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Whether you're an experienced business owner or have just started your venture, selecting the right business credit card is essential for optimizing your business rewards.
In our roundup of top business cards, we highlight the best choices for entrepreneurs looking for travel rewards, cash back, introductory 0% APR offers, and cards tailored to specific business needs. These options stand out as leading solutions for business owners aiming to maximize their financial benefits while managing company expenses effectively.
Robin Hartill, CFP®, is The Ascent’s Head of Product Ratings and has worked for The Motley Fool since 2020. Her work has appeared in various national publications, including Yahoo! Finance, NerdWallet, Investopedia, CNN Underscored, MSNBC, USA Today, and CNET Money. She previously wrote The Penny Hoarder’s syndicated “Dear Penny” personal finance advice column.
There are many cards you can choose for your business needs, here are the ones we feel standout from the pack.
Great for: Sign-up bonus and travel points
On Chase's Secure Website.
On Chase's Secure Website.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR N/A
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
21.24%-26.24% Variable
Rewards Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn.
Earn 3 points per $1 in select business categories
Annual Fee N/A
$95
Welcome Offer Earn 120,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 120,000 bonus points
This business card gets you access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem, and you'll start with 120,000 Ultimate Rewards points by qualifying for its eye-popping welcome bonus. Earning 3Xx points per $1 on popular business expenses means you can cover your bills and be generously rewarded in the process. Read Full Review
Great for: No annual fee and cash rewards
On Chase's Secure Website.
On Chase's Secure Website.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases
Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 12 months
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
18.49% - 24.49% Variable
Rewards Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.
Earn 5% cash back in select business categories
Annual Fee N/A
$0
Welcome Offer Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.
Earn up to $750 bonus cash back
A card with no annual fee and a 5% cash back rate on common spending categories for a savvy business owner? Chase delivers -- and you can even earn a particularly generous welcome bonus and enjoy travel and purchase protections with this card. Read Full Review
Great for: Unlimited cash back
On Chase's Secure Website.
On Chase's Secure Website.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases
Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 12 months
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
18.49% - 24.49% Variable
Rewards Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
Annual Fee N/A
$0
Welcome Offer Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn $750 bonus cash back
Want to simplify your business credit card rewards? Take a closer look at this Chase card, which lets you earn a flat-rate 1.5% cash back across the board. The $750 cash back welcome bonus only sweetens the deal, and you won't pay an annual fee -- or any extra money for cards for your employees. Read Full Review
Great for: Gas and travel
Excellent (740-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
20.49% (Variable)
Rewards 4% back on gas and EV charging ($7,000 annual spending cap), 3% back on restaurants and travel, 2% back on Costco purchases, 1% back on other purchases
1% - 4% back
Annual Fee
$0 for Costco members
Welcome Offer
N/A
The gas and EV charging cash back, alone, makes this a winner. The premium cash back for restaurants, travel, and Costco purchases make it hard to beat, even more so for Costco members. Read Full Review
Great for: Rewards flexibility
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
APR
19.49%-27.49%, variable
Rewards 4 points per $1 in two of the following categories where you spend most: gas, dining, advertising, transit, electronics & wireless ($150,000 annual spending cap). 3 points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com. 1 point per $1 on other purchases
1x - 4x points
Annual Fee
$375
Welcome Offer 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership
70,000 Membership Rewards® points
The card brings innovative points-earning flexibility with the option to choose which categories earn 4x points. There is no preset spending limit so your spending is flexible. The inclusion of a nice welcome offer sweetens the pot.
Great for: Sign-up bonus and travel miles
Excellent (740-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
26.24%, variable
Rewards Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account. Earn 5X miles on hotel and rental car bookings through Capital One Travel℠ using a Spark Miles card.
2X-5X miles
Annual Fee $0 intro fee for first year; $95 after that
$0 intro fee
Welcome Offer Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
50,000 miles
One of the best cards for businesses looking to capitalize on a travel reward for their everyday purchases. With a big sign up bonus, 2x miles, and low fees, it is a great choice for jet-setting small businesses.
Great for: Limited credit history
Fair/New to Credit Under(669)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
29.99%, variable
Rewards
1% cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
For businesses or borrowers with fair credit, this card is a winner. Purchases earn unlimited 1% cash back, plus it includes a $0 annual fee. These perks are rare for cards in this credit score range.
Great for: Sign-up bonus and cash rewards
Excellent (740-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
Pay in full, 2.99% monthly late fee otherwise
Rewards Earn unlimited 2% cash back for your business on purchases, no limits or category restrictions; plus, earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
2% - 5% cash back
Annual Fee
$150
Welcome Offer Earn a one-time cash bonus of $1,200 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
$1,200
An easy choice for high-spend businesses looking to carry one card. The welcome offer is among the biggest you'll find, and the flat 2% cash back rate outpaces much of the competition.
Great for: 0% intro APR and cash back
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: 0%, 12 months
Balance Transfers: N/A
APR
18.49% to 26.49%, variable
Rewards 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
1% - 2% cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
$250 statement credit
A solid choice for businesses that don't spend too much, with a high cash back rate up to an annual spending cap and a 0% intro APR.
Great for: Premium travel and big sign-up bonus
Excellent (740-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
N/A
Rewards Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase. Book through Capital One Travel to earn 5X on flights and 10X on hotels and rental cars.
2X-10X miles
Annual Fee
$395
Welcome Offer Earn 150,000 bonus miles when you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months, which is equal to $1,500 in travel.
150,000 miles
A top-notch business travel card that balances value with ease of use. The welcome offer, rewards rate, and travel benefits are all some of the best we've found.
Our main Motley Fool expert on sourcing the best business credit cards is Lyle Daly, who has been conducting credit card market research and providing expert reviews for business credit cards and notable rewards programs since 2016, and has earned well over 1 million travel points to date.
So, we trust the guy who has now earned an insurmountable amount of luxury hotel stays and has a forever VIP seat with business-class status.
Our rating: 4.50/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings: 1,345 reviews give it 4.25/5.00 stars as of 9/1/23.
The entire lineup of Chase Ink business credit cards are known for having some of the biggest sign-up bonuses. That includes no annual fee cards like this one, which offers $750 in bonus cash back that you earn after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months.
That's not the only area where this card offers big bonus opportunities. It also earns 5% cash back at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services, up to a $25,000 spending cap each account anniversary year. That makes it an excellent business credit card for small businesses with a traditional office environment and the expenses that come with it, such as office supplies and an internet/phone package.
Since this card has a $25,000 yearly spending cap in its bonus categories, it probably won't be a fit for businesses with high spending. It's more well-suited for new businesses, startups, and businesses that operate on tight budgets, considering its rewards structure and a 0% intro APR.
Our rating: 4.50/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings for Ink Business Unlimited® not provided on the Chase site.
This Chase Ink card is one of the most valuable and easy-to-use business credit cards. It has a straightforward rewards setup -- an unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases. That's the best unlimited flat rate we've seen from a no annual fee business card.
It also has one of the largest sign-up bonuses we've seen from a no annual business card, and from most business cards, period. New cardholders earn a $750 bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. As long as your business spends at least $2,000 per month, you'll be able to earn quite a bit back. And if you need extra time to pay off any purchases, this card has 12 months of 0% intro APR on purchases.
With its benefits, this is a great business card for busy business owners who don't want to spend more time than necessary managing their credit cards. You can use this card for all your business spending and set up cards for your employees, as well.
Our rating: 4.50/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings: 58 reviews give it 4.50/5.00 stars as of 9/1/23.
This Chase Ink card is one of the top business credit cards for business owners who travel often. It's Chase's business travel card, and Chase is known for having an excellent travel rewards program.
While all the Chase Ink cards have large sign-up bonuses, this one has the most potential value. New cardholders earn 120,000 for spending $8,000 in the first 3 months. Points can be redeemed toward travel at a rate of $0.0125 per point.
This card is unique in that it earns bonus points on advertising purchases, including with social media sites and search engines, up to a yearly spending cap. That makes it well-suited for online businesses, including online shops and anyone who advertises their services through search engine or social media ads.
If you have accounts with airline and hotel loyalty programs, you'll also appreciate the option of transferring points to Chase travel partners. That includes quite a few popular airlines and hotels. While travel credit cards do have a bit more of a learning curve, if you don't mind that, you can save a ton of money on your trips with this card's travel points.
Our rating: 4.25/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings for American Express Business Gold Card not provided on the American Express site.
Most business cards have fixed bonus categories, so you only benefit if your spending matches those categories. This American Express card is a business card built around your spending, with bonus categories based on where you spend the most. It earns 4 points per $1 on the top two categories from a list of six where your business spends the most each billing cycle, up to a spending cap of $150,000 per calendar year. Terms apply.
There's a diverse selection of bonus categories, including airfare purchased directly from airlines, U.S. purchases for advertising in select media, and U.S. purchases for shipping, among others. That makes it fairly easy to accumulate bonus points with this card. Terms apply.
American Express is also known for being a great card issuer to deal with. It regularly ranks at the top of J.D. Power rankings for customer satisfaction and its cards (including this one) have excellent complimentary protections. This card, in particular, is great for business owners with high spending, as it has no preset spending limit -- instead, your flexible spending limit adapts over time according to factors like your purchase, payment, and card history -- and a Pay Over Time option. Terms apply; see rates and fees. With its high-value rewards and other useful benefits, this was our experts' pick for the best business credit card of 2023.
Our rating: 3.75/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings for Blue Business Cash™ Card from American Express not provided on the American Express site.
As a business owner, and especially if you have a new business, you may want to keep it simple. Earn a high cash back rate on all types of purchases, avoid unnecessary fees, and have a card issuer that you can trust. That's where this American Express card shines.
It earns a flat rate of 2% cash back on everyday eligible business purchases, up to a spending cap of up to $50,000 per calendar year. (See rates and fees.) It earns 1% on other eligible purchases. Terms apply. The cash back structure is easy to understand, and 2% on all types of eligible purchases is as high as we've seen from a no annual fee business card. Overall, this is a top business card for earning straightforward cash back.
There are also a few tools to help you better manage your business expenses. You can pay purchases off over time with 12 months of 0% intro APR. After that intro period, the go-to 18.49% to 26.49%, variable APR applies. If you need to spend more than your credit limit, you can potentially do so with expanded buying power. Terms apply.
Because of the $50,000 spending cap on this card's 2% cash back rate, it's a natural fit for businesses with lower spending, such as new businesses looking to make every dollar count. Terms apply. Businesses that spend $5,000 or more per month will likely want to go with a different card.
Our rating: 3.50/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings: 2018 reviews give it 4.60/5.00 stars as of 9/1/23.
With competitive prices on practically everything it offers, Costco is a popular place to shop for small business owners. It also offers Costco Business Centers, where you can stock up on office supplies and bulk food and drinks, as well as get specialized services, such as printing. This business card is made for business owners who shop at Costco often.
It earns bonus cash back at Costco, and that's not even the best perk it offers. What really makes this card special is an incredible 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging, up to a spending cap of $7,000 per year. It also earns 3% at restaurants and eligible travel, including Costco Travel, 2% on other Costco purchases, and 1% on other purchases.
A 4% cash back rate on gas and EV charging is the highest we've found, and it means this card is a top choice for driving-based businesses. If you or your employees go to clients' homes, or if you're a freelancer driving for rideshare services, you'll be able to earn quite a bit of cash back with this card. Just keep in mind that a Costco membership is required to get it, and you earn that cash back as a reward certificate.
Our rating: 5.00/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings: 717 reviews give it 4.50/5.00 stars as of 9/1/23.
Capital One's travel cards usually provide a nice blend of value and ease of use, and that's true with this travel card for businesses. It has an excellent sign-up bonus and rewards structure, earning an unlimited 2 miles per $1 on purchases. With its benefits, it's a smart choice for travel-heavy businesses that want rewards they can redeem quickly and conveniently.
In addition to this card's generous rewards, its spending tools can help you better manage your business expenses. You can assign an account manager to handle your credit card account for you. To simplify your taxes, you can get an itemized, year-end report of transactions, and purchase records are downloadable in multiple file formats depending on what your business uses.
Businesses are a popular target for fraud, and this card has useful tools to help protect from that. It offers virtual card numbers to pay online without exposing your actual card number to merchants, so this card is great for businesses that frequently order items online.
Our rating: 3.75/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings: 1,907 reviews give it 4.30/5.00 stars as of 9/1/23.
Most of the top business credit cards require a high credit score, and if you're not there yet, it may take some time to build your credit. If you need a business credit card now, then your best option is one with more lenient approval requirements. This is a credit card available to business owners with fair/average credit, so it's much easier to get than most others.
One of the things we love about Capital One is it explains the credit guidelines for its cards on its website. For this card, you can qualify if you have limited credit history, meaning you've been using credit for less than three years, or even if you've defaulted on a loan in the last five years.
This is a basic, starter business card, but it has all the most important perks. There's no annual fee, which we consider a must for a card you use to build credit and manage business spending. It earns an unlimited 1% cash back on purchases. And it has all the same account management tools Capital One offers on its very best business credit cards, including free employee cards with customizable credit limits, the option to assign an account manager, and detailed spending reports.
Our rating: 5.00/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings: 1,196 reviews give it 4.10/5.00 stars as of 9/1/23.
Running a business is usually time-consuming, and it can be expensive, too. This card is ideal for business owners with big spending and not a lot of free time. It's a cash back card with a simple rewards structure and valuable perks, and the more you spend, the better it gets.
It earns an unlimited 2% cash back, which is the highest unlimited rate we've seen across all purchases. Normally, this card has a $150 annual fee, but you get that fee refunded every year that you spend at least $150,000. We haven't seen any no annual fee business cards that earn an unlimited 2%, so if you reach that spend requirement, this card offers unprecedented value.
Capital One also provides plenty of useful account management tools. You can set up payments to all your vendors online. You can even have payments sent to vendors that don't accept cards for a 2.9% fee. While this is a pay-in-full charge card, if you want to keep cash longer, you can defer payments until the next billing cycle and extend float up to 45 days. You also get year-end spending summaries, free employee cards, and can connect your card to several popular ERP platforms, including QuickBooks® and Expensify®.
Businesses on a tight budget will probably want to pick another card. This card's benefits make it more of a fit for established businesses with at least $10,000 to $15,000 in monthly expenses. If so, your business will be able to earn this card's massive sign-up bonus and potentially get the annual fee refunded each year
Our rating: 4.75/5.00 stars. Cardholder Review Ratings for Capital One Venture X Business Credit Card not provided on the Capital One site.
Some business cards can work well for just about any business owner, no matter how much they spend. No annual fee cash back cards are a good example. This Capital One card goes the other direction. It's definitely not for businesses with tight budgets, but it's one of the very best business travel cards for big spenders. Specifically, it's for business owners who put at least $10,000 per month on their credit card.
New cardholders can earn a massive sign-up bonus, but it does have a very high spend requirement. That's one reason why we only recommend this card for businesses with substantial monthly spending. It also has a straightforward, high-value rewards structure: An unlimited 2 miles per $1 on purchases, with higher bonus rates for bookings made through Capital One Travel.
This is a pay-in-full charge card with no preset spending limit. It's not designed for carrying a balance, and there's an extra fee if you do. One feature we really like is that the spending limit adapts based on your spending behaviors, payment history, credit profile, and other factors. It's not like most business credit cards, where you need to request a credit limit increase to get more spending power.
While this is a premium travel card, it's easy to use and to get your money's worth. Features include travel spending credits and flexible miles you can redeem by transferring to Capital One partners or at a fixed rate for travel purchases. It also has excellent business management tools, including free employee cards, virtual card numbers for staying safe online, and detailed spending and transaction reports.
Business credit cards are designed with specific features that set them apart from personal credit cards, catering especially to the needs of companies. They generally come with higher credit limits and more robust perks, which can include extensive travel benefits and greater coverage on complimentary insurance with purchases.
Key differences between business credit cards and personal cards include:
Business-focused rewards: Business cards typically offer additional rewards for expenditures in categories that align with common business expenses. For instance, you might earn bonus points for spending on office supplies, telecommunications services, or online advertising.
High credit limits: Reflecting the larger financial operations of businesses, these cards often have higher credit limits. While individual purchases rarely require swiping for amounts as large as $25,000, it's not uncommon for businesses to face such expenses regularly, particularly for supplier or vendor bills.
Perks for business users: Tailored for frequent business travelers, some cards include benefits such as credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, access to airport lounges, enhanced travel insurance, and the absence of foreign transaction fees. This last feature is particularly beneficial for transactions with companies that process payments internationally.
Credit bureau reporting: Unlike personal cards, business credit cards report to credit bureaus that specialize in business credit. This helps in building a credit profile that is separate from your personal credit, which can be advantageous for business financial management.
There are several compelling reasons to use a business credit card, with the primary benefit being the ability to keep personal and business finances separate. Mixing expenses on a single card can complicate financial management and tracking, particularly when it comes to preparing for tax season. Having a dedicated business card makes it easier to review expense reports and identify tax-deductible expenditures when the time comes.
Business credit cards also offer significant spending power, which must be managed responsibly. Here’s a checklist to determine if a business credit card is right for you:
You own a business: This might seem obvious, but to qualify for a business credit card, you need to own a business. This doesn’t necessarily mean a large enterprise; even small-scale or side businesses can justify the need for a business credit card.
You’re looking to build a banking relationship: Applying for a business credit card is a strategic move for establishing a relationship with a bank, which can be beneficial if you later require other forms of financing for purchases like vehicles, equipment, or property.
You plan to pay off balances monthly: Business credit cards should ideally not be used as a means of long-term financing due to potentially high-interest rates. They are most effective as a method for managing short-term expenses.
You understand personal liability: It’s important to recognize that any expenditure on a business credit card may become a personal liability. While many issuers do not report regular payment activities to personal credit bureaus, delinquencies can be reported and may affect your personal credit.
You value streamlined accounting: Using a business credit card simplifies the accounting process by keeping all business-related expenses in one place. This streamlining can save considerable time and effort when balancing the books and performing financial analysis.
You seek rewards and perks: Many business credit cards offer rewards programs that can be more tailored to business needs compared to personal cards. These might include cash back on office supplies, travel points for business trips, or discounts on business services, enhancing the overall value of your spending.
Choosing the right business credit card involves evaluating these factors and considering how they align with your current and future business needs.
Many entrepreneurs might not realize that a business credit card can be obtained relatively early in the life of a business, and it's actually a wise decision to acquire one sooner rather than later. Contrary to common belief, you do not necessarily need to have a formally registered business to be eligible for a business credit card. Even freelancers or individuals with side gigs can qualify, as long as there's some form of business activity that justifies the need for separate business finances.
Applying early for a business credit card can provide numerous benefits. It allows you to start building a credit history for your business, which can be crucial when you need to access larger lines of credit in the future or if you plan to negotiate better terms with suppliers and vendors. Furthermore, having a business credit card helps in setting a clear boundary between personal and business expenses, which is not only essential for financial organization but also simplifies tax preparation.
Moreover, utilizing a business credit card responsibly from the beginning can help you manage cash flow more effectively by providing a short-term credit buffer. This is particularly useful in managing the ebb and flow of business income, especially in the initial stages when revenue might be unpredictable. Additionally, the rewards and perks offered by many business credit cards, such as cashback on business-related purchases or discounts on business services, can provide tangible financial benefits and savings that contribute directly to your bottom line.
Card issuers let you apply as a sole proprietor, using your Social Security number. The business also doesn't have to be profitable yet. Your application can get approved based on your personal income. When you apply for a business credit card, the card issuer will look at your personal financial information and credit history.
There are several features to look for in a business credit card, including:
The way to compare the best business credit cards is to first figure out what benefits you need most.
For the typical business owner, rewards are a priority, since they earn you a percentage back on your business expenses. If that's the case for you, then here's how you would choose a business credit card:
Depending on your and your business's needs, you may prioritize something different in a business credit card. If you need to borrow money to finance an expense, for instance, then you should compare cards based on intro APR offers. If your credit isn't the best, then look for business cards you can get without a good credit score.
Card | Rating | Great For |
---|---|---|
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: Sign-up bonus and travel points |
|
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: No annual fee and cash rewards |
|
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: Unlimited cash back |
|
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: Gas and travel |
|
|
Rating image, 4.25 out of 5 stars.
4.25/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: Rewards flexibility |
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: Sign-up bonus and travel miles |
|
Rating image, 3.75 out of 5 stars.
3.75/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: Limited credit history |
|
|
Rating image, 5.00 out of 5 stars.
5.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: Sign-up bonus and cash rewards |
Rating image, 3.75 out of 5 stars.
3.75/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: 0% intro APR and cash back |
|
Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars.
4.75/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
Great For: Premium travel and big sign-up bonus |
At The Motley Fool Ascent, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and 0% intro APR offers to evaluate our ratings.
Our highest-rated credit cards have:
We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best card recommendations. Learn more about how The Ascent rates credit cards.
You can qualify for a business credit card with any type of business, including sole proprietorships and new businesses that aren't generating revenue yet. When you apply for a business credit card, the card issuer will ask for both your personal and business information during the application process.
If you operate your business as a sole proprietorship, you can choose that option on the application. And if you don't have business income yet, you could still be approved for a business credit card based on your personal credit history and income
It could be worth paying an annual fee for a business credit card if the value of the card outweighs the cost of the annual fee. Business credit cards with annual fees typically offer more benefits, such as higher rewards rates, bigger welcome offers, and other valuable perks. If you can use those benefits, then you may get more value from a card with an annual fee than you would from a no annual fee business card with fewer features.
The credit score you need for a business credit card depends on the card. The best business credit cards usually require good credit, and that starts at a FICO® Score of 670. There are also plenty of business credit cards available to those with lower scores. For some business cards, you could qualify even with a credit score below 600. These cards don't have nearly as many benefits, so if possible, it's better to improve your credit first to get a card that will help your business more.
A business credit card generally won't affect your personal credit score, but there are exceptions. The card issuer will run a hard credit inquiry when you apply for the card. Hard inquiries lower your credit score by a small amount (less than five points on average). Some card issuers will report negative information, such as missed payments on your business credit card, to the consumer credit bureaus.
There are also a few card issuers that report all activity, positive and negative, from their business credit cards to personal credit bureaus. If you have a business card with one of these card issuers, then your business card's balance and payment history can affect your credit score.
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For rates and fees for the American Express Business Gold Card, click here
For rates and fees for the Blue Business Cash™ Card from American Express, click here
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