Best Business Credit Cards for Cash Back in 2024

fact checked icon

Updated: July 18, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Shield Insurance

MoneyGeek partners with leading industry experts and advertisers to help you get to your financial happy place. Our content is accurate when posted but offers may change over time. We may receive compensation for partner advertisements, but our editorial team independently reviews and ranks products. Learn more about our editorial policies.

Looking to maximize the return on your business expenses? You're in the right place. Business credit cards with cash back rewards are more than just a convenient way to pay for purchases — they offer opportunities to earn money back on every transaction.

Whether you're a freelancer, a small business owner or running a larger operation, the right cash back card can make all the difference in your bottom line. We'll walk you through what a cash back business credit card is, how it works, its pros and cons and tips on choosing the best one for your needs.

Why You Can Trust Our List

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Credit Card logo for The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
MoneyGeek Rating
1.3/ of 5

On Partner's Website


Rewards Rate
Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up ...
APR
18.49% - 26.49% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

When selecting a business credit card with cash back rewards, it is important to be strategic. You should never spend more money than anticipated with the goal of earning cash back from your credit card. — Brett Holzhauer, Personal Finance Journalist

Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Credit Card logo for Capital One Spark Cash Plus
MoneyGeek Rating
3.9/ of 5

On Partner's Website


Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental c...
APR
N/A
Annual Fee
$150
Recommended Credit
740-850 (Excellent)
Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit
Credit Card logo for Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit
MoneyGeek Rating
1.5/ of 5

On Partner's Website


Rewards Rate
Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase. And 5% cash...
APR
18.49% - 24.49% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
740-850 (Excellent)
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
1.2/ of 5

Rewards Rate
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in co...
APR
18.49% – 24.49% Variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
Good–Excellent
  • The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is a savvy choice for small businesses, offering impressive rewards for common business expenses. Its standout welcome offer, decent introductory APR offer on purchases and absence of an annual fee make it highly beneficial. Plus, you can extend its advantages to your employees at no extra cost. Just be mindful of the foreign transaction fees and ensure timely repayments after the initial offer period to avoid high interest.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Credit Card logo for Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
MoneyGeek Rating
1.2/ of 5

Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase ma...
APR
18.49% - 24.49% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
  • The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is a practical choice for small business owners seeking simplicity and value. Its straightforward unlimited cash back rate on all purchases means you don't need to worry about tracking bonus categories. With a generous welcome offer, it's a great choice if you anticipate significant initial expenses. Plus, you won't have to think about offsetting the cost of this card, as there is no annual fee. Free employee cards will also help consolidate business expenses and accelerate rewards earning.However, due to its foreign transaction fee and lack of intro APR for balance transfers, you may want to explore other options if you have frequent international expenditures or need to transfer a balance transfer. The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is a versatile card offering substantial rewards and benefits for most small businesses.

What Is a Cash Back Business Credit Card?

A cash back business credit card is essentially a workhorse for your wallet. It functions like a typical business credit card but offers the added perk of returning a percentage of your spending back to you. Imagine buying equipment, software or even paying for business lunches and getting rewarded for it.

How Does Cash Back for Credit Cards Work?

Understanding how cash back works on business credit cards can help you maximize this rewarding feature.

Earning Percentages

Most cash back business credit cards offer a percentage-based reward system. For example, you might earn 2% cash back on all purchases. For every $100 you spend, you get $2 back into your rewards account. Some cards offer a tiered or rotating category system, where you earn a higher percentage on specific types of spending like office supplies or travel.

Categories and Bonus Rewards

You'll often find cards that give you additional cash back for spending in particular categories. These categories can range from gas and dining to advertising expenses. This tiered approach enables you to earn more where you spend more. Always check the categories that align with your business needs to maximize your cash back earnings.

Redemption Options

Cash back is known for its flexible redemption options. You can choose to apply your earned cash as a statement credit, thereby reducing your bill. Other options might include direct deposit into a bank account, gift cards or even merchandise. Some cards even offer a bonus if you redeem your cash back for gift cards or travel.

Applying for a Cash Back Business Credit Card

So, you've weighed the pros and cons and decided that a cash back business credit card is right for you. Now, let's go through the step-by-step process of actually applying for one of these valuable financial tools.

1
Assess Your Business Needs

Take some time to evaluate what exactly you need from a cash back card. Are you looking for high rewards on office supplies? Or perhaps you spend a lot on advertising and want a card that rewards that. Make a list of your key business expenses to identify which card's reward categories align with your spending.

2
Check Your Credit Score

Your personal and sometimes even your business credit score will likely be a critical factor in your approval. Higher credit scores not only improve your chances of approval but may also get you better terms and higher credit limits.

3
Research and Compare Cards

Once you know your needs and credit standing, start researching your options. Look for cards with the best cash back rates in categories where your business spends the most. Don't forget to consider other features like sign-up bonuses, annual fees and interest rates. Compare a few options to ensure you're getting the best deal.

4
Gather Required Documentation

When you apply, you'll need to provide some documentation. This usually includes business information like your tax identification number, annual revenue and years in business. You may also need personal identification and financial records. Having this information ready can speed up the application process.

5
Complete the Application

Most card issuers offer online applications that take just a few minutes to complete. Fill in the required information, typically including personal and business details. After submitting, you'll usually get an initial response within minutes, though some applications require additional review.

6
Wait for Approval

After you've applied, you'll need to wait for final approval. If approved, your new card will arrive in the mail, and you can start earning cash back on your business expenses right away. Read all the terms and conditions to know exactly how to make the most of your rewards.

How To Choose a Business Credit Card for Cash Back

Picking the right cash back business credit card can be a game-changer for your financial strategy. Here are some essential factors to consider to ensure you're making a smart choice.

  • Look at the annual fee: Many cards come with annual fees, which can eat into your cash back rewards. Assess whether the benefits and cash back rates are worth the annual fee. Sometimes, the rewards can significantly outweigh the cost.
  • Check for sign-up bonuses: A lucrative sign-up bonus can provide an immediate injection of value. However, these usually come with spending requirements. Make sure your business can comfortably meet those requirements without unnecessary expenditures.
  • Consider interest rates: High interest rates can quickly negate any cash back benefits if you carry a balance. If there's a chance you won't pay off the card each month, opt for one with a lower APR.
  • Read user reviews and expert opinions: What are other business owners saying about the card? Expert reviews can also provide insights into the card's pros and cons. This can help you make a more informed decision and potentially avoid common pitfalls.

Next Steps

Choosing the right cash back business credit card can significantly benefit your business, saving you money on everyday expenses and possibly offering a hefty sign-up bonus. But it's essential to consider factors like spending habits, interest rates and redemption options to maximize these advantages.

The ideal card for you will align with your business expenses and offer a rewards structure that boosts your bottom line. Don't forget to check your credit score and gather all necessary documentation before applying.

FAQs About Cash Back Business Cards

Finding the right cash back business card can be difficult, so we answered some commonly asked questions to help you know more about the topic.

What makes a business credit card "the best" for cash back?
How does the cash back feature work?
Is there a limit on how much cash back I can earn?
What should I do if I'm denied a cash back business credit card?

About Grace Pilling


Grace Pilling headshot

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.


*Rates, fees or bonuses may vary or include specific stipulations. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting/last updated date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. We recommend visiting the card issuer’s website for the most up-to-date information available.
Editorial Disclosure: Opinions, reviews, analyses and recommendations are the author’s alone and have not been reviewed, endorsed or approved by any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Advertiser Disclosure: MoneyGeek has partnered with CardRatings.com and CreditCards.com for our coverage of credit card products. MoneyGeek, CardRatings and CreditCards.com may receive a commission from card issuers. To ensure thorough comparisons and reviews, MoneyGeek features products from both paid partners and unaffiliated card issuers that are not paid partners.