8 Best Business Credit Cards for Nonprofits

8 Best Business Credit Cards for Nonprofits

Reviewed By:
Nov 14, 2024
11 minute read

Editorial and Partnership Disclosure

The best nonprofit credit cards come with features that are beneficial to your organization, such as low fees, ongoing rewards in expense categories where your organization spends the most, and reasonable APRs . Our top recommendations include regular business credit cards and a few charge cards for those who prefer to pay their balance in full each month.

Here are the top eight credit cards for nonprofits:

Overview of the Best Credit Cards for Nonprofits


Best ForAnnual FeeOngoing RewardsCredit Needed
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card.

American Express Blue Business Cash

Overall best business credit card for nonprofits with automatic cash back and Expanded Buying Power$0Up to 2% cash backGood to ExcellentApply nowRates & Fees
Charity Charge Nonprofit Business Card

Charity Charge Nonprofit Business Card

Vendor discounts and no personal guarantee$0Rebates through Mastercard® Easy Savings and discounts with CHAMPS GPOGood to Excellent
Ramp Card Sample.

Ramp Card

Large organizations needing a high credit limit$0Up to 1.5% cash backGood to Excellent
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card0% APR for 12 months and $100 annual software credit$0Up to 5% cash backGood to Excellent

U.S. Bank Mastercard® Community Rewards Card

Unlimited rewards and no personal guarantee$991% cash back when you pay a $99 annual feeNone specified
American Express Business Gold Card.

American Express Business Gold Card

Earning rewards in your top two categories$375Up to 4x pointsGood to ExcellentApply nowRates & Fees
Ink Business Preferred® Credit CardInk Business Preferred® Credit CardTravel and high welcome offer$95Up to 5× pointsExcellent, Good
Capital One Spark Cash PlusCapital One Spark Cash PlusNonprofits with significant expenses$150Up to 5% cash backExcellent

To see how these credit cards stack up against others we have reviewed, click Add to Compare on a card below and select up to two additional credit cards for comparison.

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: Overall Best Business Credit Card for Nonprofits With Automatic Cash Back & Expanded Buying Power

Intro APR0% on purchases
Regular APR16.74% - 28.49% Variable
Annual FeeNo annual fee
Credit NeededExcellent, Good
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Why We Like It

The best thing about the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is its Expanded Buying Power feature, which lets you spend over your credit limit when you need to. The amount you can spend adjusts based on your credit usage, credit score, and payment behavior. You can earn cash back rewards on your purchases, which will be automatically credited to your billing statement without manual redemption. Plus, it offers instant card numbers soon after approval, making it a great option if you need to use your card right away.

  • 2% cash back on the first $50,000 of eligible purchases per calendar year, then 1% cash back thereafter

  • $250 statement credit as a welcome offer when you spend at least $3,000 in purchases within the first three months of opening an account
  • 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months
  • $0 annual fee

Charity Charge Nonprofit Business Card: Best for Vendor Discounts & No Personal Guarantee

Intro APRN/A
Regular APRNone as balance is due in full by the payment due date
Annual Fee$0
Credit NeededGood - Excellent
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Why We Like It

The Charity Charge Nonprofit Business Card is built exclusively for the nonprofit community. It does not require a personal guarantee, which means you won’t be held personally liable for your nonprofit organization’s financial obligations. Plus, you can earn rebates through the Mastercard® Easy Savings program and enjoy exclusive discounts through CHAMPS GPO. Note that your entire balance is due every billing cycle.

  • Mastercard® Easy Savings provides automatic rebates on selected merchants
  • 10% to 20% discounts on office supplies, shipping, transportation, medical supplies, and more when CHAMPS Group Purchasing manages pricing with your preferred vendors

  • Credit history for nonprofits
  • Unlimited cards at no additional costs and adjustable limits
  • Online tools and account management, including QuickBooks integration and real-time monitoring of transactions online

Ramp Card: Best for Large Organizations That Need a High Credit Limit

Intro APRNone
Regular APRNone
Annual Fee$0
Credit NeededPoor to Excellent
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Why We Like It

Ramp is a corporate charge card designed for large organizations needing a high credit limit, as it offers up to 20× higher credit limits than traditional business credit cards. What’s more, you can earn unlimited cash back on all your purchases and benefit from time-saving software.

  • Up to 1.5% cash back on all purchases

  • $0 annual and foreign transaction fees
  • No personal credit check
  • No personal guarantee
  • Seamless platform with robust controls (you can set individual limits, block merchants, and monitor spending)

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card: Best for ExtendPay® Plan & $100 Annual Software Credit

Intro APR0% intro on purchases for 12 billing cycles
Regular APR17.24% - 26.24% Variable
Annual Fee$0
Credit NeededExcellent, Good

Why We Like It

One of the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card’s unique features is its ExtendPay® Plan, which lets you pay off your eligible balance in monthly installments without interest—just a small monthly fee. If your nonprofit also spends on software subscriptions, you will receive an annual $100 statement credit, helping you save money on this recurring expense.

  • 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals when you book directly through the Travel Rewards Center
  • 3% cash back at gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

  • $750 in cash back when you spend $6,000 in the first 180 days of opening your account
  • $0 annual fee
  • 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months
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U.S. Bank Mastercard® Community Rewards Card: Best for Unlimited Rewards & No Personal Guarantee

Intro APRN/A
Regular APRN/A (Pay-in-full card)
Annual Fee$99
Credit Needed

Why We Like It

The U.S. Bank Mastercard® Community Rewards Card is specifically designed for nonprofits, municipalities, and government entities. It doesn’t need a personal guarantee and charges a low annual fee of $99. Plus, you’ll earn unlimited cash back on your purchases, as well as rebates at selected merchants through the Mastercard Easy Savings® program.

  • 1% cash back on all qualifying net purchases
  • Automatic rebates at selected participating merchants through the Mastercard Easy Savings® program

  • Various rewards redemption options, including the following:
    • As a deposit into your U.S. Bank business checking, savings, or money market account.
    • As a statement credit to your credit card account
    • Through a U.S. Bank Rewards Card
  • Other Mastercard benefits, including the Car Rental Collision Damage Waiver Insurance and ID Theft Protection™
  • Detailed spending analysis
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American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for Earning Rewards in Your Top Two Categories

Intro APRN/A
Regular APR17.74% - 28.49% Variable
Annual Fee$375
Credit NeededExcellent, Good

Why We Like It

With American Express® Business Gold Card, you don’t have to second guess where your organization will spend the most because it lets you earn premium rewards on your top two spending categories, allowing you to maximize your rewards-earning potential. While it charges a high annual fee of $375, it comes with several perks like a $0 foreign transaction fee and baggage insurance plan.

  • 4× points per dollar on the first $150,000 in combined purchases on the top two business categories each calendar year, including the following:
    • Purchases at US media providers for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)
    • U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
    • U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
    • U.S. purchases at gas stations
    • Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
    • Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
  • 3× points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com
  • 1× points per dollar on all other eligible purchases

  • 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of opening an account
  • Up to $240 annual credit for eligible US purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and office supply stores, $20 in statement credits monthly, enrollment required
  • Up to $155 annual credit for Walmart+ membership
  • No preset spending limit—the amount you can spend adapts based on your purchase, payment, and credit history

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best for Travel & High Welcome Offer

Intro APRN/A
Regular APR17.74% - 26.74% Variable
Annual Fee$95
Credit NeededExcellent, Good

Why We Like It

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card lets you earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 in the first three months after account opening, as well as up to 5 points on your regular purchases. You can redeem your rewards in various ways, including cash back, gift cards, travel experiences, and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards. If you redeem for travel, your points are worth 25% more.

  • 5×points per dollar on Lyft rides through March 2025
  • 3× points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in selected categories for each account anniversary year—categories include travel, shipping purchases, advertising on search engines and social media sites, and expenses on internet, cable, and phone services
  • Unlimited 1× point per dollar spent on all other purchases

  • Low annual fee of $95
  • $0 foreign transaction fees
  • Chase Pay Over Time feature lets you pay off an eligible purchase of $100 or more in smaller, equal monthly payments with no interest, just a fixed monthly fee with plan durations ranging from three to 24 months

Capital One Spark Cash Plus: Best for Nonprofits with Significant Expenses

Intro APRN/A
Regular APR25.74% (Variable)
Annual Fee$150
Credit NeededExcellent

Why We Like It

With Capital One Spark Cash Plus, you’ll receive a $2,000 cash back once you spend $30,000 in the first three months of card ownership. This is ideal for those with significant expenses because you’ll earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500,000 spent during the first year. Note that you need to pay your full balance each month.

  • 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2% cash back on all other purchases

  • $150 annual fee refund when you spend $150,000 annually
  • No preset spending limit, so your credit limit adjusts based on your needs and other financial considerations
  • $0 foreign transaction fees

How We Selected the Best Nonprofit Credit Cards

We selected the best credit cards for nonprofits based on features that may be valuable to nonprofit organizations, like premium rewards on specific categories or fixed-rate rewards. We prioritize cards that are specifically designed for nonprofits and government entities. We also considered the introductory and ongoing rewards, low or no annual fees, and reasonable interest rates, which are ways that can help your organization save money.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which nonprofits need a business credit card?

Nonprofits with recurring expenses should apply for a business credit card. For example, a business credit card may be helpful if your organization holds events regularly. It provides your organization with direct access to funds even when it’s falling short on donations.

What are the benefits of having a business credit card as a nonprofit?

A business credit card provides easier access to capital, helping you with your funding needs. You can also benefit from rewards, like cash back or points. What’s more, business credit cards can help build credit for your organization. Good credit is essential if you want your organization to be eligible for other financing options. Besides that, it also makes your organization more appealing to corporations offering investment opportunities and grants.

How do nonprofits apply for a business credit card?

The application process varies among credit card issuers. Usually, issuers will check the personal credit score of the nonprofit organization’s executive director or board chair. Most issuers will require a personal guarantee from the authorized representative of the nonprofit organization, while some don’t.

You may also need to submit requirements, such as the representatives’ identification documents, proof of revenue, and nonprofit registration. As these requirements vary per issuer, it’s best to check with your chosen credit card company before you apply.

What should I consider when choosing the best nonprofit credit card?

To choose the best nonprofit credit card for your organization, compare options that offer no or low annual fees, generous reward programs, and other perks that may be useful for your cause. Consider the expense categories where your organization spends the most, and find a card that rewards you on those categories. On top of that, consider how you can redeem the rewards. A card that lets you use rewards for charitable donations may also be a good option.

How can I accept credit card donations as a nonprofit?

To accept credit card donations, you need to find a payment processor or online donation tool that works with your nonprofit’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system. Examples of payment processors are PayPal and Stripe—they offer a platform for your target audience to donate to your cause. You may also use actual donation tools like Fundly and DonorBox, which offer more features that your organization may find useful.

Keep in mind that these platforms may have fees, so it’s best to check how much they cost and choose one that works best for your organization.

Bottom Line

The best nonprofit credit card lets you earn rewards for your purchases, especially in spending categories where you spend the most. Choose a card that offers features that are beneficial to your organization. In addition, consider other perks that may be useful, including a 0% introductory APR, a $0 annual fee, welcome offers, and expense reporting tools.

Fit Small Business has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fit Small Business and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

To see rates & fees for the American Express cards mentioned in this article, reference the following links below:
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card
American Express® Business Gold Card

Benilyn Formoso

Benilyn Formoso-Suralta is a staff writer at Fit Small Business focusing on finance, accounting, and Small Business Loans. She brings with her 12 years of experience as a banking officer with the Bank of the Philippine Islands with expertise in consumer banking, real estate sales, and foreign exchanges.

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