What makes a business travel credit card different from a personal one?

Business travel credit cards are specifically designed to cater to business-related expenses, offering higher credit limits and tools for better expense management. They often come with business-centric rewards and perks that can be exceptionally beneficial if you or your employees travel frequently for work. Moreover, they can help in building a business credit score which can be advantageous for securing future loans.

Are the rewards offered by business travel credit cards worth the annual fees?

The value derived from the rewards largely depends on how effectively you use the card. If your business involves frequent travel, the benefits and rewards can easily outweigh the annual fees. Be sure to calculate the potential rewards and compare them against the annual fees to judge the card's worth for your specific needs.

Can I get a business travel card even if I have a small business?

Absolutely, business travel credit cards are available for businesses of all sizes, including freelancers and solo entrepreneurs. It's always a smart move to keep business and personal expenses separate, and having a business card helps in achieving this while enjoying other business-specific perks. However, do take note of the card's terms and approval requirements before applying.

Can the rewards points on business travel credit cards expire?

Yes, in many cases the rewards points can expire, although the timeframe can vary greatly between cards. Remember to read the terms and conditions of the card to understand the lifespan of your rewards points. Utilizing your points regularly and keeping track of them can help in preventing loss through expiration.

Are there business travel credit cards that offer protections and insurances?

Absolutely, many business travel credit cards offer a variety of protections including travel insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty on purchases. These added protections can provide peace of mind and potentially save your business money in the long run. However, the specifics can vary between cards, so it's recommended to review the card's policy details to understand exactly what is covered.

Best Business Travel Credit Cards in 2023

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

Choosing the best business travel card can be your passport to a world of perks, from airport lounge access to hotel upgrades. But with so many options out there, how do you find the one that best matches your business needs?

MoneyGeek has evaluated the ins and outs of the best business travel credit cards to help you find your perfect fit. Here's what you need to know about what a business travel card is, how it works and what factors to consider when choosing the best business credit card for travel rewards.

Why You Can Trust Our List

MoneyGeek's Top Picks

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
The American Express® Business Gold Card is a gem for any business-savvy individual. Its generous initial rewards can quickly set you up for success, and its tailored rewards structure means you're earning more on your top spending areas. Plus, you're in for extra perks like savings on popular services every month. While it does come with a few intricacies in its reward system and some caps, once you get a hang of it, you'll find it's a valuable ally in managing your business expenses. And, let's not forget, you even get to pick its stylish look.
Pros
Generous welcome points offer
Potentially high rewards
Dynamic bonus categories
Offers monthly credits on select services

Cons
Comes with an annual fee
Complex reward system
High rewards has spending limit
Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $10,000 with the Business Gold Card in the first 3 months. Terms apply.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points in the two main categories your business frequents from a list of six eligible ones each billing cycle. Though these top categories might vary, the 4X points apply to the initial $150,000 spent yearly across them, and then it drops to 1X. Only expenses in these top two categories count towards the yearly $150,000 limit.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
Receive up to $20 in credits monthly on eligible U.S. purchases like FedEx, Grubhub and Office Supplies; potentially saving $240 annually. Enrollment necessary.
Enjoy $12.95 in monthly credits when you auto-renew a Walmart+ membership using the Business Gold Card. Taxes may apply.
Choose between Gold or Rose Gold for your card design.
With $295 annual fee ($375 if application is received on or after 2/1/24)
Terms, rates and fees apply
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Best flat-rate rewards card for frequent travelers
- 2 Miles per $1Rewards Rate
- 26.24% VariableAPR
- $95 ($0 first year)Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business is a highly rewarding card ideal for businesses with a diverse range of expenses, particularly those with frequent travel needs. It offers a substantial welcome bonus and a generous rate of return on spending, transforming business expenses into valuable travel rewards. The card shines with its unparalleled flexibility in redeeming rewards, accommodating multiple travel loyalty programs and providing unrestricted freedom in redemption. Useful business tools, like free employee cards and comprehensive financial summaries, make this card a strategic business asset, although it’s important to mind the above-average APR.
Pros
Earn miles on every purchase
Flexible redemption options
Application credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
Useful business tools and free employee cards
No foreign transaction fees

Cons
Annual fee after first year
High regular APR
No intro APR offers
Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Earn 2X miles on all other spending
Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months
Flexible redemption options: transfer to 15+ travel loyalty programs, no blackout date or expiration dates, no limit on earning miles, no minimums for redemption, redeem any airline or hotel purchase for a statement credit
Annual fee of $95 ($0 in first year)
Up to $100 credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
No foreign transaction fees
Business tools: free employee cards, quarterly and year-end summaries and downloadable purchase records
Terms, rates and fees apply
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
A card that offers generous rewards for business travelers who fly Delta frequently.
- 1.5–3 Miles per $1Rewards Rate
- 20.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
- $550Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
If you're a frequent Delta flyer looking to amplify your travel experience, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card could be a game-changer. This card goes beyond just earning you miles; it elevates your entire journey. With accelerated rewards for high spenders and elite status within reach, your loyalty pays off in big ways. You'll also enjoy exclusive lounge access and discounts on award travel, bringing a touch of luxury to your trips. While the annual fee and APR are on the higher side, the lavish benefits can make it well worth the investment for the right traveler.
Pros
High earnings on Delta purchases
Generous welcome bonus
Free Delta Sky Club access
Bonus miles after meeting the spending threshold

Cons
Comes with a hefty annual fee
Potentially high APR
Good to excellent credit needed
Benefits are limited to Delta
Earn 70,000 Bonus Miles after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months
Earn 3 miles for every dollar you spend directly with Delta
After hitting $150,000 in annual spending on your card, get 1.5 miles per dollar for the rest of the year
With $550 annual fee
Regular APR 20.99%–29.99% (variable)
Enjoy a 15% discount on award travel with TakeOff 15, applicable only to Delta flights. Not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
Enjoy Delta Sky Club® access for relaxation before Delta flights or during connections. Receive two Delta Sky Club One-Time Guest Passes annually to share the experience. Starting February 1, 2025, Reserve Card Members get 15 annual Delta Sky Club visits. Earn unlimited yearly visits from February 1, 2025, with $75,000 in eligible card purchases between January 1, 2024, and December 31, 2024, and each subsequent year. After using 15 visits, eligible members can buy additional visits at $50 each using the card.
When you purchase a Delta flight with your Delta SkyMiles Reserve Card, you will receive complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge - The Centurion® Studio Partner. After you spend $150,000 on your Card in a calendar year, you earn 1.5 miles per dollar (that's an extra half mile per dollar) on eligible purchases the rest of the year. If your purchase qualifies for a category that has a higher mileage accelerator, only the higher accelerator will apply (ex. you would earn 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta instead of 1.5X).
Book a Delta flight with your card and gain complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge or Escape Lounge
With Status Boost®, earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card through 12/31/23, up to four times per year getting you closer to Medallion Status.* MQMs are used to determine Medallion Status and are different from the miles you earn towards flights.*Effective 1/1/24, this benefit will no longer be available, and there will be a new way to earn toward Medallion Status with the Card. Learn more.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Great for big welcome offer and ongoing rewards
- 1–3 Points per $1Rewards Rate
- 21.24% – 26.24% VariableAPR
- $95Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a robust ally for businesses, offering an impressive welcome offer that sets the tone for its value-driven features. With a rewards structure that generously caters to travel and specific business expenses, the card helps turn everyday spending into tangible benefits. Its suite of travel protections brings confidence to frequent travelers, and the modest annual fee is easily justified by the multitude of perks, including free employee cards. In short, it’s an astutely designed card that recognizes and rewards modern business dynamics.
Pros
Impressive welcome offer
High rewards cap
Boosted rewards redemption through Chase
Travel protections
Free employee cards

Cons
With annual fee
No introductory APR offer
Earn 3X points on travel and select business categories, including shipping, internet, cable and phone services and advertising (up to $150,000 in combined spending each year, then 1X points)
Earn 1X points on all other spending
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months
Annual fee: $95
Free employee cards
Travel protections: trip cancellation insurance, trip interruption insurance, and primary rental car insurance
Consumer protections: extended warranty protection, purchase protection, cell phone protection
No foreign transaction fees
Flexible rewards: points don’t expire, no blackout dates, 25% points bonus when booking travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, various transfer options.
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other top-rated travel rewards cards.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Great for hotel rewards and perks for business spending
- 2–6 Points per $1*Rewards Rate
- 20.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
- $125Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is a robust and savvy choice for small business owners who frequently travel, particularly for those loyal to Marriott Bonvoy hotels. Its rewarding points system aligns seamlessly with everyday business expenditures, plus the generous welcome bonus is a major kick-start. The card's benefits, including free night awards and Gold Elite Status, offer significant value and can easily offset the annual fee while potentially transforming every business trip into a VIP experience. Furthermore, making travel purchases on this card provides a safety net of various travel insurance protections, adding peace of mind to each journey.
Pros
Earn free night awards
Significant hotel perks, including Gold Elite status
Generous welcome offer
No foreign transaction fees

Cons
Annual fee
Modest travel benefits
No intro APR offers
Earn three Free Night Awards with $6,000 in purchases within the first six months; each award redeemable up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points, resort fees may apply
Get 7% off standard rates on standard guest room bookings at Marriott Bonvoy program hotels when reserved directly through Marriott; terms apply
Accumulate 6x points for every dollar spent at Marriott Bonvoy® hotels
Collect 4x points on restaurant, U.S. gas station purchases, direct U.S. wireless service and U.S. shipping expenses
Earn 2x points on all other qualifying purchases
Receive 1 Free Night Award annually post-card renewal month; earn an extra with $60K spend in a year, redeemable for a night up to 35,000 points, resort fees may apply
Enjoy Complimentary Gold Elite Status with your Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
With $125 annual fee
No foreign transaction fee
Terms, rates and fees apply
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card
An excellent business card with Southwest and other travel benefits
- 1–3 Points per $1*Rewards Rate
- 21.49% – 28.49% VariableAPR
- $199Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a gem for frequent Southwest travelers and business professionals. Its strength lies in the generous rewards on Southwest purchases and specific business-related expenses, bolstered by a tempting sign-up bonus and annual anniversary points. While it does come with an annual fee, the myriad of perks, including upgraded boardings and diverse point-earning categories, makes this card an indispensable tool for those aiming to maximize benefits from their spending.
Pros
Bonus points on Southwest purchases and specific business expenses
Rapid Rewards points are valuable and flexible.
With generous sign-up bonus
Get anniversary bonus points yearly

Cons
With annual fee
Low rewards for non-bonus categories
Earn 4 points for every dollar spent on Southwest purchases.
Earn 3 points per dollar when you book with Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners.
Earn 2 points per dollar on expenses like rideshare, social media, search engine advertising and your internet and phone bills. For all other purchases, you'll get 1 point per dollar.
Unlock 80,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in the first three months.
Comes with a $199 annual fee.
No foreign transaction fees.
APR ranges from 21.49% to 28.49% variable.
Get four upgraded boardings a year, based on availability.
Every four years, get up to a $100 credit for your Global Entry or TSA Precheck application fees.
Additional employee cards won't cost you. Extra will
If you rent a vehicle with your Southwest Performance card, you get secondary insurance coverage for damage or theft.
Should your luggage go missing, you can get reimbursed up to $3,000 per passenger for both checked and carry-on bags.
With annual fee
Low rewards for non-bonus categories
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
- up to 2X Membership Rewards® pointsRewards Rate
- 18.49% – 26.49% VariableAPR
- $0Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a compelling option for small business owners in search of a simple yet rewarding credit solution. With no annual fee, the card is budget-friendly and designed to cater to the needs of businesses, particularly those with significant everyday expenses. The rewards structure is straightforward: cardholders earn a solid rate of Membership Rewards® points on their business purchases up to a generous cap each calendar year, before the rate drops to a lower tier.
Pros
No annual fee
Intro APR on purchases
Simple flat-rate rewards on all purchases
Flexible redemption options
Good for small businesses

Cons
No intro APR on balance transfers
Foreign transaction fees
Fees for transferring points and booking flights through American Express Travel
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Earn 2 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on purchases (up to $50,000 in purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) and 2 points per dollar with no limit on car rentals booked through American Express Travel
0% intro APR offer on purchases for 12 months, then a variable rate of 18.49% – 26.49% (see rates and fees)
Redeem points for travel booked through American Express Travel, purchases via select online merchants, gift cards and more.
Transfer points to different frequent flyer programs.
No annual fee (see rates and fees)
Foreign transaction fee of 2.7% (see rates and fees)
Flexible credit limit
Get free employee cards
Account management tools like designating an account manager, setting individual card limits, and manage your receipts
Travel benefits like travel accident insurance, baggage insurance, purchase protection, car rental insurance, roadside assistance and more. (Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit the benefits guide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.)
Terms Apply
Terms, rates and fees apply
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Top-tier business card with premium travel benefits
- 1–5 Points per $1*Rewards Rate
- 19.49% – 27.49% VariableAPR
- $695Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is an excellent option for business owners seeking robust rewards and benefits. Its generous welcome offer makes for a powerful start, particularly for those with large initial expenditures, while tiered rewards on high-volume spending categories make each dollar spent a valuable investment. Beyond that, this card's statement credits are a cashback boon across diverse business essentials, enhancing operational efficiency and the card's overall worth. Plus, the travel perks are fantastic for frequent flyers, offering both luxury and peace of mind. While the Amex Platinum does come with a famously high annual fee, the rewards and benefits can easily justify the cost for high-spending businesses.
Pros
Impressive welcome offer
Great rewards on business spending
Significant statement credits
Airport lounge access
Extensive travel protections and perks

Cons
High annual fee
No intro APR offers
Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and flights booked on AmexTravel.com
Earn 2X points on prepaid rental cars booked on AmexTravel.com
Earn 1.5X points on qualifying purchases of $5,000 or more on electronic goods, retailers, software, cloud service providers, construction materials, hardware supplies and shipping providers (on up to $2 million in combined spending each year)
Earn 1X points on all other spending
Earn 120,000 points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months
Annual fee of $695 (See rates and fees)
Flexible points redemption: no blackout dates, no earning caps and points don’t expire
No foreign transaction fees (See rates and fees)
Free access for you and two guests to over 1,400 airport lounges through the American Express Global Lounge Collection
Complimentary night or property credit up to $250 for eligible stays at participating Fine Hotels + Resorts properties
Complimentary night or property credit up to $100 for eligible stays at participation Hotel Collection properties
Up to $400 statement credit on Dell purchases each year
Up to $360 statement credit on Indeed products and services (up to $90 per quarter)
Up to $300 onboard credit on eligible cruise bookings through the Cruise Privileges Program
Up to $200 statement credit for airline fees with a selected airline each year
Up to $189 statement credit for CLEAR® membership application each year
Up to $150 statement credit on select Adobe purchases each year
Up to $120 statement credit on wireless telephone purchases (up to $10 per month)
Up to $100 application credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck every 5 years
Free employee cards with individual limits
Travel insurance and purchase protections: trip delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, return protection and baggage insurance, secondary car rental insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty coverage (Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company)
Terms apply
Terms, rates and fees apply
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Great for earning Hilton Honors points
- 3–12 Points per $1*Rewards Rate
- 20.99% – 29.99% VariableAPR
- $95Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is a powerful tool for businesses, particularly those with frequent travel or dining needs. Its standout benefits are the generous welcome offer and robust hotel perks, which include status upgrades and free nights. Its diverse earning categories make accumulating points easy and rewarding, and no foreign transaction fees make it a great companion for international travel. While the value of Hilton Honors points might be lower than some competitors, the card's high earning rates can offset this if they align with your typical business spending. Lastly, its annual fee is modest and can easily be justified considering the rich rewards and perks, delivering both practical value and a touch of luxury for your business.
Pros
Attainable welcome offer
Hotel perks, including status and free nights
Variety of earning categories
No foreign transaction fees

Cons
Hilton points have a lower value than competitors
Modest annual fee
Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on direct Hilton hotel purchases
Earn 2X to 8X points at restaurants using the Hilton Honors Dining Program
Earn 6X points on select travel and business purchases
Earn 3X points on Lyft rides
Earn 3X points on all other spending
Earn 130,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months
Earn 10,000 points every 10 nights after you’ve stayed 30 nights in a calendar year, then 30,000 points every 10 nights after you’ve stayed 60 nights in a year
Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status, including boosted base points and every fifth night free on reward stays
Receive one free night each year after spending $15,000 and a second free night after spending $45,000 in a calendar year
Receive 10 complimentary visits each year to Priority Pass Select lounges
Earn points and discounts on car rentals with Alamo, Enterprise or National Rental Car
Annual fee of $95 (See rates and fees)
No foreign transaction fee (See rates and fees)
Flexible points redemption: no blackout dates, points caps or point expiration (as long as your membership is active at least every 12 months)
Free employee cards with individual limits
Travel insurance and consumer protections: travel and emergency assistance, baggage insurance, car rental insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty (Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company)
Terms apply
Terms, rates and fees apply
United℠ Business Card
Solid travel card for United fans
- 1–2 Miles per $1*Rewards Rate
- 21.74%–28.74% VariableAPR
- $99 ($0 intro annual fee for the first year)Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The United℠ Business Card is tailored to the needs of frequent travelers and business professionals, offering a substantial welcome bonus, reward miles on United Airlines purchases and rich travel perks and protections. While it comes with comprehensive travel conveniences, potential cardholders must weigh these with the card's annual fee and lack of introductory APR offers. Ideal for those aiming to maximize travel benefits, this card can be a strategic choice for enhancing comfort and affordability while traveling.
Pros
Generous bonus miles offer
No annual fee during the first year
Bonus miles during card anniversary
2x miles on diverse categories
With travel perks

Cons
Annual fee after first year
High variable APR
Travel-focused benefits only
Earn 50,000 bonus miles with $5,000 spent in first 3 months of account opening
No annual fee first year, then it’s $99 annually
Get 5,000-mile bonus each anniversary with United℠ Business Card and personal Chase United® credit card
Earn 2 miles for every $1 on United® purchases, dining, gas stations, office supplies and local transit
Earn 1 mile for every $1 on all other purchases; employee cards add miles to your account
Free first checked bag, 2 United Club(SM) passes yearly and priority boarding
$100 United® travel credit after 7 flights of $100+ each anniversary year
Regular APR between 21.99% and 28.99% (variable)
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other top-rated cards from our partners.
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
Lucrative rewards for World of Hyatt members
- 1–9 PointsRewards Rate
- 21.49% – 28.49% VariableAPR
- $199Annual Fee
- Good–ExcellentRecommended Credit
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is a powerhouse for Hyatt loyalists, offering rich rewards on spending, with exceptionally high returns on Hyatt hotel purchases. It caters to domestic and international spenders, with no foreign transaction fees and a host of travel protections, making it a reliable companion on your journeys. Additionally, this card offers opportunities for free nights and status accelerations within the World of Hyatt program. However, its value may be less compelling for infrequent travelers or those seeking broader hotel options or airport lounge access.
Pros
Ideal for Hyatt loyalists
Lucrative rewards structure
Range of travel protections
No foreign transaction fees

Cons
No airport lounge access
Value limited to Hyatt properties
Annual fee
Earn 4X points on Hyatt hotel purchases (plus 5X points for being a World of Hyatt member)
Earn 2 Bonus Points per $1 spent in your top three spend categories each quarter through 12/31/24, then your top two categories each quarter.
Earn 2X points on restaurants, flights purchased directly from airlines, local transit, commuting and gym memberships
Earn 1X points on all other spending
Earn 60,000 Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first three months from account opening.
Annual fee of $95
No foreign transaction fees
Receive a free night each year at a Category 1-4 hotel (worth up to 15,000 points)
Receive an additional free night each year at a Category 1-4 hotel after spending $15,000
Receive five qualifying night credits toward your next tier status each year and two additional qualifying night credits every time you spend $5,000 on your card
Travel insurance: trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement and secondary car rental insurance
Purchase protection for 120 days for damage or theft (up to $500 per claim and $50,000 per account)
Terms, rates and fees apply
Compare this credit card with other top-rated credit cards.

MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

When considering a business credit card with travel rewards, it is advantageous to reflect on what your travel needs are. While having an abundance of features is enjoyable, it isn’t advisable to pay an annual fee for a card unless you use its benefits. — Brett Holzhauer, Personal Finance Journalist

Business Travel Cards Defined

A business travel card is a credit card designed to offer benefits and rewards to business owners and professionals who travel frequently for work. These cards offer rewards points for travel-related expenses such as airline tickets and hotel stays. The best business travel credit cards stand out by providing enticing sign-up bonuses and a wide array of perks to make your business travels more comfortable and economical.

When you pay for your business trips using a business travel rewards credit card, you facilitate smoother expense tracking and earn rewards that you can later use to offset future travel costs. It's a savvy way to save on travel expenses while enjoying extra comforts on your business trips.

How Business Travel Cards Work

Understanding the workings of business travel credit cards can help you maximize their potential benefits. Let's break down the fundamental aspects of how these cards function.

Reward Points and Miles

Most business travel credit cards operate on a rewards system, earning points or miles for every dollar you spend. These points can be incredibly versatile, allowing you to redeem them for flight tickets, hotel stays or even cash back in some cases. The best business travel card for you would offer a rewards rate that aligns with your spending pattern, helping you accumulate points quickly and easily.

Sign-Up Bonuses

Many of the best business travel credit cards come with a lucrative sign-up bonus as an incentive to choose their card. To secure this bonus, you'll typically need to meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of account opening. It's a great initial boost that can lead to substantial savings on your business travels.

Annual Fees

Business travel credit cards often come with annual fees ranging from moderate to high amounts. While this might seem like a downside, the best business credit cards for travel often offer benefits that far outweigh the cost of the annual fee, provided you make good use of the card's features and rewards.

Additional Perks

Apart from rewards and bonuses, these cards also come with additional perks such as airport lounge access, travel insurance and free checked bags, further enhancing your travel experience. When choosing a business travel rewards credit card, considering these extra benefits can help you find a card that adds value and convenience to your business trips.

Should You Use a Personal Credit Card for Business Travel?

Using a personal credit card for business travel might seem convenient, especially if you already have a card with great rewards. However, keeping your business and personal expenses separate is generally recommended for easier management and better financial clarity.

Opting for a business travel credit card instead can provide you with detailed reports on your spending, a feature that many personal cards do not offer. Moreover, business credit cards often come with higher credit limits, giving you more flexibility for making business-related purchases.

While using a personal card for business travel isn't a no-go, the best business travel credit cards can offer benefits specifically tailored to business needs, which will make your trips more rewarding and your expense tracking simpler.

MORE: Best Business Travel Credit Cards for Airline Miles in 2023

Business Credit Cards: Travel or Cash Back?

When it comes to business credit cards, you often face a choice between travel rewards and cash back. Both have their merits, and the best option for you hinges largely on your business’s specific needs and travel frequency.

Travel rewards business credit cards tend to give you perks like airline miles, hotel upgrades and access to exclusive lounges. These perks can make your business trips more comfortable and pleasurable. They are especially beneficial if you or your employees travel frequently for work.

On the other hand, cash back cards offer a straightforward rewards system, giving you a percentage of your spending back as cash. This might be the better option if your business expenses are more varied and not necessarily travel-centric.

In essence, while travel rewards cards can elevate your business travel experiences with luxurious perks, cash back cards offer flexibility and simplicity that is hard to beat. The best business credit card for travel rewards or cash back is one that aligns with your business spending patterns and preferences.

MORE: Best Business Credit Cards for Cash Back in 2023

Pros and Cons of Using a Travel Card

Before deciding on the best business travel card for you, it's wise to weigh the pros and cons. Let’s break down the potential advantages and drawbacks to consider.

Pros

Reward points and travel perks
When you choose a business travel rewards credit card, every dollar spent can earn you points or miles that can be redeemed for travel-related rewards. These perks can make your business travels much more enjoyable and comfortable, offering a significant advantage over other types of credit cards.
Higher credit limits
Business travel credit cards often offer higher credit limits compared to personal cards. This gives you the financial flexibility to manage larger purchases efficiently, which can be great for businesses with substantial travel or operational expenses.
Build business credit
Utilizing a business travel card responsibly can assist in building your business credit score, which can be beneficial in securing better terms for business loans or credit lines in the future.

Cons

Annual fees
Many business travel credit cards come with annual fees that can be quite substantial. It’s important to ensure that the benefits and rewards you receive from the card justify these fees.
Complex rewards structures
While the rewards can be generous, the structures can sometimes be complex and require active management to fully benefit from them. Understanding the nuances of a card's reward system can sometimes be a bit overwhelming.
Potential for high interest rates
If not managed carefully, business travel cards can come with high interest rates, especially if you carry a balance month to month. It’s advisable to pay off the balance in full each month to avoid accruing high interest charges.

How to Choose a Business Travel Credit Card

Selecting the best business travel credit card will enhance your business travel experience. Here are some key factors to consider while making your choice:

Understand your spending habits: Before you start exploring options, take time to analyze your business spending patterns. Understanding where most of your business expenses lie will help you choose a card that offers maximum rewards for your spending habits.
Weigh the annual fee against the benefits: Almost all premium business travel credit cards have an annual fee. Remember to evaluate whether the perks and rewards offered by the card outweigh the annual fee to ensure you get the best value.
Consider the rewards structure: Travel rewards business credit cards come with different rewards structures. Some offer miles or points that can be redeemed for travel benefits, while others offer cash back. Choose a structure that offers the best returns on your spending based on your preferences and business needs.
Look into the sign-up bonus: Many cards lure in new customers with a generous sign-up bonus. While this is an attractive feature, be sure to check the spending threshold required to earn this bonus and confirm that it aligns with your budget.
Check the foreign transaction fees: If international business travel is a regular occurrence for you, considering a card with no foreign transaction fees should be a priority. This way, you can save on the extra costs that accumulate while using the card abroad.
Examine additional perks: Finally, don't overlook the additional perks offered by the card. From airport lounge access to travel insurance, these perks can add substantial value to your business travel credit card, making your travels more comfortable and convenient.

Securing the best business travel card hinges on a deep understanding of your spending habits and travel needs. Remember to weigh the benefits against the costs and choose a card with a rewards structure that aligns with your business's financial landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions to assist you in understanding and choosing the best business travel card for your needs.

Experts' Advice Choosing a Business Travel Credit Card

Who is best suited for a travel rewards credit card, and how can consumers determine if a travel card is right for them?
What factors should consumers consider when searching for and comparing travel credit cards?
What common mistakes do people make when it comes to choosing and using a travel credit card?
How can travelers maximize the rewards and benefits of travel credit cards?

Julia Menez

Travel Hacking Coach and Founder of Geobreeze

About Grace Pilling

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.
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