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Small business credit cards are a great alternative to small business loans, especially for startup owners who cannot easily qualify for other financing options. The best small business credit cards for startups come with low fees and other perks like an interest-free financing period, ongoing rewards, generous welcome offers, and low ongoing Annual Percentage Rates (APRs). Consider other features your startup needs when choosing the right new business credit card for you.
Here are the top eight business credit cards for startups:
- American Express Blue Business CashTM: Overall best business credit card for startups with automatic cash back and expanded buying power
- U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa®Business Card: Best for earning up to 5% cash back with a long 0% APR period
- Brex Card: Best for daily or monthly payment options with ongoing rewards
- Ramp Card: Best for a straightforward rewards program with 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for 12-month interest-free financing period
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best for earning travel rewards
- American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card: Best for earning point-based rewards with flexible redemption options
- Capital One Spark 1% Classic: Best for fair credit and unlimited rewards
- Overview of the Best Business Cards for Startups
- American Express Blue Business CashTM: Overall Best Business Credit Card for Startups With Automatic Cash Back & Expanded Buying Power
- U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card: Best for Earning up to 5% Cash Back With Long 0% APR Period
- Brex Card: Best for Daily or Monthly Payment Options With Ongoing Rewards
- Ramp Card: Best for a straightforward rewards program with 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for 12-month Interest-free Financing Period
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best for Earning Travel Rewards
- American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card: Best for Earning Point-based Rewards with Flexible Redemption Options
- Capital One Spark 1% Classic: Best for Fair Credit and Unlimited Rewards
- How We Selected the Best Business Credit Cards for Startups
- Alternatives to Business Credit Cards for Startups
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Bottom Line
Overview of the Best Business Cards for Startups
| Best for | Annual Fee | Welcome Offer | Ongoing Rewards | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 American Express Blue Business CashTM | Overall best for startups with automatic cash back and expanded buying power | $0 | $250 statement credit | Up to 2% cash back | Apply NowRates & Fees |
 U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card | Earning up to 5% cash back with long 0% APR period | $0 | $750 cash back bonus | Up to 5% cash back | APPLY NOW |
 Brex Card | Daily or monthly payment options with ongoing rewards | $0 | None | Up to 8x points | Apply Now |
 Ramp Card | Best for a straightforward rewards program with 1.5% cash back on all purchases | $0 | None | Up to 1.5% cash back | Apply Now |
 U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card | 12-month interest-free financing period | $0 | None | None | Apply Now |
 Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard | Earning travel rewards | $0 | 30,000 online bonus points | Up to 3x points | Apply Now |
American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card | Earning point-based rewards with flexible redemption options | $0 | 15,000 points | Up to 2x points | Apply NowRates & Fees |
 Capital One Spark 1% Classic | Startup business owners with fair credit | $0 | None | Up to 5% cash back | Apply Now |
If you want to see how a credit card stacks up against others, click
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on the cards. Note that you can compare up to three credit cards on this page or a credit card here against two other cards on our site.
American Express Blue Business CashTM: Overall Best Business Credit Card for Startups With Automatic Cash Back & Expanded Buying Power
| Intro APR | 0% on purchases |
|---|---|
| Regular APR | 16.74% - 28.49% Variable |
| Annual Fee | No annual fee |
| Credit Needed | Excellent, Good |
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.74% – 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on the first $50,000 of purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power*.
- * The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee. Terms Apply. Learn More.
- Expanded buying power: Enjoy flexible buying power when your business needs it. Expanded buying power gives you the freedom to spend beyond your credit limit and help get business done. While the amount you can spend above your credit limit isn't unlimited, it adjusts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- Car rental loss and damage insurance: As a Card Member, You can be covered for damage to or theft of a rental vehicle in a covered territory when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire rental and decline the collision damage waiver at the rental company counter. (Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.)
Why we like it: We selected the American Express Blue Business CashTM as our overall best business credit card for startups because of its easy rewards program. It lets you earn fixed-rate cash back on your purchases that will be credited to your billing statement automatically, which means there’s no need to redeem your rewards manually. Besides that, you also get to enjoy its Expanded Buying Power feature, which lets you spend over your credit limit based on your card usage, payment behavior, and credit history.
- 2% cash back on the first $50,000 worth of purchases per calendar year, then 1% cash back when the cap is reached
- $250 statement credit when you spend $3,000 in the first three months of card ownership
- 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months after opening an account
- Expense management tools including free employee cards, Connect to QuickBooks®, and Vendor Pay by Bill.com
- $0 annual fee
Consider the American Express Blue Business CashTM card if you:
- Don’t want to manually redeem your cash back rewards
- Need to spend over your credit limit from time to time
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card: Best for Earning up to 5% Cash Back With Long 0% APR Period
| Intro APR | 0% intro on purchases for 12 billing cycles |
|---|---|
| Regular APR | 17.24% - 26.24% Variable |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Credit Needed | Excellent, Good |
- Earn $750 in cash back. Just spend $6,000 on the Account Owner's card in the first 180 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas and EV charging stations (transactions of $200 or less)*, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants (*excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs).
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Center when using your card.
- Take control of your card spend with U.S. Bank Spend Management—a game-changing platform for monitoring and managing business expenses.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Redeem Cash Rewards right away or save them for later. Cash Rewards do not expire as long as the account remains active.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- 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.
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan: Pay off your eligible balance over time with this feature without interest — just pay a small monthly fee
Why we like it: For startup owners who need to make a significant purchase, the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card offers interest-free financing on purchases for the first 12 billing cycles. Not only that, but you also get to enjoy earning up to 5% cash back on your purchases, as well as other benefits that may be valuable to your startup company.
- 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center
- 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
- $750 cash back when you spend $6,000 in purchases within the first 180 days of account opening
- $100 annual credit for recurring software subscriptions
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan lets you pay off your eligible balance in monthly installments without interest—just pay a small fixed monthly fee
- $0 annual fee
Consider the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card if you:
- Need to take advantage of interest-free financing on purchases
- Have recurring expenses on software subscriptions to take advantage of the annual statement credit
Brex Card: Best for Daily or Monthly Payment Options With Ongoing Rewards
 Brex CardBEST FOR: Those who want daily or monthly payments | |
|---|---|
| Spending Limit | Load Limit |
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| Costs | |
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| reviewlink | Apply Now |
Why we like it: The Brex Card can function either as a charge card or a prepaid card—you have the option to pay your balance monthly or daily. Aside from not charging any additional fees on purchases and the creation of physical and virtual cards, it offers points rewards on selected spending categories, and you can redeem them for cash back, credits, rebates, and billboards. It is selected as one of the best business credit cards for startups because it can help new businesses save on costs while giving them the freedom to choose their payment terms based on their cash flow.
The Brex Card is issued by Emigrant Bank and Fifth Third Bank, NA, and
Brex is backed by over 10 partner banks
, which are all Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC)-insured.
Brex Exclusive life science rewards:
- 7x on life sciences conference tickets
- 4x on Brex travel rewards
- 3x on eligible Apple purchases through the Brex rewards portal
- 2x on lab supplies
- 1x on all other purchases
Brex Exclusive daily payments rewards:
- Advertising
- 8x on rideshare, such as Uber, Lyft, and taxi
- 5x on Brex travel rewards
- 4x on restaurants
- 3x on eligible Apple purchases through the Brex Rewards portal
- 1.5x on ads
- 1x on all other purchases
- Software
- 8x on rideshare
- 5x on Brex travel rewards
- 4x on restaurants
- 3x on eligible Apple purchases through the Brex rewards portal
- 3x on recurring software
- 1x on all other purchases
- Life sciences
- 8x on life sciences conference tickets
- 5x on Brex travel rewards
- 3x on eligible Apple purchases through the Brex Rewards portal
- 2x on lab supplies
- 1x on all other purchases
- 10,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first three months after account activation
- Brex expense management system lets you track expenses and match receipts seamlessly
- Up to 50% exclusive software discounts, including QuickBooks Online, QuickBooks Self-Employed, Microsoft 365, and more
- Up to $6 million FDIC protection
Consider the Brex Card if you:
- Have sufficient cash on hand to pay your balance on a daily or monthly basis
- Are engaged in a business related to life sciences or tech industries to take advantage of the perks and premium rewards on these categories
Ramp Card: Best for a straightforward rewards program with 1.5% cash back on all purchases
| Intro APR | None |
|---|---|
| Regular APR | None |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Credit Needed | Poor to Excellent |
- Up to 1.5% cash back on purchases, regardless of spending categories
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator at (800) 397-9010 if you are in the United States or (303) 967-1093 if you are outside of the US if you need emergency assistance.
- Purchase security: Receive a maximum of $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardholder in cases of theft or damage to purchases made with your card.
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: When using this card for renting a car, you can be reimbursed for damages caused by theft or collision up to the Actual Cash Value of most rented cars. Note that rental periods of 31 consecutive days are covered.
- Extended warranty protection: Extend warranties for eligible purchases made with your covered account and/or rewards programs associated with your account.
Why we like it: The Ramp Card is one of our top picks for for early-stage companies that are looking for a simple rewards program and need smart financial controls without added fees. Ramp offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, with no annual, setup, or foreign transaction fees. Credit limits are often significantly higher than standard business cards, giving startups room to grow. It also integrates seamlessly with Ramp’s expense management platform, helping teams of all sizes track spending and enforce policies.
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases, regardless of spending categories
- Unlimited virtual and physical cards at no additional costs
- Ramp’s platform lets you set spending controls on every card, block certain merchants, and monitor expenses in real time
- Offers direct integration with a variety of popular accounting systems, including QuickBooks, NetSuite, Xero, and Sage Intacct
Consider the Ramp Card if you:
- Are currently using Ramp as your primary financial management tool. Check out our Ramp review to learn more about the platform’s features, pricing, and alternatives.
- Are looking to maximize rewards without having to focus on specific spending categories.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for 12-month Interest-free Financing Period
| Intro APR | 0% intro on purchases for 12 billing cycles |
|---|---|
| Regular APR | 16.24% - 25.24% Variable |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Credit Needed | Excellent, Good |
- 0% Intro APR on purchase and balance transfers for 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 16.24% - 25.24%.
- Save on interest when you transfer balances from higher rate credit cards.
- Take control of your card spend with U.S. Bank Spend Management—a game-changing platform for monitoring and managing business expenses and employee spending.
- No annual fee.
- Terms and conditions apply.
- SinglePoint® Essentials: SinglePoint® Essentials is U.S. Bank’s one-stop tool for viewing account balances and transaction details, transferring funds between existing U.S. Bank accounts, downloading statements, and making payments.
- Fraud protection: U.S. Bank offers fraud protection to ensure the safety and security of all cardholders. To learn more about U.S. Bank’s fraud protection services, you can set up a virtual appointment, call U.S. Bank, or go to the nearest U.S. Bank branch.
- ExtendPay® plan: This allows you to pay off balances over time by dividing eligible credit card purchases into affordable monthly payments with no interest—you only need to pay a fixed monthly fee.
- Visa Spend Clarity: Another tool that cardholders can use to track spending and manage finances is Visa Spend Clarity.
Why we like it: The primary benefit of using a U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card for your startup business is that you get to take advantage of its 12-month long 0% APR on purchases. While it doesn’t provide introductory and ongoing rewards, it comes with a low ongoing APR compared to most other business credit cards.
The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card does not offer rewards on your transactions.
- $0 annual fee
- U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan allows you to divide your eligible balance into monthly installments without paying interest, just a fixed monthly fee
- 24/7 dedicated customer service
Consider the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card if you:
- Need to make a substantial purchase or consolidate your debts from other credit cards
- Don’t mind not earning rewards on your purchases in exchange for a long 0% APR period and a low ongoing APR
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best for Earning Travel Rewards
| Intro APR | 0% 9 billing cycles |
|---|---|
| Regular APR | 18.49% - 28.49% Variable APR on purchases |
| Annual Fee | $0.00 |
| Credit Needed | Excellent |
- Earn 30,000 online bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent, or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee, and earn up to an unlimited 2.62 points for every $1 spent on all purchases if you have a Bank of America® business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier.
- No limit to the amount of points you can earn and points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee and no international transaction fees.
- Choose how to redeem points for a statement credit to offset travel and dining purchases, travel with no blackout dates at the Bank of America® Travel Center, for cash back or gift cards.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
- Bank of America doesn’t disclose details of its additional card features. To find out more about these additional features, review your guide to benefits when you receive your card in the mail.
Why we like it: The Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® lets you earn rewards that can be redeemed for a statement credit to cover your recent travel and dining purchases, making it ideal for startup businesses that need to travel often. You can also use your rewards for travel through the Bank of America Travel Center, or redeem them as cash back or gift cards. What’s more, it comes with 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles.
- 3x points for every dollar spent when you book a rental car, hotel stay, or airfare through the Bank of America® Travel Center
- 1.5x points for every dollar you spend on all other purchases
- 30,000 online bonus points after you spend $3,000 or more in the first 90 days of card ownership, which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining purchases
- Up to 75% more rewards if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for the Preferred Rewards for Business program
- $0 annual and foreign transaction fees
Consider the Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® if you:
- Travel frequently for business and want to earn rewards that can be redeemed for travel or travel credits
- Have an existing Bank of America business checking account for a chance to earn up to 75% more rewards
American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card: Best for Earning Point-based Rewards with Flexible Redemption Options
| Intro APR | 0% on purchases |
|---|---|
| Regular APR | 16.74% - 28.49% Variable |
| Annual Fee | No annual fee |
| Credit Needed | Excellent, Good |
- 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.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.74% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X 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. Terms and limitations apply.
- You’ve got the power to spend above your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
- 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.
(Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.)
Why we like it: The American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card lets you earn points-based rewards that can be redeemed as a statement credit, for gift cards, or to pay for purchases with various merchants. You can also transfer your points to American Express partner loyalty programs like airlines and hotels. It is chosen as one of the best startup business credit cards for those who need to redeem their rewards in several ways, depending on what their business needs most at the time of redemption.
- 2x points per dollar on the first $50,000 in purchases each year, then 1x point per dollar after the cap is reached
- 15,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $3,000 in your first three months of card ownership
- 0% APR on purchases in the first 12 months after opening an account
- Expanded Buying Power feature lets you spend over your credit limit based on your card usage, credit score, and payment history
- $0 annual fee
- Expense management tools including free employee cards, Connect to QuickBooks®, and Vendor Pay by Bill.com
Consider the American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card if you:
- Have varied credit needs and may need to spend more than your credit limit from time to time
- Prefer to earn points-based rewards so you can redeem them in various ways
Capital One Spark 1% Classic: Best for Fair Credit and Unlimited Rewards
| Intro APR | N/A |
|---|---|
| Regular APR | 29.99% variable |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Credit Needed | Fair |
- 1% cash back every time you swipe
- Build your business credit through responsible usage
- Issue employee cards for free
- Automatic payments: Setting up AutoPay in the Capital One mobile app will save you from having to worry about signing in to your account every month
- $0 fraud liability: If your card is either lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and cash advance.
- Purchase records: You can download all purchase records quickly and securely in multiple formats, including Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®.
- Extended warranty: Get free additional warranty and protection on eligible items purchased with your business credit card.
- Free employee cards: You can create multiple employee cards, track employee spending, and customize spending limits while earning all the rewards from their purchases.
Why we like it: The Capital One® Spark 1% Classic is a great option for startup business owners with a fair credit score—that is, a FICO® Score☉ranging from 580 to 669. It lets you earn up to 5% cash back rewards, which you can redeem as a statement credit or through a check sent by mail.
- 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 1% cash back on all business-related purchases, with no limits or category restrictions
- $0 annual fee
- Ability to build credit with consistent on-time payment and responsible use
- $0 foreign transaction fee
- Payment flexibility lets you choose your own monthly due date
Consider the Capital One Spark 1% Classic if you:
- Have a low credit score that could not qualify for a business credit card with more favorable terms
- Can pay your entire balance monthly or don’t mind paying a high interest rate if you need to carry a balance to the next billing cycle
How We Selected the Best Business Credit Cards for Startups
When choosing the best new business credit cards, we prioritized cards with low or no annual fees to help startup owners minimize their credit costs. We also considered the overall value of these cards, their requirements, and the various features that startup owners may need—such as rewards, flexible spending categories, an easy application process, introductory bonuses, and introductory APRs.
Alternatives to Business Credit Cards for Startups
Aside from using a business credit card, other options for funding your startup business include:
- Personal loans: These are money borrowed from banks, credit unions, or other lenders. They are usually unsecured, which means you don’t need to provide collateral. See our top-recommended personal loans for business funding for a place to start.
- Small Business Administration (SBA) loans: These are loans issued by eligible lenders and are partially guaranteed by the SBA. For an in-depth guide, read our article on SBA loan types, rates, and requirements.
- Microloans: These are loans of $50,000 or less, usually offered by lenders through SBA microloan programs. See our article on SBA Microloans’ rates, eligibility and how to apply to learn more.
- Equipment financing: This is either a loan or a lease that’s intended to finance the purchase of equipment for your business. The equipment will serve as collateral for the loan. If you choose a lease, the equipment will be returned to the lease provider after the lease term. To learn more, read our article on equipment financing: loans vs leases.
- Rollover for business startups (ROBS): This financing method allows you to use funds from your retirement account to start or purchase a business. It allows you to access your retirement funds early without paying the usual taxes or early withdrawal penalties. Read our ultimate guide on ROBS for more information.
- Home equity loan: This is a type of startup financing that lets you use the equity in your primary residence for your startup capital needs. Learn about the process through our guide on how to use a home equity loan to finance your business.
- Home equity line of credit (HELOC): A HELOC is also a good option for those who have equity in their primary residence. It gives you access to a business line of credit equivalent to around 90% to 95% of your home’s value. Read our article on how to use a HELOC to fund your business for guidance.
- Small business grants: These are essentially free money for financial assistance provided to new business owners by various organizations, including government agencies, non-profit entities, and private companies. See our lists of the leading small business grants and top small business grants for women.
- Crowdfunding: This financing method sources funds from several investors in exchange for goods, services, or even equity in your company. See our guide on how to crowdfund your small business if you require assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Using business credit cards to finance a startup business is a good idea if you don’t qualify for a small business loan or need immediate funding for working capital. A credit card application usually involves a simpler process and typically results in fast approval compared to a small business loan. Ideally, you can use a business credit card to purchase equipment and other supplies that you need to get your new business off the ground.
The qualification requirements may differ from one business credit card to another. Make sure that your credit score meets the credit requirements. Also, prepare the following documents and information:
- Business legal name, address, and contact details
- Type of business or industry type
- Business entity or legal structure
- Federal tax ID or social security number
- Number employees
- Annual business revenue
- Estimated monthly expenses using the credit card
- Owner’s information and personal credit history
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
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Bottom Line
The best business credit card for your startup is one tailored to your needs. Select a card that can give you lucrative rewards for every expense and interest-free financing options on substantial purchases. Check the credit requirements and other needed documents first to ensure a smooth application process.
To see rates & fees for the American Express cards
American Express Blue Business® Cash™
American Express Blue Business® Plus
