Credit Card Stacking & How To Use It to Fund Your Business
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.
Credit card stacking is the practice of applying for multiple credit cards simultaneously to access a larger unsecured line of credit. It works as an alternative financing solution for startups and small business owners, especially those who cannot qualify for a small business loan. When used carefully, credit card stacking can be a useful strategy for funding your business.
Who Credit Card Stacking Is Right For
Credit card stacking is best for business owners who need access to capital but cannot qualify for traditional business financing options like Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, business lines of credit, or working capital loans.
Generally, credit card stacking is best for:
- Startups: This practice is designed for individuals who want to fund their startup but can’t qualify for startup business loans. Most startups can qualify because qualification requirements are often based on your personal credit score.
- Low-revenue businesses: Businesses with relatively low revenues but are already in operation can still use credit card stacking for extra funding. Since credit card companies often check personal credit scores as a qualification requirement, having low annual revenues won’t necessarily disqualify you from this financing option.
- Quick funding needs: If you need quick funding, credit card stacking may be an ideal option because you can typically get approved and receive your cards within seven to 10 business days.
- Business owners with no assets for collateral: Credit card stacking doesn’t require any collateral, so it’s a good option if you don’t have assets to use as collateral.
How Credit Card Stacking Works
Credit card stacking works like an unsecured line of credit, where you use multiple credit cards to fund your business. The combined limits of your stack represent your unsecured line of credit, which is revolving and can be used repeatedly. There are two approaches to stacking: on your own or through a credit stacking company—both of which will be discussed later.
This practice is a decent alternative option to a business loan or business line of credit—and can even be an excellent option if you don’t have collateral to use for loans. However, because business credit card stacking involves an unsecured credit line, it’s considered high risk, so most providers typically require credit scores of at least 680 to qualify.
Here are a few important things you need to remember about how credit card stacking works:
- Your credit limit is revolving: You’re drawing on your credit limit every time you use your credit cards, and you must pay your balance on a monthly basis. Once you repay the amount you borrowed, the credit limit will be available for use again.
- You’ll accrue interest on unpaid balances: As with any business credit card, the remaining unpaid balances on each of your monthly statements will accrue interest until they have been fully paid off. Interest rates typically vary per credit card issuer.
- You’ll need to provide a personal guarantee: In most cases, a personal guarantee is required for credit card stacking. It gives your lender the right to pursue your personal assets if your business fails to repay its debt obligations. However, there are credit cards that don’t require personal guarantees that you may include on your stack.
- You don’t need collateral to qualify: With an unsecured credit card, you don’t need to pledge your business assets or personal assets as collateral.
- You need to pay your credit card balance, including interest and other charges: If you stop paying your credit card, the issuer will contact you regularly and attempt to collect payment. If no payment is made after 180 days, your debt will be charged off and will be sold to an external collection agency or sent to in-house collectors. You’re still liable for the charged-off account, including fees and interest charges, until it’s repaid. Non-payment can also adversely affect your credit score, limiting your ability to qualify for business loans.
Credit Card Stacking Without Card Stacking Companies
Credit stacking on your own can help save on annual servicing fees typically charged by card stacking companies. Such providers typically will charge you between 8% to 15% of your total credit limit, which can add up over time easily.
Step 1: Get Prequalified
Credit card providers qualify you based on your personal credit score, type of business, business and personal income, and business credit history. It’s recommended that you have a credit score of at least 680 for the best results. If your credit score isn’t strong, then you can find a personal guarantor willing to allow the bank to rely on their personal credit score and pay your debts in case you default.
Step 2: Choose Your Credit Cards
Choosing the right credit cards for your stack is a key part of credit card stacking. Your business’ spending goals and the rewards or perks you want to receive will likely determine which credit cards would best fit your stack. Examine the costs and fees—including the annual card fee and potential APRs—and find the ones that fit your business needs.
Step 3: Submit Your Applications
The best small business credit cards allow you to apply online and get a decision in minutes. It’s important to know that, when applying for different cards, multiple hard credit checks could have a negative impact on your credit score. As such, you should limit the number of cards you apply for to minimize the negative effect.
Step 4: Receive Your Credit Cards
Once approved, you’ll typically receive your cards within seven to 10 days. These can be used as your business’s unsecured line of credit to help with your funding needs. Each monthly statement will require you to make at least the minimum payment for each card, and any unpaid balances will accrue interest over the next billing cycle.
Credit Card Stacking With a Stacking Lender
Credit card stacking companies, also known as stacking lenders, will help you find the best credit cards for your startup or small business, help narrow down your options, and process the applications for you. While this is usually an easier option, such providers typically charge an annual service fee ranging from 8% to 15% of your total credit limit, which may vary per stacking lender.
Here are a few things that a credit card stacking company can do for you:
- Find out which credit cards you’re most likely to qualify for: Credit card stacking companies take into consideration your personal and business credit scores, your business industry, revenues, and other factors to decide which credit cards you’ll qualify for.
- Offer credit cards with the best deals: As there are more than 1,000 credit cards in the United States, it would take a lot of time and effort to compare every one of them to find out which ones offer the best terms and deals. A credit card stacking company uses its extensive knowledge of banks and card issuers to help you find the lowest APR, best introductory rate, and best deals according to your business’s preferences.
- Submit credit card applications for you: Credit card stacking companies will then submit applications for both personal and business credit cards on your behalf. Typically, a credit card stacking company will submit around seven to 15 applications at the same time to help you get the total credit limit that you need.
- Protect your credit score: Every time you apply for a credit card, the card issuer pulls your credit, which can harm your credit score. Credit card stacking companies can help protect your personal credit scores by submitting your applications strategically, which reduces the number of hard credit pulls on your credit report.
Once approved, you can immediately start using your stack of credit cards as a line of credit to fund your small business or startup. You’ll receive a monthly statement for each credit card and will most likely enjoy an introductory APR of 0% during the first six to 20 months. Any unpaid balances after the promotional period will be charged an APR. It’s important to keep track of each card’s interest rate, credit limit, billing cycle, and due date to avoid paying unnecessary fees.
Pros & Cons of Credit Card Stacking
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| No collateral required | A personal credit score of at least 680 is required |
| Businesses can take advantage of the multiple 0% introductory rates | Typically have higher interest rates compared to small business loans |
| Quick approval and funding | Borrowers need to monitor several credit cards with different interest rates, balances, and due dates |
Credit Card Stacking Costs
- APR: Depends on the card, typically 11% to 30% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual card fees: $0 to $500 or more, sometimes waived for the first year
- Credit card stacking company’s servicing fee: 8% to 15% of your credit limit—applies only if you use a credit card stacking lender’s services
Take advantage of the 0% introductory APR.
Some credit cards offer an introductory period with 0% interest for the first 6 to 20 months, which varies depending on the card issuer. If you draw on your line of credit and pay back what you borrow in full within the promotional period, it’s like borrowing money without interest. Once this promo period ends, the card’s annual percentage rate will apply to your unpaid balances. Check out the best business credit cards with 0% APR.
Best Business Credit Cards for Stacking
The best business credit cards for stacking are those that have zero to low annual fees, long 0% APR periods, low ongoing APRs, and rewards programs that are useful for your business. We also factor in the other benefits that these cards can provide, including flexible rewards redemption options and sign-up bonuses.
Here are the five best business credit cards for stacking:
Best For | Annual Fee | Introductory APR | Ongoing APR | Rewards | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fuel & dining expenses | $0 | 0% on for first 15 billing cycles | 18.49% to 27.49% | 1% to 5% cash back | |
Flexible credit limit | $0 | 0% for the first 12 months | 17.74% to 25.74% | 1x to 2x points per dollar | |
Long 0% APR | $0 | 0% on for first 20 billing cycles | 16.49% to 25.49% | None | |
Unlimited cash back | $0 | 0% for the first 12 months | 17.49% to 23.49% | Unlimited 1.5% cash back | |
Lowest ongoing APR | $0 | 0% for the first 9 billing cycles | 13.24% to 22.24% | Unlimited 1.5% cash back |
To see how these cards stack up against others we reviewed on our site, simply click Add to Compare on a card below and choose up to two additional cards for comparison.
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
BEST FOR:
0% APR for 15 billing cycles
Intro APR
Regular APR
18.49% - 27.49% (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.
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- 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 18.49% - 27.49%.
- No annual fee.
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
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
18.49% - 27.49% (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.
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- 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 18.49% - 27.49%.
- No annual fee.
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
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.
APR & Fees
- Introductory APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles
- Ongoing APR: 17.74% to 26.74% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Cash advance APR: 29.74% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Penalty APR: 29.99%
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the transfer during the application, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each foreign transaction
- Cash advance fee: $10 or 5% of the advance, whichever is greater
- Late payment fee: $40
- Returned payment: $40
- Overlimit: $40
Rewards
- 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals directly booked in the Travel Rewards Center
- 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, office supply stores, cellphone service providers, and restaurants
- 1% cash back on all other net purchases.
- $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses, such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks, within two statement billing cycles following 11 consecutive months of eligible software service purchases made directly with a software service provider
- $500 bonus cash back after you spend $4,500 on eligible purchases within the first 150 days of opening your account
You may redeem your cash back rewards as a statement credit, a credit to your U.S. Bank Rewards card, or as a deposit to your U.S. Bank business checking, savings, or money market account. There’s no limit on the number of rewards you can earn, and your accumulated rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
American Express Blue Business® Plus
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
17.74% - 25.74% 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, 17.74% - 25.74%, 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
17.74% - 25.74% 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, 17.74% - 25.74%, 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.
APR & Fees
- Introductory APR: 0% on purchases for the first 12 months from the date of account opening
- Ongoing APR: 15.49% to 23.49% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Penalty APR: 29.99% variable, which adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction fee: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to United States dollars
- Cash advance fee: Cash advances aren’t allowed
- Late payment fee: Up to $39
- Returned payment: $39
- Overlimit: None
Rewards
- 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within your first three months of membership
- 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year, then 1x point on all purchases thereafter
You can use your points to pay for purchases made with American Express Travel, Amazon.com, Ticketmaster, Best Buy, and other retailers. You can also use points for taxi fares, including tips, in certain taxis in New York City or redeem them for gift cards from a variety of merchants. You can also transfer points to American Express partner loyalty programs, like those offered by airlines and hotels. This card features expanded buying power, which allows you to go beyond your credit limit.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum
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
16.49% - 25.49% (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 16.49%-25.49%.
- 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
- Offers a long 0% APR introductory period
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Excellent/good credit score needed to qualify
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double an original manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year for warranties of three years or less. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per item.
- Purchase protection: U.S. Bank offers purchase protection for items that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. The coverage is limited to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per cardholder, per year.
Intro APR
Regular APR
16.49% - 25.49% (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 16.49%-25.49%.
- 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
- Offers a long 0% APR introductory period
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- No annual fee
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Excellent/good credit score needed to qualify
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double an original manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year for warranties of three years or less. Coverage is limited to $10,000 per item.
- Purchase protection: U.S. Bank offers purchase protection for items that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. The coverage is limited to $500 per claim and up to $50,000 per cardholder, per year.
APR & Fees
- Introductory APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for the first 20 billing cycles
- Ongoing APR: 15.74% to 24.74% variable, which will adjust with the prime rate
- Cash advance APR: 29.74% variable
- Penalty APR: 29.99%
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: $5 or 3% of the transfer during the application, whichever is greater
- Cash advance Fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of each foreign transaction
- Late payment: $19 on balances up to $100, $29 on balances from $100 up to $250, $39 on balances of $250 or more
- Returned payment: $35
- Overlimit: $39
Rewards
The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card doesn’t offer introductory or ongoing rewards. The key benefit of using this card is that you get a competitive introductory and ongoing rate while enjoying a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 billing cycles.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited®
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
16.24% - 22.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 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.
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- 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
Pros
- 0% introductory APR on purchases
- Unlimited cash back rewards on all purchases
Cons
- Introductory APR period doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- 5% balance transfer fee
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes; it provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the US and abroad
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
16.24% - 22.24% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 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.
- With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring.
- 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
Pros
- 0% introductory APR on purchases
- Unlimited cash back rewards on all purchases
Cons
- Introductory APR period doesn’t apply to balance transfers
- 5% balance transfer fee
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: Coverage is primary—meaning it replaces any coverage your personal insurance might offer—when renting for business purposes; it provides reimbursement up to the actual cash value of the vehicle for theft and collision damage for most cars in the US and abroad
- Purchase protection: Covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account per year
- Extended warranty protection: Extends the time period of the US manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year on eligible warranties of three years or less
APR & Fees
- Introductory APR: 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months after opening an account
- Ongoing APR: 14.74% to 20.74% variable, adjustable based on the prime rate
- Cash advance APR: 26.49%, adjustable based on the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: Either 5% of the amount of the transfer or $5, whichever is greater
- Cash advance fee: 5% of the advance or $15, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% for purchases made outside of the United States, charged in United States dollars
- Late payment fees: $40
- Return payment fees: $40
Rewards
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all business-related purchases
- $750 bonus cash back after spending $7,500 on purchases during the first three months after opening an account.
You can redeem your cash rewards, gift cards, and travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. You can also transfer your points to any of Chase’s airline and hotel partners at full 1:1 value with select cards.
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card
PNC Cash Rewards® Visa Signature® Business Credit Card
BEST FOR:
PNC Bank account holders wanting to earn fixed-rate rewards
Intro APR
0% for 9 billing cycles
Regular APR
15.24% to 24.24% 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
- Does not charge annual fees
- With sign-up bonus
- Has low ongoing APR on purcahses and balance transfers
Cons
- Does not offer 0% introductory APR
- 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 & 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
15.24% to 24.24% 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
- Does not charge annual fees
- With sign-up bonus
- Has low ongoing APR on purcahses and balance transfers
Cons
- Does not offer 0% introductory APR
- 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 & 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.
APR & Fees
- Introductory APR: 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles after account opening
- Ongoing APR: 13.24% to 22.24% variable, adjusts with the prime rate
- Cash advance APR: 22.74% variable, adjusts with the prime rate
- Penalty APR: 29.74% variable, adjusts with the prime rate
- Annual fee: None
- Balance transfer fee: 3% of the amount of the transfer or $5, whichever is greater
- Foreign transaction fee: 3% of the amount in United States dollars of each foreign transaction
- Cash advance fee: 4% of the advance or $10, whichever is greater
- Late payment fee: Amount will be based on the previous balance shown on the statement.
- $15 for previous balances of up to $99.99
- $29 for previous balances of $100 to $249.99
- $39 for previous balances of $250 and greater
- Returned payment fee: $35
- Overlimit fee: $39
Rewards
- $400 cash bonus after spending $3,000 in qualifying purchases within the first three billing cycles after opening an account
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all eligible net purchases
You can redeem your cash back anytime as a statement credit or as a deposit into an eligible PNC business checking or savings account.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is credit card stacking?
Credit card stacking is a strategy used as an alternative business financing solution where you apply for multiple credit cards at once to access a larger unsecured line of credit.
Can I combine all my credit card limits into one?
With credit card stacking, your credit cards will come from different issuers. Each card typically comes with a different credit limit, depending on what the issuer offers. While you can use your stack to access a larger credit limit, you cannot combine all your credit card limits into one card—so it’s important to take note of all your credit cards and their corresponding credit limits.
What’s the benefit of using a stacking lender?
While you can do credit card stacking on your own, using a stacking lender can make this process a lot easier. Credit card stacking companies know how to strategically submit applications that will minimize the number of hard credit pulls on your credit score. They also know which credit card issuers offer a low or 0% intro APR and which cards you’ll most likely qualify for based on your credit history, business industry, and income.
Bottom Line
Credit card stacking is an alternative form of business financing that allows you to fund your startup or small business through an unsecured line of credit. It’s a good financing option if you’re having trouble qualifying for an SBA loan or want to earn cash rewards. However, if you don’t want to monitor several credit cards, it’s best to consider applying for other business loan options.
