10 Best Sole Proprietorship Business Credit Cards for 2023
Tricia has nearly two decades of experience in commercial and federal government lending. Her expertise is highlighted throughout small business loan content on Fit Small Business.
Benilyn has over a decade of experience as a banking officer. Her expertise is featured throughout Fit Small Business in personal finance, credit card, and real estate investing content.
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, 0% APR offers, low fees, and high credit limits. When choosing a card, prioritize one that offers sign-up bonuses, has a zero or low annual fee, charges low ongoing annual percentage rates (APRs), 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
- 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
- Chase Ink Business Preferred®: Best for high credit limit with travel rewards
- U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for 0% APR for 15 months with unlimited cash back
- Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit: Best for sole proprietors with good credit
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for 0% APR for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers
- PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card: Best for low ongoing APR with fixed-rate cash back
- Amazon Business Prime American Express Card: Best for Amazon Prime members and recurring Amazon purchases
- First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition® Secured® Visa Card: Best for sole proprietors with bad credit who need a high credit limit
Best Sole Proprietorship Business Credit Cards at a Glance
Best for | Annual Fee | Introductory Offers | Ongoing Rewards | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chase Ink Business Unlimited® | Best overall business credit card for sole proprietors | $0 |
| Unlimited 1.5% cash back |
Credit needed: Good to excellent | ||||
 Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business | Sole proprietors with fair credit | $0 | None | Up to 5% cash back |
Credit needed: Fair | ||||
 American Express® Blue Business® Plus | Everyday expenses and expanded buying power | $0 |
| Up to 2% cash back |
Credit needed: Good to excellent | ||||
 Chase Ink Business Preferred® | High credit limit with travel rewards | $95 |
| Up to 3x points |
Credit needed: Good to excellent | ||||
 U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® | 0% APR for 15 months with unlimited cash back | $0 |
| Up to 5% cash back |
Credit needed: Good to excellent | ||||
 Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit | Sole proprietors with good credit | $0 |
| Up to 5% cash back |
Credit needed: Good | ||||
 U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card | 0% APR for 18 months on purchases and balance transfers | $0 |
| None |
Credit needed: Good to excellent | ||||
 PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card | Low ongoing APR with fixed-rate cash back | $0 |
| Unlimited 1.5% cash back |
Credit needed: Good to excellent | ||||
 Amazon Business Prime American Express Card | Amazon Prime members and recurring Amazon purchases | None, only Prime membership |
| Up to 5% cash back |
Credit needed: Good to excellent | ||||
 First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition® Secured® Visa Card | Sole proprietors with bad credit who need a high credit limit | $39 | None | None |
Credit needed: N/A | ||||
To see how these cards stack up against others we reviewed on our site, click Add to Compare on a card below and select up to two additional cards for comparison.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited®: Best Overall Business Credit Card for Sole Proprietors
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Pocketing 1.5% cash back on every single purchase
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
17.99% - 23.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn $750 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
17.99% - 23.99% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good - Excellent
- Earn $750 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 Chase Ink Business Unlimited® card is our overall best sole proprietorship business credit card because it offers a simple cash back rewards program. You can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all business-related purchases, regardless of spending categories. In addition, you’ll receive $750 cash back when you spend at least $6,000 in the first three months of card membership.
Your rewards don’t expire and you can redeem them for cash back, gift cards, travel, and merchandise through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. Plus, the card comes with no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months. In general, this card is straightforward and uncomplicated, making it an excellent choice for sole proprietors with varied expenses.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited® is also named one of our best credit cards for startup businesses due to its easy rewards program and low fees.
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business: Best for Sole Proprietors With Fair Credit
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Those with fair credit
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
29.99% (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
29.99% (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.
Why we like it: If you’re a sole proprietor with fair credit (580 to 669), the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business is a great option, as it can help you grow your credit score as long as you use it responsibly. Your payment history will be reported to the major credit bureaus, so consistent on-time payments can help you improve your credit over time.
In addition, it has no annual fee and offers 1% cash back on all business purchases. There’s no cap on the number of rewards you can earn, and rewards will never expire. While this card is our best business credit card for fair credit, keep in mind that it’s important to pay your balance for each statement period since it comes with a high APR.
Because of its fair credit requirement, the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business is one of the easiest cards to qualify for, making it one of our top-ranking instant approval business credit cards.
American Express® Blue Business® Plus: Best for Everyday Expenses & Expanded Buying Power
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Pocketing 2x points per $1 and 0% introductory APR for 12 months
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
18.24% - 26.24% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.24% - 26.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- No 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
18.24% - 26.24% Variable
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.24% - 26.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- No 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.
Why we like it: With the American Express® Blue Business® Plus, you can earn 2x points on all eligible purchases, regardless of spending categories, on up to $50,000 in a calendar year. When the cap is met, you’ll earn 1x point on all purchases. It also features expanded buying power, which lets you spend beyond your credit limit. The amount you can spend over your credit limit will adjust based on your credit score, usage, payment history, and financial resources.
You can also enjoy a 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months and earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of card ownership. What’s more, it has no annual fee so you can save on overall credit costs.
The American Express® Blue Business® Plus is our leading business card for real estate agents due to its generous rewards.
Chase Ink Business Preferred®: Best for High Credit Limit With Travel Rewards
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Maximizing travel rewards at a lower annual fee
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
20.74% - 25.74% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Credit Needed
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 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
20.74% - 25.74% Variable
Annual Fee
$95
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 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
Why we like it: If you’re looking for a travel rewards business credit card that has a low annual fee and possibly a high credit limit, consider the Chase Ink Business Preferred® card. For an annual fee of only $95, you’ll receive 3x points per dollar on the first $150,000 per year spent in combined purchases in select categories: travel, shipping, online advertising, internet, cable, and phone services. Then, you’ll earn 1x point per dollar when the cap is met and on all other purchases.
Spend $15,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening an account and receive 100,000 bonus points—this is worth $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel. You can redeem your rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel, and merchandise through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. The card also has no foreign transaction fees.
Chase Ink Business Preferred® is our leading high-limit credit card. It is also one of our recommendations for the best travel business credit cards and top cards with no foreign transaction fee.
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for 0% APR for 15 months With Unlimited Cash Back
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
0% APR for 15 billing cycles
Intro APR
Regular APR
18.99% - 27.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- 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 18.99% - 27.99%.
- 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
18.99% - 27.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- 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 18.99% - 27.99%.
- 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.
Why we like it: The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is a great option if you need to make a substantial purchase or consolidate your debts from other credit cards as it offers 0% APR for 15 months after opening an account on both purchases and balance transfers. Plus, you can earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals directly booked in the Travel Rewards Center, 3% cash back on fuel, dining, office supplies, and cellphone services, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
What’s more, you’ll receive a bonus cash back of $500 when you spend $4,500 on eligible purchases within the first 150 days of opening your account. If you have recurring software subscription expenses, such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks, you’ll get a $100 statement credit. On top of all these rewards, there’s also no annual fee.
High cash back on gas purchases is one of the reasons why U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is our top-recommended fuel business credit card. Also, its generous rewards and perks are a few of the reasons why it is our best credit card with no annual fee.
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit: Best for Sole Proprietors With Good Credit
Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
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®
Why we like it: Capital One® Spark® Cash Select Good Credit is designed for sole proprietors with good credit who want to earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all business-related purchases, without having to monitor spending categories. You can redeem your cash back rewards as a statement credit or as a check by mail.
It has no annual, balance transfer, and foreign transaction fees. Plus, it offers 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months of account opening. Keep in mind that the 0% APR period does not apply to balance transfers, and it doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus.
Its easy rewards program and flexible redemption options make it one of our top-recommended business credit cards for consultants, new businesses with no credit history, and self-employed individuals.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for Long 0% APR on Purchases & Balance Transfers
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Extended 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers
Intro APR
Regular APR
16.99% - 25.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good Credit
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 16.99%-25.99%.
- 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
16.99% - 25.99% (Variable)
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good Credit
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 16.99%-25.99%.
- 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.
Why we like it: If you need a longer 0% APR period for purchases or balance transfers, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is your best bet. It comes with an interest-free financing option for the first 18 months of card ownership—the longest offer among all other business cards on this list. This is a great option if the 0% APR period is your top priority and you don’t mind not earning rewards on your purchases because this card lacks introductory and ongoing rewards.
It’s important to note that even though it offers a long 0% APR period on balance transfers, you will still be charged a balance transfer fee of $5 or 3% of the transaction amount, whichever is greater. The good news is that it doesn’t have an annual fee and comes with a lower ongoing APR compared to the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®.
Since its introductory zero-interest financing is longer than what most other business credit cards offer, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is chosen as our top 0% APR business credit card and the most outstanding card for balance transfers.
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card: Best for Low Ongoing APR With Fixed-rate Cash Back
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
PNC Bank account holders wanting 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.
Why we like it: If your business needs to carry a balance, the PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card is your best choice because it offers the lowest starting APR of the cards in this guide. Plus, you get unlimited 1.5% cash back on all eligible business purchases and earn $400 if you spend $3,000 in qualifying purchases within the first three months of opening an account.
You can redeem your cash back rewards as a statement credit or a deposit to an eligible PNC Business checking or savings account. What’s more, it comes with no annual fee, and you can enjoy 0% financing on purchases for the first nine billing cycles. This offer, however, does not apply to balance transfer transactions.
The PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card is one of our leading cash back business credit cards because of its low APR and fixed-rate rewards.
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card: Best for Amazon Prime Members & Recurring Amazon Purchases
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
5% back or 90-day repayment terms
Intro APR
N/A
Regular APR
19.24% - 27.24% 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
19.24% - 27.24% 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.
Why we like it: If you have a Prime membership with Amazon, you can earn substantial cash back when you use the Amazon Business Prime American Express Card to purchase business-related goods. You’ll get 5% cash back on US purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon, and Whole Foods Market on the first $120,000 each calendar year, then 1% cash back thereafter.
If you don’t want to earn premium rewards on Amazon purchases, you could opt for a 90-day interest-free billing cycle instead. Also, you’ll get 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and wireless phone services and 1% back on all other eligible purchases.
There’s no annual fee outside of the Amazon Business Prime membership fee. As a member, you’ll gain access to quantity discounts and thousands of products only available to Business users. On top of that, you’ll receive an automatic $125 Amazon.com gift card bonus upon approval, with no spending requirements.
The Amazon Business Prime American Express Card is the only co-branded credit card on this list, and it is our leading Amazon business credit card.
First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition® Secured® Visa Card: Best for Sole Proprietors With Bad Credit That Need a High Credit Limit
First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Card
Fit Small Business's ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card's rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Secured credit lines of as much as $100,000
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
25.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$39
Credit Needed
Very Poor to Good
- While FNBO does not offer any rewards for their new and existing cardholders for this card, you can still earn rewards through Mastercard Easy Savings®, where cardholders are able to save on purchases with automatic rebates from over 40,000 participating merchant locations available.
Pros
- Available for those with very poor to good scores
- Can set credit limits between $2,000 and $100,000
- Offers free management reports
Cons
- With annual fee
- Charges foreign transaction fee
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- Requires a security deposit of 110% of the credit limit required
- TurboTax discount: Get a discount of up to $20 on TurboTax federal products when using First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition® Secured Mastercard®.
- QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Self-Employed discount: Receive either a 30% off of a 12-month subscription on QuickBooks Online (Simple Start, Essentials, Plus, or Advanced) or a 30% off of a 12-month subscription on QuickBooks Self-Employed. This is applicable only to new QuickBooks Online customers.
- Free management reports: First National Bank of Omaha provides free management reports to help track expenses, monitor spending, note tax deductions, prepare tax filings, and predict costs easily.
- Zero liability: FNBO guarantees that you won’t be held responsible for any fraudulent charges made with both your card and account information.
Intro APR
None
Regular APR
25.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$39
Credit Needed
Very Poor to Good
- While FNBO does not offer any rewards for their new and existing cardholders for this card, you can still earn rewards through Mastercard Easy Savings®, where cardholders are able to save on purchases with automatic rebates from over 40,000 participating merchant locations available.
Pros
- Available for those with very poor to good scores
- Can set credit limits between $2,000 and $100,000
- Offers free management reports
Cons
- With annual fee
- Charges foreign transaction fee
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- Requires a security deposit of 110% of the credit limit required
- TurboTax discount: Get a discount of up to $20 on TurboTax federal products when using First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition® Secured Mastercard®.
- QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Self-Employed discount: Receive either a 30% off of a 12-month subscription on QuickBooks Online (Simple Start, Essentials, Plus, or Advanced) or a 30% off of a 12-month subscription on QuickBooks Self-Employed. This is applicable only to new QuickBooks Online customers.
- Free management reports: First National Bank of Omaha provides free management reports to help track expenses, monitor spending, note tax deductions, prepare tax filings, and predict costs easily.
- Zero liability: FNBO guarantees that you won’t be held responsible for any fraudulent charges made with both your card and account information.
Why we like it: If you have a poor credit score and need a high credit limit, the First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition® Secured® Visa Card is a good option. You can request a credit limit ranging from $2,000 to $100,000, subject to approval.
To qualify, you need to make a security deposit of 110% of your requested limit. For example, to get a credit limit of $100,000, you need to make a security deposit of at least $110,000. While it doesn’t offer a sign-up bonus and ongoing rewards, you can earn interest on your security deposit.
On top of that, it comes with a low annual fee of $39, which is one of the reasons why it is part of our roundup of the best business credit cards for bad credit. Also, you can take advantage of Visa SavingsEdge benefits, a feature that allows cardholders to save on business expenses with its exclusive discount offers.
Its high credit limit option makes the First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition® Secured® Visa Card one of our leading high-limit business credit cards and best business secured credit cards.
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 with long introductory 0% APR periods. We also looked at low interest rates and fees, introductory bonuses, rewards, and the ability to build business credit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can a sole proprietor use a personal credit card for business?
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.
What are the reasons to consider a business credit card?
- Add employee credit cards: Most business credit cards allow you to request employee cards at no additional cost.
- Access business reporting tools: Most business credit cards provide reporting tools that are useful for controlling your business expenses. Plus, they can easily integrate with your accounting systems.
- Take advantage of scalability: Most business credit card providers offer card options that can scale with your business’s growth.
- Earn rewards for business: The rewards structures of business credit cards are designed to benefit your business. For instance, some rewards are redeemable for merchandise that may be valuable to your company.
What are the requirements for a business credit card?
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. If you don’t want to be personally liable for your business’s debts, consider one of our top business cards without a personal guarantee.
How does a business credit card affect personal credit?
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.
What are the 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 cards, such as the Capital One Spark Classic card and First National Bank of Omaha Business Edition® Secured® Visa Card, which are designed for business owners with fair and bad credit, respectively. You may also check our lists of the best secured business credit cards, top business cards for fair credit, and leading credit cards for bad credit for other options.
- Find out what the card issuer’s requirements are: Usually, requirements may 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, so it’s best to decide what you can offer as one to increase your chances of approval.
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. 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. For other options, see our roundup for the best small business credit cards.
