7 Best Personal Credit Cards for Business Expenses 2020

Although you can use personal credit cards to fund business expenses, you should still keep your personal expenses separate. Unlike business credit cards, personal cards report to consumer credit bureaus and not business credit agencies. This means you won’t be able to establish business credit using a personal card.

The best personal credit card for business expenses are:

• U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature®: (Best overall) Best for choosing bonus cash back rewards
• Discover it® Cash Back: Best for first-year double rewards on gas and wholesale clubs
• American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card: Best for 6% cash back on food expenses
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for unlimited flat-rate cash back rewards
• Chase Sapphire Preferred®: Best for flat-rate travel rewards and large sign-up bonus
• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for premium travel benefits and 10x points on rideshare
• Citi® Double Cash: Best for 18 month 0% annual percentage rate (APR) on balance transfers

For more details on how we evaluated personal credit cards for this list, see our methodology.

U.S. Bank Cash+^TM Visa Signature®: Overall Best Personal Credit Card for Business Expenses

The U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® is the best personal credit card for work expenses because it offers top rewards in spending categories a variety of businesses can use. Plus, you get your choice of earning 5% cash back in any two spending categories, including transportation, electronics, internet, and cellphone providers. Plus, because it offers bonus category flexibility, it’s a great card to earn rewards that fit your current spending habits.

U.S. Bank Cash+^TM Visa Signature® Costs

• Introductory APR: 0% introductory APR for the first 12 billing cycles on any balance transferred within 60 days from account opening
• Ongoing APR: 13.99% to 23.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

U.S. Bank Cash+^TM Visa Signature® Card Rewards

• 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible net purchases each quarter on two categories you choose―from a group of 12
• 2% cash back on one category that you choose from gas stations, restaurants, and grocery stores
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

The 12 spending categories that could earn 5% cash back are TV, internet, and streaming services; fast food; cellphone providers; department stores; home utilities; select clothing stores, electronics stores; sporting goods stores; movie theaters; gyms and fitness centers; furniture stores; and ground transportation.

Welcome offer: $150 cash back after you spend $500 within the first 90 days.

U.S. Bank Cash+^TM Visa Signature® Additional Features

• Extended warranty: U.S. Bank will double the original manufacturer’s warranty up to one additional year on warranties of three years or less. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim.
• 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 $500 per claim and $50,000 per account each year.
• Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—in case your rental is lost or stolen while you’re traveling.

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Discover it® Cash Back: Best for Doubling First-year Rewards on Gas and Wholesale Clubs

The Discover it® Cash Back earns its best rewards on gas, wholesale clubs, and ride-share purchases, making it one of the best personal credit cards for work expenses available. You’ll earn 5% cash back up to $1,500 a quarter on these purchases through June 30, 2020—and on rotating categories each quarter thereafter. It’s easy to maximize this card’s rewards when you use it for business supplies and everyday gas expenses.

Discover it® Cash Back Costs

• Introductory APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 14 months
• Ongoing APR: 11.99% to 22.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: 3% of the amount transferred until August 10, 2020, 5% after that

Discover it® Cash Back Rewards

• 5% cash back (doubled the first year) on rotating quarterly categories, including at gas stations, Uber, Lyft, and wholesale clubs through June 30, 2020
• Unlimited 1% cash back (doubled the first year) on all other purchases

Welcome offer: None.

Discover it® Cash Back Additional Features

• Account lock: Freeze your account in seconds to prevent new purchases with an on/off switch available on both the mobile app and website.
• Late fee waiver: You won’t pay a late fee the first time your payment is late. Late fees are up to $39 thereafter.

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American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card: Best for 6% Cash Back on Food Expenses

The American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card earns a cash back rate at grocery stores that’s higher than any other card listed—making it the best personal credit card for food-based businesses. You’ll earn up to 6% cash back whenever you spend at supermarkets. Plus, you’ll also get a lengthy 0% APR period on both purchases and balance transfers, giving you plenty of time to pay off the balance before interest becomes a factor.

American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card Costs

• Introductory APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months
• Ongoing APR: 12.99% to 23.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: $95
• Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card Rewards

• 6% cash back at United States supermarkets up to $6,000 annually (then 1% after that)
• 6% cash back on select US streaming services
• 3% cash back at US gas stations
• 3% cash back on transit, including taxis and ride-share services, parking, tolls, trains, and buses
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome offer: $250 cash back after you spend $1,000 within the first three months.

American Express Blue Cash Preferred® Card Additional Features

• Extended warranty: American Express will match the length of the original manufacturer’s warranty if it’s less than two years and add two years if the original warranty is between two and five years. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per occurrence, $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.
• Travel accident insurance: American Express will cover you for up to $100,000 if death or dismemberment occurs while on a trip you paid for with your card.
• Car rental loss damage insurance: Get coverage damage or loss of your rental vehicle up to $50,000.
• Return protection: Return eligible purchases to American Express when the seller will not take the return, up to 90 days from the date of purchase and up to $300 per item.

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Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for Unlimited Flat-rate Cash Back Rewards

For fluctuating expenses, Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of the best. You’ll earn fixed-rate cash back on all spending with one of the longest 0% APR periods on purchases. Plus, if you’re a freelancer, or if your business is a part-time side hustle, it’s an ideal card to cover your varying business expenses.

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Costs

• Introductory APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 months
• Ongoing APR: 14.99% to 23.74% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Rewards

• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases

Welcome offer: $200 bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first three months from account opening.

Chase Freedom Unlimited® Additional Features

• Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Extended warranty: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.

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Chase Sapphire Preferred®: Best for Flat-rate Travel Rewards and Large Sign-up Bonus

If frequent business trips are the norm, you should consider Chase Sapphire Preferred®. You can use this card to pay for flights and hotel stays while earning a hefty welcome bonus worth $750 in travel. You can also use this cash bonus to book future travel, knowing that you’re covered under this card’s trip delay and cancellation protection.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Costs

• Introductory APR: None
• Ongoing APR: 15.99% to 22.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: $95
• Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

Note: We’ve seen different ongoing APRs offered to different potential applicants.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Rewards

• 2x points on travel and restaurant dining worldwide
• 1x points on all other purchases

Welcome offer: 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months after account opening.

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Additional Features

• Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the US and abroad.
• Trip delay insurance: If your travel is delayed more than 12 hours or you require an overnight stay as a result of a delay, you’re covered for up to $500 in unreimbursed expenses like meals and lodging.
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: Covers up to $10,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if your trip is cut short or interrupted by sickness or bad weather.
• Purchase protection: Covers new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account.

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Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Best for Premium Travel Benefits and 10x Points on Lyft Rides

Chase Sapphire Reserve® is great for business travelers looking to earn rewards on a variety of travel methods with premium benefits. Plus, frequent Lyft customers can get the most out of this card by earning up to 10x points on Lyft rides, an additional 15% discount, priority airport pickups, and a complimentary year of Lyft Pink. This card comes with a hefty annual fee, but it pays for itself easily when you take advantage of all the benefits.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Costs

• Introductory APR: None
• Ongoing APR: 16.99% to 23.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: $550; $75 for each authorized user
• Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Rewards

• 10x points on Lyft rides through March 31, 2022 (7x points plus the 3x points on travel)
• 3x points on travel and restaurant dining worldwide
• 1x points on all other purchases

Welcome offer: 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months after account opening, which is worth $750 when redeemed for travel through the Chase.

Chase Sapphire Reserve® Additional Features

• Airport lounge access: Enjoy access to more than 1,000 priority pass lounges worldwide for free prior to airline travel.
• Annual travel credit: You’ll receive a $300 annual travel credit that can be applied liberally toward your travel purchases.
• 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.
• Trip delay insurance: If your travel is delayed more than 12 hours or you require an overnight stay as a result of a delay, you’re covered for unreimbursed expenses, such as meals and lodging, up to $500.
• Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® fee credit: Receive a statement credit of up to $100 every four years as reimbursement for the application fee charged to your card.
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance: Covers up to $10,000 per trip for prepaid, nonrefundable travel expenses if your trip is cut short or interrupted by sickness or bad weather.

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Citi® Double Cash: Best for 18-month 0% APR on Balance Transfers

The Citi® Double Cash card offers fixed-rate rewards and works best for business owners who prefer cash back rewards without the need for category tracking. However, this card is unique because it earns 1% cash back on the front end and then the remaining 1% as you pay back the balance. To sweeten the pot, this card also offers the longest no-interest period on balance transfers among all the cards listed.

Citi® Double Cash Costs

• Introductory APR: 0% for 18 months on balance transfers completed within four months of account opening
• Ongoing APR: 13.99% to 23.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater

Citi® Double Cash Rewards

• 1% cash back on all purchases and an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases

Welcome offer: None

Citi® Double Cash Additional Features

• Free FICO score: Get monthly updates on your credit score as well as notifications when your score changes.
• Waived late fee: Your first late payment is free; up to $39 after that.

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How We Evaluated the Best Personal Credit Cards for Work Expenses

When searching for the best options, we looked for cards that offer a range of features that benefit business owners, like big introductory bonuses and high ongoing rewards. We also prioritized APRs, fees, and additional card benefits to help narrow down the list. Learning how personal and business credit cards work can help you determine which option is best for your business.

Personal Credit Card vs Business Credit Card

Compared to personal credit cards, most business credit card issuers evaluate both your business credit and personal credit when you apply for a business credit card. The best business cards require a personal credit score of at least 670 while the best personal credit cards require credit scores of at least 640. However, you won’t be able to use personal credit cards to build business credit since they don’t report to business credit bureaus.

Bottom Line

If you plan on using a personal credit card for work expenses, you should look for excellent ongoing rewards as well as additional bonuses and card perks. These personal cards offer a solid alternative for small businesses, sole proprietors, and freelancers who aren’t quite ready for a business credit card. However, like with any business product, you’ll need to evaluate what each card offers to find the best option for you.