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: U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®, Capital One 1% Classic†, Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card†, U.S. Bank Altitude® Reserve Visa Infinite® Card, Prime Visa, U.S. Bank Altitude® Go Visa Signature® Card. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
You don't need to worry about paying a high annual fee to open one of the best small business credit cards. There's a wide selection of no-annual-fee business cards to choose from, from options that earn cash back to flexible rewards points, and some even offer substantial benefits and an introductory 0% APR that can help you save money.
Best No Annual Fee Business Cards
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express - Product Name Only American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card - Product Name Only Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card - Product Name Only Ink Business Cash® Credit Card - Product Name Only U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® - Product Name Only U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card - Product Name Only Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card - Product Name Only Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Credit Card - Product Name Only Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business - Product Name Only
Credit cards that charge annual fees usually offer benefits a cut above those from no-annual-fee cards. But the below small business credit cards are the best of the best if you're not willing to pony up just yet.
Compare the Best No-Annual-Fee Business Credit Cards
No-Annual-Fee Business Cards Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best no-annual-fee business card for me?
To choose the best no-annual-fee business card for you, narrow your search by figuring out how your business wants to use a credit card — whether that's earning cash back rewards, taking advantage of low APR rates, using travel and purchase protection, or unlocking a hefty welcome bonus.
Can you use an EIN to get a business card?
You can use an EIN (Employee Identification Number, issued by the IRS) or your Social Security number (SSN) to apply for business credit cards. Sole proprietors such as online business owners, freelancers, or anyone with a side gig are eligible to apply for business cards with just their SSN — no EIN necessary.
What does a PG on a small business card mean?
A PG on a small business card means "personal guarantee." If your business is not able to pay off your card's balance, then the card's owner/business owner would be personally responsible for paying it off. Most small-business cards will require you to have a personal guarantee to ensure that debt can be paid off even if your business fails or can no longer provide financially.
Are you eligible to get a business credit card if your personal credit score is low?
If you have a low credit score, you may not qualify for the best small-business credit cards, but you might still be eligible for business cards geared toward those with limited or fair credit. Even if you apply with an EIN, the card issuer will still ask for your SSN to check your personal credit history and factor that into their decision to approve you.
If you have bad credit, you may be eligible for a secured credit card, which can also help you boost your credit score with responsible use.
No Annual Fee Business Card Reviews
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express - Product Name Only
You'll typically get the most value when you transfer points to American Express transfer partners (like Delta SkyMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Marriott Bonvoy, and Hilton Honors). You can also redeem points through American Express Travel to book airfare, hotels, and rental cars. Other redemption options include gift cards, statement credits, merchandise, and food delivery.
You'll receive additional card benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty, car rental loss and damage insurance, dispute resolution, expanded buying power, access to the Global Assist Hotline, and Amex Offers**.
Amex Blue Business Plus credit card review
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card - Product Name Only
If you're looking to redeem your rewards as statement credits to lower your monthly expenses, you should definitely consider the
The
What makes the
The card offers a
Amex Blue Business Cash card review
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card - Product Name Only
The
However, the
The
You can use Chase Ultimate Rewards points for cash, gift cards, statement credits, or travel booked through Chase. Plus, if you have other annual-fee Chase cards (like the
The card comes with solid benefits like car rental insurance, travel and emergency assistance services, roadside dispatch, purchase protection, and an extended warranty.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited credit card review
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card - Product Name Only
The
If your highest expenses aren't at office supply stores — or on any of the other select spending categories — then you're better off with a different no-annual-fee business card. Also, if your yearly business expenses easily exceed a $25,000 cap on select spending categories, then you should consider a card with a higher limit (or no limit).
Although the
Cardholders earn:
- 5% cash back (5 points per dollar spent) on the first $25,000 (then 1x) in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet cable, and phone services each year
- 2% cash back (2 points per dollar spent) on the first $25,000 (then 1x) in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each year
- 1% unlimited cash back (1 point per dollar spent) on all other purchases
As with the
The
Chase Ink Business Cash credit card review
Upgrade Triple Cash Rewards Visa® - Product Name Only
The
Unfortunately, you won't earn the welcome bonus unless you've met the high spending requirement. Therefore, it may not be attainable for some businesses, especially smaller businesses or folks with side gigs.
Cardholders earn:
- 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the Rewards Center
- 3% cash back at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants
- 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases
You can redeem rewards as statement credits, Real-Time Rewards (to cover eligible purchases as you spend), or a direct deposit (a minimum of $25 to redeem). Plus, the
The card has a
The
US Bank Triple Cash Rewards card review
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card - Product Name Only
The
Unless you need a significantly long intro APR, there are lots of better cards on the market also with 0% APR deals (not nearly as long) that also earn rewards and welcome bonus offers for no annual fee.
The
Cardholders also get $0 fraud liability, 24/7 fraud monitoring, the US Bank ExtendPay plan, and management over employee credit cards.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card - Product Name Only
The
This is a great card for businesses looking for customizable cash rewards. But if you're not interested in choosing your own rewards categories, you should consider a different no-annual-fee business card.
The
You'll get a
You can redeem rewards as statement credits, a direct deposit, or credit to a qualifying Merrill (Bank of America's wealth management division) account. Bank of America Preferred Rewards customers can also earn up to 75% more rewards (amounts depend on deposit/investment with Bank of America or Merill).
The card offers additional benefits like cash flow management tools, travel accident insurance, and car rental insurance. It does charge a foreign transaction fee, so it's not ideal for traveling.
Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards credit card review
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card - Product Name Only
The
Bank of America Preferred Rewards members will earn the most rewards (up to 75% more on purchases), so if you're not a member you'll miss out on the highest rewards opportunity.
The
The card has a
You can redeem rewards earned with the
The card doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee, which means it's a good option for international travel. Other benefits include cash flow management tools and travel and emergency services.
Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards credit card review
Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business - Product Name Only
The
However, there's no welcome bonus offer or intro APR deal and it only includes a few additional perks. But if you have limited credit history and need a starter card to help grow your business, the
The
Although some other business cards have higher rewards rates, better benefits, and include a welcome bonus (all things that the
You can redeem your rewards as a statement credit or check, as credits towards previous purchases, or for gift cards. You can also set up automatic redemption preferences through your Capital One account.
The regular APR is a
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best No Annual Fee Business Cards
There are lots of no annual fee business credit cards on the market. The ones that made our "best-of" list have one or more of the following characteristics:
- A large welcome bonus
- Above-average earning rates
- Notable ongoing benefits
Insider's cards team has scrutinized and ranked nearly every credit card on the market. You can scan our credit card reviews hub to see which credit cards are at the top of their respective category. From there, we've simply chosen the no-annual-fee business cards that rank highly on those lists. You can read about how we rate and review credit cards at Insider for a closer look at our methodology.