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SVB Innovators Card, a business charge card issued by the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), lets you earn rewards with no caps, which you can redeem for travel, office needs, and more. It is a scalable business card that helps drive your business’s growth with higher credit limits compared to most other regular business credit cards. Plus, it does not require personal liability and offers robust spend controls. Note that you need to pay your entire balance every due date.
If you wish to compare one card over another, select a maximum of three cards on this page and click Add to Compare to view the details in a side-by-side comparison.
SVB Innovators Card
BEST FOR:
Those who do not want a personal guarantee
- Unlimited 2x points per dollar on every purchase, with no caps or spending category restrictions
Pros
- Doesn’t charge annual and foreign transaction fees
- No personal liability is required
Cons
- Doesn’t offer 0% introductory APR
- Requires excellent credit
- Needs to pay the balance in full each month
- Doesn’t have sign-up bonus
- No personal liability: You don’t need to be personally liable for your business’s credit card debts because this business charge card doesn’t require a personal guarantee, meaning that SVB won’t go after your personal assets in case you fail to pay off your balance.
- Travel and expense (T&E): You can save time with T&E tools like in-app receipt capture and real-time updates for seamless reporting.
- Unlimited 2x points per dollar on every purchase, with no caps or spending category restrictions
Pros
- Doesn’t charge annual and foreign transaction fees
- No personal liability is required
Cons
- Doesn’t offer 0% introductory APR
- Requires excellent credit
- Needs to pay the balance in full each month
- Doesn’t have sign-up bonus
- No personal liability: You don’t need to be personally liable for your business’s credit card debts because this business charge card doesn’t require a personal guarantee, meaning that SVB won’t go after your personal assets in case you fail to pay off your balance.
- Travel and expense (T&E): You can save time with T&E tools like in-app receipt capture and real-time updates for seamless reporting.
When grading pay-in-full business credit cards like the SVB Innovators Card, we evaluate the annual fee first. Then, we look at the card’s rewards, additional features, penalties, and other fees.
Grading Criteria | Card Score | Highest Possible Score |
|---|---|---|
Annual Fee | 30 | 30 |
Ongoing Rewards | 20 | 20 |
Introductory Rewards | 20 | 20 |
Penalties | 10 | 15 |
Other Fees | 8 | 10 |
Additional Features | 2 | 5 |
Total Score | 90 | 100 |
Who the SVB Innovators Card Is Best For
- Those who can pay in full every month: With this card, your balance is due in full every month. It’s designed for startups needing flexible credit lines that scale with their business’s growth.
- Those who don’t want to provide a personal guarantee: This charge card doesn’t require a personal guarantee, which means your personal assets are protected in case your company fails to pay your business’s debts.
- Those with existing SVB business checking accounts: If you have existing business savings or checking accounts with SVB, then getting this card will enable you to manage all of your financials within one bank. Learn more about SVB’s business checking account and its unique features.
See our recommended alternatives below if this card doesn’t fit your business needs.
SVB Innovators Card Rewards
- 3x points on up to $1 million worth of purchases for the first six months (up to 3,000,000 rewards points) as a welcome offer You need to enroll for the program first, and the process can take up to 10 business days. You will not earn any additional bonus points until the enrollment process has been completed.
- Unlimited 2x points per dollar on every purchase, with no caps or spending category restrictions
Rewards Calculator
Find out how much you can earn from the SVB Innovators Card based on your estimated monthly expenses. Use our rewards calculator to compute your potential rewards—enter your expected monthly spending, and our calculator will do the rest.
How To Redeem Rewards
Earned rewards can be redeemed as a statement credit, or for gift cards or travel. To redeem rewards, log in to the rewards site online or through SVB Go, or call SVB Card Services at (866) 553-3481. Note that points earned through this card have no cash value and will not be paid cash for any lost, forfeited, or unused points.
SVB Innovators Card Features
- No personal liability: Protect your personal assets in case your company fails to pay its debts as SVB will not require you to provide a personal guarantee.
- Travel and expense (T&E): Save time with T&E tools, like in-app receipt capture and real-time updates for seamless reporting.
- SVB travel & expense management platform: Control card expenses, manage travel booking, and have a fast T&E reconciliation through SVB’s Travel & Expense Management Platform.
SVB Innovator Card Fees
APRs
There is no APR for the SVB Innovators Card, given that it requires cardholders to pay balances in full each month. Note that charge cards aren’t allowed to carry a balance from one billing period to the next and that if you fail to pay either the balance or a portion of it, the late payment fee will apply.
Fees
- Annual, balance transfer, and foreign transaction: $0
- Cash advance: 3% of the amount of each cash advance, but not less than $3 or more than $50
- Late payment: Greater of either $32 or 2.5% of the Statement Balance if unpaid for one more billing cycle
- Return payment: $29
Your due date will be based on what’s indicated in your billing statement, subject to any reasonable cut-off hour SVB will set.
- Online: Set up automatic payments, allowing the issuer to debit your designated deposit account automatically for the balance due on or before the due date. Also, you can pay off your balances via online banking.
- SVB mobile app: Use the mobile app to pay your balances.
SVB Innovators Card Alternatives
Emburse Spend Card
 Emburse Spend CardBEST FOR: Earning unlimited cash back rewards | |
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Emburse Spend Card is a business prepaid card that lets you earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases. It doesn’t perform a personal credit check and doesn’t require a personal guarantee. However, you need to fund your account first before you can use the card. This is ideal for those who have sufficient cash flow to use as working capital. Note that since this card does not incur debts, it cannot help you build business credit.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
BEST FOR:
Those who want better cash back rewards
- 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, 17.74% – 25.74%, 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 up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. 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
Pros
- 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome offer
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- 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.)
- 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, 17.74% – 25.74%, 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 up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. 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
Pros
- 0% introductory annual percentage rate (APR)
- Welcome offer
- Fixed rate rewards
- $0 annual fee
Cons
- Cash advance isn’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2% cash back is capped at $50,000 in annual spending
- 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.)
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is a great option if you want to receive automatic cash back without the need for manual redemption. It also allows you to carry your balance to the next billing cycle, subject to APR. It comes with a $0 annual fee, 0% purchase APR for 12 months, and a welcome offer. In addition, its Expanded Buying Power feature lets you spend over your credit limit based on your credit use, credit score, and payment history.
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card_name
BEST FOR:
Maximizing travel rewards at a lower annual fee
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
Pros
- Reward points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® card
- Comprehensive travel and purchase protection
- $0 foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No interest-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers
- With annual fee
- Need to make extremely large purchases to qualify for the welcome offer
- Cellphone protection: Get up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees listed on your monthly cellphone bill
- Purchase protection: Can cover your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft of up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account
- Extended warranty protection: You can extend the period of the United States manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Fraud monitoring: Chase will help keep your accounts safe with account alerts―and you can choose how you’d like to receive them
- Free employee cards: You can create employee cards at no additional cost, and lets you set individual spending limits―helping you earn rewards even faster
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
Pros
- Reward points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® card
- Comprehensive travel and purchase protection
- $0 foreign transaction fees
Cons
- No interest-free financing option on both purchases and balance transfers
- With annual fee
- Need to make extremely large purchases to qualify for the welcome offer
- Cellphone protection: Get up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees listed on your monthly cellphone bill
- Purchase protection: Can cover your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft of up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account
- Extended warranty protection: You can extend the period of the United States manufacturer’s warranty by an additional year, on eligible warranties of three years or less.
- Fraud monitoring: Chase will help keep your accounts safe with account alerts―and you can choose how you’d like to receive them
- Free employee cards: You can create employee cards at no additional cost, and lets you set individual spending limits―helping you earn rewards even faster
If you travel frequently, you will benefit from the card_name because your rewards points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel. It offers up to 5% cash back on your purchases for only a $95 annual fee. On top of this, you’ll receive a generous welcome offer and you will likely get a high credit limit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) is still open to serving clients and accepting new businesses. SVB was acquired by First Citizens Bank last March 27, 2023, after the collapse of the bank last March 10, 2023. SVB is now operating as a division of First Citizens Bank.
SVB customers will not have access to First Citizens Bank’s products and services, including branches and ATMs.
When will I receive my rewards points?
You will receive your reward points 30 days after the eligible dollar amount has been spent collectively between the cards under your account.
Bottom Line
If you’re a business owner looking for a card that doesn’t require a personal guarantee, the SVB Innovators Card may be suitable. It lets you earn rewards on your purchases and has a $0 annual fee. However, keep in mind that since this is a charge card, you will need to pay your full balance every month.
Fit Small Business has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Fit Small Business and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.
