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7 Best Credit Cards for Consultants 2020

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By Yvette Glover on May 11, 2020

Yvette is a financial specialist with over 16 years of experience in consumer and business banking. Her expertise is highlighted across Fit Small Business in credit card and bank account content.

The best credit cards for consultants offer great benefits along with the spending power you need to cover a variety of expenses. Whether you’re an independent consultant or work for a firm, you can earn lucrative welcome bonuses and strong ongoing rewards regardless of how you spend. You may also have access to premium travel benefits like upgraded hotel stays and complimentary airport lounge access that makes your client trips more pleasant.

The best credit cards for consultants of 2020 are:

For more details on how we evaluate business credit cards for this list, see our methodology.

Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business: Overall Best Credit Card for Consultants

Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business

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on Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business's secure website.

Fit Small Business Review
Rating 4 4
?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: Unlimited 2x miles with every swipe

Intro APR Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed
N/A 20.99% (Variable) $0 intro for first year; $95 after that Excellent, Good
  • Introductory reward worth $500 in travel after you spend $4,500 within the first three months
  • 2x miles per $1 spent
  • 5x miles on hotel and rental car bookings through the issuer
  • Issue employee cards for free
Pros
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • TSA Pre✓® or Global Entry application fee credit
Cons
  • You’ll pay an annual fee after the first year
  • Doesn’t offer interest-free financing
  • Airport security screening reimbursement: Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or an $85 statement credit for TSA Pre✓® once every four years.
  • Purchase assurance:  Most purchases made entirely with your card are covered if damaged or stolen within 90 days from the date of purchase. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder account per 12 month period.
  • Extended warranty coverage: Doubles the original warranty time period and duplicates the coverage of the original manufacturer’s warranty up to a maximum of 12 months on most items you purchase. 
  • Travel medical emergency assitance: Provide referrals to medical services if you have a medical emergency while traveling. You’re covered if you’re 100 or more miles away from home and from the day you leave until midnight of the 60th day of your trip, or the day you return to your city of residence, whichever is sooner.

Why we like it: Consultants that do a good amount of traveling will like Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business. This small business credit card offers flexible spending by earning 2x miles on all purchases and even higher rewards (5x miles) on rental car bookings and hotel stays. It’s the go-to card for low maintenance rewards on travel. Plus, you’ll earn this card’s robust introductory bonus when you meet the spending requirements.

Apply for a Global Entry or TSA Precheck membership, and you’ll be given a credit when you use your card to pay for the application fee. What’s more, this card offers payment flexibility by allowing you to pick your own monthly due date and waives the annual fee for the first year. With all these benefits, this card is one of the best options to take on the road.

Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business: Best for Unlimited 2% Cash Back and Big Introductory Rewards

Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business

Apply Now

on Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business's secure website.

Fit Small Business Review
Rating 4 4
?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 unlimited 2% cash back

Intro APR Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed
N/A 20.99% (Variable) $0 intro for first year; $95 after that Excellent, Good
  • Introductory reward worth $500 after you spend $4,500 within the first three months
  • 2% cash back on every purchase
  • Issue employee cards for free
Pros
  • No limit to the amount of rewards you can earn
  • Lucrative welcome offer
Cons
  • Lacks a 0% APR offer
  • Annual fee is only waived for 12 months
  • 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 U.S. and abroad.
  • Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for up to 90 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim.

Why we like it: Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business is a great small business credit card for consultants to have on hand because of its reward opportunities. Earning 2% cash back rewards on all purchases, this card can cover business trips, seminar costs, and inventory expenses easily. You can also earn a large welcome bonus after meeting certain spending requirements. Plus, this card’s annual fee is waived for the first year.

This card offers a slew of additional perks. For example, you can save money on car rentals with this card’s auto rental insurance waiver, which allows you to decline the auto collision insurance offered by the car rental agency. With the lost luggage reimbursement, you’ll be covered for up to $3,000 in the event your bags are misplaced.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited®: Best for 1.5% Cash Back and No Annual Fee

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

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On Chase's Secure Website

Fit Small Business Review
Rating 4 4
?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: Pocketing 1.5% cash back on every single purchase

Intro APR ?0% APR for 12 months on purchases Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed
0% Intro APR on Purchases 13.24% - 19.24% Variable $0
  • Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
  • 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
  • Employee cards at no additional cost
  • No Annual Fee
Pros
  • 0% APR on purchases
  • Unlimited cash back rewards on all purchases
Cons
  • Introductory APR period doesn’t apply to balance transfers
  • 5% balance transfer fee
  • 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 US 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: Chase Ink Business Unlimited® is the best credit card for management consultants who want to earn 1.5% cash back on all spending without paying an annual fee. This card offers a lucrative sign-up bonus if you meet the initial spending requirements. Plus, you’ll have no-interest financing on purchases for the first 12 months.

You’ll be able to use this card’s rewards for more than just cash. Cardholders can also redeem rewards for gift cards and travel through the Chase rewards portal. What’s more, the rewards you earn don’t expire, so you don’t have to rush to redeem them.

Use this card to pay for your entire car rental booking with this its car rental insurance waiver. This means you won’t need to use the rental company’s insurance because you’ll be covered for theft and collision automatically.

American Express Blue Business CashTM Card: Best for 2% Cash Back and 0% Introductory APR

American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

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on American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card's secure website.

See Rates and Fees

Fit Small Business Review
Rating 4 4
?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 2% cash back every time you swipe and 0% introductory APR for 12 months

Intro APR ?0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed
0% on purchases 13.24% - 19.24% Variable No annual fee Good, Excellent
  • 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, 13.24% - 19.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms Apply
Pros
  • No interest for 12 months
  • Earn consistent 2% cash back rewards on every purchase
Cons
  • Offers no cash sign-up bonus
  • 2% cash back category is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
  • Extended warranty protection: American Express provides up to an additional year of coverage on warranties of up to five years. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
  • Purchase protection: The issuer will repair, replace, or reimburse you for an item purchased with the card that was damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
  • Baggage insurance: If your luggage is damaged or lost when you travel on a common carrier like a plane, trip, ship, or bus, American Express will reimburse you for losses not covered by your own personal insurance.

Why we like it: The American Express Blue Business CashTM Card is best for consultants who want to earn 2% cash back on every purchase with interest-free financing. This card’s 0% introductory APR period on purchases lasts for 12 months. Therefore, it’s easier to charge business seminars and travel expenses without APR.

It has no annual fee to speak of. Other business cards with similar features charge annual fees close to $100, even if the first year is waived. No annual fee means lower costs and more money available to run your consulting business.

One of the best features on this card is its expanded buying power, which allows you to make purchases above your credit limit. However, this card’s spending is not unlimited, and the amount you can spend adjusts with your card usage.

American Express Blue Business® Plus: Best for 2x Points and 0% Introductory APR

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

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on The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express's secure website.

See Rates and Fees

Fit Small Business Review
Rating 4.5 4.5
?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: Pocketing 2x points per $1 and 0% introductory APR for 12 months

Intro APR ?0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed
0% on purchases 13.24% - 19.24% Variable No annual fee Good, Excellent
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
  • Enjoy the flexibility to put more purchases on the Card and earn rewards when you buy above your credit limit*.
  • You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
  • More buying power for your business means more opportunities to earn points. That’s everyday business with the Blue Business Plus Card.
  • *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, 13.24% - 19.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms Apply
Pros
  • 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
  • Earn 2x points on all spending
Cons
  • No lucrative welcome offer
  • 2x points rewards are capped at $50,000 in spending
  • Extended warranty protection: American Express will match the length of the original manufacturer’s warranty if it’s less than two years. It provides an additional two years if the original manufacturer’s warranty is between two and five years. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
  • Purchase protection: The issuer will repair, replace, or reimburse you for an item purchased with the card that was damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.

Why we like it: American Express Blue Business® Plus is best for consultants who want to earn 2x points with an introductory 0% APR offer. Like its cash back sibling, this points-based card earns flat-rate rewards on all purchases with no annual fee. It’s a great card for those who value points over cash back rewards.

American Express extends its expanded buying power feature to cardholders, allowing you to spend above your preset spending limit. Plus, you’ll still earn rewards when you use spend above your limit. However, the amount you can spend isn’t unlimited and can change from month-to-month.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®: Best for 3% Cash Back on Category Spending

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

Apply Now

on Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card's secure website.

Fit Small Business Review
Rating 3 3
?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: Up to 3% cash back in a spending category of your choice

Intro APR ?0% APR for nine billing cycles on purchases Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed
0%
9 billing cycles 		12.24% - 22.24% Variable APR on purchases $0.00 Excellent
  • Get a $300 statement credit when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening - with no annual fee and cash rewards don't expire.
  • Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% cash back on dining and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • You'll get 3% and 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
  • 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles.
  • Redeem your cash rewards as a statement credit, check, or have cash deposited into a Bank of America® checking or savings account.
  • Get 75% more cash back on every purchase when you're a Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier member. That means you will earn 5.25% on your selected choice category, 3.5% on dining and unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
Pros
  • Statement credit introductory bonus offer
  • Low ongoing APR
Cons
  • Highest rewards are capped at $50,000 each year
  • Earns top rewards in only one spending category

Bank of American does not 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: It’s normal for independent consultants to have expenses that vary to some degree each month. But, with this card, you have a great opportunity to earn high rewards if your expenses are fairly predictable. The Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards offers up to 3% cash back on one of six spending categories, which includes office supply stores, gas stations, and travel purchases.

What’s more, you get to choose the spending category that earns this card’s highest rewards. You’ll also get 2% cash back on dining and earn 1% cash back on all remaining purchases. There’s no cap on the number of rewards you can earn in each category, but you’ll need to keep a close eye on your spending to maximize this card’s rewards.

Additionally, you can earn more rewards if you enroll in the Preferred Rewards for Business program. If you have at least $100,000 in combined Bank of America and/or Merrill Lynch accounts, you can qualify as a Business Platinum Honors tier member. Qualified cardholders can earn up to 5.25% on its highest category rewards and up to 3.5% on second-tier rewards. That’s 75% more for qualified consultants.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Luxury Travel Perks on a Personal Credit Card

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Learn More

On Chase's Secure Website

Best For: Receiving exceptional travel rewards and benefits

Intro APR Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed
N/A 18.49% to 25.49% Variable $550 Good - Excellent
  • 50,000 Bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Automatically receive up to $300 in statement credits as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year
  • 3x Points on Travel and Dining

Note: The information related to Chase Sapphire Reserve® has been collected by Fit Small Business and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.

Pros
  • Annual travel credit
  • Rewards are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel
  • Complimentary airport lounge access
Cons
  • High annual fee that’s never waived
  • Lower reward redemption value for merchandise
  • Requires excellent personal credit
  • Airport lounge access: Enjoy access to more than 1,000 priority pass lounges worldwide for free prior to airline travel.
  • Annual travel credit: You’ll receive a $300 annual travel credit that can be applied liberally toward your travel purchases.
  • 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 U.S. and abroad.
  • Trip delay insurance: If your travel is delayed more than 12 hours or you require an overnight stay as a result of a delay, you’re covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500.
  • Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® fee credit: Receive a statement credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card.
  • Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: Covers up to $10,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if your trip is cut short or interrupted by sickness or bad weather.

Why we like it: If you’re in the habit of traveling comfortably, you’ll need a card that offers more than the standard benefits. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® personal card comes loaded with premium travel perks like expedited airport security screening and airport lounge access. However, the kicker is you’ll receive unlimited free access to more than 1,000 Priority Pass airport lounges.

Plus, you’ll get up to a $300 annual statement credit to offset your travel expenses for the preceding year. If you’re traveling outside the United States, you won’t have to worry about foreign transaction fees.

This card offers some of the best rewards and travel benefits on a personal credit card, but you’ll have to pay a large annual fee for it. What’s more, unlike the other cards listed, this card won’t help you build business credit because it’s a personal credit card and doesn’t report to the business credit bureaus.

How We Evaluated the Best Consultant Credit Cards

When reviewing consultant credit cards, we considered all card costs, including annual fees and ongoing APRs. We also took into account sign-up bonuses, ongoing rewards, special features, and introductory APR offers to determine the top cards. We primarily chose cards that pay fixed-rate rewards because consultants often have varied expenses while including one card that allows you to choose your category rewards.

Bottom Line

The best credit cards for consultants are those that typically pay fixed-rate rewards as most consultants spend in a variety of different rewards categories. However, depending on your consulting business, you may need a category-based rewards card. In any case, you should aim to open a consultant credit card with low annual fees, favorable rewards that match your spending habits, and beneficial financing options.

For rates and fees on the American Express Blue Business® Plus, please click here.

For rates and fees on the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card, please click here.

About the Author

Yvette Glover

Yvette Glover is a financial specialist and writer at Fit Small Business focusing on credit cards and bank accounts. Before joining the Fit Small Business team, Yvette was a Senior Fraud Analyst specializing in electronic and high dollar investigations. With over 16 years of experience in consumer and business banking, Yvette now delivers research-intensive articles to Fit Small Business.

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