The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired.

Looking for the best business charge cards to manage your company's expenses? While you may be familiar with traditional credit cards, business charge cards offer a unique set of features tailored to your entrepreneurial needs.

We'll walk you through what a business charge card is, how it differs from a business credit card, and the pros and cons you should consider. We'll also give you actionable tips on comparing options and maximizing the benefits of your chosen card.

Why You Can Trust Our List


  • American Express® Business Gold Card

    A dynamic rewards card for high-spending business owners


    • 1–4 Points per $1Rewards Rate
    • 19.49% – 27.49% VariableAPR
    • $295Annual Fee
    • Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit

    American Express® Business Gold Card

    Terms, rates and fees apply

  • Capital One Spark Cash Plus

    Generous flat-rate cash back on business expenses


    • 2% Cash BackRewards Rate
    • None (charge card)APR
    • $150Annual Fee
    • ExcellentRecommended Credit

  • Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card

    Comes with high cash back rate and welcome offer


    • 1–3 Points per $1Rewards Rate
    • 19.49% – 27.49% VariableAPR
    • $95Annual Fee
    • Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit

  • The Plum Card® from American Express

    Excellient no preset spending limit card with flexible payback methods


    • 1.5% Cash BackRewards Rate
    • UnspecifiedAPR
    • $250Annual Fee
    • Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit

MONEYGEEK PRO TIP

Charge cards offer generous flexibility with making large purchases, but business owners need to be aware that the balance must be paid off in full each month. Look for “pay over time” offers if you need extra time to pay off your charges. — Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com.

What Is a Business Charge Card?

A business charge card is a specialized financial tool for companies and entrepreneurs. Unlike a standard business credit card, a charge card requires you to pay off the entire balance each month. There's no revolving credit, meaning you can't carry a balance over to the next billing cycle without incurring hefty fees.

This unique feature helps businesses manage cash flow more efficiently. You'll know that at the end of each month, the slate will be wiped clean. Additionally, many business charge cards offer perks like travel rewards, cash back and detailed expense reporting, making them a valuable asset for growing businesses. So, a business charge card could be your best bet if you're looking for a card that combines flexibility with financial discipline.

Business Charge Cards: Pros and Cons

When considering a business charge card, weighing the benefits against the drawbacks is crucial. Knowing the pros and cons can guide you in making the right financial decision for your company.

Pros

  • Promotes responsible spending: Business charge cards can encourage responsible spending since they require you to pay the full balance every month. This setup can prevent a credit card debt spiral, helping you to maintain healthy financial habits in your business operations.
  • No preset spending limit: One notable benefit of charge cards is the absence of a preset spending limit, giving you the flexibility to make large purchases without worrying about hitting a ceiling. This can be particularly beneficial when unexpected business expenses come up, providing peace of mind in high-spending situations.
  • No interest rates: Charge cards don't impose interest rates because the issuer expects you to settle the full balance monthly. This eliminates the stress of accumulating interest over time. However, be wary of potential high fees associated with late payments.
  • Generous rewards and benefits: Many business charge cards offer generous rewards and benefits, including statement credits and purchase points. They can even offer double or triple points on categories like dining and travel, making them a fantastic option for businesses with travel needs.

Cons

  • Full balance due monthly: The biggest downside is that you're required to pay the full balance every month. While this can be a good financial discipline, it may not be ideal for businesses that occasionally need to carry a balance.
  • High fees for missed payments: Failure to pay off the balance in full by the due date can result in hefty penalties. This could be a financial risk for businesses with inconsistent cash flow.
  • Annual fees: It is common for business charge cards to come with annual fees. These fees can vary significantly, so it's essential to assess whether the benefits and rewards you will receive outweigh the costs.

Carefully evaluate your business's financial capabilities and needs to decide whether a charge card is right for you.

Business Charge Cards vs. Business Credit Cards

Both business charge cards and business credit cards can be useful for managing company expenses, but they have key differences that make them suitable for different financial strategies. Here's how they stack up:

Payment Flexibility

Business credit cards allow you to carry a balance from month to month, subject to interest. On the other hand, business charge cards require full payment of the balance each month. If you don't, you may end up paying high penalties.

Spending Limits

Business charge cards often don't have preset spending limits, providing you with greater financial flexibility. Business credit cards typically have set credit limits, which could restrict your purchasing power in certain situations.

Interest Rates

Since your issuer expects you to pay off the balance monthly on a charge card, there's no ongoing interest rate to consider. Business credit cards often come with varying interest rates that can add to your debt if not managed properly.

How to Choose a Business Charge Card

Choosing the right business charge card can be a game-changer for your financial management. Here's a checklist to help you compare different cards and find the one that fits your business needs like a glove.

  • dollarBadge icon

    Check the fee structure

    Don't overlook the annual fees, late fees or any other charges associated with the card. While some cards may offer zero annual fees as an introductory offer, others may have hefty costs that could outweigh the benefits you gain.

  • rewards icon

    Assess rewards and perks

    Consider the value of rewards and perks like cash back, travel miles or expense tracking features. Some cards offer industry-specific rewards that might be more valuable for your type of business.

  • graphCard icon

    Look at spending limits

    Although many business charge cards don't have pre-set spending limits, some impose certain restrictions based on your payment history and financial standing. Make sure the card offers enough spending flexibility for your business needs.

  • creditCardsMagnifyingGlass icon

    Consider additional card features

    Check for extra features like fraud protection, purchase protection or travel insurance. These added security measures can be a lifesaver in emergency situations and add value to the card.

  • cashCard icon

    Examine foreign transaction fees

    If your business operates internationally or you find yourself traveling abroad frequently, look for a card that offers low or no foreign transaction fees. This could save you a considerable amount of money in the long run.

Next Steps

We've equipped you with the information you need to make an informed decision about the best business charge cards for your needs. From understanding the key differences between charge and credit cards to maximizing your card's benefits, you're well on your way to smarter financial management.

Next, consider your business needs and financial goals to narrow down your options. Don't hesitate to contact card issuers for more details or clarification on any important features.

FAQs About the Best Business Charge Cards

Exploring your options for the best business charge cards? We know it can be a complex landscape. That's why we've compiled this FAQ section to tackle some of the most common questions and simplify your decision.

About Grace Pilling


Grace Pilling headshot

Grace Pilling is passionate about empowering readers to make informed financial choices to support their best lives, not a company’s bottom line. Prior to joining MoneyGeek as a senior content manager, Grace was a senior editor at CreditCards.com and Bankrate, where she focused on teaching people how to use credit cards wisely.


*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.