Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.
The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Capital One Spark Cash Plus†, Capital One Spark Miles for Business†, Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business†, Chase Freedom Flex℠, U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®, Capital One 1% Classic†. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
You might be surprised at what qualifies you for a business credit card. Your business doesn't have to be a multi-million dollar corporation — whether you deliver for DoorDash, drive for Lyft, resell on eBay, do freelance work, or have another side hustle, you're eligible to apply for a small business credit card.
Our expert recommendations will help you choose the best business cards that fit your spending style, rewards preferences, and financial goals. These are some of the very best business credit cards available right now, as chosen by Insider's experts. If you aren't eligible for a business credit card, check out our picks for the best credit cards in general.
Best Business Credit Cards
Read more about our top picks and find the small business credit card that is right for you.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card - Product Name Only
The
Like those cards, the
If you transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to a personal card to purchase travel through Chase, you can get a 25% bonus if you use your personal
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valued at 1.8 cents apiece according to Insider's points and miles calculations, primarily because you can transfer them to airline and hotel partners for high-value award flights and stays.
What the experts love: A great welcome bonus offer, 3x points on up to $150,000 spent per year in select popular business categories.
What the experts don't love: You have to spend $8,000 in the first three months to earn the 100,000-point welcome bonus offer, so this offer won't be ideal for smaller businesses with less spending requirements.
Chase Ink Business Preferred card review
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express - Product Name Only
But since then, this card's annual fee has since increased, and it's become a bit more of a niche product.
The Business Platinum card added new benefits, including new 1.5x earning categories on eligible purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, software and cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year as well as annual statement credits for wireless, Indeed, Adobe purchases, and Dell**.
Like Chase points, Amex points have a high value according to Insider's points and miles valuations — 1.8 cents apiece, on average, again based on the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners for award travel.
What the experts love: You'll get lots of perks, including statement credits, plus 5x Amex Membership Rewards points on airfare and prepaid hotels when you book through American Express Travel. The card also comes with
What the experts don't love: Very high annual fee of
Amex Business Platinum card review
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express - Product Name Only
It's a rare points-earning business card that doesn't charge an annual fee; you'll earn 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 you spend each calendar year, with no bonus categories to keep track of.
According to Insider's points and miles valuations, Amex points are worth 1.8 cents apiece on average, so you're getting a 3.6% return on all your business spending up to $50,000 each year.
The card is currently offering
What the experts love: 2x points on up to $50,000 spent per year (then 1x), with no annual fee.
What the experts don't love: The welcome bonus is meager compared to many other cards.
Amex Blue Business Plus credit card review
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card - Product Name Only
With this card, you earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases, on the first $50,000 spent per calendar year, then 1% back (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars).
For small businesses with big expenses on the horizon, there's a
What the experts love: Earning 2% cash back on all purchases on up to $50,000 spent per year (then 1%) with no annual fee is hard to beat, a zero interest credit card with an introductory 0% APR can give you some breathing room.
What the experts don't love: The card doesn't currently offer a welcome bonus.
Amex Blue Business Cash card review
Capital One Spark Cash Plus† - Product Name Only
The
At first glance,
What the experts love: You earn the same 2% back everywhere, no preset spending limit since it's a charge card.
What the experts don't love: Other business credit cards offer a great return on spending in some purchase categories.
Capital One Spark Cash Plus card review
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business
The
Capital One miles are worth 1.7 cents each, on average, according to Insider's valuations, because you can often get outsized value when you transfer miles to partners. If you want to keep it simple, there's also the option to use your miles to book travel through the Capital One Travel portal, or redeem them at a rate of 1 cent each to "erase" eligible travel purchases from your card statement.
Beyond that, you can redeem Capital One miles for cash back or gift cards. So if you don't want to be locked into just one way to use your rewards, this card could make sense.
What the experts love: "The flat 2 miles per dollar spent that you earn on this card transfer to more than a dozen airline and hotel partners, plus you earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked with the card through Capital One Travel," says Wilson.
What the experts don't love: No 0% APR period, not as many perks as some other cards with a similar annual fee.
Capital One Spark Miles for Business card review
Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business - Editorial Name Only
The
Cardholders earn 1.5 miles per dollar on purchases (except hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, which earn 5 miles per dollar). There are no pesky foreign transaction fees to worry about, and you'll get a few travel benefits, including roadside assistance and secondary car rental insurance.
The redemption options on this card are similar to that of its big sibling (the
What the experts love: A strong welcome bonus and earning for no annual fee make the card an affordable entry point if you're interested in earning credit card rewards for travel.
What the experts don't love: Light on benefits compared to other travel credit cards, no intro APR offer
Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business Review
Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card
The
That means that you can combine the points earned from the
The card also offers a
What the experts love: "The current welcome bonus offer is especially impressive for a no-annual-fee card," says Silbert.
What the experts don't love: This card isn't as valuable on its own — you need another Chase card to truly maximize the rewards.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited credit card review
American Express® Business Gold Card
If you don't want to pay the higher annual fee of
Eligible 4x categories are:
- U.S. gas stations
- U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery)
- U.S. wireless telephone service provider
- U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
- U.S. purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)
- Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
This card currently comes with a big welcome offer of
What the experts love: High level of customization when it comes to where you earn the most rewards
What the experts don't love: Wilson notes that it's the only premium Amex card that doesn't offer a statement credit to offset the annual fee.
Amex Business Gold card review
Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card
The
The
New cardholders can also take advantage of a
What the experts love: No annual fee, you can earn up to 5% cash back
What the experts don't love: Not the best option if you don't spend a lot within the 5% cash-back categories
Chase Ink Business Cash credit card review
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®
If you're looking for a rewards-earning business card with a generous 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers, the
The card's welcome offer and earnings aren't anything to sniff at, either. New cardholders can earn
You'll also earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the U..S Bank Rewards Center, 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Another unique feature of the card is an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses like FreshBooks or QuickBooks. If you already subscribe to these services, the statement credit is a nice bonus — and it's particularly unusual for a no-annual-fee card.
What the experts love: Long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, good bonus and earning rates, software subscription statement credit
What the experts don't love: Foreign transaction fees
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards card review
Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card
Being able to pick your own bonus categories can go a long way toward helping your business maximize its spending. The no-annual-fee
Each month, cardholders can choose to earn 3% cash back in one category from this list:
- Gas stations
- Office supply stores
- Travel
- TV, telecom, and wireless
- Computer services
- Business consulting services
Otherwise, the card earns 2% cash back on dining purchases and 1% back on all other eligible purchases. Keep in mind the 3% and 2% cash back categories are capped at a combined $50,000 per year in purchases; after that, you'll earn 1% cash back.
However, if you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards for Business customer, you can earn up to 75% more cash back, depending on your rewards tier. At the highest level, you could be earning a whopping 5.25% back in your chosen category.
There's a good welcome offer of a
What the experts love: Ability to customize a 3% cash back category each month, good welcome bonus offer
What the experts don't love: $50,000 annual cap on 3% and 2% categories, foreign transaction fees
Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards credit card review
Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business
Whether you have a new business or just don't have a ton of credit history, the
The card offers 1% cash back on all purchases, which isn't spectacular, but as a starter business card, it's not bad. There are no annual fees or foreign transaction fees, and employee cards are free to add (you'll earn rewards for their purchases, too).
You'll also receive a handful of good benefits, including secondary car rental insurance, purchase protection against damage or theft, extended warranty on eligible items, and travel and emergency assistance services.
What the experts love: You only need fair credit to be considered for approval, decent benefits for a starter card, no foreign transaction fees or annual fee
What the experts don't love: Card only earns 1% cash back across the board, no welcome bonus offer
Business Credit Cards Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What's the difference between a personal credit card and a business credit card?
While personal credit cards are intended for any type of purchase, business credit cards are targeted toward business owners. That doesn't mean you need a large established company to apply for a business credit card. In fact, you can may qualify for a business card as long as you meet the bank's application requirements, even if you just resell household items on eBay or operate a small home baking business.
How do I qualify for a business credit card?
It's easier to qualify for a business credit card than you may think. If you do any freelancing or a side gig, such as driving for Uber or selling items on eBay, you can typically qualify for a business credit card as a sole proprietor. In this case, you are personally on the hook for your business' debts.
What do I put on a business credit card application?
You can apply for a business card using your Social Security number if you're a sole proprietor. You should put down your legal name as the business name. If you have a business with employees, you'll need to answer questions about your business size, type, and revenue, in addition to providing your SSN and your EIN (if requested).
What's the difference between a business credit card and a corporate credit card?
With a business credit card, the primary cardholder is responsible for the debts on the card and for any fees that are incurred. A corporate card is issued by a company to its employees, and the company is responsible for paying that card.
What are the best business credit cards?
- The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: Best flat-rate cash back with no annual fee
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Best for maximizing cash back
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best intro bonus offer
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Best for travel rewards with no annual fee
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for premium travel perks
- Capital One Spark Cash Plus† : Best cash-back business card with no preset spending limit
- Capital One Spark Miles for Business† : Best for earning 2x miles on all purchases
- Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business† : Best for flat rate miles with no annual fee
- American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for big spenders
- Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Best for office supplies and wireless
- U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® : Best rewards card with a generous intro 0% APR offer
- Capital One 1% Classic† : Best for fair credit
Why You Should Trust Us: Our Expert Panel for This Guide
We consulted top credit card experts from NerdWallet and The Points Guy, a certified financial planner, and our own credit cards editor to inform our picks for the best business credit cards. We also interviewed them about how to find the best business credit card for you — you'll find the whole text of our interviews at the bottom of this page.
The Experts' Advice on Choosing the Best Business Credit Card for You
We interviewed three credit card experts and one financial planner about what to look for if you're considering opening a business credit card. You can find the full text of our interviews below (some answers may be lightly edited for clarity).
What features make a business credit card good?
Sara Rathner, credit card expert at NerdWallet:
The rewards need to be in line with your business' typical spending. An ultra-high bonus isn't worth overspending for. And what good is extra cash back if it's for types of purchases you'll never make?
Luis Rosa, certified financial planner:
The ability to easily provide corporate cards to employees with their own spending limits, plus strong welcome bonuses and cash-back or rewards programs.
Sarah Silbert, deputy editor at Personal Finance Insider:
A good business credit card will reward your company for the purchases it makes most frequently. It will also offer benefits to make your life easier, such as free employee credit cards and travel perks.
Benét Wilson, freelance aviation journalist and former senior editor at The Points Guy:
If you spend a lot on specific categories (like travel, office supplies, dining, and internet/wireless), then you want a card that offers top points per dollar spent on them. You want free employee cards and tools that help you balance the books. Plus you need broad options to redeem your points (travel, statement credits, gift cards).
How should someone approach finding the best business credit card for their specific situation?
Sara Rathner, NerdWallet:
Before applying, know how much you spend, and on what. From there, you can find the cards that reward you the most for what your business already does.
Luis Rosa, CFP:
Benefits will vary from solopreneurs to bigger businesses so make the decision based on spending patterns or anticipated future purchases.
Sarah Silbert, Personal Finance Insider:
If there are any specific benefits you want from a business credit card, start there. For example, not every business card comes with airport lounge access. If you don't have any particular perks in mind, consider whether you want to earn cash back or travel rewards — that decision alone will narrow down your options. From there, take a look at the credit card options and evaluate their benefits. If you're looking at a card with an annual fee, make sure it's worth it for you. You won't want to pay hundreds of dollars per year for a card if you never put its luxury travel perks to use.
Benét Wilson:
Look for a business credit card that can help you maximize your purchases, separate your expenses and save money on interest each year. Do you prefer earning cash-back rewards, airline miles, hotel points, or transferable currencies? Are you willing to pay an annual fee? What categories does your business spend the most in each year? Do you or your employees travel frequently and if so, would there be a benefit in having hotel elite status or a checked bag allowance when flying?
Is there anything else you'd tell someone looking to open a business credit card?
Sara Rathner, NerdWallet:
Remember that you're personally liable to cover any unpaid credit card bills if your business fails. Spend carefully.
Luis Rosa, CFP:
Keep in mind that if you assign employees cards you and the business are still ultimately responsible for the charges on those cards.
How We Chose the Best Small Business Credit Cards
Personal Finance Insider evaluated dozens of business credit cards that are currently open to new applicants, including several no-annual-fee business cards. We narrowed the list down based on the following criteria:
- Sign-up bonus — Does the card offer a valuable welcome bonus offer to new cardholders who meet a minimum spending requirement?
- Ongoing rewards — Beyond the welcome bonus offer, does the card offer a competitive rate of points or cash back on purchases?
- Other features — Does the card come with any additional benefits, such as travel protection, free employee cards, cell phone insurance, or primary car rental insurance?
- Annual fee — If the card has an annual fee, does it offer enough benefits to justify it?
For anyone running a business with dozens of employees, keeping your personal and business finances separate is vital. Things can get murky quickly when you're cutting personal and business checks from the same account — a business credit card will not only help separate expenses, but also help you establish business credit, so that you have flexibility later on with loans and leases. Plus, you can get additional authorized cards for employees as needed.
Before you decide on the right card for your venture, you should have an idea of how your want to redeem your rewards:
- Do you want to earn miles and points for free luxury vacations?
- Do you want to decrease the cost of your business travel?
- Do you want to earn cash back to reinvest in your business?
It's also important to consider your spending habits and choose a card that earns the most rewards for your usual business expenses. Read more about how we rate credit cards.