Updated: June 11, 2024
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Business airline credit cards are a fantastic way to earn miles for every dollar you spend, making your business trips more rewarding. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the right one for you?
We'll explain what business airline credit cards are, how they work and how to choose the one that'll elevate your business travel experience. Whether you're leaning towards miles or considering cash back, we've got your needs covered.
Why You Can Trust Our List
To ensure that we provide our readers with the most accurate and up-to-date information, experts at MoneyGeek collect 57 data points from different sources, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau , card issuer websites and our various partners. We rely on our unique in-house ranking methodology to select the best business credit cards. Our model assigns specific percentages to different parameters such as the annual fee, welcome offer, rewards rates, APR, foreign transaction fees and more.
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Business travel credit cards typically extend the benefits of the primary card to authorized users. Your business can save money and improve the travel experience of your employees by providing them with an employee card, while also making expense tracking easier with a unique card number for each employee. — Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com.
Business airline credit cards are designed specifically for business owners and entrepreneurs who travel frequently for work. When you make purchases with this type of card, you earn airline miles that can be redeemed for future flights, upgrades or even other travel-related expenses.
Many of these cards come with additional perks like priority boarding, access to airport lounges and free checked bags. These benefits can make your travel experience smoother, allowing you to focus on what really matters — running your business successfully. With the right card, you can transform every business trip into an opportunity for savings and added value.
Understanding how business airline credit cards work can help you make an informed decision and maximize your rewards.
You accumulate airline miles when you use a business airline credit card for purchases. You usually earn a specific number of miles, points or even percentages for every dollar spent on the card. These rewards can be saved up and redeemed for future airline tickets, making each business expense a potential contribution to your next trip.
When you've collected enough miles, you can redeem them for airline tickets or other travel-related benefits. Some cards offer flexible redemption options, letting you use miles for hotel stays, rental cars or even gift cards. It's essential to be mindful of expiration dates and blackout dates when planning to use your miles.
Business airline cards often come with extra perks that make your travel more comfortable and efficient. These can range from priority boarding to free checked bags and access to airport lounges. By taking advantage of these benefits, you can save money and elevate your travel experience.
Making the right choice when it comes to a business airline credit card can set you on a path to significant savings and travel perks. Let's review the key factors to consider so you can select the card that best suits your business and travel needs.
How often do you or your employees travel for business? If you're constantly jet-setting, a card with robust travel benefits may offer the best value. Cards that offer more miles per dollar spent can really pay off for frequent travelers.
Some business airline credit cards are co-branded, meaning they're affiliated with specific airlines. A co-branded card could maximize your rewards if you usually fly with a particular carrier or your business operates primarily in areas serviced by one airline.
If your business takes you overseas, look for a card without foreign transaction fees that offers international lounge access. Some cards also have partnerships with foreign carriers, allowing you to earn and redeem miles on a wider range of flights.
Miles are great, but they're not so useful if they expire before you can use them. Check the expiry policies and find out if there are any limitations, such as blackout dates or seat restrictions, that could make it challenging to redeem your rewards.
While the lure of miles and perks is strong, don't forget to consider the fee structure. Consider the annual fee, late payment penalties and interest rates. Make sure that the benefits you anticipate receiving will outweigh these costs.
Most business airline credit cards require a good to excellent credit score. If you're just starting your business or have a low credit score, you may find it challenging to get approved for some of the best business airline credit cards. So, it's crucial to know where you stand credit-wise before you apply.
Should you opt for a business credit card that offers airline miles or one that provides cash back? The answer isn't one-size-fits-all and largely depends on your business's needs.
If you find yourself frequently up in the air for work, a business airline credit card could offer you exceptional value. The miles you earn and additional travel perks like priority boarding and airport lounge access can make your trips more cost-effective and comfortable. Over time, the miles can add up to significant savings on flights and other travel-related expenses.
On the other hand, cash back cards offer a more straightforward reward system. You get a percentage of your spending back as cash, which you can use for any business expense — or anything else, for that matter. It's a flexible option that doesn't tie your rewards to travel, making it a solid choice if your business expenses are varied and not specifically travel-focused.
In the end, the best card for your business is the one that aligns most closely with your spending habits and financial goals. Take some time to assess what you value more: the freedom of cash back or the targeted benefits of airline miles.
Maximizing the benefits of your business credit card can give your company a financial edge. Here are some top tips to ensure you're making the most of your card's features and rewards:
Pay attention to bonus categories
Some cards offer extra miles or points for specific types of spending, like dining or advertising. Use your card for these categories whenever possible to ramp up your rewards.
Meet the sign-up bonus requirements
Sign-up bonuses can provide a hefty bump in points or miles. Ensure you can comfortably meet the spending requirement within the time limit to unlock this initial windfall.
Utilize the additional perks
Don't overlook the non-mileage benefits of your card, like free checked bags or airport lounge access. These perks can add value to your travel experience and save you money in the long run.
Pay off your balance monthly
Carrying a balance can result in interest charges that negate the value of any rewards you've earned. Make it a habit to pay off your card every month to avoid these unnecessary costs.
Regularly check for promotions or special deals
Card issuers often run promotions that can earn you extra points or miles for limited periods. Keep an eye on these offers and take advantage of them to boost your rewards.
Choosing the best business airline credit card can make a significant difference in how rewarding your work travel becomes. By understanding how these cards work and what to look for, you're better positioned to select a card that fits your specific needs. Whether you prioritize miles, extra perks or a mix of both, there's likely a card out there for you.
Now that you're equipped with this knowledge, your next step is to compare the options and apply for the card that aligns with your business goals.
Do you have more questions about finding the best business airline credit card? You're not alone! Here are some commonly asked questions to help you navigate your options more effectively.
Business airline credit cards are designed with the frequent business traveler in mind. They often include benefits tailored to business-related travel, such as higher rewards rates on business expenses and additional perks like priority boarding. These cards also allow you to separate business and personal expenses, making it easier for accounting and tax purposes.
A business airline card could be a great asset if your business requires frequent travel. Consider the airlines you usually fly with, your typical business-related expenses and how you prefer to redeem your rewards. If earning miles and receiving travel perks align with your business needs, a business airline card is likely a good fit.
Yes, many business airline cards offer attractive sign-up bonuses as an incentive. However, these usually require you to meet a minimum spending amount within a set period. Read the fine print and confirm that you can meet the spending requirement to take full advantage of the bonus.
Immediately contact your credit card issuer to report the loss or theft. Many issuers offer 24/7 customer service and can freeze your account to prevent unauthorized charges. They may also provide emergency card replacement services, sometimes even if you're abroad, so you're not left stranded without a payment method.
About Grace Pilling
Grace Pilling was the Senior Content Manager for Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. She previously led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com and MoneyUnder30.
Pilling has a bachelor's degree in English from Western Sydney University and a diploma in book editing, proofreading and publishing. She is focused on empowering readers to make informed financial choices that support their best lives, not a company’s bottom line.
