Editor’s note: This is a recurring post with regularly updated card details.
Since fees on business credit cards can range anywhere from $95 to $695, finding a business credit card with no annual fee can save you money year over year. If you’re trying to find a no-fee card that offers you perks like enticing rewards and introductory bonuses, check out our list of the best business credit cards that don’t require an annual fee:
- American Express Blue Business CashTM: Best overall business credit card
- American Express Blue Business® Plus: Best ongoing value
- Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM: Best for no limits on purchases
- Chase Ink Business CashSM: Best for cash back on large purchases
- U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World EliteTM Mastercard®: Best for ongoing cash back rewards
- Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business: Best for new business owners with limited credit history
- Capital One® Spark® Cash Select: Best for easy rewards
Benefits of Cards That Do Charge an Annual Fee
Avoiding the cost of an annual fee makes sense when you want to save money, but to make an informed decision, be sure to consider the benefit of cards that do charge an annual fee. These cards tend to offer much richer rewards, and the rewards usually offset the cost of the annual fee after a few purchases. Shopping and travel benefits include discounts on flights, hotels, rental cars and restaurants, access to airport lounges, and exclusive dining experiences.
American Express Blue Business CashTM
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR
Earning 2% cash back every time you swipe and 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR) for 12 months
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to American Express 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 5 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, such as a plane, trip, ship, or bus, American Express will reimburse you for losses not covered by your own personal insurance.
Why we like it: This card wins big for best overall business card. In addition to no annual fee, you get a 0% APR for the first 12 months, a low interest rate, and easy cash back rewards. Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% after that.
As an introductory bonus, earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $5,000 in qualifying purchases within the first three months of card membership. Cash back is credited to your statement automatically. This is why we named American Express Blue Business CashTM as one of the best small business credit cards.
American Express Blue Business® Plus
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
BEST FOR
Pocketing 2x points per $1 and 0% introductory APR for 12 months
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 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.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- *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 American Express, 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 2 years. It provides an additional 2 years if the original manufacturer’s warranty is between 2 and 5 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: Both this card and the American Express Blue Business CashTM card offer the same 0% introductory APR period and no annual fee, but with the American Express Blue Business® Plus card, instead of cash back, you’ll earn 2x points on any category every time you use it.
You’ll be able to redeem your points for several types of rewards, including gift cards, purchases through Amazon and other stores, and automatic statement credits.
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
BEST FOR
Pocketing 1.5% cash back on every single purchase
- 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
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Pros
- 0% introductory 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: Earning rewards is simple when you use this card. You get unlimited 1.5% cash back on any purchase, with no cap and no annual fee. It also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months. You have the option to receive cash back as a statement credit or have it directly deposited to your bank account. These easy to earn rewards are why Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM is also one of the best cards for startups.
Chase Ink Business CashSM
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
BEST FOR
Office-based businesses that want top cash back rewards
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Pros
- Top rewards for office supply spending
- Introductory APR on purchases
- Cash sign-up bonus
Cons
- 0% APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- High balance transfer fee of 5%
- Designed mainly for office-oriented companies
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the United States and abroad.
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year.
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less.
Why we like it: Maximize your office purchases with 5% cash back on office supplies, internet, cable, and phone, up to $25,000. You also get 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent at gas stations and restaurants and 1% cash back on all other purchases, with zero limits or restrictions. As an introductory reward, if you spend $7,500 within the first three months, you’ll receive a $750 bonus cash back. As with the Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM card, you have the option to receive cash back as a statement credit or as a direct deposit to your bank account.
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World EliteTM Mastercard®
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.
- Limited time offer: Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4,500 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, office supply stores, cellphone service providers. and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses like FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- 0% Intro APR on purchase and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR that is currently 13.99% to 22.99%.
- No annual fee.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2021 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2021.
Pros
- A 0% APR period on purchases on balance transfers
- 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, office supply stores, cellphone service providers, and restaurants
Cons
- Small introductory bonus offer
- Balance transfer fee
- 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 1 year from the expiration of warranties of 5 years or less. An item with a 6-month warranty would be backed for an additional 6 months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
Why we like it: If you’re frequently on the road, you can benefit from up to 3% cash back at eligible gas stations, along with office supply stores and cellphone/service providers. You’ll also get 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. As an introductory bonus, earn $500 cash back after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days after opening your account. Plus, there’s no limit on total cash back earned, and rewards never expire. Instead of paying an annual fee, you’ll receive a 25% annual bonus based on your prior year’s cash rewards, up to $250.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
BEST FOR
Fair credit business owners (580 to 669)
- 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
- Earn fixed-rate rewards even with fair credit scores
- Rewards never expire
Cons
- High APR
- No sign-up bonus
- Reports to personal credit bureaus
- Purchase protection: Capital One will replace, repair, or reimburse you for eligible items in the event of theft or damage within the first 90 days of purchase.
- Extended warranty protection: You’ll get additional warranty protection on eligible items that are purchased with your business card, up to 1 year past the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You’re covered for damage due to collision or theft when you rent an eligible car with your Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business card.
Why we like it: If you’re starting a small business and have a limited credit history, the Capital One® Spark® Classic might be a good fit. With no annual fee and 1% cash back on all purchases, you can build credit history and save money on each purchase you make. You have the option to receive cash back as a statement credit or receive a check in the mail. Keep in mind that the purchase APR is high (26.99%), with no introductory rate, so it’s best to pay off the balance in full with each billing cycle so that you can maximize the 1% cash reward.
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business
BEST FOR
Businesses that spend less than $19,000 annually
- Introductory reward worth $200 after you spend $3,000 within the first three months
- 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- No annual fee
- Ability to finance purchases with 0% APR for nine months
Cons
- 0% APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- Can’t redeem rewards for travel or transfer to a travel partner
- 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 up to 90 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim.
Why we like it: This card offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase and a nice introductory bonus of $200 after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days. While the 0% introductory APR only lasts nine months, you can redeem any amount of cash back at any time, and like the Capital One® Spark® Classic, you’re able to choose cash back towards your statement or receive a check in the mail. This card is a good choice if you’re looking for straightforward rewards with no category restrictions.
How We Evaluated These No-Annual-Fee Cards
To select the very best no-annual-fee cards, we took into consideration low interest rates, strong rewards, and convenient introductory offers. All of these features add up to the best selection of cards for your business needs.
Bottom Line
The best card for your business is the one that provides the most value. The no-annual-fee cards on this list have the best rewards and introductory bonuses without you having to shell out an annual fee. Be aware that some card offers waive the annual fee only for the first year, then begin charging a fee every year after that, so be sure to check out each card’s terms and conditions.
