10 Best Business Travel Credit Cards
10 Best Business Travel Credit Cards
Business Travel Credit Cards are designed to help business earn rewards on their travel-related purchases. These cards function similarly to personal travel cards owners but are tailored for business expenses, offering perks that are especially valuable for frequent business travelers. With these cards cards, you can earn points, miles, or cashback for spending on things like flights, hotels, rental cars, and business-related expenses. Many of these cards also come with additional benefits, such as travel insurance, priority boarding, and access to airport lounges, making them essential tools for business owners who frequently travel for work.
The benefits of Business Travel Credit Cards are substantial. In addition to earning valuable rewards, they often provide exclusive travel-related perks, such as access to VIP airport lounges, travel insurance, and points or miles that can be redeemed for flights , hotel stays, and car rentals. Many business travel cards also offer expense management tools, which can help streamline your company's finances by consolidating business-related purchases on one card. These rewards and perks help you save money on business travel, improve your overall travel experience, and allow you to earn valuable rewards for your business. Below, we've compiled a list of the 10 Best Business Travel Credit Cards to help you choose the best card for your 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.
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
4.
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
5.
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Flexible Rewards: Miles can be redeemed for travel-related purchases, including flights, hotel stays, and car rentals, or used for statement credits or gift cards.
Employee Cards: Allows businesses to add employee cards to the account and earn miles on their purchases without an extra fee.
Sign-Up Bonus: Offers a large one-time bonus of miles after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first 3 months.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for businesses that make international purchases, as there are no additional fees for foreign transactions.
Flexible Redemption: Miles can be redeemed for travel expenses or converted to statement credits, providing versatility.
Employee Cards at No Extra Cost: Add employee cards at no additional cost, helping businesses earn more miles on employee spending.
Travel Benefits: Includes access to travel protections such as travel accident insurance and rental car insurance when traveling on business.
- Capital One Spark Miles for BusinessCheck Here
Capital One Spark Miles for Business - - Earn 2 miles per $1 on every purchase. Sign-up bonus: 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months.
Pros
- 2X Miles on All Purchases: The flat 2X miles on every purchase is a significant advantage for businesses that want to earn rewards without tracking categories.
- Generous Sign-Up Bonus: The large bonus miles offer a good amount of value for businesses that meet the minimum spend within the first few months.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Great for businesses with international transactions or those that frequently travel abroad.
- Flexible Rewards: Miles are versatile and can be redeemed for travel expenses, making it easy to use rewards in a way that benefits the business.
Cons
- Annual Fee: The card has a $95 annual fee (waived for the first year), which may be a downside for small businesses with lower spending.
- High APR: The card has a relatively high APR (18.24%–26.24%), so it's not ideal for businesses that carry a balance month to month.
- Limited Non-Travel Rewards: The card focuses on travel rewards, so businesses looking for rewards in other categories may find the earning rate less appealing.
Key Features
Large Sign-Up Bonus (after meeting minimum spend).
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee: $95 (waived for the first year).
Employee Cards at no extra cost.
Travel Benefits: Includes travel accident and rental car insurance.
Why Is Recommended
6.
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
7.
US Bank Business Travel Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®
- US Bank Business Travel Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®Check Here
US Bank Business Travel Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard® - - Earn 2 miles per $1 on travel and 1 mile on all other purchases. Sign-up bonus: 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months.
8.
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.
9.
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
10.
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
6X Points on US Gas Stations, US Restaurants, and US Wireless Services: Earn 6X points on eligible purchases in these categories.
3X Points on All Other Purchases: Earn 3X points on all other eligible business expenses.
130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points: Earn 130,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months from account opening.
Free Weekend Night Award: Get a free weekend night award after spending $15,000 on the card in a calendar year, which can be redeemed at participating Hilton properties.
Hilton Honors Gold Status: Enjoy automatic Hilton Honors Gold status, which includes perks like room upgrades, late checkout, and bonus points on stays.
No Foreign Transaction Fees: Perfect for international business travelers.
- Hilton Honors American Express Business CardCheck Here
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card - - Earn 12 points per $1 spent on Hilton hotel stays, 6 points on select business categories, and 3 points on all other purchases. Sign-up bonus: 130,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
Pros
- High Rewards on Hilton Purchases: The 12X points at Hilton properties provide excellent earning potential for frequent Hilton guests.
- Generous Welcome Bonus: 130,000 bonus points after meeting the spend requirement is a strong incentive, enough for several free hotel nights.
- Free Weekend Night: A valuable perk for businesses with travel needs, offering flexibility in redeeming Hilton points.
- Hilton Honors Gold Status: Automatic Gold status provides additional travel perks, like room upgrades and late checkout.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: A major advantage for businesses with international travel.
Cons
- Annual Fee: The $95 annual fee may be a consideration for smaller businesses or those with less frequent travel.
- Hilton-Specific Benefits: Benefits are more valuable for businesses that frequently stay at Hilton hotels. For businesses that don't, the rewards may not be as attractive.
- Spending Requirement for Bonus: The $3,000 spend requirement in 3 months may be challenging for some businesses.
Key Features
12X points on Hilton purchases
6X points on US gas stations, restaurants, and wireless services
3X points on all other purchases
Free weekend night after $15,000 in annual spending
Automatic Hilton Honors Gold status
No foreign transaction fees
$95 annual fee
Why Is Recommended
Conclusion
Business Travel Credit Cards offer valuable rewards, perks, and tools that can significantly enhance the travel experience for business owners. Cards like the Chase Ink Business Preferred® and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express are ideal for frequent travelers, offering excellent point-earning potential and premium benefits like lounge access and travel insurance. For those looking for more straightforward rewards, the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business and the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® offer easy-to- earn miles with no annual fees. Whichever card you choose, it's important to consider your business's specific needs—whether you prefer hotel stays, airline miles, or cashback rewards—and select a card that maximizes your benefits while keeping travel costs manageable. With the right business travel credit card, your company can save money and enjoy enhanced travel perks every time you fly for business.