a balance to the next billing cycle
It is our top choice for the best business credit cards for fair credit and one of the leading instant approval business credit cards because of its easy approval process and lenient credit requirements.
Brex Card: Best for No Personal Credit Check With Daily or Monthly Payment Options
Brex CardBEST FOR: Those who want daily or monthly payments | |
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Why we like it: The card can be used either as a charge card (paid monthly) or a prepaid card. You have the option to choose your payment frequency: monthly or daily. It comes with lucrative rewards and will make a great alternative for startup information technology (IT) and life science businesses due to its comprehensive perks for both industries. The Brex Card is issued by Emigrant Bank and Fifth Third Bank, NA, and Brex has 10 partner banks—all of which are Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)-insured.
Consider the Brex Card if you:
- Can pay your balance in full each month or have sufficient cash on hand to use as a working capital if you choose to pay daily
- Don’t want to perform a personal credit check on your credit history when you apply
Its features and lack of additional costs earned it a spot on our list of the top-recommended corporate cards. Note that it requires a Brex Business Account, given that most transactions are charged to that account. Read our Brex Business account review to learn more about its features and criteria for applying.
How We Selected the Best Credit Cards for Consultants
Since consultants work in a wide range of industries, we selected cards with strong rewards programs that may be valuable to consultancy businesses. We also took into account the annual fees, ongoing APRs, introductory rates, bonuses, credit requirements, and reward redemption options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A dedicated business credit card can help keep your business and personal finances separate. It can also help build your business credit, which is necessary for accessing other financing options like business loans and business lines of credit. Moreover, a separate business credit card can also track your business expenses efficiently, helping you during tax season.
A traditional business credit card provides you with a line of credit that you can use for your business-related expenses, which you can either pay in full within the due date or pay off over time with interest. A charge card also provides a line of credit for your business expenses, but it requires you to pay your entire balance each billing cycle. With it, you cannot carry a balance to the next billing cycle, else it will be considered past due. Meanwhile, a prepaid card needs to be pre-funded—it is not a debt because your purchase transactions will directly be deducted from your account balance.
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. Make sure to choose a card that lets you save on your overall credit costs, so perks like low or no annual fees, 0% introductory APRs, and low ongoing APRs are essential.