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. Use these cards to earn introductory rewards, access cheap financing, and avoid hurting your personal credit score.
The best business credit cards that don’t report to personal credit of 2020 are:
- U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ MasterCard®: (Best Overall) Best for earning two cash bonuses
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR) for 20 billing cycles
- U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card: Best for choosing category rewards
- CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®: Best for American Airlines rewards
- Wells Fargo Business Elite Card®: Best for lowest ongoing APR
- Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card: Best for earning gas and travel rewards as a Costco member
- Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card: Best for building business credit
For details on how we evaluate business credit cards for this list, see our methodology.
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard®: Overall Best Business Credit Card That Doesn’t Report to Personal Credit
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®
Best For: Tiered rewards on gas station, office supply store and cell phone purchases
| Intro APR ?0% APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0%* | 11.99% - 22.99%* Variable | $0* | Excellent |
The U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® finds its way into the No. 1 spot because of its unique offer of two cash bonuses. You’ll have the opportunity to earn both an annual bonus and a sign-up bonus. You can also use this small business credit card to avoid interest on purchases during an introductory period and build business credit.
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® Costs
- Introductory APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first fifteen billing cycles
- Ongoing APR: 11.99% to 22.99% 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
Compare this introductory APR to the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card.
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® Rewards
- 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
Welcome offer: $500 cash back after you spend $4,500 during the first 150 days
This startup business credit card 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.
U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards World EliteTM MasterCard® Additional Features
- 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.
Learn more: U.S. Bank business card review
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for 0% APR for 20 Billing Cycles
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
Best For: Extended 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers
| Intro APR ?0% APR for 20 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0%* | 9.99% - 17.99%* Variable | $0 | Excellent |
Choose the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card if you’re looking for the best introductory financing on the market. You’ll be able to finance both purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles and never see an interest charge. However, while you’ll have an outstanding 0% APR offer, this card does not offer any rewards. Use this card solely to save money on interest.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card Costs
- Introductory APR: 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles
- Ongoing APR: 9.99% to 17.99% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $5, or 3% of the transfer, whichever is greater
Compare these costs with the U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card.
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.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card 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.
Learn more: U.S. Bank Business Platinum reviews
U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card: Best for Choosing Category Rewards
U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card
Best For: Earning points rewards in your choice in category spending
| Intro APR | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0%* | 11.99% - 22.99%* Variable | $0* | Excellent |
We put the U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card near the top of our list because it offers a solid combo of rewards and cheap financing. You’ll be able to choose category rewards, where you’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent in one of three categories: day-to-day spending, automotive or travel, and entertainment.
U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card Costs
- Introductory APR: 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles
- Ongoing APR: 11.99% to 22.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $5, or 3% of the transfer amount, whichever is higher
If you want a U.S. Bank business credit card that offers a longer introductory ARR period, consider the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card.
U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card Rewards
- 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
Welcome offer: 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days.
U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card 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.
Learn more: U.S. Bank business card review
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®: Best for American Airlines Rewards
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®
Best For: Frequent American Airlines flyers who want premium airline perks
| Intro APR | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 16.99% - 25.99% Variable | $0 for the first year, then $99 | Good - Excellent |
If you typically find yourself flying with American Airlines, this American Airlines business credit card could be the perfect fit for you. Loyal American Airlines flyers will appreciate rewards on American Airlines purchases, along with a slew of other spending categories. Use this card to capitalize on rewards to help you pay for travel expenses.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Costs
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: 16.99% to 25.99% 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 Platinum Card.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Rewards
- 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
Welcome offer: 65,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in the first four months
You’ll earn more travel rewards with the U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card, and you’re not restricted to earning points on American Airlines flights.
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® Additional Features
- 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.
Learn more: Citi business credit card review
Wells Fargo Business Elite Card®: Best for Lowest Ongoing APR
Wells Fargo Business Elite Card®
Best For: Businesses with over $1 million in annual sales
| Intro APR | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Prime + 3.99% on purchases | $75 annual rewards program fee, waived the first year | Excellent |
If you want cheap ongoing financing and have annual sales of at least $1 million, you may fit the bill for this card. While you’ll never have to pay an annual fee, it does charge an optional $75 fee if you participate in its rewards program, which is waived for the first year. You’ll be able to choose between cash- or points-based rewards.
Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® Costs
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: 8.24% 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
Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® Rewards
You’ll have the option to earn rewards as points or cash back. 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
Welcome offer: $1,000 cash back when you spend $15,000 within the first three months after account opening or 100,000 points when you spend $15,000 within the first three months after account opening
Compare these Wells Fargo business credit card rewards with U.S. Bank Business Select Rewards Card.
Wells Fargo Business Elite Card® Additional Features
- 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.
Learn more: Wells Fargo business card review
Note: To apply for the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card®, you must visit a branch.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card: Best for Costco Members
Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi
| Intro APR | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | 16.24% Variable | 0 | Good - Excellent |
The Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi is best for owners who are Costco members and want to earn gas and travel rewards. You’ll be able to pocket top cash back rewards on eligible gas worldwide, including gas at Costco. Not to mention, the travel rewards on this card are stellar for a card that charges no annual fee. You must have a Costco membership to open this card.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card Costs
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: 16.74% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: None
This card is not ideal if you’re looking for cheap financing. Other cards on our list offer introductory no-interest financing periods, like the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card Rewards
- 4% cash back on eligible gas worldwide, including gas at Costco, for the first $7,000 per year in gas purchases and 1% after that.
- 3% cash back at restaurants, including cafes, bars, lounges, and fast-food restaurants and on eligible travel purchases worldwide like airfare, hotels, car rentals, travel agencies, cruise lines, and Costco Travel.
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com.
- 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Welcome offer: None
Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card Additional Features
- Purchase protection: Covers you for repairs or a refund if purchases made on your Citi card are damaged or stolen within 120 days of purchase (90 days for New York residents).
- Extended warranty protection: The issuer offers to extend the coverage of eligible original manufacturer’s warranties.
Learn more: Costco business credit card review
Wells Fargo Business Secured Card: Best for Building Business Credit
Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card
Best For: Business owners with poor credit
| Intro APR | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Credit Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | Prime + 11.90% on purchases | $25 per card | N/A |
Settle for this Wells Fargo secured business credit card if your personal credit score is below 570, and you want to build your business credit. You’ll pay a low annual fee and be able to choose between cash back or points-based rewards. Secured credit cards have credit limits equal to a cash deposit held in a collateral account. Business owners can access a credit limit of up to $25,000 through this card.
Wells Fargo Business Secured Card Costs
- Introductory APR: None
- Ongoing APR: 16.65% 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
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. 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
Welcome offer: None
These ongoing rewards are similar to the Wells Fargo Business Elite Card®, except for the annual bonus.
Wells Fargo Business Secured Card 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.
Learn more: Wells Fargo business card review
Business Credit Card Issuers 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
Issuer | Reports to Consumer Credit Bureaus | Reports to Business Credit Bureaus |
|---|---|---|
Only if your account is delinquent | ✔ | |
Only if your account is delinquent | ✔ | |
All activity | ✔ | |
Only if your account is delinquent | ✔ | |
No | ✔ | |
All activity | ✔ | |
No | ✔ | |
No | ✔ |
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.
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.
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’s 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
- 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
- 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 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.
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. However, the best options will give you access to top benefits and business features. See the methodology in detail.
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.
