Where Are the Biggest Bonuses? Try Small-Business Cards
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Credit cards for small-business owners differ from general consumer credit cards in many ways, including reward structures and how you qualify to get the card. Among the most eye-popping differences are the lucrative sign-up bonuses offered by business credit cards compared with their consumer counterparts.
Business card bonuses are typically higher
The more you spend on a credit card, the more the card issuer earns, and businesses tend to spend more than individuals and households.
If a business carries a balance, the issuer makes more in interest charges. Even if the cardholder never carries a balance and never pays interest, the issuer earns a percentage of each transaction through swipe fees.
Because businesses spend more, issuers can afford to be more generous — and enticing — with their sign-up bonuses. Qualifying for those bonuses, though, often requires a higher amount of spending soon after being approved for the card.
Examples
Sign-up bonuses can change frequently, but here are real examples of sign-up bonuses — sometimes called "welcome offers" — featured by business credit cards compared with a comparable consumer-level card.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Card type | Business | Personal |
Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
Bonus | Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. And earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases (not including Target® or Walmart® purchases) on up to $12,000 spent in the first year. |
Maximum bonus value | $500 | $600 |
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card vs. Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Card type | Business | Personal |
Annual fee | $95 | $95 |
Bonus | Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. | Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,250 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. |
Maximum bonus value | $1,250 | $750 |
Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business vs. Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
Card type | Business | Personal |
Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
Bonus | Earn a one-time bonus of 20,000 miles - equal to $200 in travel - once you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening. | One-time $200 cash bonus after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening. |
Maximum bonus value | $200 | $200 |
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express vs. The Platinum Card® from American Express
Card type | Business | Personal |
Annual fee | $595 | $695 |
Bonus | Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Platinum Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply. | Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on the Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms Apply. |
Maximum bonus value | $750 | $600 |
(see rates and fees) | (see rates and fees) |
How you can capitalize
Even if you're not a full-time entrepreneur and just have a side business, you may qualify for a business credit card and be eligible for these big sign-up bonuses. Just be aware that cardholder protections are weaker for business cards vs. consumer cards and you must agree to a personal guarantee, stating that you are personally liable for debt even if your business goes belly-up.
On a good note, if you’re using your card for business, its fees and interest count as business expenses. That means you can deduct those card expenses at tax time.
