The best small business credit cards offer excellent introductory rewards worth several hundred dollars, top ongoing rewards of up to 5% based on your spending, and 0% financing on purchases and balance transfers for up to 15 months. They also include free benefits like rental car insurance and airport lounge access.
Best Small Business Credit Cards September 2019
Credit Card | Best For |
|---|---|
(Best Overall) Ongoing rewards up to 5% cash back with no annual fee | |
Premium travel benefits like airport lounge access | |
Earning top travel rewards with an annual fee under $100 | |
Frequent Southwest Airlines travelers | |
Earning points on hotel and restaurant spending | |
0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers | |
High sign-up bonus with no annual fee | |
3x travel rewards and no annual fee | |
2% unlimited cash back on all spending | |
2x unlimited miles on all spending | |
2% cash back and no annual fee | |
2x points and no annual fee | |
Earning relationship rewards based on your bank deposits | |
Frequent United Airlines travelers | |
Frequent American Airlines travelers | |
Frequent Delta Air Lines travelers | |
Frequent Alaska Airlines travelers | |
Earning top rewards in multiple categories | |
Low APRs and no annual fee |
What’s Changed With the Best Business Credit Cards
Several of the best business credit cards changed their introductory sign-up bonuses in August 2019. Those changes to cards from American Express, Chase, and Citi are reflected in our September 2019 rankings. This article was originally published in May 2017.
How We Evaluated the Best Business Credit Cards
Business credit cards can come with a variety of rewards and a range of annual percentage rates (APRs) and fees. The best card for you is likely going to be determined by your personal and business situations, including the type of rewards you want.
In our evaluation of the best business credit cards, we considered:
- Introductory rewards: Whether a card offers introductory bonus points or cash back. Most of the cards on our list offer introductory rewards worth at least a couple hundred dollars.
- Ongoing rewards: The rewards structure of a small business credit card and the level of points or cash back you can earn on ongoing purchases. Most of the cards on our list offer ongoing rewards worth up to 5% of the purchase price.
- Introductory APR: Whether a card offers a 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers. The top business credit card offers include introductory APRs that last for at least 12 months.
- Ongoing APR: The ongoing interest rate charged on purchases and balance transfers. The cards on our list charge as little as 11.24% APR, which is roughly six percentage points below average.
- Additional benefits: Whether the card comes with free perks that may increase its value. The best small business credit cards offer perks like free access to airport lounges, car rental insurance, and extended warranty protection.
- Annual fee: The annual cost to have a small business credit card. The best small business credit cards charge annual fees ranging from $0 to $595.
- Who the card is best for: Which types of businesses can benefit from a particular business credit card. Consider your budget and the features you need before choosing one of the top business credit card offers.
We also took into account the card’s minimum qualifications, but most business credit card providers require you to be a prime borrower. We recommend having a minimum 700 score if you want to qualify for the best cards with the best rates and largest credit lines. If you have a credit score under 670, consider the best business credit cards for fair credit.
After taking these things into consideration, we recommend the Chase Ink Business CashSM card as the best overall card that will be a good fit for most small businesses. It is the most versatile card that provides up to 5% cash back on select purchases.
Chase Ink Business CashSM: Overall Best Small Business Credit Card
Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card
- Earn $500 bonus cash back after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
- Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- No Annual Fee
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% Intro APR on Purchases | 15.24% - 21.24% Variable | $0 | Good - Excellent |
On Chase's Secure Website
Chase Ink Business CashSM is the best small business credit card because it offers the top combination of introductory and ongoing rewards and a lengthy introductory period on purchases. Owners receive 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months. The American Express Blue Business® Plus also offers a 12-month interest-free period on both purchases and balance transfers. The ongoing APR is as low as 15.24%.
Chase Ink Business CashSM Costs
Financing costs and fees on Chase Ink Business CashSM include:
- Introductory APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases
- Ongoing APR: Variable rate of 15.24% to 21.24%, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater
Chase Ink Business CashSM offers a shorter introductory APR period on purchases than the American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card. That card offers 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 12 months. The American Express card comes with the longest balance transfer offer of the cards on our list.
Chase Ink Business CashSM Rewards
This card offers higher rewards on office supply and telecommunications services purchases than many other small business credit cards. It also pays bonus cash back on gas station and restaurant purchases, and awards one of the highest sign-up bonuses available on a small business credit card that charges no annual fee ($500). Its rich rewards make it a great credit card for startup businesses.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll receive $500 cash back after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening. Among cards on our list that don’t charge an annual fee, this is the highest introductory offer available.
Ongoing Rewards
You’ll earn the following cash-back rewards when using your card:
- 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, cellular phone, and landline services each account anniversary year (then 1%).
- 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year (then 1%).
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
This card offers the highest rewards on office supply spending.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your rewards for cash back, gift cards, and travel through the Chase online travel portal. Redemption value for all three options is one cent per point, which is standard among cash-back credit cards. When redeeming for cash, you can receive a statement credit or a deposit into an eligible checking or savings account from a U.S.-based bank or credit union.
Chase Ink Business CashSM Additional Features
If you rent cars frequently for business, the protection this card offers may prove beneficial, along with other purchase insurance:
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year.
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.
This package of benefits is similar to what’s offered by several other cards on this list, although the purchase protection lasts longer than the 90 days offered by the American Express® Business Gold card.
Chase Ink Business CashSM Drawbacks
The $25,000 annual cap on the 5% and 2% spending categories may prove to be too small for some business owners.
Chase Ink Business CashSM Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Chase Ink Business CashSM reviews are generally very positive. The card gets high marks for its introductory and ongoing rewards. Some reviews suggest the card could add more bonus categories, especially covering travel purchases.
User Reviews
We searched the internet to find users’ opinions of this card. Users say they value the business-oriented rewards structure and the lack of an annual fee. Some say the ongoing APR is too high. On the low end of the range, this card’s APR is actually a bit better than average. The high end of the range is also about three percentage points lower than some cards charge.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Chase Ink Business CashSM is one of the top small business credit cards. It’s set apart from its peers by three features that are among the best available: introductory rewards, ongoing rewards, and a lengthy 0% introductory APR offer. This card could improve by adding travel rewards.
How to Apply for Chase Ink Business CashSM
You can apply online with Chase by filling out a basic application containing both business and personal information, and you could be approved instantly. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail within seven to 10 days.
American Express Business Platinum Card®: Best for Premium Travel Benefits
The Business Platinum® Card from American Express
- Welcome Offer: Earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards® points.
- Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 and an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $15,000 all on qualifying purchases within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com.
- Get 50% more Membership Rewards® points. That's 1.5 points per dollar, on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more. You can get up to 1 million additional points per year.
- 35% Airline Bonus: Use Membership Rewards® Pay with Points for all or part of a flight with your selected qualifying airline, and you can get 35% of the points back, up to 500,000 bonus points per calendar year.
- Enroll to get up to $200 in statement credits annually by getting up to $100 semi-annually for U.S. purchases with Dell. Terms apply.
- Get one year of Platinum Global Access from WeWork. With this membership, you can access 300+ premium, inspiring workspaces in 75+ cities. To get this exclusive offer, enroll between 2/15/2019 and 12/31/2019.
- Terms Apply
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | N/A | $595 | Good, Excellent |
on The Business Platinum® Card from American Express's secure website.
The American Express Business Platinum Card® is best for businesses that want airport lounge access, TSA Pre✓® reimbursement, and annual travel credits. At $595, this card’s annual fee is significantly more expensive than the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business card ($95, waived the first year). This charge card carries no APR because you must pay your balance in full each month.
American Express Business Platinum Card® Costs
The American Express Business Platinum Card® is a charge card, so you must pay it off every month. While there is no APR cost, you’ll only offset the annual fee cost if you use the card quite a bit to travel, and you’ll still have to pay a late penalty if you miss a payment ($38 or 2.99% of any past due, whichever is greater).
Financing costs and fees on the American Express Business Platinum Card® include:
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: None (you must pay off your balance every month)
- Annual fee: $595
- Balance transfer fee: Balance transfers are not allowed
The $595 annual fee you’ll pay is the highest among the cards on this list. But perks like free airport lounge access and reimbursement for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® airport screening programs means this card carries far more potential value than any other card on our list.
American Express Business Platinum Card® Rewards
The American Express Business Platinum Card® offers strong rewards for airplane travelers and business owners who frequently stay in hotels. You’ll earn five points per dollar spent on airfare and hotels booked through American Express Travel. That’s three points more than Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business offers. The introductory rewards are worth $1000 or more when redeemed for travel.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll earn up to 100,000 Membership Rewards points within your first three months of opening your account if you make $25,000 in purchases:
- Earn 50,000 points after you spend your first $10,000.
- Receive an extra 50,000 points after you spend an additional $15,000.
Those points are worth more than $1000 when redeemed for travel.
Ongoing Rewards
You’ll earn the following rewards when using your card:
- 5x points on eligible flights and hotels.
- 1.5x points per dollar on purchases of $5,000 or more, up to 1 million additional points per year.
- 1x points on all other spendings.
No other card on our list offers a better return on airfare or hotel purchases, and the Business Platinum is the only card to offer bonus points on purchases of $5,000 or more. That makes this card ideal for businesses looking for high limit credit cards to make large purchases.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your points in one of seven ways:
- Statement credit: If you have at least 1,000 points in your account, you can apply them to pay for charges on your credit card statement.
- Travel: Redeem a minimum of 5,000 points to book travel on American Express Travel and receive 35% of your points back. You can also transfer points to another frequent flyer program for a fee of 0.0006 cents per point, with a maximum fee of $99.
- Gift cards: Redeem your points for gift cards through www.amexgiftcard.com.
- Amazon.com: After you add your card to your Amazon account and use it at least once, you can use your points on Amazon purchases.
- Ticketmaster: Redeem a minimum of 2,000 points on Ticketmaster to purchase event tickets.
- AXS: Redeem a minimum of 2,000 points on AXS to purchases event tickets.
- Taxi fares: Redeem your points for select taxi fares and tips in New York City.
Point redemption values vary based on how you redeem points. You can, for example, redeem 50,000 points for up to $500 worth of gift cards, flights, and Uber rides and up to $350 in prepaid hotel stays.
American Express Business Platinum Card® Additional Features
The ongoing rewards alone probably aren’t enough to justify the $595 annual fee. This card comes with an exceptional suite of benefits, including airport lounge access and other travel perks. Those benefits can be worth well more than the annual fee if you own a business that can take advantage of them.
The American Express Business Platinum Card® includes:
- American Express lounges: Free access to American Express’ network of Centurion lounges located in slightly less than one dozen U.S. airports.
- Other airport lounges: Priority Pass Select membership, which gets you free access to more than 1,000 lounges worldwide for you and two guests.
- Airport screening: Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or $85 statement credit for TSA Pre✓® once every four years.
- Travel credit: A $200 annual statement credit toward air travel expenses like baggage fees and inflight food and drink.
- Rental status: Elite status at a number of car rental agencies.
- Free Wi-Fi: 10 annual free Gogo inflight Wi-Fi passes.
- Rebate for redeemed points: 35% points rebate if you book a business or first-class flight, up to 500,000 bonus points per calendar year.
- WeWork access: A complimentary year of access to more than 300 WeWork locations worldwide (enroll between February 15, 2019 and December 31, 2019).
- Dell statement credit: Up to $200 in statement credits annually for Dell purchases.
No other card on our list offers airport lounge access or travel credits, which are designed to compete with the free baggage check benefits that cards like the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® offer. Two other cards on our list offer TSA Pre✓® reimbursement: the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card and Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business.
American Express Business Platinum Card® Drawbacks
There are no rewards for businesses that don’t spend a lot of time or money traveling. Other cards offer a better return on everyday spending, including the American Express Blue Business® Plus. Also, while it provides the best rewards to businesses that spend a lot of money each month on their credit card, you’re required to pay it off each month.
American Express Business Platinum Card® Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. American Express Business Platinum Card® reviews are generally very positive. The travel-related benefits, like annual statement credits for travel expenses, get high marks. However, it’s not seen as a particularly good card for earning rewards outside of travel spending.
User Reviews
We searched the internet for user reviews. Cardholders consider the Business Platinum card to be the best in its class, with tremendous rewards for flights and hotels. Customers also love the travel-related perks, like access to airport lounges. Some say the annual fee is excessive.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. The American Express Business Platinum Card® is a well-reviewed credit card that’s widely recognized as much for its travel rewards as its suite of travel-related benefits. No other business rewards credit card can beat the Amex card when it comes to perks. But its annual fee can be a burden on some businesses, and it lacks rewards in other spending categories.
How to Apply for American Express Business Platinum Card®
You can sign up for an American Express Business Platinum Card® by filling out an online application that only takes a few minutes. You could get a decision in as quickly as 30 seconds and be using your card within two to three days.
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM: Best for Travel Rewards With an Annual Fee Under $100
Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card
- Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
- Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases - with no limit to the amount you can earn
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Redeem points for travel, cash back, gift cards and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- No foreign transaction fees
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- $95 Annual Fee
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 17.99% - 22.99% Variable | $95 | Good - Excellent |
On Chase's Secure Website
The Chase Ink Business PreferredSM credit card is best for businesses that travel moderately. It offers 3x points for travel purchases with a modest $95 annual fee, much lower than the $595 the American Express Business Platinum Card® charges. The ongoing APR is as low as 17.99%, which is two percentage points higher than the typical small business credit card offers.
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM Costs
Financing costs and fees on the Chase Ink Business PreferredSM include:
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: Variable rate of 17.99% to 22.99%, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: $95
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater
The ongoing APR is among the highest on our list, so it’s best to avoid the Chase Ink Business PreferredSM if you have to carry a balance. This card also charges an annual fee and doesn’t waive the fee in the first year. Most cards on our list charge no annual fee.
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM Rewards
The Chase Ink Business PreferredSM card offers top-notch rewards on travel spending (3x per dollar) while charging an annual fee under $100. There’s one other card on our list that offers better ancillary travel benefits—the American Express Business Platinum Card®. But for most businesses with travel budgets, Chase Ink Business PreferredSM is the better pick because it has a much lower annual fee ($95 versus $595) and higher introductory rewards.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll earn 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points when you spend $5,000 within the first three months of account opening. Rewards points can be redeemed for airfare or other paid travel through Chase, gift cards, or statement credits against eligible charges. Cardholders also can transfer points to airline and hotel partners. When redeemed for travel, the points are worth $1,000, well above other cards on our list.
Ongoing Rewards
You’ll earn the following rewards when using your card:
- 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year spent in these categories: travel, shipping, advertising on search engines and social media sites, and on internet, cable, and phone services.
- 1 point per dollar spent on everything else.
If your business spends heavily in the three-point categories, this card may well be worth it to you. Only the American Express Business Platinum Card® offers higher rewards (5x) on travel, shipping, and advertising spending, but you’ll pay a higher annual fee of $595.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your rewards for travel, cash back, or gift cards. When redeeming for cash back or gift cards, your redemption value is 1 cent per point. When redeeming for travel through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards website, travel is worth 1.25 cents per point.
You may be able to boost the redemption value further by transferring your Chase Ultimate Rewards points to one of the issuer’s airline partners. When transferred, point values vary, but your redemption value could exceed 2 cents per point or more when booking flights.
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM Additional Features
As you should expect with a card that charges an annual fee, Chase Ink Business PreferredSM includes some premium benefits, like auto rental insurance. But it also comes with perks other cards on our list don’t offer, including cellphone protection and trip cancellation insurance.
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM offers the following additional features:
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.
- Cellphone protection: You and the employees named on the phone bill you pay for with your card are covered for up to $600 in theft or damages per claim. You are limited to three claims per 12-month period, with a $100 deductible per claim.
- Trip cancellation and delay insurance: If your trip is canceled, you can be compensated up to $5,000 for prepaid expenses such as airfare or hotels. If your trip is delayed for 12 hours or more, you can be reimbursed up to $500 for your hotel room, meals, and transportation.
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM Drawbacks
The Chase Ink Business PreferredSM card is not a good choice for businesses looking for an interest-free period on purchases or balance transfers. The card also lacks bonus rewards for spending on office supplies, restaurants, and gas.
Chase Ink Business PreferredSM Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Reviews are extremely positive. Some reviews champion this travel rewards credit card over the American Express Business Platinum Card® because it offers huge value at a significantly lower cost.
User Reviews
We searched the internet for user reviews of this Chase small business credit card. While the card charges an annual fee, cardholders love the high introductory rewards and the ongoing points that they earn on so many different purchases. Some users say they’re disappointed the card doesn’t offer more travel benefits.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Chase Ink Business PreferredSM reviews find this card to be equal to or narrowly behind the American Express Business Platinum Card® as the best small business travel credit card. It’s a better travel credit card for businesses that don’t want or need luxury travel benefits. Some reviewers are disappointed the card doesn’t offer more bonus categories.
How to Apply for Chase Ink Business PreferredSM
You can apply online to see if you qualify for the Chase Ink Business PreferredSM card and get an answer within minutes. You may be required to verify some business information offline, depending on your situation, but once approved, you’ll typically be able to use your card when you receive it in seven to 10 days.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card: Best for Southwest Airlines Rewards
New! Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
- Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- 9,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
- 3 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases.
- 2 points per $1 spent on social media and search engine advertising, Internet, cable and phone services and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available
- Inflight WiFi Credits
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® Fee Credit
- Employee cards at no additional cost, earn points on employee spending.
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 17.99% - 24.99% Variable | $199 |
on New! Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card's secure website.
The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card is best for businesses that frequently use Southwest Airlines. The card, introduced in June 2019, offers enhanced rewards for Southwest Airlines purchases, as well as travel benefits like in-flight Wi-Fi credits and reimbursement for the cost to enroll in TSA Pre✓®. The ongoing APR is as low as 17.99%, which is higher than the average card charges.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card Costs
Financing costs and fees on the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card include:
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: Variable 17.99% to 24.99%, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: $199
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater
The annual fee is higher than many cards on our list charge. But if you can take advantage of the travel perks, like four free upgraded boardings per year and one Wi-Fi credit per day, the card more than pays for itself. If you want a travel credit card that charges no annual fee, consider the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card Rewards
The best rewards for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card come from purchases with Southwest Airlines and its hotel and rental car partners. This card also pays bonus rewards on social media and search engine advertising, as well as on telecommunications services.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll earn 80,000 points when you spend $5,000 in the first three months. That could be worth at least $800 in travel, which is the same introductory reward offered by Chase Ink Business PreferredSM. That card has a potentially higher redemption rate, however, as Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed for travel.
Ongoing Rewards
You’ll earn points as you use the card for the following purchases:
- 3 points per dollar spent on Southwest airline purchases.
- 3 points on hotel and car rental partners.
- 2 points on social media and search engine advertising.
- 2 points on internet, cable, and phone services.
- 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- 6,000 bonus points on every cardmember anniversary.
You’ll earn the same points on Southwest travel as you would with Chase Ink Business PreferredSM, but that card pays 3x points on all travel. The ongoing flight rewards are better on this Southwest card than the UnitedSM Explorer Business Card pays (although that card pays 2x points on United flights only), but less on other bonus categories, like dining.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem points for any available seat on any Southwest Airlines flight. The number of points needed for a flight depends on the fare. The number of points will vary based on the destination, time, day of travel, demand, and fare type. You’ll be responsible for paying all taxes and fees levied by the government on plane tickets. Redeeming on Southwest is straightforward, as all flights show the cost to fly both in points and in U.S. currency.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card Additional Features
Southwest offers one of the potentially most lucrative perks you’ll find on a travel rewards credit card: a companion pass. Unlike the companion fare offered by the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card, this pass is good all year—but it’s not cheap.
You’ll need to earn 110,000 qualifying points or take 100 qualifying one-way flights in a calendar year to earn a companion pass, which gets your guest on a flight for which you’ve bought a ticket for free (minus taxes and fees). Good news: Collecting the sign-up bonus gets you most of the way there. After spending $5,000 to earn the welcome bonus, you’ll need to earn just 15,000 points to earn the pass.
This card falls short of the travel perks offered by the American Express Business Platinum Card®, which offers lounge access and annual travel credits. Still, that card charges an annual fee of $595, significantly higher than this Southwest Airlines card.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card Drawbacks
If you don’t regularly use Southwest or their partners, this isn’t a good card for you. Other business travel rewards cards that offer rewards on all flight purchases may be a more flexible option. If Southwest is your preferred carrier, but you don’t travel often enough to justify this card’s annual fee, consider the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business, which charges a $99 annual fee and pays two points per dollar on Southwest purchases.
Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card Reviews
Since the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card is so new, there are no user reviews available. Users of the Premier card say the issuer offers excellent rewards for travelers who frequently fly Southwest Airlines. We think this is the perfect card for Southwest Airlines loyalists. The sign-up bonus alone can help you get closer to qualifying for its top perk—a companion pass good for a year.
How to Apply for Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card
You can apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card online through Southwest’s secure website. Once you’re approved, you’ll get your card in about a week.
Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card: Best for Hotel & Restaurant Rewards
Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card
- Earn 75,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after you use your new Card to make $3,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
- 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
- 4x points at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping. 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card account anniversary. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Awards can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at a participating hotel. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status with your Card. Plus, earn Gold Elite status after making $35,000 in eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
- Terms apply.
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 17.74% - 26.74% Variable | $125 | Good, Excellent |
on Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card's secure website.
The Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card is the best small business credit card for companies that have significant hotel and dining costs. It pays 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 4x points at U.S. restaurants. You’ll pay a minimum of 17.74% APR for purchases, which is slightly above average.
Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card Costs
Financing costs and fees on the Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card include:
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: Variable rate of 17.74% to 26.74%, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: $125
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater
This isn’t the most expensive card on our list to own, but the annual fee is slightly higher than what Chase Ink Business PreferredSM charges ($95). The APR on this card also is a bit pricey, so consider another small business credit card if you think you’ll have to regularly carry a balance.
Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card Rewards
The Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card offers 75,000 bonus points after you spend at least $3,000 during your first three months of card ownership. That’s a slightly lower return than the Chase Ink Business PreferredSM offers (80,000 points). You’ll earn ongoing rewards at hotels, gas stations, restaurants, wireless phone service, and shipping services.
Introductory Rewards
The Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card offers the following introductory rewards:
- 75,000 bonus points after you make $3,000 in purchases within the first three months.
Marriott Bonvoy points are worth 0.9 cents each, making the Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card introductory offer worth $675. That’s a lower return than you’ll receive with the Chase Ink Business PreferredSM, which offers 80,000 points worth $1,000 when redeemed for travel.
Ongoing Rewards
You’ll earn the following rewards when using your card:
- 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
- 4x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other purchases.
- One free night award every year after your card anniversary.
This American Express business credit card offers terrific hotel rewards—better, in fact, than any card on our list. Chase Ink Business PreferredSM offers 3x points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent on travel, shipping purchases, internet service, cable television service, phone service, and advertising purchases.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your rewards in one of four ways:
- Free hotel night stays: Earn free nights at more than 6,700 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. Some hotels and resorts may have mandatory service charges.
- Flights or rental cars: You can redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points for flights or car rentals by transferring your points across hundreds of travel partners. You can transfer your points to other frequent flyer programs for three points to one mile.
- Hotel and air packages: Redeem your points for a week of hotel accommodations with airline miles included. Packages start at a minimum of 255,000 points required.
- Gift cards: Redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points for gift cards from a selection of several different retailers.
Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card Additional Features
The Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card offers several additional card features, including a roadside assistance hotline, purchase and return protection, extended warranty plan, baggage insurance, and car rental coverage.
Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card offers the following additional features:
- Purchase protection: You’re covered for items you purchased with your card that were damaged or stolen within 120 days from purchase. Purchase protection is limited to $1,000 per incident and up to $50,000 per year.
- Roadside assistance: Cardholders have access to a 24-hour roadside assistance hotline. The roadside assistance hotline can send out a tow truck operator or a locksmith in the event of an emergency. However, you are responsible for the cost of any goods or services provided.
- Extended warranty protection: You will receive up to two additional years of warranty protection on items with original manufacturer’s warranties of up to five years.
- Baggage insurance: You’re covered for up to $1,250 if a common carrier loses your baggage during transit.
- 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 $50,000 for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.
Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card Drawbacks
Unlike several other cards on our list, this American Express card comes with no introductory 0% APR period. You’ll also want to avoid this card if you know you’ll need to carry a balance, as its ongoing APR is higher relative to other small business credit cards.
Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card reviews are very positive. This is one of the best hotel rewards cards on the market, although its annual fee and ongoing APR may make this card too expensive for some users.
User Reviews
The issuer rebranded the Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card in February 2019, but we’ve already seen some online feedback. Most cardholders love the ongoing rewards, reward redemption options, and card benefits. There are no negative reviews online at the moment.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. This card’s excellent ongoing rewards make this a must-have for business owners who frequently stay in Marriott properties. However, it lacks an introductory 0% APR period, and its ongoing APR could be higher than other similar small business credit cards.
How to Apply for Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card
You can apply for the Marriott Bonvoy BusinessTM American Express® Card online. You will be required to provide basic business and personal information. Usually, you will receive a decision within minutes. If you’re approved, you will get your card within seven to 10 days.
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®: Best for 0% APR
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ MasterCard®
- Earn a new cardmember bonus of $500 after you spend $4,500 in eligible net purchases on your card within the first 150 days of account opening
- 3% cash back on cellular, gas stations, and office supply store net purchases
- 1% cash back on other eligible net purchases
- No limit on total rewards and they never expire!
- Plus, a 25% Annual Cash Rewards bonus, up to $250
- No annual fee*
- Net purchases are purchases minus credits and returns
- 0% Intro APR* on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles. After that variable APR currently 14.24% - 25.24%*
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% | 14.24% - 25.24% Variable | $0 | Excellent |
On US Bank's Secure Website
The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® is best for businesses that want the longest combined 0% APR introductory offer on purchases and balance transfers. This no-interest credit card offers free financing for the first 15 billing cycles on spending and transfers. It also offers a unique 25% bonus on the prior year’s rewards, up to $250.
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® Costs
Financing costs and fees on the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® include:
- Introductory APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles
- Ongoing APR: 14.24% to 25.24%, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the balance transferred during application, whichever is greater
No other card on our list offers a longer no-interest period on purchases and balance transfers. American Express Blue Business® Plus offers 12 months of interest-free financing on both purchases and balance transfers. Few small business credit cards offer 0% financing on both purchases and balance transfers.
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® Rewards
This U.S. Bank small business credit card offers ongoing cash back on your spending, including bonus rewards for cellular, gas, and office supply purchases, and a 25% annual bonus based on your prior year’s cash rewards. The introductory offer is worth $500.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll earn $500 cash back after you spend $4,500 during the first 150 days. That matches Chase Ink Business CashSM for the best sign-up bonus offer on our list. This Chase small business credit card requires $3,000 in purchases during the first three months to earn the introductory reward.
Ongoing Rewards
You’ll earn the following ongoing rewards when using your card:
- 3% cash back on cellphone purchases and service.
- 3% cash back on gas purchases up to $200 per single purchase.
- 3% cash back at office supply stores.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
The cellphone bonus is unique among cash-back small business credit cards. The rewards on office supply spending are lower than the 5% offered by Chase Ink Business CashSM. U.S. Bank also offers a unique annual bonus equal to 25% of your prior year’s cash rewards, up to a maximum of $250. No other small business cash-back credit card offers an ongoing annual bonus.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your rewards for cash back, as a statement credit, or in the form of a debit card. If you choose the debit card, the bank will issue you a U.S. Bank Rewards Mastercard. Cash redemptions will be deposited into your U.S. Bank business checking, savings, or money market account. No other card on our list offers redemption in the form of a debit card.
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® Additional Features
This U.S. Bank business credit card offers several free perks as part of its benefits package, including car rental insurance, extended warranty coverage, and purchase security, which protects purchases against theft and damage for 90 days.
The following benefits are included on your card:
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank 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 account, per year. 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.
This card includes similar restrictions on both its purchase assurance and extended warranty protections as the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business. Those protections aren’t quite as robust as cards like Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM offer.
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® Drawbacks
The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® offers lower ongoing category rewards than some other cash-back rewards business credit cards. The Chase Ink Business CashSM card, for example, offers ongoing rewards of up to 5% on office supply spending.
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® reviews are generally positive. Users like the ease with which you can redeem rewards. The introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers is best in class. Ongoing APR is slightly higher than the best cards on our list.
User Reviews
Users say they are happy with the card’s ongoing rewards and the ease with which awards can be redeemed. Negative reviews suggest this card doesn’t offer the same level of benefits as its competitors.
Editorial Reviews
The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® offers an excellent ongoing bonus to inspire loyalty. You can earn an annual bonus equal to 25% of your prior year’s cash rewards, up to $250. We also like the cash-back rewards on cellphone purchases and service. However, we’d love to see higher ongoing category rewards.
How to Apply for U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®
You can apply online for the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®. Fill out a basic application containing both business and personal information, and you could be approved instantly. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail within seven to 10 days.
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM: Best for a Big Sign-up Bonus With No Annual Fee
Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card
- Earn $500 bonus cash back after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- No Annual Fee
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% Intro APR on Purchases | 15.24% - 21.24% Variable | $0 | Good - Excellent |
On Chase's Secure Website
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM is best for businesses that want to earn a solid sign-up bonus without having to pay an annual fee. It pays 1.5% cash back on all spending and $500 cash back after you spend $3,000 in the first three months. The ongoing APR is as low as 15.24%, which is about average for cards on this list.
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM Costs
Financing costs and fees on the Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM include:
- Introductory APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases
- Ongoing APR: Variable rate of 15.24% to 21.24%, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater
If one of the top features you’re looking for in a new small business credit card is interest-free financing, choose another card. The American Express Blue Business® Plus card offers a similar introductory period (12 months) on purchases, but also offers an interest-free period on balance transfers.
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM Rewards
This card also comes with a great introductory bonus, especially because Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM charges no annual fee. You’ll have to pay an annual fee to earn a welcome bonus higher than the $500 this card offers. Ongoing rewards are 1.5% cash back.
Introductory Rewards
Earn $500 cash back when you spend $3,000 in the first three months. That’s the same introductory offer the Chase Ink Business CashSM offers. Among cards that charge no annual fee, this is the highest sign-up offer available.
Ongoing Rewards
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, regardless of spending category. That’s lower than the 2% cash back the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business offers, which is the highest fixed-rate return available.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your rewards for cash back, gift cards, and travel through the Chase online travel portal. Redemption value for all three options is one cent per point. When redeeming for cash, you can receive a statement credit or a deposit into an eligible checking or savings account from a U.S.-based bank or credit union.
You also can increase your redemption value when you transfer rewards to another Chase card you own that’s part of the Ultimate Rewards program. If, for example, you transfer this card’s rewards to your Chase Ink Business PreferredSM card, each point is worth 1.25 cents when redeemed for travel.
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM Additional Features
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM offers identical protections to those that come with Chase Ink Business CashSM:
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the U.S. and abroad.
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year.
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the U.S. manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less.
Note that the purchase protection benefit lasts longer than the 90 days offered by the American Express® Business Gold card. Cards that offer this benefit set coverage limits at either 90 or 120 days, so this is the best protection available.
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM Drawbacks
The Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM card reward rate is lower than some other cards on this list, especially in certain spending categories.
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM reviews are very good, although not as positive as reviews for the other Chase cards on this list. Because it offers 1.5% cash back on all purchases, this isn’t seen as a top-of-wallet card for business owners serious about maximizing rewards.
User Reviews
We found numerous online user reviews of this card. Customers like the 12-month introductory APR as well as the strong introductory rewards, but say the ongoing rewards aren’t competitive with other cards that offer fixed-rate rewards. Indeed, the American Express Blue Business® Plus earns 2x points on all spending up to $50,000 annually.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM fills in the rewards gaps the Chase Ink Business CashSM and the Chase Ink Business PreferredSM have, making it a perfect second or third card. When your purchases don’t fall into one of the bonus categories offered by those other cards, use Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM.
How to Apply for Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM
You can apply for the Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM directly through Chase’s website. Once you apply, you can get an approval decision in just a few minutes. You should receive your card within seven to 10 days.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best Travel Rewards Card With No Annual Fee
Apply Nowon Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card's secure website.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card
- Earn 25,000 bonus points when you make at least $1,000 in net purchases within 60 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit towards travel purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases everywhere, every time-no matter how much you spend. Points don't expire.
- Earn 3 points per every dollar spent on travel purchases (car, hotel, airline) booked through the Bank of America® Travel Center - powered by Expedia®.
- No annual fee and no international transaction fees.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles.
- Redeem points for travel with no blackout dates, cash back or gift cards.
- Get a 75% rewards bonus on the base earn of every purchase you make when you’re a Business Advantage Relationship Rewards Platinum Honors tier client. That means you will earn 2.62 points for every $1 you spend and 4.12 points per every $1 you spend at the Bank of America® Travel Center.
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 9 billing cycles | 13.24% - 23.24% Variable APR on purchases | $0.00 | Excellent |
on Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card's secure website.
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® is best for business travelers who want to earn 3x points per dollar spent on travel purchases—without paying an annual fee. Plus, you’ll receive 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles. The ongoing APR is as low as 13.24%, which is several percentage points lower than what the typical business credit card on our list offers.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Costs
Financing costs and fees on the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® include:
- Introductory APR: 0% on purchases for nine billing cycles
- Ongoing APR: Variable 13.24% to 23.24% APR
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $10 or 4% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater
Like the other Bank of America cards on our list, the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® offers a very low ongoing APR for applicants with excellent credit. There are plenty of cards that offer a longer 0% introductory rate, and, of course, there’s no introductory offer on balance transfers, meaning you’ll pay the ongoing APR.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Rewards
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® rewards your purchases on a points system. These points never expire and you can redeem them for travel, cash back, or gift cards.
Introductory Rewards
Earn 25,000 bonus points when you make at least $1,000 in net purchases in the first 60 days of your account opening. These points can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases. That’s low compared with other cards on our list, including the Chase Ink Business CashSM, which offers $500 cash back after spending $3,000 within the first three months.
Ongoing Rewards
You’ll earn points as you use the card for the following purchases:
- 3 points per dollar spent on travel purchases (car, hotel, and airline) booked through Bank of America Travel Center.
- 1.5 points for every dollar spent on all purchases, regardless of how much you spend.
When you enroll in the Preferred Rewards for Business program, you can get an additional 25% to 75% rewards bonus on every purchase you make. That means you can earn up to an unlimited 2.62 points on all purchases, which is a higher rate than any other card on this list offers for everyday spending.
You’ll also earn 4.12 points per every $1 you spend at the Bank of America® Travel Center. But to earn that rate, you have to have at least $100,000 in deposits or investments with the bank. That’s not quite as good as what you’d earn with the American Express Business Platinum Card®, which pays 5x points on airfare.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your points for travel, travel credits, and cash. Redeeming your points for cash means you’ll accept the rewards as a deposit into your Bank of America checking or savings account, as a card statement credit, or via check. You must redeem points for travel credit (meaning something you already paid for with your card) within 12 months of purchase.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Additional Features
Much like the other Bank of America cards on this list, the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® doesn’t come with nearly as many perks as the other best business rewards credit cards. You will receive up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance, which covers you in case of loss of life or dismemberment.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Drawbacks
Cardholders won’t receive great rewards for their office expense purchases, like the Chase Ink Business CashSM offers. This card is mainly for borrowers who travel frequently. There are other cards that pay a higher rate on everyday spending, like the American Express Blue Business® Plus.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® reviews are generally very positive. This card has good value and no annual fee. But that also means it includes few of the benefits, like airport lounge access, seen on travel rewards cards that charge an annual fee.
User Reviews
We scoured the internet to find user reviews for this card. Cardholders enjoy the rewards they can earn with the card, but note that the rewards aren’t as high as those provided by some other travel credit cards, like the American Express Business Platinum Card®, which pays 5x points on airfare and hotels.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Editorial reviews for this Bank of America business card find this is a good pick for business owners looking for their first travel rewards card. It’s also ideal for owners leery of paying annual fees. But this card can’t compete with other travel rewards credit cards when it comes to card benefits.
How to Apply for Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®
You can apply for the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® by filling out a basic online application and potentially getting instant approval. The whole process can be completed within a matter of a few minutes, and you’ll receive your card within seven to 10 days.
Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business: Best for 2% Cash Back on All Spending
Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere
- Earn a one-time $500 cash bonus once you spend $4,500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- $0 annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
- $0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen
- Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases
- Rewards won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 19.24% (Variable) | $0 intro for first year; $95 after that | Excellent, Good |
on Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business's secure website.
Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business is best for businesses that want to earn 2% cash back on all spending. This type of ongoing rewards is suited for businesses that have a variety of spending needs and don’t want to track category bonuses. The ongoing variable APR is 19.24%, which is about six percentage points higher than the best rate Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® offers.
Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business Costs
Financing costs and fees on the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business include:
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: 19.24% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: $95, waived for the first year
- Balance transfer fee: None
Among the top business credit card offers, Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business comes with a competitive annual fee of $95 (waived the first year). If you’re looking for a top small business credit card that charges no annual fee, look to the American Express Blue Business® Plus.
Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business Rewards
This card pays 2% cash back on all spending, the highest fixed-rate cash-back return among the cards on this list. Other cards offer higher returns in bonus category spending, like the 5x points the American Express Business Platinum Card® pays on airfare and hotels. The Business Platinum fares much worse in everyday spending, at 1x points.
Introductory Rewards
If you can meet the spending requirements, earn the following sign-up bonus:
- $500 cash bonus when you spend $4,500 in the first three months of account opening.
The introductory reward on the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business is worth less than what either the American Express Business Platinum Card® (100,000 points) or the Chase Ink Business PreferredSM (80,000 points) offers.
Ongoing Rewards
You’ll earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases.
This card pays less on certain spending categories than cards with bonus categories, like the Chase Ink Business PreferredSM, which pays three points per dollar on travel and other categories. But since Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business pays a fixed rate on all spending, this card may be a more lucrative option for everyday use than other cards.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your rewards in one of four ways:
- Statement credit or check: You can get your cash back upon request in the form of a statement credit or a check by mail.
- Redeem for a purchase: You can redeem your rewards for a recent transaction made on your Capital One business credit card.
- Redeem for gift cards: You can redeem your rewards for gift cards at restaurants, retailers, or hotels. Your gift card will arrive within two to three weeks.
- Automatic redemption: You have two options for receiving your rewards automatically. You can receive them at a set time each calendar year or when a threshold has been reached―$25, $50, $100, $200, $500, or $1,500.
Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business Additional Features
Capital One offers several perks through its Visa guide to benefits, including:
- 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 up to 90 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim, according to the Capital One guide to benefits.
These benefits are fairly standard, although the length of coverage on purchase protection is less than the 120 days the American Express Blue Business® Plus offers. The Chase Ink Business PreferredSM offers other perks, like cellphone insurance, that this card doesn’t offer.
Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business Drawbacks
Other cards offer better rewards in specific expense categories, like the Chase Ink Business PreferredSM, which pays three points per dollar on travel, shipping, and advertising. Receiving 2% cash back on all purchases is great for businesses that spend in a variety of different categories or don’t want to track category spending.
Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business reviews rate the fixed-rate rewards program highly, but the card might not be right for all business owners because it carries a $95 annual fee, waived the first year.
User Reviews
Users love the strong cash-back rewards program. Some users indicate they are disappointed that Capital One reports card activity to both personal and business credit bureaus. Some, but not all, issuers only report business card activity to the business credit bureaus.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business is one of the best small business credit cards available. Its simple rewards program—earn 2% cash back on everything—should appeal to businesses with diverse spending needs. Its annual fee, however, might not be worth paying for owners who put $19,000 or less a year in charges on their card.
How to Apply for Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business
You can apply online for a Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business card and you’ll typically get an immediate decision. Once approved, you’ll get your card in seven to 10 business days.
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business: Best for 2x Miles on All Spending
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business
- Earn unlimited 2 miles per $1 on every purchase, everywhere
- Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
- Receive up to $100 credit for one Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® application fee
- Fly on any airline, anytime, with no blackout dates or seat restrictions
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
- $0 fraud liability if your card is lost or stolen
- Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2x miles from their purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 19.24% (Variable) | $0 intro for first year; $95 after that | Excellent, Good |
on Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business's secure website.
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business is best for businesses that want to earn 2x miles on all spending. This type of ongoing rewards is suited for businesses that have a variety of spending needs and don’t want to track category bonuses. The ongoing variable APR is 19.24%, which is about six percentage points higher than what the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® charges.
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business Costs
Financing costs and fees on the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business include:
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: 19.24% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: $95, waived for the first year
- Balance transfer fee: None
The Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business is one of just three business credit cards on our list—along with the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business and the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®—that has an annual fee, but waives it for the first year. This could be a solid benefit if you want to test drive a card, but aren’t sure if you want to keep it.
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business Rewards
The Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business card offers the best flat-rate business travel rewards on our list, giving you 2x miles on every purchase. Introductory rewards are worth $500 in travel.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll earn 50,000 miles when you spend $4,500 in the first three months of account opening. Those rewards are worth $500, which is identical to what Chase Ink Business CashSM offers. Still, the Chase card charges no annual fee and has a lower $3,000 spending requirement to earn the bonus.
Ongoing Rewards
With Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business, you’ll earn 2x miles on every purchase. There are no minimums you must meet in order to redeem these reward miles. The flat-rate rewards are not quite as good as the 3x points you’d earn by paying for your airfare with the Chase Ink Business PreferredSM.
You can redeem your Capital One miles online by either paying for past travel, booking a new flight or rental car, or by transferring your points to one of the issuer’s airline transfer partners. Paying for past travel is a unique benefit among travel rewards business credit cards.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your rewards in one of six ways:
- Redeem for new travel reservations: You can book flights, car rentals, or hotels using your miles. For every $1 of travel, you’ll need to redeem 100 points. For example, if your travel costs $200, you would multiply that by 100 to determine you need 20,000 miles to cover the cost.
- Redeem for past travel purchases: You can redeem your rewards for past travel purchases made on your card. Redemptions must be made within 90 days from the date your travel purchase shows on your account.
- Transfer to a select travel partner: You can transfer your miles to 15 select loyalty programs. Your rewards may be worth more in free travel when you transfer to one of these partners.
- Statement credit or check: You can also redeem your points as cash back in the form of a statement credit or a check by mail. Redemption value is 1 cent per point.
- Redeem for gift cards: You can redeem your rewards for gift cards at restaurants, retailers, or hotels.
- Automatic redemption: You have two options for receiving your rewards automatically. You can receive them at a set time each calendar year or when a threshold has been reached—$25, $50, $100, $200, $500, or $1,500.
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business Additional Features
Like Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business, Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business offers several perks through Visa Signature benefits, including:
- Airport screening: Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry or $85 statement credit for TSA Pre✓® once every four years.
- 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 up to 90 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim, according to the Visa guide to benefits.
Just one other card on our list offers reimbursement for airport screening programs. You’ll also receive this benefit with the American Express Business Platinum Card®. That card, however, charges a $595 annual fee.
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business Drawbacks
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business doesn’t offer enhanced bonus category rewards. You could earn as much as 5% cash back on office supply purchases with the Chase Ink Business CashSM card, or more than twice what you’d earn with the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business. If you don’t travel much by plane, then this isn’t a very good card for you.
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business reviews are very good. Reviewers say the card is a solid value, particularly for small business owners who don’t have the time or interest to track category spending for bonus rewards. For everyday spending, this card offers more value than most cards, which pay just 1x points.
User Reviews
We searched the internet for user reviews for the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business. Many cardholders note the lack of an introductory APR and some complain the rewards are focused on travel rather than more flexible cash-back rewards. However, most customers report a positive experience with the card.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Reviewers favor the simple structure of the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business rewards program. Capital One sets no rewards caps, which may make this card more valuable over the course of a year than other cards with bonus categories.
How to Apply for Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business
You can get the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business card by filling out an online application with your personal and business information. You will either be approved immediately or be required to submit proof of income by mail. Once approved, you’ll receive your card in seven to 10 business days.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card: Best for 2% Cash Back & No Annual Fee
American Express® Blue Business Cash Card
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power§.
- Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then a variable rate, 15.24%, 18.24%, or 21.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% on purchases | 15.24% - 21.24% Variable | No annual fee | Good, Excellent |
on American Express® Blue Business Cash Card's secure website.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card is best for businesses that want to earn 2% cash back on all purchases—without paying an annual fee. Other cards offer this fixed-rate reward, but you’ll have to pay nearly $100 a year for the privilege. The ongoing APR is as low as 15.24%, which is a percentage point or more below average.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card Costs
Financing costs and fees on the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card include:
- Introductory APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers
- Ongoing APR: 15.24% to 21.24% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater
When it comes to card costs, this American Express card is identical to the American Express Blue Business® Plus. The introductory APR offer isn’t quite as good as what the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® offers. You’ll get 0% financing for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers with that card.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card Rewards
The American Express Blue Business CashTM Card offers excellent ongoing fixed-rate rewards normally seen on business credit cards that charge an annual fee. But, unlike those cards, this American Express card sets a cap at $50,000 in annual spending at which you’ll earn the top reward.
Introductory Rewards
American Express doesn’t currently offer introductory rewards on this card. Most cards on our list of the best small business credit cards offer a sign-up bonus after you meet a spending requirement. This card falls lower on our list because it doesn’t offer introductory rewards.
Ongoing Rewards
The American Express Blue Business CashTM Card offers ongoing rewards points, including:
- 2% cash back on all purchases up to $50,000 each year.
- 1% cash back on all additional purchases.
The Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business also offers 2% cash back, but it has no rewards cap. However, you’ll have to pay a $95 annual fee, waived the first year.
How to Redeem Rewards
Cardholders will receive a rebate as a statement credit for any eligible purchases on their American Express Blue Business CashTM Card. The rebate they receive is based on the percentage of eligible purchases made during a billing period and will appear on the second billing statement after the billing statement where those purchases appear. For example, if you earn rewards in April, you will see a statement credit on your June bill.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card Additional Features
The American Express Blue Business CashTM Card comes with some fairly robust protections against loss and damage, including:
- Extended warranty: American Express will match the length of the original manufacturer’s warranty if it’s less than one year. American Express provides an additional one year if the original manufacturer’s warranty is between one and five years. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
- Purchase protection: The issuer will repair, replace, or reimburse you for an item purchased with the card that was damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
- 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.
The extended warranty protection is similar to what Chase Ink Business CashSM offers, although Chase only offers coverage extensions on warranties of three years or less.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card Drawbacks
This card falls low on our list because it offers no introductory rewards. That’s a real drawback, especially when other cards that charge no annual fee offer sign-up bonuses worth up to $500 cash back. You’ll also want to avoid this card when traveling overseas, not only because you’ll pay foreign transaction fees, but because American Express isn’t as widely accepted as Visa or Mastercard.
American Express Blue Business CashTM Card Reviews
American Express introduced this card in late July, so there aren’t any user reviews yet. It replaces the American Express SimplyCash® Plus card in the issuer’s lineup. We liked that card because it offered excellent rewards on office supply and internet spending. Although this card is better for everyday spending, we miss the bonus rewards its predecessor offered. This new card doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus, which is a real turn-off.
How to Apply for American Express Blue Business CashTM Card
You can fill out an online form to apply for the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card on American Express’ website, and you could receive a decision in as quickly as 30 seconds. Once approved, your card will arrive in the mail within seven to 10 days.
American Express Blue Business® Plus: Best for 2x Points & No Annual Fee
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
- Get rewarded for business as usual. Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners.
- 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
- Enjoy the flexibility to put more purchases on the Card and earn rewards when you buy above your credit limit*.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- More buying power for your business means more opportunities to earn points. That’s everyday business with the Blue Business Plus Card.
- *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then a variable rate, 15.24%, 18.24% or 21.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- Terms Apply
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% on purchases | 15.24% - 21.24% Variable | No annual fee | Good, Excellent |
on The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express's secure website.
American Express Blue Business® Plus is best for owners who want to earn 2x points on all spending without paying an annual fee. This card is nearly identical to the American Express Blue Business CashTM Card, except that card offers 2% cash back. Both cards also offer interest-free financing for 12 months, which is the second-longest introductory period among cards on our list. Ongoing APR is as low as 15.24%.
American Express Blue Business® Plus Costs
Financing costs and fees on the American Express Blue Business® Plus include:
- Introductory APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers, one of the longest 0% APR introductory offers
- Ongoing APR: 15.24% to 21.24% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater
Along with one of the longest 0% interest introductory periods available, American Express Blue Business® Plus charges a balance transfer fee that is lower (at 3%) than other credit cards on our list, which charge 4% or 5%. That lower fee could save you hundreds of dollars in finance charges, depending on how big the balance you seek to transfer is. The ongoing APR is higher than some cards, including the Bank of America Platinum Visa® Business (11.24% to 22.24%).
American Express Blue Business® Plus Rewards
Cardholders will earn fixed-rate rewards of two points per dollar on all spending up to $50,000, which means there are no bonus categories to track, like for gas or airline purchases. This differs from some of the other best business rewards credit cards, which may offer larger rewards in certain purchasing categories, like office supplies.
Introductory Rewards
This card does not currently offer introductory rewards. Most small business credit cards that offer ongoing rewards also offer introductory rewards. You could earn hundreds of dollars or more by choosing another credit card.
Ongoing Rewards
The American Express Blue Business® Plus card offers ongoing rewards points, including:
- 2x points on all purchases up to $50,000 each year.
- 1x points on all additional purchases.
Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for airfare or other paid travel through American Express Travel, gift cards, or statement credits against eligible charges. Cardholders can also transfer points to airline and hotel partners. Other American Express credit cards that award points also allow transfers, as does the Chase Ink Business PreferredSM.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem Membership Rewards points in seven different ways:
- For your charges: Use your points for your eligible charges on your current statement. You must have at least 1,000 available points in your account.
- Travel: Use points to book travel on American Express Travel; minimum redemption is 5,000 points.
- Gift cards: Purchase American Express gift cards through www.amexgiftcard.com.
- Amazon.com: To use points at Amazon, you must first load your card into your Amazon account and use your card at least once.
- Ticketmaster: You can redeem your points on Ticketmaster to purchase event tickets. The minimum redemption is 2,000 points.
- AXS: You can redeem your points on AXS to purchase event tickets. The minimum redemption is 2,000 points.
- Taxi fares: Redeem your points for fares—including tips—in certain taxis in New York City.
American Express Blue Business® Plus Additional Features
The American Express Blue Business® Plus comes with solid protection against loss and damage, including:
- Extended warranty protection: American Express will match the length of the original manufacturer’s warranty if it’s less than two years. American Express provides an additional two years if the original manufacturer’s warranty is between two and five years. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
- Purchase protection: The issuer will repair, replace, or reimburse you for an item purchased with the card that was damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
The extended warranty protection is a full year longer than what Chase Ink Business CashSM offers. Still, the coverage limit on purchase protection is actually quite a bit lower than Chase’s $10,000 limit per occurrence.
American Express Blue Business® Plus Drawbacks
The American Express Blue Business® Plus card doesn’t offer any introductory rewards. Ongoing rewards are also lower than some small business credit cards that offer 5% returns on spending in bonus categories, like the Chase Ink Business CashSM.
American Express Blue Business® Plus Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. American Express Blue Business® Plus reviews are generally positive, as owners credit the card with helping to grow their firms. Both the card’s points-based rewards system and its lengthy 0% introductory offer draw praise.
User Reviews
We scoured the internet to find user reviews for this card. Users say they value the 2x points you’ll earn in ongoing rewards and the issuer’s excellent customer service. Some users say they were disappointed this card doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. The American Express Blue Business® Plus is one of the best business credit cards for owners who want or need a break on financing. It offers 0% introductory APR for 12 months. That’s one of the longest introductory periods available on a small business credit card. This card isn’t as valuable as some others that offer bonus category rewards of up to 5%.
How to Apply for American Express Blue Business® Plus
The American Express Blue Business® Plus credit card is available directly from the American Express website and comes with a 12-month, 0% introductory APR. You can get approved in seconds and receive your card in as few as seven days.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®: Best for Earning Relationship Rewards
Apply Nowon Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card's secure website.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
- Get a $300 statement credit when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening – with no annual fee, no cap on the amount of cash rewards you can earn and they don't expire.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice, 2% cash back on dining and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- You'll get 3% and 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles.
- Redeem your cash rewards as a statement credit, check, or have cash deposited into a Bank of America® checking or savings account.
- Get a 75% rewards bonus on every purchase when you're a Business Advantage Relationship Rewards Platinum Honors tier client. That means you will earn 5.25% on your selected choice category, 3.5% on dining and unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 9 billing cycles | 14.24% - 24.24% Variable APR on purchases | $0.00 | Excellent |
on Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card's secure website.
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® offers 3% cash back—and potentially much more if you enroll in the Business Advantage Relationship Rewards program. You could earn up to 5.25% cash back in select spending categories based on your level of deposits with the bank. The ongoing APR is as low as 14.24%.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Costs
Financing costs and fees of the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® include:
- Introductory APR: 0% for nine billing cycles on purchases
- Ongoing APR: Variable rate of 14.24% to 24.24%, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $10 or 4% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater
The ongoing APR is low, but it’s not the lowest on our list. If the cost to finance is the most pressing need you have in a business credit card, consider a card like the Bank of America® Platinum Visa®, which offers a potentially lower ongoing APR (11.24% to 22.24%) for cardholders with excellent credit (minimum 750).
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Rewards
You’ll need to make just $3,000 in purchases during the first 90 days after you open your account to qualify for the introductory rewards. Earn 3% cash back on one of six spending categories, including gas stations. This card is among the best cash-back business cards.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll earn a $300 statement credit when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening. That’s lower than the $500 cash-back reward the Chase Ink Business CashSM card offers after you spend $3,000 within the first three months.
Ongoing Rewards
You’ll earn the following rewards when using your card:
- 3% cash back on your choice of one of the following six categories: gas stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV and telecommunications services, wireless, computer services or business consulting services (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category or dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter).
- 2% cash back at restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
This card offers unique bonus value for businesses that have a Bank of America checking or savings account. Enroll in the Preferred Rewards for Business program to receive an additional 25% to 75% rewards bonus on every purchase. These tiered relationship bonuses begin when you have at least $20,000 in assets with the bank. Only the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® offers a similar bonus.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your cash back as a deposit into your Bank of America checking or savings account, as a card statement credit, or via check. You can redeem rewards at any time, and there is no annual cap on rewards redemption.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Additional Features
This card doesn’t come with the same level of benefits you’ll find on other cards on our list. You will receive up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance, which covers you in case of loss of life or dismemberment. This is also available on the Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business card.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Drawbacks
The reward system is not as good as other cards if you plan on using it for business expense purchases you’re paying off every month—unless you have an existing Bank of America banking relationship.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® reviews are generally mixed. This card is cheap to own, but the low APR and lack of an annual fee do come with a cost. Rewards and benefits aren’t as good on this Bank of America business card as on other cards.
User Reviews
Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® users like the introductory 0% APR, the lack of an annual fee, and the ability to earn up to 3% ongoing cash rewards. However, some complain that the introductory rewards aren’t as high as other cards offer.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Editorial reviews find the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard® to be adequate, but definitely not flashy. It offers good, but not great, ongoing rewards and good, but not great, introductory rewards.
How to Apply for Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®
You can apply online for a Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®. Once you fill out the application form containing basic personal and business information, you could get approved within minutes. Once approved, you’ll receive a card in the mail within seven to 10 days.
UnitedSM Explorer Business Card: Best for United Airlines Rewards
United℠ Explorer Business Card
- Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open. Plus, you can earn an additional 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $25,000 in total purchases within six months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Earn 2 miles per $1 at restaurants, gas stations and office supply stores
- Earn 2 miles per $1 on United purchases and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases
- Free checked bag - save up to $120 per roundtrip (terms apply)
- Two one-time United Club℠ passes each year - more than a $100 value
- Priority boarding for you and companions on the same reservation on United-operated flights
- Employee cards at no additional cost
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 17.99% - 24.99% Variable | $95 | Good - Excellent |
on United℠ Explorer Business Card's secure website.
The UnitedSM Explorer Business Card is best for business owners who are loyal United Airlines customers. You’ll earn 2x miles on all United purchases. This card also earns bonus rewards on restaurants, gas stations, and office supply spending. The ongoing APR is as low as 17.99%, which is two percentage points or higher than the typical card charges.
UnitedSM Explorer Business Card Costs
Financing costs and fees on the UnitedSM Explorer Business Card include:
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: 17.99% to 24.99%, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: $95, waived the first year
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 5% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater
The $95 annual fee is nearly identical to the annual fee assessed on the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business ($95, waived the first year). Ongoing APR may be up to four percentage points higher than what the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® charges.
UnitedSM Explorer Business Card Rewards
The UnitedSM Explorer Business Card offers introductory rewards worth up to $1,000 on travel purchases. You’ll also earn ongoing rewards on United Airlines, restaurant, gas station, and office supply purchases.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll earn the following introductory rewards when using your card:
- 50,000 miles when you spend $3,000 in the first three months after account opening.
- 50,000 miles when you spend $25,000 total within the first six months.
That 100,000-mile potential haul is the best return on our list—tied with the 100,000 points you could earn with the American Express Business Platinum Card®. The Amex card requires you to spend $25,000 to earn that reward. The Chase Ink Business PreferredSM pays 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 within the first three months.
Ongoing Rewards
You’ll earn the following ongoing rewards when using your card:
- 2 miles per $1 spent on purchases from United, including tickets, Economy Plus, inflight food, beverages, Wi-Fi, and other United charges.
- 2 miles per $1 spent at restaurants, gas stations, and office supply stores.
- 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Other business travel credit cards offer higher returns on flight purchases, including the American Express Business Platinum Card® (5x miles) and the Chase Ink Business PreferredSM (3x miles). Few business credit cards for travel offer rewards on restaurants, gas stations, and office supplies.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your miles by booking travel on United flights or United partner airlines. One-way Saver Award travel starts as low as 12,500 miles for flights within the U.S. and Canada. Although there are no blackout dates, there is no guarantee award seats will be available for every flight. You’ll be responsible for paying all taxes and fees levied by the government on plane tickets.
UnitedSM Explorer Business Card Additional Features
The UnitedSM Explorer Business Card offers several travel and purchase protections common to small business credit cards, like extended warranty protection. It also offers coverage not offered by many credit cards, like baggage delay insurance and priority boarding.
The UnitedSM Explorer Business Card includes the following benefits:
- Free checked bag: You and one companion traveling on the same reservation will each receive your first standard checked bag free.
- Priority boarding: You and companions on the same reservation will be able to board prior to general boarding.
- 2 United Club one-time passes: Enjoy complimentary beverages, snacks, and amenities like workspaces, free Wi-Fi, and more each anniversary year.
The free checked bag benefit is similar to what other airline-affiliated cards offer, like the American Express Platinum Delta SkyMiles Business Credit Card. The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card Credit Card offers a companion certificate, unlike this card.
UnitedSM Explorer Business Card Drawbacks
The UnitedSM Explorer Business Card doesn’t offer free access to airport lounges, like the American Express Business Platinum Card® does, nor does it offer a statement credit toward air travel expenses. The rewards on air travel are also lower than cards like the Chase Ink Business PreferredSM offer (3 points per $1 spent).
UnitedSM Explorer Business Card Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. UnitedSM Explorer Business Card reviews are primarily positive. Airline-specific perks like priority access are big pros for this card. But the ongoing rewards are low compared with other travel rewards credit cards.
User Reviews
We searched the internet for user reviews on the UnitedSM Explorer Business Card. Users say they enjoy the travel rewards they are able to earn by spending on United Airlines flights. Some users say they would like to be able to earn a companion pass, like Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines offer through their co-branded credit cards.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. UnitedSM Explorer Business Card reviews say frequent United Airline flyers should strongly consider this card. It offers United-specific benefits that no other card can match, like a free checked bag. The ongoing rewards on both United spending and other bonus categories like restaurants are low compared with some cards that offer 3x points per dollar spent.
How to Apply for UnitedSM Explorer Business Card
You can apply online for the UnitedSM Explorer Business Card. Fill out a basic application containing both business and personal information, and you could be approved instantly. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail within seven to 10 days.
Note: The information related to the UnitedSM Explorer Business Card has been collected by Fit Small Business and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®: Best for American Airlines Rewards
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®
- 2 AAdvantage® miles on telecommunications, car rental, gas station purchases
- 2 AAdvantage® mile on eligible American Airlines purchases
- 1 AAdvantage® mile on other purchases
- First checked bag free
- Terms Apply
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 17.74% - 25.74% Variable | $0 for the first year, then $99 | Good - Excellent |
on Citi's Secure Website
The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® offers 60,000 introductory bonus miles for qualifying new cardholders as well as one to two miles for every dollar spent. This card is best for business owners who frequently fly American Airlines. Other cards offer better rewards for general spending. The ongoing APR is as low as 17.74%, which is slightly higher than the typical small business credit card charges.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Costs
Financing costs and fees on the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® include:
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: Variable 17.74% to 25.74%, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: $99, waived for the first year
- Balance transfer fee: Balance transfers are not allowed
If you’re looking for a 0% introductory offer, you’d be better off choosing another card, like the American Express Blue Business® Plus (12 months free financing on purchases and balance transfers).
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Rewards
The best rewards come from using the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® on American Airlines travel. Those rewards give you the ability to do more traveling with American Airlines. You can receive three points or more on airline spending with other cards, although this card is still a good deal if you’re an American Airlines loyalist.
Introductory Rewards
You can earn 60,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles when you make $3,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening. That bonus could be worth $600 in travel, lower than the 80,000 points the Chase Ink Business PreferredSM offers.
Ongoing Rewards
You’ll receive American Airline miles for the following purchases:
- 2 miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and certain telecommunications merchants, car rental merchants, and cable and satellite providers.
- 2 miles for every $1 spent on American Airline purchases.
- 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
You’ll earn more travel rewards (3x) with the Chase Ink Business PreferredSM card, and you’re not restricted to earning points on American Airlines flights.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem miles in one of four ways:
- Flight awards: Book flights for as little as 7,500 miles each way plus applicable taxes and carrier-imposed fees; there are no blackout dates, but award seats may not always be available.
- Flight awards on other airlines: Use your miles to redeem for travel through one of about two dozen foreign airline partners.
- Upgrades: Use your miles to upgrade to first-class or business class on American and partner flights; upgrades cost as few as 5,000 miles.
- Hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages: Pay for your reservation through American Airlines with as few as 1,000 miles.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Additional Features
Like the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card, the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® offers a companion pass after you spend $30,000 in a year. The companion ticket costs $99 plus fees of $21.60 to $43.60 when the primary cardholder buys a ticket. That’s not quite as good as the free (minus fees) ticket Southwest offers.
Cardholders also will earn:
- One free checked bag per flight.
- Preferred boarding privileges for the cardholder and up to four other passengers.
- 25% savings on food and onboard Wi-Fi.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Drawbacks
If you don’t fly American Airlines constantly, then this isn’t the right card for you. This is a great card if you can benefit from the American Airlines-centric rewards system, but it’s missing any other type of reward.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® reviews are generally positive. For travel rewards enthusiasts, the card’s 2x miles per $1 spent on American Airlines’ flights is seen as a slight negative.
User Reviews
We searched the internet for user reviews on the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®. Users love the large introductory reward and the first year free annual fee. Plus, they find bonus rewards on non-travel spending useful. But they complain the flight rewards are too small compared to other cards that offer 3x to 5x points per dollar.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. This CitiBusiness credit card is seen as a must-have for frequent American Airlines flyers because of its unique benefits for users of that airline. It offers free checked bags and priority boarding, something most other credit cards don’t offer. This CitiBusiness card is missing other top travel perks, however, like access to airport lounges and annual credits toward air travel.
How to Apply for CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®
You can apply online at Citi’s website or via phone to get the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®. Once approved, you’ll receive your card in about one week.
American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles®: Best for Delta Air Lines Rewards
Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card from American Express
- Make business travel more rewarding. Earn 30,000 bonus miles after you make $1,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
- Additionally, earn a $50 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new Card within your first 3 months.
- Earn 2 Miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta. Earn 1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
- Find room for your carry-on and settle into your seat sooner with Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding.
- Pay no foreign transaction fees when you spend overseas.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95. Terms and limitations apply
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 17.74% - 26.74% Variable | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 | Good, Excellent |
on Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card from American Express's secure website.
American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® is best for frequent Delta Air Lines flyers. It offers free checked bags and 30,000 bonus miles if you spend $1,000 during the first three months. You’ll earn two miles per dollar spent on Delta purchases. Ongoing APR is as low as 17.74%.
American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® Costs
Financing costs and fees on the American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles® include:
- Introductory APR: 0% on purchases for six months
- Regular APR: 17.74% to 26.74%, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: $95, waived the first year
- Balance transfer fee: Either $5 or 3% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater
The annual fee on American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® is similar to what the other airline credit cards on our list charge, with the exception of the Southwest Rapid® Performance Business Card.
The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® charges $99, which is waived the first year. The UnitedSM Explorer Business Card charges $95, which is also waived the first year. The Southwest Rapid® Performance Business Card charges $199, but that is not waived. The APR is also comparable to other airline cards.
American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® Rewards
Delta offers both a traditional sign-up bonus and a $50 statement credit for making a Delta purchase within the first three months. Ongoing bonus rewards are focused only on Delta purchases, which means you’ll earn just 1 mile per dollar on all other spending.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll earn the following introductory rewards when using your card:
- 30,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in purchases during the first three months.
- Plus, earn a $50 statement credit after you make a Delta purchase with your new card within your first three months.
This sign-up bonus is significantly lower than what other travel credit cards on our list offer. For example, you can earn up to 100,000 bonus miles with the UnitedSM Explorer Business Card.
Ongoing Rewards
You’ll earn the following ongoing rewards when using your card:
- 2 miles per dollar on Delta Air Lines purchases.
- 1 mile per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
The Gold Delta SkyMiles® card offers weaker ongoing rewards compared to the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®. In addition to paying bonus miles on American Airlines flights, that card also pays 2 miles per dollar on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants, and gas stations.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your miles for Delta-operated flights, seat upgrades, car rentals, merchandise, and gift cards through the Delta rewards portal. Your miles redemption must be in increments of 5,000 miles with a minimum of 5,000 miles per redemption. The redemption value of your Delta miles can range between 0.4 cents to 3.2 cents per mile, depending on what you’re purchasing.
American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® Additional Features
Delta offers several free or reduced-fee travel perks and complimentary insurance as part of this card’s benefits packages, including free checked bags and car rental insurance. The travel perks are exclusive to co-branded airline credit cards, while other benefits, including car rental insurance, are more common to small business credit cards.
American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® benefits include:
- Free checked bag: Check one bag for free for you and up to eight companions.
- Savings on in-flight purchases: Receive a 20% discount on in-flight purchases you make with your Delta SkyMiles® credit card.
- Baggage insurance: If your luggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, you’re eligible for coverage of up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and $500 for checked bags.
- Car rental insurance: 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.
This coverage is standard for the annual fee. You won’t receive lounge access, travel credits, or security screening reimbursements that cards with higher annual fees like the American Express Business Platinum® offer.
American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® Drawbacks
This card only offers bonus miles on Delta Airlines spending. Other airline credit cards, like the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® and the Southwest Rapid® Performance Business Card, offer ongoing bonus rewards on other spending categories, including at car rental merchants.
American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® Reviews
American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles® reviews are mixed. The card offers nice travel perks, like a free checked bag. However, it offers limited usefulness outside of airline spending. You’ll receive 1x the points per dollar spent on non-Delta purchases.
User Reviews
Users satisfied with the card say they’ve been able to earn additional trips as a result. Others say they’re unhappy with the rewards program, which they say should offer bonus rewards outside of Delta Air Lines flights.
Editorial Reviews
Editorial reviews suggest this card isn’t as good as other co-branded airline credit cards when it comes to ongoing rewards. Its ongoing rewards primarily benefit Delta spending, while other airline-branded cards offer bonus points on categories ranging from gas purchases to internet advertising. Still, perks like a free checked back make this card worth considering for Delta loyalists.
How to Apply for American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles®
You can apply for American Express Business Gold Delta SkyMiles® by filling out an online application that only takes a few minutes. You could get a decision in as quickly as 30 seconds and receive your card within 10 business days.
Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card: Best for Alaska Airlines Rewards
Alaska Airlines Visa® Business credit card
- 40,000 Bonus Miles + Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ Offer: Get 40,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from just $22) with this offer. To qualify, make purchases of $2,000 or more within the first 90 days of opening your account.
- Get Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ from $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees from $22) every year! That’s right, EACH YEAR on your account anniversary get a companion fare from $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees from $22). Valid on all Alaska flights booked on alaskaair.com with no blackout dates.
- Save with a free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six other guests on the same reservation.
- Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent directly on Alaska Airlines purchases and 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
- NEW! 50% off Alaska Lounge day passes and 20% back on inflight food, beverage and Wi-Fi purchases when you pay with your card.
- Get exclusive access to discounted redemption levels when you redeem miles for hotel stays at over 400,000 properties using Alaska Airline Hotels.
- Earn unlimited miles and travel with no blackout dates and no international transaction fees.
- Enjoy many money saving benefits, 800+ destinations, more than a dozen global airline partners and a low annual fee of $50 for the company and $25 per card.
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 16.99% - 24.99% Variable APR on purchases | $50 for the company and $25 per card | Excellent |
on Alaska Airlines Visa® Business credit card's secure website.
The Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card is best for businesses that fly this airline frequently and can take advantage of the introductory companion fare plus 40,000 bonus miles after you spend $1,000 in the first 90 days. This card comes with no introductory APR; its ongoing APR is as low as 16.99%, which is slightly higher than average.
Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card Costs
Financing costs and fees on the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card include:
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: Variable rate of 16.99% to 24.99%, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: $50 for the company and $25 per card
- Balance transfer fee: $10 or 4% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater
This card offers no 0% introductory APR, so it’s not a good fit for a company that needs to finance a large purchase or transfer an existing balance from a high-interest credit card. The ongoing APR is on the high side as well compared with other cards on our list.
Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card Rewards
The Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card is a great value simply because of its companion fare, which allows you to buy one ticket and get another (starting at $121). This benefit could easily more than pay for the cost of this card’s annual fee, and is available on very few travel rewards cards.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll earn a companion fare and 40,000 bonus miles after you make at least $1,000 in purchases on your card within the first 90 days. Just two other cards on our list offer a companion fare—Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Business and the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®. This can be an extremely lucrative perk.
Ongoing Rewards
The Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card offers the following ongoing rewards:
- 3 miles for every dollar spent with Alaska Airlines.
- 1 mile for every dollar spent on other purchases.
- Companion fare for each card anniversary. Each year on your account anniversary, get a companion fare starting at $121.
The companion fare reward is the easiest and cheapest to obtain among the cards on our list that offer companion fares, including the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Card and the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your points in one of three ways:
- Award travel: Book a one-way flight for as little as 5,000 points, plus taxes and fees, starting from $5.60. You are responsible for all applicable taxes, fees, and checked baggage charges.
- Flight upgrades: Upgrade your one-way Alaska Airlines reservation to first class for 15,000 points. Without using your points, a one-way paid upgrade starts at $29.
- Hotel accommodations: Earn up to 10,000 miles per night or redeem miles toward free nights and room discounts from more than 400,000 properties worldwide.
You will be responsible for all taxes, fees, and surcharges applicable to award travel.
Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card Additional Features
Along with the companion fare benefit, this card also offers another perk that most cards don’t have, and is more generous than the ones that do: a free checked bag. The cardholder and up to six passengers traveling on the same reservation may check one bag free of charge when flying.
Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card Drawbacks
If Alaska Airlines isn’t the airline you use most often for business travel—or you need a travel rewards card that offers points or miles for all flights—stick with something like the Chase Ink Business PreferredSM. While this business credit card offers great introductory and ongoing travel rewards plus travel-related perks, the rewards are specifically for Alaska Airlines.
Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card reviews are very positive. It especially earns high marks for its companion fare reward, which could save travelers hundreds of dollars per year on a companion ticket.
User Reviews
Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card users note that the card offers ongoing rewards superior to most travel cards. Many customers aren’t aware that Alaska Airlines serves more than 900 destinations, and many who find they can use the rewards love this card. We found no negative feedback in online reviews.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Although this Bank of America business card isn’t going to be useful for all small business owners, editorial reviews found that the card offers big benefits to frequent Alaska Airlines patrons. Its ongoing rewards are seen as average, but the annual companion fare helps give this card real value.
How to Apply for Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card
You can apply for the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card directly through the Bank of America website. Approval can be as quick as just a few minutes and you can receive your card within seven to 10 business days. Visit Bank of America to see if you qualify.
American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for Category Rewards
American Express® Business Gold Card
- Earn up to $500 back in the form of statement credits by purchasing qualifying services with FedEx using your American Express® Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card membership.
- Limited time Offer ends 11/06/2019.*
- MORE REWARDS: Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month**
- **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 to help manage cash flow on purchases of $100 or more.*
- EXPENSE MANAGEMENT TOOLS: Connect to Quickbooks, access SpendManagerSM, receive a Year-End Summary, and more.*
- *Terms Apply
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 16.24% - 24.24% Variable | $295 | Good, Excellent |
on American Express® Business Gold Card's secure website.
American Express® Business Gold is best for businesses that want to maximize rewards on both travel and other spending categories. You’ll earn 4x points per dollar on the two categories where you spend the most each billing cycle, including airfare and shipping services. You can finance purchases of $100 or more, and the ongoing APR is as low as 16.24%.
American Express® Business Gold Card Costs
Financing costs and fees on the American Express® Business Gold Card include:
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: Variable APR of 16.24% to 24.24%, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: $295
- Balance transfer fee: Balance transfers are not allowed
The annual fee is considerably higher than the $95 charged by the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business card, which is waived the first year. Like the American Express Business Platinum Card®, the American Express® Business Gold Card is a charge card, which would usually mean all charges must be paid in full each month. However, American Express allows cardholders to finance eligible purchases of $100 or more.
American Express® Business Gold Card Rewards
American Express offers a standard sign-up bonus with a three-month spending requirement. If you fly frequently, this card offers the second-highest ongoing rewards for airfare, behind the American Express Business Platinum Card®, which offers five points per dollar. The Gold card offers the highest rewards on our list in several other categories, including dining and gas purchases.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll earn the following introductory rewards when using your card:
- Earn up to $500 back in the form of statement credits by purchasing qualifying services with FedEx using your American Express® Business Gold Card within the first three months of card membership. Limited time offer ends November 6, 2019.
This introductory offer is unlike any other on our list. Most small business credit cards do not offer statement credits, but rather miles or cash back after you reach a certain spending threshold. These introductory rewards are only good for businesses that ship with FedEx frequently.
Ongoing Rewards
You’ll earn the following ongoing rewards when using your card:
- 4x points on the two categories where you spend the most each billing cycle, up to $150,000 in combined eligible purchases each calendar year.
- 1x points on all other eligible spendings.
American Express offers six possible bonus categories, from which you’ll earn 4x points each month on your top two categories. Categories include airfare purchased directly from a passenger carrier; advertising purchased in the U.S. to promote your business; computer hardware, software, and cloud computing purchases in the U.S.; gasoline purchased at U.S. gas stations; U.S. restaurants; and shipping services purchased in the U.S.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your points in one of seven ways:
- For your charges: Use your points for your eligible charge on your current statement. You must have at least 1,000 available points in your account.
- Travel: Use points to book travel on American Express Travel, for which you will get 25% of your points back. Minimum redemption is 5,000 points. You can also transfer points to one of the issuer’s travel partners.
- Gift cards: Purchase American Express gift cards through www.amexgiftcard.com.
- Amazon.com: To use points at Amazon, you must first load your card into your Amazon account and use your card at least once.
- Ticketmaster: You can redeem your points on Ticketmaster to purchase event tickets. The minimum redemption is 2,000 points.
- AXS: You can redeem your points on AXS to purchase event tickets. The minimum redemption is 2,000 points.
- Taxi fares: Redeem your points for fares (including tips) on certain taxis in New York City.
American Express® Business Gold Card Additional Features
The American Express® Business Gold Card comes with several protections in case you lose or damage items you’ve purchased. These protections include return protection, extended warranty protection, and baggage insurance.
American Express® Business Gold benefits include:
- Premium roadside assistance: Free of charge up to four times a year, 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 fuel.
- Return protection: American Express will refund you for eligible purchases when the merchant will not 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 account per calendar year.
- Baggage insurance: If your luggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, you’re eligible for coverage of up to $1,250 for carry-on baggage and $500 for checked bags.
- Extended warranty: Receive one additional year of warranty service on purchases with warranties of five years or less.
- Purchase protection: Your eligible purchases are covered against accidental damage or theft for 90 days up to $1,000 per occurrence.
The American Express® Business Gold Card offers fewer benefits than you might expect from a card that charges a $295 annual fee. It is missing travel benefits like TSA Pre✓® reimbursement and free airport lounge access that the American Express Business Platinum Card® offers, which has a $595 annual fee.
American Express® Business Gold Card Drawbacks
Even though the American Express® Business Gold Card offers an introductory bonus, you’ll earn fewer points than you could with a business card that charges a significantly lower annual fee. The Chase Ink Business PreferredSM card offers 80,000 Ultimate Rewards points and charges a $95 annual fee.
American Express® Business Gold Card Reviews
This newly revamped card doesn’t have any online reviews, but the American Express® Business Gold card is similar enough to the old Business Rewards Gold Card that the reviews for that card remain relevant. Reviews for that card were generally favorable.
User Reviews
We searched the internet for American Express® Business Gold card user reviews. Users generally love this card because it has no preset spending limit and earns hefty rewards on bonus category spending. Some users caution that the pricey annual fee limits its appeal for businesses that don’t have huge expenses.
Editorial Reviews
Although this card now offers a standard introductory bonus, our editorial review found the value for most small business owners is smaller than what other cards offer.
How to Apply for American Express® Business Gold Card
You can sign up for an American Express® Business Gold Card by filling out an online application that only takes a few minutes. You could get a decision in as quickly as 30 seconds and receive your card within 10 business days.
Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business: Best Business Credit Card for the Lowest APR
Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business credit card
- Get a $300 statement credit when you make at least $3,000 in net purchases within 90 days of your account opening.
- Save on interest with a competitive purchase APR.
- No annual fee.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 7 billing cycles.
- Employee cards at no additional cost to you and with credit limits you set.
| INTRO APR | REGULAR APR | ANNUAL FEE | CREDIT NEEDED |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0% 7 billing cycles | 11.24% - 22.24% Variable APR on purchases | $0.00 | Excellent |
on Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business credit card's secure website.
Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business offers the lowest ongoing APR range among the cards on our list (11.24% to 22.24%) and charges no annual fee, making it right for anyone who’s looking for a low-cost option.
Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business Costs
Financing costs and fees on the Bank of America® Platinum Visa® card include:
- Introductory APR: 0% APR on purchases for seven billing cycles
- Ongoing APR: Variable 11.24% to 22.24%, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $10 or 4% of the balance transferred, whichever is greater
This card offers no introductory 0% financing on balance transfers, and charges a high balance transfer fee—although not quite as high as the Chase Ink Business CashSM card. Choose this card only if you need access to cheap ongoing financing. There are several better options on our list for introductory purchases and balance transfers.
Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business Rewards
The Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business card offers a small sign-up bonus, but the card lacks a strong ongoing rewards program. The $300 introductory bonus is quite low compared with other cards on this list.
Introductory Rewards
You’ll receive a $300 statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in net purchases in the first 90 days your account is open.
Ongoing Rewards
The Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business card doesn’t offer a rewards program as an opportunity to earn either points or cash back. It is the only card on our list that doesn’t offer ongoing rewards.
Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business Additional Features
This card doesn’t offer many additional bells and whistles, especially when compared with some of the other best small business credit cards on our list. The only additional feature worth noting is travel accident insurance, which is also available on the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®.
The additional feature the Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business card offers is:
- Travel accident insurance: You will receive up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance, which covers you in case of loss of life or dismemberment.
Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business Drawbacks
Bank of America® Platinum Visa® is the only card on our list that doesn’t offer ongoing rewards. But this is an affordable card if you plan to carry a balance because it offers the lowest APR range among the best small business credit cards. If you want a lower APR and want to earn ongoing rewards, consider the Bank of America® Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard®.
Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business Reviews
We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business card reviews are generally mixed. While both user and editorial reviews recognize the card’s chief benefit—a low APR—there’s no real enthusiasm for this card. Its rewards are mediocre, as are its benefits.
User Reviews
We searched the internet for Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business card user reviews. Customers love the lack of an annual fee, low APR, and relatively low qualification requirements. However, many wish that the card gave them the chance to earn higher introductory or ongoing rewards.
Editorial Reviews
We rate small business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Editorial reviews for this Bank of America business card give the card credit for what it is: an excellent, low APR credit card. It’s seen as a perfect pick for business owners concerned primarily about the cost of financing business debt. But reviewers don’t find much else to applaud in this card.
How to Apply for Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business
You can apply online for a Bank of America® Platinum Visa® Business card. Once you fill out the application form with your basic personal and business information, you’ll typically get instant approval or rejection. Once approved, you’ll receive a card in the mail within seven to 10 days.
Bottom Line
The best small business credit cards can help you earn rewards, but the right one depends on your company’s spending needs. The best cards with great rewards will only be available to prime borrowers. If you have bad credit (less than 600), you can still qualify for a secured credit card or a prepaid business credit card.
For rates and fees on the American Express Business Platinum Card®, please click here.
For rates and fees on the Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card, please click here.
For rates and fees on the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, please click here.
For rates and fees on the American Express Blue Business® Plus Card, please click here.
For rates and fees on the American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card, please click here.
For rates and fees on the American Express® Business Gold Card, please click here.
vickie
May 28, 2016 at 12:10 amI started a residential cleaning service 4-23-2015
I have as of today,tripled what I made in the 8months of last year.
I have a list of customers on Hold to start service with my company but
I need to get a good used or low miles car to take on extra clients.I have 1 employee who works with me in my car but the second team needs a car,
NO ONE WILL GRANT ME A LOAN…
my credit scores are 620 577 560can any one point me to a place that helps people re establish their credit and grant a 3000.00 loan?
I have defaulted on credit cards only and it was 2 yrs and longer since that
Priyanka Prakash
May 31, 2016 at 3:50 pmHi Vickie,
Since the car will used for business purposes, you may be able to get an equipment loan or lease for the car. I recommend trying a service like LeaseQ to see if you can qualify for an equipment loan or lease.
Best regards,
Priyanka
Erinn
July 17, 2014 at 5:54 pmThank you!