A nonprofit credit card offers introductory rewards up to $1,000, ongoing rewards up to 5%, and APRs starting at 11.99%. The best options minimize costs, so we chose mostly credit cards for nonprofits with no annual fees. We feature one card that caters to nonprofits, but the best business cards offer better terms.
Top 10 Best Nonprofit Credit Cards November 2019
Card | Best For |
|---|---|
(Best Overall) Earning top cash back rewards | |
Strong travel rewards | |
Fixed-rate cash back and introductory rewards | |
0% APR on purchases and balance transfers | |
2% cash back on all spending | |
2x points on all spending | |
Annual credit card expenses less than $19,000 | |
Low ongoing APR | |
Discounts at more than 200 national vendors and no personal guarantee | |
Fair credit (580 to 669) |
What’s Changed With Credit Cards for Nonprofits
The updates to our list of the best business credit cards for nonprofits reflect the Federal Reserve’s short-term interest rate cut Sept. 18, 2019. We also added two business credit cards to our list. This article was originally published in June 2019. SEE LATEST CHANGES IN DETAIL
Federal Reserve Cuts Short-term Interest Rates
On September 18, 2019, the Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 0.25%, its second rate cut since July. We monitor rate changes because they impact the APRs banks charge on business cards. Credit card APRs are based on a set percentage rate over the prime rate. When the prime rate changes, so do APRs. Following the September rate cut, American Express, Capital One, and Bank of America reduced their card interest rates.
We Added a New Small Business Credit Card
In July, the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® improved its introductory APR offer, which has caught the attention of many business owners. It charges no annual fee and no interest for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers. Plus, you can earn up to 3% cash back in three separate spending categories.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card Joins Our List
In July, American Express announced the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card as an effort to rebrand American Express SimplyCash® Plus. This card offers ongoing rewards of 2% cash back on all spending up to $50,000 annually, then 1% thereafter. Plus, it charges no annual fee and no interest for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. However, there are no introductory rewards, which makes this card less appealing to some nonprofit organizations.
Applying for a Nonprofit Credit Card
A nonprofit organization is tax-exempt, which means it doesn’t pay income tax on the money that it earns. If you have a nonprofit, it doesn’t mean your organization doesn’t generate profits, but it means it doesn’t generate revenue to harvest income. Nonprofits can operate in religious, scientific, research, or educational settings. To receive tax-exempt status you must apply for an EIN number.
As a nonprofit, you can apply for a business credit card with your Employer Identification Number (EIN). Additionally, most business credit cards require a personal guarantee, which requires a personal credit check and means you become personally liable for the business’s debts. Typically, the owner of the nonprofit organization or the account holder provides the personal guarantee. However, we included one business credit card without a personal guarantee.
How We Evaluated the Best Nonprofit Credit Cards
Nonprofit credit cards offer a variety of introductory offers, ongoing rewards, and a range of APRs. Some of the best credit cards for nonprofits also offer introductory 0% APR financing. The best nonprofit credit card for you is the one that offers the right mix of rewards, fees, APRs, and additional features for your nonprofit organization.
In our evaluation of the best nonprofit credit cards, we considered:
- Introductory rewards: The introductory offer you can earn by meeting a minimum spending requirement. Cards on our list offer introductory rewards worth up to $1,000.
- Ongoing rewards: The ongoing rewards you’ll earn for your everyday purchases. Cards on our list offer rewards worth up to 5% of the purchase price.
- Introductory APR: Whether a card offers an introductory 0% APR period on purchases or balance transfers. The best nonprofit credit card offers include introductory interest-free financing for up to 15 billing cycles.
- Ongoing APR: How much it costs to finance purchases or balance transfers on the card after the introductory period expires. Cards on this list have ongoing APRs starting at 10.99%.
- Additional features: Any free additional perks that increase the card’s value. Most cards on our list offer extended warranty protection, purchase protection, and car rental insurance.
- Annual fee: How much it costs to own the card annually. We mostly considered cards with no annual fees. Just one card on our list charges an annual fee, which is $95.
Most business credit cards take into account your business and personal credit. Additionally, most cards also require a personal credit score of at least 670. We also include one credit card for nonprofit owners with fair credit. This card is best for you if you have a credit score between 580 and 669. Compare the best nonprofit cards to find the best option for you.
We recommend Chase Ink Business CashSM as the best nonprofit credit card. You’ll pay no annual fee and earn up to 5% cash back on purchases. You can also earn a $500 bonus after you spend $3,000 within the first three months. Plus, you’ll have interest-free financing for the first 12 months on purchases.
Chase Ink Business CashSM: Overall Best Nonprofit Credit Card
Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card
- Earn $500 bonus cash back after you spend $3,000 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 card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- No Annual Fee
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% Intro APR on Purchases | 14.99% - 20.99% Variable | $0 | Good - Excellent |
On Chase's Secure Website
Chase Ink Business CashSM is the overall best nonprofit credit card because it offers top cash back rewards and charges no annual fee. You’ll earn up to 5% cash back and $500 after you spend $3,000 within the first three months. Plus, it has no-interest financing of purchases for 12 months. Its ongoing variable APR starts at 14.99%.
Chase Ink Business CashSM Costs
Chase Ink Business CashSM charges no annual fee and no interest for 12 months on purchases. Once the introductory period ends, its ongoing variable APR is between 14.99% and 20.99%.
Financing costs and fees on Chase Ink Business CashSM include:
- Introductory APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases
- Ongoing APR: 14.99% to 20.99% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: 5% or $5, whichever is greater
Chase Ink Business CashSM is a solid option if you want a business credit card with no annual fee. However, there are other cards on this list that offer a lower ongoing APR. For example, the Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card has an ongoing APR that starts at about 4 percentage points lower than the Chase business card’s ongoing APR.
Chase Ink Business CashSM Rewards
Chase Ink Business CashSM has an introductory reward of $500 after you spend $3,000 within the first three months. It also pays up to 5% cash back, which are some of the best ongoing rewards on this list.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll earn $500 cash back after spending $3,000 within the first three months. There are other cards on our list that offer better introductory rewards. Chase Ink Business PreferredSM, for example, offers 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within three months. That reward is worth up to $1,000 in travel when you redeem your points through Chase’s online travel portal.
Ongoing Rewards
You will earn the following ongoing 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% afterward
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
We rank Chase Ink Business CashSM as one of the best cash-back business credit cards. Plus, it offers the highest ongoing rewards when compared to the other nonprofit credit cards on our list. For example, Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM only pays 1.5% cash back on all spending.
How to Redeem Your Rewards
You can redeem your rewards for cash back, gift cards, and travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Each point is worth one cent, which is similar to most cash back credit cards. If you redeem your points as cash back, you can receive them as a statement credit or deposit them into an eligible bank account from a U.S.-based bank or credit union.
Chase Ink Business CashSM Additional Features
This LLC credit card offers additional features commonly seen on business credit cards, which include car rental insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection.
Chase Ink Business CashSM comes with the following additional features:
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: The issuer provides primary coverage when you rent a vehicle for business, which replaces any insurance the rental company may offer and your personal insurance. Chase will reimburse you up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage.
- Purchase protection: Protects purchased items against damage or theft within 120 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year.
- Extended warranty protection: Provides an additional year of warranty on U.S. manufacturers’ warranties of three years or less.
These additional card features are similar to what most other cards on our list offer. However, some cards offer better coverage levels. For example, American Express Blue Business® Plus provides up to an additional two years of coverage on eligible warranties of five years or less.
What Chase Ink Business CashSM Is Missing
Chase Ink Business CashSM caps its 2% and 5% rewards categories at $25,000 in annual spending. This rewards limit can be too low for some nonprofit owners. If your nonprofit spends more than $25,000 per year, we recommend the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card. That card pays 2% cash back on all purchases up to $50,000 annually.
Chase Ink Business CashSM Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Chase Ink Business CashSM reviews are mostly positive. Nonprofit owners enjoy the top cash back rewards, however, wish the ongoing APR was lower.
User Reviews
Online user reviews are very positive. Cardholders suggest they like the lack of an annual fee and the strong cash back rewards. However, some cardholders complain the ongoing APR is high compared to other cards. For example, the Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card has an ongoing APR that starts at about 4 percentage points lower.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. We rank this Chase Ink business credit card as one of the best business credit cards. Its ongoing rewards, introductory offer, and interest-free financing set it apart from other cards on our list. However, reviewers agree it could be a stronger card if you could earn travel rewards.
How to Apply for Chase Ink Business CashSM
You can apply for Chase Ink Business CashSM online by filling out a basic application with your 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.
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM: Best for Strong Travel Rewards
Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card
- Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
- Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases - with no limit to the amount you can earn
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Redeem points for travel, cash back, gift cards and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- No foreign transaction fees
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- $95 Annual Fee
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 17.74% - 22.74% Variable | $95 | Good to Excellent |
On Chase's secure website
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM is best for national or global nonprofits that want to earn strong travel rewards. It pays 3x points per dollar spent on travel, shipping, advertising purchases, and telecommunications spending. Plus, you can earn 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 within three months. This is the only card on our list that charges an annual fee, which is $95. Ongoing APR starts at 17.74%.
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM Costs
This no foreign transaction fee card does not offer an introductory 0% APR period, and it charges an annual fee of $95. Its ongoing APR is between 17.74% and 22.74%.Financing costs and fees on Chase Ink Business PreferredSM include:Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: 17.74% to 22.74% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Annual fee: $95
- Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM is the only card on our best credit cards for nonprofits list that charges an annual fee. Typically, cards with annual fees offer large introductory offers, stronger ongoing rewards, and valuable card perks. If you decide to open a card with an annual fee, it’s important to make sure the rewards you’ll earn will offset that fee.
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM Rewards
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM card offers an introductory reward worth up to $1,000 in travel, which is the most lucrative introductory reward on our list. Plus, it pays 3x points per dollar spent while charging an annual fee less than $100.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll earn 80,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 within the first three months. These points are worth $1,000 when you redeem them for travel through Chase’s online travel portal. This introductory reward beats the $500 you could earn with Chase Ink Business CashSM.
Ongoing Rewards
You’ll earn the following ongoing 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 on internet, cable and phone services.
- 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
If your nonprofit travels often and spends heavily in the three-point category, this card could be extremely valuable. If you want to earn better travel rewards, you’ll have to get a travel rewards business credit card that charges a higher annual fee. However, we rank this card as one of the best business credit cards for travel.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your rewards for travel, cash back, or gift cards. When redeeming for cash back or gift cards, each point is worth 1 cent. Additionally, you can receive cash back rewards as a statement credit or deposit them into an eligible bank account from a U.S.-based bank or credit union. When redeeming for travel through Chase’s travel portal, each point is worth 1.25 cents.
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM Additional Features
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM offers similar additional features to most other business credit cards, which include car rental insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection.
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM includes the following benefits:
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Offers primary coverage when renting for business purposes, which means it replaces any coverage your personal insurance offers. Chase reimburses you up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage.
- Purchase protection: Covers your purchased items for 120 days against damage or theft. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year.
- Extended warranty protection: Provides up to an additional year of warranty length on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Cellphone protection: Those named on the phone bill you pay for with your card are covered for up to $600 in theft or damages per claim. You’re limited to three claims per 12-month period, with a $100 deductible per claim.
- Trip cancellation & delay insurance: If your trip is canceled, you may be compensated up to $5,000 for prepaid expenses such as airfare or hotels. If your trip is delayed for at least 12 hours, you may be reimbursed up to $500 for your hotel room, meals, and transportation.
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM offers unique card perks compared to other cards on our list, including cellphone insurance and trip cancellation insurance. If you want a travel card that offers luxury benefits like airport lounge access, you’ll have to pay a high annual fee for a lounge access business credit card.
What Chase Ink Business PreferredSM Is Missing
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM card lacks an introductory 0% APR financing period, which can be a deciding factor for some nonprofits. Plus, its ongoing APR is about one percentage point above the average ongoing APR of 17% seen on business credit cards. If you want no-interest financing, consider American Express Blue Business® Plus. That card offers an introductory 0% APR period for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers.
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Chase Ink Business PreferredSM reviews are extremely positive. Even though it has an annual fee, most reviews suggest this is the best travel credit card for nonprofits.
User Reviews
While this is the only card with an annual fee on our list, users especially enjoy the large introductory offer and strong ongoing travel rewards. However, some users complain that this card doesn’t offer enough travel perks, such as airport lounge access.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Reviewers agree this is a good travel card for nonprofits that don’t need luxury travel perks. If you want luxury travel perks, you would need to pay a high annual fee for a card like the American Express Business Platinum Card®. Additionally, some reviewers ding this Chase business card because it doesn’t offer more bonus reward categories.
How to Apply for Chase Ink Business PreferredSM
You can apply for Chase Ink Business PreferredSM online and receive a decision within minutes. You may be required to verify some business information offline, depending on your situation, but once approved, you’ll typically be able to use your card when you receive it in seven to 10 days.
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM: Best for Fixed-rate Cash Back and Introductory Rewards
Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card
- Earn $500 bonus cash back after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- No Annual Fee
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% Intro APR on Purchases | 14.99% - 20.99% Variable | $0 | Good - Excellent |
On Chase's Secure Website
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM is best for nonprofit organizations that want to earn fixed-rate cash back and a sign-up bonus. It pays 1.5% cash back on all purchases. You can also earn an introductory reward of $500 after you spend $3,000 within three months. Plus, you’ll have no-interest financing for 12 months on purchases. Ongoing APR starts at 14.99%.
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM Costs
Similar to Chase Ink Business CashSM, the Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM card charges no annual fee and no interest for 12 months on purchases. Its ongoing variable APR is between 14.99% and 20.99%.
Financing costs and fees on Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM include:
- Introductory APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases
- Ongoing APR: 14.99% to 20.99% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: 5% or $5, whichever is greater
If you want to transfer a balance, this is not the right nonprofit credit card for you. It doesn’t offer interest-free financing on balance transfers and has a high balance transfer fee. We recommend choosing a balance transfer business credit card like the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard®. That card offers an introductory 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles.
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM Rewards
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM offers $500 cash back after spending $3,000 within the first three months, which is identical to Chase Ink Business CashSM. Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM also pays 1.5% cash back.
Introductory Rewards
You will earn $500 cash back after you spend $3,000 within the first three months. If you want a more substantial introductory offer, you’ll need to choose a business credit card with an annual fee such as Chase Ink Business PreferredSM. That card charges $95 annually and has an introductory reward worth up to $1,000 in travel.
Ongoing Rewards
You will earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all spending, which makes it a solid credit card for new businesses or nonprofits that don’t want to track category rewards. If you want to earn a higher return rate, choose the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card. That card pays 2% cash back on all spending, but it does not offer any introductory rewards.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your rewards for travel, cash back, or gift cards. Each point is worth one cent. Additionally, you can receive cash back rewards as a statement credit or deposit them into an eligible bank account from a U.S.-based bank or credit union. If you transfer your rewards to a card that’s part of the Ultimate Rewards program, like Chase Ink Business PreferredSM, and redeem for travel, each point is worth 1.25 cents.
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM Additional Features
This business credit card for startups offers identical additional features to Chase Ink Business CashSM, our top pick, which includes car rental insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection.
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM comes with the following additional features:
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Provides primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes, which means it replaces your personal insurance. It may reimburse up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage.
- Purchase protection: Covers new purchases within 120 days of purchase against damage or theft. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year.
- Extended warranty protection: Offers up to an additional year of warranty on U.S. manufacturers’ warranties of three years or less.
These additional features are similar when compared to most other cards on our list. If you want to receive more benefits, you’ll need to pay for a card with an annual fee. For example, Chase Ink Business PreferredSM offers cellphone protection and trip delay insurance, but it charges $95 annually.
What Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM Is Missing
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM has a high balance transfer fee and its introductory no-interest financing only applies to purchases. This means this card is not best for you if you’re looking to transfer a balance. Instead, consider American Express Blue Business CashTM Card. That card offers no-interest financing on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months.
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM card reviews are generally positive. Reviews suggest this is a good pick if you don’t want to track category rewards, but it’s not a good card if you need to transfer a balance.
User Reviews
Online user reviews suggest that users enjoy the introductory rewards and introductory 0% APR period on purchases. However, some users complain that the fixed-rate rewards are low when compared to other credit cards. Some fixed-rate cards offer rewards up to 2%, such as the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. This Chase business credit card is a strong pick for nonprofit organizations that don’t have the time to track category bonuses. However, reviewers agree there are other cash back credit cards that offer better rewards, such as Chase Ink Business CashSM.
How to Apply for Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM
You can apply for Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM online by providing your basic 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.
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard®: Best for 0% APR On Purchases and Balance Transfers
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®
- 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
- 3% cash back on cellular, gas stations, and office supply store 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
- 0% Intro APR* on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that variable APR currently 13.99% - 24.99%*
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 13.99% - 24.99% Variable | $0 | Excellent |
On US Bank's Secure Website
The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® is best for nonprofit organizations that want the best introductory financing offer. It charges no interest on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. You’ll earn up to 3% cash back and a $500 sign-up bonus after spending $4,500 within 150 days. Ongoing APR starts at 13.99%.
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® Costs
The U.S. Bank business credit card has the best interest-free financing offer on our list. You’ll pay no annual fee and no interest on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, which also makes it a solid sole proprietorship credit card.
Financing costs and fees on the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® include:
- Introductory APR: 0% on balance transfers and purchases for the first 15 billing cycles
- Ongoing APR: 13.99% to 24.99% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the transfer, whichever is greater
- Annual fee: None
The next best introductory APR offer on our list is American Express Blue Business® Plus and the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card. Those cards charge no interest on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months. Choose one of those cards if you prefer fixed-rate rewards compared to bonus category rewards.
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® Rewards
The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® offers an introductory reward of $500 when you spend $4,500 within the first 150 days. Plus, it pays up to 3% cash back and a unique 25% annual bonus worth up to $250.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll earn $500 cash back when you spend $4,500 during the first 150 days. In comparison to other 0% APR cards, American Express Blue Business® Plus and the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card don’t offer introductory rewards.
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
If you’d rather earn fixed-rate rewards, consider American Express Blue Business® Plus and the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card. However, those cards don’t offer any introductory rewards like the $500 sign-up bonus this U.S. Bank card offers. You’ll need to decide what’s more important—fixed-rate rewards on all spending or an introductory reward.
In regard to those American Express credit cards, it would take $25,000 in spending to earn rewards equivalent to the $500 introductory reward the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® offers.
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, you’ll receive a U.S. Bank Rewards Mastercard Card. If you choose as cash back, your rewards will be deposited into your U.S. Bank business checking, savings, or money market account.
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 EliteTM MasterCard® Additional Features
The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® offers similar features to most other nonprofit credit cards on our list, which include car rental insurance, purchase security, and extended warranty protection.
The following benefits are included on your card:
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: U.S. Bank covers you in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. This coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your own personal car insurance or accept the rental company’s insurance. Coverage is limited up to $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for purchases that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per item and up to $25,000 per year.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year on warranties of five years or less. U.S. Bank will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your card up to $10,000.
This nonprofit credit card includes similar perks when compared to American Express Blue Business® Plus. However, that card offers purchase protection on items that are damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase.
What the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® Is Missing
This U.S. Bank business credit card doesn’t offer the best rewards on office supply expenses when compared to some other credit cards for nonprofits. You can earn up to 5% cash back with other cards on our list, including Chase Ink Business CashSM. However, that card does not have an introductory balance transfer offer.
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® reviews are generally positive. This card offers the best 0% APR financing period, but it could improve its ongoing rewards.
User Reviews
Online reviews are mostly positive. Cardholders suggest the introductory 0% APR period is extremely beneficial. However, some cardholders wish this credit card offered better ongoing rewards.
Editorial Reviews
We rate business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® is the best credit card for financing balance transfers or purchases. Most editorial reviewers agree that this card would be stronger if it revamped its ongoing rewards structure.
Where to Apply for the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard®
You can apply online for the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard®. You’ll be required to fill out a basic application with your business and personal information. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail within seven to 10 days.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card: Best for 2% Cash Back On All Spending
American Express® Blue Business Cash Card
- 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 and balance transfers for 12 months, then a variable rate, 14.74%, 17.74%, or 20.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% on purchases | 14.74% - 20.74% Variable | No annual fee | Good, Excellent |
on American Express® Blue Business Cash Card's secure website.
The American Express Blue Business CashTM Card is best for nonprofit owners who want to earn 2% cash back on every purchase and pay no annual fee. Other business credit cards offer an identical return rate, but charge close to $100 annually. Plus, this card also charges no interest for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. Its ongoing variable APR starts at 14.74%.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card Costs
The American Express Blue Business CashTM Card charges no annual fee and no interest for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. Be sure to pay off your balance before the ongoing APR kicks in.
Financing costs and fees on the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card include:
- Introductory APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers
- Ongoing APR: 14.74% to 20.74% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the transferred amount, whichever is greater
This American Express business credit card has an identical fee structure as American Express Blue Business® Plus. If you need more time to pay off your balance, consider the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard®. That card charges no interest for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers. However, that card pays bonus category rewards instead of fixed-rate rewards.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card Rewards
The American Express Blue Business CashTM Card pays 2% cash back on all spending on purchases up to $50,000 annually, then 1% thereafter. This card does not offer any introductory rewards.
Introductory Rewards
The American Express Blue Business CashTM Card doesn’t offer introductory rewards. Most cards on our list of the best credit cards for nonprofits offer a sign-up bonus after you meet a spending requirement. For example, Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM (1.5% cash back) offers $500 after you spend $3,000 within three months.
Ongoing Rewards
The American Express Blue Business CashTM Card offers the following ongoing rewards:
- 2% cash back on all purchases up to $50,000 each year.
- 1% cash back on all additional purchases.
In comparison, the Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM card offers 1.5% cash back, but it has no rewards cap. Choose that card if your nonprofit organization wants to earn rewards without a monetary cap like this American Express business credit card.
How to Redeem Rewards
Cardholders will receive a rebate as a statement credit for any eligible purchases on their American Express 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 June, you will see a statement credit on your August bill.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card Additional Features
The American Express Blue Business CashTM Card comes with some fairly robust protections against loss and damage, including extended warranty protection and purchase protection.
The American Express Blue Business CashTM Card offers the following additional features:
- Extended warranty protection: American Express will provide up to one additional year of coverage on the original manufacturer’s warranty of five years or less. 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.
These additional features fall short of what American Express Blue Business® Plus offers. For example, that card has a purchase protection coverage window of 120 days and offers up to two years of additional warranty coverage.
What the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card Is Missing
This card does not offer any introductory rewards. That’s a real turnoff for some nonprofit owners, especially when other cards that charge no annual fee offer introductory rewards worth up to $500 cash back. Instead, consider Chase Ink Business CashSM, which offers $500 when you spend $3,000 within three months.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. American Express introduced this card in late July, so there aren’t any user reviews yet. However, editorial reviewers agree the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card offers an excellent rewards return rate for a card that charges no annual fee.
User Reviews
This card was released in late July, and we found no online user reviews.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Reviewers suggest this card is best if you don’t want to track category bonuses. Most cards that pay up to 2% cash back also charge annual fees of nearly $100. However, this card could be stronger if it offered a sign-up bonus.
How to Apply for the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card
You can apply for the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card online, 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.
American Express Blue Business® Plus: Best for 2x Points On All Spending
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
- Get rewarded for business as usual. Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners.
- 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
- Enjoy the flexibility to put more purchases on the Card and earn rewards when you buy above your credit limit*.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- More buying power for your business means more opportunities to earn points. That’s everyday business with the Blue Business Plus Card.
- *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 and balance transfers for 12 months, then a variable rate, 14.74%, 17.74% or 20.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- Terms Apply
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% on purchases | 14.74% - 20.74% Variable | No annual fee | Good, Excellent |
on The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express's secure website.
American Express Blue Business®Plus is best for nonprofit organizations that want to earn 2x points on all purchases and have access to no-interest financing. This card charges no annual fee and interest for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. Choose this card over the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card if you’d rather earn points compared to cash back. Ongoing variable APR starts at 14.74%.
American Express Blue Business® Plus Costs
American Express Blue Business® Plus charges no annual fee and no interest for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. Its ongoing variable APR ranges between 14.74% and 20.74%.
Financing costs and fees on American Express Blue Business® Plus include:
- Introductory APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, which makes it one of the best 0% APR business credit card
- Ongoing APR: 14.74% to 20.74% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the transfer, whichever is greater
This card’s introductory 0% APR period is identical to the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card. However, that card pays its rewards in the form of cash back instead of points. Both cards offer no introductory rewards.
American Express Blue Business® Plus Rewards
American Express Blue Business® Plus is one of the few cards on our list that doesn’t offer any introductory rewards. However, it does pay 2x points on all purchases up to $50,000 annually, then 1% thereafter.
Introductory Rewards
American Express Blue Business® Plus does not offer any introductory rewards. Introductory rewards are a great way to earn some extra cash for your nonprofit. If you want the opportunity to earn a sign-up bonus, we recommend Chase Ink Business CashSM. That card offers $500 after spending $3,000 within the first three months.
Ongoing Rewards
With the American Express Blue Business® Plus card, you can earn:
- 2x points on all purchases up to $50,000 each year.
- 1x points on all additional purchases.
If your nonprofit organization spends more than $50,000 every year, you may want to consider another card to maximize your rewards. For example, Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM pays 1.5% cash back and sets no rewards spending cap.
How to Redeem Your Rewards
There are seven ways to redeem your rewards:
- For your charges: Use your points for your eligible charges on your current statement.
- Travel: Use points to book travel on American Express Travel; minimum redemption is 5,000 points.
- Gift cards: Purchase American Express gift cards.
- Amazon.com: To use points at Amazon, you must first load your card into your Amazon account and use your card at least once.
- Ticketmaster: You can redeem your points on Ticketmaster to purchase event tickets.
- AXS: You can redeem your points on AXS to purchase an event ticket.
- Taxi Fares: Redeem your points for fares (including tips) in some taxis in New York City.
This nonprofit credit card offers the most rewards redemption options among cards on our list. For example, Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM doesn’t allow you to redeem your rewards for event tickets, taxi fares, or Amazon.com purchases.
American Express Blue Business® Plus Additional Features
American Express Blue Business® Plus offers common additional card perks seen on most business credit cards, such as extended warranty protection and purchase protection.
American Express Blue Business® Plus comes with the following additional features:
- Extended warranty protection: Covers warranties of five years or less and provides up to an additional two years of warranty length. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per year.
- Purchase protection: American Express will repair, replace, or reimburse you for a purchased item that was damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per year.
American Express business credit cards are known to offer some of the highest coverage levels. In comparison, the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card only offers up to an additional one year of warranty coverage and a 90-day purchase protection coverage window.
What American Express Blue Business® Plus Is Missing
American Express Blue Business® Plus does not have any introductory rewards, which can be a deciding factor for some nonprofit organizations. If you’re looking to earn a sign-up bonus and pay no annual fee, consider Chase Ink Business CashSM. That card offers $500 after you spend $3,000 within the first three months.
American Express Blue Business® Plus Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. American Express Blue Business® Plus reviews are mixed. Reviews suggest the introductory financing period is helpful when growing a business. However, the lack of an introductory reward can be a pain point.
User Reviews
Cardholders suggest they especially love the introductory financing on both purchases and balance transfers, as most other cards don’t offer this. However, some users complain about the card’s missing sign-up bonus. This can be a deciding factor for some nonprofit organizations.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Reviewers agree this is the best credit card for nonprofits that want to access the best introductory financing for balance transfers. However, you won’t earn the extra cash some other cards provide through introductory offers.
How to Apply for American Express Blue Business® Plus
You can apply for American Express Blue Business® Plus online in a matter of minutes. You’ll be required to fill out a basic application containing your business and personal information. Once approved, you’ll receive your card within seven to 10 days.
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business: Best for Annual Card Expenses Less Than $19,000
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions
- Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Save on interest with 0% intro APR on purchases for 9 months; 14.74% - 22.74% variable APR after that
- No annual fee
- Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Rewards won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount
- $0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen
- No foreign transaction fees
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% on purchases | 14.74% - 22.74% (Variable) | $0 | Excellent, Good |
on Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business's secure website.
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business is best for nonprofit organizations that have annual credit card expenses less than $19,000. This card pays unlimited 1.5% cash back on all spending and offers interest-free financing on purchases for nine months. Plus, you can earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Its ongoing variable APR starts at 14.74%.
If your nonprofit spends more than $19,000 annually, you’ll benefit more from the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business. That card charges $95 annually, waived over the first year.
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business Costs
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business charges no annual fee and no interest for nine months on purchases. Its ongoing variable APR ranges from 14.74% to 22.74%.
Financing costs and fees on 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
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business charges no balance transfer fee, but the introductory APR only applies to purchases. If you’re looking for a balance transfer offer, consider the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard®. That card offers no-interest financing for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers.
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business Rewards
This Capital One business credit card offers a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. Plus, you’ll earn 1.5% cash back on all spending.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. If you want to earn a larger offer, consider Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM. That card offers $500 after you spend $3,000 within three months.
Ongoing Rewards
You’ll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM offers the same cash back rewards. However, Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM has a large introductory offer worth $500 and interest-free financing on purchases for 12 months.
If you would rather earn miles to redeem for travel, Capital One offers Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business. This is an identical card with the exception of its reward redemption options.
How to Redeem Your Rewards
You can redeem your rewards as a statement credit or check, for a recent transaction, for gift cards, or you can set up automatic redemption. If you choose automatic redemption, you can set a time each calendar year or when you reach a threshold ($25, $50, $100, $200, $500 or $1,500).
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business Additional Features
According to Capital One’s website, this card offers Visa® Business Benefits, which include extended warranty protection and purchase protection.
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business offers the following additional features:
- Extended warranty protection: Provides up to one additional year of coverage on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Purchase protection: Covers your purchased items for 90 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year.
These features are similar when compared to other credit cards for nonprofits on our list. Some cards offer better coverage levels like American Express business credit cards, which cover warranties of five years or less.
What Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business Is Missing
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business is not best for balance transfers because its introductory 0% APR period only applies to purchases. If you’re looking to transfer a balance, our recommendation is the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card. That card offers an introductory 0% APR period for 12 months on both purchases and balance transfers.
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 suggest this is a solid card for nonprofit organizations that have low annual credit card expenses. However, its introductory reward is low when compared to other business credit cards.
User Reviews
Online user reviews are mostly mixed. Cardholders like the card’s fixed-rate rewards and interest-free financing period. However, some users complain the introductory reward is too low when compared to other cash back credit cards.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Reviewers agree this is a good card option if you spend less than $19,000 annually. If your annual credit card expenses are at least $19,000, reviewers recommend Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business. That card pays unlimited 2% cash back on all spending but charges an annual fee of $95, waived over the first year.
How to Apply for Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business
You can apply for the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business card online. You’ll be required to provide your basic personal and business information. Once approved, you’ll receive your card within seven to 10 business days.
Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card: Best for the Lowest Ongoing APR
On Bank of America's Secure WebsiteBank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card
INTRO APR REGULAR APR ANNUAL FEE CREDIT NEEDED 0%
7 billing cycles 11.99% - 22.99% Variable APR on purchases $0.00 Excellent
Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card is best for nonprofit organizations that are seeking the lowest ongoing APR. This card has an ongoing variable APR that ranges from 11.99% to 22.99% variable and charges no annual fee, which makes it an ideal choice if you frequently carry a balance. However, this card offers no ongoing rewards, so it’s not the best card for every nonprofit organization.
Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card Costs
The Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card charges no annual fee and no interest for seven billing cycles on purchases. However, the highlight of this card is its low ongoing variable APR.
Financing costs and fees on the Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card include:
- Introductory APR: 0% APR on purchases for seven billing cycles
- Ongoing APR: 11.99% to 22.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $10 or 4% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater
This card’s introductory APR does not apply to balance transfers and it charges a relatively high balance transfer fee. This card is best if you need to access the cheapest ongoing financing. If you need to transfer a balance, there are better options on our list that offer introductory financing on purchases and balance transfers.
Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card Rewards
The Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card offers an introductory reward that is worth $300, which is low compared to other cards on our list. Plus, this card lacks an ongoing rewards program.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll receive a $300 statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in net purchases in the first 90 days your account is open. This is one of the smaller introductory rewards on our list. However, there are some cards that offer no introductory rewards like American Express Blue Business® Plus.
Ongoing Rewards
The Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card doesn’t offer any ongoing rewards in the form of points or cash back. This is the only card on our list that doesn’t offer ongoing rewards.
Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card Additional Features
The Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card doesn’t offer many additional card features, especially when you compare it to some of the best credit cards for nonprofits on our list. The only feature that stands out is its travel accident insurance. You’ll receive up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance, which covers you in case of loss of life or dismemberment.
What Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card Is Missing
Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card is the only card on our list that doesn’t offer ongoing rewards. However, this is a solid card if you plan to carry a balance because it offers the lowest ongoing APR.
Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card reviews are mixed. Both user and editorial reviews suggest this card’s value is held in its ongoing APR. However, its rewards and benefits are below average.
User Reviews
Online reviews suggest that cardholders enjoy the card’s no annual fee, low ongoing APR, and relatively low qualification requirements. However, several users complain about the card’s weak rewards program.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Editorial reviewers agree this Bank of America business card is an excellent low APR credit card. It’s a good pick for nonprofit organizations that are concerned about financing purchases. However, reviewers believe there are several other better choices.
How to Apply for Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card
You can apply online for the Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card card. Once you fill out the application form with your basic personal and business information, you’ll receive a decision immediately. Once approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail within seven to 10 days.
Charity Charge Business Mastercard®: Best for Vendor Discounts and No Personal Guarantee
Charity Charge Mastercard®
- No annual fee to use the Charity Charge Nonprofit Business card
- 1% Cash Back as an automatic rebate on your monthly statements
- Exclusive discounts at over 200+ national vendors through our partnership with Purchasing Point
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 14.90% Variable | $0 | Good - Excellent |
On Charity Carge's Secure Website
The Charity Charge Business Mastercard®, issued by Commerce Bank, caters to nonprofits that want to earn discounts at more than 200 national vendors. Plus, this card requires no personal guarantee. This means there’s no personal credit check and you—the business owner—are not personally liable for the debts. This card also pays 1% cash back on every purchase and charges no annual fee. It has an ongoing variable APR of 14.90%.
Charity Charge Business Mastercard® Costs
The Charity Charge Business Mastercard® charges no annual fee and an ongoing variable APR of 14.90%. This card does not offer an introductory 0% APR period.
Financing costs and fees on the Charity Charge Business Mastercard® include:
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: 14.90% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: None
Unlike other cards on our list, this card does not offer an introductory APR. Although its ongoing APR of 14.90% is not bad, there are other cards that offer lower APRs. For example, Bank of America® Platinum Plus® Mastercard® Business card has an ongoing APR as low as 11.99%.
Charity Charge Business Mastercard® Rewards
The Charity Charge Business Mastercard® does not offer a sign-up bonus. However, you can earn 1% cash back on all purchases as an automatic rebate to your monthly statement. Although the rewards are below-average, the lack of a personal guarantee may be more beneficial for some nonprofits.
Introductory Rewards
Much like American Express Blue Business® Plus, the Charity Charge Business Mastercard® does not offer any introductory rewards. However, this card does offer discounts at over 200 national vendors, including FedEx, which can be extremely lucrative for a handful of nonprofits.
Ongoing Rewards
You will earn 1% cash back on all spending. There are other no annual fee cards on our list that offer better fixed-rate rewards. For example, Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM pays an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all spending.
How to Redeem Rewards
Unlike other cards on our list, you don’t have multiple reward redemption options with the Charity Charge Mastercard®. Instead, you’ll automatically receive your cash back rewards as a rebate on your monthly credit card statement.
Charity Charge Business Mastercard® Additional Features
The Charity Charge Business Mastercard® offers vendor discounts, no personal guarantee, extended warranty protection, and purchase assurance.
The Charity Charge Business Mastercard® includes the following features:
- Vendor discounts: You’ll receive exclusive discounts at more than 200 national vendors through Purchasing Point. These include discounts on services at businesses such as FedEx and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. You can find all of the available vendors on the Purchasing Point’s vendor page.
- No personal guarantee: This card requires no personal guarantee, which means it doesn’t require a personal credit check. Plus, you aren’t personally liable for the company’s debt obligations.
- Extended warranty protection: Doubles the existing manufacturer’s warranty up to $10,000 per incident and $50,000 per cardholder per year.
- Purchase assurance: Replaces new purchases that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per incident and $50,000 per cardholder per year.
This is the only business credit card without a personal guarantee on our list. Liability may rest with the company or it may be held jointly between the business and individual cardholders. This can be hugely beneficial to some nonprofit owners who don’t want a card that requires a personal credit check. Additionally, this card offers exclusive discounts at more than 200 nation vendors, which is unique to this card.
What the Charity Charge Business Mastercard® Is Missing
Charity Charge Business Mastercard® doesn’t offer any introductory interest-free financing or introductory rewards. However, this card makes up for this disadvantage with its exclusive vendor discounts and no personal guarantee requirement.
Charity Charge Business Mastercard® Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. We found no Charity Charge Business Mastercard® user reviews online. However, editorial reviews suggest this card is a solid pick for nonprofits that aren’t concerned with earning the best rewards.
User Reviews
This card was introduced in June 2019, and we found no user reviews online for the Charity Charge Business Mastercard®.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. The Charity Charge Business Mastercard® is one of the few cards that specifically caters to nonprofit organizations. Reviewers agree the card’s value comes from the vendor discounts and no personal guarantee.
How to Apply for the Charity Charge Business Mastercard®
You can request an application for the Charity Charge Business Mastercard® online. You’ll receive an application in your email within 24 hours, which you can complete and submit electronically. Typically, it takes up to seven days to receive an approval because your application must be sent to Commerce Bank, which issues the card. Once approved, you’ll receive your card within seven to 10 days.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business: Best for Fair Credit
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
- Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions
- No annual fee
- Build and strengthen credit for your business by using this credit card responsibly
- $0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen
- Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases
- Rewards won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount
- No foreign transaction fees
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 24.74% (Variable) | $0 | Average, Fair, Limited |
on Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business's secure website.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business is best for nonprofit owners who want to build their business and personal credit scores. This card is designed for owners with personal credit scores between 580 and 669. It charges no annual fee and pays unlimited 1% cash back on all spending, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions. It has an ongoing variable APR of 24.74%.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Costs
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business charges no annual fee and has an ongoing variable APR of 24.74%. This card does not have an introductory 0% APR period.
Financing costs and fees on Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business include:
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: 24.74% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: None
This card’s ongoing APR is the highest when compared to other nonprofit business credit cards. However, this is the average APR for fair credit business credit cards. If you have fair credit, it’s likely you won’t be able to qualify for a card with a low ongoing APR.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Rewards
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business doesn’t have any introductory rewards, although it pays an unlimited 1% cash back on all spending, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions. These rewards are common when compared to other credit cards for fair credit.
Introductory Rewards
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business does not offer any introductory rewards, which is common for credit cards for fair credit. This is an ideal card to use to build your credit until you can qualify for a traditional nonprofit credit card. Most small business credit cards require a personal credit score of at least 670.
Ongoing Rewards
You’ll earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions. These rewards are just an added benefit, as the true value of this card is the ability to build your credit. If your personal credit score is below 580, consider a secured business credit card. Those cards have credit limits that are equal to your cash deposit and have fewer qualification requirements.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Additional Features
According to Capital One’s website, this card offers the Visa® Business Benefits, which include extended warranty protection and purchase protection.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business offers the following additional features:
- Extended warranty protection: Provides up to one additional year of coverage on eligible warranties of three years or less
- Purchase protection: Covers your purchased items for 90 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year
These features are similar to Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business, which offers 1.5% cash back. However, you won’t be able to qualify for that card with fair credit.
How to Redeem Your Rewards
You can redeem your rewards as a statement credit or check, for a recent transaction, for gift cards, or you can set up automatic redemption. If you choose automatic redemption, you can set a time each calendar year or when you reach a threshold ($25, $50, $100, $200, $500 or $1,500).
What Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Is Missing
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business doesn’t have a sign-up bonus and has a below-average ongoing rewards program. However, it’s common for nonprofit owners to use this card to build their credit and not earn the best rewards.
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 mostly positive. Both user and editorial reviews agree that this card is only valuable if you need to build your business and personal credit.
User Reviews
Online user reviews are generally positive. Most users enjoy the ability to build their business and personal credit while earning some rewards. The major downfall of this card is its low credit limits. According to Capital One’s website, credit limits start at $500.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Most reviewers agree this is one of the best nonprofit business credit cards for fair credit. It has the fewest qualification requirements when compared to any other card on our list. However, its rewards structure is below-average.
How to Apply for Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
You can apply for 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.
Bottom Line
The best nonprofit business credit cards offer introductory rewards up to $1,000, pay ongoing rewards up to 5%, and have APRs as low as 10.99%. Plus, most cards on our list charge no annual fees, which can spare your nonprofit some price pain.
For rates and fees on the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card, please click here.
For rates and fees on the American Express Blue Business® Plus, please click here.
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