MoneyGeek's Take

Best Business Credit Cards for No Annual Fee in 2023

Not needing to pay annual fees is perfect for businesses that are looking for fairly basic features from their credit cards. Besides, many such cards come with rewards and various other benefits.

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This article is part of our larger series on Best No Annual Fee Cards

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Last Updated: 1/2/2023

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

Getting a no-annual-fee business credit card implies that you pay no annual fees for as long as your account remains active. Some such cards give you the means to capitalize on your spending by offering rewards or cash back.

Paying attention to different aspects when carrying out a no-annual-fee business cards comparison is crucial if you hope to find the one that works best for you. For instance, if you or your employees travel internationally for business, you may benefit by getting a no-annual-fee card that also does away with foreign transaction fees. The Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi is one such example.

The best business credit cards with no annual fee typically offer various expense management tools, introductory bonus offers and basic travel benefits.

OUR REVIEW AT A GLANCE

Our Top 5 Picks
Summarized List of All Winners
Tips for Comparing Credit Cards

This article is part of our larger series on
Best No Annual Fee Cards

MoneyGeek's Take: Top 5 Business Credit Cards With No Annual Fee

Quick Summary

If you plan to maintain revolving balances in your account from one month to the next, pay particular attention to the annual percentage rate (APR) that comes with any no-annual-fee business credit card. Our selection of the top five cards from this category also takes into account other aspects such as reward/cash back rates, foreign transaction fees and added perks. Scroll further down to check out more options.

American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
A simple cash back rewards card that helps you avoid hassles
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
- $0Annual Fee
- 1–2% Cash Back*Rewards Rate
- 1xRewards Rate on TV, Phone, Internet Services
- 1xRewards Rate on Gas
We like the no-annual-fee American Express Blue Business Cash Card because it lets you earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per year and 1% cash back thereafter. Its 0% introductory APR offer on purchases stays in place for the first 12 months, then a variable APR of 17.74% – 25.74% after.
As part of this card’s welcome offer, you get to earn a $250 statement credit if you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months. You also get access to multiple expense management tools, free employee cards and complimentary car rental loss and damage insurance.
Pros
No annual fee
Cash back rate of 2% for eligible purchases up to $50,000, then 1%
Intro 0% APR offer, then a variable APR of 17.74% – 25.74% after.
Welcome offer of a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months.
Flexible credit limit
Authorized users can be added for no additional fee
Points are redeemed automatically

Cons
Cash back rate has a cap
Foreign transaction fee of 2.7%
Pay no interest for the first 12 months after acquiring the card, then a variable APR of 17.74% – 25.74% after.
Earn 2% cash back for eligible purchases with a cap of $50,000, then 1% after
Enjoy no annual fees for the life of the card
Earn a $250 statement credit for spending $3,000 in the first three months
Benefit from the Expanded Buying Power feature, which lets you go over the credit limit if you qualify with no penalties or fees
Add up to 99 authorized users, free of charge
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Great no-annual-fee card for earning rewards on business spending
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
- $0Annual Fee
- up to 2X Membership Rewards® pointsRewards Rate
- 1xRewards Rate on TV, Phone, Internet Services
- 1xRewards Rate on Online Shopping
We like the no-annual-fee American Express Blue Business Cash Card because it lets you earn 2X points per dollar on all eligible business purchases up to $50,000 per year. You get 1X point per dollar thereafter. Its 0% APR offer on purchases stays in place for the first 12 months, then a variable rate of 17.74% – 25.74%.
As part of this card’s welcome offer, you get to earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points if you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months. You also get access to multiple expense management tools, free employee cards and complimentary car rental loss and damage insurance.
Pros
No annual fees
0% intro APR on purchases, then a variable rate of 17.74% – 25.74%
Earn 2X reward points on spending of up to $50,000 per year, followed by 1X
Free employee cards
Can assign an account manager
Download interactive year-end summaries
Use Vendor Pay to improve business cash flow
Purchase protection

Cons
Penalty APR applies when you make a late payment
Foreign transaction fees
Balance transfer fees
There’s a minimum required to redeem points
Pay no annual fees for the life of the card.
Earn 2X reward points per dollar for the first $50,000 you spend on purchases each year.
Earn 1X point per dollar after your spending exceeds this limit.
Redeem points for travel booked through American Express Travel, purchases via select online merchants or gift cards.
You may also transfer your reward points to different frequent flyer programs.
Save money on interest by using the 0% intro APR offer on purchases for 12 months, then a variable rate of 17.74% – 25.74%
Get free employee cards and set individual spending limits.
Improve cash flow by using your card to pay bills via Vendor Pay.
Safeguard purchases made using the card through extended warranty and purchase protection.
Get protection when you or your employees rent cars through car rental loss and damage insurance.
Get access to American Express Experiences and purchase pre-sale tickets for various events.
Use the American Express Business App and Connect to QuickBooks tools to simplify transferring spending-related data to your existing accounting system.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Capital One Spark Cash Select - $500 Cash Bonus
A great no-annual-fee business card with 1.5% cash back
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
- $0Annual Fee
- 1.5% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 1.5xRewards Rate on Gas
- 1.5xRewards Rate on Groceries
We recommend the Capital One Spark Cash Select - $500 Cash Bonus to people who’re looking for an alternative that comes with 1.5% cash back on all your business purchases.
Using this card outside of the U.S. makes sense as it does not charge overseas transaction fees. Employee cards come at no extra cost. Getting to select your own due date is a plus.
Other benefits include $0 fraud liability, downloadable purchase records, year-end summaries, extended warranty and complimentary roadside assistance.
Pros
$0 annual fee
Flat cash back across all categories
No foreign transaction fees
Free employee cards

Cons
Penalty APR might apply if you make a late or returned payment
Cash advance fees
No annual fees
1.5% cash back on all purchases
No added fees for employee cards with customized spending limits
Ability to assign account managers
Purchase records made available in Quicken, QuickBooks and Excel
$0 fraud liability to safeguard against fraudulent transactions
Complimentary roadside assistance for all cardholders
Get additional protection on eligible purchases through extended warranty
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Fantastic card for earning rewards on office supplies
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
- $0Annual Fee
- 1–5% Cash Back*Rewards Rate
- 5xRewards Rate on TV, Phone, Internet Services
- 2xRewards Rate on Dining
We love the Ink Business Cash Credit Card because of its generous 5% rewards rate on office supplies. This rate also applies to your phone, internet and cable subscriptions. Spending across all other categories comes with 2% or 1% rewards.
Not having to pay any annual fees is great. Being able to redeem your rewards in different ways, be it as cash back or for travel, is a definite plus too.
You may get free employee cards that come with purchase and travel protection, thereby giving your employees added peace of mind.
Integrating your Ink credit card with bookkeeping software is easy and simplifies accounting.
If you apply in time, you can take advantage of an intro 0% APR offer and a $900 spend-based bonus cash back offer.
Pros
Generous introductory cash back and APR offers
No annual fees
Free employee cards
Redeem points for cash, travel, gift cards and more
Points don't expire for the life of the account
Purchase and travel protection

Cons
Foreign transaction fees
Balance transfer and cash advance fees
Spending cap on cash back categories
Earn a $900 cash back bonus if you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months.
Benefit through a 0% intro APR offer for the first 12 months, then variable APR 17.49% – 23.49% after that.
Pay no annual fees for as long as your account remains active.
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 you spend on purchases at office supply stores, as well as on internet, cable and phone services every year.
Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 you spend on purchases at restaurants and gas stations every year.
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Your rewards remain valid for as long as you keep using your card.
Set individual spending limits for employee cards.
All cardholders get access to extended warranty, purchase protection, baggage insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance and roadside dispatch.
Fraud protection safeguards you against fraudulent transactions.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
A great business card with a flat, simple rewards structure and no annual fees.
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
- $0Annual Fee
- 1.5% Cash BackRewards Rate
- 1.5xRewards Rate on TV, Phone, Internet Services
- 1.5xRewards Rate on Entertainment
We recommend the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card to business owners who do not wish to pay annual fees and keep their rewards earning simple. All purchases earn 1.5% cash back. This card comes with an intro 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months. It also gives you the ability to earn a considerable spend-based welcome bonus.
Employee cards come at no additional cost. Cardholders might benefit through purchase protection, extended warranty, roadside dispatch, auto rental collision damage waiver and travel and emergency assistance services.
Using this card outside of the U.S. might not work well, given that it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Pros
No annual fees
Flat 1.5% cash back
A spend-based welcome bonus of $900
0% intro APR for 12 months

Cons
No bonus cash back categories
Foreign transaction fees
No annual fee
Earn $900 bonus cash back by spending $6,000 in the first three months
Earn 1.5% cash back
0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months, then variable APR 17.49% – 23.49% after that.
Free employee cards
Disclaimer: Credit card offers are constantly changing. We work hard to stay updated with the latest information, but the offers listed on our site may no longer be available.
Terms, rates and fees apply

Summary of the Best Business Cards for No Annual Fee

Take a quick look at the top no-annual-fee business credit cards based on aspects such as welcome offers, APRs and foreign transaction fees.

Credit Card
Best For
Avg. Reward Rate
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
A simple cash back rewards card that helps you avoid hassles
1–2% Cash Back*
$0
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Great no-annual-fee card for earning rewards on business spending
up to 2X Membership Rewards® points
$0
Capital One Spark Cash Select - $500 Cash Bonus
A great no-annual-fee business card with 1.5% cash back
1.5% Cash Back
$0
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Fantastic card for earning rewards on office supplies
1–5% Cash Back*
$0
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
A great business card with a flat, simple rewards structure and no annual fees.
1.5% Cash Back
$0
Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi
An excellent no-annual-fee rewards card for Costco members
1–4% Cash Back*
$0

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 Compare Business Credit Cards & Intro Offers

Since you get to choose from multiple no-annual-fee business credit cards, it’s important that you compare them across different parameters.

Welcome offer

The best business credit cards from this category come with introductory spend-based offers. For example, you stand to earn a one-time $500 early spend bonus if you use the Capital One Spark Cash Select - $500 Cash Bonus Card to spend $4,500 on purchases within the first three months.

APR

The APR that applies to purchases requires your particular attention if you plan to keep rolling balances from one billing cycle to the next. If this is the case, you may benefit from getting a low APR credit card.

Foreign transaction fee

With business cards that charge foreign transaction fees, you can expect to pay 1% to 3% on each international transaction. If you or your employees travel overseas frequently, you might benefit by getting a no foreign transaction fee business card.

Reward/cash back rate

While several such cards offer rewards or cash back, their earn rates may vary. For example, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card credit card offers 1.5% cash back on all business-related purchases. On the other hand, the Ink Business Cash credit card comes with up to 5% cash back on category- and limit-based spending.

Expense management tools

Another common feature among the top no-annual-fee business credit cards is that they give you access to different expense management tools. Most such business cards let you get additional employee cards at no extra cost. Integrating your credit card account with your bookkeeping software is usually possible. Some such cards provide downloadable purchase records and category-based year-end summaries as well.

Added perks

These can come in the form of complimentary roadside assistance, extended warranty, purchase protection, $0 fraud liability and the ability to set customized spending limits for employee cards.