10 Best Business Credit Cards
10 Best Business Credit Cards
Business credit cards are financial tools designed to help business owners separate personal and business expenses, while offering benefits that can assist in managing business finances. These cards function like personal credit cards, but they typically offer higher credit limits, more robust rewards programs, and additional features tailored for businesses. With business credit cards, companies can earn rewards such as cash back, points, or miles for purchases related to their operations. Business owners can use these cards for a variety of purchases, including office supplies, travel, advertising, and utilities, making them an essential tool for day-to-day business activities.
The benefits of business credit cards are numerous. They not only help businesses track their spending more effectively but also allow for the accumulation of rewards that can be redeemed for travel, gifts, or statement credits. Many business credit cards offer introductory bonuses, rewards on specific categories like office supplies or travel, and premium perks such as access to airport lounges or travel insurance. Additionally, business credit cards often come with tools to simplify expense management, such as spending reports and detailed analytics, making them ideal for business owners looking to keep their finances organized and optimize their rewards. Below are the 10 Best Business Credit Cards to help you find the best options for your company’s needs.
1.
Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
3X Points on Travel, Shipping, Internet, Cable, and Advertising: Earn 3X points on the first $150,000 spent in combined categories each account anniversary year.
1X Points on All Other Purchases: Earn 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
Travel Perks: Includes access to travel protections like trip cancellation insurance, rental car insurance, and baggage delay insurance.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Great for businesses with international operations or travel.
Points Transfer to Travel Partners: Points can be transferred to Chase's airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 ratio, making it easy to redeem for travel.
- Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit CardCheck Here
Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card - - Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel, shipping, internet, cable, and phone services. Sign-up bonus: 100,000 points after spending $15,000 in the first 3 months.
Pros
- High Points Earning on Key Categories: Earn 3X points on common business expenses like travel, advertising, and shipping.
- Large Sign-Up Bonus: The 100,000-point bonus offers a significant reward value (worth up to $1,250 when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®).
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for businesses with international spending or travel.
- Flexible Points Redemption: Points can be used for travel, cash back, or transferred to airline and hotel partners for enhanced travel rewards.
- Strong Travel Protections: Offers valuable travel insurance and purchase protection.
Cons
- $95 Annual Fee: While the annual fee is reasonable, it might be a consideration for small businesses with low spending.
- Spending Cap on Bonus Categories: The 3X points are capped at $150,000 annually in combined categories, so businesses with large spending may need to look for other options once the cap is reached.
- High Minimum Spend for Bonus: The $15,000 spend requirement to earn the 100,000-point bonus may be challenging for some businesses.
Key Features
3X points on travel, shipping, internet, cable, and advertising (up to $150,000 annually)
1X points on all other purchases
Points transfer to airline and hotel partners
No foreign transaction fees
Travel and purchase protections
$95 annual fee
Why Is Recommended
2.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
5X Membership Rewards® on Flights & Prepaid Hotels: Earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.
1.5X on Purchases of $5,000 or More: Earn 1.5X points on qualifying purchases of $5,000 or more (excluding flights and prepaid hotels).
Access to Airport Lounges: Enjoy complimentary access to more than 1,300 airport lounges, including The Centurion Lounge and Priority Pass.
35% Points Back on Flights: Get 35% of your points back when booking flights using Membership Rewards® points through Amex Travel (up to 500,000 points back per year).
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international travel.
Exclusive Travel Benefits: Including VIP access to select events, travel insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, and more.
- The Business Platinum Card from American ExpressCheck Here
The Business Platinum Card from American Express - - Earn 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel and on prepaid hotels. Sign-up bonus: 120,000 points after spending $15,000 in the first 3 months.
Pros
- Generous Travel Rewards: 5X points on flights and hotels is ideal for frequent travelers.
- Luxury Travel Perks: Access to airport lounges, VIP event access, and 35% points back on flight bookings make it a top-tier travel card.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Perfect for international business spending.
- Welcome Bonus: The 120,000-point sign-up bonus can be redeemed for significant travel rewards.
- Purchase Protections: Includes extended warranty, purchase protection, and access to concierge services.
Cons
- High Annual Fee: The $695 annual fee may be prohibitive for smaller businesses or those with limited travel.
- High Minimum Spend Requirement: The $15,000 spend for the welcome bonus may be a stretch for some businesses.
- Focus on Travel: If your business doesn't spend heavily on travel, you may not fully maximize the card's benefits.
Key Features
5X points on flights & prepaid hotels
1.5X points on purchases of $5,000 or more
Airport lounge access
35% points back on flights booked with points
No foreign transaction fees
$695 annual fee
Why Is Recommended
3.
Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Sign-Up Bonus: Offers a one-time cash bonus after meeting the minimum spend within the first three months.
Employee Cards: Add employee cards at no extra cost, and earn cashback on their purchases.
Office Supply Stores
Internet, Cable, and Phone Services
2% Cash Back on the First $25,000 spent annually on combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants.
1% Cash Back on All Other Purchases.
$750 Cash Bonus: Earn a $750 bonus after spending $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months.
No Annual Fee: There is no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for small businesses.
Employee Cards at No Additional Cost: Add employee cards and earn cashback on their purchases without paying extra fees.
Flexible Redemption: Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits, gift cards, or travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit CardCheck Here
Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card - - Earn 5% cashback on the first $25,000 spent at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each anniversary year. Sign-up bonus: $750 after spending $7,500 in the first 3 months.
Pros
- Strong Cash Back in Key Business Categories: 5% back on office supplies, internet, cable, and phone services, plus 2% on gas and restaurant purchases, making it a great card for businesses with recurring expenses in these areas.
- No Annual Fee: A great advantage for businesses that want to avoid additional fees.
- Generous Sign-Up Bonus: $750 cash bonus after spending $7,500 within the first 3 months is a solid reward for a small business.
- Employee Cards: The ability to add employee cards at no extra cost makes it easier to manage employee spending and earn more rewards.
- Flexible Rewards: Cashback can be used for statement credits, gift cards, or travel bookings, making it a versatile option.
Cons
- Bonus Categories Have a Cap: The 5% and 2% cash back categories are limited to $25,000 per year, after which rewards drop to 1%.
- Higher APR: The card has a relatively high APR (19.24%–25.24%), so it's not ideal for businesses that carry balances month-to-month.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: The card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, which is not ideal for businesses that travel internationally.
Key Features
2% Cash Back on the first $25,000 spent on combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants.
1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
$750 Sign-Up Bonus (after meeting the $7,500 spend requirement).
No Annual Fee.
Employee Cards at no additional cost.
Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%.
Why Is Recommended
4.
Capital One Spark Cash for Business
$500 Sign-Up Bonus: Earn a $500 cash bonus after spending $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
No Annual Fee for the First Year: For new cardholders, the annual fee of $95 is waived for the first year, which makes it more affordable in the initial phase.
Business Purchase Protections: Includes purchase security, extended warranty, and travel accident insurance.
Employee Cards at No Extra Cost: Add employee cards for free, and all purchases made by employees earn 2% cashback.
Free Employee Cards: You can give employee cards at no additional cost, enabling your team to make purchases while earning cashback for the business.
- Capital One Spark Cash for BusinessCheck Here
Capital One Spark Cash for Business - - Earn 2% cashback on every purchase with no limit. Sign-up bonus: $500 after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months.
Pros
- 2% Cashback on All Purchases: The unlimited 2% cashback rate on all purchases is one of the highest in the business credit card category, making it easy to earn rewards without worrying about category restrictions.
- Sign-Up Bonus: The $500 bonus is relatively easy to earn with a manageable spending requirement.
- No Annual Fee for First Year: The first year without an annual fee makes the card an even better value during the initial period.
- Employee Cards at No Additional Cost: Allow employees to make purchases while contributing to cashback rewards.
- Purchase Protections: Includes key benefits like purchase protection and extended warranties on eligible items.
Cons
- Annual Fee After First Year: After the first year, the card charges a $95 annual fee, which could be a drawback for businesses with lower spending.
- No Bonus Categories: The 2% cashback rate is great, but some businesses may prefer cards with higher rewards for specific spending categories like travel or office supplies.
- High Sign-Up Bonus Spending Requirement: The $4,500 minimum spend in the first 3 months may be challenging for smaller businesses.
Key Features
$500 Sign-Up Bonus: Spend $4,500 in the first 3 months and earn $500.
No Annual Fee First Year: No fee in the first year, then $95 annually.
Purchase Protections: Includes purchase security, extended warranty, and travel protections.
Employee Cards for Free: Get free employee cards, and earn cashback on employee purchases.
Why Is Recommended
5.
American Express Business Gold Card
1x Points on Other Purchases: Earn 1 point for every dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
Welcome Bonus: New cardholders can earn a large welcome bonus in the form of Membership Rewards® points when meeting a minimum spending requirement in the first few months.
No Pre-set Spending Limit: The card offers flexible spending power based on your business’s financial situation, with no pre-set spending limit (though spending is still subject to approval).
Travel Protections: Includes benefits like baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance, and access to travel-related perks.
Expense Management Tools: Use tools like year-end summaries and purchase records to help manage and track business spending.
- American Express Business Gold CardCheck Here
American Express Business Gold Card - - Earn 4 points per $1 on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each month (from a list of 6 categories). Sign-up bonus: 70,000 points after spending $10,000 in the first 3 months.
Pros
- 4x Points on Select Categories: The ability to earn 4x points in the categories where you spend the most makes it a great card for businesses with varied spending.
- No Pre-set Spending Limit: Offers more flexibility for high-volume businesses that need the ability to make large purchases.
- Access to Membership Rewards®: Points can be redeemed for travel, statement credits, or shopping, with the potential for higher value when transferred to airline or hotel partners.
- Wide Range of Business Benefits: Includes valuable travel and purchase protections, as well as expense management tools.
- Welcome Bonus: The introductory bonus can provide a significant rewards boost early on.
Cons
- Annual Fee: The card has a high annual fee, which may not be justified for businesses with lower spending.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: A 2.7% foreign transaction fee makes it less ideal for businesses that make frequent international purchases.
- Limited to 2 Categories for 4x Points: The 4x points apply only to 2 categories chosen per billing cycle, which may limit flexibility for businesses with diverse spending needs.
Key Features
Welcome Bonus: Earn points after meeting the required spending threshold.
No Pre-set Spending Limit: Flexible spending for larger purchases.
Travel Protections: Includes baggage insurance and car rental insurance.
Expense Management Tools: Helps you manage spending and track business expenses.
Why Is Recommended
6.
US Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card
- US Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® CardCheck Here
US Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card - - Earn 2% cashback on every purchase, with no annual fee. Sign-up bonus: $500 after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months.
7.
Wells Fargo Business Elite Signature Card
- Wells Fargo Business Elite Signature CardCheck Here
Wells Fargo Business Elite Signature Card - - Earn 1.5% unlimited cashback on every purchase. Sign-up bonus: $500 after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
8.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®
No Annual Fee: Enjoy the benefits of a travel rewards card without paying an annual fee.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Great for businesses with international spending or travel.
Introductory Bonus: Earn 30,000 online bonus points after making at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days, redeemable for a $300 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Points Redemption Flexibility: Points can be redeemed for travel-related expenses, including flights, hotel stays, and car rentals.
Travel and Purchase Protections: Includes travel accident insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, and purchase protection on eligible purchases.
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®Check Here
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® - - Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 on every purchase. Sign-up bonus: 30,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.
Pros
- Unlimited 1.5 Points on Every Purchase: Simple and straightforward rewards structure with no category restrictions.
- No Annual Fee: A major advantage over many other business travel cards that charge a fee.
- Introductory Bonus: The 30,000-point welcome bonus can provide a significant amount of travel credit, worth up to $300 in travel.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: A great benefit for international business travel.
- Flexible Rewards: Points can be redeemed for a wide range of travel expenses, offering flexibility for businesses with varied travel needs.
Cons
- No Bonus Categories: Unlike some travel cards, this card does not offer higher points on specific categories like dining or travel, which may limit its appeal for businesses with specialized spending.
- Limited Travel Perks: While it offers travel protections, it lacks premium travel benefits like lounge access or free checked bags, which some other travel rewards cards provide.
- Moderate Introductory Bonus: The 30,000-point bonus is decent, but it’s lower than some other travel rewards cards with higher bonuses.
Key Features
30,000-point intro bonus (worth $300 toward travel)
No annual fee
No foreign transaction fees
Points redemption for travel expenses
Travel and purchase protections
$0 introductory fee for the first 9 months on balance transfers (then 3% or $10, whichever is greater)
Why Is Recommended
9.
BBVA Business Rewards Credit Card
- BBVA Business Rewards Credit CardCheck Here
BBVA Business Rewards Credit Card - - Earn 1.5% cashback on every purchase, with no annual fee. Sign-up bonus: $100 after spending $500 in the first 90 days.
10.
CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard
Travel Rewards: Specifically geared toward business owners who frequently travel with American Airlines or its airline partners.
Employee Cards: Add employee cards to the account to earn additional miles on their purchases.
2X AAdvantage® Miles on Telecommunications, Cable, and Internet: Earn double miles on common business expenses such as phone bills, internet, and cable services.
1X AAdvantage® Miles on All Other Purchases: Earn miles on every other business expense.
25% In-Flight Savings: Get 25% savings on in-flight food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights when using the card.
First Checked Bag Free: Cardholders and up to 4 companions get their first checked bag free on American Airlines flights, saving on travel costs.
Priority Boarding: Enjoy early boarding on American Airlines flights, making it easier to get settled in before takeoff.
No Annual Fee for the First Year: The card has no annual fee for the first 12 months, which is ideal for businesses looking to try out the card without an upfront cost.
Introductory Bonus: Earn a generous amount of AAdvantage® miles after meeting the spending requirement within the first 3 months.
- CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select MastercardCheck Here
CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard - - Earn 2 miles per $1 on American Airlines purchases and on select business categories. Sign-up bonus: 65,000 miles after spending $4,000 in the first 4 months.
Pros
- Double Miles on Key Business Expenses: Earn 2X miles on American Airlines and telecommunications services, which are common business expenses.
- Travel Perks: Free checked bags, priority boarding, and in-flight discounts add significant value for frequent flyers.
- No Annual Fee for the First Year: The first-year fee waiver reduces the upfront cost of the card.
- Sign-Up Bonus: A substantial sign-up bonus of AAdvantage® miles after meeting the minimum spending requirement.
- Employee Cards: Add employee cards at no extra cost and earn miles on their purchases.
Cons
- Foreign Transaction Fee: There is a 3% foreign transaction fee, which could be a drawback for businesses with international expenses.
- Annual Fee After First Year: The card has a $99 annual fee after the first year, which may not be worth it for businesses that don't travel frequently with American Airlines.
- Limited Rewards Outside Travel and Telecom: While great for business travelers, the rewards outside of travel and telecommunications are not as lucrative.
Key Features
1X AAdvantage® Miles on other purchases.
25% In-Flight Savings on food and beverages.
First Checked Bag Free on American Airlines flights.
Priority Boarding for American Airlines flights.
Introductory Bonus of AAdvantage® miles (after meeting spend requirement).
Annual Fee: $99 (waived for the first year).
Foreign Transaction Fee: 3%.
Why Is Recommended
Conclusion
Choosing the best business credit card can significantly impact your company's financial management and overall efficiency. The cards listed above offer various benefits, from high rewards earning potential in specific categories like travel and office supplies, to flat-rate cashback on every purchase . Cards like the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express are perfect for businesses that spend heavily on travel and other operational needs. If you prefer straightforward cashback, the Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business and Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card offers reliable rewards across all purchases. Each card has unique benefits, so it's important to consider your business's spending habits and choose a card that aligns with your goals. By selecting the right business credit card, you can maximize rewards, reduce expenses, and streamline your company's financial management.