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The best sole proprietorship business credit cards let you save money through rewards, low fees, and 0% APRs. Depending on your funding needs, you might want to consider a card that comes with a high credit limit. As a sole proprietor, you can benefit from a card that will help build business credit, allowing you to access a wide variety of business financing options in the future.
Here are the eight best sole proprietor business credit cards:
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Overall best sole proprietorship business credit card with unlimited rewards and Expanded Buying Power
- The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: Best for automatic cash back and Expanded Buying Power
- card_name: Best for simple rewards with generous welcome offer
- U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for recurring software purchases and ExtendPay® Plan
- card_name: Best for travel rewards with potentially high credit limit
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for long 0% APR period on purchases
- BMO Business Platinum Credit Card: Best for balance transfers and rebates
- Signify Business Cash℠ Card by Wells Fargo: Best for premium fixed-rate cash back
Overview of the Best Sole Proprietorship Business Credit Cards 2024
Best For | Annual Fee | Ongoing Rewards | Credit Needed | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | Overall best sole proprietorship business credit card with unlimited rewards and Expanded Buying Power | $0 | 15,000 Membership Rewards® Points | Up to 2× points | Good to Excellent | |
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card | Automatic cash back and Expanded Buying Power | $0 | $250 statement credit | Up to 2% cash back | Good to Excellent | |
card_name | Simple rewards and generous welcome offer | $0 | $900 bonus cash back | Unlimited 1.5% cash back | Good to Excellent | |
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® | Recurring software purchases and ExtendPay® Plan | $0 | $750 bonus cash back | Up to 5% cash back | Good to Excellent | |
card_name | Travel rewards with potentially high credit limit | $95 | 90,000 bonus points | Up to 5× points | Good to Excellent | |
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card | Long 0% APR on purchases | $0 | None | None | Good to Excellent | |
BMO Business Platinum Credit Card | Balance transfers and rebates | $0 | None | None— but you can earn rebates through Mastercard Easy Savings® | Good to Excellent | |
Signify Business Cash℠ Card by Wells Fargo | Premium fixed-rate cash back | $0 | $500 | 2% | Good to Excellent |
To see how these credit cards stack up against others we reviewed on our site, click Add to Compare on a credit card below and select up to two additional credit cards for comparison.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Overall Best Sole Proprietorship Business Credit Card With Unlimited Rewards & Expanded Buying Power
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.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% - 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X 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. Terms and limitations apply.
- You’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- $0 annual fee
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Welcome offer
- Expanded buying power
- Fixed-rate rewards
Cons
- Cash advances aren’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2x points rewards are capped at $50,000 in spending
- Expanded buying power: The card lets you spend beyond your credit limit through this feature. The amount you can spend above your credit limit adjusts with your card usage, payment history, credit record, financial resources, and other factors.
- Purchase protection: Items purchased using this card are covered in case they’re damaged or stolen within 90 days of the date of purchase. American Express will reimburse you for the amount charged to your eligible card, up to $1,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardmember, per year.
- Extended warranty protection: American Express provides cardholders with an extended warranty for one additional year, which applies to items with original manufacturer warranties of five years or less.
- 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.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% - 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X 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. Terms and limitations apply.
- You’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- $0 annual fee
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Welcome offer
- Expanded buying power
- Fixed-rate rewards
Cons
- Cash advances aren’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2x points rewards are capped at $50,000 in spending
- Expanded buying power: The card lets you spend beyond your credit limit through this feature. The amount you can spend above your credit limit adjusts with your card usage, payment history, credit record, financial resources, and other factors.
- Purchase protection: Items purchased using this card are covered in case they’re damaged or stolen within 90 days of the date of purchase. American Express will reimburse you for the amount charged to your eligible card, up to $1,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardmember, per year.
- Extended warranty protection: American Express provides cardholders with an extended warranty for one additional year, which applies to items with original manufacturer warranties of five years or less.
Why We Like It
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is our overall best sole proprietor business credit card, as it lets you earn unlimited points on your purchases that can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or to pay for selected merchants at checkout. One of its best features is the Expanded Buying Power, which lets you spend over your credit limit based on your payment history, spending habits, credit profile, and other factors. This makes it one of our leading high-limit business credit cards.
Ongoing Rewards
- 2× points per dollar on the first $50,000 worth of purchases per year, then 1× point per dollar after the cap is reached
- 15,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months of card ownership
- $0 annual fee
- 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months after opening an account
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: Best for Automatic Cash Back & Expanded Buying Power
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want better cash back rewards
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% – 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- 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.
- The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome offer
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter. (Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% – 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- 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.
- The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome offer
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter. (Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)
Why We Like It
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card offers simplicity for those who don’t want to redeem rewards manually. You can earn unlimited cash back that will be automatically credited to your statement balance. It also comes with Expanded Buying Power, so you can spend over your credit limit when you need to. These are a few of the reasons why it is named our top cash back business credit card.
Ongoing Rewards
- 2% cash back on the first $50,000 worth of purchases per year, then 1% cash back after the cap is reached
- $250 statement credit when you spend $3,000 in your first three months
- $0 annual fee
- 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months after opening an account
card_name: Best for Simple Rewards & Generous Welcome Offer
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want fixed-rate 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 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.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- 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
- Member FDIC
Pros
- With interest-free financing option on purchases
- Fixed unlimited cash back on all purchases
Cons
- Does not have interest-free financing option on balance transfers
- Charges high foreign transaction fees
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You can decline the company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to this card.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance.
- Purchase protection: You can ensure that your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Zero liability protection: Chase will not hold you responsible for unauthorized transactions made with both your card and your account information.
- Cellphone protection: Receive up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees included in your monthly cellphone bills when using your card to pay for it. This applies for a maximum of three claims within a 12-month period and will charge a $100 deductible per claim.
- Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 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.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- 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
- Member FDIC
Pros
- With interest-free financing option on purchases
- Fixed unlimited cash back on all purchases
Cons
- Does not have interest-free financing option on balance transfers
- Charges high foreign transaction fees
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You can decline the company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to this card.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance.
- Purchase protection: You can ensure that your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Zero liability protection: Chase will not hold you responsible for unauthorized transactions made with both your card and your account information.
- Cellphone protection: Receive up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees included in your monthly cellphone bills when using your card to pay for it. This applies for a maximum of three claims within a 12-month period and will charge a $100 deductible per claim.
Why We Like It
The card_name lets you earn straightforward rewards and a generous welcome offer of $900 when you meet the spending requirements. Plus, you can redeem your cash back for travel, cash back, gift cards, or pay for your Apple purchases through Ultimate Rewards. Because of its simplicity, it is chosen as our #1 business credit card for self-employed individuals.
Ongoing Rewards
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025
- $900 cash back when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening
- $0 annual fee
- 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for Recurring Software Purchases & ExtendPay® Plan
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
Those wanting to earn up to 5% cash back on selected spending categories
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $750 in cash back. Just spend $6000 on the Account Owner's card in the first 180 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations (transactions of $200 or less)*, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants (*excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Redeem Cash Rewards right away or save them for later. Cash Rewards do not expire as long as the account remains active.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- 0% purchase APR for 12 months
- $0 annual fee
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan feature
Cons
- No 0% APR on balance transfers
- Charges balance transfer and foreign transaction fees
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan: Pay off your eligible balance over time with this feature without interest—just pay a small monthly fee
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $750 in cash back. Just spend $6000 on the Account Owner's card in the first 180 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations (transactions of $200 or less)*, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants (*excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Redeem Cash Rewards right away or save them for later. Cash Rewards do not expire as long as the account remains active.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- 0% purchase APR for 12 months
- $0 annual fee
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan feature
Cons
- No 0% APR on balance transfers
- Charges balance transfer and foreign transaction fees
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan: Pay off your eligible balance over time with this feature without interest—just pay a small monthly fee
Why We Like It
With the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®, you’ll receive a $100 statement credit for your recurring software subscriptions, like FreshBooks or QuickBooks. It is also great for those who have substantial expenses because it features U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan, which lets you pay off your eligible balance over time without interest—just a small monthly fee. It is selected as our best business credit card with $0 annual fee because it offers several ways to save on credit costs.
Ongoing Rewards
- 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center
- 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas and EV charging stations, restaurants, office supply stores, and cell phone service providers
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- $750 cash back when you spend $6,000 within the first 180 days of opening your account
- $0 annual fee
- 0% purchase APR for the first 12 billing cycles after opening an account
card_name: Best for Travel Rewards with Potentially High Credit Limit
card_name
BEST FOR:
Maximizing travel rewards at a lower annual fee
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed 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
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
Pros
- Reward points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® card
- Comprehensive travel and purchase protection
- $0 foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No interest-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers
- With annual fee
- Need to make extremely large purchases to qualify for the welcome offer
- Cellphone protection: Get up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees listed on your monthly cellphone bill
- Purchase protection: Can cover your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft of up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account
- Extended warranty protection: You can extend the period of the United States manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Fraud monitoring: Chase will help keep your accounts safe with account alerts―and you can choose how you’d like to receive them
- Free employee cards: You can create employee cards at no additional cost, and lets you set individual spending limits―helping you earn rewards even faster
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed 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
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
Pros
- Reward points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® card
- Comprehensive travel and purchase protection
- $0 foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No interest-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers
- With annual fee
- Need to make extremely large purchases to qualify for the welcome offer
- Cellphone protection: Get up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees listed on your monthly cellphone bill
- Purchase protection: Can cover your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft of up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account
- Extended warranty protection: You can extend the period of the United States manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Fraud monitoring: Chase will help keep your accounts safe with account alerts―and you can choose how you’d like to receive them
- Free employee cards: You can create employee cards at no additional cost, and lets you set individual spending limits―helping you earn rewards even faster
Why We Like It
The card_name is a great sole proprietor credit card because of its 25% more rewards value when redeemed for travel, making it a good choice for those who travel often. For instance, your 90,000 points are worth $1,125 when redeemed for travel purchases. What’s more, its significant welcome offer requirement means that you could potentially receive a high credit limit, making it one of our top-recommended high-limit business credit cards.
Ongoing Rewards
- 5× points per dollar on Lyft rides through March 2025
- 3× points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in the following categories each account anniversary year:
- Shipping purchases
- Advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines
- Internet, cable and phone services
- Travel
- 1× point per dollar on all other purchases and when the cap is met
- Low annual fee of $95 only
- No expiry for your rewards as long as your account remains open and in good standing
- Flexible redemption options let you redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel experiences, and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for Long 0% APR on Purchases
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
BEST FOR:
Extended 0% APR period on purchases
- 0% Intro APR on purchases 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 17.24% - 26.24%.
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- With a long 0% introductory APR period on purchases
- Enjoy $0 annual fees
- Offers ExtendPay® Plan
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- No 0% APR offer on balance transfers
- Needs Excellent/Good credit score to qualify
- SinglePoint® Essentials: SinglePoint® Essentials is U.S. Bank's one-stop tool for viewing account balances and transaction details, transferring funds between existing U.S. Bank accounts, downloading statements, and making payments.
- Fraud protection: U.S. Bank offers fraud protection to ensure the safety and security of all cardholders. To learn more about U.S. Bank's fraud protection services, you can set up a virtual appointment, call U.S. Bank, or go to the nearest U.S. Bank branch.
- ExtendPay® plan: This allows you to pay off balances over time by dividing eligible credit card purchases into affordable monthly payments with no interest—you only need to pay a fixed monthly fee. Visa Spend Clarity: Another tool that cardholders can use to track spending and manage finances is Visa Spend Clarity.
- 0% Intro APR on purchases 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 17.24% - 26.24%.
- Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Pros
- With a long 0% introductory APR period on purchases
- Enjoy $0 annual fees
- Offers ExtendPay® Plan
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- No 0% APR offer on balance transfers
- Needs Excellent/Good credit score to qualify
- SinglePoint® Essentials: SinglePoint® Essentials is U.S. Bank's one-stop tool for viewing account balances and transaction details, transferring funds between existing U.S. Bank accounts, downloading statements, and making payments.
- Fraud protection: U.S. Bank offers fraud protection to ensure the safety and security of all cardholders. To learn more about U.S. Bank's fraud protection services, you can set up a virtual appointment, call U.S. Bank, or go to the nearest U.S. Bank branch.
- ExtendPay® plan: This allows you to pay off balances over time by dividing eligible credit card purchases into affordable monthly payments with no interest—you only need to pay a fixed monthly fee. Visa Spend Clarity: Another tool that cardholders can use to track spending and manage finances is Visa Spend Clarity.
Why We Like It
The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card lets you enjoy interest-free financing on purchases for 18 billing cycles—this is the primary benefit of using this card. It is ideal for sole proprietors who need to make a large purchase and pay it off in a year and a half without interest. This is the reason why it is our top-ranking business credit card with 0% APR.
Ongoing Rewards
It doesn’t offer introductory and ongoing rewards on purchases.
- Relatively low ongoing APR compared with most other business credit cards
- $0 annual fee
BMO Business Platinum Credit Card: Best for Balance Transfers & Rebates
BMO Business Platinum Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those with existing BMO checking accounts intending to make large purchases or transfers
- 0% introductory APR on purchases for 18 months from date of account opening
Pros
• 0% APR on purchases
• $0 annual fees
• Low ongoing APR compared to most other business credit cards
Cons
- Does not offer rewards for its new and existing cardholders
- BMO bank is located in only located in the following states: Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida.
- Extended warranty: Get double the original manufacturer’s―or United States store brand―warranty for up to one year on most new items you buy with your card. Note that these items must have an original manufacturer’s warranty of one year or less.
- Cellphone protection: Get up to $600 in cellphone protection after charging your monthly wireless telephone bill to your card. Note that terms and restrictions apply.
- Discounts on Intuit QuickBooks® and TurboTax®: Enjoy discounts on both Intuit QuickBooks® and TurboTax®, which can help streamline your accounting and simply your taxes. Note that terms and restrictions apply.
- 0% introductory APR on purchases for 18 months from date of account opening
Pros
• 0% APR on purchases
• $0 annual fees
• Low ongoing APR compared to most other business credit cards
Cons
- Does not offer rewards for its new and existing cardholders
- BMO bank is located in only located in the following states: Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, Arizona, and Florida.
- Extended warranty: Get double the original manufacturer’s―or United States store brand―warranty for up to one year on most new items you buy with your card. Note that these items must have an original manufacturer’s warranty of one year or less.
- Cellphone protection: Get up to $600 in cellphone protection after charging your monthly wireless telephone bill to your card. Note that terms and restrictions apply.
- Discounts on Intuit QuickBooks® and TurboTax®: Enjoy discounts on both Intuit QuickBooks® and TurboTax®, which can help streamline your accounting and simply your taxes. Note that terms and restrictions apply.
Why We Like It
The BMO Business Platinum Credit Card offers an 18-month long 0% introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfers, making it ideal for those who plan to make a significant purchase or consolidate debts from other credit cards. On top of that, it lets you save up to 25% at over 40,000 merchants under the Mastercard Easy Savings® program. It is our top business credit card for balance transfers.
Ongoing Rewards
None—however, you can enjoy up to 25% in rebates at selected merchants through the Mastercard Easy Savings® program.
- $0 annual fee
- Exclusive discounts on Intuit QuickBooks® and TurboTax®
- $600 cell phone protection when you charge your monthly wireless telephone bill to your card
- Low ongoing APR compared with most other business credit cards
Signify Business Cash℠ Card by Wells Fargo: Best for Premium Fixed-rate Cash Back
Pros
Cons
Pros
Cons
Why We Like It
The Signify Business Cash℠ Card by Wells Fargo lets you earn a flat premium cash back rate of 2% on all purchases, regardless of spending categories. You can redeem your rewards as a statement credit, for gift cards, travel, and more. Besides that, it lets you save on credit costs because it charges $0 annual fee and offers a 0% purchase APR period.
Ongoing Rewards
- Unlimited 2% cash back on all business-related purchases
- $500 cash rewards bonus when you spend $5,000 in the first three months of account opening
- 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months
- No expiry for cash rewards as long as the account is open and in good standing
How We Selected Sole Proprietor Business Credit Cards
We chose the best business sole proprietorship credit cards based on features that are valuable for sole proprietors, including ongoing rewards, introductory and ongoing APR, annual fees, and other fees. We also took into account the ability to build or improve business credit, as this is significant for sole proprietors in getting qualified for a wider variety of business financing options.
- Know your credit score in advance: Most business credit cards are geared toward business owners with good to excellent credit, but there are a few that are designed for business owners with fair and bad credit. For options, see our lists of the:
- Find out the card issuer’s requirements: Usually, requirements vary from one issuer to another. In most cases, you don’t need to be a doing-business-as (for more information, read What Is DBA and Who Needs It) to qualify for a business credit card. When applying for a sole proprietor business card, it’s best to prepare the following:
- Social Security number
- Tax identification number (TIN)
- Personal identification documents
- Business documents
- Financial documents
- Determine if the issuer requires a personal guarantee: Most business credit cards require a personal guarantee. If you don’t want to provide one, choose one of our best business cards with no personal guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, but this practice is highly discouraged. As soon as you open a business, it’s essential to have a dedicated credit card that’s intended solely for business use. This prevents the commingling of your business and personal finances and ensures that your accounting remains organized, making tax season so much easier.
The requirements for a business credit card application vary depending on the card issuer. In most cases, you will need to present your personal identification documents, proof of income, and business documents. Most issuers will typically check your personal credit and require a personal guarantee as part of the approval process.
Most business credit cards report your transactions to personal credit bureaus. If you use your card responsibly and make consistent on-time payments, you can improve or maintain your personal credit score. In contrast, late or missed payments will have a negative effect on your credit score.
Bottom Line
The best sole proprietorship business credit card varies based on your spending habits, reward preferences, and needed features. Find a card with a 0% APR period and $0 annual fees to save on credit costs. Also, choose a card that can help build your business credit, as this will be useful when you need to qualify for other business financing options in the future.
Fit Small Business has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fit Small Business and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.