Editor’s note: This is a recurring post with regularly updated card details.
Cash back credit cards let business owners earn and redeem rewards as an automatic credit to your bill and direct deposits. These rewards serve as discounts on typical business-related purchases, such as office supplies, gas fill-ups, and restaurants. The best options pay return rates up to 5% and offer welcome offers worth several hundreds of dollars.
The best cash back business credit cards are:
- Chase Ink Business Cash®: Best overall for up to 5% cash back in common business categories like office supplies
- U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ MasterCard®: Best for 0% annual percentage rate (APR) for 15 billing cycles
- Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business: Best for unlimited fixed-rate rewards with no spending cap
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®: Best for earning cash back rewards in the category of your choice
- Chase Ink Business Unlimited®: Best for large welcome bonus and no annual fee
- American Express Blue Business CashTM: Best for earning the highest fixed-rate
Chase Ink Business Cash®: Overall Best Cash Back Business Credit Card
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 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.
Why we like it: The Chase Ink Business Cash® is the best cash back business credit card because it offers peak rewards on the most popular business expense—office supplies. Business owners looking to finance office-related expenses and earn a hefty sign-up bonus typically find this card beneficial. In addition to its top rewards, you’ll have access to a 12-month introductory 0% APR period on purchases.
This card earns the highest rewards rate on our list, with up to 5% cash back on office supplies and cable, phone, and internet services. Additionally, its second-tier rewards are lucrative for owners who apply a good chunk of their monthly purchases toward client lunches or driving for work. You’ll earn 2% cash back on restaurant and gas purchases. However, Chase caps each reward category at $25,000 in annual spending.
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard®: Best for 0% APR for 15 Billing Cycles
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®
BEST FOR
0% APR for 15 Billing Cycles
- Earn a new cardmember bonus of $500 after you spend $4,500 in eligible net purchases on your card within the first 150 days of account opening
- 0% Intro APR on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles. After that variable APR currently 11.99% - 22.99%
- 3% cash back on eligible gas station, office supply store and cell phone/service provider net purchases
- 1% cash back on other eligible net purchases
- No limit on total rewards and they never expire!
- Plus, a 25% Annual Cash Rewards bonus, up to $250
- No annual fee*
- Net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns
Pros
- A 0% APR period on purchases on balance transfers
- 25% annual cash rewards bonus
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 one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
Why we like it: The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® ranks high because it offers the longest no-interest financing period. Use this card’s lengthy 15-billing cycle 0% APR period to make purchases and consolidate debt from other high-debt credit cards.
This card is also great for receiving 3% cash back on gas stations, office supply stores, and cell phone providers. What’s even better is that during the first 180 days of card ownership, you will earn 3% cash back on all purchases. U.S. Bank caps this introductory reward at $500 in additional cash back. This means that you need to spend $16,667 within 180 days to earn the full $500 reward.
The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ MasterCard® doesn’t cap its highest category’s earning potential like other cards. Instead, it offers unlimited rewards. Additionally, cardholders get an additional 25% cash bonus on the previous year’s reward earnings—up to $250 annually.
Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business: Best for Unlimited Fixed-rate Rewards With No Spending Cap
Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business
BEST FOR
Earning unlimited 2% cash back
- Introductory reward worth $500 after you spend $4,500 within the first three months
- 2% cash back on every purchase
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- No limit to the amount of rewards you can earn
- Lucrative welcome offer
Cons
- Lacks a 0% APR offer
- Annual fee is only waived for 12 months
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for up to 90 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim.
Why we like it: Business expenses aren’t always consistent, and for that reason, there’s Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business. This card is useful to owners whose expense categories vary month-to-month because it allows owners who normally spend in a variety of ways to earn 2% cash back regardless of where they make purchases.
This card may offer a lower rewards return rate when compared to our top pick, but the spending flexibility on all purchases makes up for it. Plus, it comes with a robust introductory bonus that’s excellent by any standard—a one-time $500 bonus when you spend $4,500 in the first three months from account opening. Businesses that can’t meet this minimum spending requirement should choose a business card that earns higher ongoing rewards in place of a large introductory offer.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®: Best for Rewards In the Category of Your Choice
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
BEST FOR
Up to 3% cash back in a spending category of your choice
9 billing cycles
- Get a $300 statement credit when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening - with no annual fee and cash rewards don't expire.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% cash back on dining and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll get 3% and 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles.
- Redeem your cash rewards as a statement credit, check, or have cash deposited into a Bank of America® checking or savings account.
- Get 75% more cash back on every purchase when you're a Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier member. That means you will earn 5.25% on your selected choice category, 3.5% on dining and unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
Pros
- Statement credit introductory bonus offer
- Low ongoing APR
Cons
- Highest rewards are capped at $50,000 each year
- Earns top rewards in only one spending category
Bank of American does not disclose details of its additional card features. To find out more about these additional features, review your guide to benefits when you receive your card in the mail.
Why we like it: With the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®, you have the opportunity to choose the spending category in which you prefer to earn top rewards. For example, you can earn 3% cash back on gas, travel, telecom and wireless services, or business consulting services. The ability to choose a specific category will help you maximize your earning potential.
Plus, if you enroll in the Bank of America Preferred Rewards for Business program, you could earn even more. You’ll earn 5.25% cash back in the highest spending category, 3.5% cash back on dining, and 1.75% unlimited cash back on all other purchases if you have $100,000 in deposits with the bank or Merrill Lynch. However, this card’s ongoing rewards and welcome offer makes for a solid option, even if you don’t enroll in the bonus rewards program.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited®: Best for a Large Welcome Bonus & No Annual Fee
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% 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: Business owners who love consistency will appreciate the fixed-rate 1.5% cash back rewards that Chase Ink Business Unlimited® earns on all purchases. Unlike the Chase Ink Business Cash® card, our top pick, owners can earn cash back without tracking categories but at the cost of a slightly lower rewards rate. This card also offers a generous introductory bonus that makes it well worth it.
However, the $750 introductory bonus offer requires at least $7,500 worth of purchases in the first three months. If your expenses run $1,000 or more a month, you won’t have any issues earning it. In addition, you’ll get a 12-month 0% APR period to make paying down eligible purchases that much easier.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card: Best for Earning the Highest Fixed-rate Rewards With No Annual Fee
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR
Earning 2% cash back every time you swipe and 0% introductory APR for 12 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 us and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.24% - 19.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- No interest for 12 months
- Earn consistent 2% cash back rewards on every purchase
Cons
- Offers no cash sign-up bonus
- 2% cash back category is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Extended warranty protection: American Express provides up to an additional year of coverage on warranties of up to five years. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
- Purchase protection: The issuer will repair, replace, or reimburse you for an item purchased with the card that was damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
- Baggage insurance: If your luggage is damaged or lost when you travel on a common carrier like a plane, trip, ship, or bus, American Express will reimburse you for losses not covered by your own personal insurance.
Why we like it: If you value high fixed-rate rewards and want to avoid an annual fee, the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card is a great choice as it pays 2% cash back. It’s a fitting option for owners who favor a straightforward rewards card that still has great benefits. For instance, its 12-month introductory financing period is long enough to pay down purchases before the regular APR kicks in.
If you need extra capital, you can use this card’s expanded buying power to purchase above your credit limit. However, this feature isn’t unlimited. The amount you can spend is determined based on several factors, including your payment history.
The American Express Blue Business CashTM Card only earns its highest cash back rewards up to $50,000 annually. Additional purchases after that will earn 1% rewards until the next calendar year. So, this card is designed for business owners who spend $50,000 or less on expenses each year.
How Cash Back Business Credit Card Rewards Work
Compared to points-based rewards, cash back business credit cards allow owners to redeem rewards primarily for automatic credits to their bill or deposits into eligible bank accounts. Many cards also let users 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 goods and services you purchase. Choose a card that pays rewards in the categories where you spend the most to maximize your rewards.
How We Evaluated the Best Cash Back Business Credit Cards
We primarily focused on each card’s reward structure, including both introductory and ongoing rewards. The cash you can earn with these options can reduce the cost of financing expenses, and the introductory bonuses and card features bolster the card value. We also prioritized cards that offer an introductory 0% APR period and affordable annual fees as this is a perfect way to help grow your business.
Bottom Line
The best cash back business credit cards offer 1.5% cash back or more 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. Comparing the top cards is one easy way to find the right option for you.
For rates and fees on the American Express Blue Business Cash℠ Card, please click here.
Submit Your Comment
You must be logged in to comment. Click a "Log in" button below to connect instantly and comment.
LOG IN