Editor’s note: This is a recurring post with regularly updated card details.
Starting a new business comes with lots of challenges that can be managed by creating a budget and setting financial goals. With financing, it’s important to consider your top priority. Is it flexibility or a low interest rate? Strong rewards or reducing debt? Fortunately, there’s a large selection of business credit cards to help you finance new purchases as well as recurring expenses. We’ve narrowed down the choices to help you find the best one.
- Chase Ink Business CashSM: Best overall credit card for startup businesses
- Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM: Best for its flexibility
- American Express Blue Business CashTM: Best for a sole proprietorship
- American Express Blue Business® Plus: Best for a limited liability company (LLC)
- U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World EliteTM Mastercard®: Best for large purchases
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum: Best for 0% annual percentage rate (APR) for 18 billing cycles
- Brex Card for Startups: Best for its variety of rewards
- American Express Business Gold Card®: Best for frequent travel
- Capital One® Spark® Classic: Best for business owners with fair credit
Chase Ink Business CashSM
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
BEST FOR
Office-based businesses that want top cash back rewards
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Pros
- Top rewards for office supply spending
- Introductory APR on purchases
- Cash sign-up bonus
Cons
- 0% APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- High balance transfer fee of 5%
- Designed mainly for office-oriented companies
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the United States and abroad.
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year.
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less.
Why we like it: The Chase Ink Business CashSM credit card is great for cash back rewards. You can receive 5% cash back on office supplies, internet, cable, and phone up to $25,000 each account anniversary year, 2% back on restaurants and gas stations, and 1% on everything else. Save on purchases the first year with a 0% APR and pay no annual fee. You can also apply your rewards toward gift cards, travel, or the Apple® Ultimate Rewards Store. Users also receive $750 cash back when you spend $7,500 in the first 3 months.
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
BEST FOR
Pocketing 1.5% cash back on every single purchase
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Pros
- 0% introductory 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: You have enough decisions to make—this card keeps your credit simple and easy. Get 1.5% cash back on any business purchase whenever you use it. Get 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months. As with Chase Ink Business CashSM card, you can benefit from the same introductory offer within the first 3 months. Redeem your rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel, or the Apple® Ultimate Rewards store. It’s also a terrific choice if you’re looking for a card with no annual fee.
American Express Blue Business CashTM
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR
Earning 2% cash back every time you swipe and 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR) for 12 months
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 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 American Express 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 5 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, such as a plane, trip, ship, or bus, American Express will reimburse you for losses not covered by your own personal insurance.
Why we like it: Earn rewards faster with no limits on spending categories. Get 2% cash back on all eligible business purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% cash back after that. Add a 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months and pay no annual fee. Also, earn a $250 statement credit after the first 3 months when you spend just $3,000 on purchases. We consider this to be one of the best cards for a sole proprietorship.
American Express Blue Business® Plus
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
BEST FOR
Pocketing 2x points per $1 and 0% introductory APR for 12 months
- 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.
- 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.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- *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 American Express, 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 at account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Earn 2x points on all spending
Cons
- No lucrative welcome offer
- 2x points rewards are capped at $50,000 in spending
- Extended warranty protection: American Express will match the length of the original manufacturer’s warranty if it’s less than 2 years. It provides an additional 2 years if the original manufacturer’s warranty is between 2 and 5 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.
Why we like it: This card is just like the American Express Blue Business CashTM card but with points instead of cash. Earn 2x points on the first $50,000 the first calendar year, then 1x points after that. Save money your first year with a 0% APR for the first 12 months and pay no annual fee. As an introductory offer, earn 15,000 points after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months. This is one of the best cards for LLCs with diverse expenses.
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World EliteTM Mastercard®
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®
BEST FOR
0% APR for 15 Billing Cycles
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Limited time offer: Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4,500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, office supply stores, cellphone service providers. and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses like FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- 0% Intro APR on purchase and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR that is currently 13.99% to 22.99%.
- No annual fee.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2021 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2021.
Pros
- A 0% APR period on purchases on balance transfers
- 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, office supply stores, cellphone service providers, and restaurants
Cons
- Small introductory bonus offer
- Balance transfer fee
- 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 1 year from the expiration of warranties of 5 years or less. An item with a 6-month warranty would be backed for an additional 6 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.
Why we like it: If you need to make any large purchases, consider financing them with this card. It offers a 0% APR for a full 15 billing cycles, so if you’re able to pay the balance off completely by the time the introductory offer ends, you’ll have made these major purchases interest-free. In terms of rewards, get 3% cash back at eligible gas stations, office supply stores, and mobile phone/service providers, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. It’s one of the best cards you can get if you’re self-employed.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
BEST FOR
Extended 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers
- 0% Intro APR* on purchases and balance transfers for the first 20 billing cycles. After that, variable APR, which is currently 11.99% to 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: Reduce your debt faster if you’re carrying high balances on other business credit cards. Transfer them over to the U.S. Bank Business Platinum card for a 0% APR for 18 billing cycles. Once the introductory rate ends, the card offers a very low starting rate of 11.99%. Additionally, there’s no annual fee. Also, since it’s a Visa card, you can enroll in Visa SavingsEdge® to get discounts on business solutions, dining and entertainment, and travel.
Brex Card for Startups
Brex Card for Startups
BEST FOR
No personal guarantee and startups with investment funding
- 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: This unique card operates a little differently than all the others. First, it’s a charge card, not a credit card. While it doesn’t charge any interest, the balance is due in full each billing cycle. If you have professional investors, you’ll need to provide access to your bank information as well as a minimum of $50,000 in a single United States-based business bank account at all times. If you have investors but prefer not to share your bank information, you’ll need a minimum of $100,000 at all times. Their visibility into your bank account’s balance affects how Brex determines your card’s limit, which can be 10x to 20x higher than all other business credit cards.
Some of the highest rewards from a business card can be found here: 8x on rideshare, 5x on Brex travel, 4x on restaurants, 3x on recurring software subscriptions, and 1x on everything else. Points can also be applied toward cryptocurrency. Brex doesn’t run a personal credit check to determine if you’re eligible, and it can be a good choice if the rich rewards align with your startup’s goals. If this type of card suits your needs, see other credit cards that don’t require a personal guarantee.
American Express Business Gold Card®
American Express® Business Gold Card
BEST FOR
Maximizing rewards in the two categories where you spend the most
- Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- MORE REWARDS: Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month. 1X is earned for other purchases. **
- **4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year.*
- AIRLINE BONUS: Get 25% points back after you use points for all or part of an eligible flight booked with Amex Travel, up to 250,000 points back per calendar year.*
- PAY OVER TIME OPTION: A flexible payment option with interest to help manage cash flow on purchases of $100 or more.*
- *Terms Apply
Pros
- Earn 4x points in two categories every month
- Pay eligible charges over time with interest, or pay your balance in full monthly
Cons
- You’ll pay a high annual fee of $295
- No interest-free financing opportunities
- Premium roadside assistance: Free of charge up to four times a year. You can receive towing up to 10 miles, winching, jump starts, flat tire change, lockout service when the key is in the vehicle, and delivery of up to two gallons of gas
- Return protection: American Express will refund you for eligible purchases when the store doesn’t accept returns of undamaged items. Coverage is limited to 90 days from purchase, up to $300 per item, and up to a maximum of $1,000 per year.
- Baggage insurance: If your baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, you’re eligible for coverage of up to $1,250 for carry-on luggage and $500 for checked bags
- Extended warranty: Receive one additional year of coverage on purchases with eligible warranties of five years or less
- Purchase protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per incident.
Why we like it: Consider what purchases you’ll be making with your card. With the American Express Business Gold card, you can earn 4x points on the two categories where you spend the most, and 1x points for all other purchases. As a welcome bonus, earn 70,000 points after you spend $10,000 in eligible purchases during the first 3 months.
American Express is often a good choice for a travel card, but it does include an annual fee of $295. If you’re a frequent traveler, use your points toward Amex Travel and get up to 25% of those points back, up to 250,000 points per year.
Capital One® Spark® Classic
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
BEST FOR
Fair credit business owners (580 to 669)
- 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 1 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 need to build your credit, this card can help. Get 1% cash back on all business purchases and pay no annual fee. While this card offers zero rewards, you won’t need to worry about purchase categories, and as you continue to make purchases on the card and pay the balance in full each month, you’ll be building business credit. We have additional recommendations for you if you have bad credit or no credit.
How We Chose the Best Credit Cards for Startup Businesses
We researched dozens of cards to find the best ones for your specific needs. Nearly all the cards presented here have no annual fee, a low APR, and significant rewards, all of which help save money for your business year over year.
Bottom Line
If you’re starting a new business and looking for the best business credit card, consider what purchases you’ll be making. A card that helps you manage your business expenditures is a card that’s likely the best fit. Discounts on everyday purchases, frequent travel, or an introductory 0% APR can help you manage your debt. If you’re unsure about whether to finance your startup with a credit card, loan, or line of credit, consider how much financing you need and if you need flexible terms. Additional credit card options can be found in our list of best small business credit cards and our Credit Card Marketplace.
