6 Best Business Credit Cards That Don’t Report to Personal Credit 2019

Business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit won’t impact your personal credit score. However, the cards on our list require a personal credit check and personal guarantee. The best cards offer introductory rewards up to $1,000, pay ongoing rewards up to 3%, and charge variable annual percentage rates (APRs) as low as 9.24%.

When Do Credit Cards Report to Credit Bureaus?

Credit card issuers typically report to the credit bureaus once per billing cycle—every 30 days. The exact date may vary per bank, so be sure to ask your bank when it reports to avoid any complications. Issuers will report your credit card balances and payment history, which are two key factors that make up your personal and business credit scores.

When Business Credit Card Activity Impacts Personal Credit

Business credit card activity only impacts your personal credit if an issuer reports to the personal credit bureaus. Most often, issuers will report information including your balance, payment history, hard inquiries, credit utilization ratio, and if your account is delinquent. Some business credit card issuers only report to personal credit if your account is delinquent, including American Express, Bank of America, and Chase Bank.

All Business Credit Card Issuers Report to Business Credit Bureaus

All issuers of business credit cards report to the main business credit reporting bureaus, which means you will build—or damage—your business credit by opening a small business credit card. It’s important to use your business credit card responsibly and pay promptly to maintain good business credit.

Business Credit Cards That Don’t Report to Personal Credit

The three business credit card issuers that don’t report to personal credit bureaus are Citi, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo. Business credit card activity from these issuers won’t impact your personal credit, which means you won’t be able to build your personal credit score. If you want to grow your business and personal credit scores, get a business credit card through an issuer that reports to personal credit.

Major Business Credit Card Issuers Credit Reporting Policies

Although you can’t build your personal credit with American Express, Bank of America, and Chase, you still can damage your personal credit because they report to the personal credit bureaus if your account is delinquent. However, we only include business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit on our list.

Top 6 Business Credit Cards That Don’t Report to Personal Credit August 2019

What’s Changed With the Best Business Credit Cards That Don’t Report to Personal Credit

The updates to our list of the best business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit reflect the Federal Reserve’s short-term interest rate cut on July 31, 2019. Plus, one CitiBusiness card reduced its introductory rewards offer in August 2019. This article was originally published in July 2019.
SEE LATEST CHANGES IN DETAIL

How We Evaluated Business Credit Cards That Don’t Report to Personal Credit

Small business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit have a variety of introductory offers, ongoing rewards, and APRs. We also took into account the card’s annual fees and any additional features that increase the card’s value, including insurance.

In our evaluation of the best business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit, we considered:

• Introductory rewards: The introductory offer you can earn by meeting a minimum spending requirement. Cards on this list have introductory offers worth up to $1,000.
• Ongoing rewards: The points or cash back rewards you can earn for your ongoing purchases. Cards on our list pay up to 3% or three points per dollar.
• Introductory APR: Whether a card offers an introductory 0% APR period on purchases or balance transfers. The best cards on this list offer interest-free financing for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers.
• Ongoing APR: How much it costs to finance purchases or balance transfers once the introductory period ends. Cards on this list have ongoing variable APRs as low as 9.49%.
• Additional features: Any free perks or benefits that increase the card’s value. All the cards on this list offer additional card perks, including car rental insurance, extended warranty protection, and purchase protection.
• Annual fee: How much it costs to own the card each year. Cards on our list have annual fees between $0 and $99.

While the cards on this list are business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit, most still require a personal credit check and a credit score of at least 670 for approval. One card on our list is a secured business credit card, which has a credit limit equal to a cash deposit. Secured cards are best for business owners with personal credit scores below 580. You can compare the best business cards through our Credit Card Marketplace.

We recommend the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® as the best overall business credit card that doesn’t report to personal credit. It offers up to 3% cash back on cellphone purchases and service, gas purchases, and at office supply stores. You’ll also have no-interest financing on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard®: Overall Best Business Credit Card That Doesn’t Report to Personal Credit

The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® is best for business owners who want to earn cash back rewards and pay minimal interest. This card pays up to 3% cash back and offers interest-free financing on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. Plus, it offers a unique 25% bonus on the prior year’s rewards, up to $250. Ongoing variable APR starts at 14.24%.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® Costs

This no annual fee credit card charges an ongoing APR as low as 14.24%. You’ll also receive no-interest financing for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers.

Financing costs and fees on the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® include:

• Introductory APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles
• Ongoing APR: 14.24% to 25.24% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: $5, or 3% of the transfer during the application, whichever is greater

The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® offers the longest 0% APR introductory period among small business credit cards, beating out a card like American Express Blue Business® Plus by three billing cycles. The only way to score a better deal is to open a personal credit card that charges no balance transfer fee.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® Rewards

The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® pays up to 3% cash back on your spending and a 25% annual bonus based on your prior year’s cash rewards. You can also earn an introductory reward worth $500.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn $500 cash back after you spend $4,500 during the first 150 days. This reward is better than most cards on our list offer. For example, the U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card offers $200 cash back. Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® offers the top introductory offer on our list, worth $1,000 when you spend $15,000 within the first three months.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll earn the following ongoing rewards when using your card:

• 3% cash back on cellphone purchases and service
• 3% cash back on gas purchases up to $200 per single purchase
• 3% cash back at office supply stores
• 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

The cellphone bonus category this cash back business credit card offers is unique when compared to other cards on our list. If you don’t want to take the time to track category bonuses, consider a fixed-rate rewards card like the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card®. That card pays either 1.5% cash back or one point per dollar on all spending.

U.S. Bank also offers a unique annual bonus equal to 25% of your prior year’s cash rewards, up to $250. No other business credit card on our list offers an ongoing annual bonus.

How to Redeem Rewards

You can redeem your rewards for cash back, as a statement credit, or in the form of a debit card. If you choose the debit card, you’ll receive a U.S. Bank Rewards Mastercard Card. If you choose cash back, your rewards will be deposited into your U.S. Bank business checking, savings, or money market account.

Redemption rates are three cents per dollar spent on cellphone purchases and service, gas purchases, and office supply store purchases. All other redemptions are worth 1 cent per dollar spent.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® Additional Features

This U.S. Bank business credit card offers several additional card features, such as car rental insurance, purchase security, and extended warranty protection, which covers warranties of five years or less.

The following benefits are included on your card:

• MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: U.S. Bank covers you in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. This coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your own car insurance or accept insurance the rental company offers. Coverage is limited up to $50,000.
• Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for purchases that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per incident and up to $25,000 per year per account.
• Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year on warranties of five years or less. U.S. Bank will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your card up to $10,000.

This card includes similar additional card perks when compared to the U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card. However, other cards may offer better coverage levels. For example, the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® offers purchase protection up to $10,000 per incident and $50,000 per year.

What the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® Is Missing

The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® offers a lower return on office supply store spending than some other small business credit cards. You can earn up to 5% cash back with the Chase Ink Business Cash^SM card. That card only reports to the personal credit bureaus if your account is delinquent.

U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® Reviews

We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® reviews are mostly positive. Users agree the ongoing rewards are beneficial. It could be improved further with higher rewards on office supply spending.

User Reviews

Online reviews suggest that users enjoy the card’s ongoing rewards and redemption options. However, some users complain this U.S. Bank business credit card doesn’t offer as many benefits as its competitors.

Editorial Reviews

We rate business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® offers excellent cash back rewards and a unique annual bonus worth up to $250. Reviewers agree this card would be stronger if it offered higher ongoing rewards.

Where to Apply for the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard®

You can apply online for the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard®. You’ll be required to fill out a basic application with your business and personal information. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail within seven to 10 days.

Apply Now

U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card: Best for Choosing Category Rewards

The U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card is best for business owners who want to choose category rewards. You will earn 3 points per dollar in one of three categories: day-to-day spending, automotive or travel, and entertainment. Plus, you’ll have an introductory 0% APR period for nine billing cycles on purchases and pay no annual fee. Ongoing variable APR starts at 14.24%.

U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card Costs

The U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card charges an ongoing variable APR starting at 14.24% and no annual fee. This card offers a shorter no-interest period than other cards on our list, including the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard®.

Financing costs and fees on the U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card include:

• Introductory APR: 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles
• Ongoing APR: 14.24% to 25.24% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: $5, or 3% of the transfer amount, whichever is higher

The low-end of this card’s ongoing APR is about five percentage points higher than the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card®. If you want a U.S. Bank business credit card that offers a low ongoing APR, consider the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card. That card’s low-end ongoing APR is 2 percentage points lower than the U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card.

U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card Rewards

The U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card offers a you-choose-it rewards program and pays three points per dollar in one of three categories. Plus, you can earn an introductory reward worth $200 after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days.

Introductory Rewards

You’ll earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days. These points are worth $200 when you redeem them as cash back. This reward is lower than the $500 cash bonus the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® offers.

Ongoing Rewards

You will earn the following ongoing rewards when using your card:

• 3 points per dollar in one of three categories that you choose: day-to-day expenses, automotive, or travel and entertainment
  • Day-to-day expenses: Shipping, advertising, utilities, office supplies, telecommunications, and professional services
  • Automotive expenses: Gas, service, tires, tolls, dealerships, car washes, and repairs
  • Travel and entertainment expenses: Airlines, auto rental, hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies
• 1 point on all other purchases

The U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card is the only card on our list that lets you choose category rewards. If you would rather earn cash back instead of points, we recommend the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard®. That card offers up to 3% cash back on cellphone purchases and service, gas purchases, and at office supply stores.

How to Redeem Rewards

You can redeem your rewards for travel, gift cards, merchandise, or as cash back. If you redeem for travel, redemption values vary but are typically less than 1 cent per point. You’ll receive cash back redemptions as a statement credit or deposit into your U.S. Bank business checking, savings, or money market account.

U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card Additional Features

The U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card comes with car rental insurance, purchase protection, and extended warranty, which covers warranties of three years or less. These perks are similar to what the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® offers.

U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card comes with the following additional features:

• Auto rental collision damage waiver: Provides secondary coverage if you have your own car insurance, which means you’ll have to file a claim with your insurance company first. U.S. Bank covers up to the cash value of the car in case of an accident or theft on rental cars.
• Purchase protection: Provides coverage against damage or theft for the first 90 days after purchase. Coverage is limited to $500 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder.
• Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturers’ warranty up to an additional one year on warranties of three years or less.

The additional benefits are similar to what most business credit cards on our list offer. However, U.S. Bank limits purchase protection to $500 compared to the $1,000 limit the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® offers.

What the U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card Is Missing

The U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card offers a small introductory reward only worth $200 when you redeem it as cash back. If you want to earn a more substantial reward, you may need to meet a larger minimum spending requirement. For example, the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® offers $1,000 after spending $15,000 within three months.

U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card Reviews

We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card reviews are mostly positive. This card offers strong ongoing rewards, but some users say the rewards program is too restrictive because it makes you choose one category.

User Reviews

Online user reviews are generally positive. Users suggest they enjoy the rewards this card offers, and the reward redemption options. However, some users wish they didn’t have to restrict their rewards to one spending category.

Editorial Reviews

We rate business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Reviews suggest this is a strong card for business owners who spend a lot in one of the three reward categories. However, reviewers agree a larger introductory reward would make this card stronger.

How to Apply for the U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card

You can apply for the U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card online. You’ll be required to fill out a basic application with your business and personal information, and you could be approved instantly. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive your card within seven to 10 days.

Apply Now

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®: Best for American Airlines Rewards

The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® is best for business owners who are loyal American Airlines flyers. It pays two points for every dollar spent on American Airlines purchases. Plus, you can earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending 3,000 within the first three months, which is worth $600 in travel. It charges an annual fee of $99, which is waived in the first year. Ongoing variable APR starts at 17.74%.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Costs

The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® offers no introductory 0% APR period. Plus, its ongoing APR is about one percentage point above the average of most small business credit cards, which is about 17%. Other cards on our list offer cheaper introductory and ongoing financing.

Financing costs and fees on the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® include:

• Introductory APR: None
• Ongoing APR: 17.74% to 25.74% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
• Annual fee: $99, waived for the first year
• Balance transfer fee: Balance transfers are not allowed

If you’re looking for a 0% introductory offer, you’d be better off choosing a 0% APR business credit card like the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard®. That card doesn’t report to personal credit and offers interest-free financing for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Rewards

This business travel credit card offers 60,000 bonus miles after spending $3,000 within the first three months. Plus, you’ll earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on American Airlines purchase and up to 2 miles per dollar on other purchases. You can redeem these rewards for free airfare, flight upgrades, and vacation packages.

Introductory Rewards

You can earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in the first three months of your account being open. This introductory reward could be worth $600 in travel, but it is slightly lower than the 100,000 points or $1,000 the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® offers after you spend $15,000 within three months.

Ongoing Rewards

You’ll receive American Airline miles for the following purchases:

• 2 miles for every $1 spent at gas stations and certain telecommunications merchants, car rental merchants, and cable and satellite providers
• 2 miles for every $1 spent on American Airlines purchases
• 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases

You’ll earn more travel rewards―3x―with the U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card, and you’re not restricted to earning points on American Airlines flights. However, the U.S. Bank card’s introductory offer is only worth $200 when you redeem it as cash back.

How to Redeem Rewards

You can redeem miles in one of four ways:

• Flight awards: Book American Airlines flights, starting at 7,500 miles each way, plus applicable taxes and carrier-imposed fees.
• Flight awards on other airlines: Use your miles to redeem for flights through one of two dozen foreign airline partners.
• Upgrades: Use your miles to upgrade to first class or business class on American Airlines and partner flights, starting at 5,000 miles.
• Hotels, rental cars & vacation packages: Pay for reservations through American Airlines with as little as 1,000 miles.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Additional Features

The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® is the only card on our list that offers travel perks, such as one free checked bag, companion certificate, and priority boarding.

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® offers:

• Companion certificate: Earn one $99 domestic economy fare plus $21.60 to $43.40 in government taxes and fees after spending $30,000 each 12-month period before your card anniversary date.
• Free checked bag: Receive one free checked bag per flight.
• Preferred boarding: You and up to four traveling companions will be able to board once priority boarding is complete but before the rest of economy boards.
• Savings on in-flight purchases: 25% savings on food and onboard Wi-Fi.
• Car rental insurance: Citi covers you in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide; the coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your own personal car insurance or accept what the rental company offers.
• Purchase protection: The issuer may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase; coverage is limited to $10,000 per items and $50,000 per year.
• Extended warranty protection: Citi will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of 60 days or less.

Other business travel credit cards offer more robust travel perks, like airport lounge access. If you want an airport lounge access credit card, like the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite^TM Mastercard®, you’ll need to pay a higher annual fee. For example, that card charges $450 annually, but it offers a free Admiral Club membership, which gives you access to 50 American Airlines airport lounges worldwide.

However, that card is a personal credit card, which means it reports to personal credit bureaus, and you can’t use it to build your business credit. The other business credit cards on our airport lounge access credit card list only report to personal credit if your account is delinquent.

What the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Is Missing

If you don’t fly American Airlines frequently, then this card isn’t right for you. If you want to earn travel rewards that are unaffiliated with an airline, consider the U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card. That card offers 3 points per dollar on travel and entertainment expenses, which include airlines, auto rental, hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Reviews

We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® reviews are mostly positive. Some travel rewards enthusiasts agree the card’s ongoing rewards for American Airlines flights are less than other business travel credit cards.

User Reviews

Online reviews suggest cardholders enjoy the large introductory offer and no annual fee over the first year. They also find bonus rewards on nontravel spending beneficial. However, some users complain the flight rewards are small compared to other travel credit cards that offer up to five points for every dollar.

Editorial Reviews

We rate business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Reviewers agree this credit card is a must-have for business owners who frequently fly with American Airlines. The free checked bag and priority boarding are perks most other credit cards don’t offer. However, this card is missing luxury travel perks, such as airport lounge access and annual travel credits.

How to Apply for CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®

You can apply for the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® online. You’ll be required to fill out a basic application with your business and personal information. Once approved, you’ll receive your card within seven to 10 days.

Apply Now

Wells Fargo Business Elite Card®: Best for Lowest Ongoing APR

The Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® is best for businesses that want cheap ongoing financing and have annual sales of at least $1 million. It charges no annual fee but charges an optional $75 fee if you participate in its rewards program, which is waived for the first year. You can choose to earn 1.5% cash back or 1 point for every dollar. The ongoing variable APR is only 9.24%.

Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® Costs

The Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® uniquely charges an optional fee for its rewards program. If you participate in the reward program, it charges $75 per year, which is waived for the first year. Plus, its ongoing variable APR is the lowest on our list.

Financing costs and fees on the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® include:

• Introductory APR: None
• Ongoing APR: 9.24% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Business Elite Card Rewards Program fee: $75, waived the first year
• Balance transfer fee: Varies, based on the specific offer you receive

The APR on the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® is the cheapest among business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit and well below most other small business credit cards. The average ongoing APR on business credit cards is about 17%. In comparison, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card has an ongoing APR that starts at about three percentage points higher.

Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® Rewards

The Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® offers fixed-rated rewards on all purchases. You’ll have the option to earn rewards as points or cash back. Its introductory rewards rank well when compared to credit cards for new businesses.

Introductory Rewards

After you choose whether to earn points or cash back, you can earn:

• 100,000 points when you spend $15,000 within the first three months after account opening
• $1,000 cash back when you spend $15,000 within the first three months after account opening

The introductory rewards on this Wells Fargo business credit card are the highest on our list. Our top recommendation, the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard®, has an introductory reward only worth $500.

Ongoing Reward

After you choose whether to earn points or cash back, you can earn ongoing rewards of:

• 1.5% cash back for every $1 spent on purchases
• 1 point for every $1 spent on net purchases and 5,000 bonus points when your company spends $10,000 in any monthly billing period

Except for the monthly bonus, these ongoing rewards are identical when compared to what the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card offers. That card only offers 1,000 bonus points when your company spends $1,000 in any monthly billing period, and it’s secured credit card. Secured credit cards typically have credit limits equal to a cash deposit held in a collateral account.

How to Redeem Rewards

The Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® allows you to redeem your rewards in the form of cash back or points. The redemption process varies depending on which type you choose.

When you redeem as cash back, redemption is automatic. You’ll receive your rewards as a statement credit, or Wells Fargo will deposit your rewards into your eligible checking or savings account once every quarter.

When you redeem as points, you can redeem your points for gift cards, merchandise, or travel, which includes airfare, cruises, and rental cards. Plus, you’ll receive a 10% credit when you redeem your rewards online. When you redeem your points for airfare, you’ll pay a $24 redemption fee, similar to the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card.

Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® Additional Features

The Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® offers some additional features that are similar to what corporate credit cards offer, including spending controls. Additionally, it also provides car rental insurance, purchase security, and extended warranty protection.

The Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® offers:

• Spending controls: You can assign spending controls to employee cards, such as transaction limits, time limits, and category limits.
• Online reporting: This online tool allows you to view and analyze transactions to identify spending patterns and look for places to save
• Auto rental collision damage waiver: The issuer will cover you in case of an accident or theft when you rent a car using your card. Coverage is primary, which means you don’t need to use your own car insurance or accept what the rental company offers.
• Purchase security: Visa may repair, replace, or reimburse for items purchased with your credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per incident and $50,000 per year.
• Extended warranty protection: Covers warranties of three years or less and offers up to an additional year of warranty coverage

Most of these additional features are common when compared to other cards on our list. However, the card’s spending controls and online reporting are unique to the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card®. Other business credit cards allow you to set individual spending limits but don’t offer category spending restrictions or time limits.

What the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® Is Missing

The Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® does not offer an introductory 0% APR period. If you’re looking for cheap introductory and ongoing financing, consider the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card. That card offers no-interest financing for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. However, it also charges an ongoing APR 3 percentage points higher than this Wells Fargo card.

Note: To apply for the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card®, you must visit a branch.

Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® Reviews

We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® reviews are mostly positive. It offers excellent ongoing financing, but you need to spend a lot to earn the introductory reward.

User Reviews

Online user reviews are mostly positive. Cardholders love the cheap ongoing financing and robust spending controls on employee cards. However, some users complain that the minimum spending requirement of $15,000 makes the introductory reward hard to earn.

Editorial Reviews

We rate business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Reviewers agree that the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® is a solid card option if your business has annual sales of $1 million and want cheap ongoing financing. However, the card would need to improve its ongoing rewards to be stronger.

How to Apply for the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card®

Typically, you can get a small business credit card online. However, you must visit a branch to apply for the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card®. Once approved, you’ll receive your card within seven to 10 business days.

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U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for Low Introductory and Ongoing APR

The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is best for business owners who want cheap introductory and ongoing financing. This card offers no-interest financing for the first 12 billing cycles on both purchases and balance transfers. After the introductory period ends, your ongoing APR will be between 12.24% and 20.24%. This card offers no rewards program, and it is primarily for business owners looking to save money on interest.

U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card Costs

The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card charges no annual fee and offers the best introductory 0% APR period on our list. Its ongoing APR starts at 12.24%, which is about 5 percentage points lower than the average APR among small business credit cards.

Financing costs and fees on the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card include:

• Introductory APR: 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles
• Ongoing APR: 12.24% to 20.24% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
• Annual fee: None
• Balance transfer fee: $5, or 3% of the transfer, whichever is greater

The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card’s introductory APR period is three months longer than what the U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card offers. Plus, that card’s introductory APR only applies to purchases. We rank the U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card low on our list because it doesn’t offer rewards.

U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card Rewards

The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card offers no introductory or ongoing rewards. This is the only card on our list that does not offer rewards. If you want a U.S. Bank business credit card that offers rewards, our recommendation is the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard®. It offers up to 3% cash back and interest-free financing on purchases for 15 billing cycles.

U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card Additional Features

The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card offers an auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection, which are similar perks to other cards on our list.

The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card comes with the following additional features:

• Auto rental collision damage waiver: U.S. Bank will cover up to the cash value of the vehicle in case of accident or theft on car rentals made in the United States and most foreign countries.
• Purchase protection: Covers new purchases that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per cardholder per year.
• Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double an original manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year on warranties of three years or less. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per item.

These additional card features are similar to what you would find on other business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit. However, the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® provides better purchase protection coverage. For example, its purchase protection coverage is limited to $10,000 per claim compared to the $500 per claim limit the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card provides.

What the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card Is Missing

The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card does not offer any introductory or ongoing rewards. Other business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit offer both types of rewards. For example, the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite^TM MasterCard® offers introductory rewards of $500 after you spend $4,500 within 150 days. Plus, it pays up to 3% cash back on select categories.

Note: The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is only available in Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card Reviews

We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. U.S. Bank Business Platinum reviews are generally positive. This card is excellent if you need to carry a balance, but it doesn’t offer a rewards program.

User Reviews

Online user reviews are mostly positive. Cardholders say the introductory financing period and low ongoing APR is helpful while building their business. However, some users say they wish they could earn introductory or ongoing rewards.

Editorial Reviews

We rate business credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. Editorial reviews find this card a reliable option for business owners who want to reduce the cost of carrying a balance. However, it’s one of the few business credit cards that doesn’t have a rewards program.

How to Apply for the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card

You can apply online for the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card. You will be required to fill out a basic application with your business and personal information, and you could be approved instantly. Once approved, you will receive your card within seven to 10 days.

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Wells Fargo Business Secured Card: Best for Building Business Credit

The Wells Fargo Business Secured Card is best for business owners who have personal credit scores below 570 and want to build their business credit. It charges a low $25 annual fee per card and an ongoing variable APR of 17.15%. Plus, it pays a fixed rate of 1.5% cash back on all spending. Secured credit cards have credit limits equal to a cash deposit held in a collateral account. Business owners can access a credit limit up to $25,000 through this card.

Wells Fargo Business Secured Card Costs

The Wells Fargo Business Secured Card charges $25 per card, and you can request up to 10 cards. It also charges an ongoing variable APR of 17.15%, which ranks well with the average APR on traditional business credit cards. Plus, your credit line will be equal to a deposit of $500 to $25,000 held in a collateral account.

Financing costs and fees on the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card include:

• Introductory APR: None
• Ongoing APR: 17.15% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
• Annual fee: $25 per card on up to 10 cards maximum
• Balance transfer fee: Varies, based on the specific offer you receive

The APR on the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card is the cheapest among the best business secured credit cards, which charge ongoing APRs up to nearly 10 percentage points higher. If you’re looking to build your business credit, this is one of the lowest ongoing APRs you would be able to qualify for.

Wells Fargo Business Secured Card Rewards

The Wells Fargo Business Secured Card gives you the option to either earn rewards in the form of cash back or points. Once you choose your rewards, you’ll earn a fixed rate on all spending. This card does not offer introductory rewards.

Introductory Rewards

Similar to prepaid business cards, the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card does not have an introductory offer. The only other card on our list that doesn’t offer introductory rewards is the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card.

Ongoing Rewards

After you choose whether to earn points or cash back, you can earn ongoing rewards of:

• 1.5% cash back for every $1 spent on purchases
• 1 point for every $1 spent on net purchases and 1,000 bonus points when your company spends $1,000 in any monthly billing period

These ongoing rewards are similar to the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card®, except for the annual bonus. That card offers 5,000 bonus points when your company spends $10,000 in any monthly billing period. However, you’ll need a personal credit score of at least 670 and $1 million in annual sales to qualify for the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card®.

How to Redeem Rewards

If you choose cash back, redemption is automatic. You’ll receive a statement credit, or Wells Fargo will deposit your cash back in an eligible checking or savings account once every quarter. If you choose rewards in the form of points, you can redeem them for gift cards, merchandise, or airline tickets. You’ll receive a 10% point credit when you redeem points online. If you redeem points for airline tickets, you’ll be charged a $24 redemption fee.

Wells Fargo Business Secured Card Additional Features

The Wells Fargo Business Secured Card offers purchase protection and some unique features, which include periodic credit reviews and a design studio.

The Wells Fargo Business Secured Card comes with the following additional features:

• Purchase assurance: Wells Fargo will replace, repair, or reimburse you for eligible items in the event of theft or damage within the first 90 days of purchase.
• Periodic credit reviews: Wells Fargo will review your account and recent credit history to see if you qualify for an upgrade to an unsecured business credit card.
• Design studio: You can customize the design of your card by uploading an image that represents your business to its online studio.

The Wells Fargo Business Secured Card purchase protection is similar when compared to other credit cards on our list. However, it also offers periodic credit reviews, which can help you qualify for an unsecured Wells Fargo credit card once you build your business credit.

What the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card Is Missing

Although the $25 annual fee per card is low, some secured credit cards charge no annual fee. This may be something to consider, especially if you have a small credit line, as the annual fee will decrease your amount of available credit until you pay off the balance of the fee.

Wells Fargo Business Secured Card Reviews

We considered both user reviews and our own editorial review when rating this card. Wells Fargo Business Secured Card reviews suggest this is the best secured business credit card. Some users say this card didn’t benefit them as much as they expected.

User Reviews

Online Wells Fargo Business Secured Card user reviews are mixed. Cardholders suggest this card helped them improve their business credit scores. However, some users complain that the issuer didn’t allow them to upgrade to an unsecured business credit card after improving their scores.

Editorial Reviews

We rate business secured credit cards based on their costs, rewards, and benefits. We rank the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card as the best secured business credit card. It’s a solid option for business owners who are looking to build or improve their business credit. It’s cheaper to own and offers a higher credit limit than most other secured credit cards. This card would be stronger if it had an introductory offer.

Where to Apply for the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card

You can apply for the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card online only if you’re a business owner with an existing relationship with Wells Fargo. Others need to visit a branch to apply. Wells Fargo will examine your credit experience, payment history, cash flow, existing credit obligations, and your current bank relationship during the application process.

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Pros & Cons of Business Credit Cards That Don’t Report to Personal Credit

The main benefit of business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit is your business activity won’t impact your personal credit. Plus, your business’ credit utilization ratio won’t play a role in determining your personal credit score. However, if you’re looking to build your personal credit, these cards are not right for you.

Pros of Business Credit Cards That Don’t Report to Personal Credit

The pros of business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit are:

• Your business activity won’t impact your personal credit: With business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit, you remove the risk of your business’s activity hurting your personal credit. This is one good way to protect your personal credit score when you own a business.
• Your business’s credit utilization ratio doesn’t affect personal credit: Business credit cards typically accumulate higher balances. However, these cards won’t report this information to personal credit bureaus, which can help keep your credit utilization ratio low. A low credit utilization ratio is a good way to maintain a strong personal credit score.

Cons of Business Credit Cards That Don’t Report to Personal Credit

The negatives of business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit are:

• You can’t build your personal credit: Business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit won’t allow you to improve your personal credit score. If you want to build your personal credit, you’ll need to choose another small business credit card issuer like Capital One or Discover.
• Likely, you’ll still need to provide a personal guarantee: Although these cards don’t report to personal credit, most business credit cards still require a personal guarantee. If you don’t want to provide a personal guarantee, consider business credit cards without personal guarantees.

Business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit are best if you want to protect your personal credit score from negative business activity. However, most business credit card issuers still require a personal guarantee, whether they report to personal credit or not.

Bottom Line

Business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit are best for business owners who want to protect their personal credit. However, all the cards on our list will still require you to provide a personal guarantee, which means you become personally liable if your business fails to repay its debt.