9 Best Business Credit Cards for Travel 2019

The best business credit cards for travel offer ongoing rewards of up to 5% on airfare and hotel purchases and introductory rewards worth up to $1,000. We find the best cards also offer benefits like free airport lounge access, free checked bags, and annual travel credits. Expect to pay annual fees starting at $95.

Top 9 Business Travel Credit Cards 2019

What’s Changed Since Our Last Review of the Best Business Credit Cards for Travel

This article was originally published in July 2018. We update the content regularly because the credit card issuers we cover change their product offerings frequently. The most recent changes to the best business credit cards for travel include changes to most card annual percentage rates (APRs). In addition, one issuer boosted the annual fee on one card by nearly $150.

Federal Reserve Increased Short-term Interest Rates

The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate a quarter percentage point in late December 2018, the fourth increase of the year. We monitor Federal Reserve rate changes because they impact the APRs issuers charge on small business credit cards. Credit card APRs are based on a set percentage rate over the prime rate. When the prime rate changes, so do APRs, which bumped up equal to the Fed rate increase.

In late January, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell suggested future rate increases may be put on hold unless the national bank sees evidence inflation is increasing faster than expected. The Fed had earlier predicted it could raise rates twice in 2019, but that now appears in doubt. Increasing the benchmark rate two times would drive credit card APRs up by half a percentage point.

American Express Business Platinum® Annual Fee Increased

Already the card on our list with the highest annual fee, American Express in February increased the annual fee on the Business Platinum to $595 from $450. The hike wasn’t enough to knock this card down our list as the American Express Business Platinum® still offers the best ongoing travel rewards and additional features. The issuer also added new benefits in February that could offset the annual fee hike for cardholders who can take advantage.

In addition to the extensive travel benefits this card already offers like free airport lounge access and a $200 annual travel credit, these new perks could be worth hundreds of dollars. You’ll now receive one year of global access to WeWork locations and up to $200 in statement credits each year for Dell purchases.

How We Evaluated the Best Business Credit Cards for Travel

Business travel credit cards are best for owners seeking top rewards on spending for airfare, hotels or rental cars. These rewards programs focus on offering cardmembers free or reduced-cost travel opportunities. The best business credit cards for travel also offer perks like companion passes, free baggage checks and access to airport lounges.

Based on common business wants and needs, the criteria we used to evaluate the best business credit cards for travel included:

• Ongoing rewards: The points or miles you’ll earn by using your card; the best business credit cards for travel offer rewards of up to 5% on travel expenses
• Introductory rewards: The points or miles you’ll earn by reaching minimum spending requirements over the first few months of card ownership; the best business credit cards for travel offer sign-up bonuses worth up to $1,000 in travel
• Additional benefits: Whether the card comes with free perks that may increase its value; the best business travel credit cards offer perks like free baggage checks, companion passes, and access to airport lounges
• Annual fee: How much you’ll pay each year to own the card; the best business travel credit cards charge annual fees between $0 and $450
• Intro APR: Whether the card offers a period of no-interest financing on purchases; this is a rare perk among the best business travel credit cards; just one card on our list includes a 0% APR introductory offer
• Ongoing APR: How much it will cost to finance purchases on the card; the best business credit cards for travel offer APRs as low as 13.24%

When choosing a business travel credit card, it’s important to consider rewards, benefits, and costs to make sure that you make the best use of your available credit. Each of the cards on our list requires a personal credit score of at least 660. If you have a lower credit score, consider a small business credit card for fair credit. Compare the best business credit cards for travel at the FitSmallBusiness Credit Card Marketplace.

The American Express Business Platinum® card is our pick for the overall best business travel credit card. Its combination of best-in-class travel rewards (5x) and unparalleled travel perks, like free airport lounge access and reimbursement for expedited airport security screening access, set this card apart from the pack.

American Express Business Platinum®: Overall Best Business Travel Credit Card

The American Express Business Platinum® card is our top business travel credit card choice because of the perks it offers, including access to upscale airport lounges. This card offers the highest rewards for airfare and hotel stays among the cards on our list at five times the points. Business Platinum is a charge card that carries no APR, but you’ll have to pay the balance off each month. The annual fee is $595, which is the highest among cards on our list.

American Express Business Platinum® Rewards

The American Express Business Platinum Card® offers strong ongoing rewards for airplane travelers and business owners who frequently stay in hotels. You’ll also earn introductory rewards of up to 75,000 points, but you’ll have to spend $20,000 in three months. No other card has higher spending requirement to earn introductory rewards.

Introductory Rewards

You will earn up to 75,000 Membership Rewards points within your first three months of opening your account if you make $20,000 in purchases:

• Earn 50,000 points after you spend your first $10,000
• Receive an extra 25,000 points after you spend an additional $10,000

Those points are worth $750 or more when redeemed for travel. That’s slightly lower than the introductory rewards offer from Chase Ink Business Preferred℠, which offers 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.

Ongoing Rewards

You will earn the following ongoing rewards when using your card:

• Five times the points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com
• 1.5 times the points per dollar on purchases of $5,000 or more, up to 1 million additional points per year
• One times the points on all other spending

You’ll earn five times the Membership Rewards points spent on airfare and hotels booked through American Express Travel. That’s two points more than another card on our list — Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ — offers. The Business Platinum is the only card to offer bonus points on purchases of $5,000 or more.

American Express Business Platinum® Costs

The American Express Business Platinum Card® is a charge card, so you must pay it off every month. While you’ll pay no interest, you’ll only offset the annual fee cost if you use the card quite a bit to travel, and you’ll still have to pay a late penalty if you miss a payment.

Financing costs and fees on the American Express Business Platinum Card® include:

• Introductory APR: None
• Ongoing APR: None
• Annual fee: $595
• Balance transfer fee: Transfers are not allowed

The $595 annual fee you’ll pay is the highest among the cards on this list — beating the American Express® Business Gold Card by $300. However, perks like free airport lounge access and reimbursement for Global Entry or Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck airport screening programs could be worth several thousand dollars per year. This card carries much more potential value than other cards on our list.

American Express Business Platinum Card® Additional Features

The ongoing rewards alone probably aren’t enough to justify the $595 annual fee — unless your company’s annual travel budget exceeds $9,000. The exceptional suite of benefits, however, more than make up for the annual fee if you own a business that can take advantage of perks like airport lounge access and points rebates for booking business- or first-class tickets.

The American Express Business Platinum Card® includes:

• Free access to American Express’ network of Centurion lounges located in slightly less than one dozen United States. airports
• Priority Pass Select membership, which gets you free access to more than 1,000 lounges worldwide for you and two guests
• Either a $100 statement credit for Global Access or $85 statement credit for TSA PreCheck once every four years
• A $200 annual statement credit toward air travel expenses like baggage fees and inflight food and drink
• Elite status at a number of car rental agencies, which allows for free upgrades
• 10 annual free Gogo inflight Wi-Fi passes
• 35% points rebate if you book a business or first-class flight, up to 500,000 bonus points per calendar year
• A complementary year of access to more than 300 WeWork locations worldwide — enroll between February 15, 2019, and December 31, 2019)
• Up to $200 in statement credits annually for Dell purchases

No other card on this list offers close to the full range of travel benefits that the American Express Business Platinum® includes. Although TSA PreCheck reimbursement has become a common benefit of travel rewards credit cards, this is the only card on our list to offer it.

What the American Express Business Platinum® Is Missing

The American Express Business Platinum Card® doesn’t offer competitive rewards for spending outside of travel. This probably shouldn’t be your everyday card. The American Express® Business Gold, for example, offers four times the points on spending at U.S. restaurants and on advertising used to promote your business. Its annual fee is also significantly higher than other cards on the list.

American Express Business Platinum® Reviews

American Express Business Platinum® reviews generally are very positive. The travel-related benefits like annual statement credits for travel expenses get high marks. However, it’s not seen as a particularly good card for earning rewards outside of travel spending.

User Reviews

We searched the internet for user reviews. Cardholders consider the Business Platinum card to be the best in its class, with tremendous rewards for flights and hotels. Customers also love the travel-related perks, like access to airport lounges. Some say the annual fee is excessive.

Editorial Reviews

The American Express Business Platinum® is a well-reviewed credit card that’s widely recognized as much for its travel rewards as its suite of travel-related benefits. No other business rewards credit card can beat the American Express card when it comes to perks. However, its annual fee can be a burden on some businesses, and it lacks rewards in other spending categories.

How to Apply for the American Express Business Platinum®

You can apply for an American Express Business Platinum® card by filling out an online application that only takes a few minutes. You could get a decision immediately and be using your card within two to three days with expedited shipping.

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Chase Ink Business Preferred℠: Best Business Travel Credit Card for Businesses Seeking a Lower Annual Fee

Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ is best for owners who want top travel rewards, but don’t want to pay the $595 annual fee the American Express Business Platinum® carries. You’ll earn three times the Ultimate Rewards points on travel, shipping, advertising purchases, and telecommunications spending. No other card on our list offers this level of rewards with an annual fee of less than $100 ($95). Ongoing APR is as low as 18.24%, which is about average.

Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ Rewards

The Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ card offers top-notch rewards on travel spending — three times per dollar while charging an annual fee under $100. Its introductory rewards offer of 80,000 points is the most lucrative of any card on our list and among the top offers of any small business credit card.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $5,000 within the first three months of account opening.

When redeemed for travel, the points are worth $1,000. That’s tops on our list and beats the 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles you could earn with the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll earn the following ongoing rewards when using your card:

• Three points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year spent in these categories; travel, shipping, advertising on search engines and social media sites, and on internet, cable and phone services
• One point per dollar spent on everything else

If your business spends heavily in the three-point categories, this card may well be worth it to you. Only the American Express® Business Gold offers higher rewards at four times the points on travel, shipping, and advertising spending, but you’ll pay a higher annual fee of $295.

Rewards points can be redeemed for airfare or other paid travel through Chase, gift cards or statement credits against eligible charges. Like the American Express Business Platinum® and Gold cards and the Capital One® Spark® Miles, Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ cardholders also can transfer points to airline and hotel partners.

Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ Costs

Financing costs and fees on the Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ include:

• Introductory APR: None
• Ongoing APR: Variable rate of 18.24% to 23.24%, which will adjust with the prime rate
• Annual fee: $95
• Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

The $95 annual fee charged by the Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ is similar to what the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business charges. That card’s annual fee is waived the first year, however. The Chase card’s annual fee is lower than the $595 fee the American Express Business Platinum® and the $295 annual fee the American Express® Business Gold charge.

Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ Additional Features

As you should expect with a card that charges an annual fee, Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ includes some premium benefits like auto rental insurance, but it also comes with perks other cards on our list don’t offer, like cell phone protection and trip cancellation insurance.

Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ includes:

• 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 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 U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less
• Cell phone protection: You and your employees named on the phone bill you pay for with your card are covered for up to $600 in theft or damages per claim; you are limited to three claims per 12-month period, with a $100 deductible per claim
• Trip cancellation & delay insurance: If your trip is canceled, you can be compensated up to $5,000 for pre-paid expenses such as airfare or hotels; if your trip is delayed for 12 hours or more, you can be reimbursed up to $500 for your hotel room, meals, and transportation

Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ offers some benefits no other card on our list offers, like cell phone insurance and trip cancellation insurance. Its other benefits, like purchase protection, are more widely available. Still, the American Express Business Platinum Card® offers more total benefits, including exhaustive travel perks like airport lounge access.

What Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ Is Missing

The Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ card lacks bonus rewards for spending on restaurants or gas spending, which the United MileagePlus Explorer Business Card offers. Other cards also offer better rewards on everyday spending, like the Capital One® Spark® Miles, which pays two times the miles on all spending.

Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ Reviews

Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ reviews are extremely positive. Some reviews champion this small business credit card over the American Express Business Platinum Card® because it offers huge value at a significantly lower cost.

User Reviews

While the card charges an annual fee, cardholders love the high introductory rewards and the ongoing points that they earn on so many different purchases. Some users say they’re disappointed the card doesn’t offer more travel benefits.

Editorial Reviews

This card is seen as equal to or narrowly behind the American Express Business Platinum Card®. It’s a better travel credit card for businesses that don’t want or need luxury travel benefits. Some reviewers are disappointed the card doesn’t offer more bonus categories.

How to Apply for the Chase Ink Business Preferred℠

You can apply online to see if you qualify for the Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ card and get an answer within minutes. You may be required to verify some business information offline, depending on your situation, but once approved, you’ll typically be able to use your card when you receive it in seven to 10 days.

Apply Now

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®: Best Business Travel Credit Card for American Airlines

The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® is best for frequent American Airlines flyers. It offers free checked bags and priority boarding on the carrier’s flights, something non-airline branded rewards cards can’t offer. Plus, you’ll earn two times the miles on American Airlines purchases. The ongoing APR is as low as 17.99%, which is about average for a travel rewards card.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Rewards

The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® offers its best rewards for spending on American Airlines flights, car rentals and gas stations. You’ll also earn top rewards on telecommunications, cable, and satellite provider purchases. Furthermore, this card offers introductory rewards that could be worth at least $700 when used to book travel.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after you spend $4,000 within the first four months after account opening.

Rewards points could be worth $700 or more when used to book travel. That’s a slightly lower return than you’ll get from the American Express Business Platinum®. However, that card requires you to spend $20,000 to earn 75,000 Membership Rewards points.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll earn the following ongoing rewards when using your card:

• Two AAdvantage® miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases
• Two AAdvantage® miles on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants, and at gas stations
• One AAdvantage® mile for every $1 spent on other purchases

Other business travel credit cards offer higher returns on flight purchases, including the American Express Business Platinum Card® at five times the miles and the Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ at three times the miles. Few business credit cards offer rewards on cable and satellite service, so the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® credit card is a good choice for telecommunications payments.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Costs

Financing costs and fees on the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® include:

• Introductory APR: None
• Ongoing APR: 17.99% to 25.99%, which will adjust with the prime rate
• Annual fee: $99; waived the first year
• Balance transfer fee: Transfers are not allowed

The $99 annual fee is nearly identical to the annual fee assessed on the Capital One® Spark® Miles at $95 — waived the first year — and the United MileagePlus Explorer Business Card at $95, also waived the first year. Ongoing APR may be up to four percentage points higher than what the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® charges.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Additional Features

Citi and American Airlines offer several free or reduced-fee travel perks and complementary insurance as part of this card’s benefits packages. The benefits include free checked bags and car rental insurance.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® benefits include:

• Free checked bag: Check one bag for free for you and up to four companions traveling with you to domestic itineraries if they are listed on the same reservation
• Preferred boarding: You and up to four traveling companions will be able to board once priority boarding is complete but before the rest of economy boards
• American Airlines companion certificate: Earn one $99 domestic economy fare — plus $21.60 to $43.40 in government taxes and fees — after you make at least $30,000 in eligible purchases each 12-month period prior to your card anniversary date
• Savings on in-flight purchases: Receive a 25% discount on in-flight food, beverage, and Wi-Fi purchases you make with your CitiBusiness credit card
• Worldwide car rental insurance: When you rent a car using your CitiBusiness® 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 insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000
• Purchase protection: Citi may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your CitiBusiness® card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase; coverage is limited to $10,000 per item, up to $50,000 per year per account
• Extended warranty protection: Citi will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional 12 months from the expiration of warranties of 60 months or less

The free checked bag benefit is similar to what other airline-affiliated cards offer like the American Express Platinum Delta SkyMiles Business Credit Card. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card also offers a companion certificate, but it allows for more than just a single free flight with a paid flight. The perks unassociated with flying like purchase protection are similar to what other small business credit cards offer.

What the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® is Missing

The Citi AAdvantage® Card doesn’t offer free access to airport lounges like the American Express Business Platinum® does, nor does it offer a statement credit toward air travel expenses. The rewards on air travel are also lower than cards like the Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ offer at three points per $1 spent.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Reviews

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® reviews are generally positive. For travel rewards enthusiasts, the card’s two times the miles per $1 spent on American Airlines’ flights is seen as a slight negative.

User Reviews

We searched the internet for user reviews on the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®. Users love the large introductory reward and the first-year-free annual fee. Plus, they find bonus rewards on nontravel spending useful. However, they complain the flight rewards are too small compared to other cards that offer three times to five times the points per dollar.

Editorial Reviews

This card is seen as a necessity for frequent American Airlines flyers because of its unique benefits for users of that airline. It offers free checked bags and priority boarding, something most other credit cards don’t offer. This CitiBusiness card is missing other top travel perks, however, like access to airport lounges and annual credits toward air travel.

How to Apply for the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®

You can apply online for the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® online. Fill out a basic application containing both business and personal information, and you could be approved instantly. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail within seven to 10 days.

Apply Now

United Explorer Business Card: Best Business Travel Credit Card for United Airlines

The United Explorer Business Card is best for business owners who are loyal United Airlines customers. You’ll earn two times the miles on all United purchases, including tickets, inflight food, and Wi-Fi charges. This card also earns bonus rewards on restaurant, gas stations, and office supply spending. The ongoing rewards are similar to what other airline cards offer. APR is as low as 18.24%.

United Explorer Business Card Rewards

The United Explorer Business Card offers introductory rewards worth at least $750 on travel purchases. You’ll also earn ongoing rewards on United Airlines, restaurant, gas station and office supply purchases.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn 75,000 miles when you spend $5,000 in the first three months after account opening.

Earn 75,000 points with the American Express Business Platinum®, but you’ll have to spend $20,000 to earn that reward. The Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ pays 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 within the first three months.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll earn the following ongoing rewards when using your card:

• Two miles per $1 spent on purchases from United, including tickets, Economy Plus, inflight food, beverages and Wi-Fi, and other United charges.
• Two miles per $1 spent at restaurants, gas stations and, office supply stores.
• One mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Other business travel credit cards offer higher returns on flight purchases, including the American Express Business Platinum Card® at five times the miles and the Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ at three times the miles. Few business credit cards for travel offer rewards on restaurants, gas stations, and office supplies.

United Explorer Business Card Costs

Financing costs and fees on the United Explorer Business Card include:

• Introductory APR: None
• Regular APR: 18.24% to 25.24%, which will adjust with the prime rate
• Annual fee: $95, waived the first year
• Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the balance transfer, whichever is higher

The $95 annual fee is nearly identical to the annual fee assessed on the Capital One® Spark® Miles at $95, which is waived the first year, and the United Explorer Business Card at $95, also waived the first year. Ongoing APR may be up to four percentage points higher than what the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® charges.

United Explorer Business Card Additional Features

The United Explorer Business Card offers several travel and purchase protections common to small business credit cards like extended warranty protection. It also offers coverage a smaller number of cards offer, like baggage delay insurance and priority boarding.

The United Explorer Business Card includes the following benefits:

• Free checked bag: Check one bag for free for you and one companion traveling on the same reservation will each receive their first standard checked bag free
• Priority boarding: You and companions on the same reservation will be able to board prior to general boarding
• Two United Club one-time passes: Enjoy complimentary beverages, snacks, and amenities like workspaces, free Wi-Fi, and more each anniversary year

The free checked bag benefit is similar to what other airline-affiliated cards offer like the American Express Platinum Delta SkyMiles Business Credit Card. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card offers a companion certificate, unlike this card.

What the United Explorer Business Card Is Missing

The United Explorer Business Card doesn’t offer free access to airport lounges like the American Express Business Platinum® does, nor does it offer a statement credit toward air travel expenses. The rewards on air travel are also lower than cards like the Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ offer, which is three points per $1 spent.

United Explorer Business Card Reviews

United Explorer Business Card reviews are primarily positive. Airline-specific perks like priority access are big pros in favor of this card. However, the ongoing rewards are low compared with other travel rewards credit cards.

User Reviews

We searched the internet for user reviews on the United Explorer Business Card. Users say they enjoy the travel rewards they can earn by spending on United Airlines flights. Some users say they would like to be able to earn a companion pass, like Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines offer through their co-branded credit cards.

Editorial Reviews

Reviews say frequent United Airline flyers should strongly consider this card. It offers United-specific benefits that no other card can match like a free checked bag. The ongoing rewards on both United spending and other bonus categories like restaurants are low compared with some cards that offer three times the points per dollar spent.

How to Apply for the United Explorer Business Card

You can apply online for the United MileagePlus Explorer Business Card online. Fill out a basic application containing both business and personal information, and you could be approved instantly. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail within seven to 10 days.

Note: The information related to the United Explorer Business Credit Card has been collected by fitsmallbusiness.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.

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Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business: Best Business Travel Credit Card for Fixed-rate Rewards

Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business is best for business owners who want to earn fixed-rate rewards on all spending, including travel. You’ll receive two times the miles per dollar for every purchase. Introductory rewards are worth $500 in travel. Ongoing APR is a variable 19.24%, which is a percentage point higher than the lowest rate most cards on our list offer.

Capital One® Spark® Miles Rewards

The Capital One® Spark® Miles is the only card on our list that offers flat-rate ongoing rewards. The card also offers 50,000 miles in introductory rewards.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn 50,000 miles when you spend $4,500 in the first three months of account opening

The introductory offer isn’t quite as good as either the American Express Business Platinum Card® at 75,000 points or the Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ at 80,000 points.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll earn two times the miles on every purchase. There are no minimums you must meet to redeem your reward miles.

No other card on our list offers fixed-rate rewards on all spending, which could make the Capital One® Spark® Miles more valuable to some business owners. The trade-off is that rewards on travel spending are lower than other cards on our list offer, including the American Express Business Platinum Card® at five times the points or the Chase Ink Business Preferred℠.

Capital One® Spark® Miles Costs

Financing costs and fees on the Capital One® Spark® Miles include:

• Introductory APR: None
• Ongoing APR: A variable 19.24%, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: $95, waived for the first year
• Balance transfer fee: None

The Capital One® Spark® Miles is one of just two business credit cards on our list — along with the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® — that has an annual fee but waives it for the first year. This could be a solid benefit for businesses looking to save money while also earning solid rewards.

Capital One® Spark® Miles Additional Features

Capital One® Spark® Miles offers several perks through Visa Signature benefits that are common among small business credit cards, including purchase protection. It also offers lost luggage reimbursement, which is available on fewer cards.

The Capital One® Spark® Miles offers the following benefits:

• 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
• Lost luggage reimbursement: Checked or carry-on luggage is covered up to $3,000 if lost or stolen when you charge your ticket to the card

These benefits are standard, although the length of coverage on purchase protection is less than the 120 days some other cards, like the Chase Ink Business Preferred℠, offer. You won’t receive the big travel perks like free airport lounge access that the American Express Business Platinum Card® offers.

What Capital One® Spark® Miles Is Missing

Capital One® Spark® Miles doesn’t offer enhanced bonus category rewards like some other cards offer. You could earn as much as four times the points on U.S. purchases at gas stations with the American Express® Business Gold card, or twice what you’d earn with the Capital One® Spark® Miles.

Capital One® Spark® Miles Reviews

Capital One® Spark® Miles reviews are very good. Reviewers say the card is a solid value, particularly for small business owners who don’t have the time or interest to track category spending for bonus rewards. For everyday spending, this card offers more value than most cards, which pay just one times the points.

User Reviews

We searched the internet for user reviews for the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business. Many cardholders note the lack of an introductory APR and some complain the rewards are focused on travel rather than more flexible cash back rewards. However, most customers report a positive experience with the card.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewers favor the simple structure of this card’s rewards program. Capital One sets no rewards caps, which may make this card more valuable during the year than other cards with bonus categories. The card’s glaring weakness in the eyes of reviewers is its skimpy set of additional benefits.

How to Apply for Capital One® Spark® Miles

You can get the Capital One® Spark® Miles card by filling out an online application with your personal and business information. You will either be approved immediately or be required to submit proof of income by mail. Once approved, you’ll receive your card in seven to 10 business days.

Apply Now

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business: Best Business Travel Credit Card for Southwest Airlines

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business card is the best business credit card if you frequently use Southwest Airlines. The card offers increased rewards for expenses with Southwest Airlines and hotel and car rental partners. These rewards can be redeemed for airfare, hotels or rental cars for business or personal travel. This card’s ongoing APR is as low as 18.24%, which is slightly above average for cards on this list.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Rewards

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Rewards card offers introductory rewards worth $600 and two times the points on ongoing Southwest spending. You’ll also receive 6,000 points after your cardmember anniversary.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months.

The introductory reward on this card is slightly less than the 70,000 points you’d earn on the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll earn the following ongoing rewards when using your card:

• Two points for every $1 you spend on Southwest Airlines® purchases
• One point for every $1 you spend on all other purchases

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business card offers weaker ongoing rewards when compared to the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®. In addition to paying bonus miles on American Airlines flights, that card also pays two times the on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable, and satellite providers, car rental merchants, and gas stations.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Costs

Southwest Rewards Premier Business Premier costs include:

• Introductory APR: None
• Ongoing APR: 18.24% to 25.24%, which will adjust based on the prime rate
• Annual fee: $99
• Balance transfer fee: $5, or 5% of the balance transfer, whichever is larger

The annual fee on the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business is similar to what the other airline credit cards on our list charge. The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® charges $99, waived the first year. The United Explorer Business Card charges $95, waived the first year. The American Express® Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® charges $95, waived the first year. The APR is also comparable to airline cards.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Additional Features

Southwest offers one of the potentially most lucrative perks you’ll find on a travel rewards credit card: a companion pass. However, you’ll need to earn 110,000 qualifying points or take 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year to earn a companion pass, which gets your guest on a flight you’ve bought a ticket for free minus taxes and fees. Collecting the sign-up bonus only gets you halfway to the number of points you’ll need.

What Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Is Missing

If you don’t regularly use Southwest or their partners, this isn’t a good card for you. Other business travel rewards cards that offer rewards on all flight purchases may be a more flexible option. The Chase Ink Business Preferred℠, for example, offers three times the points on all flights, no matter the airline. This is an ideal card if you frequently travel with Southwest or use one of the Rapid Rewards hotel or car rental partners.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Reviews

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business card reviews are mostly positive. The card offers excellent rewards for travelers who frequently fly Southwest Airlines. But it lacks any additional bonus rewards categories available on some travel credit cards.

User Reviews

We searched the internet for Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business card user reviews. Customers mostly appreciate the travel rewards that the card offers, although they do note that rewards are not as flexible as some other cards. While some customers report issues enrolling with the correct introductory reward, these complaints are mostly limited to individual incidents.

Editorial Reviews

Reviewers praise this card for the ability to earn a companion pass. It also offers 6,000 anniversary points, which reviewers praise as a nice perk. But the card pays no bonus rewards on other category purchases like the United Explorer Business Card, which pays two miles per dollar spent on restaurants.

How to Apply for Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business

You can apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business credit card online through Southwest’s secure website. Approval can take seven to 10 days but, once you’re approved, you’ll get your card in about a week.

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American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® : Best Business Travel Credit Card for Delta Airlines

The American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® is best for frequent Delta Airlines flyers. It offers free checked bags and 30,000 bonus miles if you spend $1,000 during the first three months. Earn two times the miles on Delta purchases. Ongoing APR is as low as 17.99%, which is about average for a travel rewards credit card.

American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® Rewards

Delta offers both a traditional sign-up bonus and a $50 bonus for making a Delta purchase within the first three months. Ongoing bonus rewards are focused only on Delta purchases, which means you’ll earn just one times the points on all other spending.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn the following introductory rewards when using your card:

• 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases during the first three months
• $50 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase within the first three months

The Business Gold Delta SkyMiles card offers the second lowest introductory bonus on our list, beating out only the $250 offer by the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®. It’s also the lowest welcome offer among any airline credit card on our list, which is why this card ranks last among airline cards.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll earn the following ongoing rewards when using your card:

• Two times the miles on Delta Airlines purchases
• One times the miles on all other eligible purchases

The Gold Delta SkyMiles card offers weaker ongoing rewards when compared to the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®. In addition to paying bonus miles on American Airlines flights, that card also pays two times the on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants, and gas stations.

American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® Costs

Financing costs and fees on the American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles include:

• Introductory APR: None
• Regular APR: 17.99% to 26.99%, which will adjust with the prime rate
• Annual fee: $95, waived the first year
• Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 3% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater

The annual fee on the American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® is similar to what the other airline credit cards on our list charge. The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® charges $99, which is waived the first year. The United Explorer Business Card charges $95, which is also waived the first year. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business card charges $99, but that is not waived. The APR is also comparable to airline cards.

American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® Additional Features

Delta offers several free or reduced-fee travel perks and complementary insurance as part of this card’s benefits packages, including free checked bags and car rental insurance. The travel perks are exclusive to co-branded airline credit cards, while other benefits, including car rental insurance, are more common to small business credit cards.

American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® benefits include:

• Free checked bag: Check one bag for free for you and up to eight companions
• Savings on in-flight purchases: Receive a 20% discount on in-flight purchases you make with your Delta SkyMiles credit card
• Baggage insurance: If your luggage is lost, damaged or stolen, you’re eligible for coverage of up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and $500 for checked bags
• Car rental insurance: 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

This coverage is standard for the annual fee. You won’t receive lounge access, travel credits or security screening reimbursements that cards with higher annual fees like the American Express Business Platinum® offer.

What American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® Is Missing

This card only offers bonus miles on Delta Airlines spending. Other airline credit cards like the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® offer ongoing bonus rewards on other spending categories, including at car rental merchants and gas stations.

American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® Reviews

American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles reviews are mixed. The card offers nice travel perks like a free checked bag. However, it offers limited usefulness outside of airline spending. You’ll receive one times the points per dollar spent on non-Delta purchases.

User Reviews

We searched the internet for American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles reviews. Users happy with the card say they’ve been able to earn additional trips as a result. Others say they’re unhappy with the rewards program, which they say should offer bonus rewards outside of Delta Airlines flights.

Editorial Reviews

Editorial reviews suggest this card isn’t as good as other co-branded airline credit cards when it comes to introductory or ongoing rewards. Its introductory rewards are the second lowest among cards on our list, while ongoing rewards primarily benefit Delta spending. Still, perks like a free checked back make this card worth considering for Delta loyalists.

How to Apply for American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles®

You can sign up for an American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles card by filling out an online application that only takes a few minutes. You could get a decision in as quick as 30 seconds receive your card within 10 business days.

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American Express® Business Gold Card: Best Business Travel Credit Card for Maximizing Rewards on Multiple Categories

The American Express® Business Gold card is best for businesses that want to maximize rewards on both travel and other spending categories. You’ll earn four times the points on the two categories where you spend the most each billing cycle, including airfare and shipping services. You can finance purchases of $100 or more. The ongoing APR is as low as 16.49%, which is below average for a travel credit card.

American Express® Business Gold Card Rewards

American Express offers both a standard sign-up bonus with a three-month spending requirement and free G Suite and ZipRecruiter subscriptions for the first year. If you fly frequently, this card offers the second-highest ongoing rewards for airfare, behind the American Express Business Platinum Card®, which offers five times the points. It offers the highest rewards on our list in several other categories, including dining and gas purchases.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn the following introductory rewards when using your card:

• 35,000 Membership Rewards points: You must spend $5,000 on your card within three months of card membership to earn the points
• G Suite: Receive G Suite Basic free for up to one year for up to three users; the statement credit is based on the price of G Suite Basic, which is $5 per user per month for 12 months plus taxes
• ZipRecruiter: Receive ZipRecruiter Standard for up to one year free; the statement credit is based on the price of ZipRecruiter Standard, which is $249 a month for 12 months

Earn up to $3,200 combined on G Suite, Google’s business email provider, and ZipRecruiter, a job-posting tool, within the first 12 months of card membership. No other card on our list offers this kind of sign-up incentive, which could be worth more than any other introductory offer on our list.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll earn the following ongoing rewards when using your card:

• Four times the points on the two categories where you spend the most each billing cycle, up to $150,000 in combined eligible purchases each calendar year
• One times the points on all other eligible spending

American Express offers six possible bonus categories, from which you’ll earn four times the points each month on your top two categories. Categories include airfare purchased directly from a passenger carrier; advertising purchased in the U.S. to promote your business; computer hardware, software, and cloud computing purchases in the U.S.; gasoline purchased at U.S. gas stations; U.S. restaurants and shipping services purchased in the U.S.

American Express® Business Gold Card Costs

Financing costs and fees on the American Express® Business Gold Card include:

• Introductory APR: None
• Regular APR: Variable APR of 16.49% to 24.49% that will adjust with the prime rate
• Annual fee: $295
• Balance transfer fee: Transfers are not allowed

The annual fee is considerably higher than the $95 charged by the Capital One® Spark® Miles card, which is waived the first year. Like the American Express Business Platinum®, the American Express® Business Gold Card is a charge card, which would usually mean all charges must be paid in full each month. However, American Express allows cardholders to finance eligible purchases of $100 or more.

American Express calls this financing option a Pay Over Time option, which is available to any card user. If you choose to turn the option off for purchases of $100 or more, the American Express® Business Gold card will act like a charge card, meaning you won’t be allowed to carry a balance from month to month. As a result, you’ll never face interest charges.

American Express® Business Gold Card Additional Features

The American Express® Business Gold Card comes with several protections in case you lose or damage items you’ve purchased. These protections include return protection, extended warranty protection, and baggage insurance.

American Express® Business Gold benefits include:

• Premium roadside assistance: Receive free of charge up to four times a year towing up to 10 miles, winching, jump starts, flat tire change, lockout service when the key is in vehicle, and delivery of up to two gallons of fuel
• Return protection: American Express will refund you for eligible purchases when the merchant will not 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 account per calendar year
• Baggage insurance: If your luggage is lost, damaged or stolen, you’re eligible for coverage of up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and $500 for checked bags
• Extended warranty: Receive one additional year of warranty service on purchases with warranties of five years or less
• Purchase protection: Your eligible purchases are covered against accidental damage or theft for 90 days up to $1,000 per occurrence

The American Express Gold Card offers fewer benefits than you might expect from a card that charges a $295 annual fee. It is missing travel benefits like TSA PreCheck reimbursement or free airport lounge access that the American Express Business Platinum Card® offers, which is a $450 annual fee. Still, its perks are more robust than the Capital One® Spark® Cash card, which has a $95 annual fee, waived the first year.

What the American Express® Business Gold Card Is Missing

Even though the American Express® Business Gold Card offers an introductory bonus, you’ll earn fewer points than you could with a business card that charges a significantly lower annual fee. The Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ card offers 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points and charges a $95 annual fee.

American Express® Business Gold Card Reviews

This newly revamped card doesn’t have any online reviews, but the American Express® Business Gold card is similar enough to the old Business Rewards Gold Card that the reviews for that card remain relevant. Reviews for that card were generally favorable.

User Reviews

We searched the internet for American Express® Business Gold card user reviews. Users generally love this card because it has no preset spending limit and earns hefty rewards on bonus category spending. Some users caution that the pricey annual fee limits its appeal for businesses that don’t have huge expenses.

Editorial Reviews

Although this card now offers a standard introductory bonus, editorial reviews find the value for most small business owners is smaller than what other cards offer. Along with the introductory rewards, this card also offers free access to G Suite and ZipRecruiter for one year. This card becomes significantly more valuable if your business can take advantage of these services.

How to Apply for the American Express® Business Gold Card

You can sign up for an American Express® Business Gold Card by filling out an online application that only takes a few minutes. You could get a decision in as quick as 30 seconds receive your card within 10 business days.

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Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best Business Travel Credit Card With No Annual Fee

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® is best for businesses that want travel rewards, but don’t want to pay an annual fee. It earns three times the points per dollar spent on travel purchases. Plus the ongoing APR is as low as 13.49%, which is the lowest on our list.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Rewards

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® offers top rewards on travel, but also offers 1.5 points on everyday spending. Introductory rewards are worth $250.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn 25,000 bonus points when you make at least $1,000 in net purchases in the first 60 days of your account opening. These points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

The intro rewards are the lowest of any card on our list. Compare with the Chase Ink Business Preferred℠, which offers 80,000 points worth $1,000 when redeemed for travel.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll earn points as you use the card for the following purchases:

• Three points per dollar spent on travel purchases (car, hotel, airline) booked through Bank of America® Travel Center
• 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases, regardless of how much you spend

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® is the only card on our list that offers both bonus rewards and rewards for everyday spending greater than one point. The Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ at three times the points and the American Express Business Platinum® at five times the points offer better travel rewards.

When you enroll in the Business Advantage Relationship Rewards program, you can get an additional 25% to 75% rewards bonus on every purchase you make. That means you can earn up to an unlimited 2.62 points on all purchases, which is a higher rate than any other card on this list offers for everyday spending. You’ll also earn 4.12 points per every $1 you spend at the Bank of America® Travel Center. However, to earn that rate, you have to have at least $100,000 deposits or investments with the bank.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Costs

Financing costs and fees on the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® include:

• Introductory APR: 0% on purchases for nine billing cycles
• Ongoing APR: Variable 13.49% to 23.49% APR, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater

This is the only card on our list to offer an introductory 0% APR period. If you’d like to float a purchase over several months without paying interest, this is the best business travel credit card for you. This Bank of America card also offers the lowest possible APR among the cards on our list and is the only card that charges no annual fee.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Additional Features

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® doesn’t come with nearly as many perks as the other best business rewards credit cards. It fails to offer things like airport lounge access, rental car insurance or a free checked bag.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® benefits include travel accident insurance. Receive up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance, which covers you in case of loss of life or dismemberment.

This card offers none of the travel benefits, like free airport lounge access, that the American Express Business Platinum Card® offers. It also offers none of the protections like extended warranties, that the Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ offers.

What the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® is Missing

Other cards offer higher returns on travel spending, including the American Express Business Platinum® at five times the points and the American Express® Business Gold at four times the points. The introductory rewards are lower than the 50,000 miles offered by the Capital One® Spark® Miles card.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Reviews

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® reviews are generally very positive. This card has good value and no annual fee. However, that also means it includes few of the benefits like airport lounge access seen on cards that charge an annual fee.

User Reviews

Cardholders enjoy the rewards they can earn with the card but note that rewards aren’t as high as those provided some other cards, like the American Express Business Platinum®, which pays five times the points on airfare.

Editorial Reviews

Editorial reviews find the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® is a fine card for business owners looking for their first travel rewards card. It’s also ideal for owners leery of paying annual fees. But this card can’t compete with others on our list when it comes to card benefits.

How to Apply for the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®

You can apply for the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® by filling out a basic online application and potentially getting an instant approval. The whole process can be completed within a matter of a few minutes, and you’ll receive your card within seven to 10 days.

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Alternatives to Business Travel Credit Cards

When it comes to paying for business travel, you don’t have to confine yourself only to business travel credit cards. There are all types of small business credit cards that can help you earn other types of benefits. Personal credit cards for business, cash back business credit cards and business credit cards for startups all offer different benefits that may be better for your particular situation.

Alternatives to business travel credit cards include:

• Personal credit cards for business: Personal credit cards for business may offer bonus rewards on spending that business credit cards don’t frequently offer, including rewards for grocery and gas spending; this type of card won’t help you establish business credit, however
• Cash back business credit cards: If you spend a lot on travel but also in other categories, you may be better off a cash back business credit card; you could earn up to 5% in categories like office supplies and internet advertising
• Business credit cards for startups: If you travel frequently but have just started your business, you probably have unique financing needs that may make travel-specific credit cards less helpful to your business; you may be more interested in a card that offers free financing for 12 months or longer on purchases or balance transfers

The Bottom Line

The best business credit cards for travel all offer top rewards up to 5% on travel spending. However, they also offer excellent perks like free checked bags and access to airport lounges. Choosing the best business travel credit card requires you to consider introductory rewards, ongoing rewards, benefits, and card costs like annual fees.

The American Express Platinum Business Card® ard is our pick for the best business credit card for travel. It offers the best rewards on flights and hotels among the cards on our list at five times the points and the best travel benefits, including a $200 annual airline credit, access to airport lounges and reimbursement for TSA PreCheck. If you’re a heavy traveler, this should be in your wallet. Just mind the $450 annual fee.

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