Best Business Credit Cards

Back in the day, it was rare to see big welcome bonuses or generous rewards structures on small business credit cards. That has changed, and nowadays we’re seeing card issuers place a huge emphasis on business cards.

This is obviously an area where they see a lot of opportunity and are hoping to grow market share. That’s great news for consumers, since it means we’re seeing big welcome bonuses, creative new products, and more. For those wondering about the logic, it’s because generally interchange fees are higher on business cards than personal cards, which has historically been rationalized based on businesses being able to spend more, and therefore being more lucrative for retailers.

Small business credit cards aren’t just useful for the welcome bonuses and the great return on spending, but they can also be a good way to separate personal and business expenses.

Compare business credit cards

The best small business cards to apply for

In this post, I’d like to look at what I consider to be the best and most rewarding business credit cards, based on a variety of metrics. I’ll also share some general tips on applying for small business cards. In no particular order, below are some of my favorites business cards.

Capital One Venture X Business

• Why I like this card: most lucrative and well-rounded premium business card with lounge access

• Welcome bonus: Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening

• Annual fee: $395

• Rewards structure: minimum 2x miles on all purchases

The Venture X Business offers a fantastic return on spending and lots of flexibility, which I really appreciate. There are two ways you can redeem your Capital One miles:

• You can redeem them toward the cost of a travel purchase at the rate of one cent per mile, meaning the card offers two cents toward travel per dollar spent; you can do this after the fact exchanging miles for statement credits, or you can book through the Capital One Business Travel

• You can transfer miles to over a dozen airline and hotel partners at a ratio of 1:1

This means every dollar spent on the Venture X Business earns either two cents toward travel or two airline miles with select partners. Personally, I value Capital One miles at 1.7 cents each, so to me that’s like a 3.4% return on everyday spending, which is incredible.

There are many other great perks to this card that help justify the annual fee, including a $300 annual Capital One Travel credit, 10,000 anniversary bonus miles, access to participating Priority Pass™ lounges, Capital One Lounge access, and Capital One Landing access. The card is also offering a massive welcome bonus.

Read a full review of the Venture X Business.

Sapphire Reserve for Business℠

• Why I like this card: combination of strong perks and a great return on spending

• Welcome bonus: Limited-time 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 within 6 months

• Annual fee: $795

• Rewards structure: 8x points on Chase Travel℠, 4x points on direct airfare and hotel bookings, and 3x points on select advertising

The Sapphire Reserve Business is one of the newest business cards, and it’s potentially very compelling. The card has a massive welcome bonus, and offers valuable lounge access, including a Priority Pass™ membership and access to Chase Sapphire Lounges. There are many credits that can potentially help offset the annual fee, including a $300 annual travel credit.

I recently picked up this card, and look forward to giving it a try.

Learn more about the Sapphire Reserve Business.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

• Why I like this card: lucrative card with great bonus categories and reasonable annual fee

• Welcome bonus: 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 within three months

• Annual fee: $95

• Rewards structure: 3x points on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable, and phone services, and advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases per account anniversary year)

The Ink Preferred is one of the most well-rounded business credit card out there. It offers one of the biggest welcome bonuses of any credit card, as I value 100,000 Ultimate Rewards points at $1,700 (1.7 cents each). The card also offers useful bonus categories, excellent travel and rental car protection, an amazing cell phone protection plan, and flexible points. You can even potentially get the card for multiple businesses, including sole proprietorships, so learn more about applying for Chase business cards.

Read a full review of the Ink Business Preferred.

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

• Why I like this card: best no annual fee card bonus categories

• Welcome bonus: 75,000 bonus points ($750) — Earn $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening

• Annual fee: $0

• Rewards structure:
  • 5x points on office supply stores, internet, cable, and phone services on the first $25,000 in combined purchases per account anniversary year, and
  • 2x points on gas stations and restaurants on the first $25,000 in combined purchases per account anniversary year

The Ink Cash offers the best bonus categories of any no annual fee business card, as you can earn up to 5x points. The card is also offering an excellent welcome bonus.

If you use the Ink Cash independently, then each point can be redeemed for one cent. However, if you have the Ink Cash in conjunction with either the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (review), Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card (review), or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (review), then you can pool points, and all of them can be transferred to Ultimate Rewards airline and hotel partners.

Read a full review of the Ink Business Cash, and learn more about for the Ink Business Cash.

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

• Why I like this card: best no annual fee card for everyday spending with no caps

• Welcome bonus: 75,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 within three months

• Annual fee: $0

• Rewards structure: 1.5x points on all business purchases

If used correctly, the Ink Unlimited is Chase’s best business credit card for everyday, non-bonused spending. The Ink Unlimited offers unlimited 1.5x points per dollar spent.

If you use this card independently, then each point can be redeemed for one cent. However, as is the case with the Ink Cash, you can maximize value by having this in conjunction with a premium Chase card.

Read a full review of the Ink Business Unlimited, and learn more about the Ink Business Unlimited.

Ink Business Premier® Credit Card

• Why I like this card: best cash back card for large transactions

• Welcome bonus: $1,000 cash back after spending $10,000 within three months

• Annual fee: $195

• Rewards structure: 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000+, 2% cash back on other business purchases

The Ink Premier is one of Chase’s newest business cards, and is an unrivaled card for businesses that spend a lot (especially in large transactions) and are looking to earn cash back. Earning 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000+ without any strings attached is pretty unrivaled. The card offers valuable travel and purchase protection as well.

Read a full review of the Ink Business Premier.

American Express® Business Gold Card

• Why I like this card: great bonus categories

• Welcome bonus: As high as 200,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 within three months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

• Annual fee: $375 (Rates & Fees)

• Rewards structure: Earn 4x Membership Rewards points on the two categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle, from six eligible categories (you earn 4x points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year, and then 1x thereafter), with the categories being as follows:
  • Purchases at US media providers for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)
  • U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers,
  • U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery,
  • U.S. purchases at gas stations, and transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
  • Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.

The Amex Business Gold can make a lot of sense for some businesses, while it makes less sense for others. This is the Amex business card with the best bonus categories, so if you spend a lot in at least two of those categories, I’d say the Amex Gold is an excellent card to apply for. Otherwise, I think another card is a better option, given the Amex Business Gold’s fairly high annual fee, though the card has a great welcome offer.

Read a full review of the Amex Business Gold; learn more about the Amex Business Gold.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

• Why I like this card: best business card perks

• Welcome bonus: As high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 within three months. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

• Annual fee: $895 (Rates & Fees)

• Rewards structure: 1.5x Membership Rewards points per dollar on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on each purchase of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year (and then 1x Membership Rewards points)

Personally, the Amex Business Platinum is a card I’d get for the perks it offers, rather than a card I’d get for the return it offers on your spending.

While the Amex Business Platinum has a $895 annual fee, it offers all kinds of great perks, including a $200 annual airline fee credit, access to Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club® access when flying Delta same day, a Priority Pass™ membership, Hilton Honors™ Gold Status and Marriott Gold status, access to American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts®, access to the Amex International Airline Program (which can save you a ton on premium airfare), a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credit (once every four years for Global Entry and 4 years for TSA PreCheck, up to $219 back on your CLEAR+ membership every year, and more. (Enrollment is required for select benefits)

There are so many great benefits to the Amex Business Platinum, and for someone who travels a lot, they more than justify the annual fee, in my opinion.

Read a full review of the Amex Business Platinum; learn more about the Amex Business Platinum.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

• Why I like this card: best return on spending of any no annual fee business card (Rates & Fees)

• Welcome bonus: As High As 50,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Apply and find out your welcome offer. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

• Annual fee: No annual fee

• Rewards structure: Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.

The Blue Business Plus offers an unbeatable return on everyday spending. I value Membership Rewards points at 1.7 cents each, and you’re earning up to two points per dollar spent with the Amex Blue Business Plus, so that’s a return of 3.4%, by my valuation.

The catch is that the Blue Business Plus caps you at earning double points on the first $50,000 of spending per calendar year, so for anything above that you’re earning just one point per dollar.

Read a full review of the Amex Blue Business Plus; learn more about the Amex Blue Business Plus.

The American Express Blue Business Cash® Card

• Why I like this card: best no annual fee cash back business card (Rates & Fees)

• Welcome bonus: As High As a $500 Statement Credit after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Apply and find out your welcome offer. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

• Annual fee: No annual fee

• Rewards structure: Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on the first $50,000 of purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.

While 2% cash back doesn’t sound that groundbreaking, it’s surprisingly rare for business cards, and it’s especially good for a no annual fee card.

Read a full review of the Amex Blue Business Cash; learn more about the Amex Blue Business Cash.

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

• Why I like this card: best cash back business card

• Welcome bonus: $2,000 bonus after spending $30,000 within three months; earn an additional $2,000 bonus for every $500K spent during the first year (you can earn this bonus multiple times over the course of your first year of card membership)

• Annual fee: $150

• Rewards structure: 2% cash back on all purchases, plus get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000

If you’re looking to earn cash back, then the Spark Cash Plus is one of the best business cards out there. The card offers a flat 2% cash back on all purchases, plus get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000. This is also a charge card, meaning there’s no pre-set spending limit.

For someone who doesn’t want to deal with the complexity of points, this option is tough to beat. The other awesome thing is that even if you’re into miles & points, rewards on this card can be converted into Capital One miles at a lucrative ratio in conjunction with select other cards.

Read a full review of the Spark Cash Plus, apply for the Capital One Spark Cash Plus.

For the most part, business credit cards didn’t used to be as rewarding as personal credit cards. However, over the past several years that trend has changed significantly. Presumably this is because card issuers see the amount of potential in this space, especially since a lot of businesses put a significant amount of spending on credit cards.

For those new to business credit cards, picking the right product can be a daunting task. In this post I wanted to share the thought process I recommend going through in deciding which business credit card to get. There are quite a few factors to consider, so let me address a few of those points.

Do you want to earn points or cash?

In general, you’ll be rewarded for your business spending in one of two ways — either with cash back, or with some sort of points currency. I’d say this is probably the biggest thing to decide upfront, because these are obviously very different ways of getting rewarded.

Some businesses like earning cash back that they can put back into their business. Meanwhile others prefer earning points rewards, either so they can use those points to pay for some business travel they’d take anyway, or to actually take the time to plan a great vacation.

For example, if you want to earn cash back, it’s tough to beat the Capital One Spark Cash Plus (review), which offers 2% cash back on all purchases, with no caps. In conjunction with other Capital One credit cards, like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (review), rewards can even be converted into Capital One miles.

If you are going to earn a points currency through credit card spending, I highly recommend using a card that accrues a transferable points currency. These are points that give you a lot of flexibility, as they can typically be transferred to a variety of airline and hotel partners, or in some cases can even be redeemed toward the cost of a travel purchase.

For example, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (review) has a generally great value proposition, and offers points that can be transferred to about a dozen airline or hotel partners through Ultimate Rewards, or can be redeemed for 1.25 cents each toward a travel purchase through Chase Travel℠.

Alternatively, the Capital One Venture X Business (review) offers 2x Capital One miles per dollar spent. Capital One miles can be redeemed for one cent each toward the cost of a travel purchase, or can be transferred to over a dozen airline and hotel partners, mostly at a 1:1 ratio.

Are you willing to pay an annual fee?

Once you’ve decided how you want to be rewarded, the next step is deciding if you’re willing to get a credit card with an annual fee. I know a lot of people are hesitant to get cards with annual fees, though if you spend any sort of significant amount on credit cards, I’d highly recommend it.

Why? Cards with annual fees are likely to have much bigger welcome bonuses (which can offset annual fees), are more likely to have no foreign transaction fees, and are more likely to have better bonus categories (and earn you more points or cash back), etc.

But don’t worry, even if you’re not willing to pay an annual fee, there are still some good options out there. For example, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (review) has no annual fee (Rates & Fees) and offers 2x Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 spent every calendar year (1x after that). This makes it one of the best cards for everyday spending.

As an alternative, the Capital One Spark Cash Select (review) has no annual fee and offers 1.5% cash back, all with no foreign transaction fees. This is probably the best “one size fits all” no annual fee business travel rewards card that also has no foreign transaction fees.

If you’re looking for cash back, the no annual fee Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (review) offers 1.5% cash back on all business purchases (though you can potentially do better with that card — more on that below).

What categories do you spend most in?

Credit cards offer bonus categories, where you can earn 2-5x points for spending in select categories. Getting a credit card that has bonus categories that coincide with your business’ spending patterns can make a huge difference.

To give some examples of cards that offer big bonus categories on spending:

• The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has a $95 annual fee and offers 3x points on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable, and phone services, and advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases per account anniversary year)

• The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (review) has no annual fee and offers 5x points on office supply stores, internet, cable, and phone services, and 2x points on gas stations and restaurants (on the first $25,000 in combined purchases per account anniversary year)

• The American Express® Business Gold Card (review) has a $375 annual fee (Rates & Fees) and earns 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. You will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Categories include:
  • Purchases at US media providers for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)
  • U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
  • U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
  • U.S. purchases at gas stations
  • Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
  • Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.

In my opinion, those are the three business cards with the best bonus categories, though as you can see, there are potentially significant differences between them.

Spend a lot on dining? One card offers 4x points in that category, while the others offer 1x points. Spend a lot at office supply stores? One card offers 5x points in that category, while the others offer 1x points.

Are you willing to get multiple cards?

I know a lot of people are hesitant to get more than one credit card, even though I think that’s a big missed opportunity. So when considering which business credit card is best, I’d recommend trying to decide whether you’re comfortable getting more than one card or not.

This can impact which card makes the most sense, since if you’re getting just one card, you’re going to want for it to be really well-rounded.

But if you’re willing to get two cards, there are so many more opportunities. For example:

• If you’re thinking of getting the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card for the no foreign transaction fees, airline and hotel transfer partners, 3x points in select categories, cell phone protection plan, etc., there’s huge value to complementing that with the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card, which offers 1.5x points on all purchases; then you could use the Ink Preferred for the 3x points categories, and the Ink Unlimited for all non-bonused purchases so you’re earning 1.5x points per dollar spent, and then you can pool points

• Similarly, if you’re thinking of getting the American Express® Business Gold Card, I’d recommend complementing that with The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express; you can take advantage of the 4x points categories on the Gold Card, and then put your first $50,000 of spending every calendar year that wouldn’t be eligible for a bonus on the Blue Business Plus, so you earn 2x points, and then you could pool points

How to pick the best credit card for your business

Do perks matter to you?

So far the focus has been on maximizing the points you can earn with your business credit card, and that’s for good reason, since that’s where you’ll get the most value.

However, some businesses may be focused on getting cards with perks instead. This could come in a few different forms. For example:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (review) has a $895 annual fee (Rates & Fees) and offers a $200 annual airline fee credit, access to Amex Centurion Lounges, a Priority Pass™ Select membership, access to Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta same day, hotel elite status, and much more (Enrollment is required for select benefits)

• The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, and Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card, all offer primary collision damage waiver coverage on car rentals when renting for business purposes

• The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers an incredible cell phone protection plan

• Depending on the industry you are in and where you may have to travel, it could be worth considering a card with no foreign transaction fees

These are all perks that everyone is going to value differently, so you need to decide what’s most important for your business.

Do you need credit card financing?

Whether we’re talking personal or business credit cards, in general, I recommend only using credit cards if you’re going to be able to pay off your balance in full each month. While you can finance credit card charges, the interest rates are typically very high, and will more than negate any rewards you might earn.

However, some businesses are growing and could use some financing, in which case there are some credit cards offering 0% financing as an introductory offer. If that’s something that could be useful to you, that’s not a bad option.

In a bind that could be a useful feature to take advantage of. Just make sure you pay that off before the rates go up.

Which business card is right for you?

As you can see, there are lots of different factors to consider here, and there’s no “one size fits all” answer. However, for someone just getting started with credit cards, I’d say the following are my general thoughts on the best place to start:

• If you want to earn cash back for your business, get the Capital One Spark Cash Plus; the card offers unlimited 2% cash back with no foreign transaction fees, plus a $150 annual fee refund when you spend at least $150,000 on the card per year

• If you want to earn points and want to take advantage of bonus categories, get the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card; the card offers 3x points in select categories (on up to $150k and then 1x), and offers car rental coverage, cell phone protection, and more

• If you want to earn points and want a card that’s ideal for everyday spending, consider the Capital One Venture X Business (review); the card offers 2x miles on all purchases, and has lots of perks that help offset the annual fee

• If you’re put off my annual fees, pick up The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express; the card offers 2x Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 spent annually (1x after that), and I value each point at 1.7 cents, meaning I think the return is worth 3.4%

Are you eligible for a business card?

Eligibility for a small business credit card is easier than you might think. You don’t need to have a big company, and typically don’t even need to be incorporated. A small side business with limited business revenue makes you eligible for a business credit card, which could include selling things on eBay, having a rental property, and freelancing.

It goes without saying that you should always answer credit card applications honestly. You might be pleasantly surprised by how easily you’ll get approved.

Keep in mind the general restrictions on getting approved for credit cards.

Filling out business card applications

It can be intimidating to apply for your first business credit card, though even if you’re a small business or sole proprietorship, you should be eligible. I wanted to briefly outline how you should fill out a business card application. Typically you’ll be asked the following questions, in addition to personal information (your income, Social Security Number, etc.):

• Legal name of business

• Business mailing address & phone number

• Type of business

• Tax identification number

• Number of employees

• Annual business revenue/sales

• Years in business

If you’re a sole proprietor, how should you approach a business credit card application? First of all, and most importantly, answer everything truthfully. I think the concern that a lot of people have is that they think they need an incorporated business, a separate office, etc., in order to be considered for a business card. That’s not the case:

• You can use your name as the legal name of your business

• The business mailing address and phone number can be the same as your personal address and phone number

• If you’re a sole proprietorship, you can select that as your type of business

• For the tax identification number, you can put your Social Security Number

• For number of employees, saying one is perfectly fine

• For your annual business revenue, there’s nothing wrong with saying zero (if you’re just getting started), or whatever the amount is

• For years in business, there’s no shame in saying that it’s new, that it has been one to two years, etc.

Bottom line

Over the past several years, credit card issuers have largely been focused on business cards, and as a result, we’re seeing some lucrative offerings, in terms of the welcome bonuses, return on spending, and more.

There has never been a better time to apply for a business credit card, so whether you have a longstanding business or just recently started a business, the above are some great cards to consider, depending on the type of rewards you’re looking for.

The following links will direct you to the rates and fees for mentioned American Express Cards. These include: American Express® Business Gold Card (Rates & Fees), The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (Rates & Fees), The Business Platinum® Card from American Express (Rates & Fees), and The American Express Blue Business Cash® Card (Rates & Fees).

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