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6 Best Business Credit Cards for Startups 2020

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By Jordan Tarver on June 2, 2020

Updated on September 29, 2020

Jordan is a financial analyst with over two years of experience in the mortgage industry. He brings his expertise to Fit Small Business’s credit card and bank account content.

This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post with regularly updated card details.

As the owner of a startup, you should look for business credit cards that offer easy access to credit to cover necessary financing. The best cards allow entrepreneurs to enjoy low annual percentage rates (APRs), provide rewards tailored to growing businesses, and charge no annual fee, helping business owners keep more money in their companies.

The best business credit cards for startups are:

Chase Ink Business CashSM: Overall Best Business Credit Card for Startups

Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card

Apply Now

On Chase's Secure Website

Fit Small Business Review
Rating 5 5
?Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.

Best For: Office-based businesses that want top cash back rewards

Intro APR ?0% APR for 12 months on purchases Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed
0% Intro APR on Purchases 13.24% - 19.24% Variable $0 Good - Excellent
  • 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

Note: The information related to the ChaseInk Business Cash℠ Credit Card Card has been collected by fitsmallbusiness.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.

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 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.

Why we like it: Chase Ink Business CashSM lands in the No. 1 spot because it offers top-of-the-line cash back rewards for office-based startups. If you spend a lot on office supplies, these 5% cash back rewards can save you a ton of money over time. Plus, if you meet the minimum spending requirement in the first few months, this small business credit card gives you a welcome offer worth several hundred dollars.

You’ll also benefit from interest-free financing on purchases, making it easier to buy what you need to grow your business. Choosing a new business credit card that offers an introductory 0% APR period can help you get your startup off the ground. However, this interest-free offer doesn’t apply to balance transfers, so look elsewhere if you want to consolidate other high-interest debts.

Brex Card for Startups: Best for No Personal Guarantee & High Credit Limits

Brex Card for Startups

Apply Now

On Brex's Secure Website

Best For: No personal guarantee and startups with investment funding

Intro APR Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed
N/A N/A $0 N/A
  • The First Corporate Card for Startups - perfect for tech companies and other early-stage corporations based in the US with professional funding
  • No personal liability or security deposit needed - no credit score impact
  • The best rewards for startups: earn points on spend with industry-leading multipliers: 7x on rideshare, 4x on travel, 3x on restaurants and 2x on software subscriptions
  • Minimum of $100,000 of funds in corporate bank account and US EIN required
  • Easy, online application - get a virtual card in 5 minutes or less and a physical card in the mail shortly thereafter
  • Limits 10x - 20x higher than traditional business cards
  • Embedded Expense Management Software - never save receipts again and integrate with all major accounting software
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees
  • Build Business Credit - Brex partners with Experian to report your on-time payments
Pros
  • No personal guarantee or security deposit
  • Stellar rewards and available credit limits
Cons
  • Must have $100,000 in a corporate bank account
  • Balance is required to be paid in full
  • Capture receipts: Access easy expense tracking through the Brex app. You can upload your receipts and Brex will automatically match them to your statement. You can also submit receipts via text and email.
  • Expense management: Brex integrates with QuickBooks®, NetSuite®, Expensify®, and Xero™ for accounting made easy.
  • Add your team: Instantly add new users, issue cards, and set and track specific spending limits for everyone on your team.

Why we like it: Brex offers a one-of-a-kind corporate card that’s tailored to startup owners. It requires no personal guarantee, which means you can protect your personal credit and assets. Plus, it offers stellar rewards in categories like ridesharing and travel, and credit limits 10 to 20 times higher than traditional business credit cards. Your limit is based on the amount of cash you’ve raised and/or the equity you have in your business, alongside your spending patterns.

If your company has raised at least $100,000, this card could be a massive advantage for your business. You can also use it to build your business credit and avoid interest because it charges no APR. However, this means your balance is due every month, so only apply if you can afford those repayment terms.

Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM: Best for Fixed-rate Rewards & Big Introductory Bonus

Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card

Apply Now

On Chase's Secure Website

Fit Small Business Review
Rating 4 4
?Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.

Best For: Pocketing 1.5% cash back on every single purchase

Intro APR ?0% APR for 12 months on purchases Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed
0% Intro APR on Purchases 13.24% - 19.24% Variable $0 Good - Excellent
  • 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

Note: The information related to the Chase Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card has been collected by fitsmallbusiness.com and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.

Pros
  • 0% APR on purchases
  • Unlimited cash back rewards on all purchases
Cons
  • Introductory APR period doesn’t apply to balance transfers
  • 5% balance transfer fee
  • 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 US 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 US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less

Why we like it: It’s common for startups to have expenses that range across a variety of categories, such as office supplies, gas stations, and even dining. Fixed-rate cards like Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM can help you maximize your rewards on every transaction by paying the same rewards rate on everything—1.5% cash back.

Similar to our top pick, you also can pocket $500 through its sign-up bonus if you spend at least $3,000 within the first three months. Introductory rewards are not only an incentive to apply but also are a handy way to get your hands on some extra cash in the first few months of owning your card.

The interest-free introductory financing period can also give your startup some breathing room as you’re starting out. You can receive all these benefits—fixed ongoing rewards, cash welcome offer, and 0% APR—all while using a no-annual-fee credit card.

American Express Blue Business CashTM Card: Best for Earning the Highest Fixed-rate Return

American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Apply Now

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

See Rates and Fees

Fit Small Business Review
Rating 4 4
?Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.

Best For: Earning 2% cash back every time you swipe and 0% introductory APR for 12 months

Intro APR ?0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed
0% on purchases 13.24% - 19.24% Variable No annual fee Good, Excellent
  • Earn up to $300 back to boost your business. You can earn up to $100 in the form of statement credits at each of the following merchants: Dell Technologies, DocuSign or FedEx after you make an eligible purchase on your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • 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 for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.24% - 19.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms Apply
Pros
  • No interest for 12 months
  • Earn consistent 2% cash back rewards on every purchase
Cons
  • Offers no cash sign-up bonus
  • 2% cash back category is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
  • Extended warranty protection: American Express provides up to an additional year of coverage on warranties of up to 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 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
  • Baggage insurance: If your luggage is damaged or lost when you travel on a common carrier like a plane, trip, ship, or bus, American Express will reimburse you for losses not covered by your own personal insurance.

Why we like it: If you’re a sole proprietor or self-employed and want to earn consistent rewards, this sole proprietor credit card can be your savior. You’ll earn the same rewards rate on every purchase, which means you don’t have to hassle with bonus categories. Plus, if you spend at Dell, FedEx, or DocuSign, you can earn an introductory bonus of up to $300 in the first three months as an automatic credit to your bill.

Out of the dozens of cards I’ve reviewed on the market over the past two-plus years, this is one of the few that lets you spend over your credit limit. Not only can you spend over your limit, but you can also earn rewards on that amount. Your extra limit is not unlimited as it’s determined by American Express.

If your startup needs to make some large purchases that you can’t pay off right away, you can take advantage of this card’s interest-free financing period too. For 12 months, you’ll have the opportunity to pay down those balances with zero interest. However, don’t forget to pay them off by the end of the introductory period and before the ongoing APR becomes a factor.

U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for Introductory 0% APR for 15 Billing Cycles

U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card

Apply Now

On US Bank's Secure Website

See Rates and Fees

Fit Small Business Review
Rating 3.5 3.5
?Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.

Best For: Extended 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers

Intro APR ?0% APR for 20 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed
0%* 9.99% - 17.99% Variable $0 Excellent
  • 0% Intro APR* on purchases and balance transfers for the first 20 billing cycles. After that variable APR currently 9.99% - 17.99%*
  • No annual fee*
  • Free employee cards
  • Zero fraud liability* protects you against unauthorized transactions
Pros
  • One of the longest 0% APR period offered
  • No annual fee
Cons
  • Comes without rewards
  • Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double an original manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year for warranties of three years or less. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per item.
  • Purchase protection: U.S. Bank offers purchase protection for items that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. The coverage is limited to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per cardholder, per year.

Why we like it: As a startup business owner, you may want a card that offers stellar introductory financing. Well, here’s the offer of your business financing dreams: 0% APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers. This credit card for new businesses tops the 0% APR category easily and can help you finance large purchases or transfer a balance from a high-interest credit card.

However, you should only apply for this limited liability company (LLC) card to help pay down debt as quickly as possible. This card does not offer any introductory or ongoing rewards, so it doesn’t hold much value after your introductory 0% APR period is over. Even so, if you want to avoid interest, you won’t find a better introductory financing offer on a business credit card.

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

Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business

Apply Now

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

Fit Small Business Review
Rating 4.5 4.5
?Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.

Best For: Fair credit business owners (580 to 669)

Intro APR Regular APR Annual Fee Credit Needed
N/A 26.99% (Variable) $0 Average, Fair, Limited
  • 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
  • Earn fixed-rate rewards even with fair credit scores
  • Rewards never expire
Cons
  • High APR
  • No sign-up bonus
  • Reports to personal credit bureaus
  • 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.

Why we like it: If you’re an entrepreneur with a personal credit score between 580 and 669, this business credit card for no credit can be ideal for you. Not only does the card have fewer qualification requirements than traditional cards, but the main purpose is to build your business credit. As an added benefit, it also lets you earn cash back every time you use your card.

When you use this card responsibly, you can improve your credit over time. I recommend doing so until you have the necessary credit to qualify for a traditional business credit card, typically a score of at least 670. Once you’re eligible, you can unlock more robust rewards and even introductory financing depending on the specific card.

Business Credit Cards for Startups vs Personal Cards

Business credit cards for startups are an excellent way to build business credit while separating your business and personal finances. Although you could open a personal credit card for your business, you can’t be able to use personal cards to build business credit.

Use business credit cards to:

  • Build your business credit: Using a new business credit card responsibly can help you build your business credit history. They also affect your personal credit. Conversely, personal credit cards don’t report to business credit bureaus, so they don’t help build your business credit.
  • Access cheap financing and minimize credit card costs: Most business credit cards for startups offer cheap introductory and ongoing financing. Plus, you won’t have to pay annual fees on the cards included on this list.
  • Separate your business and personal finances: It’s important to open a business credit card so that you don’t commingle your business and personal finances. This will help you track expenses more easily.

When you apply for a startup business credit card, it’s also likely you’ll need to provide a personal guarantee. This means if your startup fails to repay its debt, you’ll become personally liable for those debts. You can avoid this by applying for a business credit card with no personal guarantee.

How We Evaluated New Business Credit Cards

Using credit cards to fund startups allows entrepreneurs to rely on their personal credit to open an account—even before they have a tax ID or employer identification number (EIN). Along with a low barrier to entry, I prioritized business credit cards that charge no annual fees, have introductory 0% APR offers, and provide ongoing rewards worth up to 5%. These cards also help establish business credit, similar to startup business loans.

Bottom Line

Startup business credit cards allow you to keep more money for your growing business. They charge no annual fees and offer lower APRs and advantageous rewards for early-stage businesses. What’s more, these types of cards offer new firms easy ways to qualify and begin building business credit. Comparing the top cards is an easy way to find the right one for you.

For rates and fees on the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card, please click here.

About the Author

Jordan Tarver

Jordan Tarver is a financial analyst, writer, and editor at Fit Small Business focusing on credit cards and bank accounts. Jordan brings over two years of experience in account management and price analysis in the mortgage industry to Fit Small Business. He is also an accomplished self-published author.

@jordantarv

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