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The best business credit cards for restaurant owners reward the usual purchases that restaurant businesses usually spend on, such as supplies, marketing expenses, and utilities. Since restaurants typically purchase in bulk, owners can benefit from business cards with high or flexible credit limits. Make sure to choose a card with low costs and other features that are valuable for your business.
These are our eight best credit cards for restaurant owners:
- American Express Blue Business Cash™: Overall best business credit card with fixed-rate rewards and Expanded Buying Power
- U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for restaurant owners with recurring software expenses
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards: Best for earning cash back in the category of your choice
- Ramp: Best for robust financial management tools and no personal guarantee
- card_name: Best for earning premium rewards for large purchases
- U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card: Best for earning premium rewards on the top two expense categories
- card_name: Best for lucrative welcome offer and premium rewards on advertising
- Amazon Business Prime American Express Card: Best for restaurant owners who frequently shop at Whole Foods Market and Amazon stores
If you want to see additional options, check out our recommendations for the best purchasing cards.
Overview of the Best Business Credit Cards for Restaurant Owners 2024
Best For | Annual Fee | Welcome | Ongoing Rewards | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 American Express Blue Business Cash™ | (Overall) Fixed-rate rewards and Expanded Buying Power | $0 | $250 cash back | Up to 2% cash back | |
 U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® | Recurring software expenses | $0 | $750 cash back | Up to 5% cash back | |
 Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards | Earning cash back in the category of your choice | $0 | $300 online statement credit | Up to 3% cash back | |
 Ramp Credit Card | Robust financial management tools and no personal guarantee | $0 | None | Up to 1.5% cash back | |
card_name | Earning premium rewards for large purchases | annual_fees | bonus_miles | Up to 5% cash back | |
 U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card | Earning premium rewards on the top two expense categories | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 thereafter | $750 bonus cash back | Up to 5% cash back | |
card_name | Lucrative welcome offer and premium rewards on advertising | annual_fees | bonus_miles | Up to 5x points | |
 Amazon Business Prime American Express Card | Restaurant owners who frequently shop at Whole Foods Market and Amazon stores | $0—requires Amazon Prime membership | $125 Amazon.com gift card | Up to 5% cash back |
If you want to see how a credit card stacks up against others, click Add to Compare on the cards. Note that you can compare up to three credit cards on this page or a card here against others on our site.
American Express Blue Business Cash™: Overall Best Business Credit Card With Fixed-Rate Rewards & Expanded Buying Power
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want better cash back rewards
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.99% - 25.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.99% - 25.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- 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.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome offer
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter. (Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.99% - 25.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.99% - 25.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- 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.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome offer
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter. (Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)
Why We Like It
This is our overall best business credit card for restaurant owners because of its simple rewards structure that lets you earn fixed-rate cash back on all purchases, regardless of spending categories. It also features Expanded Buying Power, allowing you to spend over your credit limit based on your spending habits, credit score, payment history, and other financial factors.
- 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in annual purchases, then 1% cash back after the cap is reached
- $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first three months from the date of account opening
- 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles
- $0 annual fee
Because of these perks, it’s no surprise that this card also leads our roundup of the top cash back business credit cards.
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for Restaurant Owners With Recurring Software Expenses
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
Those wanting to earn up to 5% cash back with long 0% APR period
Intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 12 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.49% - 27.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $750 in cash back. Just spend $6000 on the Account Owner's card in the first 180 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- 0% purchase APR for 12 months
- $0 annual fee
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan feature
Cons
- No 0% APR on balance transfers
- Charges balance transfer and foreign transaction fees
- 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.
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan: Pay off your eligible balance over time with this feature without interest—just pay a small monthly fee
Intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 12 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.49% - 27.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $750 in cash back. Just spend $6000 on the Account Owner's card in the first 180 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- 0% purchase APR for 12 months
- $0 annual fee
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan feature
Cons
- No 0% APR on balance transfers
- Charges balance transfer and foreign transaction fees
- 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.
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan: Pay off your eligible balance over time with this feature without interest—just pay a small monthly fee
Why We Like It
Restaurant owners who invest in software subscriptions like QuickBooks and FreshBooks will find this card valuable. You’ll receive a $100 annual statement credit for these expenses—and this is on top of the regular rewards you’ll get on purchases, up to 5% cash back.
- 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the Travel Rewards Center
- 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
- $750 cash back after spending at least $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 180 days from the date of account opening
- U.S. Bank’s ExtendPay® Plan lets you pay your eligible balance over time without interest, just a small monthly fee
- 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles
- $0 annual fee
Its generous rewards and the ways to save on credit costs are why it is our top business credit card with no annual fees.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards: Best for Earning Cash Back in the Category of Your Choice
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
BEST FOR:
Those who want to earn 3% cash back in a spending category of their choice
Intro APR
0%
9 billing cycles
9 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases
Annual Fee
$0.00
Credit Needed
Excellent
- Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations & EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services, 2% cash back on dining purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll earn 3% cash back on purchases in the category of your choice and 2% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
- You can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back in your selected choice category and up to 3.5% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in those combined purchases each calendar year, and up to an unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Choose how to redeem your cash rewards-as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you. Cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to the Mobile Banking app or Business Advantage 360, our small business online banking. You can change it once each calendar month, or make no change and it stays the same.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
- Offers flexible redemption options
- $0 annual fee
- Welcome offer
Cons
- Premium cash back rewards are capped on a selected spending category
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Short introductory APR period
- Access to a business credit score: Bank of America lets you view and monitor your Dun & Bradstreet business credit score for free through Business Advantage 360.
- Zero liability protection: Stay protected against unauthorized transactions. Bank of America offers additional protections that cover certain purchases against loss, damage, theft, or fire and provides extended warranty coverage.
- Fraud monitoring: Bank of America will block potential fraud if it detects abnormal patterns in your transactions. It’ll also notify you if it suspects any fraudulent activity.
Intro APR
0%
9 billing cycles
9 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases
Annual Fee
$0.00
Credit Needed
Excellent
- Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations & EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services, 2% cash back on dining purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll earn 3% cash back on purchases in the category of your choice and 2% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
- You can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back in your selected choice category and up to 3.5% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in those combined purchases each calendar year, and up to an unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Choose how to redeem your cash rewards-as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you. Cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to the Mobile Banking app or Business Advantage 360, our small business online banking. You can change it once each calendar month, or make no change and it stays the same.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
- Offers flexible redemption options
- $0 annual fee
- Welcome offer
Cons
- Premium cash back rewards are capped on a selected spending category
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Short introductory APR period
- Access to a business credit score: Bank of America lets you view and monitor your Dun & Bradstreet business credit score for free through Business Advantage 360.
- Zero liability protection: Stay protected against unauthorized transactions. Bank of America offers additional protections that cover certain purchases against loss, damage, theft, or fire and provides extended warranty coverage.
- Fraud monitoring: Bank of America will block potential fraud if it detects abnormal patterns in your transactions. It’ll also notify you if it suspects any fraudulent activity.
Why We Like It
The card lets you earn premium cash back rewards on your chosen spending category, which you can change every month. Besides that, you can enjoy $0 annual fees and 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles.
- 3% cash back in the category of your choice and 2% cash back on dining on the first $50,000 in combined purchases each calendar year
- 1% cash back after the cap is met and on all other purchases
- $300 online statement credit after spending at least $3,000 in purchases within the first 90 days from the date of account opening
- Up to 75% additional cash back through Bank of America’s Preferred Rewards for Business
- Flexible redemption options let you redeem earned cash back as a deposit to your Bank of America checking or savings account, as a card statement credit, or as a check mailed to you
This card is also one of our leading business cards for startups due to its unique rewards structure.
Ramp Credit Card: Best for Robust Financial Management Tools & No Personal Guarantee
Ramp Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those who are using Ramp as their main financial management tool
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
None
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Poor to Excellent
- Up to 1.5% cash back on purchases, regardless of spending categories
Pros
- Offers rewards for cardholders
- Does not charge additional fees
- Offers direct integrations to notable accounting tasks
Cons
- Requires paying balances in full each month
- Is unavailable to sole proprietors and unincorporated businesses
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator at (800) 397-9010 if you are in the United States or (303) 967-1093 if you are outside of the US if you need emergency assistance.
- Purchase security: Receive a maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder in cases of theft or damage to purchases made with your card.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: When using this card for renting a car, you can be reimbursed for damages caused by theft or collision up to the Actual Cash Value of most rented cars. Note that rental periods of 31 consecutive days are covered.
- Extended warranty protection: Extend warranties for eligible purchases made with your covered account and/or rewards programs associated with your account.
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
None
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Poor to Excellent
- Up to 1.5% cash back on purchases, regardless of spending categories
Pros
- Offers rewards for cardholders
- Does not charge additional fees
- Offers direct integrations to notable accounting tasks
Cons
- Requires paying balances in full each month
- Is unavailable to sole proprietors and unincorporated businesses
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator at (800) 397-9010 if you are in the United States or (303) 967-1093 if you are outside of the US if you need emergency assistance.
- Purchase security: Receive a maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder in cases of theft or damage to purchases made with your card.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: When using this card for renting a car, you can be reimbursed for damages caused by theft or collision up to the Actual Cash Value of most rented cars. Note that rental periods of 31 consecutive days are covered.
- Extended warranty protection: Extend warranties for eligible purchases made with your covered account and/or rewards programs associated with your account.
Why We Like It
Despite being a corporate charge card, it is ideal for restaurant owners who want a robust expense management system that allows them to streamline their expenses in one platform and earn fixed-rate cash back rewards. What’s great about it is that you don’t need to provide a personal guarantee to get qualified—this means you won’t be personally liable for your business’s obligations. Plus, you can enjoy exclusive partner discounts on top of earning rewards on purchases.
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Up to 20x higher credit limits compared to most other small business credit cards
- $0 annual and foreign transaction fees
- Unlimited virtual and physical cards at no additional cost
It is our leading corporate card because of its streamlined platform and generous rewards.
card_name: Best for Earning Premium Rewards for Large Purchases
card_name
BEST FOR:
Those who make large purchases frequently
Intro APR
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual Fee
annual_fees
Credit Needed
credit_score_needed
- Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
- Travel Benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, No Foreign Transaction Fees and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
- The only business credit card with 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more.
- For businesses who prefer to pay their balance in full each month, Ink Business Premier gives access to increased spending power, rich rewards, and premium benefits.
- Pay off eligible purchases over time with interest up to assigned Flex for Business limit. All other purchases must be paid in full each month.
- Purchase with confidence with built-in protections like Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
- There's no additional cost for employee cards. Monitor spend with digital tools like purchase alerts, set spending limits, reporting, and more.
- Member FDIC
Pros
- Offers premium rewards for new and existing cardholders
- Does not charge foreign transaction fees
- Has the option to pay for qualifying purchases in installments through Flex for Business
Cons
- Does not have interest-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers
- Charges a high annual fee
- Requires for you to pay in full each month
- Need to make large purchases within a short period of time to qualify for its sign up bonus
- Cellphone protection: You and your employees listed on your monthly cellphone bill can get up to $1,000 per claim against covered theft or damage
- Extended warranty protection: You can extend the United States manufacturer’s warranty period by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance: If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather, and other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses, which includes passenger fares, tours, and hotels.
- Flex for Business: Allows a portion of your Credit Access Line to be used for qualifying purchases over time with interest.
- Free employee cards: You can request employee cards at no additional cost and set individual spending limits—helping you earn rewards faster.
Intro APR
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual Fee
annual_fees
Credit Needed
credit_score_needed
- Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
- Travel Benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, No Foreign Transaction Fees and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
- The only business credit card with 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more.
- For businesses who prefer to pay their balance in full each month, Ink Business Premier gives access to increased spending power, rich rewards, and premium benefits.
- Pay off eligible purchases over time with interest up to assigned Flex for Business limit. All other purchases must be paid in full each month.
- Purchase with confidence with built-in protections like Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
- There's no additional cost for employee cards. Monitor spend with digital tools like purchase alerts, set spending limits, reporting, and more.
- Member FDIC
Pros
- Offers premium rewards for new and existing cardholders
- Does not charge foreign transaction fees
- Has the option to pay for qualifying purchases in installments through Flex for Business
Cons
- Does not have interest-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers
- Charges a high annual fee
- Requires for you to pay in full each month
- Need to make large purchases within a short period of time to qualify for its sign up bonus
- Cellphone protection: You and your employees listed on your monthly cellphone bill can get up to $1,000 per claim against covered theft or damage
- Extended warranty protection: You can extend the United States manufacturer’s warranty period by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance: If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather, and other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses, which includes passenger fares, tours, and hotels.
- Flex for Business: Allows a portion of your Credit Access Line to be used for qualifying purchases over time with interest.
- Free employee cards: You can request employee cards at no additional cost and set individual spending limits—helping you earn rewards faster.
Why We Like It
Restaurant businesses are expected to have substantial expenses because they normally purchase supplies in bulk. For this reason, this pay-in-full card is a valuable option because it provides a high cash back rate on purchases of $5,000 or more. Besides that, it comes with a generous welcome offer of a $1,000 cash bonus if you spend at least $10,000 in the first three months of opening an account.
- 5% cash back on Lyft rides (until March 2025)
- 2.5% cash back on $5,000 or more in single purchases
- 2% cash back on all other purchases
- Free employee cards
- Flex for Business option lets you carry a balance with interest
- Flexible redemption options let you redeem your cash back as a statement credit, bank deposit, travel, gift cards, Apple products, and more
U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card: Best for Earning Premium Rewards on the Top Two Expense Categories
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.49% - 26.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0 Intro Annual Fee for the first year, $95 therafter.
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Earn $750 in rewards when you spend $7,500 in eligible purchases on the account owner's card within the first 120 days of opening your account.
- Earn 2% back in the top two categories where you spend the most each month automatically.
- 1% cash per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No reward caps or limits on the total rewards your business can earn. Redeem for your choice of cash back, gift cards, merchandise and travel.
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- Personalized ongoing rewards
- Large welcome offer
- Unlimited points
Cons
- Requires excellent credit
- No introductory 0% annual percentage rate (APR)
- Rewards have expiration
- Extended warranty protection: The issuer will double an original manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year for warranties of three years or less. The coverage is limited to $10,000 per item.
- Purchase protection: Protection for items that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per cardholder, per year.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.49% - 26.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0 Intro Annual Fee for the first year, $95 therafter.
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Earn $750 in rewards when you spend $7,500 in eligible purchases on the account owner's card within the first 120 days of opening your account.
- Earn 2% back in the top two categories where you spend the most each month automatically.
- 1% cash per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No reward caps or limits on the total rewards your business can earn. Redeem for your choice of cash back, gift cards, merchandise and travel.
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- Personalized ongoing rewards
- Large welcome offer
- Unlimited points
Cons
- Requires excellent credit
- No introductory 0% annual percentage rate (APR)
- Rewards have expiration
- Extended warranty protection: The issuer will double an original manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year for warranties of three years or less. The coverage is limited to $10,000 per item.
- Purchase protection: Protection for items that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per cardholder, per year.
Why We Like It
It lets you earn automatic premium rewards on the top two expense categories where you spend the most each month. You can redeem your rewards as gift cards, merchandise, travel, and cash back. This is ideal for restaurant owners who have varied expenses and don’t want to keep track of expense categories.
- 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center
- 2% cash back in the top two categories where you spend the most each month automatically
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
- $0 annual fee for the first year, then you only need to pay $95 thereafter
- $750 bonus cash back after spending $7,500 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of opening an account
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan lets you pay your eligible balance over time without interest, with only a small fixed monthly fee
- $0 foreign transaction fees
Its practical rewards program is one of the reasons we also recommend it as one of the top business cash back credit cards.
card_name: Best for Lucrative Welcome Offer and Premium Rewards on Advertising
card_name
BEST FOR:
Maximizing travel rewards at a lower annual fee
Intro APR
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual Fee
annual_fees
Credit Needed
credit_score_needed
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed 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
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
Pros
- Reward points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® card
- Comprehensive travel and purchase protection
- $0 foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No interest-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers
- With annual fee
- Need to make extremely large purchases to qualify for the welcome offer
- Cellphone protection: Get up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees listed on your monthly cellphone bill
- Purchase protection: Can cover your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft of up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account
- Extended warranty protection: You can extend the period of the United States manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Fraud monitoring: Chase will help keep your accounts safe with account alerts―and you can choose how you’d like to receive them
- Free employee cards: You can create employee cards at no additional cost, and lets you set individual spending limits―helping you earn rewards even faster
Intro APR
intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual Fee
annual_fees
Credit Needed
credit_score_needed
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed 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
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
Pros
- Reward points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® card
- Comprehensive travel and purchase protection
- $0 foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No interest-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers
- With annual fee
- Need to make extremely large purchases to qualify for the welcome offer
- Cellphone protection: Get up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees listed on your monthly cellphone bill
- Purchase protection: Can cover your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft of up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account
- Extended warranty protection: You can extend the period of the United States manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Fraud monitoring: Chase will help keep your accounts safe with account alerts―and you can choose how you’d like to receive them
- Free employee cards: You can create employee cards at no additional cost, and lets you set individual spending limits―helping you earn rewards even faster
Why We Like It
Restaurant owners often have substantial expenses, especially when they are still setting up the business. If this is the case, you will benefit from this card’s high welcome offer and a potential high credit limit. In addition, the card comes with a high rewards rate on advertising, which is necessary for your restaurant business.
- 5x points on Lyft rides (until March 2025)
- 3x points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 combined purchases in the following categories:
- Shipping purchases
- Advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines
- Internet, cable, and phone services
- Travel
- 1x points on all other purchases
- 120,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening an account
- 25% more points value when you redeem them for travel through Chase TravelSM
- Flexible redemption options let you redeem for cash back, gift cards, travel experiences, and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- $0 foreign transaction fee
- Low annual fee of $95
It is also one of our top business cards with high credit limits because of its lucrative welcome offer with substantial spending requirements.
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card: Best for Restaurant Owners Who Frequently Shop at Whole Foods Market & Amazon Stores
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
BEST FOR:
5% back or 90-day repayment terms
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.99% - 26.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Eligible Prime Members get a $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card.
- Take advantage of 5% Back or 90 day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with eligible Prime membership. You can earn 5% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter
- 2% Back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
- 1% Back on other purchases
- No Annual Fee¤
- Back your business with the broad selection of Amazon and the service of American Express. Stay focused on your top business priorities, knowing we’re behind you.
- Redeem rewards on millions of items during checkout at Amazon.com and Amazon Business (U.S.) or apply towards a purchase on your statement.
- Terms apply.
Pros
- 5% back or 90-day terms
- $0 annual and foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Only for Amazon Prime members
- Return protection: American Express will provide a refund for an item purchased within 90 days that cannot be returned to the merchant. Refunds are limited to $300 per item, up to $1,000 per cardmember, per calendar year.
- Baggage insurance: Get reimbursed for lost, damaged, or stolen luggage is damaged, lost, or stolen when you pay for your trip with your card, American Express will pay up to $1,250 per covered person for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage.
- Car rental insurance: Get coverage for theft or damage of a car rental, up to $50,000. Cardholders can waive the collision insurance offered by the auto rental agency.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.99% - 26.99% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Eligible Prime Members get a $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card.
- Take advantage of 5% Back or 90 day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with eligible Prime membership. You can earn 5% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter
- 2% Back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
- 1% Back on other purchases
- No Annual Fee¤
- Back your business with the broad selection of Amazon and the service of American Express. Stay focused on your top business priorities, knowing we’re behind you.
- Redeem rewards on millions of items during checkout at Amazon.com and Amazon Business (U.S.) or apply towards a purchase on your statement.
- Terms apply.
Pros
- 5% back or 90-day terms
- $0 annual and foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Only for Amazon Prime members
- Return protection: American Express will provide a refund for an item purchased within 90 days that cannot be returned to the merchant. Refunds are limited to $300 per item, up to $1,000 per cardmember, per calendar year.
- Baggage insurance: Get reimbursed for lost, damaged, or stolen luggage is damaged, lost, or stolen when you pay for your trip with your card, American Express will pay up to $1,250 per covered person for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage.
- Car rental insurance: Get coverage for theft or damage of a car rental, up to $50,000. Cardholders can waive the collision insurance offered by the auto rental agency.
Why We Like It
Those who shop at Whole Foods Market and Amazon stores frequently and have an active Prime membership would benefit from this card. You can choose between earning cash back or getting 90-day terms, depending on your business needs. You can also earn rewards on purchases made outside of Amazon.
- 90-day term or 5% cash back rewards—if you choose to earn cash back rewards, you can earn 5% cash back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year
- 2% cash back at US restaurants, gas stations, and wireless phone services
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- $125 Amazon.com gift card upon card approval
- $0 annual and foreign transaction fees
- Travel benefits like Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist® Hotline, Baggage Insurance Plan
Its benefits and perks are why it is our leading business credit card for Amazon purchases.
How We Selected the Best Business Credit Cards for Restaurant Owners
When selecting the best credit cards for restaurant owners, we first consider the introductory and ongoing rewards. We also considered the annual fees, other fees, introductory and ongoing APRs, and additional features that restaurant owners may find valuable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When looking for the best business credit cards for restaurant owners, you must consider the following factors:
- Rewards earned from your regular expenses: Typically, the majority of your business expenses as a restaurant owner will come from food suppliers and wholesalers. Finding a credit card that rewards these expenses will help you maximize your earnings.
- Costs: Consider cards that can help you save on overall credit costs, so check the card’s annual fees and APRs.
- Additional features: Make sure to check the available expense management tools that come with the card to help make your financial reporting easier.
- Credit limit: Most restaurant businesses have significant expenses each month so you need access to a substantial credit limit to use as your working capital.
A business credit card helps you separate your business and personal expenses, which is crucial if you want to keep your business finances smooth and organized. As a restaurant owner, you also need access to a credit line to help fund your business’s regular working capital needs. On top of that, using business credit cards can also help build business credit, which will eventually allow you to access a wide range of business financing options.
To make the most out of your business credit card, ensure to maximize its rewards-earning potential and redeem your rewards for your business’s needs. If the card offers a sign-up bonus, try to earn it by meeting the spending requirements on necessary purchases. Moreover, take advantage of introductory 0% APR offers to help alleviate your financial obligations by paying off your bill in installments without interest, and make use of the free financial reporting tools that come with your business credit cards to keep your transactions smooth and regularly monitored.
Bottom Line
The best credit cards for restaurant owners should align with your spending habits and funding needs. Make sure to choose a card that provides premium rewards on your regular expenses—but if you have varied expenses each month, a fixed-rate rewards card may be right for you. Additionally, choose a card that lets you save on costs and provides features that are most valuable for your business.
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.
