Best of
Best Small Business Credit Cards of July 2019
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Our pick for
Sign-up bonus
on Chase's website
on Chase's website
Annual Fee
$95
Regular APR
18.24% - 23.24% Variable APR
Intro APR
N/A
recommended credit score
Pros
With this card, the sign-up bonus is the main event, not an afterthought. The bonus: Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. You can also transfer points to several airline and hotel loyalty programs, such as United, Southwest, Marriott and Hyatt, at a 1:1 ratio. As for rewards, you get 3 points per dollar on up to $150,000 a year in combined spending on travel, telecommunications (internet, phone and cable), shipping, and advertising on social media and search engines; all other spending earns 1 point per dollar.Cons
This card's bonus categories aren't a good fit for all business owners. There's an annual fee of $95. After the first year, you’d have to spend at least $2,534 before the rewards make up for the annual fee. This might not matter as much to you, though, if you deduct the fee as a business expense on your taxes.- Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
- Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases - with no limit to the amount you can earn
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Redeem points for travel, cash back, gift cards and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- No foreign transaction fees
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- $95 Annual Fee
Our pick for
Cash back
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Annual Fee
$0 for the first year, then $95
Regular APR
19.24% Variable APR
Intro APR
N/A
recommended credit score
Pros
Flat-rate rewards cards are a bit like khakis: a little boring, but they go with everything. When you pair this 2% cash-back card with a tiered rewards card, you’ll always earn more than the “1% back on everything else” that most cards promise. If you’re a one-credit-card type of entrepreneur, a flat-rate card like this will likely offer better long-term value than a tiered rewards card.Cons
After the first year, you’ll break even on the annual fee only if you put more than $4,750 on the card per year. If you plan to spend less, consider a no-annual-fee card instead.- Earn unlimited 2% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere
- Earn a one-time $500 cash bonus once you spend $4,500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
- $0 annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
- $0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen
- Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases
- Rewards won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount
Our pick for
Business travel card
on American Express's website, or call (866) 512-6673
on American Express's website, or call (866) 512-6673
Annual Fee
$595
Regular APR
N/A
Intro APR
N/A
recommended credit score
Pros
No, this card is not cheap, but it comes with an extensive portfolio of benefits that make it well worth the investment for entrepreneurs who are always on the road: 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com, access to more than 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, a $200 annual credit for incidental airline fees, plus reimbursement for the application fee for TSA Precheck or Global Entry, and automatic elite status with Marriott and Hilton hotels. That’s not even mentioning the sizable bonus offer for new cardholders.Cons
The annual fee is $595, which is very steep. Keep in mind, though, that the fee is a deductible business expense.- Welcome Offer: Earn up to 75,000 Membership Rewards® points.
- Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 and an extra 25,000 points after you spend an additional $10,000 all on qualifying purchases within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com.
- Get 50% more Membership Rewards® points. That's 1.5 points per dollar, on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more. You can get up to 1 million additional points per year.
- 35% Airline Bonus: Use Membership Rewards® Pay with Points for all or part of a flight with your selected qualifying airline, and you can get 35% of the points back, up to 500,000 bonus points per calendar year.
- Enroll to get up to $200 in statement credits annually by getting up to $100 semi-annually for U.S. purchases with Dell. Terms apply.
- Get one year of Platinum Global Access from WeWork. With this membership, you can access 300+ premium, inspiring workspaces in 75+ cities. To get this exclusive offer, enroll between 2/15/2019 and 12/31/2019.
- Terms Apply
- View Rates and Fees
Our pick for
Flat-rate travel rewards
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Annual Fee
$0 for the first year, then $95
Regular APR
19.24% Variable APR
Intro APR
N/A
recommended credit score
Pros
This card features an industry-leading flat rewards rate of 2 miles per dollar spent on anything. Miles are worth 1 cent each when redeemed for travel expenses. The spiffy sign-up bonus is also a big draw: 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.. The card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees.Cons
The card has an annual fee of $0 for the first year, then $95. After the first year, you'd have to spend at least $4,750 a year on the card before the rewards would outweigh the cost. But keep in mind that this fee could be deducted as a business expense on your taxes.- Earn unlimited 2 miles per $1 on every purchase, everywhere
- 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
- Receive up to $100 credit for one Global Entry or TSA Pre✓® application fee
- Fly on any airline, anytime, with no blackout dates or seat restrictions
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
- $0 fraud liability if your card is lost or stolen
- Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2x miles from their purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
Our pick for
No-fee travel rewards
on Bank of America's website
on Bank of America's website
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
13.49% - 23.49% Variable APR
Intro APR
0% on Purchases for 9 billing cycles
recommended credit score
Pros
This $0-annual-fee card offers robust rewards of 1.5 points for every dollar spent, and 3 points per dollar spent on travel purchases booked through Bank of America®. It also comes with a plum sign-up bonus for a no-fee card: Earn 25,000 bonus points when you make at least $1,000 in net purchases within 60 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit towards travel purchases. It charges no foreign transaction fees.Cons
Higher reward rates are available on other no-fee small business cards. Other cards — especially cards with annual fees — also offer larger sign-up bonuses.- Earn 25,000 bonus points when you make at least $1,000 in net purchases within 60 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $250 statement credit towards travel purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all purchases everywhere, every time - no matter how much you spend. Points don't expire.
- Earn 3 points per every dollar spent on travel purchases (car, hotel, airline) booked through the Bank of America® Travel Center - powered by Expedia®.
- No annual fee and no international transaction fees.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles.
- Redeem points for travel with no blackout dates, cash back or gift cards.
- Get 75% more points on the base earn of every purchase you make when you’re a Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier member. That means you will earn 2.62 points for every $1 you spend and 4.12 points per every $1 you spend at the Bank of America® Travel Center.
Our pick for
0% Intro APR period
on American Express's website, or call (866) 512-6673
on American Express's website, or call (866) 512-6673
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
15.49% - 21.49% Variable APR
Intro APR
0% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 12 months
recommended credit score
Pros
This card's 0% intro APR period gives you plenty of breathing room. You'll get 0% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 12 months, and then the ongoing APR of 15.49% - 21.49% Variable APR. For rewards, the card gives you 2 points per dollar spent on everything, on up to the first $50,000 in purchases made every year, and 1 point per dollar after that. (Terms apply.)Cons
There's no bonus offer for new cardholders. The $50,000 spending cap on double points significantly reduces its value for businesses with high operating expenses.- Get rewarded for business as usual. Earn 2X Membership Rewards® 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.
- Enjoy the flexibility to put more purchases on the Card and earn rewards when you buy above your credit limit*.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- More buying power for your business means more opportunities to earn points. That’s everyday business with the Blue Business Plus Card.
- *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months, then a variable rate, 15.49%, 18.49% or 21.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.
- Terms Apply
- View Rates and Fees
Our pick for
Fair credit
on Capital One's website
on Capital One's website
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
25.24% Variable APR
Intro APR
N/A
recommended credit score
Pros
As long as you pay your balance in full every month, this card is a whole lot cheaper than many of the high-interest loans and other short-term financing offers marketed to entrepreneurs with fair credit. You earn cash-back rewards on your spending, too. With on-time payments, you can work toward strengthening your personal credit and business credit.Cons
The ongoing APR is 25.24% Variable APR, which is relatively high, so it’s not a good card for carrying debt.- Enjoy no annual fee
- Earn 1% cash back on every purchase
- Build business credit with responsible use
- Fraud coverage if your card is ever lost or stolen
- No foreign transaction fees
- Enjoy business benefits including Year-End Summaries, employee cards at no extra cost and experienced small business customer service
Summary of Best Small Business Credit Cards of July 2019
| Credit Card | Best For | Intro APR | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card on Chase's website | Sign-up bonus | N/A | 18.24% - 23.24% Variable APR | $95 | on Chase's website |
Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business on Capital One's website | Cash back | N/A | 19.24% Variable APR | $0 for the first year, then $95 | on Capital One's website |
The Business Platinum® Card from American Express on American Express's website, or call (866) 512-6673 | Business travel card | N/A | N/A | $595 | on American Express's website, or call (866) 512-6673 |
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business on Capital One's website | Flat-rate travel rewards | N/A | 19.24% Variable APR | $0 for the first year, then $95 | on Capital One's website |
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card on Bank of America's website | No-fee travel rewards | 0% on Purchases for 9 billing cycles | 13.49% - 23.49% Variable APR | $0 | on Bank of America's website |
The Blue Business℠ Plus Credit Card from American Express on American Express's website, or call (866) 512-6673 | 0% Intro APR period | 0% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 12 months | 15.49% - 21.49% Variable APR | $0 | on American Express's website, or call (866) 512-6673 |
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business on Capital One's website | Fair credit | N/A | 25.24% Variable APR | $0 | on Capital One's website |
| Credit Card | Best For | Intro APR | Regular APR | Annual Fee | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card on Chase's website | Sign-up bonus | N/A | 18.24% - 23.24% Variable APR | $95 | on Chase's website |
Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business on Capital One's website | Cash back | N/A | 19.24% Variable APR | $0 for the first year, then $95 | on Capital One's website |
The Business Platinum® Card from American Express on American Express's website, or call (866) 512-6673 | Business travel card | N/A | N/A | $595 | on American Express's website, or call (866) 512-6673 |
Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business on Capital One's website | Flat-rate travel rewards | N/A | 19.24% Variable APR | $0 for the first year, then $95 | on Capital One's website |
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card on Bank of America's website | No-fee travel rewards | 0% on Purchases for 9 billing cycles | 13.49% - 23.49% Variable APR | $0 | on Bank of America's website |
The Blue Business℠ Plus Credit Card from American Express on American Express's website, or call (866) 512-6673 | 0% Intro APR period | 0% on Purchases and Balance Transfers for 12 months | 15.49% - 21.49% Variable APR | $0 | on American Express's website, or call (866) 512-6673 |
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business on Capital One's website | Fair credit | N/A | 25.24% Variable APR | $0 | on Capital One's website |
HOW THEIR REWARD RATES STACK UP
| Card | Best for ... | Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card | Sign-up bonus | • 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 a year spent on travel and select business categories • 1 point per dollar on all other spending |
| Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business | Cash back | • 2% cash back on all purchases |
| The Business Platinum® Card from American Express | Business travel card | • 5 points per $1 spent on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com • 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases of more than $5,000 • 1 point per dollar on all other spending • Terms apply |
| Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business | Flat-rate travel rewards | • 2 miles per $1 spent on all purchases |
| Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card | No-fee travel rewards | • 3 points per $1 spent on travel booked through Bank of America® • 1.5 points per dollar on all other spending |
| The Blue Business℠ Plus Credit Card from American Express | 0% APR period | • 2 points per dollar on first $50,000 a year in spending • 1 point per dollar after that • Terms apply |
| Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business | Fair/average credit | • 1% cash back on all purchases |
Understanding business credit cards
At first glance, small business credit cards seem a lot like consumer cards. They come with similar sign-up bonuses, rewards and fees. But business and consumer cards differ in a few key ways. Here’s what you should know before applying.
You’ll have to sign a personal guarantee
Virtually all small business credit card applications include personal guarantees, or clauses stating that you are personally liable for the debt accrued. This means you’re responsible for the balances even if your business goes belly-up. Keep this in mind when applying and avoid borrowing more than you’re able to pay back.
Your personal credit may be affected
When you apply for a small business credit card, the application will probably show up as an inquiry on your personal credit report, which can cost you a few points on your credit scores for a short time. That’s because your issuer wants to make sure that you, the business owner, are personally on solid financial footing before letting you borrow money.
After that, small business cards generally fall into two categories: some report your account payment history only to commercial credit bureaus, while others report to both consumer and commercial bureaus. In the latter case, your good or bad spending habits on your small business credit card could affect both your personal and business credit.
They generally aren’t covered by consumer protection laws
As a courtesy, issuers today generally extend many consumer protections for personal credit cards to small business credit cards. But the law doesn’t require them to do so. The consumer-friendly Credit Card Act of 2009 set important limits on fees, interest calculations and disclosures for personal credit cards, but it doesn’t cover small business credit cards.
Small business cards aren’t corporate cards
There are two types of business credit cards: small business cards and corporate cards. If you’re just starting out and your revenue is in the thousands, not the millions, you’ll likely want to go with a small business credit card, the kind featured on this list. Once you hit the big time, you might want to switch over to a corporate card. This would limit your personal financial liability for the account.
Who can apply for a small-business card
Anyone who operates a business can apply
You don't need to be incorporated or have a formal structure such as an LLC or partnership. Sole proprietors are eligible, too, and your business can be your full-time job, a part-time operation or even just a side hustle. Be prepared to answer questions on the application about:
- Your business name (if it has one) and contact information.
- The industry you're in, how long you've been in business and how many employees you have.
- Your business's annual revenue and spending.
You do not need an existing business credit history
That's because, as described above, you will likely be personally liable for the debts of the business.
You'll need a federal Taxpayer Identification Number
For sole proprietors with no employees, this can just be your Social Security number. If you have employees or your business meets certain other criteria, you'll already have an Employer Identification Number. You can use that — but the application will still probably ask for your Social Security number, too.
Business credit scores vs. personal credit scores
Businesses can have credit scores just like individuals. When you're just getting a business off the ground, you'll probably have to rely on your personal credit to open a small-business credit card or obtain a loan. But as a business builds its credit over time, it becomes easier to secure financing separate from the owner's personal credit, as well as qualify for a business insurance policy.
» MORE: How to build business credit
Below are key differences between business credit scores and personal credit scores.
Reporting bureaus
Like consumer credit scores, business scores are generated by credit reporting bureaus — companies that collect information about debts and then use that information to estimate how risky it would be to lend money to a person or, in this case, a business. The higher the score, the lower the risk.
The main consumer credit reporting bureaus are Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. The main bureaus for business scores are Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax and Experian.
Range
Consumer credit scoring systems typically have a score range of 300 to 850. The range for business scores is usually 0 to 100.
Standardization
Consumer credit bureaus collect information independently from each other, but they use similar algorithms to calculate scores. As a result, your personal scores are likely to be similar, even if not identical, from one bureau to the next. Business credit score algorithms don’t follow an industry standard and can vary from bureau to bureau.
Access
Federal law gives you the right to a free copy of your personal credit report from each of the three major consumer credit bureaus once every 12 months. Further, you can get free access to your personal credit score in a number of ways (including from NerdWallet). Not so for business credit. You’ll have to pay to see your company’s credit report and score at the major business credit bureaus.
Privacy
Only you and certain companies have the right to see your personal credit reports and scores. But with business credit reports, all information is public, and you can get information on other companies as long as you're willing to pay for it.
» MORE: Business credit score basics
How to choose a small business credit card
Chances are, you'll use your small-business credit card quite a bit, so make sure you’re getting one with favorable terms. Here’s how:
Take stock of your business’s spending habits
If you plan on carrying balances from month to month, getting a card with a 0% APR period or low ongoing interest is more important than searching for generous rewards. Alternatively, if you plan on paying in full every month, a card with a big sign-up bonus and lucrative rewards could be a perfect fit.
Figure out what type of rewards you should go for
If earning big rewards is your goal, start by looking at your costs. For businesses that spend plenty on travel and office supplies, a card that gives bonus rewards in those categories would be an excellent choice. And for companies with spending that doesn't fit into the usual categories, a flat-rate rewards card would fit the bill.
» Confused about miles and points programs? See what these rewards are worth and read about how these programs work with our guide to travel rewards programs.
Look for business-friendly benefits
Some cards come with programs that allow you to match photos of receipts to your card purchases in-app. Many also offer free employee cards and itemized end-of-year statements that help at tax time.
For more, see our guide to choosing a business credit card
How to compare small-business credit cards
As you narrow down your choices based on your business's needs, here's how to evaluate and compare the features of different cards.
Annual fee
Many of the best small-business credit cards charge an annual fee, often in the $100 range. The rewards you earn from your spending can easily make up for it, so don't dismiss the idea of paying a fee out of hand. High-volume businesses, especially, can earn rewards that dwarf the fee. If you spend $200,000 a year on a card with a 2% rewards rate, for example, that's $4,000 a year in rewards, well worth a $100 fee. Annual fees are also deductible business expenses. Still, if you're 100% opposed to paying a fee, there are fine no-fee options available.
Rewards structure
If you opt for a rewards credit card, you'll have two choices to make. The first is whether you want a flat-rate card or a bonus-category card:
- Flat-rate cards pay you the same rewards on every purchase, regardless of what you buy or where. If you want simplicity, or if your business's expenses tend to run the gamut without any particular category predominating, then a flat-rate card may be best for you.
- Bonus-category cards pay a higher rewards rate in certain categories and a lower base rate on everything else. If you don't mind (or if you enjoy) keeping track of categories and moving spending around to maximize your return, then these cards may be right for you. A bonus category card is an excellent choice if you spend a lot of money in just a few areas. Typical bonus categories for business credit cards include things like office supplies, travel, telecommunications, advertising and shipping.
The second choice is whether you want your rewards as cash back or points.
- Cash-back cards pay you back a certain percentage of every purchase. Flat-rate cards tend to offer 1% to 2% back — spend $1,000 on something, get $10 to $20 back. Bonus-category cards go as high as 5%. Cash back is most commonly redeemed as a credit against your account.
- Points cards give you points or miles for each dollar you spend, either at a flat rate or with bonus points in certain categories. These rewards can usually be redeemed for travel, though you may have other options, such as merchandise or cash back.
Introductory APR period
A number of cards offer a lower interest rate, often 0%, when you first open the account. The 0% period may last a year or more. This can be of great benefit if you have a major business-related purchase you're looking to finance.
Ongoing APR
If you plan to pay your credit card bill in full each month, then the ongoing APR doesn't have to be a major factor in your decision. That's because you'll pay no interest. But if you expect to carry a balance from month to month, the ongoing interest rate becomes very important. Interest charges can easily eat up the value of your rewards, so prioritize a lower ongoing APR if you're going to be carrying debt.
Financing options
Some small-business credit cards offer special financing options, such as a discount if you pay early or the ability to set up installment plans to pay off specific charges. These can be useful if your business is seasonal or subject to irregular cash flow.
Free cards for employees
If you're earning rewards, you'll want to get as much company spending on the card as possible. Many issuers allow you to get additional cards at no extra cost for employees who are authorized to spend money on behalf of the business. You also may be able to set spending limits or other restrictions on employee cards.
Expense management tools
It's helpful if the issuer offers tools to help you track and categorize expenses. For example, you may be able to download transaction data into bookkeeping software. Or you could match photos of receipts to transactions. Or you may get a detailed annual report for use in preparing your taxes.
Perks
If your business has you traveling a lot, look for a card that can make your trip more comfortable. Co-branded airline and hotel cards offer special status and upgrades. Some cards give you access to airport lounges. Others provide travel insurance or rental car coverage for peace of mind.
Getting the most out of your small business card
Pay with your credit card whenever possible
For entrepreneurs who pay in full every month and don't overspend, using a rewards credit card for everything makes those points, miles or cash back add up fast. Avoid paying with a credit card when a convenience charge is added, if possible.
Lock down that sign-up bonus
To get your card's sign-up bonus, you typically need to make a few thousand dollars' worth of purchases in the first few months after opening the account. Check your card's terms and track your spending to make sure you don’t miss out.
Know when your introductory 0% APR ends
Read your credit card statements and make a note of when your promotional offer expires to avoid unpleasant surprises.
Deduct interest and fees on your taxes
If you’re using your card for business costs, fees and interest count as business expenses. That means you can deduct them at tax time.
To view rates and fees of the The Business Platinum® Card from American Express, please visit this page.
To view rates and fees of the The Blue Business℠ Plus Credit Card from American Express, please visit this page.
Last updated on July 18, 2019
Methodology
NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best credit cards for small business based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of small-business operators. Factors in our evaluation include annual and other fees, rewards rates, the earning structure (for example, flat-rate rewards versus bonus categories), redemption options, bonus offers for new cardholders, introductory and ongoing APRs, and other noteworthy features such as special financing arrangements, free cards for employees or tools for managing business expenses.
