Best Business Credit Cards With No Annual Fee in 2024

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Updated: June 13, 2024

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Choosing a no-annual-fee business credit card ensures consistent savings, allowing your funds to be redirected to pivotal areas. But beyond the initial savings, a good no-annual-fee business credit card also features attractive rewards or cash back on your spending.

However, identifying the right card for your business goes beyond fee structures. It's essential to assess each card's complete range of benefits and match them to your specific requirements. Some cards might offer the added benefit of no foreign transaction fees, while others shine with superior expense management tools.

The standout no-annual-fee business credit cards come packed with features: from enticing introductory offers to valuable travel perks. The goal is to align your choice with your business's financial objectives and operational needs, ensuring a seamless fit.

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)
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

On Partner's Website


Rewards Rate
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday bus...
APR
18.49% - 26.49% variable
Annual Fee
$0
Recommended Credit
670-850 (Good to 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 No-Annual-Fee Business Credit Card?

A no-annual-fee business credit card is a type of credit card tailored for business use that doesn't charge an annual fee. Unlike some credit cards that require cardholders to pay a yearly amount for the benefits and features they offer, no-fee business credit cards allow you to enjoy certain benefits without this additional cost.

These cards can be especially appealing if you're a small business owner or entrepreneur looking to manage expenses without incurring extra charges.

However, keep in mind that "no annual fee" doesn't necessarily mean the card is free of all costs. You'll still need to be mindful of other potential fees, like late payment or over-limit charges and the card's interest rate if you carry a balance.

Why Have a Business Credit Card With No Annual Fee?

Business credit cards are diverse; each is tailored to specific operational needs and financial objectives. Among these, no-annual-fee business credit cards offer clear advantages.

Let's discuss why choosing one might benefit your business.

  • Cost efficiency: A no-annual-fee card can provide immediate savings, especially for startups and small businesses. Every dollar counts, and not having to factor in an annual fee on your credit card can relieve your yearly budget.
  • Simplicity: Without an annual fee to consider, budgeting and forecasting become a tad more straightforward. You won't have to remember when that fee hits or account for it in your financial planning.
  • Short-term use: If you're eyeing a credit card for short-term needs, such as a one-off purchase or to cover expenses for a limited period, a no-fee card might be the best fit. You won't have to worry about an annual fee over prolonged use.
  • Credit building: A no-annual-fee business card can be a starting point for businesses that are newer or looking to establish a credit history. It provides an opportunity to build credit without the pressure of an annual fee.

Considering these points can help you gauge whether a no-fee business credit card aligns with your business goals and financial needs.

MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

While you won't receive the same welcome bonus, spending rewards and benefits as a card with an annual fee, many no-fee cards offer attractive benefits for budget-conscious businesses that want to avoid fees. — Lee Huffman, credit card expert at BaldThoughts.com.

How To Choose the Best No Annual Fee Business Credit Card

Selecting the right business credit card is more than just skipping the annual fee; it's about finding the one that supports your business's unique needs and goals. Here are some factors to consider:

    rewards icon

    Rewards and Perks

    Beyond having no annual fees, some business credit cards offer competitive rewards. Evaluate the card’s rewards programs — like cash back, travel points or discounts — and ensure they align with your typical business expenses.

    lowInterestAPR icon

    Interest Rates

    If you typically carry a balance, finding a card with a relatively low APR is essential. This will help you save on interest payments, complementing the initial savings from annual fees.

    airplane icon

    Foreign Transaction Fees

    If your business often deals internationally, look for cards that don't charge extra for foreign transactions. Those fees can add up quickly, especially for companies with frequent overseas dealings.

    creditCards icon

    Additional Cardholders

    Some cards charge fees for additional cardholders. If you plan to give cards to employees or partners, find options that either don't charge extra or offer a reasonable rate for multiple users.

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    Introductory Offers

    Many no-annual-fee cards come with introductory offers, such as 0% APR for the first few months or bonus rewards after a certain spend. These offers can provide substantial initial value but be aware of any terms that follow once the introductory period ends.

    smallBusiness icon

    Customer Support and Services

    Great customer service can make a world of difference, especially in situations where you might need to dispute a charge or request assistance. Prioritize cards from issuers known for solid customer support and value-added services like fraud protection.

Next Steps

Choosing a no-annual-fee business credit card is a strategic move for many businesses. They provide an opportunity to manage finances effectively while skipping the yearly fee.

However, like any financial decision, it's essential to evaluate the card's entire offer, from rewards to interest rates. You can make an informed choice by considering your business's unique needs and how a card fits into your overall strategy.

FAQs About the Best No-Annual-Fee Business Cards

Choosing a no-annual-fee business credit card can be overwhelming. That's why we've rounded up some frequently asked questions to help you find the best card for your company.

What does it mean if a credit card has no annual fee?
Is it better to have a no-annual-fee card?
Can I apply for multiple business cards at once?

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.
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