10 Best Business Credit Cards for Startups in March 2023
Tricia has nearly two decades of experience in commercial and federal government lending. Her expertise is highlighted throughout small business loan content on Fit Small Business.
Benilyn has over a decade of experience as a banking officer. Her expertise is featured throughout Fit Small Business in personal finance, credit card, and real estate investing 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.
Startup businesses that cannot qualify for a small business loan may consider business credit cards as a good alternative source of funding. The best business credit cards for startups come with a 0% APR period, low annual fees, generous introductory and ongoing rewards, and low ongoing APRs. When selecting new business credit cards, it’s crucial to consider these factors and other features that your business may need.
Here are the 10 best business credit cards for startups:
- Chase Ink Business Cash: Best overall credit card for startups
- SVB Innovators Card: Best charge card with no personal guarantee
- Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card: Best for startup business owners with low credit scores
- Capital One Spark Classic for Business: Best for startup business owners with fair credit
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum: Best for longest interest-free period
- Chase Ink Business Unlimited: Best for earning fixed-rate rewards on all spending categories
- U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard: Best for earning up to 5% cash back with long 0% APR period
- Chase Ink Business PremierSM Credit Card: Best charge card for earning cash back on large purchases
- American Express Blue Business Cash: Best for quick approval, up to 2% cash back, and flexible credit limit
- Emburse Spend Card: Best prepaid card with no personal credit check
Best Startup Business Credit Cards at a Glance
Best For | Annual Fee | Rewards | Credit Needed | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chase Ink Business Cash | Best overall credit card for startups | $0 | Up to 5% cash back | Good to Excellent | |
 SVB Innovators Card | No personal guarantee | $0 | Unlimited 2x points per dollar on all purchases | Excellent | |
 Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card | Startup owners with low credit scores | $0 | Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases | Poor to Limited | |
 Capital One Spark Classic for Business | Startup owners with fair credit | $0 | Unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases | Fair | |
 U.S. Bank Business Platinum | Longest interest-free period | $0 | None | Good to Excellent | |
 Chase Ink Business Unlimited | Earning fixed-rate rewards on all spending categories | $0 | Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases | Good to Excellent | |
 U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard | Earning up to 5% cash back with long 0% APR period | $0 | Up to 5% cash back | Good to Excellent | |
 Chase Ink Business PremierSM Credit Card | Earning cash back on large purchases with pay-in-full option | $195 | Up to 5% cash back | Good to Excellent | |
 American Express Blue Business Cash | Quick approval, up to 2% cash back, and flexible credit limit | $0 | Up to 2% cash back | Good to Excellent | |
 Emburse Spend Card | No personal credit check | $0 | Unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases | N/A |
To see how these cards stack up against others we reviewed on our site, click Add to Compare on a card below and select up to two additional cards for comparison.
Chase Ink Business Cash®: Best Overall Credit Card for Startups
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
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% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
16.24% - 22.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
- 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 three years or less.
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
16.24% - 22.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- 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 three years or less.
Why we like it: Chase Ink Business CashSM is our best overall credit card for startups because it offers generous rewards and opportunities to lower your credit cost. When you’re a new business owner setting up an office (or a home office), you can earn 5% cash back on office supplies, internet, cable, and phone services for up to $25,000 each year. You’ll also earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 per year at restaurants and gas stations. Plus, you can earn 1% on all other business purchases, with no cap on rewards earned.
Other benefits:
- Enjoy 0% APR for the first 12 months of card ownership, which is useful if you plan to make a large purchase.
- Earn a $750 bonus cash back when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening an account.
- Reduce your overall credit cost by not paying an annual fee and getting free employee cards.
It’s also our best credit card for LLCs and one of our leading credit cards for consultants because of its strong rewards program and low cost.
SVB Innovators Card: Best Charge Card With No Personal Guarantee
SVB Innovators Card
BEST FOR:
Those who do not want a personal guarantee
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
N/A
Annual Fee
None
Credit Needed
Excellent
- Unlimited 2x points per dollar on every purchase, with no caps or spending category restrictions
Pros
- Doesn’t charge annual and foreign transaction fees
- No personal liability is required
Cons
- Doesn’t offer 0% introductory APR
- Requires excellent credit
- Needs to pay the balance in full each month
- Doesn’t have sign-up bonus
- No personal liability: You don’t need to be personally liable for your business’s credit card debts because this business charge card doesn’t require a personal guarantee, meaning that SVB won’t go after your personal assets in case you fail to pay off your balance.
- Travel and expense (T&E): You can save time with T&E tools like in-app receipt capture and real-time updates for seamless reporting.
- Expense app integration: You can integrate your accounting with Xero, QuickBooks, Intacct, and NetSuite.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
N/A
Annual Fee
None
Credit Needed
Excellent
- Unlimited 2x points per dollar on every purchase, with no caps or spending category restrictions
Pros
- Doesn’t charge annual and foreign transaction fees
- No personal liability is required
Cons
- Doesn’t offer 0% introductory APR
- Requires excellent credit
- Needs to pay the balance in full each month
- Doesn’t have sign-up bonus
- No personal liability: You don’t need to be personally liable for your business’s credit card debts because this business charge card doesn’t require a personal guarantee, meaning that SVB won’t go after your personal assets in case you fail to pay off your balance.
- Travel and expense (T&E): You can save time with T&E tools like in-app receipt capture and real-time updates for seamless reporting.
- Expense app integration: You can integrate your accounting with Xero, QuickBooks, Intacct, and NetSuite.
Why we like it: The SVB Innovators Card is a charge card, which means your balance is due in full each month. What’s good about this is that it doesn’t come with an APR, and you’ll have a flexible credit limit that scales as your business grows. Since it doesn’t require a personal guarantee, the issuer won’t go after your personal assets in case your business fails to pay its debts.
Other benefits:
- Doesn’t have an annual fee, reducing your overall credit cost
- Offers unlimited, fixed-rate 2x points per dollar on every purchase
Keep in mind that you need to pay your balance in full every month, or you’ll be charged a late payment fee of $32 or 2.5% of the unpaid charges, whichever is greater. It’s our leading business card without personal guarantee.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card: Best for Startup Owners With Low Credit Scores
Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those who cannot qualify for unsecured business credit cards
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
26.49%
Annual Fee
None
Credit Needed
Poor
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Pros
- Doesn’t charge annual and foreign transaction fees
- Lets you earn unlimited rewards
- Can help you build your business credit score
Cons
- Minimum $1,000 security deposit is required
- Has no 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- No sign-up bonus
- Overdraft protection: An optional service available to cardholders who have a Bank of America® business checking account. If you opt-in, link your credit card to your checking account (done through Balance Connect®, their overdraft protection service).
- Free access to your business credit score: You can view and monitor your Dun & Bradstreet business credit score free via Business Advantage 360, Bank of America®’s Small Business Online Banking.
- Travel and emergency services: Offers travel benefits, including $100,000 in travel accident insurance. You’ll also have access to additional services, such as auto rental insurance, emergency ticket replacement, lost-luggage assistance, and legal and medical referrals when traveling.
- Cash flow management tools: Bank of America® offers a suite of online services to help you manage your business.
- Zero liability protection: Protects you against unauthorized transactions. You’ll have additional protection for certain purchases against loss, damage, theft, and fire, and you can enjoy extended warranty coverage.
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
26.49%
Annual Fee
None
Credit Needed
Poor
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Pros
- Doesn’t charge annual and foreign transaction fees
- Lets you earn unlimited rewards
- Can help you build your business credit score
Cons
- Minimum $1,000 security deposit is required
- Has no 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
- No sign-up bonus
- Overdraft protection: An optional service available to cardholders who have a Bank of America® business checking account. If you opt-in, link your credit card to your checking account (done through Balance Connect®, their overdraft protection service).
- Free access to your business credit score: You can view and monitor your Dun & Bradstreet business credit score free via Business Advantage 360, Bank of America®’s Small Business Online Banking.
- Travel and emergency services: Offers travel benefits, including $100,000 in travel accident insurance. You’ll also have access to additional services, such as auto rental insurance, emergency ticket replacement, lost-luggage assistance, and legal and medical referrals when traveling.
- Cash flow management tools: Bank of America® offers a suite of online services to help you manage your business.
- Zero liability protection: Protects you against unauthorized transactions. You’ll have additional protection for certain purchases against loss, damage, theft, and fire, and you can enjoy extended warranty coverage.
Why we like it: The Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured credit card is a great choice if you have a low credit score or no credit history and cannot qualify for a regular unsecured business credit card. You can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual cap or expiry. Redeem your cash rewards as a deposit into your Bank of America checking or savings account, a statement credit, or a check mailed to you. To qualify, you need to make a security deposit of at least $1,000.
Other benefits:
- Comes with no annual fee, which means you can enjoy earning unlimited rewards without additional cost.
- Helps you build your business credit over time when you make consistent on-time payments, allowing you to qualify for unsecured business credit cards.
- Lets you set your credit limit—the amount will depend on your security deposit
It’s also our best secured business credit card and top business credit card for bad credit. Keep in mind that while it offers unlimited cash back rewards, it has no signup bonus and interest-free financing period.
Capital One® Spark® Classic: Best for Startup Owners With Fair Credit
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
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:
Those with fair credit
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
29.74% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Fair
- 1% cash back every time you swipe
- Build your business credit through responsible usage
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- Opportunity to build business credit
- Only requires fair credit to qualify
- Doesn’t charge annual and balance transfer fees
Cons
- Charges high ongoing APR
- Has no 0% introductory APR
- No sign-up bonus
- Automatic payments: Setting up AutoPay in the Capital One mobile app will save you from having to worry about signing in to your account every month
- $0 fraud liability: if your card is either lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and cash advance.
- Purchase records: You can download all purchase records quickly and securely in multiple formats, including Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®.
- Extended warranty: Get free additional warranty and protection on eligible items purchased with your business credit card.
Free employee cards: You can create multiple employee cards, track employee spending, and customize spending limits while earning all the rewards from their purchases.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
29.74% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Fair
- 1% cash back every time you swipe
- Build your business credit through responsible usage
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- Opportunity to build business credit
- Only requires fair credit to qualify
- Doesn’t charge annual and balance transfer fees
Cons
- Charges high ongoing APR
- Has no 0% introductory APR
- No sign-up bonus
- Automatic payments: Setting up AutoPay in the Capital One mobile app will save you from having to worry about signing in to your account every month
- $0 fraud liability: if your card is either lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and cash advance.
- Purchase records: You can download all purchase records quickly and securely in multiple formats, including Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®.
- Extended warranty: Get free additional warranty and protection on eligible items purchased with your business credit card.
Free employee cards: You can create multiple employee cards, track employee spending, and customize spending limits while earning all the rewards from their purchases.
Why we like it: When you have a fair credit score (580 to 669) and are starting a new business, you may qualify for the Capital One® Spark® Classic, our best business credit card for fair credit. It gives you a boost by offering two valuable features: 1% cash back on all business purchases with no limits and no annual fee.
It’s important to note that it doesn’t offer a zero-interest financing option. Also, it comes with a high ongoing APR of 26.99%, so it’s best to pay your balance in full each month to avoid paying a high interest rate.
U.S Bank Business Platinum: Best for Longest Interest-free Period
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
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
Regular APR
16.49% - 25.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good Credit
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 16.49%-25.49%.
- 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
- Offers a long 0% APR introductory period
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Excellent/good credit score needed to qualify
- 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.
Intro APR
Regular APR
16.49% - 25.49% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good Credit
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 16.49%-25.49%.
- 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
- Offers a long 0% APR introductory period
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Excellent/good credit score needed to qualify
- 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: If your startup’s primary need is more time to pay off costly purchases, such as equipment and furniture, then the U.S. Bank Business Platinum card is a great choice. It has the longest 0% APR period among all the cards on this list, making it our best 0% APR business credit card.
It gives you zero-interest financing options on both purchases and balance transfers for a full 18 billing cycles. This lets you budget your monthly payments because, within a year and a half, your balance will likely be zero by the time the regular APR kicks in.
Other benefits:
- Comes with an average ongoing APR, making it an ideal option for business owners who plan to carry a balance even after the 0% APR period.
- Has no annual fee, which means you can borrow money for 18 months without any cost
While its 0% APR period is shorter compared to the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®, this card doesn’t offer introductory and ongoing rewards.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited®: Best for Earning Fixed-rate Rewards on All Spending Categories
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
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% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
16.24% - 22.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
- 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
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- 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
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
16.24% - 22.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- 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
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- 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: Chase Ink Business Unlimited® offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it ideal for startup owners who don’t have time to keep track of their spending categories. Similar to the Chase Ink Business CashSM, it comes with a 12-month 0% APR and a $750 cash bonus when you spend at least $6,000 within the first three months of card ownership.
Other benefits:
- Doesn’t charge annual fees, which means you can earn unlimited rewards while saving on overall credit costs
- Add employee cards without additional cost
Since it has a straightforward rewards program, it’s also an excellent choice for sole proprietors with expenses in various categories, making it our top sole proprietorship business credit card.
U.S. Bank 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:
0% APR for 15 billing cycles
Intro APR
0% for first 15 billing cycles
Regular APR
16.99% - 25.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- 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.
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations, office supply stores, cellphone service providers, and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses, such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 16.99% to 25.99%.
- No annual fee
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100-plus into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
Intro APR
0% for first 15 billing cycles
Regular APR
16.99% - 25.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- 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.
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and electric vehicle charging stations, office supply stores, cellphone service providers, and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses, such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 16.99% to 25.99%.
- No annual fee
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100-plus into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
Why we like it: If you’re looking for a business credit card with a long interest-free period on both purchases and balance transfers and want to earn rewards on your purchases, the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is a great option. You can take advantage of zero-interest financing for the first 15 months of card membership. Plus, you can earn up to 5% cash back, depending on the expense category.
Other benefits:
- Earn substantial ongoing rewards on other purchases without limits or expiry, including:
- 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center
- 3% cash back at eligible gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, restaurants, office supply stores, and mobile phone service providers
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Receive a $500 cash back bonus when you spend $4,500 within the first 150 days after opening an account
- Get an annual $100 statement credit when you use your card to pay for your recurring software subscription like QuickBooks or FreshBooks
The generous rewards on gas and other purchases make this our best fuel card for small businesses. It’s one of our top-recommended business cards for nonprofits. If you don’t need to earn rewards but prefer an 18-month zero-interest period and low ongoing APR, you may benefit more from the U.S Bank Business Platinum card.
Chase Ink Business PremierSM Credit Card: Best for Charge Card Earning Cash Back on Large Purchases
Chase Ink Business PremierSM Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those who frequently make large purchases
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
18.74% to 26.74% variable
Annual Fee
$195
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
- 5% cash back rewards for every dollar spent on travel purchases booked through the Ultimate Rewards program
- 2.5% cash back on purchases worth $5,000 or more—that’s $250 on a purchase of $10,000 when redeemed
- Unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases
Pros
- Offers high rewards for both new and existing cardholders
- No foreign transaction fees
- With the option to pay for qualifying purchases in installments through Flex for Business
Cons
- No interest-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers
- Has high annual fee
- Needs to be paid in full every month
- Need to make large purchases in a short period of time to qualify for its sign-up bonus
- Cellphone protection: You and your employees listed on your monthly cellphone bill can get up to $1,000 per claim against covered theft or damage
- Extended warranty protection: You can extend the US manufacturer’s warranty period by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance: If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather, and other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses, which includes passenger fares, tours, and hotels.
- Flex for Business: Allows a portion of your Credit Access Line to be used for qualifying purchases over time with interest.
- Free employee cards: You can request employee cards at no additional cost and set individual spending limits—helping you earn rewards faster.
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
18.74% to 26.74% variable
Annual Fee
$195
Credit Needed
Good to Excellent
- 5% cash back rewards for every dollar spent on travel purchases booked through the Ultimate Rewards program
- 2.5% cash back on purchases worth $5,000 or more—that’s $250 on a purchase of $10,000 when redeemed
- Unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases
Pros
- Offers high rewards for both new and existing cardholders
- No foreign transaction fees
- With the option to pay for qualifying purchases in installments through Flex for Business
Cons
- No interest-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers
- Has high annual fee
- Needs to be paid in full every month
- Need to make large purchases in a short period of time to qualify for its sign-up bonus
- Cellphone protection: You and your employees listed on your monthly cellphone bill can get up to $1,000 per claim against covered theft or damage
- Extended warranty protection: You can extend the US manufacturer’s warranty period by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance: If your trip is canceled or cut short by sickness, severe weather, and other covered situations, you can be reimbursed up to $5,000 per person and $10,000 per trip for your prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses, which includes passenger fares, tours, and hotels.
- Flex for Business: Allows a portion of your Credit Access Line to be used for qualifying purchases over time with interest.
- Free employee cards: You can request employee cards at no additional cost and set individual spending limits—helping you earn rewards faster.
Why we like it: If your startup needs to make frequent large purchases, Chase Ink Business PremierSM Credit Card gives you 2.5% cash back on transactions of $5,000 or more—this is equivalent to $125 savings per $5,000-transaction. Plus, you’ll also earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 2% cash back on all other purchases. Similar to SVB Innovators Card, this is a pay-in-full card, which means your balance is due in full each month.
Other benefits:
- Receive a $1,000 bonus cash back after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months of card ownership.
- As a pay-in-full card, you’ll have access to increased buying power and premium benefits.
- You can access the Flex for Business feature, which allows you to pay off eligible purchases over time with interest.
- Use this card for international purchases without having to pay foreign transaction fees.
Keep in mind that it comes with an annual fee of $195. It’s also one of our top choices for the best business cards for nonprofits because of its generous rewards on large purchases.
American Express Blue Business CashTM: Best for Quick Approval, Up to 2% Cash Back & Flexible Credit Limit
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
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:
Those who want better cash back rewards
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.74% - 25.74% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 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, 17.74% - 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- Fixed rate rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
17.74% - 25.74% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 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, 17.74% - 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% intro APR
- Welcome bonus
- Fixed rate rewards
- No 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.
Why we like it: The American Express Blue Business CashTM card lets you earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% cash back thereafter. It features Expanded Buying Power, which allows you to spend beyond your credit limit whenever you need to. The amount you can spend above your credit limit will adjust based on your card usage, payment behavior, credit record, and financial resources. It’s also a great choice if you need to use the card right away as it offers a quick approval process when you meet the requirements, making it our top instant approval business credit card.
Other benefits:
- Enjoy 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months
- Reduce your credit cost while earning rewards because it comes with no annual fee
- Receive a $250 statement credit after the first three months when you spend at least $3,000 on purchases
It’s also our top-recommended business credit card for self-employed because of its rich rewards and flexible credit limit.
Emburse Spend Card: Best Prepaid Card With No Personal Credit Check
Why we like it: If you need a business card that doesn’t require a personal credit check, consider a prepaid card like the Emburse Spend card. It allows startup owners to monitor real-time transactions and request virtual and physical employee cards at no cost. It doesn’t charge annual or monthly fees, and you can earn 1% cash back on all purchases.
Keep in mind that since this is a prepaid card, you need to load your card before you can use it. You can load your Emburse Spend card up to a maximum of $100,000. It cannot be used to build business credit, and using the card won’t affect your personal credit score.
How We Selected the Business Credit Cards for Startups
When choosing the best business credit cards for startups, we prioritized cards with low to 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, introductory bonuses, and introductory APRs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should You Use a Business Credit Card to Fund a Business?
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 your 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. If you plan to make a large purchase, it’s best to opt for a card that offers zero-interest financing options. Additionally, using it to pay for your everyday business expenses and other recurring expenses can help you earn rewards that are useful to your business.
To learn more about the advantages and limitations of using credit cards to start a business, read our article on when to use a credit card to fund your business.
How Can Startups Qualify for a Business Credit Card?
The qualification requirements may differ from one business credit card to another. It’s important to check the requirements first, especially the required credit score before you apply for a business credit card.
Once you’ve decided which business card is right for your startup, prepare your necessary documents and business information, such as:
- 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 of employees
- Annual business revenue
- Estimated monthly expenses using the credit card
- Owner’s information and personal credit history
What Are the Alternatives to Business Credit Cards for Startups?
Aside from using a business credit card, there are other options for funding your startup business, including:
- Personal loans
- Small Business Administration (SBA) loans
- Microloans
- Equipment financing
- Rollover for business startups (ROBS)
- Home equity loan (HEL) or home equity line of credit (HELOC)
- Small business grants
- Crowdfunding
Read our guides to alternative funding options for startups and ways to fund your startup for more information.
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. If you’d like to see other credit card alternatives, check out our list of the best small business credit cards.
