Editorial and Partnership Disclosure 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. This is a recurring post with regularly updated card details. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed, or approved by any of these entities.
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 while giving you the credit line you need to cover the costs necessary to operate your business. 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.
Here are the eight best business credit cards for self-employed individuals:
- The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: Best overall business credit card for self-employed with automatic cash back and Expanded Buying Power
- card_name: Best for straightforward rewards
- U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for travel, fuel, and software expenses
- American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for earning premium rewards on the top two spending categories
- card_name: Best for the hefty welcome offers and travel rewards
- card_name: Best for annual_fees annual and balance transfer fees with an easy welcome offer
- U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card: Best for automatic premium rewards with low annual fee and pay over time
- card_name: Best for valuable travel perks with reasonable cost
Overview of the Best Business Credit Cards for Self-employed
Best For | Annual Fee | Ongoing Rewards | Credit Needed | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card | Overall best business credit card for self-employed with automatic cash back and Expanded Buying Power | $0 | Up to 2% cash back | $250 statement credit | Good to Excellent | |
 card_name | Overall best business credit card for self-employed with straightforward rewards | annual_fees | Up to 5% cash back | bonus_miles | Good to Excellent | |
 U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® | Travel, fuel, and software expenses | $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 | |
 card_name | Hefty welcome offer and travel rewards | annual_fees | Up to 5× points | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed | |
 card_name | annual_fees annual and balance transfer fees with easy welcome offer | annual_fees | Up to 5% cash back | bonus_miles | credit_score_needed | |
 U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card | Automatic premium rewards with low annual fee and pay over time | $0 intro for one year, then $95 | Up to 5% cash back | $750 bonus cash back | Good to Excellent | |
 card_name | Valuable travel perks with reasonable cost | $395 | Up to 10× miles | 150,000 miles | Excellent |
To see how the credit cards below stack up against each other or even others we have reviewed on our site, click Add to Compare on a credit card below and select up to two additional credit cards for comparison.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: Best Overall Business Credit Card for Self-employed with Automatic Cash Back & 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
17.49% - 25.49% 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, 17.49% – 25.49%, 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.)
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.49% - 25.49% 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, 17.49% – 25.49%, 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
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card 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.
- 2% cash back on the first $50,000 purchases each year
- 1% cash back after the cap is reached
- $250 statement credit when you spend $3,000 in the first three months of opening an account
- 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months of card ownership
- $0 annual fee
card_name: Best for Straightforward Rewards
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want fixed-rate 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
18.49% - 24.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- 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.
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
18.49% - 24.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- 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
The card_name is our overall best business credit card for self-employed individuals who prefer a simple rewards program without the need to monitor spending categories. It comes with $0 annual fees and a 12-month 0% APR on purchases.
- 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025
- 1.5% cash back on all other purchases
- bonus_miles when you spend $6,000 within three months after opening an account
- Chase Pay Over Time® lets you break up credit card expenses into equal monthly payments without interest, just a small monthly fee
- Flexible redemption options let you redeem your cash back rewards as a statement credit to apply toward your balance, a direct deposit to eligible US checking and savings accounts, or for rental cars, hotel stays, airline tickets, Apple® products, and gift cards
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for Travel, Fuel, and Software Expenses
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
Intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 12 billing cycles
Regular APR
17.99% - 26.99% 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 (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
Intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 12 billing cycles
Regular APR
17.99% - 26.99% 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 (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
The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® offers premium rewards on travel expenses like car rentals and hotel stays, as well as on gas and EV charging. What’s more, you’ll receive a $100 statement credit annually for your recurring software purchases.
- 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center
- 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, restaurants, office supply stores, and cell phone service providers, with no limit on the cash back that you can earn
- 1% cash back on all other purchases, with no limit on the cash back that you can earn
- $0 annual fee
- $750 cash back when you spend $6,000 in 180 days of opening an account
- 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan lets you divide your purchases into monthly installments without interest, just a small monthly fee Receive a new cardmember $0 fee offer on ExtendPay Plans opened in the first 60 days after account opening
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
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
18.49% - 27.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$375
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- 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 18.49% to 27.49% 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.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
18.49% - 27.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$375
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- 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 18.49% to 27.49% 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
The American Express® Business Gold Card 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. With its $375 annual fee, you get to enjoy other benefits too, including $20 in statement credits each month for eligible United States purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores, and up to $155 statement credit to cover your Walmart+ membership fee.
- 4× points per dollar on the first $150,000 in combined purchases on the top two business categories each calendar year, including the following:
- Airfare purchased directly from airlines
- US purchases for advertising in selected media (online, TV, and radio)
- US purchases from selected technology providers of computer hardware, software, and cloud solutions
- US purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
- US purchases for shipping
- Transit purchases like trains, taxis, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
- 3× points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com
- 1× point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
- 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of opening an account
- Up to $355 in business value
- $240 Flexible Business Credit
- $155 Walmart+ Credit
- $0 foreign transaction fees
card_name: Best for Hefty Welcome Offer & Travel Rewards
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
The card_name lets you earn rewards that are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel. Also, since it charges $0 foreign transaction fees, it is a great option for self-employed individuals who travel frequently. On top of these, it comes with a generous welcome offer of 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 in the first three months of card ownership.
- 5× points per dollar spent on Lyft rides through March 2025
- 3× points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in four categories for each account anniversary year; categories include travel, shipping purchases, advertising on search engines and social media sites, and expenses on internet, cable, and phone services
- 1× point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- Low annual fee of $95
- Chase Pay Over Time® lets you pay off your eligible purchases over time without interest, just a small monthly fee
- 1:1 point transfer to Chase airline and hotel travel partners
card_name: Best for annual_fees Annual & Balance Transfer Fees with Easy Welcome Offer
card_name
BEST FOR:
Businesses with excellent credit that want a lower ongoing APR
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 a $500 bonus when you spend $4,500 in the first 3 months of account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere - with no limits or category restrictions
- No annual fee
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Rewards won't expire for the life of the account
- Redeem your cash back rewards for any amount
- Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- $0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized charges
Pros
- $0 annual, transfer, and foreign transaction fees
- Includes a welcome bonus offer
- Protection for lost or stolen cards
- Downloadable purchase records for easy bookkeeping
Cons
- No 0% Intro APR offer
- Requires an excellent credit score
- Lacks premium perks
- Automatic payments: Set up AutoPay to not worry about signing into your account every month to set your payments
- Downloadable purchase records: Quickly and securely download your purchase records in different formats, such as Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®
- Free employee cards: Track employee spending while earning all the rewards from their purchases by issuing free employee cards.
- $0 fraud liability: Secure an emergency replacement and a cash advance if your card is lost or stolen
- Exclusive deals at Capital One Travel: Get the best prices on thousands of trip options, even after you book. In addition, pay flexibly using your earned rewards, a card, or both
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 a $500 bonus when you spend $4,500 in the first 3 months of account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere - with no limits or category restrictions
- No annual fee
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Rewards won't expire for the life of the account
- Redeem your cash back rewards for any amount
- Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- $0 Fraud Liability for unauthorized charges
Pros
- $0 annual, transfer, and foreign transaction fees
- Includes a welcome bonus offer
- Protection for lost or stolen cards
- Downloadable purchase records for easy bookkeeping
Cons
- No 0% Intro APR offer
- Requires an excellent credit score
- Lacks premium perks
- Automatic payments: Set up AutoPay to not worry about signing into your account every month to set your payments
- Downloadable purchase records: Quickly and securely download your purchase records in different formats, such as Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®
- Free employee cards: Track employee spending while earning all the rewards from their purchases by issuing free employee cards.
- $0 fraud liability: Secure an emergency replacement and a cash advance if your card is lost or stolen
- Exclusive deals at Capital One Travel: Get the best prices on thousands of trip options, even after you book. In addition, pay flexibly using your earned rewards, a card, or both
Why We Like It
card_name has $0 annual and balance transfer fees, making it an ideal option if you need to consolidate debts from other credit cards and want to save on credit cost. It also comes with a generous welcome offer with spending requirements that are easier to meet compared with most other business credit cards—you only need to spend $4,500 within the first three months of card ownership to receive $500 cash back.
- 5% cash back on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel
- 1.5% fixed-rate cash back on all purchases
- Capital One travel lets you enjoy the best prices on thousands of trip options, even after you book
- Redeem cash back for any amount
- $0 fraud liability for unauthorized charges
U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card: Best for Automatic Premium Rewards with Low Annual Fee & Pay Over Time
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
18.99% - 25.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 thereafter.
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Earn 75,000 points when you spend $7,500 in eligible purchases on the account owner's card within the first 120 days of opening your account.
- Earn 2X points in the top two categories where you spend the most each month automatically.
- 1X points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limits on the total rewards your business can earn.
- 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
18.99% - 25.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 thereafter.
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Earn 75,000 points when you spend $7,500 in eligible purchases on the account owner's card within the first 120 days of opening your account.
- Earn 2X points in the top two categories where you spend the most each month automatically.
- 1X points per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limits on the total rewards your business can earn.
- 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
The U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card offers automatic 2% cash back on the top two categories where your business spends the most each month for a low annual fee of only $95—plus, you get to pay $0 annual fee for the first year. It also features the U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan, letting you pay off your balance in equal installments without interest—just pay a monthly fee Receive a new cardmember $0 fee offer on ExtendPay Plans opened in the first 60 days after account opening .
- 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
- $750 cash back as a welcome offer when you spend $7,500 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of opening an account
- $0 foreign transaction fees
- $0 annual fee for the first year, then pay $95 after
card_name: Best for Valuable Travel Perks with Reasonable Cost
card_name
BEST FOR:
Those who frequently travel
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 unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere-with no limits or category restrictions
- This card has no preset spending limit, so you get purchasing power that adapts to your spending needs. The annual fee on this card is $395
- Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get the best prices on thousands of options
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R). Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and membership to Priority Pass
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Pros
- Generous welcome offer
- $0 foreign transaction fees
- Receive up to $120 in statement credits toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including exclusive Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
Cons
- Very high annual fee
- No introductory 0% APR period
- If you don’t pay off the balance in full, you will be charged a late fee of 2.99% on your outstanding statement balance
- Virtual Cards: Generate virtual card numbers to make secure payments online, keeping your physical card details private and simplifying expense tracking.
- Security Alerts: Receive real-time alerts via text, email, or phone if Capital One detects any suspicious activity on your account.
- Card Lock & $0 Liability for Unauthorized Charges: Instantly lock your card or an employee’s card if it’s misplaced, lost, or stolen. Plus, enjoy $0 liability protection for any unauthorized charges.
- Cell Phone Protection: Get up to $800 in reimbursement if your phone is damaged or stolen, providing added peace of mind.
- Customer Support with Eno: Capital One’s virtual assistant, Eno, monitors your accounts 24/7, sending alerts for any unusual activity and answering questions instantly to support your financial needs.
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 unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere-with no limits or category restrictions
- This card has no preset spending limit, so you get purchasing power that adapts to your spending needs. The annual fee on this card is $395
- Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get the best prices on thousands of options
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck(R). Enjoy complimentary access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and membership to Priority Pass
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
Pros
- Generous welcome offer
- $0 foreign transaction fees
- Receive up to $120 in statement credits toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including exclusive Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
Cons
- Very high annual fee
- No introductory 0% APR period
- If you don’t pay off the balance in full, you will be charged a late fee of 2.99% on your outstanding statement balance
- Virtual Cards: Generate virtual card numbers to make secure payments online, keeping your physical card details private and simplifying expense tracking.
- Security Alerts: Receive real-time alerts via text, email, or phone if Capital One detects any suspicious activity on your account.
- Card Lock & $0 Liability for Unauthorized Charges: Instantly lock your card or an employee’s card if it’s misplaced, lost, or stolen. Plus, enjoy $0 liability protection for any unauthorized charges.
- Cell Phone Protection: Get up to $800 in reimbursement if your phone is damaged or stolen, providing added peace of mind.
- Customer Support with Eno: Capital One’s virtual assistant, Eno, monitors your accounts 24/7, sending alerts for any unusual activity and answering questions instantly to support your financial needs.
Why We Like It
For an annual fee of $395, the card_name credit card comes with valuable travel perks, like complimentary access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and membership to Priority Pass, and up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Plus, you can earn unlimited miles on your purchases that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, vacation rentals, and more, and even transfer them to any of the Capital One travel loyalty programs.
- 10× miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 5×miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- 2× miles on all other purchases
- 150,000 bonus miles (valued at $1,500 in travel) after spending $30,000 within the first three months from the date of account opening
- $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
- 10,000 bonus miles every card anniversary
Note that this is a pay-in-full card, which means you need to pay the entire balance every billing cycle.
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 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 reasonable fees, come with average APRs, and offer rewards. These cards can give your business the credit line you need to operate your business as a self-employed individual. To find the right card, you need to consider your business’ needs and rewards preferences.
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.
