Editor’s note: This is a recurring post with regularly updated card details.
Choosing the best small business credit card is a critical factor in the success of your business. Whether you own a startup, an established business, or you’re a freelancer, selecting the best business credit card can help you build your credit history, manage your cash flow, and enjoy great rewards.
The best small business credit cards are:
- American Express Blue Business CashTM: Best overall business credit card
- Chase Ink Business CashSM: Best for cash back on large purchases
- Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM: Best for easy cash rewards
- American Express Business Gold Card®: Best for 4x points where your business spends the most
- American Express Blue Business® Plus: Best for easy rewards points
- American Express Business Platinum Card®: Best for premium travel benefits
- U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®: Best for ongoing cash back rewards
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum: Best for balance transfers at 0% annual percentage rate (APR) for 18 billing cycles
- Capital One® Spark® Classic: Best for new business owners with limited credit history
- Capital One® Spark® Cash Select: Best for straightforward cash rewards
American Express Blue Business CashTM
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR
Earning 2% cash back every time you swipe and 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR) for 12 months
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to American Express and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.24% - 19.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- No interest for 12 months
- Earn consistent 2% cash back rewards on every purchase
Cons
- Offers no cash sign-up bonus
- 2% cash back category is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Extended warranty protection: American Express provides up to an additional year of coverage on warranties of up to 5 years. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
- Purchase protection: The issuer will repair, replace, or reimburse you for an item purchased with the card that was damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
- Baggage insurance: If your luggage is damaged or lost when you travel on a common carrier, such as a plane, trip, ship, or bus, American Express will reimburse you for losses not covered by your own personal insurance.
Why we like it: This is the best overall business card due to its easy cash back rewards. Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% after that. This card offers 0% APR for the first 12 months, a low interest rate, and no annual fee.
As a nice welcome bonus, earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $5,000 in qualifying purchases within the first three months of card membership. Cash back is credited to your statement automatically. This is among one of the best cash back credit cards available.
Chase Ink Business CashSM
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
BEST FOR
Office-based businesses that want top cash back rewards
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Pros
- Top rewards for office supply spending
- Introductory APR on purchases
- Cash sign-up bonus
Cons
- 0% APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- High balance transfer fee of 5%
- Designed mainly for office-oriented companies
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the United States and abroad.
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year.
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of 3 years or less.
Why we like it: If your list of upcoming expenses includes office supplies, internet, cable, and phone, this card will give you a generous 5% cash back on these items up to $25,000. You also get 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other purchases with zero limits or restrictions. You have the option to receive cash back as a statement credit or as a direct deposit to your bank account. This small business credit card is considered to be one of the best credit cards for startups.
Keep in mind that the 0% intro APR for the first 12 months is for purchases only, not for balance transfers, so if you are carrying a large balance on another card, consider the US Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World EliteTM Mastercard® with 0% APR on the first 15 billing cycles.
Chase Ink Business UnlimitedSM
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
BEST FOR
Pocketing 1.5% cash back on every single purchase
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Pros
- 0% introductory APR on purchases
- Unlimited cash back rewards on all purchases
Cons
- Introductory APR period doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- 5% balance transfer fee
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes; it provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the US and abroad
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less
Why we like it: There’s no need to stop and think about whether your purchases are eligible for cash back when you use this card, as it offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on any purchase, with no cap and no annual fee. It also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months. This is a great card if your business-related purchases don’t fall into just one or two categories.
Like the Chase Ink Business CashSM card, you have the option to receive cash back as a statement credit or have it directly deposited to your bank account. This is a great choice for a no-annual-fee credit card.
American Express Business Gold Card®
American Express® Business Gold Card
BEST FOR
Maximizing rewards in the two categories where you spend the most
- Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- MORE REWARDS: Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month. 1X is earned for other purchases. **
- **4X points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these 2 categories each calendar year.*
- AIRLINE BONUS: Get 25% points back after you use points for all or part of an eligible flight booked with Amex Travel, up to 250,000 points back per calendar year.*
- PAY OVER TIME OPTION: A flexible payment option with interest to help manage cash flow on purchases of $100 or more.*
- *Terms Apply
Pros
- Earn 4x points in two categories every month
- Pay eligible charges over time with interest, or pay your balance in full monthly
Cons
- You’ll pay a high annual fee of $295
- No interest-free financing opportunities
- Premium roadside assistance: Free of charge up to four times a year. You can receive towing up to 10 miles, winching, jump starts, flat tire change, lockout service when the key is in the vehicle, and delivery of up to two gallons of gas
- Return protection: American Express will refund you for eligible purchases when the store doesn’t accept returns of undamaged items. Coverage is limited to 90 days from purchase, up to $300 per item, and up to a maximum of $1,000 per year.
- Baggage insurance: If your baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, you’re eligible for coverage of up to $1,250 for carry-on luggage and $500 for checked bags
- Extended warranty: Receive one additional year of coverage on purchases with eligible warranties of five years or less
- Purchase protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per incident.
Why we like it: With this card, your purchase history decides where you earn points. Earn 4x Membership Rewards® points on the two categories where your business spends the most each month: airfare, advertising, computer hardware, software, and cloud systems―from select providers―gas stations, restaurants, and shipping. 4x points apply to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these two categories each calendar year. You’ll also get 1x points for all other purchases.
This card does charge an annual fee, but it’s worth it if you’re a frequent traveler. If you book your flight with Amex Travel using Membership Rewards® points, you can get 25% of those points back, up to 250,000 points per year. This card includes baggage and car rental insurance, emergency travel assistance, and no foreign transaction fees.
American Express Blue Business® Plus
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
BEST FOR
Pocketing 2x points per $1 and 0% introductory APR for 12 months
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to American Express, and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 13.24% - 19.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Earn 2x points on all spending
Cons
- No lucrative welcome offer
- 2x points rewards are capped at $50,000 in spending
- Extended warranty protection: American Express will match the length of the original manufacturer’s warranty if it’s less than 2 years. It provides an additional 2 years if the original manufacturer’s warranty is between 2 and 5 years. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
- Purchase protection: The issuer will repair, replace, or reimburse you for an item purchased with the card that was damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per account each year.
Why we like it: This card is an ideal alternative to the American Express Blue Business CashTM card if you prefer points-based rewards over cash back. Both cards offer the same 0% introductory APR period and welcome offer, but with the American Express Blue Business® Plus card, you’ll earn 2x points every time you use it.
You’ll be able to redeem your points for several types of rewards, including gift cards, purchases through Amazon and other stores, and automatic credits to your bill. If you frequently travel internationally, you may prefer the American Express Blue Business CashTM card, since the American Express Blue Business® Plus card charges a foreign transaction fee and offers no travel rewards.
American Express Business Platinum Card®
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
BEST FOR
Gaining access to unrivaled travel rewards and luxury travel perks like airport lounge access
- Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Plus, 0% Intro APR for 12 months from the date of the account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time. After that, your APR will be 14.24% to 22.24% based on your credit worthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com.
- Earn 1.5X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else. Cap applies.
- Unlock over $1,000 in value per year for statement credits on select purchases with your Card, including up to $400 with Dell Technologies, up to $360 with Indeed, up to $150 with Adobe and up to $120 on wireless telephone purchases. Enrollment required.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year toward baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
- $179 CLEAR® Credit: Use your Card and get up to $179 back per year on your CLEAR® membership.
- Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting with The American Express Global Lounge Collection®. More lounge options than any other credit card on the market as of 8/2020.
- $595 Annual Fee ($695 if application is received on or after 01/13/2022).
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- Free access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide
- Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® membership fee reimbursements
Cons
- Balance is due in full monthly
- Steep $595 annual fee
- American Express lounges: Free access to American Express’ network of Centurion lounges located in slightly less than a dozen US airports.
- Other airport lounges: Priority Pass Select membership, which gets you free access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide for you and two guests.
- Airport screening: Either a $100 statement credit for Global Entry every 4 years or $85 statement credit for TSA Pre✓® once every 4 1/2 years.
- Travel credit: Up to $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.
- Dell statement credit: Up to $400 in statement credits annually for Dell purchases.
Why we like it: This elite card is like no other, especially for frequent travelers. Enjoy a wealth of travel perks such as access to more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world, hotel and car rental upgrades, and access to exclusive dining experiences. Earn 5x points on flights and hotels. Pay for all or part of eligible flights using points and get 35% of those points back. This is one of the best business cards for travel.
Note: Due to COVID-19, some airport lounges may be closed. Be sure to check the American Express website for more information.
While there is a significant annual fee unlike the other cards on this list, you do benefit from a 0% introductory APR and a welcome bonus of 100,000 points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months. In addition to all the travel perks, you can earn 1.5x points on large purchases―$5,000 or more―and one point for each dollar spent on eligible purchases.
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards Visa®
BEST FOR
0% APR for 15 Billing Cycles
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Limited time offer: Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4,500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, office supply stores, cellphone service providers. and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses like FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- 0% Intro APR on purchase and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR that is currently 13.99% to 22.99%.
- No annual fee.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2021 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2021.
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR does not apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional 1 year from the expiration of warranties of 5 years or less. An item with a 6-month warranty would be backed for an additional 6 months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
Why we like it: You can receive up to 3% cash back at eligible gas stations, office supply stores, and cellphone/service providers, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. As an introductory bonus, earn $500 cash back after spending $4,500 in the first 150 days after opening your account. Plus there’s no annual fee, no limit on total cash back earned, and rewards never expire.
There are a few ways to redeem rewards. You can receive them as a statement credit or transfer to a US Bank deposit account, or route them to a US Bank Rewards card, which is a prepaid debit card.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum
BEST FOR Extended 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfersU.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
Pros
Cons
Why we like it: The biggest draw with this card is that it offers a 0% intro APR for the first 18 billing cycles and no annual fee. If you have large purchases you need to pay off slowly or want to make large balance transfers from other cards, this may be a good fit for you.
With absolutely no rewards, this card is distinctly different from all the other cards on this list, but it serves a very specific purpose if you’re looking to transfer your balances from other high-interest cards. And even after the introductory rate ends, the starting APR of 11.99% is the lowest of all the cards on this list.
Capital One® Spark® Classic
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
BEST FOR
Fair credit business owners (580 to 669)
- 1% cash back every time you swipe
- Build your business credit through responsible usage
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- Opportunity to build business credit
- Earn fixed-rate rewards even with fair credit scores
- Rewards never expire
Cons
- High APR
- No sign-up bonus
- Reports to personal credit bureaus
- Purchase protection: Capital One will replace, repair, or reimburse you for eligible items in the event of theft or damage within the first 90 days of purchase.
- Extended warranty protection: You’ll get additional warranty protection on eligible items that are purchased with your business card, up to 1 year past the manufacturer’s warranty.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You’re covered for damage due to collision or theft when you rent an eligible car with your Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business card.
Why we like it: If you have a limited credit history, the Capital One® Spark® Classic might be a good fit as your small business credit card. Although there’s no introductory rate or rewards, it does offer 1% cash back on all purchases and no annual fee. You have the option to receive cash back as a statement credit or receive a check in the mail. The purchase APR is high at 26.99%, but if you’re able to pay off the balance entirely at each billing cycle, this is a good card to help start your business and build a credit history.
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select for Business
BEST FOR
Businesses that spend less than $19,000 annually
- Introductory reward worth $200 after you spend $3,000 within the first three months
- 1.5% cash back on every purchase
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- No annual fee
- Ability to finance purchases with 0% APR for nine months
Cons
- 0% APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- Can’t redeem rewards for travel or transfer to a travel partner
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes. It provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the US and abroad.
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for up to 90 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim.
Why we like it: This card offers a 0% APR for only nine months, but it has a nice introductory bonus of $200 after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days. It also offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase. You can redeem any amount of cash back at any time and, like the Capital One® Spark® Classic, you’re able to choose cash back towards your statement or receive a check in the mail. This card is a good choice if you’re looking for straightforward rewards with no category restrictions and can pay your balance off entirely each month.
Reasons to Consider a Business Credit Card
- Access short-term financing: Applying for a business credit card is a quick way to finance your business in the short term. And, depending on your credit history, a business credit card can be easy to qualify for.
- Separate business and personal finances: Keeping your business and personal expenses separate is crucial to organizing your business, protecting your personal assets, and making tax season much easier.
- Earn rewards: Most business cards offer ongoing rewards that can serve as discounts on your everyday expenses.
- Receive cheap introductory financing: Some business credit cards offer introductory 0% APRs, which can help you finance large purchases or pay down a balance from a high-interest credit card.
- Build business credit: When you use a business credit card, issuers report your credit history to business credit report agencies. This means you can build your business credit. As you build your credit, you’ll have increased opportunities to acquire cards with higher limits and greater rewards.
Business Credit Cards vs Personal Credit Cards
Business and personal credit cards both offer short-term financing and beneficial features like rewards and introductory 0% APR periods. However, business credit cards allow you to build business credit while personal credit cards do not. Since personal credit cards don’t report to business credit bureaus, all the purchases and history you build using a personal credit card won’t contribute to building business credit.
Use a small-business credit card if you want to build your business credit and earn rewards for business-related purchases like office supplies, phones, and internet. Choose a personal credit card if you’re unable to qualify for a business card or want to earn rewards on nonbusiness-related purchases like groceries or streaming services.
How to Choose a Business Credit Card
- Consider how you will use the card: Think about what purchases you plan to make with the card. Will there be recurring expenses such as gas, restaurants, flights, or hotels, or large purchases such as office furniture and equipment? The way you will use the card should help you decide on the best one for your needs.
- Weigh fees against perks and rewards: Some cards charge a hefty annual fee while others don’t charge a fee at all. Cards that do charge a large fee tend to give substantial rewards for larger purchases.
- Decide if you’ll benefit more from cash rewards or points-based rewards: Cards that offer cash rewards may directly credit your statement, or you’ll receive a check in the mail. These typically don’t charge an annual fee, and their rewards programs are usually straightforward. Points-based cards often charge an annual fee, but you have many options for redeeming those points.
What you Need to Apply for a Business Credit Card
If you’re starting a new business with no business credit history, business credit card issuers typically require a personal credit score of at least 670 for approval. It’s also common for issuers to require a personal guarantee, which means you will become personally liable for the debt if the business fails to repay.
Some cards, such as fair credit and secured business credit cards, are tailored to business owners with personal credit scores below 670. Those cards, however, typically charge high APRs and don’t offer the best reward programs. Nonetheless, they can help you build or repair your credit history.
Other than your personal credit score, you will only need to provide basic contact information when you apply for a business credit card.
How We Evaluated the Best Business Credit Cards
We selected small business credit cards that offer the best features for a wide variety of small businesses. Whether you’re a freelancer, manage a small or large team, or run a one-person shop, we reviewed cards that offer low introductory financing, enticing welcome offers, robust ongoing rewards, and additional perks that you can use to your advantage.
Bottom Line
In the end, the best business credit card is the one that works the hardest for your specific needs. Knowing what expenses you will likely put on the card will help determine the best card for you. Be sure to consider all the different features credit cards offer to make an informed decision. If you already have an account at a bank or credit union, consider getting your credit card through them so you can continue building your financial relationship. By doing so, you could potentially negotiate for a better rate and add additional business products to help build your credit history. For more credit card options, be sure to check out our Credit Card Marketplace.
