9 Best Credit Cards for Self-employed Workers & Independent Contractors 2019

The best credit cards for self-employed workers in 2019 help keep sole proprietors on budget. They charge no annual fees, keep ongoing annual percentage rates (APRs) low, and offer introductory interest-free financing on purchases and balance transfers for nine months or more. Some top cards even offer introductory rewards of up to $500 and ongoing rewards of 5%.

Top 9 Credit Cards for Self-employed Workers & Independent Contractors 2019

How We Evaluated the Best Credit Cards for Self-employed Workers

Credit cards for self-employed and independent contractors offer sole proprietors access to inexpensive credit to help build their small business. All of the cards on our list charge no annual fee, while the top cards offer no-interest introductory periods of as long as 15 months and ongoing APRs of 15% or less.

We considered the following criteria based on what owners might need and want in a business credit card for self-employed workers:

• Introductory APR: Whether the card offers self-employed workers a period of no-interest financing on purchases or balance transfers; the best 0% APR business credit cards offer an introductory period of nine to 15 months
• Ongoing APR: How much financing business credit cards for self-employed workers costs; the cards on our list offer ongoing APRs as low as 13.49%
• Annual fee: How much you’ll pay each year to own a card; all of the cards on our list charge no annual fee
• Balance transfer fee: How much you’ll be charged for transferring a balance from another credit card; the cards on our list charge fees of 0% to 5% of the transfer
• Introductory rewards: What you’ll earn for reaching minimum spending requirements within several months of card ownership; cards on this list offer rewards worth as much as $500 after you spend $3,000 within three months of account opening
• Ongoing rewards: The points or cash back you’ll earn by using your business card; cards on our list offer either a flat rate on all spending up to two times the points or tiered rewards worth up to 5% cash back on certain bonus categories
• Additional benefits: Whether the card comes with free perks that may increase its value like rental car insurance and extended warranty protection

You’ll need a good personal credit score of 700 or better to qualify for these small business credit cards. You don’t have to be incorporated to qualify for a small business credit card.

How Self-employed Workers Can Qualify for a Small Business Credit Card

Most, but not all, of the cards on our list are small business credit cards. If you’re self-employed or an independent contractor, you can qualify for a small business credit card. Even if you sell items on the side on Amazon, eBay, or Etsy, that’s enough of a small business to qualify in the eyes of issuers. If you don’t have a tax identification number or employee identification number, you can apply using your Social Security number.

The best credit cards for self-employed workers in 2019 include the following.

American Express Blue Business℠ Plus: Best Credit Card Overall for Self-employed Workers

The American Express Blue Business℠ Plus card is best for self-employed workers because of its combination of a long interest-free intro period, top ongoing APR, and flat-rate rewards on all spending. Enjoy a 15-month 0% introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers and an ongoing APR of as low as 13.49% — the lowest among cards on our list — and two times the rewards on all spending.

American Express Blue Business℠ Plus Costs

Financing costs and fees on the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus include:

• Introductory APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
• Ongoing APR: 13.49% to 21.49%, which will adjust based on the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the transfer, whichever is greater

Among credit cards with 0% interest, Blue Business℠ Plus offers the longest no-interest period on purchases balance transfers. This interest-free period will allow you to plan ahead for future business needs. On the low end of the range, its ongoing APR is tied for the lowest on our list with the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® and Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®.

American Express Blue Business℠ Plus Rewards

You’ll earn no introductory rewards, but cardholders will earn two times the Membership Rewards points on all spending up to $50,000 a year, then one times the points, which means there are no bonus categories to track.

Introductory Rewards

Blue Business℠ Plus offers no sign-up bonus. It is one of just three of the best credit card deals for self-employed workers that doesn’t offer an introductory reward — including the American Express SimplyCash® Plus and Chase Slate.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll earn the following ongoing rewards with the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus:

• Two times the points on all purchases up to $50,000 each year
• One times the points on all additional purchases

Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for airfare or other paid travel through American Express Travel, gift cards or statement credits against eligible charges. When redeemed for statement credits, points are worth 1 cent each, meaning this is a 2% credit card, the only on our list. The Chase Ink Business Cash℠ offers larger rewards in certain purchasing categories like office supplies — 5% — but only 1% on everyday spending.

American Express Blue Business℠ Plus Additional Features

The American Express Blue Business℠ Plus comes with several additional features, including:

• Baggage insurance: American Express offers a benefit for any luggage damaged, lost or stolen on any “air, land or water vehicle, other than a personal or rental vehicle”; the benefit is good for up to $1,250 for carry-on luggage and $500 for checked luggage
• Extended warranty: American Express will match the length of the original manufacturer’s warranty if it’s less than two years; American Express provides an additional two years if the original manufacturer’s warranty is between two and five years; coverage is limited to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year
• Purchase protection: The issuer will repair, replace or reimburse you for an item purchased with the card that was damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase; coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year
• Expanded buying power: If you have a large purchase, you may be able to spend above your credit limit; the portion of your account balance that is above your credit limit is due in full each month as part of your minimum payment due

The American Express SimplyCash® Plus is the only other card on our list to offer baggage insurance and expanded buying power. Several other cards offer extended warranty and purchase protection, including U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature, but the purchase protection coverage on this card lasts just 90 days.

What American Express Blue Business℠ Plus Is Missing

American Express Blue Business℠ Plus doesn’t offer introductory rewards, while other cards on our list like the Chase Ink Business Cash℠ offer sign-up bonuses worth as much as $500. You’ll also earn fixed-rate ongoing rewards, which may not favor businesses that spend heavily in certain categories — like airfare or gas — where other cards offer enhanced rewards of up to 5%.

American Express Blue Business℠ Plus Reviews

Small business owners applaud Blue Business℠ Plus in online reviews for helping to grow their firms. Users say they value the points-based rewards system and the issuer’s excellent customer service. Some users complain about the lack of introductory rewards.

Where to Apply for the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus

Apply for the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus credit card directly on the issuer’s website. If approved, the 15-month introductory APR period starts as soon as you receive your 0% business credit card.

Apply Now

Chase Ink Business Cash℠: Best Combination of Introductory & Ongoing Rewards for Self-employed Workers

The Chase Ink Business Cash℠ card is best for self-employed workers looking for a top combination of introductory and ongoing rewards. Earn $500 cash back after spending $3,000 within three months. Earn as much as 5% cash back on ongoing rewards. No other card on our list offers a better combination of benefits. Ongoing APR is as low as 15.49%.

Chase Ink Business Cash℠ Costs

Financing costs and fees on the Chase Ink Business Cash℠ include:

• Introductory APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers
• Ongoing APR: a variable rate of 15.49% to 21.49%, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

Chase Ink Business Cash℠ isn’t a card you should get specifically to transfer balances from a high-interest credit card. Chase’s balance transfer fee is the highest among the cards on our list 5% — which could add hundreds in fees to your transfer. Blue Business℠ Plus charges 3% on transfers while Chase Slate offers free transfers for the first 60 days.

Chase Ink Business Cash℠ Rewards

This card offers higher rewards on office supply and telecommunications services purchases than many other small business credit cards. It also pays bonus cash back rewards on gas station and restaurant purchases, and awards one of the highest sign-up bonuses available on a small business credit card that charges no annual fee.

Introductory Rewards

Chase Ink Business Cash℠ offers the following introductory rewards:

• $500 cash back after you spend $3,000 within your first three months.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠  also offers this sign-up bonus, the highest on our list.

Ongoing Rewards

Earn the following cash back rewards when using your card:

• 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on Internet, cable, cellular phone and landline services each account anniversary year, then 1% afterward
• 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year, then 1% afterward
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

The American Express SimplyCash® Plus also pays 5% cash back on office supply purchases, but its annual spending limit is $50,000. Only the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® offers a similar combination of gas and restaurant rewards.

Chase Ink Business Cash℠ Additional Features

If you rent cars frequently for business, the protection this card offers may prove beneficial, along with other purchase insurance:

• Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary — meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer — when renting for business purposes; it provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad
• Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year
• Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less

This is a similar package of benefits as several other cards on this list offer, although the purchase protection lasts longer than the 90 days offered by the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature. Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠ and U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature also offer free rental insurance, which isn’t available on this card.

What Chase Ink Business Cash℠ Is Missing

Self-employed workers who have travel expenses won’t benefit from the Chase Ink Business Cash℠ because it doesn’t offer rewards for airfare or hotel purchases. Indeed, the best credit cards for self-employed workers rarely offer bonus categories that cover travel, although the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® pays three points per dollar on travel spending.

Chase Ink Business Cash℠ Reviews

Online reviews of Chase Ink Business Cash℠ are generally very positive. Users say they value the business-oriented rewards structure and the lack of an annual fee. Some users say the ongoing APR is too high. The APR on this card is about average for a small business credit card.

Where to Apply for Chase Ink Business Cash℠

Apply for the Chase Ink Business Cash℠ online by filling out a basic application. Be prepared to provide both business and personal information. You may be approved instantly. If you are, expect to receive your card in the mail within seven to 10 days.

Apply Now

Discover it Cash Back: Best First-year Rewards for Self-employed Workers

Discover it Cash Back is a personal credit card best for owners looking to maximize rewards during their first year of card ownership. Instead of offering a typical introductory offer, Discover will match — or double — all of the rewards you earn in the first year. Discover it Cash Back pays 5% on up to $1,500 in category spending that rotates each quarter, and 1% on everything else. Ongoing APR is as low as 14.24%.

Discover it Cash Back Costs

Financing costs and fees on the Discover it Cash Back include:

• Introductory APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 14 months
• Ongoing APR: Variable rate of 14.24% to 25.24%, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: 3% of the amount transferred

The introductory APR is just one month less than what Chase Slate offers. Discover it Cash Back has the second lowest possible ongoing APR among credit cards on our list behind the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus, the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® and Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®. Those cards charge a minimum of 13.49%.

Discover it Cash Back Rewards

A good rule of thumb to follow when choosing a rewards card: Find one that can get you as close to 2% on all your spending as possible. Discover guarantees this during the first year with its unusual introductory reward offering to match all your first-year cash back. Every other card with an introductory offer caps the maximum reward you can receive. Ongoing rewards are as high as 5% in bonus categories.

Introductory Rewards

Instead of a traditional introductory rewards offer, Discover will match all of the cash back you earned at the end of your first year, automatically. No other card on our list has a similar offer.

Ongoing Rewards

Earn the following cash back rewards when using your card:

• 5% cash back — doubled the first year — on rotating quarterly categories like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and Amazon on up to $1,500 in spending each quarter.
• Earn unlimited 1% cash back — doubled the first year — on all other purchases

The other cards with bonus categories on our list all offer higher spending caps. Chase Ink Business Cash℠, for example, pays 5% on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on Internet, cable, cellular phone, and landline services each account anniversary year, then 1% afterward.

Discover it Cash Back Additional Features

Discover does not offer many of the features like purchase protection and extended warranty protection that are standard on cards like the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card. It does offer some unique features like a late fee waiver and the ability to freeze your account using your smartphone.

Instead, Discover it Cash Back comes with the following:

• Account lock: Freeze your account in seconds to prevent new purchases with an on/off switch available on both the mobile app and website
• Late fee waiver: You’ll pay no late fee the first time your payment is late; late fees are up to $37 thereafter

What Discover it Cash Back Is Missing

Discover it Cash Back requires you to register your card each quarter to earn the bonus rewards — and you can only earn 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in spending. No other card on our list has quite this many restrictions. If you own a startup business, registering your card may be an unwanted distraction.

Discover it Cash Back Reviews

Online reviews for Discover it Cash Back are very positive. Users say they enjoy the cash back rewards, the low APRs and the hassle-free customer service. Some complain that Discover isn’t as widely accepted as Visa and that some stores, like Walmart, are restricted from the 5% category offers.

Where to Apply for the Discover it Cash Back

Apply online directly with Discover for the Discover it Cash Back card. You may get an instant response, and your card should arrive in the mail within seven to 10 business days.

Apply Now

Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠: Best Intro Rewards on a Flat-rate Credit Card for Self-employed Workers

Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠ is best for business owners looking for a solid $500 cash back after spending $3,000 in the first three months and a flat rate on ongoing rewards. Ongoing APR is as low as 15.49%, which is more than a percentage point higher than cards like the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus offer.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠ Costs

Financing costs and fees on the Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠ include:

• Introductory APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers
• Ongoing APR: Variable rate of 15.49% to 21.49, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 5% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

The balance transfer fee is higher than the 3% charged by the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus card and will reduce the savings you receive when you transfer a balance from a high-interest card. Both the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus and the Discover it Cash Back offer longer no-interest introductory periods.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠ Rewards

Along with the ongoing rewards of 1.5% cash back on all spending, this card also comes with a great introductory bonus — the highest among cards on our list, tied with the Chase Ink Business Cash℠.

Introductory Rewards

Earn the following introductory rewards when using your card:

• $500 cash back when you spend $3,000 in the first three months. Compare that with the $200 you’ll receive after spending $3,000 within three months with the Capital One Spark Cash Select.

Ongoing Rewards

Earn the following ongoing rewards when using your card:

• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, regardless of spending category, which is the same return you’ll earn with the Capital One Spark Cash Select, but less than the two times the points per dollar the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus pays.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠ Additional Features

Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠ offers several protections, including:

• Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary — meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer — when renting for business purposes; it provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad
• Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year
• Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less

Note that the purchase protection benefit lasts longer than the 90 days offered by the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature. The extended warranty protection isn’t quite as good as what the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus offers.

What Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠ Is Missing

The fixed-rate cash back rewards rate Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠ offers is lower than other cards offer in bonus categories, like the Chase Ink Business Cash℠. That card pays 5% cash back on up to $25,000 in annual spending on office supplies and telecommunications services. This Chase card also offers a lower fixed-rate reward — two times the points — than the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠ Reviews

Reviews for the Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠ card are very good. Customers like the 12-month introductory APR as well as the strong introductory rewards. Since this card is relatively new, we were unable to find any negative user reviews.

How to Apply for Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠

You can apply for the Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠ business card directly through Chase’s website. Once you apply, you can get an approval decision in just a few minutes. You should receive your card within seven to 10 days.

Apply Now

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best Travel Rewards Credit Card for Independent Contractors

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® is best for self-employed workers who travel. You’ll earn three times the points per dollar spent on travel purchases without having to pay an annual fee. The ongoing APR is as low as 13.49%.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Costs

Financing costs and fees on the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® include:

• Introductory APR: 0% on purchases for nine billing cycles
• Ongoing APR: Variable 13.49% to 23.49% APR, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater

The introductory APR is the shortest of any card on our list, and, unlike the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus, Bank of America offers no intro APR on balance transfers. Bank of America offers a possible ongoing APR that is the lowest on our list, tied with the Bank Mastercard of America Business Advantage Cash Rewards and the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Rewards

This card offers introductory rewards worth $250 in travel. You’ll also earn ongoing rewards on travel purchases, including airfare, car rentals, and hotel stays. Everyday purchases are worth 1.5 points per dollar.

Introductory Rewards

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® pays 25,000 bonus points when you make at least $1,000 in net purchases in the first 60 days. These points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases. This introductory offer is low compared with other cards on our list, including the Chase Ink Business Cash℠, which offers $500 cash back after spending $3,000 within the first three months.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll earn points as you use the card for the following purchases:

• 3 points per dollar spent on travel purchases — car, hotel, and airline — booked through Bank of America Travel Center
• 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases, regardless of how much you spend

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® is the only card on our list that offers rewards specifically for travel. It’s 1.5 points for every dollar spent on other purchases is equal to what the Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠ pays.

When you enroll in the Business Advantage Relationship Rewards program, you can get an additional 25% to 75% rewards bonus on every purchase you make. That means you can earn up to an unlimited 2.62 points on all purchases, which is a higher rate than any other card on this list offers for everyday spending. However, to earn that rate, you have to have at least $100,000 deposits or investments with the bank.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Additional Features

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® doesn’t come with nearly as many perks as the other best business rewards credit cards. You will receive up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance, which covers you in case of loss of life or dismemberment. The only other cards on our list to offer this benefit are the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus and the American Express SimplyCash® Plus.

What Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Is Missing

Cardholders won’t receive great rewards for your office expense purchases like the American Express SimplyCash® Plus offers. This card is mainly only for owners who travel frequently. The introductory rewards are lower than the $500 cash back offered by the Chase Ink Business Cash℠ card.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Reviews

Customer reviews of the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® are generally very positive. Cardholders enjoy the rewards they can earn with the card but note that rewards aren’t as high as those provided some other cards. The American Express Business Platinum card, for example, pays five times the points on airfare and hotels.

How to Apply for the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®

You can apply for the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® by filling out a basic online application and potentially getting instant approval. The whole process can be completed within a matter of a few minutes, and you’ll receive your card within seven to 10 days.

Apply Now

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®: Best Credit Card for Self-employed Workers for Ongoing APR

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® is best for business owners who want excellent ongoing APRs. This card charges an APR as low as 13.49%, the lowest on our list, tying the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus and the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Costs

Financing costs and fees on the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® include:

• Introductory APR: 0% for nine billing cycles on purchases
• Ongoing APR: 13.49% to 23.49%, which will adjust based on the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: Either $10 or 4% of the amount of each transaction, whichever is greater.

This card offers no introductory offer on balance transfers and — unlike Chase Slate — charges a balance transfer fee. Pick another no-interest credit card from our list if you need to transfer balances.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Rewards

You’ll need to make just $500 in spending during the first 60 days after you open your account to qualify for the introductory $200 statement credit. That’s the lowest spending threshold among cards that offer introductory rewards on our list. Ongoing rewards are best for gas or office supply purchases.

Introductory Rewards

Earn the following introductory rewards when using your card:

• $200 statement credit when you make at least $500 in net purchases within 60 days of your account opening. Chase Ink Business Cash℠ offers the best introductory offer, $500 after you spend $3,000 within the first three months of account opening.

Ongoing Rewards

Earn the following ongoing rewards when using your card:

• 3% cash back on gas station and office supply stores on up to $250,000 in spending each calendar year, then 1% afterward
• 2% cash back at restaurants
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Only the Chase Ink Business Cash℠ offers rewards on gas purchases, but that card pays just 2% cash back. Ink Business Cash does offer better office supply spending rewards at 5%.

This card offers unique bonus value for businesses that have a Bank of America checking or savings account. Enroll in the Business Advantage Relationship Rewards program to receive an additional 25% to 75% rewards bonus on every purchase. These tiered-relationship bonuses begin when you have at least $20,000 in assets with the bank. Only the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® offers a relationship bonus.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Additional Features

This card doesn’t come with nearly as many perks as other cards on our list, so keep that in mind when deciding which no interest credit card to apply for. You will receive up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance, which covers you in case of loss of life or dismemberment. Cards like the Chase Ink Business Cash℠ card offer additional benefits like purchase protection and car rental insurance.

What the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Is Missing

You’ll find a better rewards rate on office supply spending with other business cards like the American Express SimplyCash® Plus at 5%. The introductory bonus is the lowest among the cards on our list that offer a welcome bonus.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Reviews

Online reviews are generally favorable for this card, both for its rewards structure and its lack of an annual fee. The biggest drawback, users say, is the bank’s customer service, which makes it difficult to resolve errors and respond to fraud complaints.

Where to Apply for the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®

Apply for the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® online directly with Bank of America. The application takes five to 10 minutes to complete, and you should get a response quickly. New cards are typically received within two weeks.

Apply Now

American Express SimplyCash® Plus: Best Credit Card for Self-employed Workers for Category Rewards

The American Express SimplyCash® Plus Business Credit Card is best for companies with varying spending needs that want to pick which bonus spending category earns top rewards. The card pays 3% on up to $50,000 in annual spending, then 1% afterward, from one of eight categories you pick from. Ongoing APR is as low as 14.49%.

American Express SimplyCash® Plus Costs

Financing costs and fees on the American Express SimplyCash® Plus include:

• Introductory APR: 0% for nine months on purchases
• Ongoing APR: 14.49% to 21.49%, which will adjust based on the prime rate
• Annual fee: None

American Express SimplyCash® Plus doesn’t allow balance transfers. If you need to transfer debt from a high-interest credit card, look to a card like the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus, which offers 0% APR on balance transfers for 15 months. The ongoing APR is slightly higher than other cards on our list offer, like the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®.

American Express SimplyCash® Plus Rewards

The American Express SimplyCash® Plus ongoing rewards are generous, particularly when it comes to office supply spending. You’ll earn the same 5% cash back at U.S. office supply stores with this card as you would with Chase Ink Business Cash℠, but the $50,000 spending cap is twice as much as the Chase card allows.

Introductory Rewards

The American Express SimplyCash® Plus currently offers no introductory sign-up bonus.

Ongoing Rewards

Earn the following rewards when using your card:

• 5% cash back at U.S. office supply stores and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers on up to $50,000 in purchases during a calendar year, then 1% thereafter
• 3% cash back on up to $50,000 in annual spending, then 1% afterward, from one of eight categories you pick from: airfare purchased directly from airlines, hotel rooms purchased directly from hotels, car rentals purchased from select car rental companies, U.S. gas stations, U.S. restaurants, U.S. purchases for advertising in select media, U.S. purchases for shipping or U.S. computer hardware, software, and cloud computing purchases made directly from select providers
• 1% cash back on all other eligible spending

This is the only card on our list that offers bonus rewards on Internet advertising, which could come in handy for firms that use Facebook Ads or Google Ads to support their business.

American Express SimplyCash® Plus Additional Features

The American Express SimplyCash® Plus includes both familiar purchase protection and extended warranty protection policies available on cards like the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus card and some rare benefits, including baggage insurance.

American Express SimplyCash® Plus includes the following benefits:

• Baggage insurance: American Express offers a benefit for any luggage damaged, lost or stolen on a common carrier, like a plane; the benefit is good for up to $1,250 for carry-on luggage and $500 for checked luggage
• Extended warranty: American Express will match the length of the original manufacturer’s warranty if it’s less than two years; the issuer provides an additional two years if the original manufacturer’s warranty is between two and five years; coverage is limited to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year
• Purchase protection: The issuer will repair, replace or reimburse you for an item purchased with the card that was damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase; coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year
• Expanded buying power: If you have a large purchase, you may be able to spend above your credit limit; the portion of your account balance that is above your credit limit is due in full each month as part of your minimum payment due

The American Express Blue Business℠ Plus is the only other card on our list to offer baggage insurance and expanded buying power. Several other cards offer extended warranty and purchase protection, including U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature, but its purchase protection coverage lasts just 90 days.

What the American Express SimplyCash® Plus Is Missing

This card offers no introductory rewards, so you’ll have no opportunity to earn a sign-up bonus. Many other small business credit cards offer introductory rewards. And you’ll want to avoid this card when traveling overseas, not only because you’ll pay foreign transaction fees, but because American Express isn’t as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard.

American Express SimplyCash® Plus Reviews

American Express SimplyCash® Plus reviews are fairly positive. Users love the rewards for office supplies and telecommunications services. Others say better rewards on gas can be found elsewhere. The Costco Anywhere Visa Business card pays 4% on gas purchases up to $7,000 in purchases annually.

Where to Apply for American Express SimplyCash® Plus

Apply for the American Express SimplyCash® Plus card online directly through the American Express website. If approved, your card should arrive in the mail within seven to 10 business days.

Apply Now

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card: Best Credit Card for Self-employed Workers for Flexible Rewards

The U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card is a personal credit card that is best for self-employed workers who want to choose their top rewards. It allows you to choose from a list of 12 categories the two that will earn 5% cash back on up to $2,000 in spending each quarter. No other card on our list offers such flexibility. Ongoing APR is as low as 16.24%, which is among the highest APRs on our list.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card Costs

Financing costs and fees on the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card include:

• Introductory APR: 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on any balances transferred within 60 days from account opening; there is no intro APR on purchases.
• Ongoing APR: Variable rate of 16.24% to 25.74%, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the balance transfer, whichever is higher.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card Rewards

U.S. Bank allows users to choose two categories each quarter that will earn 5% (from a list of 12) in ongoing rewards and one category that will earn 2%. Among the cards that offer introductory rewards, the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card offers the smallest bonus, but also has the lowest spending requirement.

Introductory Rewards

Earn the following introductory bonus:

• $150 cash bonus after making $500 in eligible net purchases within the first 90 days of account opening

Ongoing Rewards

Earn the following ongoing rewards:

• 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible net purchases each quarter on two categories you choose from a group of 12
• 2% cash back on one category that you choose from gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores
• 1% cash back on all other spending

The 12 spending categories that could earn 5% cash back include home utilities, ground transportation, select clothing stores, wireless phone service providers, electronics stores, car rentals, gyms and fitness centers, fast food, sporting goods stores, department stores, furniture stores, and movie theaters.

There are no cards on our list that have this diverse a selection of potential bonus categories. In fact, only the Chase Ink Business Cash℠ and the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®, offer dining or wireless service rewards.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card Additional Features

American Express offers several fairly standard benefits you’ll find on many other credit cards, including:

• Extended warranty: U.S. Bank will double the original manufacturer’s warranty up to one additional year on warranties of three years or less; coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim
• Purchase protection: The issuer will repair, replace or reimburse you for an item purchased with the card that was damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase; coverage is limited to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account each year
• Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary — meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer — in case your rental is lost or stolen while you’re traveling

Free car rental insurance is only available on two other cards on our list, Chase Ink Business Cash℠ and Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠. The extended warranty and purchase protections are common benefits, but the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card offers fewer years of warranty coverage and less per-claim coverage on purchase protection than does the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus.

What U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card Is Missing

U.S. Bank says the bonus categories could change from quarter to quarter. That means the category that propelled you to sign up for the card may not always be available. You’ll also have to register your 5% and 2% categories each quarter, or you’ll earn 1% on all spending.

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card Reviews

Online user reviews are mostly positive. Cardholders say they enjoy being able to pick the 5% rewards categories and have found customer service to be responsive. Some users complain about having to choose bonus categories each quarter, especially if they want the same categories from one quarter to the next.

How to Apply for U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card

Apply for U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card directly on the issuer’s website. You may be approved instantly. Your new card will be delivered within seven to 10 business days.

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Chase Slate: Best No-fee Balance Transfer Credit Card for Self-employed Workers

Chase Slate is a personal card that is best for self-employed workers who want to transfer a high-interest credit card balance without paying a balance transfer fee. It’s the only card on our list that offers free balance transfers within 60 days of account opening. It’s ongoing APR of as little as 17.24% is higher than other cards on our list offer.

Chase Slate Costs

Financing costs and fees on Chase Slate include:

• Introductory APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers
• Ongoing APR: 17.24% to 25.99%, which will adjust based on the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: None on transfers made within 60 days of account opening; after that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

This may be the cheapest card for balance transfers when you factor in transfer fees. Pay no fee when you transfer a balance with 60 days of account opening. Compare that with the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus, which charges 3%.

Pay your balance in full by the end of the introductory period, however, because the ongoing APR is higher than what other cards charge. The Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® offers an ongoing APR as low as 13.49%.

Chase Slate Rewards

Chase Slate is the only card on our list that offers no introductory or ongoing rewards. We ranked other cards higher on our list because they offer introductory rewards as high as $500 and ongoing rewards of up to 5%.

Chase Slate Additional Features

For a card that offers few frills, the features are good. You’ll get:

• Free monthly FICO score updates & monitoring: The issuer will update this monthly and monitor the reasons why your score may be up or down
• Purchase protection: Covers your purchases for 120 days against theft and damage up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account per year
• No penalty APR: The issuer will not increase your APR if you pay late; this is the same benefit Citi Simplicity offers

The purchase protection coverage is similar to what the Chase Ink Business Cash℠ offers and better than the 90-day protection offered by the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature. No other card on our list waives penalty APR in case of a late or missed payment.

What Chase Slate Is Missing

This card offers no introductory or ongoing rewards. Every other card on our list offers some form of rewards. This is a card with a singular purpose: To get you out of debt as cheaply as possible. It charges no interest on balance transfers for 15 months and no balance transfer fee on transfers made within 60 days of account opening.

Chase Slate Reviews

Chase Slate earns average online reviews among users. Some people complain about getting rejected for the card despite having an above average credit score. These users do not say how much debt they’re carrying or if they’ve opened a number of other credit cards recently, which are also reasons why Chase might reject an applicant. Others say the APR is too high, particularly for someone with a prime credit rating. The ongoing APR is higher than other cards on our list.

Where to Apply for Chase Slate

Apply for Chase Slate online at the issuer’s website. You may learn of your approval instantly and receive your card in the mail within seven to 10 business days.

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Alternatives to the Best Credit Cards for Self-employed Workers

Credit cards for self-employed workers charge no annual fee and offer top introductory and ongoing interest rates. However, you have other options if these credit cards don’t appeal to you, including business credit cards with annual fees, prepaid business cards, and secured business credit cards.

Business Prepaid Cards

The best business prepaid cards help manage employee expenses and have fewer qualifications than normal business credit cards. They’re also scalable, meaning you can easily add more cards as your number of employees increase.

Secured Business Credit Cards

The best secured business credit cards charge low annual fees and offer APRs of 20% or less. A secured business credit card is backed by a deposit and acts like a normal business credit card. Business owners with poor credit or limited credit will find it easier to qualify for a secured credit card when compared to other credit cards.

Small Business Fuel Cards

The best small business fuel cards offer gas discounts or rewards on the number of gallons you purchase a month. Some fuel cards structure their rewards programs to offer points in return for both dollars spent as well as gallons pumped. Points can then be redeemed for cash discounts on future gas purchases.

The Bottom Line

The best credit cards for self-employed workers help keep more money in their pockets. They charge no annual fee, have low ongoing APRs and offer introductory interest-free financing on purchases and balance transfers for nine months or more. The top cards offer introductory rewards of up to $500 and ongoing rewards of 5%.

Our top pick is the American Express Blue Business℠ Plus. It offers a flat-rate return on rewards, interest-free financing for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, and extra benefits like free extended warranties. Earn two times the points on all spending up to $50,000 annually.

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