The right business credit card helps you manage cash flow, track expenses, earn rewards and build your business credit. Whether you're running a startup or an established company, choosing a card that matches your spending patterns can improve your financial management and support growth.
Best Business Credit Cards in 2025
The best business credit cards in 2025 offer welcome bonuses and high cash back or rewards on category-based spending. Some also have no annual fees.

Updated: November 14, 2025
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Best Business Credit Cards in 2025
A good business credit card improves your cash flow and helps you earn rewards on everyday expenses. MoneyGeek analyzed dozens of cards to find the best options for startups and established businesses alike. Here are our top picks.
Why You Can Trust Our List
To ensure that we provide our readers with the most accurate and up-to-date information, experts at MoneyGeek collect 57 data points from different sources, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, card issuer websites and our various partners. We rely on our unique in-house ranking methodology to select the best business credit cards, and our model assigns specific percentages to different parameters such as the annual fee, welcome offer, rewards rates, APR, foreign transaction fees and more.
On Partner's Website
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express serves small business owners who want straightforward rewards without an annual fee. Cardholders earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on business purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1X points after that.
- PROS
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months
- Flat-rate rewards on all purchases
- Flexible redemption options
- Works well for small businesses
CONS- No intro APR on balance transfers
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- Fees apply for transferring points and booking flights through American Express Travel
- Introductory Offers
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening, then 17.49% to 25.49% variable APR (won't exceed 29.99%). See rates and fees.
- Rewards
- Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases like office supplies and client dinners, up to $50,000 per year.
- Earn 1 point per dollar after reaching the $50,000 cap.
- APRs, Fees and Penalties
- No annual fee. Check rates and fees.
- Perks and Benefits
- Expanded Buying Power lets you spend beyond your credit limit based on card usage and payment history (not unlimited). Terms apply.
- Introductory Offers
On Partner's Website
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card works well for small businesses seeking straightforward cash back without an annual fee. Even businesses with modest expenses earn net gains from spending. The card offers 0% intro APR on purchases.
- PROS
- High flat-rate cash back
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months
CONS- Cap on cash back earnings
- Foreign transaction fee
- Introductory Offers
- Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening, then 17.49% to 25.49% variable APR (won't exceed 29.99%).
- Rewards
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% (cash back automatically credited to your statement).
- APRs, Fees and Penalties
- No annual fee. See rates and fees.
- Perks and Benefits
- Expanded Buying Power lets you spend beyond your credit limit based on card usage and payment history (not unlimited). Terms apply.
- Introductory Offers

On Partner's Website
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business rewards businesses with diverse expenses, especially those with frequent travel. You'll earn 2X miles per dollar on every purchase and 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. The card provides flexible redemption options across multiple travel loyalty programs and includes business tools like free employee cards and comprehensive financial summaries.
- PROS
- Earn miles on every purchase
- Flexible redemption options
- Application credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck
- Business tools and free employee cards
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS- Annual fee after first year
- Above-average APR
- No intro APR offers
- Introductory Offers
- Earn 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months.
- Rewards
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase.
- Get unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Perks and Benefits
- Transfer miles to over 15 travel loyalty programs.
- Redeem miles instantly for travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services.
- Receive up to $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
- Free employee cards that earn unlimited 2X miles.
- APRs, Fees and Penalties
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that.
- Introductory Offers

On Partner's Website
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus Credit Card delivers 2% cash back on all spending and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. You'll earn a $2,000 cash bonus after spending $30,000 in the first three months, plus an additional $2,000 for every $500,000 spent in the first year (unlimited). Spend $150,000 annually, and your $150 annual fee gets refunded. This card requires full balance payment each month; you can't carry a balance.
- PROS
- High flat-rate cash back on all spending
- Bonus cash back on select travel purchases
- Generous cash bonus
- Comprehensive business tools
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS- No option to carry a balance
- Annual fee with lower spending
- Introductory Offers
- Earn $2,000 cash bonus after spending $30,000 in the first three months.
- Receive an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500,000 spent in the first year. (unlimited)
- Rewards
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase.
Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase.
- Perks and Benefits
- Spending limit adapts to your business needs with no preset limit.
- Free employee and virtual cards earn rewards from their transactions.
- Automatically sync transaction data with accounting software.
- Spend $150,000 annually to get your $150 annual fee refunded.
- APRS, Fees and Penalties
- The Spark Cash Plus card requires a full monthly balance payment (there's no APR).
- Introductory Offers
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card offers 1.5% cash back on every business purchase with no annual fee. You'll earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 in the first three months, plus a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months. Free employee cards help consolidate business expenses and accelerate rewards earning. The card charges foreign transaction fees and doesn't offer an intro APR for balance transfers.
- PROS
- 1.5% flat-rate cash back
- $750 welcome offer
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months
CONS- No bonus cash back categories
- No intro APR on balance transfers
- Foreign transaction fee
Introductory Offers
- Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 in the first three months.
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, then 17.74% to 23.74% variable APR.
Rewards
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back per business purchase.
APRS, Fees and Penalties
- No annual fee
Perks and Benefits
- Zero Liability protection against unauthorized charges.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases.
- Add employee cards at no additional cost with individual spending limits.
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
On Partner's Website
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express delivers robust rewards for high-spending businesses. Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 in the first three months. You'll receive 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels through AmexTravel.com and 1.5X points on purchases at U.S. construction material suppliers, hardware stores, electronic goods retailers, software providers and shipping companies, plus purchases of $5,000 or more. Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits during the first year and access 1,400+ airport lounges worldwide. The $695 annual fee is steep, but the rewards and benefits justify the cost for high-spending businesses.
- PROS
- 150,000-point welcome offer
- Strong rewards on business spending
- Over $1,000 in statement credits
- Airport lounge access
- Extensive travel protections and perks
CONS- $695 annual fee
- No intro APR offers
- Introductory Offers
- Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 in the first three months.
- Rewards
- Earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1.5X points on eligible purchases at U.S. construction material suppliers, hardware stores, electronic goods retailers, software and cloud system providers, shipping providers and purchases of $5,000 or more.
- Earn 1X point per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
- Perks and Benefits
- Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases in the first year.
- Get $200 Airline Fee Credit for incidental fees charged by a selected airline.
- Receive up to $199 in statement credits for CLEAR Plus Membership renewal.
- Access over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide with the American Express Global Lounge Collection.
- APRs, Fees and Penalties
- $695 annual fee. See rates and fees. Terms apply.
- Introductory Offers
On Partner's Website
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card rewards business travelers loyal to Marriott properties. Earn 3 Free Night Awards (worth up to 50,000 points each) after spending $6,000 in the first six months. You'll earn 6X points at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 4X points on dining, U.S. gas stations, wireless services and U.S. shipping, plus 2X points on all other purchases. The card provides Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status and a 7% discount on eligible bookings. Travel purchases come with various insurance protections. The $125 annual fee is offset by the Free Night Award you receive annually after card renewal.
- PROS
- Earn free night awards
- Hotel perks, including Gold Elite status
- Strong welcome offer
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS- $125 annual fee
- Limited travel benefits beyond hotels
- No intro APR offers
- Introductory Offers
- Earn 3 Free Night Awards after spending $6,000 in the first six months (each award redeemable for up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points at participating hotels; certain hotels have resort fees). Terms apply.
- Rewards
- Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
- Earn 4X points on dining, U.S. gas stations, wireless services from U.S. providers and U.S. shipping purchases.
- Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
- Perks and Benefits
- Enjoy 7% discount on eligible bookings as a Marriott Bonvoy member and cardholder.
- Receive a Free Night Award annually after card renewal.
- Earn an additional Free Night Award after spending $60,000 in a calendar year.
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status.
- APRs, Fees and Penalties
- $125 annual fee. See rates and fees. Terms apply.
- Introductory Offers
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card rewards common business expenses with 5% cash back at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services (up to $25,000 spent annually), plus 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $25,000 spent annually). You'll earn $350 cash back after spending $3,000 in the first three months and an additional $400 after spending $6,000 in the first six months. The card charges no annual fee and offers 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months. Free employee cards help consolidate business expenses.
- PROS
- High cash back on business-specific categories
- Strong welcome offer
- No annual fee
- 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months
- Free employee cards
CONS- Limited rewards on non-bonus categories
- Foreign transaction fees
- Cap on cash back rewards
Introductory Offers
- Earn $350 cash back after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
- Earn an additional $400 cash back after spending $6,000 in the first six months.
Rewards
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services.
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at gas stations and restaurants.
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Perks and Benefits
- Zero Liability protection for unauthorized charges.
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
APRs, Fees and Penalties
- 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases, then 17.74% to 25.74% variable APR.
- No annual fee.
On Partner's Website
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The American Express® Business Gold Card earns 4X Membership Rewards points on your top two spending categories each month (up to $150,000 annually) and 3X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com. You'll earn 100,000 points after spending $15,000 in the first three months. The card provides up to $20 in monthly statement credits (totaling $240 annually) for eligible purchases at FedEx, Grubhub and Office Supply Stores, plus up to $12.95 monthly credit for Walmart+ membership. Choose from three metal card designs. The reward system takes some getting used to, but the high earning potential on your top spending categories makes it valuable.
- PROS
- 100,000-point welcome offer
- High rewards potential
- Dynamic bonus categories
- Monthly credits on select services
CONS- Annual fee
- Complex reward system
- Spending limit on high rewards
- Introductory Offers
- Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months.
- Rewards
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards points on the top two eligible spending categories each month, up to $150,000 annually.
- Earn 3X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com
- Perks and Benefits
- Get up to $20 in monthly statement credits for eligible purchases at FedEx, Grubhub and Office Supply Stores (totaling up to $240 annually).
- Receive up to $12.95 monthly statement credit for Walmart+ membership.
- Choose from three metal card designs: Gold, Rose Gold and Limited Edition White Gold.
- APRs, Fees and Penalties
- 0% intro APR for six months on eligible purchases, then 18.49% to 27.49% variable APR. See rates and fees. Terms apply.
- Introductory Offers
On Partner's Website
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card rewards travel and dining spending with 12X points at Hilton properties and 5X points on other purchases (up to $100,000 per calendar year, then 3X). Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first six months. The card provides complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status (upgrade to Diamond Status by spending $40,000 or more annually) and up to $60 in statement credits each quarter for purchases at Hilton properties. No foreign transaction fees make it useful for international travel. The rewards and hotel perks justify the $195 annual fee if you travel frequently.
- PROS
- Attainable welcome offer
- Hotel perks, including status upgrades and free nights
- Multiple earning categories
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS- Hilton points have lower value than competitors'
- $195 annual fee
- Introductory Offers
- Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first six months.
- Rewards
- Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible Hilton purchases.
- Earn 5X points on other purchases up to $100,000 each calendar year, then 3X points.
- Perks and Benefits
- Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with 80% bonus on base points earned during stays.
- Upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond Status by spending $40,000 or more in a calendar year.
- Receive up to $60 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with Hilton properties.
- Enroll for complimentary National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status through your American Express online account.
- APRs, Fees and Penalties
- $195 annual fee.
- 19.99% to 28.99% variable APR. Terms apply.
- Introductory Offers
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The United℠ Business Card rewards frequent travelers with 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months. You'll earn 2X miles per dollar on United purchases, local transit and commuting (train tickets, taxis, mass transit, tolls and ride share services), gas stations, dining and office supply stores. All other purchases earn 1X mile.
The card provides travel perks, including a free first checked bag (saving up to $160 per round-trip), two United Club one-time passes per year, priority boarding and a $100 United travel credit after seven United flight purchases of $100 or more each anniversary year. You'll also receive 5,000 bonus miles each anniversary when you have both this card and a personal Chase United card. The $99 annual fee is waived the first year. Benefits focus on travel, so this card works best for businesses with frequent United Airlines spending.
- PROS
- 75,000 bonus miles offer
- 5,000 bonus miles each card anniversary
- 2X miles on diverse categories
- Strong travel perks
CONS- High variable APR
- Benefits focus on travel only
- Introductory Offers
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first three months.
- Rewards
- Earn 2X miles per dollar on local transit and commuting, including train tickets, taxis, mass transit, tolls and ride share services.
- Earn 2X miles per dollar at gas stations, dining (including eligible delivery services) and office supply stores.
- Earn 2X miles per dollar on United purchases.
- Earn 1X mile on all other purchases.
- Receive 5,000 bonus miles each anniversary with both this card and a personal Chase United card.
- APRs, Fees and Penalties
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99 annually.
- Perks and Benefits
- Free first checked bag (potentially saving up to $160 per round-trip)
- Two United Club one-time passes per year
- Priority boarding privileges
- $100 United travel credit after seven United flight purchases of $100 or more each anniversary year
- Introductory Offers
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card rewards Hyatt loyalists with up to 9 points per dollar at Hyatt properties (including 4 bonus points from the card and up to 5 base points as a World of Hyatt member). Earn 60,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 in the first three months, plus 1 free night at any category 1 to 4 Hyatt hotel after spending $15,000 within the first six months.
You'll earn 2 bonus points per dollar in your top three spending categories each quarter and on fitness club memberships. The card provides up to $100 in Hyatt statement credits annually and World of Hyatt Discoverist status. No foreign transaction fees and comprehensive travel protections make it reliable for international travel. Value is limited to Hyatt properties, and there's no airport lounge access.
- PROS
- Strong rewards for Hyatt loyalists
- Generous rewards structure
- Comprehensive travel protection
- No foreign transaction fees
CONS- No airport lounge access
- Value limited to Hyatt properties
- Annual fee
Introductory Offers
- Earn 60,000 Bonus Points after spending $5,000 in the first three months.
- Earn 1 free night at any category 1 to 4 Hyatt hotel after spending $15,000 within the first six months.
Rewards
- Earn up to 9 points per dollar at Hyatt properties (4 bonus points from the card plus up to 5 base points as a World of Hyatt member).
- Earn 2 bonus points per dollar in your top three spending categories each quarter.
- Earn 2 bonus points per dollar on fitness club and gym memberships.
- Earn 1 bonus point per dollar on all other purchases.
Perks and Benefits
- Enjoy up to $100 in Hyatt statement credits annually by spending $50 or more at Hyatt properties twice per year.
- Receive 5 Tier-Qualifying night credits for every $10,000 spent in a calendar year.
World of Hyatt Discoverist status for the duration of your account (extendable to up to five employees).
Moneygeek.com credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card earns 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year (1 point per dollar after that). Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel.
The card provides comprehensive travel protections, including Purchase Protection covering new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days (up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account). Free employee cards and Chase Ultimate Rewards redemption flexibility make it valuable. The annual fee is reasonable given the rewards and perks.
- PROS
- 90,000-point welcome offer
- High rewards cap
- 25% bonus on travel redemptions through Chase
- Travel protection
- Free employee cards
CONS- Annual fee
- No intro APR offer
Introductory Offers
- Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months.
Rewards
- Earn 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year.
- Earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
- Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel.
Perks and Benefits
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases.
- Zero Liability protection ensures you're not responsible for unauthorized charges.
Purchase Protection covers new purchases against damage or theft for 120 days (up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account). - Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more (no expiration as long as the account is open).
What Is a Business Credit Card?
A business credit card works like a personal credit card, letting you make purchases up to a specified limit. The difference? Features designed for businesses, including higher credit limits, business-focused rewards programs and expense management tools.
Use a business credit card to manage cash flow, track expenses, earn rewards and build a business credit profile. Cards are issued in the business's name and often require a personal guarantee from the business owner or principal.
Types of Business Credit Cards
Business credit cards aren't all the same. Different cards serve different spending patterns and business needs. Here are the main types you'll encounter:
Business rewards credit cards: Offer cash back, points or travel miles based on spending. Certain cards provide higher rewards for spending in specific business categories like travel, office supplies or advertising.
Business charge cards: Don't have a preset spending limit but require full balance payment each month. Best for businesses with significant spending that can pay off the balance monthly.
Corporate credit cards: Designed for large corporations with high annual revenue and offer high credit limits and detailed reporting features to monitor company-wide expenses. The application process requires a comprehensive business credit check.
Business Credit Cards vs. Personal Credit Cards
Business and personal credit cards function similarly but have key differences:
- Usage: Business credit cards are for business expenses only, while personal credit cards cover personal expenses. Keeping these separate simplifies bookkeeping and tax preparation.
- Credit Limit: Business credit cards have higher credit limits than personal cards, accommodating the higher expenses businesses incur.
- Rewards and Benefits: Business credit card rewards and benefits target common business expenses like travel or office supplies. They include tools for tracking and categorizing expenses rarely found on personal cards.
- Credit Reporting: Business credit card activity reports to business credit bureaus and responsible usage builds a business credit profile. If the card requires a personal guarantee, activity may also report to personal credit bureaus.
- Liability: The business is the primary debtor for a business credit card. Many cards require a personal guarantee, meaning the individual providing that guarantee can be held personally responsible for the debt.
Your business's credit score affects future financing. Even when you can afford to pay for a purchase upfront, use your business credit card and settle the bill promptly. This builds a positive payment history beneficial for credit building.
Benefits of Business Credit Cards
Business credit cards help you manage cash flow, track expenses, earn rewards and build business credit.
Business credit cards let you make purchases or pay for services immediately and settle the debt later. The grace period between purchase and payment acts as a short-term, interest-free loan, helpful when revenue slows but expenses continue.
Most cards include expense management tools that categorize and track spending, simplifying budget management and tax preparation. Year-end summaries break down spending by category for easy review.
Many business credit cards offer cash back, points or travel miles. Use these rewards to offset business travel costs, purchase supplies or reinvest in your business. Some cards provide bonus rewards for business categories like office supply stores or telecommunications services.
Responsible card use establishes and improves your business credit profile, helping you secure larger loans or lines of credit later. Strong business credit can lower insurance premiums, improve supplier terms and lead to more favorable credit terms.
Drawbacks of Business Credit Cards
Business credit cards have potential downsides to consider before you apply.
Business credit cards often carry high interest rates, especially for businesses with short credit histories or lower credit scores. Carrying a balance month to month creates substantial costs.
Some cards charge annual fees, late payment fees, foreign transaction fees and cash advance fees. Read the fine print to understand all potential costs.
Your business credit card usage can affect your personal credit report if you provide a personal guarantee when applying. Missed business payments could lower your personal credit score and make future credit harder to secure.
High interest rates and complex fee structures can quickly offset rewards benefits. Read all terms and conditions carefully. If costs exceed your budget, explore other financing options.
Applying for a Business Credit Card
Follow these steps when applying for a business credit card.
- 1Evaluate Your Needs
Review statements from your business checking account or credit cards to identify regular expenses and monthly spending patterns. This helps you choose a rewards program that maximizes returns on your typical purchases. If employees need purchasing power, check whether the card issuer offers employee cards, charges fees for them or lets you set individual spending limits.
- 2Compare Offers
Compare interest rates, rewards programs and fee structures across different cards. Read the terms and conditions for additional fees and features. Consider how each card fits your business — a card with foreign transaction fees won't work well if you travel overseas frequently or buy from foreign suppliers. Many business credit cards offer sign-up bonuses that require minimum spending. Make sure you can meet the requirement without overspending.
- 3Application Process
Most business credit cards require an Employer Identification Number (EIN), though sole proprietors can apply with their Social Security number. Prepare to provide business and personal financial information, including business revenue, profit numbers and personal income.
You'll learn your approval status immediately after applying. Approved applicants receive their card within one to two weeks. The process takes longer if the issuer requests additional documentation.
- 4Use Your Card Responsibly
Use your card for business expenses and pay off the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges and build business credit history.
Business Credit Card Best Practices and Tips for Maximizing Rewards
Manage your business credit card actively to prevent issues and maximize rewards.
Set up rules for card use: Determine how much you can afford to charge each month based on your credit limit and recurring expenses. Decide which expenses you'll charge, whether you'll carry a balance and how you'll use rewards.
Communicate the plan to your employees: Employees need clear guidelines on what and how much they can charge to their cards. Some credit cards include account tools that let you set spending limits.
Make on-time payments: Payment history affects personal and business credit. Set up automatic payments or electronic reminders to avoid late payments.
Keep your account balances low: Using less of your credit limit shows lenders you're not overextended. If you carry a balance month to month, keep it below 30% of your credit limit.
Should You Get a Business Credit Card?
Business credit cards offer benefits ranging from cash flow management to expense tracking, rewards programs and business credit building. But their value depends on your business's financial health, spending habits and goals.
Who Should Consider a Business Credit Card?
- You want to separate personal and business finances: Using a business credit card simplifies record-keeping and clarifies business expenses.
- You spend heavily on travel or specific categories: Select a card with rewards in categories like travel or office supplies to maximize benefits.
- You want to build business credit: Responsible card use and on-time payments report to business credit bureaus, helping build your credit score.
Who Should Avoid a Business Credit Card?
- You can't pay off the balance each month: High interest rates accumulate quickly, making business credit cards expensive for long-term borrowing.
- You have poor personal credit: Poor personal credit makes it difficult to secure a business credit card with favorable terms.
- You want to avoid a personal guarantee: Many business credit cards require a personal guarantee, putting your personal assets at risk.
Alternatives to a Business Credit Card
If a business credit card isn't right for you, consider these alternatives:
Business loans: Better for larger, long-term financing needs. Interest rates can be lower and loan terms longer, though they require more paperwork and have stricter approval processes than business credit cards.
Invoice factoring: Businesses that invoice clients can receive immediate payment for outstanding invoices at a discounted rate. The discount rates and fees can make this costly.
Trade credit: This credit agreement between businesses provides goods or services in return for payment at a later date, helping manage cash flow without credit cards or loans.
Business lines of credit: Draw from your line of credit as needed up to the limit and only pay interest on the amount borrowed. This offers more flexibility than a regular business loan.
Equipment leasing: If a large portion of expenses goes toward equipment, leasing can be more cost-effective than purchasing outright or financing through a credit card.
Personal credit cards: For small businesses and sole proprietors, using a personal credit card might make sense if business credit card offers aren't attractive. Separating business and personal expenses at tax time becomes harder with this approach.
Best Business Credit Cards: Bottom Line
Financial agility shapes a business's success. Business credit cards provide cash flow management, expense tracking, rewards and the ability to build a business credit profile. Understanding each card's specifics and matching them to your business needs maximizes this financial tool's value.
Expert Advice and FAQ: Business Credit Cards
We’ve got answers to some of the most critical questions about business credit and using business credit cards:
Business Card FAQ
What personal and business credit score do you need to get a good business credit card?
A personal credit score of 670 or above helps you qualify for most business credit cards. Some cards accept scores as low as 580. Below 580, you'll likely need a secured business credit card.
What is a personal guarantee?
A personal guarantee is a promise you make to personally pay off the business card’s balance if your business is unable to.
Does a business credit card affect your personal credit score?
Yes, a business credit card may affect your personal credit score if the card issuer reports your account information to the personal credit bureaus.
How can I check my business credit score?
Dun & Bradstreet, Experian and Equifax all let you check your business credit reports and credit scores, but you may need to pay to access the information.
What card is best to boost my business credit?
Any business credit card can help you build credit as long as the card issuer reports your account activity to the commercial credit bureaus.
Can you get a business credit card without business credit?
Yes, most credit card issuers can base their lending decision on the business owner’s personal credit history.
Can you get a business credit card with fair or bad credit?
Yes, some business credit cards are geared toward business owners with fair to poor credit. You may need to apply for a secured credit card — but with responsible account use, the issuer may eventually upgrade your account to unsecured.
Can you apply for a business credit card without a business?
No, you must operate some kind of business to open a business credit card. But card issuers have lenient requirements of what defines a business.
Can you apply for a business credit card without an Employer Identification Number?
Yes, you can apply for a business credit card using your Social Security number. This usually applies to sole proprietors.
Are small business loans better than a business credit card?
That depends on what you need capital for. A business credit card is usually a good option for making relatively small day-to-day purchases, while loans are best for business owners who need a large sum of money up front and want to repay the money over several years.
What is a business charge card?
Business charge cards usually have no credit limit, but you must pay off the entire balance each month.
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About Grace Pilling

Grace Pilling helps readers make smart financial choices that support their goals, not a company's profits. Grace was a senior content manager at MoneyGeek and senior editor at CreditCards.com and Bankrate, where she taught people how to use credit cards wisely.
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