10 Best Sole Proprietorship Business Credit Cards for 2023
This article is part of a larger series on Best Small Business Credit Cards.
Editor’s note: This is a recurring post with regularly updated card details.
The best sole proprietorship business credit cards provide value to your business through rewards, low fees, high credit limits, and a 0% introductory period. When choosing a card, prioritize one that rewards your purchases, has a zero or low annual fee, offers useful features, and caters to your business’s specific funding needs. Sole proprietors can also benefit from cards that can help build business credit.
Here are the 10 best sole proprietor business credit cards:
- Chase Ink Business Unlimited®: Best overall business credit card for sole proprietors with no business credit history
- Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business: Best for sole proprietors with fair credit
- American Express® Blue Business® Plus: Best for everyday expenses and expanded buying power
- Amazon Business Prime American Express Card: Best for sole proprietors with Amazon Prime membership and recurring Amazon purchases
- U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World EliteTM Mastercard®: Best for sole proprietors who want a long 0% intro period and cash back rewards
- Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit: Best for sole proprietors with good credit
- Chase Ink Business Preferred®: Best for traveling sole proprietors who want to earn premium rewards
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for sole proprietors intending to make large purchases and transfers
- Emburse Spend Card: Best prepaid card with unlimited cash back and no personal credit check
- PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card: Best for sole proprietors who want low ongoing APR & fixed rewards
Overview of the Best Sole Proprietorship Business Credit Cards 2023
Best For | Annual Fee | Sign-up Bonus | Ongoing Rewards | Credit Needed | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chase Ink Business Unlimited® | Sole proprietors with no business credit history | $0 | Unlimited 1.5% cash back | |||
 Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business | Sole proprietors with fair credit | $0 | None | Up to 5% cash back | Fair | |
 American Express® Blue Business® Plus | Everyday expenses and expanded buying power | $0 | None | Up to 2x points | Good to Excellent | |
 Amazon Business Prime American Express Card | Sole proprietors with Amazon Prime membership and recurring Amazon purchases | None, only Prime membership | $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval | Up to 5% cash back | Good to Excellent | |
 U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World EliteTM Mastercard® | Sole proprietors wanting a long 0% intro period and cash back rewards | $0 | Up to 5% cash back | Good to Excellent | ||
 Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit | Sole proprietors with good credit | $0 | None | Up to 5% cash back | Good | |
 Chase Ink Business Preferred® | Traveling sole proprietors wanting to earn premium rewards | $95 | Up to 3x points | Good to Excellent | ||
 U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card | Sole proprietors intending to make large purchases and transfers | $0 | None | None | Good to Excellent | |
 Emburse Spend Card | Prepaid card with unlimited cash back & no personal credit check | $0 | None | Unlimited 1% cash back | No credit needed | |
 PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card | Sole proprietors wanting low ongoing APR & fixed rewards | $0 | 1.5% cash back | 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.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited®: Overall Best Business Credit Card for Sole Proprietors With No Business Credit History
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want fixed-rate 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
18.49% - 24.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- 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.
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
18.49% - 24.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- 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.
Who Should Consider the Chase Ink Business Unlimited®
It is our best sole proprietorship business credit card for new businesses with no business credit history, as Chase can use your personal credit history as its basis for approving your application. It also offers a 0% introductory period and fixed-rate cash back rewards.
These are why it is our top-recommended small business credit card, best business credit card for new businesses with no credit history, and leading credit cards for startups.
Reward:
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no limits on the cash back that you can earn
- Sign-up bonus: Earn a sign-up bonus of $750 when you spend $6,000 within the first three months
- No expiry on rewards: Your rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
- Flexible redemption options: Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel, and select merchandise through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Cash back rewards on Lyft rides: Receive a total of 5% cash back on Lyft rides until March 2025.
- No annual fee: Decrease your overall credit costs while earning fixed-rate cash back rewards.
Important Considerations:
- It does not offer a 0% introductory period on balance transfers.
- It charges high foreign transaction fees.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business: Best for Sole Proprietors With Fair Credit
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
BEST FOR:
Those with fair credit
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
30.49% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Fair
- 1% cash back every time you swipe
- Build your business credit through responsible usage
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- Opportunity to build business credit
- Only requires fair credit to qualify
- Doesn’t charge annual and balance transfer fees
Cons
- Charges high ongoing APR
- Has no 0% introductory APR
- No sign-up bonus
- Automatic payments: Setting up AutoPay in the Capital One mobile app will save you from having to worry about signing in to your account every month
- $0 fraud liability: If your card is either lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and cash advance.
- Purchase records: You can download all purchase records quickly and securely in multiple formats, including Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®.
- Extended warranty: Get free additional warranty and protection on eligible items purchased with your business credit card.
- Free employee cards: You can create multiple employee cards, track employee spending, and customize spending limits while earning all the rewards from their purchases.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
30.49% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Fair
- 1% cash back every time you swipe
- Build your business credit through responsible usage
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- Opportunity to build business credit
- Only requires fair credit to qualify
- Doesn’t charge annual and balance transfer fees
Cons
- Charges high ongoing APR
- Has no 0% introductory APR
- No sign-up bonus
- Automatic payments: Setting up AutoPay in the Capital One mobile app will save you from having to worry about signing in to your account every month
- $0 fraud liability: If your card is either lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and cash advance.
- Purchase records: You can download all purchase records quickly and securely in multiple formats, including Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®.
- Extended warranty: Get free additional warranty and protection on eligible items purchased with your business credit card.
- Free employee cards: You can create multiple employee cards, track employee spending, and customize spending limits while earning all the rewards from their purchases.
Who Should Consider the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
It is the ideal business credit card for sole proprietors with a fair business credit score. On top of not charging annual fees, helping decrease your credit card costs, you can also earn unlimited cash back on all purchases. These are our reasons for recommending it as our top business credit card for fair credit and one of our best credit cards for new businesses with no credit history.
Rewards:
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all business-related purchases, with no limits or category restrictions
- Payment flexibility: You can choose your preferred due date, making it easier to control when you pay your credit card bills.
- No balance transfer fees: If you need to transfer a balance from another credit card, you don’t need to pay balance transfer fees. However, you’ll be charged a balance transfer APR.
- Flexible redemption options: Redeem your cash back as a statement credit or through a check sent by mail or use your rewards as gift cards at restaurants, retailers, and hotels.
- No annual fee: Decrease your overall credit costs while earning fixed-rate cash back rewards.
Important Considerations:
- It does not have a 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers.
- It lacks a sign-up bonus for new cardholders.
- It charges a high regular interest rate.
American Express® Blue Business® Plus: Best for Everyday Expenses & 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
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
18.49% - 26.49% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- 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 us, and other factors.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- $0 annual fee
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Welcome offer bonus points
- 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.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
18.49% - 26.49% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- 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 us, and other factors.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- $0 annual fee
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Welcome offer bonus points
- 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.
Who Should Consider the American Express® Blue Business® Plus
It is an ideal sole proprietor business credit card for those who intend to spend beyond their credit limit as it offers expanded buying power. It also offers fixed-rate points rewards on all purchases (regardless of spending categories) and has a 0% introductory period on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles.
Its ability to let you spend beyond your credit limit, fixed-rate points rewards, and 0% introductory period are why it is our best credit card for real estate agents and one of our best high-limit business credit cards.
Rewards:
- 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year
- 1x points on all purchases if the cap is met.
- Expanded buying power: This feature allows you to spend beyond your credit limit when you need to. This will be adjusted depending on your card usage, payment history, credit record, financial resources, and other factors.
- $0 annual fee: Decrease your overall credit costs while earning fixed-rate points rewards.
- Extended warranty: Extends the warranty of your eligible purchases with original manufacturer warranties of five years or less for one additional year.
Important Considerations:
- It does not have a 0% introductory period on balance transfers.
- It does not offer a sign-up bonus for new cardholders.
- Premium points rewards are capped at $50,000 in spending.
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card: Best for Sole Proprietors with Amazon Prime Membership & Recurring Amazon Purchases
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
BEST FOR:
5% back or 90-day repayment terms
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.49% - 27.49% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Eligible Prime Members get a $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card.
- Take advantage of 5% Back or 90 Day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Business, AWS and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership. You will earn 5% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter
- 2% Back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
- 1% Back on other purchases
- $0 Annual Fee
- Back your business with the broad selection of Amazon and the service of American Express. Stay focused on your top business priorities, knowing we’re behind you.
- With rewards that don’t expire, you choose when to redeem. Redeem rewards on millions of items during checkout at Amazon.com and Amazon Business (U.S.) or apply towards a purchase on your statement.
- Terms apply.
Pros
- 5% back or 90-day terms
- No annual and foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No 0% introductory APR
- Only for Amazon Prime members
- Return protection: American Express will provide a refund for an item purchased within 90 days that cannot be returned to the merchant. Refunds are limited to $300 per item, up to $1,000 per cardmember, per calendar year.
- Baggage insurance: Get reimbursed for lost, damaged, or stolen luggage is damaged, lost, or stolen when you pay for your trip with your card, American Express will pay up to $1,250 per covered person for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage.
- Car rental insurance: Get coverage for theft or damage of a car rental, up to $50,000. Cardholders can waive the collision insurance offered by the auto rental agency.
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.49% - 27.49% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Eligible Prime Members get a $125 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card.
- Take advantage of 5% Back or 90 Day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Business, AWS and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership. You will earn 5% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter
- 2% Back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
- 1% Back on other purchases
- $0 Annual Fee
- Back your business with the broad selection of Amazon and the service of American Express. Stay focused on your top business priorities, knowing we’re behind you.
- With rewards that don’t expire, you choose when to redeem. Redeem rewards on millions of items during checkout at Amazon.com and Amazon Business (U.S.) or apply towards a purchase on your statement.
- Terms apply.
Pros
- 5% back or 90-day terms
- No annual and foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No 0% introductory APR
- Only for Amazon Prime members
- Return protection: American Express will provide a refund for an item purchased within 90 days that cannot be returned to the merchant. Refunds are limited to $300 per item, up to $1,000 per cardmember, per calendar year.
- Baggage insurance: Get reimbursed for lost, damaged, or stolen luggage is damaged, lost, or stolen when you pay for your trip with your card, American Express will pay up to $1,250 per covered person for carry-on baggage and up to $500 for checked baggage.
- Car rental insurance: Get coverage for theft or damage of a car rental, up to $50,000. Cardholders can waive the collision insurance offered by the auto rental agency.
Who Should Consider the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
This card is a good option for sole proprietors who have an active Amazon Prime membership and regularly make business purchases through Amazon. You can choose between earning cash back rewards on selected stores or getting 90-day terms on US purchases. It does not charge annual fees outside of the Business Prime membership fee and is our leading Amazon business credit card because of its easy sign-up bonus and high cash back option.
Rewards:
- Choose between 5% cash back or 90-day terms on US purchases at Whole Foods Market and on Amazon, Amazon Business, and AWS; if you select cash back rewards, the 5% will apply on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, then 1% cash back if the cap is met
- 2% cash back on restaurants, gas stations, and wireless telephone services purchased directly from US service providers
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Welcome offer: Get a $125 Amazon.com gift card upon approval for the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card—no minimum purchase required.
- No foreign transaction fees: Use your card for international purchases and pay no foreign transaction fee.
- Extended warranty: The original manufacturer’s warranty is extended up to one additional year for warranties of five (5) years or less.
- $0 annual fee: Decrease your overall credit costs while earning cash back rewards.
Important Considerations:
- Its 90-day terms are shorter as compared to the other business credit cards that offer a 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers.
- It requires you to have an Amazon Prime membership, which costs $139 per year.
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World EliteTM Mastercard®: Best for Sole Proprietors Who Want a Long 0% Intro Period and Cash Back Rewards
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
0% APR for 15 billing cycles
Intro APR
Regular APR
19.24% - 28.24% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 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 and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.24% - 28.24%.
- No annual fee.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
Intro APR
Regular APR
19.24% - 28.24% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 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 and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 19.24% - 28.24%.
- No annual fee.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- No annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
Who Should Consider the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard
It is a great sole proprietorship business credit card if you need a long 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers (for the first 15 billing cycles) and premium cash back on purchases made at gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants. It is our top-recommended fuel business credit card and is part of our lists of the best credit cards for new businesses without credit history, leading business credit cards for balance transfers, and top business credit cards for nonprofits.
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, with no limit on the cash back that you can earn
- 1% cash back on all other purchases, with no limit on the cash back that you can earn
- Sign-up bonus: Spend $4,500 within the first 150 days of opening your account and receive $500 in cash back.
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay: You can divide eligible purchases into equal monthly payments with no additional interest during your chosen repayment period. Note that you will need to pay a small, fixed monthly fee to avail yourself of this feature.
- Annual software subscription credit: Receive an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- No annual fee: Decrease your overall credit costs while earning cash back rewards.
Important Considerations:
- It does not have a 0% introductory period on cash advances.
- It offers low cash back rewards rates outside of the listed bonus categories.
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit: Best for Sole Proprietors With Good Credit
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit
BEST FOR:
Businesses with good credit that want a 0% introductory APR and fixed 1.5% cash back rewards
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
20.74%, 25.74%, or 28.74% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Unlimited 1.5% fixed-rate cash back on all purchases with no limits or category restrictions
Pros
- No annual, balance transfer, and foreign transaction fees
- With intro 0% APR on purchases
- Free employee cards
Cons
- No intro 0% APR on balance transfers
- No sign-up bonus for their new cardholders
- With high cash advance and penalty APRs
- Zero fraud liability: If your card is lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and a cash advance
- Roadside assistance: Capital One offers services to help you during auto-related emergencies, such as jump-starting, tire changing, and towing
- Free employee cards: You can track employee spending while earning all the rewards from their purchases by issuing free employee cards. In addition, you can set customized spending limits for employee cards and see transactions as soon as they post
- Purchase records: You can quickly and securely download your purchase records in different formats, such as Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®
Intro APR
0%
Regular APR
20.74%, 25.74%, or 28.74% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Unlimited 1.5% fixed-rate cash back on all purchases with no limits or category restrictions
Pros
- No annual, balance transfer, and foreign transaction fees
- With intro 0% APR on purchases
- Free employee cards
Cons
- No intro 0% APR on balance transfers
- No sign-up bonus for their new cardholders
- With high cash advance and penalty APRs
- Zero fraud liability: If your card is lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and a cash advance
- Roadside assistance: Capital One offers services to help you during auto-related emergencies, such as jump-starting, tire changing, and towing
- Free employee cards: You can track employee spending while earning all the rewards from their purchases by issuing free employee cards. In addition, you can set customized spending limits for employee cards and see transactions as soon as they post
- Purchase records: You can quickly and securely download your purchase records in different formats, such as Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®
Who Should Consider the Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit
It is a great sole proprietor business credit card if you currently have good credit standing and want zero annual fees and unlimited cash back on all business-related purchases. Aside from that, you also have the option to choose when you will pay your card, making it easier to manage your business finances. For this reason, the card made our list of the best 0% APR business credit cards.
Rewards:
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no limits or category restrictions.
- Interest-free financing period: It offers a 0% introductory period on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles.
- No additional fees: This card does not charge annual, foreign transaction, and balance transfer fees.
- Payment flexibility: You can choose your preferred monthly due date, giving you the control over when you can pay your credit card bills.
- Extended warranty: Receive free additional warranty and protection on eligible items that were purchased using the card.
Important Considerations:
- It does not offer a 0% introductory period on balance transfers.
- It has no a sign-up bonus for new cardholders.
- It has high penalty and cash advance interest rates.
Chase Ink Business Preferred®: Best for Traveling Sole Proprietors Who Want to Earn Premium Rewards
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
BEST FOR:
Maximizing travel rewards at a lower annual fee
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.24%-26.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Credit Needed
- 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
- No 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 sign-up bonus
- 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
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
21.24%-26.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Credit Needed
- 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
- No 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 sign-up bonus
- 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
Who Should Consider the Chase Ink Business Preferred®
It is a great sole proprietor business credit card as it offers a lucrative introductory bonus and offers a high credit limit, which is perfect if you travel for your business frequently. It charges a low annual fee of $95, which is low, considering it’s a travel business credit card. Its lucrative introductory bonus and premium rewards are why it is our best business credit card for travel.
Rewards:
- 3x points per dollar on your first $150,000 spent on travel and other expenses like internet, cable, phone, shipping, and social media and search engine advertising
- 1x points per dollar on all other purchases
- Sign-up bonus: Receive 100,000 bonus points (worth $1,000 cash back or $1,250 worth of travel) after spending $8,000 on purchases within the first 3 months after account opening.
- Points rewards on Lyft rides: Earn 5x points per dollar on Lyft rides until March 2025
- Flexible redemption options: Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel, and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 1:1 point transfer: You can transfer your earned Chase Ultimate Rewards® points to participating travel programs at full 1:1 value.
Important Consideration:
- It does not have a 0% introductory period on purchases and balance transfers.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for Sole Proprietors Intending to Make Large Purchases and Transfers
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
BEST FOR:
Extended 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers
Intro APR
Regular APR
17.24% - 26.24% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good Credit
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 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 and balance transfers
- Does not charge annual fees
- Offers ExtendPay® Plan
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- 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.
Intro APR
Regular APR
17.24% - 26.24% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good Credit
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 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 and balance transfers
- Does not charge annual fees
- Offers ExtendPay® Plan
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- 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.
Who Should Consider the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
It is a great sole proprietor business credit card if you are looking for a card that offers a long interest-free financing period and does not charge annual fees. This card has the longest 0% introductory periods of all the cards in this guide for both purchases and balance transfers (for the first 18 billing cycles).
Despite not offering rewards for cardholders, the card is our leading 0% APR business credit card and best business credit card for balance transfers. It is also one of our top business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit bureaus.
- ExtendPay® Plan: You can divide eligible purchases into equal monthly payments with no additional interest charges during your chosen repayment period. Note that a fixed monthly fee will be charged to you if you opt to choose this plan.
- Visa spend clarity: This helps track your business spending and manage your expenses more efficiently.
- Fraud liability: Helps protect your business from unauthorized purchases made with your card.
Important Considerations:
- It does not offer rewards for new and existing cardholders.
- Balance transfer fees are charged even during its introductory period.
Emburse Spend Card: Best Prepaid Card with Unlimited Cash Back & No Personal Credit Check
 Emburse Spend CardBEST FOR: Earning Unlimited Cash Back Rewards | |
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Who Should Consider the Emburse Spend Card
Emburse Spend Card, issued by Celtic Bank, which is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC), is ideal for sole proprietors who want a business prepaid card that lets them earn 1% cash back on all eligible purchases, regardless of spending categories. It is also a great option if you need to create multiple virtual and physical cards at no additional cost.
Its unlimited cash back rewards and lack of additional fees are why it earned a spot in our roundups of the best business credit cards for bad credit and leading business credit cards for nonprofits.
Reward:
- Unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases
- Emburse Spend: It offers a free system that lets users track real-time expenses, categorize vendors, and either approve or reject transactions. This is available on iOS and PC (Windows and Mac).
- Emburse Analytics: This feature lets users make data-driven decisions that can help improve their financial health.
Important considerations:
- It is incapable of making ATM withdrawals.
- It does not have a sign-up bonus for new account holders.
- It cannot be used to build business credit.
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card: Best for Sole Proprietors Who Want Low Ongoing APR & Fixed Rewards
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card
BEST FOR:
PNC Bank account holders who want to earn fixed-rate rewards
Intro APR
0% for 9 billing cycles
Regular APR
15.99% to 24.99% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn $250 cash bonus for spending $3,000 in the first three billing cycles
- 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles after opening an account
- Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
Pros
- Doesn’t charge annual fees
- With sign-up bonus
- Has low ongoing APR on purchases and balance transfers
Cons
- Doesn’t offer 0% introductory APR on balance transfers
- Need to have an active PNC Bank account to qualify for the card
- Cash Flow Insight®: Designed to help you monitor and plan your cash flow, send invoices via email, get paid online, and manage payables digitally.
- Lost luggage reimbursement: You and your immediate family members can be reimbursed up to $3,000 per covered trip if your luggage was lost or stolen when you charge your entire travel fare to this card.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: You can call the toll-free, 24-hour benefit administrator line at (800) 992-6029 to get assistance and referrals while traveling away from home.
- Trip delay reimbursement: Covers up to a maximum of $300 per purchased ticket for reasonable additional expenses incurred when a Covered Trip purchased was delayed for more than 12 hours.
Intro APR
0% for 9 billing cycles
Regular APR
15.99% to 24.99% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn $250 cash bonus for spending $3,000 in the first three billing cycles
- 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles after opening an account
- Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- No annual fee
Pros
- Doesn’t charge annual fees
- With sign-up bonus
- Has low ongoing APR on purchases and balance transfers
Cons
- Doesn’t offer 0% introductory APR on balance transfers
- Need to have an active PNC Bank account to qualify for the card
- Cash Flow Insight®: Designed to help you monitor and plan your cash flow, send invoices via email, get paid online, and manage payables digitally.
- Lost luggage reimbursement: You and your immediate family members can be reimbursed up to $3,000 per covered trip if your luggage was lost or stolen when you charge your entire travel fare to this card.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: You can call the toll-free, 24-hour benefit administrator line at (800) 992-6029 to get assistance and referrals while traveling away from home.
- Trip delay reimbursement: Covers up to a maximum of $300 per purchased ticket for reasonable additional expenses incurred when a Covered Trip purchased was delayed for more than 12 hours.
Who Should Consider the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card
This card is great for sole proprietors who need a business credit card with a low ongoing APR and fixed-rate rewards on net purchases, with no limits on the amount of cash back you can earn. It also lets you redeem your cash back rewards as a statement credit or deposit to an eligible PNC business checking or savings account (read our PNC business checking review).
Reward:
- 1.5% cash back on net purchases, with no limits on the amount of cash back earned.
- Cash flow insight®: Helps monitor and plan your cash flow, send invoices via email, get paid online, and digitally manage your payables.
- No annual fee: Decrease your overall credit costs while earning cash back rewards.
- 0% Introductory Period: It offers a 0% introductory period on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles.
Important Considerations:
- It does not have a 0% introductory period on balance transfers.
- PNC Bank is located in 29 states across the United States
How We Selected Sole Proprietor Business Credit Cards
When choosing the best sole proprietor business credit cards, we looked for cards with the most flexibility for a variety of purchases and those that offer introductory 0% APR periods. We also looked at interest rates and fees, introductory bonuses, rewards, the ability to build business credit, and other features that may be useful for sole business owners.
Best Practices for Applying for a Sole Proprietor Business Credit Card
- 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 (DBA) 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.
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. If you don’t want your business transactions to affect your personal credit, consider one of the leading business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit bureaus.
Bottom Line
The best sole proprietorship business credit card should suit your spending style. Maximizing the 0% APR period and earning introductory and ongoing bonus rewards will help save more money for your business in the long run. If you can, 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. For other options, see our roundup for the best small business credit cards.
