Editorial Disclosure This is a recurring post with regularly updated card details. Opinions, reviews, analyses & recommendations are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any of these entities.
Small business credit cards are a great alternative to small business loans, especially for startup owners who cannot easily qualify for other financing options. The best small business credit cards for startups come with low fees and other perks like an interest-free financing period, ongoing rewards, generous welcome offers, and low ongoing Annual Percentage Rates (APRs). Consider other features your startup needs when choosing the right new business credit card for you.
Here are the top eight business credit cards for startups:
- American Express Blue Business Cash: Overall best business credit card for startups with automatic cash back and expanded buying power
- U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for earning up to 5% cash back with a long 0% APR period
- Brex Card: Best for daily or monthly payment options with ongoing rewards
- Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards: Best for earning cash back rewards on your chosen category
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for 18-month interest-free financing period
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best for earning travel rewards
- American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card: Best for earning point-based rewards with flexible redemption options
- Capital One Spark 1% Classic: Best for fair credit and unlimited rewards
Overview of the Best Business Cards for Startups
Best for | Annual Fee | Ongoing Rewards | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 American Express Blue Business Cash | Overall best for startups with automatic cash back and expanded buying power | $0 | $250 statement credit | Up to 2% cash back | |
 U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® | Earning up to 5% cash back with long 0% APR period | $0 | $750 cash back bonus | Up to 5% cash back | |
 Brex Card | Daily or monthly payment options with ongoing rewards | $0 | None | Up to 8x points | |
 Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards | Earning cash back rewards on your chosen category | $0 | $300 online statement credit | Up to 3% cash back | |
 U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card | 18-month interest-free financing period | $0 | None | None | |
 Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard | Earning travel rewards | $0 | 30,000 online bonus points | Up to 3x points | |
American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card | Earning point-based rewards with flexible redemption options | $0 | 15,000 points | Up to 2x points | |
 Capital One Spark 1% Classic | Startup business owners with fair credit | $0 | None | Up to 5% cash back |
If you want to see how a credit card stacks up against others, click Add to Compare on the cards. Note that you can compare up to three credit cards on this page or a credit card here against two other cards on our site.
American Express Blue Business CashTM: Overall Best Business Credit Card for Startups With Automatic Cash Back & Expanded Buying Power
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want better cash back rewards
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.49% - 25.49% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% – 25.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome offer
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter. (Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.49% - 25.49% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% – 25.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome offer
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter. (Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)
Why we like it: We selected the American Express Blue Business CashTM as our overall best business credit card for startups because of its easy rewards program. It lets you earn fixed-rate cash back on your purchases that will be credited to your billing statement automatically, which means there’s no need to redeem your rewards manually. Besides that, you also get to enjoy its Expanded Buying Power feature, which lets you spend over your credit limit based on your card usage, payment behavior, and credit history.
Consider the American Express Blue Business CashTM card if you:
- Don’t want to manually redeem your cash back rewards
- Need to spend over your credit limit from time to time
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for Earning up to 5% Cash Back With Long 0% APR Period
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
Those wanting to earn up to 5% cash back on selected spending categories
Intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 12 billing cycles
Regular APR
17.99% - 26.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $750 in cash back. Just spend $6000 on the Account Owner's card in the first 180 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations (transactions of $200 or less)*, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants (*excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Redeem Cash Rewards right away or save them for later. Cash Rewards do not expire as long as the account remains active.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- 0% purchase APR for 12 months
- $0 annual fee
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan feature
Cons
- No 0% APR on balance transfers
- Charges balance transfer and foreign transaction fees
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan: Pay off your eligible balance over time with this feature without interest—just pay a small monthly fee
Intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 12 billing cycles
Regular APR
17.99% - 26.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $750 in cash back. Just spend $6000 on the Account Owner's card in the first 180 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations (transactions of $200 or less)*, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants (*excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Redeem Cash Rewards right away or save them for later. Cash Rewards do not expire as long as the account remains active.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- 0% purchase APR for 12 months
- $0 annual fee
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan feature
Cons
- No 0% APR on balance transfers
- Charges balance transfer and foreign transaction fees
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan: Pay off your eligible balance over time with this feature without interest—just pay a small monthly fee
Why we like it: For startup owners who need to make a significant purchase, the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® offers interest-free financing on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles. Not only that, but you also get to enjoy earning up to 5% cash back on your purchases, as well as other benefits that may be valuable to your startup company.
Consider the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® if you:
- Need to take advantage of interest-free financing on purchases
- Have recurring expenses on software subscriptions to take advantage of the annual statement credit
It is our top-rated business credit card with no annual fee and the leading fuel credit card for small businesses because of its generous rewards and long zero-interest financing period.
Brex Card: Best for Daily or Monthly Payment Options With Ongoing Rewards
 Brex CardBEST FOR: Those who want daily or monthly payments | |
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Spending Limit | Load Limit |
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Costs | |
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Why we like it: The Brex Card can function either as a charge card or a prepaid card—you have the option to pay your balance monthly or daily. Aside from not charging any additional fees on purchases and the creation of physical and virtual cards, it offers points rewards on selected spending categories, and you can redeem them for cash back, credits, rebates, and billboards. It is selected as one of the best business credit cards for startups because it can help new businesses save on costs while giving them the freedom to choose their payment terms based on their cash flow.
The Brex Card is issued by Emigrant Bank and Fifth Third Bank, NA, and Brex is backed by over 10 partner banks, which are all Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC)-insured.
Consider the Brex Card if you:
- Have sufficient cash on hand to pay your balance on a daily or monthly basis
- Are engaged in a business related to life sciences or tech industries to take advantage of the perks and premium rewards on these categories
The perks mentioned are a few of the reasons why it is our leading business credit card with no personal credit check.
Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards: Best for Earning Cash Back Rewards on Your Chosen Category
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
BEST FOR:
Those who want to earn 3% cash back in a spending category of their choice
Intro APR
0%
9 billing cycles
9 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases
Annual Fee
$0.00
Credit Needed
Excellent
- Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations & EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services, 2% cash back on dining purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll earn 3% cash back on purchases in the category of your choice and 2% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
- You can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back in your selected choice category and up to 3.5% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in those combined purchases each calendar year, and up to an unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Choose how to redeem your cash rewards-as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you. Cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to the Mobile Banking app or Business Advantage 360, our small business online banking. You can change it once each calendar month, or make no change and it stays the same.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
- Offers flexible redemption options
- $0 annual fee
- Welcome offer
Cons
- Premium cash back rewards are capped on a selected spending category
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Short introductory APR period
- Access to a business credit score: Bank of America lets you view and monitor your Dun & Bradstreet business credit score for free through Business Advantage 360.
- Zero liability protection: Stay protected against unauthorized transactions. Bank of America offers additional protections that cover certain purchases against loss, damage, theft, or fire and provides extended warranty coverage.
- Fraud monitoring: Bank of America will block potential fraud if it detects abnormal patterns in your transactions. It’ll also notify you if it suspects any fraudulent activity.
Intro APR
0%
9 billing cycles
9 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases
Annual Fee
$0.00
Credit Needed
Excellent
- Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations & EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services, 2% cash back on dining purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll earn 3% cash back on purchases in the category of your choice and 2% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
- You can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back in your selected choice category and up to 3.5% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in those combined purchases each calendar year, and up to an unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
- No annual fee.
- Choose how to redeem your cash rewards-as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you. Cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to the Mobile Banking app or Business Advantage 360, our small business online banking. You can change it once each calendar month, or make no change and it stays the same.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
- Offers flexible redemption options
- $0 annual fee
- Welcome offer
Cons
- Premium cash back rewards are capped on a selected spending category
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Short introductory APR period
- Access to a business credit score: Bank of America lets you view and monitor your Dun & Bradstreet business credit score for free through Business Advantage 360.
- Zero liability protection: Stay protected against unauthorized transactions. Bank of America offers additional protections that cover certain purchases against loss, damage, theft, or fire and provides extended warranty coverage.
- Fraud monitoring: Bank of America will block potential fraud if it detects abnormal patterns in your transactions. It’ll also notify you if it suspects any fraudulent activity.
Why we like it: One of the best things about the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards is that you can choose where to earn premium cash back rewards. As a startup business, you may have varied expenses every month that you cannot predict—being able to choose where you earn premium rewards allows you to maximize your rewards based on your changing spending habits. On top of that, you’ll also get a chance to earn up to 75% more rewards if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for the Preferred Rewards for Business program.
Consider the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards card if you:
- Have an existing business checking account with Bank of America to get a chance to earn more rewards
- Have expenses on varied spending categories per month to maximize premium rewards
It is also one of our top-selected business credit cards for consultants. Note that you’ll need an excellent credit score to qualify.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for 18-month Interest-free Financing Period
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
BEST FOR:
Extended 0% APR period on purchases
Intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 18 billing cycles
Regular APR
16.99% - 25.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- 0% Intro APR on purchases 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 16.99% - 25.99%.
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- With a long 0% introductory APR period on purchases
- Enjoy $0 annual fees
- Offers ExtendPay® Plan
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- No 0% APR offer on balance transfers
- Needs Excellent/Good credit score to qualify
- SinglePoint® Essentials: SinglePoint® Essentials is U.S. Bank's one-stop tool for viewing account balances and transaction details, transferring funds between existing U.S. Bank accounts, downloading statements, and making payments.
- Fraud protection: U.S. Bank offers fraud protection to ensure the safety and security of all cardholders. To learn more about U.S. Bank's fraud protection services, you can set up a virtual appointment, call U.S. Bank, or go to the nearest U.S. Bank branch.
- ExtendPay® plan: This allows you to pay off balances over time by dividing eligible credit card purchases into affordable monthly payments with no interest—you only need to pay a fixed monthly fee. Visa Spend Clarity: Another tool that cardholders can use to track spending and manage finances is Visa Spend Clarity.
Intro APR
0% intro on purchases for 18 billing cycles
Regular APR
16.99% - 25.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- 0% Intro APR on purchases 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 16.99% - 25.99%.
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- With a long 0% introductory APR period on purchases
- Enjoy $0 annual fees
- Offers ExtendPay® Plan
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- No 0% APR offer on balance transfers
- Needs Excellent/Good credit score to qualify
- SinglePoint® Essentials: SinglePoint® Essentials is U.S. Bank's one-stop tool for viewing account balances and transaction details, transferring funds between existing U.S. Bank accounts, downloading statements, and making payments.
- Fraud protection: U.S. Bank offers fraud protection to ensure the safety and security of all cardholders. To learn more about U.S. Bank's fraud protection services, you can set up a virtual appointment, call U.S. Bank, or go to the nearest U.S. Bank branch.
- ExtendPay® plan: This allows you to pay off balances over time by dividing eligible credit card purchases into affordable monthly payments with no interest—you only need to pay a fixed monthly fee. Visa Spend Clarity: Another tool that cardholders can use to track spending and manage finances is Visa Spend Clarity.
Why we like it: The primary benefit of using a U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card for your startup business is that you get to take advantage of its 18-month long 0% APR on purchases — this is the longest offer among all other cards featured in this guide. While it doesn’t provide introductory and ongoing rewards, it comes with a low ongoing APR compared to most other business credit cards.
Consider the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card if you:
- Need to make a substantial purchase or consolidate your debts from other credit cards
- Don’t mind not earning rewards on your purchases in exchange for a long 0% APR period and a low ongoing APR
Its long interest-free financing period is the reason why the card is chosen as our top business credit card with 0% APR and the most outstanding business credit card for balance transfers.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best for Earning Travel Rewards
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
- Charges $0 annual and foreign transaction fees
- Offers fixed-rate cash back rewards
- Has no blackout dates
Cons
- Does not offer a 0% introductory period on balance transfers
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- Bank of America doesn’t disclose details of its additional card features. To find out more about these additional features, review your guide to benefits when you receive your card in the mail.
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
- Charges $0 annual and foreign transaction fees
- Offers fixed-rate cash back rewards
- Has no blackout dates
Cons
- Does not offer a 0% introductory period on balance transfers
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- Bank of America doesn’t disclose details of its additional card features. To find out more about these additional features, review your guide to benefits when you receive your card in the mail.
Why we like it: The Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® lets you earn rewards that can be redeemed for a statement credit to cover your recent travel and dining purchases, making it ideal for startup businesses that need to travel often. You can also use your rewards for travel through the Bank of America Travel Center, or redeem them as cash back or gift cards. What’s more, it comes with 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles.
Consider the Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® if you:
- Travel frequently for business and want to earn rewards that can be redeemed for travel or travel credits
- Have an existing Bank of America business checking account for a chance to earn up to 75% more rewards
The card is also our top-recommended business credit card with no foreign transaction fee because of its simple rewards program and perks.
American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card: Best for Earning Point-based Rewards with Flexible Redemption Options
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
BEST FOR:
Pocketing 2x points per $1 and 0% introductory APR for 12 months
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.49% - 25.49% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% - 25.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
- You’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- $0 annual fee
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Welcome offer
- Expanded buying power
- Fixed-rate rewards
Cons
- Cash advances aren’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2x points rewards are capped at $50,000 in spending
- Expanded buying power: The card lets you spend beyond your credit limit through this feature. The amount you can spend above your credit limit adjusts with your card usage, payment history, credit record, financial resources, and other factors.
- Purchase protection: Items purchased using this card are covered in case they’re damaged or stolen within 90 days of the date of purchase. American Express will reimburse you for the amount charged to your eligible card, up to $1,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardmember, per year.
- Extended warranty protection: American Express provides cardholders with an extended warranty for one additional year, which applies to items with original manufacturer warranties of five years or less.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.49% - 25.49% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Excellent, Good
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% - 25.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
- You’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- $0 annual fee
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Welcome offer
- Expanded buying power
- Fixed-rate rewards
Cons
- Cash advances aren’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2x points rewards are capped at $50,000 in spending
- Expanded buying power: The card lets you spend beyond your credit limit through this feature. The amount you can spend above your credit limit adjusts with your card usage, payment history, credit record, financial resources, and other factors.
- Purchase protection: Items purchased using this card are covered in case they’re damaged or stolen within 90 days of the date of purchase. American Express will reimburse you for the amount charged to your eligible card, up to $1,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardmember, per year.
- Extended warranty protection: American Express provides cardholders with an extended warranty for one additional year, which applies to items with original manufacturer warranties of five years or less.
Why we like it: The American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card lets you earn points-based rewards that can be redeemed as a statement credit, for gift cards, or to pay for purchases with various merchants. You can also transfer your points to American Express partner loyalty programs like airlines and hotels. It is chosen as one of the best startup business credit cards for those who need to redeem their rewards in several ways, depending on what their business needs most at the time of redemption.
Consider the American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card if you:
- Have varied credit needs and may need to spend more than your credit limit from time to time
- Prefer to earn points-based rewards so you can redeem them in various ways
It is also our leading business credit card for real estate agents due to its straightforward rewards and other valuable features.
Capital One Spark 1% Classic: Best for Fair Credit and Unlimited Rewards
Capital One Spark 1% Classic
BEST FOR:
Those with fair credit
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
29.99% 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 welcome offer
- Automatic payments: Setting up AutoPay in the Capital One mobile app will save you from having to worry about signing in to your account every month
- $0 fraud liability: If your card is either lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and cash advance.
- Purchase records: You can download all purchase records quickly and securely in multiple formats, including Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®.
- Extended warranty: Get free additional warranty and protection on eligible items purchased with your business credit card.
- Free employee cards: You can create multiple employee cards, track employee spending, and customize spending limits while earning all the rewards from their purchases.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
29.99% 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 welcome offer
- Automatic payments: Setting up AutoPay in the Capital One mobile app will save you from having to worry about signing in to your account every month
- $0 fraud liability: If your card is either lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and cash advance.
- Purchase records: You can download all purchase records quickly and securely in multiple formats, including Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®.
- Extended warranty: Get free additional warranty and protection on eligible items purchased with your business credit card.
- Free employee cards: You can create multiple employee cards, track employee spending, and customize spending limits while earning all the rewards from their purchases.
Why we like it: The Capital One® Spark 1% Classic is a great option for startup business owners with a fair credit score—that is, a FICO® Score☉ranging from 580 to 669. It lets you earn up to 5% cash back rewards, which you can redeem as a statement credit or through a check sent by mail.
Consider the Capital One Spark 1% Classic if you:
- Have a low credit score that could not qualify for a business credit card with more favorable terms
- Can pay your entire balance monthly or don’t mind paying a high interest rate if you need to carry a balance to the next billing cycle
It is chosen as our overall best business credit card for fair credit because of its lenient credit requirements and unlimited rewards. Keep in mind that it comes with a high ongoing APR, so paying off your balance every billing cycle is recommended to avoid unnecessarily high credit costs.
How We Selected the Best Business Credit Cards for Startups
When choosing the best new business credit cards, we prioritized cards with low or no annual fees to help startup owners minimize their credit costs. We also considered the overall value of these cards, their requirements, and the various features that startup owners may need—such as rewards, flexible spending categories, an easy application process, introductory bonuses, and introductory APRs.
Alternatives to Business Credit Cards for Startups
Aside from using a business credit card, other options for funding your startup business include:
- Personal loans: These are money borrowed from banks, credit unions, or other lenders. They are usually unsecured, which means you don’t need to provide collateral. See our top-recommended personal loans for business funding for a place to start.
- Small Business Administration (SBA) loans: These are loans issued by eligible lenders and are partially guaranteed by the SBA. For an in-depth guide, read our article on SBA loan types, rates, and requirements.
- Microloans: These are loans of $50,000 or less, usually offered by lenders through SBA microloan programs. See our article on SBA Microloans’ rates, eligibility and how to apply to learn more.
- Equipment financing: This is either a loan or a lease that’s intended to finance the purchase of equipment for your business. The equipment will serve as collateral for the loan. If you choose a lease, the equipment will be returned to the lease provider after the lease term. To learn more, read our article on equipment financing: loans vs leases.
- Rollover for business startups (ROBS): This financing method allows you to use funds from your retirement account to start or purchase a business. It allows you to access your retirement funds early without paying the usual taxes or early withdrawal penalties. Read our ultimate guide on ROBS for more information.
- Home equity loan: This is a type of startup financing that lets you use the equity in your primary residence for your startup capital needs. Learn about the process through our guide on how to use a home equity loan to finance your business.
- Home equity line of credit (HELOC): A HELOC is also a good option for those who have equity in their primary residence. It gives you access to a business line of credit equivalent to around 90% to 95% of your home’s value. Read our article on how to use a HELOC to fund your business for guidance.
- Small business grants: These are essentially free money for financial assistance provided to new business owners by various organizations, including government agencies, non-profit entities, and private companies. See our lists of the leading small business grants and top small business grants for women.
- Crowdfunding: This financing method sources funds from several investors in exchange for goods, services, or even equity in your company. See our guide on how to crowdfund your small business if you require assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Using business credit cards to finance a startup business is a good idea if you don’t qualify for a small business loan or need immediate funding for working capital. A credit card application usually involves a simpler process and typically results in fast approval compared to a small business loan. Ideally, you can use a business credit card to purchase equipment and other supplies that you need to get your new business off the ground.
The qualification requirements may differ from one business credit card to another. Make sure that your credit score meets the credit requirements. Also, prepare the following documents and information:
- Business legal name, address, and contact details
- Type of business or industry type
- Business entity or legal structure
- Federal tax ID or social security number
- Number employees
- Annual business revenue
- Estimated monthly expenses using the credit card
- Owner’s information and personal credit history
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Bottom Line
The best business credit card for your startup is one tailored to your needs. Select a card that can give you lucrative rewards for every expense and interest-free financing options on substantial purchases. Check the credit requirements and other needed documents first to ensure a smooth application process.
