Whether you’re self-employed as a freelancer, an independent contractor, or a small business owner, getting a business credit card can help keep your personal and business expenses separate. The best credit cards for self-employed individuals offer attractive rewards, come with low interest rates and fees, and let you build your business credit. Choose from cards that offer cash back, travel rewards, or points-based rewards, depending on what your business needs.
Here are the eight best business credit cards for self-employed individuals:
- card_name: Best overall business credit card for self-employed with no business credit history
- American Express Blue Business CashTM Card: Best for self-employed with the flexibility to exceed your credit limit
- Brex Card: Best for scalability with daily or monthly payment options
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best for self-employed who travel frequently
- U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for 0% annual percentage rate (APR) for 12 months and up to 5% cash back
- American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for earning premium rewards on top two spending categories
- Capital One Spark 1% Classic: Best for self-employed with fair credit
Overview of the Best Business Credit Cards for Self-employed 2024
Best For | Annual Fee | Ongoing Rewards | Credit Needed | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
card_name | Overall best business credit card for self-employed with no business credit history | annual_fees | 1.5% cash back | $750 bonus cash back | Good to Excellent | |
 American Express Blue Business CashTM | Self-employed with the flexibility to exceed your credit limit | $0 | Up to 2% cash back | $250 statement credit | Good to Excellent | |
 Brex Card | Scalability with daily or monthly payment options | No additional fees | Up to 8x points on selected categories | 10,000 points | At least Poor | |
 Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® | Self-employed who travel frequently | $0 | Up to 3x points | 30,000 bonus points | Excellent | |
 U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® | 0% APR for 12 months and up to 5% cash back | $0 | Up to 5% cash back | $750 cash back | Good to Excellent | |
 American Express® Business Gold Card | Earning premium rewards on the top two spending categories | $375 | Up to 4x points | 100,000 Membership Rewards® points | Good to Excellent | |
 Capital One Spark 1% Classic | Self-employed with fair credit | $0 | Up to 5% cash back | None | Fair |
card_name: Overall Best Business Credit Card for Self-Employed With No Business Credit History
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want fixed-rate 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- 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.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Pros
- With interest-free financing option on purchases
- Fixed unlimited cash back on all purchases
Cons
- Does not have interest-free financing option on balance transfers
- Charges high foreign transaction fees
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You can decline the company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to this card.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance.
- Purchase protection: You can ensure that your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Zero liability protection: Chase will not hold you responsible for unauthorized transactions made with both your card and your account information.
- Cellphone protection: Receive up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees included in your monthly cellphone bills when using your card to pay for it. This applies for a maximum of three claims within a 12-month period and will charge a $100 deductible per claim.
- Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- 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.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Pros
- With interest-free financing option on purchases
- Fixed unlimited cash back on all purchases
Cons
- Does not have interest-free financing option on balance transfers
- Charges high foreign transaction fees
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You can decline the company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to this card.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance.
- Purchase protection: You can ensure that your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Zero liability protection: Chase will not hold you responsible for unauthorized transactions made with both your card and your account information.
- Cellphone protection: Receive up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees included in your monthly cellphone bills when using your card to pay for it. This applies for a maximum of three claims within a 12-month period and will charge a $100 deductible per claim.
Why we like it: It is our overall best business credit card for self-employed individuals who have no business credit history and intend to build it, as Chase uses your personal credit history as a basis for approving your application. It requires a good to excellent personal credit score as part of the approval process, and using the card responsibly can help build your business credit. What’s more, it comes with a $0 annual fee and offers unlimited cash back rewards on purchases without expiration.
Consider the Chase Ink Business Unlimited® if you
- Can spend $6,000 in the first three months to earn the welcome offer
- Want to earn unlimited cash back that can be redeemed in various ways
It is one of our best business cards for businesses with no credit history. It’s worth noting, however, that the introductory 0% APR does not apply to balance transfer transactions.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card: Best for Self-employed With the Flexibility to Exceed Your Credit Limit
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want better cash back rewards
- 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, 17.74% – 25.74%, 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.
- The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- 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.)
- 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, 17.74% – 25.74%, 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.
- The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- 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: It features Expanded Buying Power, which allows you to spend beyond your credit limit whenever needed. The amount you can spend varies based on your credit usage, credit score, payment history, and other financial factors. On top of that, it lets you earn unlimited cash back that will be automatically credited to your statement balance without the need for manual redemption.
Consider the American Express Blue Business CashTM if you
- Need to use more credit from time to time
- Don’t want to redeem your rewards manually
Due to its simplicity, it tops our list of the leading cash back business cards. However, its 0% introductory APR does not apply to balance transfers.
Brex Card: Best for Scalability With Daily or Monthly Payment Options
 Brex CardBEST FOR: Those who want daily or monthly payments | |
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Why we like it: One of the rarest features found on this card is that it can be used as either a charge card (paid monthly) or a prepaid card (paid daily). Additionally, if ever you decide to scale your business and hire employees, Brex is a great choice, as it is specifically designed for startup businesses and global companies with over 10,000 employees. What’s more, it offers up to 7x or 8x points on your purchases, depending on the expense categories.
Brex Card is issued by Emigrant Bank and Fifth Third Bank, NA, and Brex has 10 partner banks—all of which are Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC)-insured. A Brex Business Account is required to get the Brex Card; learn about the account through our Brex Business Account review.
Consider the Brex Card if
- You have sufficient cash on hand to pay your balance monthly or daily
- Your business falls under information technology (IT) and life sciences due to its comprehensive perks offered for both industries
Its features and lack of additional costs are why it’s one of our leading corporate cards. It is also one of our best purchasing cards because of its daily or monthly payment options and lucrative rewards. However, note that Brex does not support ATM withdrawals.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best for Self-employed Who Travel Frequently
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card
BEST FOR:
Earning top rewards on travel purchases booked through Bank of America Travel Center
9 billing cycles
- Earn 30,000 online bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent, or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee, and earn up to an unlimited 2.62 points for every $1 spent on all purchases if you have a Bank of America® business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier.
- No limit to the amount of points you can earn and points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee and no international transaction fees.
- Choose how to redeem points for a statement credit to offset travel and dining purchases, travel with no blackout dates at the Bank of America® Travel Center, for cash back or gift cards.
- 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
- Charges $0 annual and foreign transaction fees
- Offers fixed-rate cash back rewards
- Has no blackout dates
Cons
- Does not offer a 0% introductory period on balance transfers
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- Bank of America doesn’t disclose details of its additional card features. To find out more about these additional features, review your guide to benefits when you receive your card in the mail.
9 billing cycles
- Earn 30,000 online bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent, or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee, and earn up to an unlimited 2.62 points for every $1 spent on all purchases if you have a Bank of America® business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier.
- No limit to the amount of points you can earn and points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee and no international transaction fees.
- Choose how to redeem points for a statement credit to offset travel and dining purchases, travel with no blackout dates at the Bank of America® Travel Center, for cash back or gift cards.
- 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
- Charges $0 annual and foreign transaction fees
- Offers fixed-rate cash back rewards
- Has no blackout dates
Cons
- Does not offer a 0% introductory period on balance transfers
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- Bank of America doesn’t disclose details of its additional card features. To find out more about these additional features, review your guide to benefits when you receive your card in the mail.
Why we like it: The card offers premium points-based rewards on purchases spent on flights, rental cars, and hotels booked through the Bank of America® Travel Center and unlimited points on all other purchases. Plus, you’ll receive up to 75% more points if you have a Bank of America business checking account and qualify for the Preferred Rewards for Business program. Read our Bank of America business checking review for more information.
Consider the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® if you
- Travel for business frequently
- Have an existing business checking account or plan to open one with Bank of America
It is our best business card with no foreign transaction fees and one of our top business cards for travel. Keep in mind that its introductory 0% APR excludes balance transfer transactions.
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for 0% APR for 12 Months & Up to 5% Cash Back
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
Those wanting to earn up to 5% cash back on selected spending categories
- 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 (transactions of $200 or less)*, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants (*excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
- 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.
- Redeem Cash Rewards right away or save them for later. Cash Rewards do not expire as long as the account remains active.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- 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
- 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 (transactions of $200 or less)*, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants (*excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
- 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.
- Redeem Cash Rewards right away or save them for later. Cash Rewards do not expire as long as the account remains active.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- 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: This card comes with a 0% introductory APR that applies on purchase transactions for the first 12 billing cycles and offers up to 5% cash back on your purchases, depending on the spending categories. Plus, it features the ExtendPay® Plan—allowing you to divide eligible purchases into equal monthly payments with no additional interest during your chosen repayment period. Note that you will need to pay a small, fixed monthly fee to take advantage of this feature.
Consider the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® if you
- Need to make a significant purchase
- Have substantial gas expenses so you can take advantage of the premium rewards on fuel
With its rich rewards, long finance-free financing options, and reasonable fees, the card leads our roundups of the leading business cards with no annual fee and our top-recommended fuel business cards.
American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for Earning Premium Rewards on Top Two Spending Categories
American Express® Business Gold Card
BEST FOR:
Maximizing rewards in the two categories where you spend the most
- Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- 0% Intro APR ¤ for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.74% to 27.74% variable APR.*
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.*
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*
- Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
- Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
- The Business Gold Card now comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and Limited Edition White Gold. White Gold design is only available while supplies last. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
- *Terms Apply
Pros
- Earn 4x points in two categories every month
- Pay eligible charges over time with interest, or pay your balance in full monthly
Cons
- You’ll pay a high annual fee
- No interest-free financing opportunities
- Premium roadside assistance: Free of charge up to four times a year. You can receive towing up to 10 miles, winching, jump-starts, flat tire changes, lockout service when the key is in the vehicle, and delivery of up to two gallons of gas
- Return protection: American Express will refund you for eligible purchases when the store doesn’t accept returns of undamaged items. Coverage is limited to 90 days from purchase, up to $300 per item, and up to a maximum of $1,000 per year.
- Baggage insurance: If your baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, you’re eligible for coverage of up to $1,250 for carry-on luggage and $500 for checked bags
- Extended warranty: Receive one additional year of coverage on purchases with eligible warranties of five years or less
- Purchase protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per incident.
- Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- 0% Intro APR ¤ for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.74% to 27.74% variable APR.*
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.*
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*
- Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
- Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
- The Business Gold Card now comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and Limited Edition White Gold. White Gold design is only available while supplies last. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
- *Terms Apply
Pros
- Earn 4x points in two categories every month
- Pay eligible charges over time with interest, or pay your balance in full monthly
Cons
- You’ll pay a high annual fee
- No interest-free financing opportunities
- Premium roadside assistance: Free of charge up to four times a year. You can receive towing up to 10 miles, winching, jump-starts, flat tire changes, lockout service when the key is in the vehicle, and delivery of up to two gallons of gas
- Return protection: American Express will refund you for eligible purchases when the store doesn’t accept returns of undamaged items. Coverage is limited to 90 days from purchase, up to $300 per item, and up to a maximum of $1,000 per year.
- Baggage insurance: If your baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, you’re eligible for coverage of up to $1,250 for carry-on luggage and $500 for checked bags
- Extended warranty: Receive one additional year of coverage on purchases with eligible warranties of five years or less
- Purchase protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per incident.
Why we like it: It lets you earn premium reward points on the top two categories where you spend the most—and these may change every billing cycle depending on your top expenses. On top of the generous rewards, you get to enjoy other benefits, including $20 in statement credits each month for eligible United States purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. You’ll also receive up to $155 statement credit to cover your Walmart+ membership fee.
Consider the American Express® Business Gold Card if
- Most of your business’s expenses revolve around the mentioned premium categories per month
- You can spend at least 410,000 in the first three months to take advantage of the welcome offer
If you’re self-employed as a real estate agent, this card may be a good fit, as it is one of our best business cards for real estate agents. Keep in mind, however, that the card comes with a slightly high annual fee of $375. Also, it does not offer an interest-free financing option.
Capital One Spark 1% Classic: Best for Self-employed With Fair Credit
Capital One Spark 1% Classic
BEST FOR:
Those with fair credit
- 1% cash back every time you swipe
- Build your business credit through responsible usage
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- Opportunity to build business credit
- Only requires fair credit to qualify
- Doesn’t charge annual and balance transfer fees
Cons
- Charges high ongoing APR
- Has no 0% introductory APR
- No welcome offer
- Automatic payments: Setting up AutoPay in the Capital One mobile app will save you from having to worry about signing in to your account every month
- $0 fraud liability: If your card is either lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and cash advance.
- Purchase records: You can download all purchase records quickly and securely in multiple formats, including Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®.
- Extended warranty: Get free additional warranty and protection on eligible items purchased with your business credit card.
- Free employee cards: You can create multiple employee cards, track employee spending, and customize spending limits while earning all the rewards from their purchases.
- 1% cash back every time you swipe
- Build your business credit through responsible usage
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- Opportunity to build business credit
- Only requires fair credit to qualify
- Doesn’t charge annual and balance transfer fees
Cons
- Charges high ongoing APR
- Has no 0% introductory APR
- No welcome offer
- Automatic payments: Setting up AutoPay in the Capital One mobile app will save you from having to worry about signing in to your account every month
- $0 fraud liability: If your card is either lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and cash advance.
- Purchase records: You can download all purchase records quickly and securely in multiple formats, including Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®.
- Extended warranty: Get free additional warranty and protection on eligible items purchased with your business credit card.
- Free employee cards: You can create multiple employee cards, track employee spending, and customize spending limits while earning all the rewards from their purchases.
Why we like it: It only requires a fair credit score, ranging from 601 to 660, to qualify. This means that even self-employed individuals who have low credit scores and couldn’t qualify for other business credit cards can possibly get approved. The best thing about this card is that it is unsecured, and you don’t need to make a security deposit. Plus, it offers unlimited cash back on your purchases.
Consider the Capital One Spark 1% Classic if you
- Have a fair credit score and could not qualify for other business credit cards that require a higher credit score
- Can pay your balance in full every billing cycle to avoid paying high interest rates
While you can carry a balance to the next billing cycle, the card comes with a high APR, which will increase your credit cost. It’s better to pay your entire balance off each month. The card is our top-recommended business card for fair credit because of its generous rewards.
How We Selected the Best Business Credit Cards for Self-employed
When selecting the best business credit cards for the self-employed and freelancers, we prioritized low or $0 annual fees, welcome offers, and ongoing rewards. We also took into account the ability to earn rewards on specific spending categories, 0% APR introductory offers, ongoing APRs, and other features that may be valuable to self-employed individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A business credit card can help self-employed individuals and freelancers separate their business and personal finances, which makes accounting and tax season so much easier. Using a business credit card can also help with your funding needs, as it gives you access to a line of credit while earning rewards on your purchases and helping you build your personal and business credit history.
In most cases, credit card companies will require a tax identification number (TIN) or employer identification number (EIN) for a business credit card. If you don’t have these yet, you can apply using your Social Security number. Most issuers will look at your personal credit score as a major determining factor in whether you’re approved.
The terms “freelancer” and “self-employed” are often used interchangeably, and both professions are the same in terms of the level of independence, taxes, and creative freedom. However, while freelancers are always self-employed, self-employed professionals aren’t always necessarily freelancers, as they are often associated with “business owners.”
Self-employed professionals decide what to work on, when they will work on it, and how they will work. Most of the time, they won’t take instructions from their clients. They also are most likely to have employees and will even hire freelancers to help with their day-to-day operations.
Bottom Line
The best credit cards for self-employed individuals listed in this guide have low to zero annual fees, come with reasonable APRs, and offer rewards. These cards can give your business a boost when you’re self-employed. To find the right card, it’s important to consider your business’ needs and rewards preferences.
