10 Best Business Credit Cards for Startups 2020

On Chase's Secure Website

Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card

Earn $500 bonus cash back after you spend $3,000 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 card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Employee cards at no additional cost
No Annual Fee

INTRO APR	REGULAR APR	ANNUAL FEE	CREDIT NEEDED
0% Intro APR on Purchases	14.74% - 20.74% Variable	$0	Good - Excellent

On Chase's Secure Website

The Chase Ink Business Cash^SM card is our pick for the best business credit card for startups because it offers the top combination of introductory and ongoing rewards along with a lengthy introductory period on purchases. Business owners receive 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months. The ongoing variable APR is as low as 14.74%.

Chase Ink Business Cash^SM Costs

Introductory APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases
Ongoing APR: 14.74% to 20.74% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
Annual fee: None
Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

If your primary concern in a card is cheap financing on balance transfers, we don’t recommend this card for you. It doesn’t offer 0% APR on balance transfers, and the balance transfer fee is just too high in our view compared with other small business credit cards.

Chase Ink Business Cash^SM Rewards

This small business credit card offers the highest rewards on office supply spending. It also offers excellent introductory rewards for a card that charges no annual fee.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn $500 cash back after you spend $3,000 within your first three months. This is the highest introductory bonus on our list from a card that charges no annual fee (tied with Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM).

Ongoing Rewards

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

No other card offers higher cash back on office supply spending. You will, however, find other small business credit cards that offer better returns on gas station spending, including the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®, which pays 3% cash back.

Chase Ink Business Cash^SM Additional Features

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

This is a similar package of benefits several other cards on our startup list offer, although the purchase protection lasts longer than the 90 days the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM Mastercard® offers.

What Chase Ink Business Cash^SM Is Missing

According to Chase Ink Business Cash^SM reviews, businesses that have travel expenses won’t benefit from Chase Ink Business Cash^SM. The best startup credit cards rarely offer bonus categories that cover travel, although Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business pays 5x miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One, which you can redeem against your firm’s startup travel costs.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM: Best for Fixed-rate Rewards & Big Intro Bonus

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Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card

Earn $500 bonus cash back after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases

Employee cards at no additional cost
No Annual Fee

INTRO APR	REGULAR APR	ANNUAL FEE	CREDIT NEEDED
0% Intro APR on Purchases	14.74% - 20.74% Variable	$0	Good - Excellent

On Chase's Secure Website

Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM is a solid pick for startups that want to earn fixed-rate rewards and a solid sign-up bonus. It pays 1.5% cash back on all spending and $500 cash back after you spend $3,000 in the first three months. That’s $300 more than you’d earn with Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business, which also pays 1.5% back. Ongoing variable APR is as low as 14.74%.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM Costs

Introductory APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases
Ongoing APR: 14.74% to 20.74% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
Annual fee: None
Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

The length of the introductory APR is longer than the nine months offered by Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business, which only offers 0% APR on purchases. If you want a cash-back credit card that also offers 0% APR on balance transfers, choose the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card. It charges no interest for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM Rewards

Along with fixed-rate ongoing rewards, this card also comes with a great introductory bonus—the highest among the cards on our list and equal to what Chase Ink Business Cash^SM offers.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn $500 cash back when you spend $3,000 in the first three months. This is the highest introductory reward on our list, tied with Chase Ink Business Cash^SM.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which also makes it a solid credit card for new businesses. That’s the best fixed-rate cash-back return from a credit card that charges no annual fee and sets no annual spending cap on our list, tied with Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM Additional Features

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

Note that the purchase protection benefit lasts longer than the 90 days the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM Mastercard® offers. The rental insurance and extended warranty protection are similar to what other Chase business cards on our list offer, including Chase Ink Business Cash^SM.

What Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM Is Missing

According to Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM reviews, this credit card offers great fixed-rate cash-back rewards on all spending. But the reward rate is lower—especially in certain spending categories—than some other cards, like the Chase Ink Business Cash^SM card. That card pays 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on telecommunications services.

American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card: Best for 0% APR & Fixed-rate 2% Cash Back

on American Express® Blue Business Cash Card's secure website.

American Express® Blue Business Cash Card

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.

0.0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then a variable rate, 14.74%, 17.74%, or 20.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
No Annual Fee
Terms Apply

INTRO APR	REGULAR APR	ANNUAL FEE	CREDIT NEEDED
0% on purchases	14.74% - 20.74% Variable	No annual fee	Good, Excellent

on American Express® Blue Business Cash Card's secure website.

See Rates and Fees

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card is best for startup business owners who want 0% APR and who want to earn fixed-rate cash back. It charges no annual fee, and you’ll pay no interest for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. It pays 2% cash back on purchases up to $50,000 annually, then 1% thereafter. Ongoing variable APR starts at 14.74%.

American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Costs

Introductory APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers
Ongoing APR: 14.74% to 20.74% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
Annual fee: None
Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

This credit card offers the best introductory 0% APR period on our list, alongside American Express Blue Business® Plus. The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® falls just short, as it charges no interest for nine billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers.

American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Rewards

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card pays a fixed rate of 2% cash back on purchases up to $50,000, then 1% thereafter. Most cards that pay fixed-rate rewards up to 2% also charge annual fees close to $100. This card does not offer any introductory rewards.

Introductory Rewards

The American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card does not offer a sign-up bonus. Several other credit cards that charge no annual fees offer introductory rewards. For example, Chase Ink Business Cash^SM offers $500 after you spend $3,000 within three months.

Ongoing Rewards

2% cash back on all purchases up to $50,000 each year.
1% cash back on all additional purchases.

If you want to earn ongoing rewards without an annual spending cap, choose Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM. That card pays unlimited 1.5% cash back on all spending. Plus, that card offers a sign-up bonus worth $500.

American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Additional Features

Extended warranty protection: American Express offers up to one additional year of coverage on eligible warranties of up to five years. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
Purchase protection: American Express will repair, replace, or reimburse you for purchased items that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per claim and $50,000 per account, per year.

The purchase protection isn’t quite as good as what other American Express cards offer, like American Express Blue Business® Plus. That card provides coverage for the first 120 days after purchase.

What American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card Is Missing

According to American Express business card reviews, this startup business credit card does not offer any introductory rewards, which is its biggest drawback. This can be a turnoff to some startup business owners, especially when other cards on our list offer sign-up bonuses worth up to $500 cash back. Chase Ink Business Cash^SM, for example, offers $500 when you spend $3,000 within three months from account opening.

American Express Blue Business® Plus: Best for 0% APR & Fixed-rate Points

on The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express's secure website.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Get rewarded for business as usual. Earn 2X Membership Rewards® 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.
Enjoy the flexibility to put more purchases on the Card and earn rewards when you buy above your credit limit*.

You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
More buying power for your business means more opportunities to earn points. That’s everyday business with the Blue Business Plus Card.
*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.
0.0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then a variable rate, 14.74%, 17.74% or 20.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
Terms Apply

INTRO APR	REGULAR APR	ANNUAL FEE	CREDIT NEEDED
0% on purchases	14.74% - 20.74% Variable	No annual fee	Good, Excellent

on The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express's secure website.

See Rates and Fees

American Express Blue Business® Plus offers fixed-rate points rewards and a 12-month 0% introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers. It’s the ideal choice for startups that spend in a variety of categories and are seeking long-term free financing. The ongoing variable APR of 14.74% to 20.74% is lower than some cards on our list, which means it’s also a great card for the long term as your startup matures.

American Express Blue Business® Plus Costs

Introductory APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers
Ongoing APR: 14.74% to 20.74% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
Annual fee: None
Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

American Express Blue Business® Plus offers a long 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers (12 months), which is the best offer on our list.

American Express Blue Business® Plus Rewards

Cardholders will earn 2x points on all spending, which means there are no bonus categories to track. There are also no opportunities to earn higher returns on category spending, like the 5% Chase Ink Business Cash^SM pays on spending at office supply stores.

Introductory Rewards

American Express Blue Business® Plus offers no sign-up bonus or other introductory rewards. It’s one of four cards on our list that has no introductory rewards, including the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card, and this drawback is one reason why this card doesn’t top our list.

Ongoing Rewards

2x points on all purchases up to $50,000 each year.
1x points on all additional purchases.

The return rate is the best among the fixed-rate rewards cards on our list, like Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business, which pays 1.5% cash back on all spending. If you want to receive cash back instead of points, choose the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card. That card pays the same fixed-rate rewards, but as cash back.

American Express Blue Business® Plus Additional Features

Extended warranty: American Express will match the length of the original manufacturer’s warranty if it’s less than two years. American Express provides an additional two years if the warranty is between two and five years. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
Purchase protection: The issuer will repair, replace, or reimburse you for an item purchased with the card that was damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.

American Express business card reviews show that these benefits are fairly standard, although the length of coverage on purchase protection is more than the 90 days the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card offers.

What American Express Blue Business® Plus Is Missing

American Express Blue Business® Plus doesn’t offer introductory rewards, while other cards on our list offer fairly large sign-up bonuses, including cards that charge no annual fee. Chase Ink Business Cash^SM, for instance, offers a $500 cash bonus when you spend $3,000 in the first three months of account opening.

You’ll also earn fixed-rate ongoing rewards, which may be bad for businesses that spend heavily in certain categories—like airfare or gas—where other cards offer enhanced rewards. The Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®, for example, offers cardholders the opportunity to earn 3% cash back on gas.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM Mastercard®: Best for Earning an Annual Cash Bonus

On US Bank's Secure Website

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®

Earn a new cardmember bonus of $200 after you spend $1,000 in eligible net purchases on your card within the first 90 days of account opening
3% cash back on cellular, gas stations, and office supply store net purchases
1% cash back on other eligible net purchases

No limit on total rewards and they never expire!
Plus, a 25% Annual Cash Rewards bonus, up to $250
No annual fee*
Net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns
0% Intro APR* on purchases and balance transfers for the first 9 billing cycles. After that variable APR currently 13.74% - 24.74%*

INTRO APR	REGULAR APR	ANNUAL FEE	CREDIT NEEDED
0%*	13.74% - 24.74%* Variable	$0*	Excellent

On US Bank's Secure Website

See Rates and Fees

The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM Mastercard® is best for businesses that want to earn an annual cash bonus. You’ll earn 25% of your prior year’s rewards, up to $250. Plus, it offers no-interest financing for nine billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers. You’ll also earn $200 cash back after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days. Ongoing variable APR starts at 13.74%.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM Mastercard® Costs

Introductory APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first nine billing cycles
Ongoing APR: 13.74% to 24.74% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
Annual fee: None
Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

This U.S. Bank card has the potentially lowest ongoing APR on our list. However, the high end of the ongoing APR range on Chase Ink Business Cash^SM is about four percentage points lower than the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM Mastercard®.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM Mastercard® Rewards

The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM Mastercard® offers a $200 introductory bonus after you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days. It’s tied with Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business. This U.S. Bank business card also pays up to 3% cash back on select spending categories.

Introductory Rewards

You will earn $200 cash back after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days. Chase Ink Business Cash^SM and Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM both offer $500 after you spend $3,000 within the first three months.

Ongoing Rewards

3% cash back on cellphone purchases and service.
3% cash back on gas purchases up to $200 per single purchase.
3% cash back at office supply stores.
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

U.S. Bank also offers a unique annual bonus that’s equal to 25% of your prior year’s cash rewards, up to $250. We have reviewed dozens of small business credit cards, and we have not come across a similar feature.

The cellphone category bonus is also unique compared to other small business credit cards on our list. However, the everyday spending reward of 1% cash back is common. If you’re looking to earn non-category bonus rewards, a good card option would be Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM. That card offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM Mastercard® Additional Features

Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year on warranties of five years or less. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim.
Purchase protection: The issuer may repair or reimburse purchased items that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per claim and $25,000 per account, per year.

U.S. Bank business card reviews show that the additional features provided on the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM Mastercard® are common across the best small business credit cards. However, this card offers better extended warranty protection compared to American Express Blue Business® Plus. That card covers warranties of five years or less, but the coverage is limited to $1,000 per claim.

What U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM Mastercard® Is Missing

The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM Mastercard® offers lower ongoing rewards compared to other cards on our list. Chase Ink Business Cash^SM, for example, offers ongoing rewards up to 5% on specific spending categories.

Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business: Best for Frequent Business Travel

on Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business's secure website.

Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business

Earn unlimited 1.5X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
Earn a one-time bonus of 20,000 miles – equal to $200 in travel – once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn 5X miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel℠ using a Spark Miles Select card

Save on interest with 0% intro APR on purchases for 9 months; 14.49% - 22.49% variable APR after that
No annual fee
Transfer your miles to 10+ leading travel loyalty programs like JetBlue™, Air Canada, and Emirates™
Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 1.5X miles from their purchases

INTRO APR	REGULAR APR	ANNUAL FEE	CREDIT NEEDED
0% on purchases	14.49% - 22.49% (Variable)	$0	Excellent, Good

on Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business's secure website.

Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business is the only card on our list that offers miles-based rewards. It pays 1.5x miles on all spending and 5x points on some travel-related purchases. It’s best for startups that have no more than $19,000 in annual expenses. That’s the threshold at which you’ll benefit more with Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business. Ongoing variable APR starts at 14.49%.

Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business Costs

Introductory APR: 0% for nine months on purchases
Ongoing APR: 14.49% to 22.49% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
Annual fee: None
Balance transfer fee: None

This card is nearly identical to Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business, except with regard to how rewards are handed out—miles versus cash back. Like Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business, the introductory 0% APR period is shorter on this card than on others on our list, like Chase Ink Business Cash^SM (12 months).

Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business Rewards

Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business offers a small introductory bonus compared with other cards and ongoing fixed-rate rewards. It also offers fixed-rate rewards of 1.5x miles on all spending.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn a one-time bonus of 20,000 miles—equal to $200 in travel—once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. This is lower than the $500 you’ll earn with Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM, which requires the same $3,000 in spending over the same time period.

Ongoing Rewards

5x miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel^SM.
1.5x miles on all spending with no limits.

This is just one of two startup credit cards on our list (American Express Blue Business® Plus being the other) that allow startups to redeem rewards directly for flights. Business owners can use rewards to book new airfare or cancel out the cost of flights booked within 90 days using the card through its Purchase Eraser feature.

Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business Additional Features

According to Capital One’s website, this card offers the following protections:

Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 90 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account, per year.
Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by up to one year on eligible warranties of three years or less.

Notice that the length of purchase protection coverage is shorter at 90 days with Capital One than it is with other cards, like Chase Ink Business Cash^SM, which offers purchase protection for up to 120 days. Capital One business card reviews show that the extended warranty benefit is also less than the two additional years of protection the American Express Blue Business® Plus card offers.

What Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business Is Missing

Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business offers a shorter 0% APR introductory period on purchases than most other cards on this list, including Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM (12 months). It also offers no interest-free financing period on balance transfers, like the nine billing cycles you’d receive with the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM Mastercard®.

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business: Best for Low Credit Card Expenses

on Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business's secure website.

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions
Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Save on interest with 0% intro APR on purchases for 9 months; 14.49% - 22.49% variable APR after that

No annual fee
Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Rewards won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount
$0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen
No foreign transaction fees

INTRO APR	REGULAR APR	ANNUAL FEE	CREDIT NEEDED
0% on purchases	14.49% - 22.49% (Variable)	$0	Excellent, Good

on Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business's secure website.

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business is another on our list of startup credit cards to offer 1.5% cash back on all spending. It’s a fine pick, but not quite as good as Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM, which offers a higher sign-up bonus ($500 versus $200) and a better 0% introductory offer (12 months versus nine months). Ongoing variable APR is as low as 14.49%.

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business Costs

Introductory APR: 0% for nine months on purchases
Ongoing APR: 14.49% to 22.49% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
Annual fee: None
Balance transfer fee: None

The introductory 0% APR period is shorter on this card than on others on our list, like the American Express Blue Business® Plus (12 months). It also doesn’t offer an introductory APR period on balance transfers, although you’ll pay no transfer fee, something other cards don’t offer. For example, American Express Blue Business® Plus charges a balance transfer fee of 3%.

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business Rewards

The real appeal of Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business is for business owners who want a fixed-rate return and don’t want to pay an annual fee. But that fee aversion is only worth it if you spend $19,000 or less a year.

Here’s a look at the math:

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business: $19,000 in annual spend x 1.5% cash back = $285 in rewards.
Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business: $19,000 in annual spend x 2% cash back – $95 annual fee = $285 in rewards.

Introductory Rewards

Earn a one-time $200 cash bonus once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. That’s a smaller return than the $500 Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM pays on the same amount of spending.

Ongoing Rewards

Earn 1.5% cash back on all spending with no limits. That’s the same return you’ll see on Chase Ink Business Unlimited^SM.

Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business Additional Features

According to Capital One’s website, this card offers the following protections:

Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 90 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account, per year.
Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by up to one year on eligible warranties of three years or less.

Notice that the length of purchase protection coverage is shorter at 90 days with Capital One than it is with other cards, like Chase Ink Business Cash^SM, which offers purchase protection for up to 120 days. The extended warranty benefit is also less than the two years of additional protection American Express Blue Business® Plus offers.

What Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business Is Missing

According to Capital One business card reviews, the biggest drawback to Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business is that there are no interest-free balance transfers. If you have a balance on another card that’s accruing interest, you’ll be better off choosing a card like the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card, which offers 0% APR for 12 months on balance transfers and purchases.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®: Best for Fuel Purchases

on Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card's secure website.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

Get a $300 statement credit when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening - with no annual fee and cash rewards don't expire.
Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% cash back on dining and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
You'll get 3% and 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.

0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles.
Redeem your cash rewards as a statement credit, check, or have cash deposited into a Bank of America® checking or savings account.
Get 75% more cash back on every purchase when you're a Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier member. That means you will earn 5.25% on your selected choice category, 3.5% on dining and unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.

INTRO APR	REGULAR APR	ANNUAL FEE	CREDIT NEEDED
0% 9 billing cycles	13.74% - 23.74% Variable APR on purchases	$0.00	Excellent

on Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card's secure website.

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® is best for startups that have a big budget for fuel. It pays 3% cash back on gas station purchases and 2% cash back on restaurant purchases on up to $50,000 in combined spending each year. The ongoing APR is as low as 13.74%, which also makes it one of the best credit cards for self-employed workers.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Costs

Introductory APR: 0% for nine billing cycles on purchases
Ongoing APR: 13.74% to 23.74% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
Annual fee: None
Balance transfer fee: $10 or 4% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

Bank of America offers no introductory 0% APR offer on balance transfers, and the length of the introductory APR on purchases is quite short compared with other cards on this list, like the 12 months of 0% APR American Express Blue Business® Plus offers on purchases and balance transfers.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Rewards

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® offers a $300 introductory bonus. You’ll also earn ongoing rewards on gas station and restaurant spending. Bank of America customers who also have cash on deposit with the bank can increase the value of their ongoing rewards.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn a $300 statement credit when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening, with no annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire. That’s $100 more than what the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business card offers.

Ongoing Rewards

3% cash back on the category of your choice, such as gas stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV, telecom, and wireless, computer services, or business consulting services (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category and dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter).
2% cash back on purchases at restaurants.
1% cash back on all other purchases.

If you’re enrolled in the Preferred Rewards for Business program, you could earn up to 5.25% at gas stations or in one of five other categories, 3.5% at restaurants, and 1.75% on all other purchases. To earn the maximum rewards bonus, you have to have more than $100,000 on deposit with the bank or Merrill Lynch. No other card on our list offers a relationship bonus.

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

Bank of America card reviews show this card doesn’t come with the same level of benefits you’ll find on other cards on our list. You will receive up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance, which covers you in case of loss of life or dismemberment. This protection is also offered through American Express business credit cards, which are typically stronger cards.

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

You’ll find a better rewards rate on office supply spending with other business cards, like Chase Ink Business Cash^SM (5%). The introductory bonus is also the lowest among the cards on our list that offer a welcome bonus.

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business: Best for Fair Credit

on Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business's secure website.

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business

Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions
No annual fee
Build and strengthen credit for your business by using this credit card responsibly

$0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen
Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases
Rewards won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount
No foreign transaction fees

INTRO APR	REGULAR APR	ANNUAL FEE	CREDIT NEEDED
N/A	24.49% (Variable)	$0	Average, Fair, Limited

on Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business's secure website.

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business is best for startup owners with a credit score between 580 and 669 who still want an unsecured cash-back credit card. You’ll earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions (the lowest ongoing rewards rate on our list), and pay a variable ongoing APR of 24.49% on balances (the highest rate among the cards on our list).

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Costs

Introductory APR: None
Ongoing APR: 24.49% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
Annual fee: None
Balance transfer fee: None

While this card charges no balance transfer fee, you’ll pay a 24.49% variable APR on the transferred balance. That’s the highest APR on balance transfers among the cards on our list. If you need to transfer a balance and your credit is better than 669, consider applying for the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card.

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Rewards

This is one of four cards on our list that offers no introductory rewards, including the American Express Blue Business Cash^TM Card, American Express Blue Business® Plus, and Citi® Double Cash. It also offers the lowest ongoing rewards at 1%.

Introductory Rewards

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business does not offer introductory rewards. You may not be able to find a credit card designed for business owners with fair personal credit that offers introductory rewards.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases, everywhere—no limits or category restrictions. That’s the lowest ongoing rewards return of any card on our list. The return, however, is average or better for a business credit card designed for owners with fair personal credit.

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Additional Features

According to Capital One’s website, this card offers the following protections:

Purchase protection: Capital One will replace, repair, or reimburse you for eligible items in the event of theft or damage within the first 90 days of purchase.
Extended warranty protection: You’ll get additional warranty protection on eligible items that are purchased with your business card, up to one year past the manufacturer’s warranty.
Auto rental collision damage waiver: You’re covered for damage due to collision or theft when you rent an eligible car with your Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business card.

As with other Capital One business cards, the purchase protection is shorter than the 120 days other cards offer, like Chase Ink Business Cash^SM. The extended warranty protection is also shorter than the two years the American Express Blue Business® Plus card offers. Several other cards, including Chase Ink Business Cash^SM, offer car rental insurance.

What Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business Is Missing

According to Capital One business card reviews, this startup credit card is designed for cardholders with fair credit, so the 24.49% variable APR is understandably high compared with cards designed for owners with better credit. The Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®, for example, charges a variable ongoing APR up to 10 percentage points lower.

Citi® Double Cash: Best Personal Card for Startups

On Citi's Secure Website

Citi® Double Cash Card

Get 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
Plus there are no categories to track, no caps on cash back and no annual fee.

INTRO APR	REGULAR APR	ANNUAL FEE	CREDIT NEEDED
N/A	15.49% to 25.49% Variable	None	Good - Excellent