Ellen B. Kennedy
For our review of the best business credit cards, we may get compensation if you visit partner links on our site. We may not cover every available offer. Our relationship with advertisers may impact how an offer is presented on our website. However, our selection of products is made independently of our relationship to advertisers. Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Rates checked as of November, 19 2024.
Business credit cards that offer rewards can be a handy tool for small business owners. Rather than rely on personal rewards credit cards, small businesses can enjoy benefits more tailored to their needs.
Business credit cards may offer maximum rewards on travel purchases, gas, office supplies, or other key spending areas for businesses, or they may provide a solid flat rate of cash back, miles, or points on every purchase. Business cards often come with special features, such as employee cards and spending reports that break down cash flow. And business credit cards provide a way for business owners to separate business spending from personal spending.
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Whatever the size of your business, be prepared to hand over information such as your business’s name and location, tax identification number (or Social Security number for a sole proprietor), and annual revenue when you apply.
The credit cards below provide ample rewards for business owners. For each card, we’ve calculated a typical annual reward that assumes $31,000 spent annually on the card. A couple of the cards offer 0% introductory interest rates, too, which can be helpful for business owners who want to finance a large purchase interest-free.
If you’re instead looking for a card that provides strong cash back rewards for users of all ages, see our guide to the best cash back credit cards. And if you’d like to open a card that offers points or miles for travelers, see our guide to the best travel rewards credit cards.
Interest rates, fees, rewards and other terms listed in this article are subject to change. Before you apply for a credit card, check its current terms and conditions with the issuer.
Chase Ink Business Cash
- APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases, then 18.49% to 24.49% variable
- Annual fee: None
- Top rewards rate: 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending each year at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services
- Other benefits: 2% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending each year at gas stations and restaurants; 1% back on all other purchases
- Business-friendly benefits: Free employee cards, with the ability to set individual spending limits on them; integrate your Chase Ink card with bookkeeping software
- Redemption: Points earned are worth a penny each if you redeem them for cash back, gift cards, or travel
- Sign-up bonus: Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months after account opening.
Amex Express Blue Business Cash
- Purchases Intro APR: 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.74% - 25.74% variable, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99% (See Rates and Fees).
- Annual fee: None (See Rates and Fees).
- Top rewards rate: 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.
- Scalable limits: 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.
- Other benefits: 1% cash back on all eligible purchases after the $50,000 threshold is met. American Express also offers solid car rental insurance* and other travel benefits.
- Business-friendly benefits: Add employee cards to your account, designate an account manager who has access to the account, and receive a year-end summary that charts your annual spending
- Intro bonus: Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your card in your first 3 months.
- Terms apply
Capital One Spark Miles Mastercard
- APR: 26.24% variable APR for purchases. Be sure to make your payments on time, as the late payment APR is higher than many competitors, at 34.4%. Balance transfers are not available with this card.
- Annual fee: $95, waived the first year.
- Top rewards rate: Two miles per dollar on every purchase, plus five miles per dollar on hotel and rental-car bookings through Capital One Travel.
- Other benefits: Credit of up to $100 every four years to reimburse the application fee for the Global Entry or TSA PreCheck airport-screening programs and two free yearly visits to Capital One’s airport lounges.
- Business-friendly benefits: Free employee cards and controls to set spending limits on them, plus the ability to download purchase records into various formats (such as Excel or Quicken) and assign an account manager.
- Redemption: Exchange miles at a rate of a penny each for account credits on travel purchases or for travel bookings through Capital One; or transfer them to any of Capital One’s partner airline and hotel loyalty programs, including those of British Airways and Choice Hotels.
- Sign-up bonus: 50,000 miles (worth $500 in travel) if you spend $4,500 in the first three months.
Why get a business credit card?
There are many reasons to use a business credit card, even if you're just starting out or you have a sole proprietorship. Here are some benefits to consider.
It can help build business credit
Business credit card issuers typically report your account activity to some of the commercial credit bureaus. If you have aspirations to grow your business over time, establishing a positive business credit history can make it easier to qualify for other financing options down the road.
It usually won't have a big impact on your personal credit score
Most business credit cards require a personal credit check when you apply, but the account typically won't show up on your personal credit reports. As a result, you won't have to worry about a large balance damaging your personal credit score — though late payments may be reported.
Note that Capital One is an exception to that rule — the card issuer may report account activity to both the commercial and consumer credit bureaus with some of its business credit cards, which can impact your personal credit score.
Separate business and personal expenses
Using a separate account for your business expenses will make it easier for you to keep track of them for accounting and tax purposes. If you mingle your personal and business expenses together, it can be difficult to remember which ones are eligible for a tax deduction and which aren't.
What's more, if you carry a balance on your credit card, calculating how much interest you can deduct for the portion of your balance attributable to business expenses can be incredibly difficult.
Get rewards and other benefits for business owners
Business credit cards often offer rewards on common business costs, such as office supplies, cable, internet and phone services, advertising, shipping and more. You may also benefit from other perks, such as employee cards with spending controls, integration with popular accounting software, spending reports and more.
Can improve your cash flow
If you pay your bill on time and in full every month, you can enjoy a grace period on your purchases, giving you several weeks before you have to pay for your transactions while avoiding interest charges.
This flexibility may be particularly important when you're just starting out, and it's challenging to get approved for other forms of small business financing.
Can you use a business credit card for personal expenses?
Technically, no. Business credit card issuers usually put in the terms that you agree to only use the account for business expenses. That said, they're not looking over your shoulder, so an occasional personal transaction won't set off alarm bells.
Remember, though, that mixing personal and business expenses can make accounting and tax planning more difficult. Also, if your account becomes delinquent, you may be under tighter scrutiny by your card issuer, and violating the card agreement could result in an account closure.
One thing to note is that while it's best to avoid using your business credit card for personal expenses, you can use the rewards you earn for business or personal use. In fact, many card issuers allow you to pool your points earned with both personal and business credit cards — some may even do it automatically. This can make it easier for you to make the most of the cash back, points or miles you earn with your business credit card.
What to consider before getting a business credit card
Before you apply for a business credit card, here are some potential things to keep in mind to determine whether it's the right move:
- Your credit score: Most of the top business credit cards require good or excellent credit, which means a FICO credit score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower than that, your options may be limited.
- Potential costs: Business credit cards often charge high interest rates, and some also assess an annual fee. You can avoid interest by paying your balance in full each month, but if you think you'll be carrying a balance, consider how potential interest charges could impact your bottom line. If you're thinking about getting a card with an annual fee, make sure you can get enough value from the rewards program and perks to make up for it.
- Whether you can take on another financial account: Managing multiple financial accounts can be challenging. If you already have multiple personal and business accounts to keep track of, adding another one could make things more complicated. In some cases, it can make sense to stick with what you already have, as long as you have enough accounts to keep personal and business expenses separate.
- Your reasons for wanting one: Business credit cards can help with everyday cash flow, but if you're looking to finance growth in your business beyond the initial stages, you may want to consider a small business loan instead. Also, don't think that using a business credit card will shield you from responsibility if your company goes under — business card issuers typically require a personal guarantee when you apply, so you'll still be personally liable for the debt.
- Security: Make sure you can keep the account secure, particularly from potential business partners and employees.
How to pick the right business credit card for you
No business credit card is best for everyone, so it's important to think about your needs and preferences to find the right one for you. Here are some factors to consider:
- Credit requirements: Check your credit score to get an idea of your potential options. Then, search for credit cards that may be a good match based on your credit profile. Unfortunately, credit card companies don't specify minimum credit scores, but you can reach out to the card issuer or research online before applying to get an idea of what to expect.
- Welcome bonus and rewards: Many business credit cards offer welcome bonuses and ongoing rewards on your purchases. Make sure you can spend enough to earn a welcome bonus, and also consider whether the card's rewards program aligns with your company's spending. For example, if you spend a lot on office supplies, consider a card that offers bonus cash back, points or miles on that spending category.
- Other features: Some business credit cards may offer introductory 0% APR promotions, travel benefits and more. Think about what you want out of your business credit card and try to find a card that aligns with those preferences.
- Annual fee: Think about how you feel about paying for an annual fee. If you're considering a card that charges one, look at the rewards program and benefits to assess whether the cost is worth what you get in return.
Whatever you do, take your time to research and compare several options to determine which one is the best fit for you.
*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.
As an independent publication dedicated to helping you make the most of your money, the article above is our view of the best deals and is not the opinion of any entity mentioned such as a card issuer, hotel, airline etc. Similarly, the content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of those entities.
Other Best Buy Credit Cards
Kiplinger's guide to the best rewards credit cards
Kiplinger's guide to the best cash back credit cards
Kiplinger's guide to the best balance transfer credit cards
Kiplinger's guide to the best travel rewards cards
Kiplinger's guide to the best student credit cards
Kiplinger's guide to the best 0% APR credit cards
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