- Earn generous flat-rate cash back on every purchase.
- No annual fee.
- There are no foreign transaction fees.
- Generous welcome bonus applies.
- Comes with some benefits for business, including end-of-year reports.
Personal Finance
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Small-business credit cards offer valuable perks for business owners and entrepreneurs, but not everyone picks up a business card for the same reason. Some business owners want to earn rewards on their spending, whereas others want an easy way to keep business and personal purchases separate for accounting purposes. Still other business owners love all the luxury perks they can get with a credit card, such as airport lounge access, annual travel credits, and automatic travel insurance coverage.
Which small-business credit card is right for you? That depends on how much your business spends each month, the type of rewards you want to earn, and how much you want to pay in annual fees. TIME Stamped compared several dozen of the best small-business credit cards available today based on their features, benefits, and ongoing costs. The cards below are our top picks.
Our recommendations for the the best small business credit cards
The best credit cards for small businesses and entrepreneurs come with a range of perks and features, as well as rewards for spending. The cards below made our ranking based on their rewards rates, welcome offers, and ongoing benefits for members.
Best for Simplicity: card_name
Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit
Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles
Why we chose it: The card_name is best for simplicity due to its generous flat rewards rate of 1.5% cash back and the fact there's no annual fee. These features make this card a great option for small business owners who want to earn basic rewards for spending without worrying about bonus categories or complicated rewards programs.
Card details:
- New cardmembers can earn bonus_miles_full.
- Earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases, plus 5% cash back on car rentals and hotels booked through Capital One Travel.
- The annual fee is annual_fees.
Pros:
Cons:
- No bonus categories to maximize.
- There's no intro APR.
- Excellent credit required.
Best for travel rewards: card_name
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full
Why we like it:
This Chase card is the best business card for travel due to its rewards flexibility, lack of foreign transaction fees, and protective consumer benefits.
Why we chose it: card_name is best for earning travel rewards, as the points it earns fall within the flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards program. This program lets you redeem points for cash back, statement credits, gift cards, travel through Chase with 25% more value, or point transfers to Chase airline and hotel partners.
Card details:
- New card members can bonus_miles_full.
- Cardholders earn 3x points on up to $150,000 spent in eligible spending categories each year (then 1x points) and 1x points on other purchases.
- Business spending categories that earn bonus points include shipping purchases, advertising with select media sites, travel—and internet, cable, and phone services.
- A annual_fees annual fee applies.
Pros:
- Earns flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards points.
- Generous 3x points earning rate in select business categories.
- Reasonable annual_fees annual fee.
- Free employee cards.
- Qualify for 25% more travel when you use points to book airfare, hotels, car rentals, and more through Chase.
- Comes with several travel insurance benefits.
- Get automatic cellphone protection.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- High APR if you carry a balance.
- Bonus rewards caps limit annual earning potential.
Best for 0% APR: card_name
American Express® Blue Business Cash Card
American Express® Blue Business Cash Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles_full
Why we chose it: The card_name is one of a handful of business credit cards that offers 0% APR on purchases for a limited time. If you select this card and are approved, you'll automatically get intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration (followed by a variable APR of reg_apr,reg_apr_type) (Rates & Fees).
Card details:
- Cardholders also bonus_miles_full.
- Earn 2% cash back on up to $50,000 in spending each year, then 1% back.
- annual_fees annual fee (Rates & Fees).
Pros:
- Skip paying interest on purchases for the first year.
- annual_fees annual fee (Rates & Fees).
- Earn 2% cash back on up to $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1% back.
- Free employee cards.
- Comes with purchase protection and extended warranties.
Cons:
- High APR after the intro offer ends.
- Rewards can only be redeemed for statement credits.
- Bonus rewards caps limit annual earning potential.
- Charges foreign transaction fees (Rates & Fees).
Best for cash back: card_name
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles_full
Why we chose it: We chose the card_name for earning cash back due to its flat rewards rate of 1.5% back on all purchases with annual_fees annual fee.
Card details:
- Cardholders can bonus_miles_full.
- This card also comes with a intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration (followed by a variable APR of reg_apr,reg_apr_type).
- There's annual_fees annual fee.
Pros:
- Earn generous flat-rate rewards on all spending.
- Enjoy a intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration.
- Rewards come with flexible redemption options.
- annual_fees annual fee.
- Get free employee cards.
- Comes with a handful of travel and consumer protections.
Cons:
- High APR after the intro offer ends.
- Charges foreign transaction fees.
Best for office supply stores: card_name
Ink Business Cash® Card
Ink Business Cash® Card
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles
Why we chose it: We chose the card_name due to its generous rewards on all types of business purchases. Specifically, this card offers 5% cash back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each year (then 1% back), 2% cash back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each year (then 1% back), and 1% back on other purchases.
Card details:
- Cardholders can bonus_miles_full.
- This business credit card comes with a intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration (followed by a variable APR of reg_apr,reg_apr_type).
- annual_fees annual fee.
Pros:
- Exceptional rewards rate at office supply stores, and on internet, cable, and phone services each year.
- Enjoy a intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration.
- Rewards are flexible.
- annual_fees annual fee.
- Free employee cards.
- Comes with a handful of travel benefits and consumer protections.
Cons:
- High APR after the intro offer ends.
- Bonus rewards caps limit annual earning potential.
- Charges foreign transaction fees.
Best for no annual fee: card_name
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles_full
Why we chose it: We recommend the card_name because it earns flexible Amex Membership Rewards points with annual_fees annual fee required.
Card details:
- bonus_miles_full.
- Also earn 2x points on up to $50,000 in spending per year, then 1x points.
- Benefit from a intro_apr_rate,intro_apr_duration (followed by a variable APR of reg_apr,reg_apr_type) (Rates & Fees).
- annual_fees annual fee (Rates & Fees).
Pros:
- Earn Amex Membership Rewards with no annual fee required.
- annual_fees annual fee (Rates & Fees).
- Generous rewards rate of 2x points on up to $50,000 in spending per year.
- Free employee cards.
Cons:
- High APR after the intro offer ends.
- Bonus rewards caps limit annual earning potential.
- Charges foreign transaction fees.
Best for luxury perks: card_name
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles_full
Why we chose it: The card_name is a good option for business owners who want luxury travel benefits, such as broad airport lounge access around the world, a $200 airline incidentals credit, a 35% airline bonus when booking flights with points, and a $120 credit toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership.
Card details:
- New cardholders can bonus_miles_full.
- This card also earns 5x Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com, 1.5x points in key business categories and on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million in eligible purchases per year), and 1x points on other purchases.
- More than $1,500 in statement credits come with this card, including offers for Adobe, Dell, Indeed, wireless telephone service, and more.
- A annual_fees annual fee applies (Rates & Fees).
Pros:
- Broadest airport lounge benefit of all business credit cards.
- Automatically comes with Gold status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy.
- Automatically get more than $1,500 in statement credit offers.
- Earns flexible Membership Rewards points.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- High APR if you carry a balance.
- Very high annual fee of annual_fees (Rates & Fees).
- Low earning rate for non-travel spending.
- Can be difficult to utilize all statement credit offers.
- No free cards for employees.
Best for everyday spending: card_name
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles
Why we chose it: The card_name is best for everyday spending, as it earns a flat rate of 2% cash back on all purchases. Just remember that it's a charge card and not a credit card, meaning you have to pay your balance in full each month.
Card details:
- bonus_miles_full.
- Get the annual_fees annual fee refunded each year you spend at least $150,000 on purchases.
- Adapts your credit limit to your spending habits and payment history.
Pros:
- Earn a generous rate of 2% cash back on all purchases.
- Annual fee can be refundable.
- No set credit limit up front.
- Free employee cards.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- Must be paid in full each month.
- Very high spending threshold for bonus offer.
Best for flights: card_name
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles
Why we chose it: The card_name is the best business credit card for flights due to its high bonus offer and frequent flyer perks, with no annual fee the first year.
Card details:
- bonus_miles_full.
- Cardmembers also earn 2x miles on American Airlines purchases, cable and satellite purchases, gas purchases, select telecommunication merchants, and car rentals, plus 1x points on other purchases.
- A annual_fees.
Pros:
- Earn miles for flights to more than 1,000 destinations around the world.
- Earns Loyalty Points toward American AAdvantage elite status tiers.
- Comes with free checked bags, preferred boarding, and a 25% discount on in-flight purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- Annual fee applies after year one.
- Rewards have limited redemption options outside flights.
Best for fair credit: card_name
Capital One Spark Classic for Business
Capital One Spark Classic for Business
Credit score needed
Average, Fair, Limited
Annual fees
$0
Bonus rewards
N/A
Why we chose it: The Capital One Spark Classic for Business is for business owners with fair credit who need a leg up when it comes to building their credit. You can be approved even if you have only a "fair" credit score, which means a FICO score from 580 to 669.
Card details:
- Cardholders earn 1% cash back on all purchases.
- Also earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
- There's $0 annual fee.
Pros:
- Easier to get approval when you have imperfect personal credit.
- Free employee cards.
- $0 annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons:
- Very high APR if you carry a balance.
- No welcome bonus.
Best Small Business Credit Cards Comparison Chart
| Card name | Annual fees | Credit score needed | Bonus rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles_full | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles_full | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
annual_fees | credit_score_needed | bonus_miles | |
$0 | Average, Fair, Limited | N/A |
Our methodology
To find the best small-business credit cards, we compared options based on their rewards rates, ongoing benefits, and regular fees. We gave preference to card options that come with generous cash-back rates or travel rewards, as well as perks that are commensurate with the annual fee required.
Other factors taken into account include the value of rewards points earned, overall rewards flexibility, intro APR offers, regular APRs, and travel and consumer protections. We also only considered business credit cards that offer cards for employees upon request (with or without a fee).
What defines a small business credit card?
Small business credit cards are unique in the fact they're typically available to very small companies that may only have one employee. Where some business credit cards for small business require an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to apply, others are available to sole proprietors and self-employed business owners who don't have an EIN but want to apply with their Social Security number (SSN) instead.
Small business credit cards typically offer free employee cards as well, which makes them a smart option for small companies and start-ups that want an easy way to track all workplace purchases under one umbrella and within a single account. Many small business credit cards also offer rewards (cash back, points or miles) that are for the business owner's personal use, although they can be used by the company as well.
Note that small business credit cards require a personal guarantee, which means the business owner is legally responsible for repayment even if their company fails.
Why small-business owners should get a business credit card
There are several reasons to pick up a small-business credit card if you don't have one already, although the motivation to sign up typically varies from person to person. Some notable reasons to get a business credit card include:
- Separate personal and business spending. Having a dedicated business credit card helps keep personal expenses separate from business spending. This can make business accounting a considerably easier task.
- Make filing taxes easier. Having personal and business spending separate can also make filing taxes easier, as you already have all your business purchases in a separate account.
- Earn rewards for spending. The best credit cards for business tend to offer travel rewards or cash back, which can add up over time.
- Enjoy a range of benefits. While business card perks can vary, many business owners benefit from annual statement credit offers, travel perks—even consumer protections such as purchase protection and extended warranties.
- Manage cash flow better. Having a business credit card lets you charge purchases for convenience throughout the month, then pay a bill for your regular business spending only once each billing cycle.
- Get employee cards. Business credit cards typically also let you get free cards for your employees, which means you can manage their purchases more easily and earn rewards for each dollar your employees spend.
How to pick the best small-business credit card for you
To pick the best small-business credit card for your needs, you'll need to think about the type of rewards you want to earn and the benefits you want the most. You'll also need to look at your own personal credit rating, keeping in mind that the best credit cards for small business are typically for consumers with good to excellent credit.
Factors to compare among the best cards include:
- Annual fees. Only consider business credit cards with annual fees with which you feel comfortable or that are cost less than all the perks and rewards you'll receive.
- Cardholder perks. Look for cards that offer travel benefits, consumer protections, or statement credit offers you feel you can use.
- Redemptions for rewards. Make sure cards you're considering offer a range of ways to redeem your rewards, or at least redemption options you genuinely want.
- Rewards rates. Pick a card that offers either more rewards in categories your business spends a lot in or a generous flat rewards rate on all purchases.
- Welcome offers. Also consider business card sign-up bonuses, but make sure you can meet the minimum spending threshold to earn one without overextending yourself.
TIME Stamp: A small-business credit card can be a valuable tool
Whether you want to keep business spending separate from personal expenses, earn rewards on purchases your business makes, or both, a small-business credit card may be exactly what you need. Spend some time comparing the best card options on our list until you find one that best suits your needs.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
For rates and fees of the card_name, please visit this URL.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What are the different types of business credit cards?
Business credit cards can include travel credit cards, cash-back credit cards, 0% balance transfer cards, bad-credit credit cards, Mastercard credit cards, American Express credit cards, and more.
What are the requirements to apply for a small-business credit card?
Small-business credit cards typically require a personal guarantee, which means your personal credit will be considered for the purpose of qualification. A personal guarantee also means you are legally responsible for repayment of the balance on your card, even if your business ultimately fails.
You will also need a proven income to get approved, as well as enough time in business according to the standards of the card issuer. You may be able to apply for a business credit card with your Social Security number (SSN) if you're a sole proprietor, but you can also apply with an Employee Identification Number (EIN).
How long does it take to be approved for a business credit card?
You may be able to get approved for a business credit card in a matter of minutes. Or, it can take several weeks to hear back after you submit an application.
How do I maximize my benefits from a small business credit card?
To make the most of your small-business credit card, you'll want to use it for regular business purchases and bills in order to boost your rewards haul. That said, you'll want to charge only purchases you can afford to pay in full, as most small-business credit cards have high APRs that make carrying a balance costly.
Also make sure you understand which perks your business card offers, so you can take advantage of them. If your card comes with several annual statement credit offers, for example, keep this information in mind and utilize these offers when you can.
Can you get a small-business credit card with bad credit?
There are some small-business credit cards for bad credit on the market today. These include secured business credit cards and corporate cards that do not check your personal credit.
Can I use a business credit card for personal purposes?
Yes, you can. However, doing so will likely complicate matters when it comes to accounting purposes.
The information presented here is created by TIME Stamped and overseen by TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About Us page.
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