Editor’s note: This is a recurring post with regularly updated card details.
Whether you’re self-employed as a freelancer, an independent contractor, or a small business owner, getting a business credit card can help keep your personal and business expenses separate. The best credit cards for self-employed individuals offer attractive rewards, come with low interest rates and fees, and let you build your business credit.
Here are the 10 best business credit cards for self-employed individuals:
- Chase Ink Business Unlimited®: Best overall business credit card for self-employed with no business credit history
- American Express Blue Business CashTM Card: Best for self-employed with the flexibility to exceed your credit limit
- Chase Ink Business Cash®: Best for self-employed with home offices
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best for self-employed who travel frequently
- Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit: Best for self-employed with good credit
- U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard: Best for 0% annual percentage rate (APR) for 15 months and up to 5% cash back
- Chase Ink Business PremierSM: Best for frequent large purchases
- Amazon Business Prime American Express Card: Best for recurring Amazon purchases
- Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business: Best for self-employed with fair credit
- Brex Card: Best for self-employed wanting to choose between daily or monthly payments
Overview of the Best Business Credit Cards for Self-employed 2023
Best For | Annual Fee | Ongoing Rewards | Credit Needed | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chase Ink Business Unlimited | Self-employed with no business credit history | $0 | 1.5% cash back | Good to Excellent | ||
 American Express Blue Business CashTM | Self-employed with the flexibility to exceed your credit limit | $0 | Up to 2% cash back | Good to Excellent | ||
 Chase Ink Business Cash® | Self-employed with home offices | $0 | Up to 5% cash back | Good to Excellent | ||
 Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® | Self-employed who travel frequently | $0 | Up to 3x points | Excellent | ||
 Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit | Self-employed with good credit | $0 | 1.5% cash back | None | Good | |
 U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard | 0% APR for 15 months and up to 5% cash back | $0 | Up to 5% cash back | Good to Excellent | ||
 Chase Ink Business PremierSM | Frequent large purchases | $195 | Up to 5% cash back | Good to Excellent | ||
 Amazon Business Prime American Express Card | Recurring Amazon purchases | $0 | Up to 5% cash back | Good to Excellent | ||
 Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business | Self-employed with fair credit | $0 | Up to 5% cash back | None | Fair | |
 Brex Card | Self-employed who want to choose between daily or monthly payments | No additional fees | Up to 8x points on selected categories | At least Poor |
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.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited®: Overall Best Business Credit Card for Self-Employed With No Business Credit History
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want fixed-rate 1.5% cash back on all purchases
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.
Who Should Consider the Chase Ink Business Unlimited®
It is our overall best business credit card for self-employed individuals with no business credit history and intend to build it, as Chase uses your personal credit history as a basis for approving your application. Besides that, it offers a 0% introductory period on purchases for the first 12 months and fixed-rate cash back rewards on all purchases. For this reason, this card is our top-recommended small business credit card and best business credit card for new businesses with no credit history.
Reward:
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no limits on the cash back that you can earn
- Sign-up bonus: Earn a sign-up bonus of $750 when you spend $6,000 within the first three months
- No expiry on rewards: Your rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
- Flexible redemption options: Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel, and select merchandise through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Cash back rewards on Lyft rides: Receive a total of 5% cash back on Lyft rides until March 2025.
- No annual fee: Decrease your overall credit costs while earning fixed-rate cash back rewards.
Important Considerations:
- It does not offer a 0% introductory period on balance transfers.
- It charges high foreign transaction fees.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card: Best for Self-employed With the Flexibility to Exceed Your Credit Limit
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want better cash back rewards
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
18.49% - 26.49% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- 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, 18.49% - 26.49%, 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.
- Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- 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.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
18.49% - 26.49% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- 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, 18.49% - 26.49%, 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.
- Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- 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.
Who Should Consider the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card
It is our best business credit card for the self-employed who need the flexibility to exceed their credit limit when making business purchases. It offers expanded buying power, which adjusts your credit limit based on your card usage, payment history, credit record, and financial resources. It also offers cash back rewards and a 0% introductory period on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles, making it our best cash back business credit card.
Rewards:
- 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year.
- 1% cash back after the $50,000 purchase cap is met.
- No annual fee: Decrease your overall credit costs while earning cash back rewards.
- Year-end summary: Get access to a complete summary of your spending, which is categorized by month and purchase type, at the end of each year. This will help you keep track of your business expenses.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: Rent a car using this card to get covered with car rental loss and damage insurance. To be eligible, you will need to decline the collision damage waiver offered by the rental company.
Important Considerations:
- It does not offer a 0% introductory period on balance transfers.
- It does not offer a sign-up bonus for new cardholders.
Chase Ink Business Cash®: Best for Self-employed With Home Offices
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Office-based businesses that want top cash back rewards
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 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other 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.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Pros
- Top rewards for office supply spending
- Introductory APR on purchases
- Cash sign-up bonus
Cons
- 0% APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- High balance transfer fee of 5%
- Designed mainly for office-oriented companies
- 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 United States 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 United States manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.
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 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other 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.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Pros
- Top rewards for office supply spending
- Introductory APR on purchases
- Cash sign-up bonus
Cons
- 0% APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- High balance transfer fee of 5%
- Designed mainly for office-oriented companies
- 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 United States 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 United States manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.
Who Should Consider the Chase Ink Business Cash®
This card is an ideal business credit card for self-employed individuals whose business expenses fall mainly on office supplies. It offers premium cash back rewards on purchases made at office supply stores and internet, cable, and phone services. Plus, it has a 0% introductory period on purchases for the first 12 months after card ownership, making it our top business credit card for startups and one of our best business credit cards for consultants.
Rewards:
- 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined purchases at office supply stores, and on internet, cable, and phone services each anniversary year
- 2% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each anniversary year
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Sign-up bonus: Receive $750 cash back after spending $6,000 in the first three months.
- Flexible redemption options: Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel, and select merchandise through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Cash back rewards on Lyft rides: Receive a total of 5% cash back on Lyft rides until March 2025.
- No annual fee: Decrease your overall credit costs while earning fixed-rate cash back rewards.
Important Considerations:
- It does not have a 0% introductory period on balance transfers.
- It charges a high balance transfer fee of either 5% of the amount of each transfer or $5, whichever is greater.
- Its rewards are mostly suited for office-oriented businesses and corporations.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best for Self-employed Who Travel Frequently
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card
BEST FOR:
Earning top rewards on travel purchases booked through Bank of America Travel Center
Intro APR
0%
9 billing cycles
9 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases
Annual Fee
$0.00
Credit Needed
Excellent
- Earn 30,000 online bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent, or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee, and earn up to an unlimited 2.62 points for every $1 spent on all purchases if you have a Bank of America® business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier.
- No limit to the amount of points you can earn and points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee and no international transaction fees.
- Choose how to redeem points for a statement credit to offset travel and dining purchases, travel with no blackout dates at the Bank of America® Travel Center, for cash back or gift cards.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
- No annual fee: By not having to pay an annual fee, you can reduce your overall credit card cost while earning unlimited rewards on your expenses.
- No blackout dates on travel: You can redeem your points for travel or travel credits through the Bank of America® Travel Center anytime, with no blackout dates.
- 3x points on travel: You can earn 3x points for every dollar spent when you book your travel (car, hotel, or airline) through the Bank of America® Travel Center.
- Welcome bonus points: If you can spend $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of opening an account, you will earn 30,000 bonus points.
Cons
- Low ongoing rewards on nontravel: While you can earn high rewards points on travel, you can only earn 1.5x points on all other purchases.
- Short 0% APR introductory period: This is a disadvantage if you need a longer 0% APR period.
- No 0% APR on balance transfers: The introductory APR only applies to purchases
- Bank of America doesn’t disclose details of its additional card features. To find out more about these additional features, review your guide to benefits when you receive your card in the mail.
Intro APR
0%
9 billing cycles
9 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases
Annual Fee
$0.00
Credit Needed
Excellent
- Earn 30,000 online bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent, or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee, and earn up to an unlimited 2.62 points for every $1 spent on all purchases if you have a Bank of America® business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier.
- No limit to the amount of points you can earn and points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee and no international transaction fees.
- Choose how to redeem points for a statement credit to offset travel and dining purchases, travel with no blackout dates at the Bank of America® Travel Center, for cash back or gift cards.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
- No annual fee: By not having to pay an annual fee, you can reduce your overall credit card cost while earning unlimited rewards on your expenses.
- No blackout dates on travel: You can redeem your points for travel or travel credits through the Bank of America® Travel Center anytime, with no blackout dates.
- 3x points on travel: You can earn 3x points for every dollar spent when you book your travel (car, hotel, or airline) through the Bank of America® Travel Center.
- Welcome bonus points: If you can spend $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of opening an account, you will earn 30,000 bonus points.
Cons
- Low ongoing rewards on nontravel: While you can earn high rewards points on travel, you can only earn 1.5x points on all other purchases.
- Short 0% APR introductory period: This is a disadvantage if you need a longer 0% APR period.
- No 0% APR on balance transfers: The introductory APR only applies to purchases
- Bank of America doesn’t disclose details of its additional card features. To find out more about these additional features, review your guide to benefits when you receive your card in the mail.
Who Should Consider the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®
It is a great business credit card for those who travel frequently, as you can earn points for every dollar spent on flights, rental cars, and hotels booked through the Bank of America Travel Center. It also lets you earn unlimited points on all other purchases, has one of the lowest minimum regular APRs, and does not charge annual and foreign transaction fees, making it one of our best business credit cards for travel.
Rewards:
- 3x points on every dollar spent on flights, rental cars, and hotels booked through the Bank of America Travel Center
- 1.5x points on every dollar spent on all purchases, with no limit on the amount of points you can earn
- Up to an unlimited 2.62 points per dollar spent on purchases after linking your Bank of America business checking account and qualifying for the Preferred Rewards for Business tier; read our review of Bank of America’s business checking account for more information
- Sign-up bonus: 30,000 bonus points when you spend at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of opening an account. This is equivalent to a $300 credit toward travel.
- Boost rewards: Earn up to 75% more points on every purchase if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business.
- Multiple ways to redeem your earned rewards: You can redeem your points for travel, travel credits, or cash back in the form of a statement credit, a deposit into your Bank of America account, or a check by mail.
- No annual fee: Decrease your overall credit costs while earning points rewards.
Important Considerations:
- It does not offer a 0% introductory period on balance transfers.
- It has a shorter 0% introductory period on purchases versus other cards on this list.
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit: Best for Self-employed Individuals With Good Credit
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit
BEST FOR:
Businesses with good credit that want a 0% introductory APR and fixed 1.5% cash back rewards
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
20.74%, 25.74%, or 28.74% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Unlimited 1.5% fixed-rate cash back on all purchases with no limits or category restrictions
Pros
- No annual, balance transfer, and foreign transaction fees
- With intro 0% APR on purchases
- Free employee cards
Cons
- No intro 0% APR on balance transfers
- No sign-up bonus for their new cardholders
- With high cash advance and penalty APRs
- Zero fraud liability: If your card is lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and a cash advance
- Roadside assistance: Capital One offers services to help you during auto-related emergencies, such as jump-starting, tire changing, and towing
- Free employee cards: You can track employee spending while earning all the rewards from their purchases by issuing free employee cards. In addition, you can set customized spending limits for employee cards and see transactions as soon as they post
- Purchase records: You can quickly and securely download your purchase records in different formats, such as Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
20.74%, 25.74%, or 28.74% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Unlimited 1.5% fixed-rate cash back on all purchases with no limits or category restrictions
Pros
- No annual, balance transfer, and foreign transaction fees
- With intro 0% APR on purchases
- Free employee cards
Cons
- No intro 0% APR on balance transfers
- No sign-up bonus for their new cardholders
- With high cash advance and penalty APRs
- Zero fraud liability: If your card is lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and a cash advance
- Roadside assistance: Capital One offers services to help you during auto-related emergencies, such as jump-starting, tire changing, and towing
- Free employee cards: You can track employee spending while earning all the rewards from their purchases by issuing free employee cards. In addition, you can set customized spending limits for employee cards and see transactions as soon as they post
- Purchase records: You can quickly and securely download your purchase records in different formats, such as Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®
Who Should Consider the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit
This card is best for self-employed individuals with good credit, as you only need good credit standing to get a card that doesn’t charge annual fees and offers unlimited cash back on all business-related purchases. It also has a 0% introductory period on purchases for the first 12 months after opening an account. For this reason, this card is one of our top-recommended sole proprietorship business credit cards.
Reward:
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no limits and category restrictions
- Reduced credit cost: Minimize your credit cost with this card because it does not charge annual, balance transfer, or foreign transaction fees.
- Flexible payment due date: You can choose your preferred monthly due date, making it easier to plan your business finances.
- Year-end summaries: Receive an itemized report of your spending, which can help simplify your budget and tax time.
Important Considerations:
- It does not have a 0% introductory period on balance transfers.
- It does not have a sign-up bonus for its new cardholders.
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard: Best for 0% APR for 15 Months & Up to 5% Cash Back
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
0% APR for 15 billing cycles
Intro APR
Regular APR
19.24% - 28.24% (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 $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.24% - 28.24%.
- No annual fee.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- 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.
Intro APR
Regular APR
19.24% - 28.24% (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 $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.24% - 28.24%.
- No annual fee.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- 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.
Who Should Consider the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard
This card is great for those needing both a long 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers (for the first 15 billing cycles) and premium cash back on purchases made at gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, office supply stores, cellphone service providers, and restaurants. It is our leading fuel business credit card and is part of our lists of the top credit cards for new businesses with no credit history and best business credit cards for balance transfers.
Rewards:
- 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 EV charging stations, restaurants, office supply stores, and cellphone 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
- Sign-up bonus: Spend $4,500 within the first 150 days of opening your account and receive $500 in cash back.
- Annual software subscription credit: Receive an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses, such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay: You can divide eligible purchases into equal monthly payments with no additional interest during your chosen repayment period. Note that you will need to pay a small, fixed monthly fee to avail yourself of this feature.
- No annual fee: Decrease your overall credit costs while earning cash back rewards.
Important Considerations:
- It does not have a 0% introductory period on cash advances.
- It offers low cash back rewards rates outside of the listed bonus categories.
Chase Ink Business PremierSM: Best for Frequent Large Purchases
Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those who frequently make large purchases
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
Flex for Business variable APR: 19.49% - 27.49%
Annual Fee
$195
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
- Travel Benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, No Foreign Transaction Fees and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
- The only business credit card with 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more.
- For businesses who prefer to pay their balance in full each month, Ink Business Premier gives access to increased spending power, rich rewards, and premium benefits.
- Pay off eligible purchases over time with interest up to assigned Flex for Business limit. All other purchases must be paid in full each month.
- Purchase with confidence with built-in protections like Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
- There's no additional cost for employee cards. Monitor spend with digital tools like purchase alerts, set spending limits, reporting, and more.
- Member FDIC
Pros
- Offers premium rewards for new and existing cardholders
- Does not charge foreign transaction fees
- Has the option to pay for qualifying purchases in installments through Flex for Business
Cons
- Does not have interest-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers
- Charges a high annual fee of $195
- Requires for you to pay in full each month
- Need to make large purchases within a short period of time to qualify for its sign up bonus
- Cellphone protection: You and your employees listed on your monthly cellphone bill can get up to $1,000 per claim against covered theft or damage
- Extended warranty protection: You can extend the US manufacturer’s warranty period by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance: If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather, and other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses, which includes passenger fares, tours, and hotels.
- Flex for Business: Allows a portion of your Credit Access Line to be used for qualifying purchases over time with interest.
- Free employee cards: You can request employee cards at no additional cost and set individual spending limits—helping you earn rewards faster.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
Flex for Business variable APR: 19.49% - 27.49%
Annual Fee
$195
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
- Travel Benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, No Foreign Transaction Fees and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
- The only business credit card with 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more.
- For businesses who prefer to pay their balance in full each month, Ink Business Premier gives access to increased spending power, rich rewards, and premium benefits.
- Pay off eligible purchases over time with interest up to assigned Flex for Business limit. All other purchases must be paid in full each month.
- Purchase with confidence with built-in protections like Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
- There's no additional cost for employee cards. Monitor spend with digital tools like purchase alerts, set spending limits, reporting, and more.
- Member FDIC
Pros
- Offers premium rewards for new and existing cardholders
- Does not charge foreign transaction fees
- Has the option to pay for qualifying purchases in installments through Flex for Business
Cons
- Does not have interest-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers
- Charges a high annual fee of $195
- Requires for you to pay in full each month
- Need to make large purchases within a short period of time to qualify for its sign up bonus
- Cellphone protection: You and your employees listed on your monthly cellphone bill can get up to $1,000 per claim against covered theft or damage
- Extended warranty protection: You can extend the US manufacturer’s warranty period by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance: If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather, and other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses, which includes passenger fares, tours, and hotels.
- Flex for Business: Allows a portion of your Credit Access Line to be used for qualifying purchases over time with interest.
- Free employee cards: You can request employee cards at no additional cost and set individual spending limits—helping you earn rewards faster.
Who Should Consider the Chase Ink Business Premier™
We recommend this card for self-employed professionals and freelancers who often make large purchases and can pay it in full. While it charges a high annual fee of $195, you can offset this by earning cash back on every $5,000 or more in single purchases. It also does not charge any foreign transaction fees when you use the card on purchases made outside of the United States. This is why it landed a spot in our lists of the leading cash back business credit cards and the best business credit cards for nonprofits.
Rewards:
- 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 2.5% cash back on $5,000 or more in single purchases
- 2% cash back on all other purchases
- Sign-up bonus: Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening an account
- Flexible redemption options: Redeem your rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel, and merchandise through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Rewards have no expiration date: Earn unlimited rewards that don’t expire as long as your account is open and in good standing.
- Cash back rewards on Lyft rides: Receive a total of 5% cash back on Lyft rides until March 2025.
Important Considerations
- It charges a high annual fee of $195.
- It does not have a 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers.
- It requires you to pay your balances in full.
- It requires you to spend at least $10,000 to receive $1,000 bonus cash back within a short period.
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card: Best for Recurring Amazon Purchases
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
BEST FOR:
5% back or 90-day repayment terms
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.49% - 27.49% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Eligible Prime Members get a $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card.
- Take advantage of 5% Back or 90 Day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Business, AWS and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership. You will earn 5% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter
- 2% Back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
- 1% Back on other purchases
- $0 Annual Fee
- Back your business with the broad selection of Amazon and the service of American Express. Stay focused on your top business priorities, knowing we’re behind you.
- With rewards that don’t expire, you choose when to redeem. Redeem rewards on millions of items during checkout at Amazon.com and Amazon Business (U.S.) or apply towards a purchase on your statement.
- Terms apply.
Pros
- 5% back or 90-day terms
- No annual and foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No 0% introductory APR
- Only for Amazon Prime members
- Return protection: American Express will provide a refund for an item purchased within 90 days that cannot be returned to the merchant. Refunds are limited to $300 per item, up to $1,000 per cardmember, per calendar year.
- Baggage insurance: Get reimbursed for lost, damaged, or stolen luggage is damaged, lost, or stolen when you pay for your trip with your card, American Express will pay up to $1,250 per covered person for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage.
- Car rental insurance: Get coverage for theft or damage of a car rental, up to $50,000. Cardholders can waive the collision insurance offered by the auto rental agency.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.49% - 27.49% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Eligible Prime Members get a $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card.
- Take advantage of 5% Back or 90 Day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Business, AWS and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership. You will earn 5% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter
- 2% Back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
- 1% Back on other purchases
- $0 Annual Fee
- Back your business with the broad selection of Amazon and the service of American Express. Stay focused on your top business priorities, knowing we’re behind you.
- With rewards that don’t expire, you choose when to redeem. Redeem rewards on millions of items during checkout at Amazon.com and Amazon Business (U.S.) or apply towards a purchase on your statement.
- Terms apply.
Pros
- 5% back or 90-day terms
- No annual and foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No 0% introductory APR
- Only for Amazon Prime members
- Return protection: American Express will provide a refund for an item purchased within 90 days that cannot be returned to the merchant. Refunds are limited to $300 per item, up to $1,000 per cardmember, per calendar year.
- Baggage insurance: Get reimbursed for lost, damaged, or stolen luggage is damaged, lost, or stolen when you pay for your trip with your card, American Express will pay up to $1,250 per covered person for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage.
- Car rental insurance: Get coverage for theft or damage of a car rental, up to $50,000. Cardholders can waive the collision insurance offered by the auto rental agency.
Who Should Consider the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
It is ideal for self-employed individuals and freelancers who regularly make business purchases through Amazon and have an active Amazon Prime membership. You can choose between earning cash back rewards on selected stores or getting 90-day terms on US purchases. It has no annual fee outside of the Business Prime membership fee and is our leading Amazon business credit card because of its easy sign-up bonus and high cash back option.
Rewards:
- Choose between 5% cash back or 90-day terms on US purchases at Whole Foods Market and on Amazon, Amazon Business, and Amazon Web Services (AWS); if you select cash back rewards, the 5% will apply on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, then 1% cash back if the cap is met
- 2% cash back on restaurants, gas stations, and wireless telephone services purchased directly from US service providers
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Sign-up bonus: Get a $125 Amazon.com gift card upon approval for the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card—no minimum purchase required.
- No foreign transaction fees: Use your card for international purchases and pay no foreign transaction fee.
- Extended warranty: The original manufacturer’s warranty is extended up to one additional year for warranties of five years or less.
- Year-end summary: American Express will give you a complete summary of your transactions that categorizes each spend by month and purchase type—making it easier to track your business expenses.
- No annual fee: Decrease your overall credit costs while earning cash back rewards.
Important Considerations:
- Its 90-day terms are shorter as compared to the other business credit cards that offer a 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers.
- It requires you to have an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $139 per year.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business: Best for Self-employed With Fair Credit
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
BEST FOR:
Those with fair credit
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
30.74% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Fair
- 1% cash back every time you swipe
- Build your business credit through responsible usage
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- Opportunity to build business credit
- Only requires fair credit to qualify
- Doesn’t charge annual and balance transfer fees
Cons
- Charges high ongoing APR
- Has no 0% introductory APR
- No sign-up bonus
- Automatic payments: Setting up AutoPay in the Capital One mobile app will save you from having to worry about signing in to your account every month
- $0 fraud liability: If your card is either lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and cash advance.
- Purchase records: You can download all purchase records quickly and securely in multiple formats, including Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®.
- Extended warranty: Get free additional warranty and protection on eligible items purchased with your business credit card.
- Free employee cards: You can create multiple employee cards, track employee spending, and customize spending limits while earning all the rewards from their purchases.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
30.74% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Fair
- 1% cash back every time you swipe
- Build your business credit through responsible usage
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- Opportunity to build business credit
- Only requires fair credit to qualify
- Doesn’t charge annual and balance transfer fees
Cons
- Charges high ongoing APR
- Has no 0% introductory APR
- No sign-up bonus
- Automatic payments: Setting up AutoPay in the Capital One mobile app will save you from having to worry about signing in to your account every month
- $0 fraud liability: If your card is either lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and cash advance.
- Purchase records: You can download all purchase records quickly and securely in multiple formats, including Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®.
- Extended warranty: Get free additional warranty and protection on eligible items purchased with your business credit card.
- Free employee cards: You can create multiple employee cards, track employee spending, and customize spending limits while earning all the rewards from their purchases.
Who Should Consider the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
It is an ideal business credit card for self-employed individuals with a fair business credit score. On top of not charging annual fees, it also lets you earn unlimited cash back on all purchases. These are our reasons for recommending it as our top business credit card for fair credit and one of our best credit cards for new businesses with no credit history.
Rewards:
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all business-related purchases, with no limits or category restrictions
- Payment flexibility: You can choose your preferred due date, making it easier to control when you pay your credit card bills.
- No balance transfer fees: If you need to transfer a balance from another credit card, you don’t need to pay balance transfer fees. However, you’ll be charged a balance transfer APR.
- Flexible redemption options: Redeem your cash back as a statement credit or through a check sent by mail, or use your rewards as gift cards at restaurants, retailers, and hotels.
- No annual fee: Decrease your overall credit costs while earning fixed-rate cash back rewards.
Important Considerations:
- It does not have a 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers.
- It does not have a sign-up bonus for new cardholders.
- It charges a high regular interest rate.
Brex Card: Best for Self-employed Wanting to Choose Between Daily or Monthly Payments
 Brex CardBEST FOR: Those Who Want Daily or Monthly Payments | |
|---|---|
Spending Limit | Load Limit |
|
|
Costs | |
| |
Who Should Consider the Brex Card
This business card is perfect for self-employed professionals who budget their expenses either daily or monthly. It is also a viable option if your business falls under information technology (IT) and life sciences due to its comprehensive perks offered for both types. Its features and lack of additional costs are why it’s one of our top-recommended corporate cards.
Brex Card is issued by Emigrant Bank and Fifth Third Bank, NA, and Brex has 10 partner banks—all of which are Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC)-insured. A Brex Business Account is required to get the Brex Card; learn about the account through our review of the Brex Business Account.
Rewards:
Variations of the Brex Exclusive Program | Specific Rewards |
|---|---|
Brex Exclusive Life Science Rewards |
|
Brex Exclusive Daily Payments Rewards | Advertising
Software
Life sciences
|
Brex Exclusive Custom Rewards | This is for companies that have more than 50 Brex users and that can meet minimum spending commitments. Contact any Brex Sales Representative to learn more about it. |
- Sign-up bonus: Receive 10,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first three months after account activation.
- Brex expense management system: A free system that lets users track expenses, matches receipts automatically, and identifies excess spending.
- MasterRental insurance: You may be covered for physical damages and theft done to your rented vehicle when you use your Brex Card. Visit the Brex website for more details.
- No additional fees: Enjoy the benefits of using Brex Card without additional setup and installation fees.
Important Considerations:
- Its bonus rewards outside of tech and life sciences are not as extensive or noteworthy as compared to the business credit cards offered by Chase, Capital One, and American Express.
- It does not allow ATM withdrawals.
How We Selected the Best Business Credit Cards for Self-employed
When selecting the best credit cards for the self-employed and freelancers, we prioritized low to no annual fees, sign-up bonuses, and ongoing rewards. We also took into account the ability to earn rewards on specific spending categories, 0% APR introductory offers, and ongoing APRs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few reasons why self-employed individuals, including freelancers, independent contractors, and sole proprietors, can benefit from a business credit card:
- Separate business and personal expenses: Having a separate credit card intended for business use can help you avoid commingling your personal and business expenses. As a result, your finances will be more organized for better recordkeeping, which makes tax season a lot easier. Check out our guide on how to separate business and personal finances to learn more.
- Help with your short-term funding needs: A business credit card can also be an excellent solution for short-term capital and cash flow needs. Using a business credit card for every day business-related expenses can help keep your work running smoothly.
- Offer rewards, perks, and other benefits: You can earn rewards that are useful for your business and enjoy the benefits of owning a business credit card like purchase and extended warranty protection.
- Help build business credit: Business credit cards help build business credit when used responsibly. Building business credit is essential if you want to scale your business in the future as business credit is necessary to qualify for other financing options, such as one of the best easy business loans.
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. If you have a poor personal credit score, consider one of the best business credit cards for bad credit.
The terms “freelancer” and “self-employed” are often used interchangeably, and both professions are the same in terms of the level of independence, taxes, and creative freedom. However, while freelancers are always self-employed, self-employed professionals aren’t always necessarily freelancers, as they are often associated with “business owners.”
Self-employed professionals decide what to work on, when they will work on it, and how they will work. Most of the time, they won’t take instructions from their clients. They also are most likely to have employees and will even hire freelancers to help with their day-to-day operations.
Bottom Line
The best credit cards for self-employed individuals listed in this guide have low to zero annual fees, come with reasonable APRs, and offer rewards. These cards can give your business a boost when you’re self-employed. To find the right card, it’s important to consider your business’ needs and rewards preferences.
