10 Best Cash Back Business Credit Cards 2019

The best cash back business credit cards offer introductory rewards of up to $500 cash back and ongoing rewards of as much as 5% back. They also include 0% introductory annual percentage rates (APRs) on purchases and balance transfers for up to 15 billing cycles and low ongoing APRs several percentage points below average.

Top Cash Back Business Credit Cards August 2019

What’s Changed With the Best Cash Back Business Credit Cards

This article was originally published in July 2018. We update our list of the best cash back business credit cards because issuers frequently change introductory rewards and introductory APRs. This month, we added a new card to our list and updated card APRs after the Federal Reserve cut short-term interest rates.

The most recent changes to our best cash back business credit cards rankings are below.
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How Cash Back Business Credit Card Rewards Work

Cash back business credit cards allow owners to redeem rewards primarily for statement credits or deposits into eligible bank accounts. Many cards also enable users to redeem cash back rewards for gift cards, merchandise, or travel rewards. You can typically redeem between 1% and 5% cash back per dollar spent, depending on the rewards program and the type of good or service you purchased.

In general, owners will find that receiving cash back either as a statement credit or bank deposit will yield a higher redemption value than choosing other redemption options. Cash back is typically worth 1 cent per point, while redeeming for a gift card or merchandise may be worth less than 1 cent per point.

How We Evaluated the Best Cash Back Business Credit Cards

Most cash back business cards pay 1% to 2% cash back on all purchases. The best small business cash back credit cards pay up to 5% cash back on some purchases and may offer additional benefits like 0% introductory APR on purchases. Compare the best offers in the Fit Small Business Credit Card Marketplace.

In our evaluation of the best business cash back credit cards, we considered:

• Introductory rewards: What you’ll earn for reaching minimum spending requirements within several months of card ownership; the top business credit card offers cap top sign-up rewards at $500
• Ongoing rewards: The cash back you’ll earn by using your business cash back card; cards on our list offer either a fixed rate on all spending up to 2% or tiered rewards worth up to 5% on specific bonus categories
• Additional benefits: Free perks that may increase the value of the card like rental car insurance and cellphone protection
• Annual fee: How much it costs to own a card; we found ranges of $0 to $95
• Introductory APR: Whether a card offers 0% APR for initial purchases; some cards on this list offer no introductory APR up to 15 billing cycles
• Ongoing APR: How much financing cash back credit cards costs; ongoing APRs are as low as 14.24%

While many of the best small business credit cards consider your business credit, most require a personal credit check and a credit score of 670 or higher to qualify. We’ve included two picks for owners with lower credit scores. Some cards offer instant approval, but you can get a decision from any of them within three to five business days and new cards within seven to 10 business days.

After researching dozens of credit cards, we’ve picked Chase Ink Business Cash^SM as the best cash back business credit card. It offers 5% cash back on spending at office supply stores and on telecommunications services. You’ll also have the opportunity to earn one of the best introductory bonuses on our list—$500 after spending $3,000 within three months.

Chase Ink Business Cash^SM: Overall Best Cash Back Business Credit Card

Chase Ink Business Cash^SM is best for businesses with significant office-related expenses. It pays 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on telecommunications services. Owners receive 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months, the most prolonged intro period among cards in our list. The ongoing APR is 15.24% to 21.24%.

Chase Ink Business Cash^SM Costs

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

• Introductory APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases
• Ongoing APR: 15.24% to 21.24%, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

The introductory 0% APR on purchases could help you manage cash flow, but you’ll want to make sure to pay off your balance in full before the intro period expires. Other cards on our list offer better ongoing APRs, including the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM Mastercard®. Check out our ranking of the best credit cards for startups for some more suggestions.

Chase Ink Business Cash^SM Rewards

This cash back business card offers the highest rewards on office supply spending. It also pays bonus cash back on gas station and restaurant purchases. Introductory rewards are excellent for a card that charges no annual fee.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn $500 cash back after you spend $3,000 within your first three months. This is the highest introductory bonus on our list for a card that charges no annual fee, tied with Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM.

Ongoing Rewards

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

• 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, cellular phone, and landline services each account anniversary year, then 1% afterward
• 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year, then 1% after that
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

The cash back on office supply purchases is the best on our list.

How to Redeem Rewards

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, gift cards, and travel through the Chase online travel portal. Redemption value for all three options is 1 cent per point. When redeeming for cash, you can receive a statement credit or a deposit into an eligible checking or savings account from a United States-based bank or credit union.

You can increase the redemption value when you transfer rewards to another Chase card you own that’s part of the issuer’s Ultimate Rewards program. If, for example, you transfer Chase Ink Cash rewards to your Chase Sapphire Preferred® personal card, each point is worth 1.25 cents when redeemed for travel.

Here’s an example of how the math on the points transfer works:

5% earned on office supply store spending x $0.0125 = 6.25% return

You may be able to boost the redemption value further by combining your Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM rewards with another Chase card and then transferring those points to one of the issuer’s airline partners. When transferred, point values vary, but your redemption value could exceed 2 cents per point or more when booking flights. The Chase business cards are the only cards on our list that allow you to increase redemption rates by transferring rewards.

Chase Ink Business Cash^SM Additional Features

If you rent cars frequently for business, you should appreciate the protection this card offers, along with other purchase insurance:

• 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

This is a similar package of benefits as several other cards on this list offer, although the purchase protection lasts longer than the 90 days offered by the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business.

What Chase Ink Business Cash^SM Is Missing

Chase offers a solid return on office spending with this card, but businesses that have travel expenses won’t benefit with Chase Ink Business Cash^SM. Choose the Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM or another similar card if you want to be rewarded for travel spending.

Chase Ink Business Cash^SM Reviews

We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Chase Ink Business Cash^SM reviews generally are very positive. The card gets high marks for its introductory and ongoing rewards. Some reviews suggest the card could add more bonus categories, especially covering travel purchases.

User Reviews

Users say they value the business-oriented rewards structure and the lack of an annual fee. Some say the ongoing APR is too high. On the low end of the range, this card’s APR is a bit better than average. The upper end of the range is also about 3 percentage points lower than some cards charge.

Editorial Reviews

We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. This Chase Ink business card is one of the top small business credit cards. It’s set apart from its peers by three features that are among the best available: introductory rewards, ongoing rewards, and a lengthy 0% introductory APR offer. This card could improve by adding travel rewards.

Where to Apply for Chase Ink Business Cash^SM

Apply for the Chase Ink Business Cash^SM online by filling out a basic application. Be prepared to provide both business and personal information. You may be approved instantly. If you are, expect to receive your card in the mail within seven to 10 days. Learn more about how to apply for the best business credit cards.

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Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business: Best for 2% Cash Back and $500 Introductory Bonus

Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business is best for firms that want to earn 2% cash back on all spending. This type of ongoing rewards is suited for businesses that have a variety of spending needs and don’t want to track category bonuses. The ongoing variable APR is 18.74%, which is among the highest APRs on our list.

Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business Costs

Financing costs and fees on the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business include:

• Introductory APR: None
• Ongoing APR: 18.74% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: $95, waived for the first year
• Balance transfer fee: None

Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business is one of just three cards on our list to charge an annual fee. Spark Cash charges a $95 annual fee, which is waived the first year, tied with Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM for highest on our list. The ongoing APR is above average, so consider another card like the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® if you carry a balance.

Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business Rewards

This card pays 2% cash back on all spending, the highest fixed-rate cash back return among the cards on this list. Other cards offer higher returns in bonus category spending like the 5% cash back the Chase Ink Business Cash^SM card pays on office supplies and internet services. Ink Business Cash fares worse in everyday spending at 1% cash back.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn a $500 cash bonus after you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. The Chase Ink Business Cash^SM card offers the same intro bonus, but you’ll only have to spend $3,000 to earn this introductory reward.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll earn an unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. That’s the highest fixed-rate return among the small business credit cards on our list.

How to Redeem Rewards

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, as a credit for previous purchases, and gift cards. When redeeming for cash, you can receive a statement credit or a check. Rewards are worth 2 cents per dollar spent when redeemed for cash. You can redeem at any time or set up automatic redemption at a set date each year or when you reach a specific dollar figure earned, like $100, for example.

This redemption rate is higher than other cards on this list offer on everyday spending. The Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business, for example, offers a redemption value of 1.5 cents per dollar spent.

Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business Additional Features

Capital One offers several perks through its Visa Signature benefits, including:

• 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 relatively standard, although the length of coverage on purchase protection is less than the 120 days the Chase Ink Business Cash^SM offers. The Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM offers other perks like cellphone insurance that this card doesn’t offer.

What Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business Is Missing

Other cards offer better rewards in specific bonus categories, like the Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM, which pays three points per dollar on travel, shipping, and advertising on search engines and social networks. You’ll earn just 2% cash back on these types of purchases with Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business.

Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business Reviews

We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business reviews find the fixed-rate rewards program is highly rated. The card might not be right for all business owners because it carries a $95 annual fee, waived the first year.

User Reviews

We searched for reviews of this Capital One small business credit card online. Customers love the strong cash back rewards program. Some users say they are disappointed that Capital One reports card activity to both personal and business credit bureaus. Some, but not all, issuers only report business card activity to the business credit bureaus.

Editorial Reviews

We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business is one of the best small business credit cards available. Its simple rewards program—earn 2% cash back on everything—should appeal to businesses with diverse spending needs. Its annual fee, however, might not be worth paying for owners who put $19,000 or less a year in charges on their card.

How to Apply for Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business

You can apply online for a Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business card, and you’ll typically get an immediate decision. Once approved, you’ll get your card in seven to 10 business days.

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U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard®: Best for 0% APR on Purchases & Balance Transfers

U.S. Bank ranks among the top business credit card offers for its U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard®. This card is best for businesses that want a lengthy 0% introductory offer on purchases and balance transfers. It also offers a unique 25% bonus on the prior year’s rewards, up to $250.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® Costs

Financing costs and fees on the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® include:

• Introductory APR: 0% on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles
• Ongoing APR: 14.24% to 25.24%, which will adjust with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the transfer during the application, whichever is greater

The lowest ongoing APR is a quarter percentage point lower than what the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® charges. No other card offers a combined introductory 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers better than this U.S. Bank business credit card.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® Rewards

The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® offers ongoing cash back on your spending, including bonus rewards for cellular, gas, and office supply purchases, and a 25% annual bonus based on your prior year’s cash rewards. The introductory offer is worth $500.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn $500 cash back after you spend $4,500 during the first 150 days. Chase Ink Business Cash^SM offers a similar offer, although with a lower spending requirement over fewer days. With that card, you can earn a $500 cash back bonus after you spend $3,000 in the first three months.

Ongoing Rewards

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

• 3% cash back on cellphone purchases and service
• 3% cash back on gas purchases up to $200 per single purchase
• 3% cash back at office supply stores
• 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

The cellphone bonus is unique among cash back small business credit cards. The rewards on office supply spending are lower than the 5% offered by Chase Ink Business Cash^SM.

U.S. Bank also offers a unique annual bonus equal to 25% of your prior year’s cash rewards, up to a maximum of $250. No other small business cash back credit card offers an ongoing annual bonus.

How to Redeem Rewards

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, as a statement credit, or in the form of a debit card. If you choose the debit card, the bank will issue you a U.S. Bank Rewards Mastercard Card. Cash redemptions will be deposited into your U.S. Bank business checking, savings, or money market account. No other card on our list offers redemption in the form of a debit card.

Redemption rates are 3 cents per dollar spent on cellphone purchases and service, gas purchases, and office supply store purchases. All other redemptions are worth 1 cent per dollar spent.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® Additional Features

This U.S. Bank business credit card offers several free perks as part of this card’s benefits package, including car rental insurance, extended warranty coverage, and purchase security, which protects purchases against theft and damage for 90 days.

The following benefits are included on your card:

• MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
• Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
• Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.

This card includes similar restrictions on both its purchase assurance and extended warranty protections as the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business. Those protections aren’t quite as robust as cards like Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM offer.

What the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® Is Missing

The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® offers both lower introductory and ongoing rewards than some other cash back rewards business credit cards. The Chase Ink Business Cash^SM card, for example, offers introductory rewards worth $500 and ongoing rewards of up to 5% on some spending categories.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® Reviews

We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® reviews are generally positive. Users like the ease with which you can redeem rewards. The ongoing APR is great, but the introductory rewards could use a boost.

User Reviews

Users say they are happy with the card’s ongoing rewards and the ease with which awards can be redeemed. Unfavorable reviews suggest this card doesn’t offer the same level of benefits as its competitors.

Editorial Reviews

We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® offers an excellent ongoing bonus to inspire loyalty. You can earn an annual bonus equal to 25% of your prior year’s cash rewards, up to $250. We also like the cash back rewards on cellphone purchases and service. This card doesn’t fare as well on office supply and everyday purchases.

Where to Apply for the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard®

You can apply online for the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard®. 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

Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM: Best for a $500 Sign-up Bonus and No Annual Fee

Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM is best for business owners who want to earn fixed-rate rewards and a solid sign-up bonus—without paying an annual fee. It pays 1.5% cash back on all spending and $500 cash back after you spend $3,000 in the first three months. That’s $300 more than you’d earn with the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business, which also pays 1.5% back. Ongoing APR is 15.24% to 21.24%.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM Costs

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

• Introductory APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases
• Ongoing APR: 15.24% to 21.24%, which will adjust with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

This card used to offer 0% APR for 12 months on balance transfers, but Chase removed that benefit earlier this year. If you need to transfer a balance, consider our top pick for the best 0% APR business credit card, the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM Mastercard®.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM Rewards

Along with 1.5% fixed-rate ongoing rewards, this card also comes with a great introductory bonus of $500 cash back.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn $500 cash back when you spend $3,000 in the first three months. That’s the highest return among cards on our list that charge no annual fee and equal to what the Chase Ink Business Cash^SM offers.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll earn an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, regardless of spending category. That’s the best fixed-rate return from a credit card that charges no annual fee on our list, tied with the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business.

How to Redeem Rewards

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, gift cards, and travel through the Chase online travel portal. Redemption value for all three options is 1 cent per point, which is relatively typical. When redeeming for cash, you can receive a statement credit or a deposit into an eligible checking or savings account from a U.S.-based bank or credit union.

You can increase your redemption value when you transfer rewards to another Chase card you own that’s part of the Ultimate Rewards program. When you transfer Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM rewards to a Chase Sapphire Preferred® personal card, each point is worth 1.25 cents when redeemed for travel. Cards that belong to rewards program include the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Chase Sapphire Preferred®, and the Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM.

Here’s how the math on the points transfer works:

1.5% earned on every dollar spent x $0.0125 = 1.875% return

You may be able to boost the redemption value further by combining your Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM rewards with another Chase card and then transferring those points to one of the issuer’s airline partners. When transferred, point values vary, but your redemption value could exceed 2 cents per point or more when booking flights. The Chase business cards are the only cards on our list that allow you to increase redemption rates by transferring rewards.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM Additional Features

Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM offers the same protections that also come with Chase Ink Business Cash:

• 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

Note that the purchase protection benefit lasts longer than the 90 days offered by the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business. The rental insurance and extended warranty protection are similar to what other Chase business cards on our list offer, including the Chase Ink Business Cash^SM.

What Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM Is Missing

Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM offers great fixed-rate cash back rewards on all spending, but the reward rate is lower than some other cards—especially in certain spending categories—like the Chase Ink Business Cash^SM card, which pays 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on telecommunications services.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM Reviews

We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM reviews are very good, although not as positive as reviews for the other Chase cards on this list. Because it offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, this isn’t seen as a top-of-wallet card for business owners serious about maximizing rewards.

User Reviews

This Chase card is among the top business credit card offers because of the substantial introductory rewards. Some users say the ongoing rewards aren’t competitive with other cards that offer fixed-rate rewards. Indeed, the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business earns 2% cash back on all spending.

Editorial Reviews

We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM fills in the rewards gaps the Chase Ink Business Cash^SM and the Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM have, making it an ideal second or third card. When your purchases don’t fall into one of the bonus categories offered by those other cards, use Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM.

How to Apply for Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM

You can apply for the Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM business card directly through Chase’s website. Once you apply, you can get an approval decision in just a few minutes. You should receive your card within seven to 10 days.

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American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card: Best for 2% Cash Back & No Annual Fee

American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card is best for businesses that want to earn 2% cash back on all purchases up to $50,000 annually—without paying an annual fee. Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business also pays 2% back on all spending, but it charges a $95 annual fee, waived the first year. The ongoing APR on this American Express card is as low as 14.99%, which is a percentage point or more below average.

American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Costs

Financing costs and fees on the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card include:

• Introductory APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers
• Ongoing APR: 14.99% to 20.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the transferred amount, whichever is greater

The introductory APR offer isn’t quite as good as what the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM Mastercard® offers. You’ll get 0% financing for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers with that card.

American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Rewards

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card offers excellent ongoing fixed-rate rewards usually seen on business credit cards that charge an annual fee. But, unlike those cards, this American Express card sets a cap at $50,000 in annual spending at which you’ll earn the top reward.

Introductory Rewards

American Express doesn’t offer introductory rewards on this card. Most cards on our list of the best cash back business credit cards offer a sign-up bonus after you meet a spending requirement. This card falls lower on our list because it doesn’t offer introductory rewards.

Ongoing Rewards

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card offers ongoing cash rewards, including:

• 2% cash back on all purchases up to $50,000 each year
• 1% cash back on all additional purchases

The Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business also offers 2% cash back, but it has no rewards cap. However, you’ll have to pay a $95 annual fee, waived the first year.

How to Redeem Rewards

Cardholders will receive a rebate as a statement credit for any eligible purchases on their American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card. The rebate they receive is based on the percentage of eligible purchases made during a billing period and will appear on the second billing statement after the billing statement where those purchases appear. For example, if you earn rewards in May, you will see a statement credit on your July bill.

American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Additional Features

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card comes with several protections against loss and damage, including:

• Extended warranty: American Express will match the length of the original manufacturer’s warranty if it’s less than one year. American Express provides an additional one year if the original manufacturer’s warranty is between one 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.
• 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 personal insurance.

The extended warranty protection is similar to what Chase Ink Business Cash^SM offers, although Chase only offers coverage extensions on warranties of three years or less.

What the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Is Missing

This card ranks lower on our list because it offers no introductory rewards. That’s a real drawback, especially when other cards that charge no annual fee offer sign-up bonuses worth up to $500 cash back. You’ll also want to avoid this card when traveling outside the U.S., not only because you’ll pay foreign transaction fees, but because American Express isn’t as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard.

American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Reviews

American Express introduced this card in late July, so there aren’t any user reviews yet. It replaces the American Express SimplyCash® Plus card in the issuer’s lineup. We liked that card because it offered excellent rewards on office supply and internet spending. Although this card is better for everyday spending, we miss the bonus rewards its predecessor offer. This new card doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus, which is a real turnoff.

How to Apply for American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card

You can fill out an online form to apply for the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card on American Express’ website, and you could receive a decision in as little as 30 seconds. Once approved, your card will arrive in the mail within seven to 10 days.

Apply Now

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business: Best for Low Spenders

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business is best for businesses that spend no more than $19,000 a year on their small business cash back credit cards. That’s the threshold at which you’ll benefit more with the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business, which pays 2% but charges a $95 annual fee, waived the first year. The ongoing APR on this card is a variable 14.74% to 22.74%.

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business Costs

Financing costs and fees on the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business include:

• Introductory APR: 0% for nine months on purchases
• Ongoing APR: 14.74% to 22.74% variable, which will adjust based on the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: None

The introductory 0% APR period is shorter on this card than on others on our list, like the Chase Ink Business Cash^SM at 12 months. Like other cards on this list, this Capital One card doesn’t offer an intro APR on balance transfers, although you’ll pay no transfer fee. All other cards charge between 3% and 5% per transfer.

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business Rewards

The real appeal of the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business is for business owners who want a fixed-rate return and don’t want to pay an annual fee. However, that fee aversion is only worth it if you spend $19,000 or less a year.

Here’s a look at the math:

• Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business: $19,000 in annual spend x 1.5% cash back = $285 in rewards
• Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business: $19,000 in annual spend x 2% cash back – $95 annual fee = $285 in rewards

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn a $200 cash bonus when you spend $3,000 within the first three months from account opening. That’s a smaller return than the $500 the Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM pays on the same amount of spending.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll earn 1.5% cash back on all spending with no limits. That’s identical to what you’ll earn with Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM.

How to Redeem Rewards

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, as a credit for previous purchases, and gift cards. When you redeem for cash back, your rewards are worth 1.5 cents per dollar spent. Rates for other redemption options may vary. This redemption rate is lower than other cards on this list offer on everyday spending. The Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business, for example, offers a redemption value of 2 cents per dollar spent.

When redeeming for cash, you can receive a statement credit or a check. You can redeem at any time or set up automatic redemption at a set date each year or when you reach a specific dollar figure earned, like $50 or $100, for example.

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business Additional Features

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business offers the following protections:

• Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 90 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 up to one year on eligible warranties of three years or less

The length of purchase protection coverage is shorter at 90 days with Capital One than it is with other cards like the Chase Ink Business Cash^SM, which offers purchase protection for up to 120 days.

What the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business Is Missing

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business pays 1.5% cash back on all spending. That’s lower than the 2% the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business pays, a card that carries a $95 annual fee, waived the first year. The Select card is best for you only if your business puts less than $19,000 annually on your small business credit card.

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business Reviews

We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business reviews find this is a great business credit card for owners with few expenses. It offers a straightforward rewards program that pays the same for all purchases, but its return is lower than similar credit cards.

User Reviews

Users love the introductory interest-free period as well as the simple rewards program structure. Cardholders unhappy with the card are disappointed that Capital One reports account activity to consumer credit bureaus, which not all business card issuers do.

Editorial Reviews

We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business is great for a business with less than $19,000 of annual credit card expenses. If you spend more each year consider the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business, which charges a $95 annual fee, which is waived the first year but also pays 2% cash back on all spending.

How to Apply for the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business

You can apply for the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business card directly through the Capital One website. This cash back card is one of the easier to apply and qualify for. Visit Capital One for more information on how to apply.

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Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®: Best for Gas Rewards

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® is best for businesses with large gasoline expenses. It pays 3% cash back on gas purchases, which is the best return on our list, tied with the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard®. The ongoing APR is 13.99% to 23.99% variable.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Costs

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

• Introductory APR: 0% for 9 billing cycles on purchases
• Ongoing APR: 13.99% to 23.99% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater

Bank of America offers no introductory 0% APR offer on balance transfers, and the length of the intro APR on purchases is shorter than the 12 months of 0% APR offered by Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM on purchases. Choose a different card if no-interest financing is important to you.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Rewards

The already good cash-back rewards on this card can get even better if you also have a banking relationship with Bank of America. Enroll in the Business Advantage Relationship Rewards program to receive an additional 75% rewards bonus on every purchase. These tiered-relationship bonuses begin when you have at least $20,000 in assets with the bank.

Introductory Rewards

You will earn a $300 statement credit when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening. That’s among the lowest sign-up bonuses among that cards that offer introductory rewards on our list.

Ongoing Rewards

You will earn the following rewards when using your card:

• 3% cash back on the category of your choice such as gas stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom and wireless, computer services, or business consulting services for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year; 1% after that
• 2% cash back on purchases at restaurants
• Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases

If you’re enrolled in Business Advantage Relationship Rewards, you could earn up to 5.25% at gas stations and office supply stores, 3.5% at restaurants, and 1.75% on all other purchases. To earn the maximum rewards bonus, you have to have more than $100,000 on deposit with the bank. The introductory rewards aren’t huge, but this card has the lowest spending requirement of any on our list to earn a welcome bonus.

How to Redeem Rewards

You may redeem your cash back in the form of a statement credit or have cash deposited into a Bank of America small business checking or savings account. You must redeem a minimum of $25. Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM also will deposit rewards into a bank account, but it will allow deposits in any U.S.-based bank or credit union, not just Chase.

The redemption value is 3 cents per dollar spent on gas station and office supply store purchases, 2 cents per dollar at restaurants, and 1 cent per dollar on all other purchases.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Additional Features

This card doesn’t come with the same level of benefits you’ll find on other cards on our list, like car rental insurance and extended warranty protection for purchases you make with your card. You will receive up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance, which covers you in case of loss of life or dismemberment. It is the only card on our list to offer this protection. This is a benefit most frequently seen on travel rewards credit cards.

What Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Is Missing

You’ll find a better rewards rate on office supply spending with other business cards like the Chase Ink Business Cash^SM card (5%). The introductory bonus is the lowest among the cards on our list that offer a welcome bonus.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Reviews

We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® reviews are positive, but not fawning. It’s a solid, if unspectacular, pick because of its cash rewards and the rewards boost existing Bank of America customers can earn.

User Reviews

We searched the internet for user reviews for the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®. Many customers like the introductory 0% APR on purchases, the lack of an annual fee, and the ability to earn up to 3% ongoing cash rewards. However, some complain that the introductory rewards aren’t as high as other cards offer.

Editorial Reviews

We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Our review of the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® is generally favorable, both for its rewards structure and its lack of an annual fee. This isn’t a card that’s going to shower you with ongoing rewards, but it’s an ideal first small business card. The introductory rewards are a bit meager compared with other cash-back small business credit cards.

Where to Apply for Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®

You can apply for the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® online, and you may receive instant approval. Cards are shipped to your address within seven to 10 days.

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Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business: Best Cash Back Business Credit Card for Fair Credit

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business is best for small business owners with fair credit—a personal credit score between 580 and 659—who still want an unsecured cash back credit card. You’ll earn 1% cash back on all purchases—the lowest ongoing rewards rate on our list. You’ll pay a variable 24.74% APR on balances, the highest rate among cards on our list.

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Costs

Financing costs and fees on the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business include:

• Introductory APR: None
• Ongoing APR: 24.74% Variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: None

If you have a credit score lower than 660, this might be the only unsecured business credit card for which you’ll qualify. As a result, you’ll have to pay a higher APR on balances you carry from month to month. These types of credit cards tend to have higher APRs, reflecting the increased risk of offering credit users with fair credit.

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Rewards

This is one of two cards on our list that offers no introductory rewards, including the American the Wells Fargo Business Secured card. It also provides the lowest return on everyday spending at 1%.

Introductory Rewards

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business offers no introductory rewards, which is not unusual for a small business credit card that is tailored for owners with fair credit. If your credit is good enough to qualify for another credit card, choose one like the Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM, which offers $500 cash back.

Ongoing Rewards

You will earn 1% cash back on all purchases with no cap. This is the lowest return for ongoing rewards among all of the cards on our list. It is not unusual for cards designed for owners with fair credit to offer limited ongoing rewards.

How to Redeem Rewards

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, as a credit for previous purchases, and gift cards. When you redeem for cash back, your rewards are worth 1 cent per dollar spent. Rates for other redemption options may vary. This redemption rate is lower than other cards on this list offer on everyday spending. The Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business, for example, offers a redemption value of 1.5 cents per dollar spent.

When redeeming for cash, you can receive a statement credit or a check. You can redeem at any time or set up automatic redemption at a set date each year or when you reach a specific dollar figure earned, like $50 or $100, for example.

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Additional Features

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business offers several protections against lost or damaged items you purchase with the card, including:

• 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 protection: You’ll get additional warranty protection on eligible items that are purchased with your business card, up to one 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

As with other Capital One business cards, the purchase protection is shorter than the 120 days offered on other cards like the Chase Ink Business Cash^SM. The extended warranty protection and auto rental collision insurance are similar to what other cards on our list offer.

What Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Is Missing

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business is designed for cardholders with fair credit, so the ongoing APR is understandably high compared with other cards on our list. There’s also no introductory interest-free offer on purchases, and the fixed-rate rewards are relatively low. If your credit is good enough to qualify for other small business credit cards, choose the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business over Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business.

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Reviews

We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business reviews are largely favorable, but both user and editorial reviews recognize this card’s primary purpose is to give business owners with fair credit access to financing. That means it lacks some of the features that other credit cards have.

User Reviews

Most users in online reviews indicated that they are largely satisfied with their Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business card, with cardholders noting the best feature is the cash back rewards. Some users complain about the lack of perks and low credit limits.

Editorial Reviews

We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Our review recognizes that the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business isn’t a card most small business owners should want to rely on forever. Used responsibly, this card should become obsolete as owners’ credit scores improve. However, for what it is, it’s a decent card that offers ongoing rewards, albeit at a reduced rate.

Where to Apply for Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business

You can apply for the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business online. The application takes minutes, and you can get approved instantly. Once approved, the card typically takes seven to 10 business days to arrive.

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Wells Fargo Business Secured Card: Earning Cash Back With Bad Credit

The Wells Fargo Business Secured Card is best for small business owners with a credit score below 580 who want to earn cash back. You’ll earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which is the same return as the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business. You’ll pay a $25 annual fee with the Business Secured Card, and your card limit will be determined by a cash deposit you make. The ongoing APR is 17.15%.

Wells Fargo Business Secured Card Costs

Financing costs and fees on the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card include:

• Credit line: Deposit $500 to $25,000 in a collateral account, which equals the amount of your credit line
• Introductory APR: None
• Ongoing APR: 17.15%, which will adjust with the prime rate
• Annual fee: $25 per card on up to 10 cards maximum.
• Balance transfer fee: Transfers are not allowed

Unlike other cards on this list, your credit line on the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card is determined by a deposit you make into a collateral account. Use this card to improve your credit score, so you can qualify for the best cash back business credit cards, which are all unsecured.

Wells Fargo Business Secured Card Rewards

The Wells Fargo Business Secured Card makes our list because it’s the rare secured credit card that offers ongoing rewards. It’s optional 1.5% cash back on all spending is equaled by the Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM and the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business.

Introductory Rewards

The Wells Fargo Business Secured Card offers no sign-up bonus or other introductory rewards. It’s one of two cards on our list that offers no introductory rewards, including the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business.

Ongoing Rewards

You can choose to receive rewards from The Wells Fargo Business Secured Card in one of two ways:

• Cash back: Earn 1.5% cash back for every $1 spent on purchases
• Points: Earn one point for every $1 spent on net purchases and 1,000 bonus points when your company spends $1,000 in any monthly billing period

No other card on our list allows you to choose between receiving cash back or points. If you choose points, the redemption rate is likely to be lower than cash back. Even so, earning rewards on a secured business credit card is exceptionally rare.

How to Redeem Rewards

Redemption is automatic when you receive cash back. You’ll receive a statement credit, or Wells Fargo will deposit cash rewards in your eligible checking or savings account once per quarter. This is the only card on our list that offers automatic redemption. Redemption value for cash back rewards 1.5 cents per dollar spent, which is identical to what the Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM offers.

When you choose points rewards, you can redeem your rewards for gift cards, merchandise, or airline tickets. Redemption values will vary. When you choose points rewards, you’ll receive a 10% points credit when you redeem points online. You will pay a $24 redemption fee when you redeem your points for airline tickets.

Wells Fargo Business Secured Card Additional Features

Under Wells Fargo’s purchase protection program, the issuer will replace, repair, or reimburse you for eligible items in the event of theft or damage within the first 90 days of purchase. Every other card on our list offers more benefits.

What the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card Is Missing

Your credit line is established by the amount of collateral you put down, up to $25,000. The other cards on our list are unsecured credit cards, which means your credit line is determined by your credit score, level of debt, and other factors. You don’t need to put any money down—outside an annual fee—to get an unsecured card like the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business.

Wells Fargo Business Secured Card Reviews

We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Wells Fargo Business Secured Card reviews typically name this the best-secured business credit card. Still, it’s not without flaws. Although its annual fee is relatively low for a secured credit card, there are other cards that are cheaper to own.

User Reviews

Business owners say their responsible use of this card has allowed them to improve their personal credit score, sometimes by more than 100 points. Others complain that even when they improved their credit score, the issuer failed to offer them a chance to graduate to an unsecured business credit card.

Editorial Reviews

We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. The Wells Fargo Business Secured Card is the best business secured credit card on the market. Some personal secured credit cards offer similar features—and charge no annual fee—including the Capital One® Secured Mastercard® and Discover it® Secured.

Where to Apply for the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card

Online applications are taken for the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card only for business owners with an existing relationship with the bank. Others need to apply in person at a branch. When considering your application, Wells Fargo will examine your credit experience and payment history, cash flow, and existing credit obligations and your current bank relationship.

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Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM: Best Cash Back Business Credit Card for Earning Points

Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM is best for small business owners who travel frequently but still want to earn cash back. Although the card earns three points per dollar on travel, that can be converted to cash back. That’s the highest travel return among cards on our list. You’ll also pay a $95 annual fee, which is tops on our list. The ongoing APR is 17.99% to 22.99%.

Ink Business Preferred Costs

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

• Introductory APR: None
• Ongoing APR: 17.99% to 22.99%, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: $95
• Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

The ongoing APR is among the highest on our list, so it’s best to avoid the Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM if you have to carry a balance. Instead, choose the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®, which charges a variable rate of 13.99% to 23.99%.

Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM Rewards

No other card on our list of best cash back business credit cards offers better rewards for travel. Chase has a fairly broad definition of travel as well—including car rentals, taxis, and parking garages—which makes this card a particularly useful tool for both local and regional traveling.

Introductory Rewards

You will earn 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $5,000 within the first three months of account opening. Rewards points can be redeemed for airfare or other paid travel through Chase, for gift cards, or statement credits against eligible charges. Cardholders also can transfer points to airline and hotel partners.

Ongoing Rewards

You will earn the following rewards when using your card:

• 3 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 internet, cable, and phone services
• 1 point on everything else

No other card on our list offers a return on travel spending as high as this Chase small business credit card. Other points-based cards, like the American Express Business Platinum Card®, offer higher returns on airfare spending.

How to Redeem Rewards

You can redeem your rewards for travel, cash back, or gift cards. When redeeming for cash back or gift cards, your redemption value 1 cent per point. When redeeming for travel through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards website, travel is worth 1.25 cents per point. You also can increase your redemption value when you transfer rewards to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® personal credit card. Each point is worth 1.5 cents per point when redeemed for travel.

You may be able to boost the redemption value further by transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to one of the issuer’s airline partners. When transferred, point values vary, but your redemption value could exceed 2 cents per point or more when booking flights.

Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM Additional Features

As you should expect with a card that charges an annual fee, Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM includes some premium benefits, including:

• Cellphone 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 prepaid 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

No other card on our list offers either cellphone protection or trip cancellation insurance.

What Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM Is Missing

This card is not a good choice for businesses looking for an interest-free period on purchases since there is no 0% APR like the Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM offers. The card also lacks bonus rewards for spending on office supplies like you’ll find on the Chase Ink Business Cash^SM card.

Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM Reviews

We considered both user reviews and editorial reviews when rating this card. Highly regarded as one of the best business cards for both rewards and perks, Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM reviews are typically glowing. This is a top choice for users who travel frequently, but who don’t want to pay the hundreds of dollars in annual fees that many premium travel cards charge. Reviewers want to see additional bonus categories added.

User Reviews

We searched the internet for user reviews and found many cardholders who say the card is tremendously useful when it comes to their travel spending. Some, however, say its bonus points don’t cover enough categories.

Editorial Reviews

We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM receives high marks for several reasons: Its huge introductory rewards offer, its travel rewards relative to its annual fee and its cellphone protection plan, which isn’t offered by other small business credit cards. The card could be improved by offering bonus rewards on dining.

Where to Apply for Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM

You can apply for Chase Ink Business Preferred^SM online, and you may receive instant approval. Cards are shipped to your address within seven to 10 days.

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Bottom Line

The best cash back business credit cards offer 2% cash back or better on business spending. Many of these cards also have low or no annual fees, long 0% introductory APRs, and other benefits that generate significant value for small businesses.

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