Choosing the ideal small business credit card is essential, as the perfect card for one business may not suit another. Understanding your business priorities is key.
What do you value most as a business owner? Is it low fees, a 0% APR, or a robust rewards program with significant cashback? Perhaps you’re looking for an attractive welcome offer or the ability to issue extra cards for your team. Your decision may also hinge on credit limits.
Your personal credit card payment history can impact your options as well. If your credit history is lacking, you may need to consider secured cards, which require a cash deposit as collateral. Remember, the best small business credit cards should align with your unique business needs.
Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Business Credit Card:
- Fees and APR
- Rewards programs and cashback percentages
- Welcome bonuses
- Additional cards for employees
- Credit limits
- Payment history requirements
- Secured vs. unsecured cards
Finding the Best Small Business Credit Card for Your Needs
The search for the perfect small business credit card can feel overwhelming, but there are plenty of options available. The good news is that we have done thorough research to identify the best business credit cards tailored to small businesses.
Our Methodology for Selecting the Best Small Business Credit Cards
Choosing a suitable small business credit card can significantly impact your company’s financial stability. With numerous options available, making an informed decision requires careful evaluation. Here’s how we selected our top picks:
Interest Rates
Low-interest rates can provide substantial savings for businesses, particularly if balances are carried month to month. We prioritize cards with competitive APRs.
Reward Structures
Rewards can offer cash back or travel benefits. We assess the value of rewards in relation to the card’s cost, factoring in rates and redemption options.
Annual Fees
While some cards with high annual fees may offer appealing rewards, it’s essential to weigh potential benefits against costs. We seek cards that deliver strong rewards with minimal or no annual fees.
Introductory Offers
Many cards feature attractive introductory rates or bonuses. We evaluate these offers with regard to their practicality for businesses.
Cash Flow Management Features
Effective cash flow management is crucial for small businesses. We appreciate cards that provide extended billing cycles or customizable payment dates.
Expense Tracking and Reporting
Streamlined expense tracking simplifies bookkeeping and tax preparation. We prioritize cards equipped with robust reporting tools or integration with accounting systems.
Foreign Transaction Fees
For businesses with international operations, avoiding foreign transaction fees can lead to significant savings. We consider this when evaluating options for globally-focused businesses.
Customer Support
Responsive customer support is vital for resolving issues that may arise at any time. We value cards backed by providers known for their excellent service.
Selecting a small business credit card is about finding a tool that aligns with your operational and financial objectives. Utilizing our methodology can help businesses navigate through the options effectively.
Top 10 Small Business Credit Cards
After an extensive research and analysis process, we’ve highlighted the leading small business credit cards. These options are designed to meet the everyday needs of small businesses across various expenditure types.
Each of the top ten cards on our list includes essential features like purchase protection, notably lacks foreign transaction fees, and offers free employee cards. However, a good to excellent credit history is usually required to take full advantage of these benefits. Timely payments on eligible purchases are crucial for maximizing rewards.
General Features of the Top 10 Business Credit Cards:
- Purchase protection
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free employee cards
- Good to excellent credit history requirement
- Timely payments required for rewards
- Variable APR after promotional periods
1. US Bank Business Platinum Card
This card features all the expected business credit card amenities, paired with 0% APR for 20 months.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 0% for 20 months, then 11.99% to 20.99%
Benefits: Enjoy 0% APR for 20 billing cycles and the ability to turn business purchases into rewards instantly.
2. Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card
This card offers a welcome bonus of $750 after $7,500 spent in the first 3 months, with an additional $750 earned after spending another $7,500 in the following 3 months.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 0% for 12 months, then 13.24% to 19.24%
Benefits: Get 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined eligible purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services.
3. American Express Business Platinum Card
Ideal for rewards point enthusiasts, this card offers significant points for new members.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 0% for 12 months, then 14.24% to 22.24%
Benefits: Earning 150,000 points after $15,000 spent in the first 3 months can provide significant value.
4. American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card
Designed for those seeking rewards with minimal spending, this card is accessible to a broader range of businesses.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 0% for 12 months, then 13.24% to 19.24%
Benefits: Earn 15,000 points after $3,000 in combined purchases in the first 3 months, plus a $500 statement credit after $5,000 spent.
5. American Express Business Gold Card
This card from American Express features a strong rewards program worth considering despite its annual fee.
- Annual Fee: $295
- Regular APR: 0% for the first 12 months, then 14.24% to 22.24%
Benefits: Earn 80,000 rewards points after $10,000 spent within the first 3 months.
6. United Business Card
This option rewards frequent United Airlines travelers with bonus miles.
- Regular APR: 16.49% to 23.49%
- Credit Limit: Starts at $5,000
- Credit Needed: Good
Benefits: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months, with additional dual mile earnings on eligible purchases.
7. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards
This card requires an excellent credit score but offers appealing cash rewards.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 12.24% to 22.24%
Benefits: Receive 3% cash back in your chosen category for the first $50,000 spent and a $300 statement credit as a welcome offer.
8. Discover IT Credit Card
This option stands out for businesses managing fleet expenses.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 11.99% to 22.99%
Benefits: Get 5% cash back on Amazon purchases and fuel expenses, among others.
9. Wells Fargo Business Elite Signature Card
Wells Fargo provides various choices for businesses with good to excellent credit, offering flexible rewards.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: Prime plus 3.99%
Benefits: Choose between earning $1,000 cash back after $25,000 spent or 100,000 bonus points.
10. Ramp
Ramp enriches users with significant partner rewards through notable companies.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Regular APR: 0% for 12 months, then 13.24% to 19.24%
Benefits: Requires excellent credit and a minimum bank balance. Users also earn 1.5% cash back while leveraging enhanced buying power from partnerships.
Comparative Overview of the Top 10 Small Business Credit Cards
For a comprehensive view of the leading small business credit cards, the following table summarizes annual fees, regular APRs, and special features. This will assist you in making an informed decision.
Card Name | Annual Fee | Regular APR | Special Features |
---|---|---|---|
US Bank Business Platinum Card | $0 | 0% for 20 months, then 11.99% to 20.99% | 0% APR for 20 months; Rewards on business purchases |
Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card | $0 | 0% for 12 months, then 13.24% to 19.24% | $750 credit after $7,500 spent in 3 months; Bonus offers |
American Express Business Platinum Card | $0 | 0% for 12 months, then 14.24% to 22.24% | 150,000 points after $15,000 spent in 3 months |
American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card | $0 | 0% for 12 months, then 13.24% to 19.24% | 15,000 points after $3,000 spent; $500 credit after $5,000 spent in 3 months |
American Express Business Gold Card | $295 | 0% for 12 months, then 14.24% to 22.24% | 80,000 points after $10,000 spent in 3 months |
United Business Card | N/A | 16.49% to 23.49% | 75,000 bonus miles after $5,000 spent in 3 months; Double miles on select expenses |
Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards | $0 | 12.24% to 22.24% | 3% cash back on selected categories; $300 statement credit offer |
Discover IT Credit Card | $0 | 11.99% to 22.99% | 5% cash back on Amazon and fuel purchases |
Ramp | $0 | 0% for 12 months, then 13.24% to 19.24% | 1.5% cash back; Partner rewards with leading companies |