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Our Top Overall Picks of December 2024

Find a small-business credit card that rewards your company’s spending.
By Kelsey Sheehy
Last updated on
Edited by Ryan Lane
Fact checked and reviewed

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

The best business credit cards offer rich ongoing rewards and business-friendly benefits that can help you reach your goals faster. Consider what type of rewards will be most useful (cash back or points) and any other features — like intro APR period, travel credits or bonus categories — that can save your business time and money. Some of the top small-business credit cards that may align with your needs include:
While all of our picks for small-business credit cards are chosen by our editorial team without outside input, the cards highlighted below are those that are available from our partners. You can jump to our full editorial picks section for our complete list of best business credit cards, including those not available through NerdWallet.

🤓 Nerdy Tip

You can get a business credit card without having a business. Approval largely depends on personal credit history — not business credit score, business structure or even business revenue for most cards — so even freelancers and folks with an occasional side gig can qualify.

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This may influence which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money.

The best business credit cards offer rich ongoing rewards and business-friendly benefits that can help you reach your goals faster. Consider what type of rewards will be most useful (cash back or points) and any other features — like intro APR period, travel credits or bonus categories — that can save your business time and money. Some of the top small-business credit cards that may align with your needs include:
While all of our picks for small-business credit cards are chosen by our editorial team without outside input, the cards highlighted below are those that are available from our partners. You can jump to our full editorial picks section for our complete list of best business credit cards, including those not available through NerdWallet.

🤓 Nerdy Tip

You can get a business credit card without having a business. Approval largely depends on personal credit history — not business credit score, business structure or even business revenue for most cards — so even freelancers and folks with an occasional side gig can qualify.

Here are the best business credit cards

Best forNerdWallet ratingAnnual feeRewards rateIntro offerLearn more

Cash-back business credit card

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Apply now

on Chase's website

5.0/5
$0

1.5%

Cashback

$750

Apply now

on Chase's website

Up to 5% cash back in bonus categories

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Apply now

on Chase's website

4.8/5
$0

1%-5%

Cashback

$350

Apply now

on Chase's website

Business card for new businesses

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

4.4/5
$0

1x-2x

Points

15,000

Points

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

Business charge card for heavy spenders

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

5.0/5
$150

2%-5%

Cashback

$2,000

⏱️ New bonus offer

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

Businesses with annual spend below $50K

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

4.7/5
$0

1%-2%

Cashback

$250

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

Cash back boost (up to 75% more)

Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

Apply now

on Bank of America's website

4.4/5
$0

1.5%

Cashback

$300

Apply now

on Bank of America's website

Bonus categories that sync with your spending

American Express® Business Gold Card

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

4.6/5
$375

1x-4x

Points

100,000

Points

⏱️ New elevated offer

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

Travel points + welcome offer

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Apply now

on Chase's website

4.7/5
$95

1x-3x

Points

90,000

Points

Apply now

on Chase's website

Airport lounge access + travel credits

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

4.8/5
$695

1x-5x

Points

150,000

Points

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

No preset spending limit

Ink Business Premier® Credit Card

Apply now

on Chase's website

4.5/5
$195

2%-5%

Cashback

$1,000

Apply now

on Chase's website

Welcome offer + annual travel credit

Capital One Venture X Business

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

5.0/5
$395

2x-10x

Miles

150,000

Miles

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

Travel rewards (flat-rate)

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

4.5/5
$0 intro for the first year, then $95

2x-5x

Points

50,000

Points

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

Corporate card (no personal guarantee)

Ramp Card

Apply now

on Ramp's website

2.8/5
$0

1%-1.5%

Cashback

N/A

Apply now

on Ramp's website

Unlimited 1.5% cash back

Capital One Spark Cash Select

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

4.9/5
$0

1.5%-5%

Cashback

$500

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

Intro APR period (purchases)

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®

Apply now

on U.S. Bank's website

Rates & Fees

5.0/5
$0

1%-3%

Cashback

$750

Apply now

on U.S. Bank's website

Rates & Fees

Hotel business card

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

4.9/5
$125

2x-6x

Points

50,000

Points

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

Airline business credit card

United℠ Business Card

Apply now

on Chase's website

5.0/5
$0 intro for the first year, then $99

1x-2x

Miles

75,000

Miles

Apply now

on Chase's website

4X points on travel (up to $150K)

U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard®

Apply now

on U.S. Bank's website

Rates & Fees

5.0/5
$0 intro for the first year, then $95

1x-5x

Points

60,000

Points

Apply now

on U.S. Bank's website

Rates & Fees

Best forNerdWallet ratingAnnual feeRewards rateIntro offerLearn more

Cash-back business credit card

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Apply now

on Chase's website

5.0/5
$0

1.5%

Cashback

$750

Apply now

on Chase's website

Up to 5% cash back in bonus categories

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Apply now

on Chase's website

4.8/5
$0

1%-5%

Cashback

$350

Apply now

on Chase's website

Business card for new businesses

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

4.4/5
$0

1x-2x

Points

15,000

Points

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

Business charge card for heavy spenders

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

5.0/5
$150

2%-5%

Cashback

$2,000

⏱️ New bonus offer

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

Businesses with annual spend below $50K

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

4.7/5
$0

1%-2%

Cashback

$250

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

Cash back boost (up to 75% more)

Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

Apply now

on Bank of America's website

4.4/5
$0

1.5%

Cashback

$300

Apply now

on Bank of America's website

Bonus categories that sync with your spending

American Express® Business Gold Card

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

4.6/5
$375

1x-4x

Points

100,000

Points

⏱️ New elevated offer

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

Travel points + welcome offer

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Apply now

on Chase's website

4.7/5
$95

1x-3x

Points

90,000

Points

Apply now

on Chase's website

Airport lounge access + travel credits

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

4.8/5
$695

1x-5x

Points

150,000

Points

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

No preset spending limit

Ink Business Premier® Credit Card

Apply now

on Chase's website

4.5/5
$195

2%-5%

Cashback

$1,000

Apply now

on Chase's website

Welcome offer + annual travel credit

Capital One Venture X Business

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

5.0/5
$395

2x-10x

Miles

150,000

Miles

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

Travel rewards (flat-rate)

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

4.5/5
$0 intro for the first year, then $95

2x-5x

Points

50,000

Points

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

Corporate card (no personal guarantee)

Ramp Card

Apply now

on Ramp's website

2.8/5
$0

1%-1.5%

Cashback

N/A

Apply now

on Ramp's website

Unlimited 1.5% cash back

Capital One Spark Cash Select

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

4.9/5
$0

1.5%-5%

Cashback

$500

Apply now

on Capital One's website

Rates & Fees

Intro APR period (purchases)

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®

Apply now

on U.S. Bank's website

Rates & Fees

5.0/5
$0

1%-3%

Cashback

$750

Apply now

on U.S. Bank's website

Rates & Fees

Hotel business card

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

4.9/5
$125

2x-6x

Points

50,000

Points

Apply now

on American Express' website

Rates & Fees

Airline business credit card

United℠ Business Card

Apply now

on Chase's website

5.0/5
$0 intro for the first year, then $99

1x-2x

Miles

75,000

Miles

Apply now

on Chase's website

4X points on travel (up to $150K)

U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard®

Apply now

on U.S. Bank's website

Rates & Fees

5.0/5
$0 intro for the first year, then $95

1x-5x

Points

60,000

Points

Apply now

on U.S. Bank's website

Rates & Fees

I'M INTERESTED IN:

Our pick for

Cash-back business credit card

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Read Review
Apply now

on Chase's website

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5% Cashback
Intro offer
$750

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR period
  • No reward caps
  • New cardholder bonus offer

Cons

  • No bonus categories

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

NerdWallet rating 

5.0/5
Apply now

on Chase's website

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5% Cashback
Intro offer
$750

Our pick for

Up to 5% cash back in bonus categories

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Read Review
Apply now

on Chase's website

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5% Cashback
Intro offer
$350

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR period
  • New cardholder bonus offer

Cons

  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • Low rate outside bonus categories
  • Spending caps on bonus rewards

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

NerdWallet rating 

4.8/5
Apply now

on Chase's website

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5% Cashback
Intro offer
$350

Our pick for

Business card for new businesses

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Read Review
Apply now

on American Express' website

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1x-2x Points
Intro offer
15,000 Points

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • High rewards rate
  • Intro APR period
  • Transfer partners

Cons

  • Spending caps on bonus rewards
  • Requires good/excellent credit

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

NerdWallet rating 

4.4/5
Apply now

on American Express' website

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1x-2x Points
Intro offer
15,000 Points

Our pick for

Business charge card for heavy spenders

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Read Review
Apply now

on Capital One's website

Annual fee
$150
Rewards rate
2%-5% Cashback
Intro offer
$2,000

⏱️ New bonus offer

Pros

  • Earns cash back on primary and employee cards
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • Balance must be paid in full every month
  • Has annual fee
  • High spending requirement to hit full welcome bonus, annual bonus offers

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

NerdWallet rating 

5.0/5
Apply now

on Capital One's website

Annual fee
$150
Rewards rate
2%-5% Cashback
Intro offer
$2,000

⏱️ New bonus offer

Our pick for

Businesses with annual spend below $50K

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Read Review
Apply now

on American Express' website

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-2% Cashback
Intro offer
$250

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • High rewards rate
  • Intro APR period
  • Cash rewards

Cons

  • Spending caps on bonus rewards
  • Requires good/excellent credit

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

NerdWallet rating 

4.7/5
Apply now

on American Express' website

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-2% Cashback
Intro offer
$250

Our pick for

Cash back boost (up to 75% more)

Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

Read Review
Apply now

on Bank of America's website

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5% Cashback
Intro offer
$300

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • New cardholder bonus offer
  • High cash back rate

Cons

  • Has foreign transaction fee
  • Requires excellent credit

Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

NerdWallet rating 

4.4/5
Apply now

on Bank of America's website

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5% Cashback
Intro offer
$300

Our pick for

Bonus categories that sync with your spending

American Express® Business Gold Card

Read Review
Apply now

on American Express' website

Annual fee
$375
Rewards rate
1x-4x Points
Intro offer
100,000 Points

⏱️ New elevated offer

Pros

  • Bonus categories
  • Transfer partners
  • Luxury perks

Cons

  • Has annual fee
  • Complicated rewards
  • Spending caps on bonus rewards
  • Requires good/excellent credit

American Express® Business Gold Card

NerdWallet rating 

4.6/5
Apply now

on American Express' website

Annual fee
$375
Rewards rate
1x-4x Points
Intro offer
100,000 Points

⏱️ New elevated offer

Our pick for

Travel points + welcome offer

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Read Review
Apply now

on Chase's website

Annual fee
$95
Rewards rate
1x-3x Points
Intro offer
90,000 Points

Pros

  • New cardholder bonus offer
  • Bonus categories
  • Transfer partners

Cons

  • Has annual fee
  • No intro APR offer

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

NerdWallet rating 

4.7/5
Apply now

on Chase's website

Annual fee
$95
Rewards rate
1x-3x Points
Intro offer
90,000 Points

Our pick for

Airport lounge access + travel credits

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Read Review
Apply now

on American Express' website

Annual fee
$695
Rewards rate
1x-5x Points
Intro offer
150,000 Points

Pros

  • Lounge membership
  • Transfer partners
  • Bonus categories
  • Automatic elite status
  • Premium travel protections

Cons

  • High annual fee
  • Complicated rewards
  • Requires good/excellent credit

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

NerdWallet rating 

4.8/5
Apply now

on American Express' website

Annual fee
$695
Rewards rate
1x-5x Points
Intro offer
150,000 Points

Our pick for

No preset spending limit

Ink Business Premier® Credit Card

Read Review
Apply now

on Chase's website

Annual fee
$195
Rewards rate
2%-5% Cashback
Intro offer
$1,000

Pros

  • High rewards rate
  • New cardholder bonus offer
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • Has annual fee
  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • Purchases that don’t qualify for Flex for Business must be paid in full every month

Ink Business Premier® Credit Card

NerdWallet rating 

4.5/5
Apply now

on Chase's website

Annual fee
$195
Rewards rate
2%-5% Cashback
Intro offer
$1,000

Our pick for

Welcome offer + annual travel credit

Capital One Venture X Business

Read Review
Apply now

on Capital One's website

Annual fee
$395
Rewards rate
2x-10x Miles
Intro offer
150,000 Miles

Pros

  • Lounge membership
  • High rewards rate
  • Welcome offer

Cons

  • High annual fee
  • Requires excellent credit
  • Balance must be paid in full every month

Capital One Venture X Business

NerdWallet rating 

5.0/5
Apply now

on Capital One's website

Annual fee
$395
Rewards rate
2x-10x Miles
Intro offer
150,000 Miles

Our pick for

Travel rewards (flat-rate)

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Read Review
Apply now

on Capital One's website

Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards rate
2x-5x Points
Intro offer
50,000 Points

Pros

  • High rewards rate
  • No minimum redemption amount

Cons

  • Has annual fee
  • No Intro APR period
  • High APR

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

NerdWallet rating 

4.5/5
Apply now

on Capital One's website

Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards rate
2x-5x Points
Intro offer
50,000 Points

Our pick for

Corporate card (no personal guarantee)

Ramp Card

Read Review
Apply now

on Ramp's website

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-1.5% Cashback
Intro offer
N/A

Pros

  • No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
  • No personal guarantee or credit check
  • Direct integrations with popular tools and card-level spending controls and alerts

Cons

  • Balance must be paid in full each month
  • Not available to sole proprietors or unincorporated businesses
  • Rewards rate varies and is determined for each customer by Ramp.

Ramp Card

NerdWallet rating 

2.8/5
Apply now

on Ramp's website

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-1.5% Cashback
Intro offer
N/A

Our pick for

Unlimited 1.5% cash back

Capital One Spark Cash Select

Read Review
Apply now

on Capital One's website

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5%-5% Cashback
Intro offer
$500

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • High rewards rate
  • No reward caps

Cons

  • Requires excellent credit

Capital One Spark Cash Select

NerdWallet rating 

4.9/5
Apply now

on Capital One's website

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5%-5% Cashback
Intro offer
$500

Our pick for

Intro APR period (purchases)

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®

Read Review
Apply now

on U.S. Bank's website

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-3% Cashback
Intro offer
$750

Pros

  • Bonus cash back categories
  • No annual fee
  • Intro APR period on purchases

Cons

  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • Low rate outside bonus categories

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®

NerdWallet rating 

5.0/5
Apply now

on U.S. Bank's website

Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-3% Cashback
Intro offer
$750

Our pick for

Hotel business card

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Read Review
Apply now

on American Express' website

Annual fee
$125
Rewards rate
2x-6x Points
Intro offer
50,000 Points

Pros

  • Anniversary perk
  • High rewards rate
  • Automatic elite status

Cons

  • Has annual fee
  • Rewards have limited flexibility
  • Lower acceptance abroad

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

NerdWallet rating 

4.9/5
Apply now

on American Express' website

Annual fee
$125
Rewards rate
2x-6x Points
Intro offer
50,000 Points

Our pick for

Airline business credit card

United℠ Business Card

Read Review
Apply now

on Chase's website

Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $99
Rewards rate
1x-2x Miles
Intro offer
75,000 Miles

Pros

  • Free checked bag
  • Lounge membership
  • Anniversary perk

Cons

  • Has annual fee
  • Rewards have limited flexibility

United℠ Business Card

NerdWallet rating 

5.0/5
Apply now

on Chase's website

Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $99
Rewards rate
1x-2x Miles
Intro offer
75,000 Miles

Our pick for

4X points on travel (up to $150K)

U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard®

Read Review
Apply now

on U.S. Bank's website

Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards rate
1x-5x Points
Intro offer
60,000 Points

Pros

  • Bonus categories
  • Welcome offer
  • Annual fee waived for the first year

Cons

  • Requires good/excellent credit
  • No intro APR offer

U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard®

NerdWallet rating 

5.0/5
Apply now

on U.S. Bank's website

Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards rate
1x-5x Points
Intro offer
60,000 Points

NerdWallet's editorial picks: Best business credit cards

Explore details like welcome offers, reward rates and intro APR periods below, or click the card's name to read our full review. Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash℠ Card

Best for: Unlimited 2% cash back + no annual fee
NerdWallet star rating:
5
.
Should you get the
Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash℠ Card
? If you're looking for a cash-back business card, the Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash Card checks virtually every box. High rewards rate? Check. No annual fee? Check. Intro APR period? Check. Welcome offer? Check. In fact, it's hard to find something not to like about the Signify Business Cash, which is the only business credit card on our list to offer unlimited
2%
cash back on all purchases with no annual fee.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
earns 2% but only up to the first $50,000 in purchases each year (terms apply). It also has a much smaller welcome offer compared to the Signify Business Cash Card. And other 2% back business cards like the
Ink Business Premier® Credit Card
have high annual fees (
$195
). The only argument against the Signify Business Cash is that you can earn a higher rewards rate with cards like the
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
and the
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
, but only on spending that aligns with the bonus categories offered by those cards. Even then, there's a strong case for adding the Signify Business Cash card to your lineup as a complement to either of those cards.

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Best for: Cash-back business credit card
NerdWallet star rating:
5
.
Should you get the
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
?
This is an excellent business card if you want simple rewards, a big signup bonus and flexible redemption options. Cash back is earned as Chase Ultimate Rewards, which can be redeemed for a statement credit or travel, among other things. And if you carry other Chase cards in your wallet, like the
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
or the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, you can transfer your Ultimate Rewards to net a higher redemption rate. Plan to spend less than $50,000 per year? Give
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
a look. It has a slightly higher rewards rate, but has an annual cap on the highest rewards.

U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard®

Best for: 4X points on travel (up to $150K)
NerdWallet star rating:
5
.
Should you get the
U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard®
?
U.S. Bank's business travel card hits that sweet spot between basic, no-annual-fee travel cards that offer minimal rewards and high-end travel cards with annual fees that match. The Business Altitude Connect's travel reward rate is unmatched, even by luxury travel cards, and includes expenses like gas and EV charging stations, as well as hotels, airfare and rental cars. And its annual fee is low:
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
. While the Business Altitude Connect does have some added perks, including a rideshare credit and Priority Pass digital membership with four free visits per year, it doesn't confer elite status or travel credits. And you can't transfer points to external travel partners, which could make your points go farther. If those things are important to you, check out the
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
or the
Capital One Venture X Business
.

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Best for: Business charge card for heavy spenders
NerdWallet star rating:
5
.
Should you get the
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
?
This card is best for businesses with big expenses and the cash flow to match. You’ll earn
2
% cash back with no caps and receive a generous welcome bonus:
Earn a one-time cash bonus of $2,000 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months and an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year.
You can also get your $
150
annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000. If you’re spending at that level, the
Ink Business Premier® Credit Card
is also worth a look. This card has a more attainable welcome bonus and earns 2.5% back on large purchases ($5,000 or more). The
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
is a charge card, so you need to pay your balance in full each month. (See rates and fees.)

Capital One Venture X Business

Best for: Welcome offer and annual travel credit
NerdWallet star rating:
5
.
Should you get the
Capital One Venture X Business
?
This beefed-up travel card is a great option for road warriors and frequent fliers who can't stomach the annual fee of other luxury travel cards, like
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
. For a more modest annual fee — $
395
vs. $
695
— the Venture X Business still offers premium perks, like a $300 annual travel credit on bookings through Capital One Travel and complimentary access to Priority Pass and Capital One airport lounges. (See rates and fees.)
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
does have a few more bells and whistles than the Venture X Business, but also a lower base rewards rate.

United℠ Business Card

Best for: Airline business credit card
NerdWallet star rating:
5
.
Should you get the
United℠ Business Card
?
If you regularly fly with United, this card is a smart add to your business wallet. You can get perks like free checked bags, United Club passes, bonus miles each anniversary and an annual travel credit. Terms apply. But business owners who fly with multiple airlines will be better served by a general business travel card, like the
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
or the
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
, which offer more ways to redeem your rewards.

Capital One Spark Cash Select

Best for: Unlimited 1.5% cash back
NerdWallet star rating:
4.9
.
Should you get the
Capital One Spark Cash Select
?
Simplicity is the name of the game for this business credit card. There's no annual fee, you earn
1.5
% back on all purchases (with no caps or restrictions) and there is no foreign transaction fee if you use your card abroad. (See rates and fees.) That makes the
Capital One Spark Cash Select
an easy card to carry, though not necessarily the most lucrative. You can net a bigger welcome offer and/or higher rewards rate with other cash back cards. If your business spends big in certain areas, like gas, office supplies or advertising, consider a card with bonus categories, like the
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
or the
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Best for: Travel points + welcome offer
NerdWallet star rating:
4.7
.
Should you get the
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
?
This is one of our favorite business travel cards and is a good fit for companies that spend primarily on flights, hotels and rental cars. Make sure you can hit the spending requirement for the welcome bonus, as that adds a ton of value to this card. The
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
’s main drawback: You don’t get extras like lounge access and travel credits.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
is chock full of premium travel perks if that’s what you’re after, but has a monster of an annual fee.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Best for: Hotel business card for free nights, flexible rewards
NerdWallet star rating:
4.9
.
Should you get the
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
?
The free anniversary night benefit is reason enough to add this card to your business wallet. But the card’s ongoing usefulness depends on how often you have business travel that includes a hotel stay. If the answer is often, you can rack up a lot of points — and flex your elite status — with the
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
. Otherwise, opt for a general travel card like the
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
or
U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard®
.

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Best for: Up to 5% cash back
NerdWallet star rating:
4.8
.
Should you get the
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
?
Businesses that primarily spend on office supplies and telecom services will get the most value out of this card, provided you won’t blow through the $25,000 cap. If your spending is more varied, look to a flat-rate cash-back business card instead, like the
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
or Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash Card.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Best for: Airport lounge access + travel credits
NerdWallet star rating:
4.8
.
Should you get
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
?
This card is built for business owners who spend more time in an airport than an office. Yes, it has a beast of an annual fee. But it includes some serious travel perks, including access to multiple airport lounge networks and automatic hotel elite status, plus credits for airline fees, wireless bills and trusted traveler programs. The sum total of these benefits easily offsets the annual fee — assuming you actually use them. If you’re not sure, opt for a business travel card with a more manageable annual fee. The
Capital One Venture X Business
offers a flexible annual travel credit and airport lounge access, among other perks, for a much lower annual fee (
$395
).

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Best for: Intro APR + up to 2% cash back
NerdWallet star rating:
4.7
.
Should you get
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
?
Consider this card if you need to finance a major purchase or have other big upfront costs. It’s also a great option for entrepreneurs who want to earn a high cash-back rate without worrying about bonus categories. But the card's highest rewards (2%) only apply to the first $50,000 in spending each year — a relatively low cap for many business owners. The Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash Card, on the other hand, earns 2% back on all spending, offers a similar intro APR period and a much larger welcome bonus.

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®

Best for: Intro APR period
NerdWallet star rating:
5
.
Should you get the
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
?
Opt for this card if you need to finance a larger purchase or refinance existing credit card debt. It’s also one of our top picks for business gas credit cards, offering 3% back at gas stations and restaurants to keep you fueled and fed while you’re on the road. You also earn that bonus rate at office supply stores and with cell phone providers. If your business spending is varied, or simply concentrated elsewhere, consider a more general cash back business card, like Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash Card or the
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
.

Ink Business Premier® Credit Card

Best for: No preset spending limit
NerdWallet star rating:
4.5
.
Should you get the
Ink Business Premier® Credit Card
?
Businesses with frequent, big-ticket expenses will get the most value out of this charge card thanks to the cash-back boost (2.5% on purchases of $5,000 or more) and lack of a preset spending limit. But if you don’t make big purchases, it’s hard to justify the annual fee in a sea of stellar no annual fee business cards. Instead, look to the
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
to earn up to 5% back in select bonus categories or the
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
for a flat
1.5
% back on all your purchases.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Best for: Travel rewards (flat-rate)
NerdWallet star rating:
4.5
.
Should you get the
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
?
Go with the
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
if you don’t mind booking the bulk of your travel through Capital One Travel, since that’s how you’ll earn the most rewards. This business travel card is also a good pick if you’re due to sign up, or renew, your Global Entry or TSA Precheck — you’ll get a credit if you pay for it with your
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
card. Need more flexibility when booking travel? Opt for the
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
, which offers up to 3x points on travel, regardless of where you book it. Just note: You’ll net a lower reward rate on some nontravel purchases. And the
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
won’t reimburse you for trusted traveler programs.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard®

Best for: Cash back boost (up to 75%)
NerdWallet star rating:
4.4
.
Should you get the
Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard®
?
If you have a Bank of America business checking account, the
Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard®
is almost a no-brainer. Its rewards boost for Preferred Rewards for Business members turns the standard cash-back rate (
1.5%
) into 2.62% if you qualify for the highest tier. The card is less compelling if Bank of America isn't your primary business bank. Instead, check out the Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash Card, which offers the same rewards rate but with a longer intro APR period and more than double the welcome offer.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Best for: Business card for new businesses
NerdWallet star rating:
4.4
.
Should you get
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
?
If you like
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
, but wish it offered more redemption options, this is your card. You get the same great reward rate and intro APR period, still with no annual fee. But you’ll earn Membership Rewards points, which you can redeem for travel (1 point = $1), instead of straight cash back. While you can redeem points as a statement credit, you’ll lose some value. Another point to consider: This card has a foreign transaction fee, and AmEx isn’t as widely accepted abroad, making this a poor choice for regular international business travel. The
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
or
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
would be a better option.

American Express® Business Gold Card

Best for: Bonus categories that sync with your spending
NerdWallet star rating:
4.6
.
Should you get the
American Express® Business Gold Card
?
The biggest selling point of the
American Express® Business Gold Card
is the card's bonus categories: advertising, software, gas stations, restaurants, transit and wireless service (only purchases made in the U.S. qualify). You'll earn 4X points on your top two eligible bonus categories each month, up to $150,000 in combined spend annually. And your bonus categories adjust automatically based on your spending. The
American Express® Business Gold Card
's biggest downside? The annual fee:
$375
(terms apply). While that's steep, it may be worth it. If you max out your bonus categories each year, for example, you'll net at least $5,625 worth of AmEx Membership Rewards (assuming you get 1 cent worth of value for each point). But if you're barely recouping the annual fee, there are better options out there, including the
U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard®
and
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
, which have similar bonus categories but much lower annual fees. Analyze your spending and run the numbers (this calculator can help) to determine if the juice is worth the squeeze.

Ramp Card

Best for: Corporate card (no personal guarantee)
NerdWallet star rating:
2.8
.
Should you get the
Ramp Card
?
Incorporated businesses with strong financials should look to Ramp if you want a business card with no personal guarantee. The card isn’t flashy; you’ll get simple, straightforward rewards plus business-friendly benefits like receipt matching, spending controls and expense management tools. If you want a corporate card that maximizes potential rewards, consider
Brex Card
instead, which earns up to 7 points per dollar in certain bonus categories.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® Secured credit card

Best for: Secured business credit card
This card has not been rated by NerdWallet.
Should you get the Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® Secured credit card? Business owners with thin or poor personal credit have limited choices for small-business credit cards. If you can’t qualify for an unsecured option, this Bank of America card is a great alternative. Since it’s a secured card, you'll need to put down a deposit to serve as your credit limit. But unlike some similar products, this card still offers you rewards — unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases — and doesn’t charge an annual fee. Use it responsibly and you can establish business credit, as well as potentially get an upgrade from Bank of America to a non-secured card.

Compare more business credit cards

Business credit cards by interest rate

The interest rate on your business credit card is an important factor to consider when comparing options. Rates have risen steadily over the past year, moving in step with the federal funds rate, increasing costs for business owners who carry a balance.
Most business cards offer an APR range; you need excellent credit (typically a FICO score above 720) to secure the lowest rate. Charge cards like
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
and
Brex Card
don't advertise an APR range because these cards require the balance to be paid in full each month.

Types of business credit cards

One blue credit card with a green card behind it.
Cash backSome cash back cards offer up to 5% back in certain categories, other offer a flat rate of 1%-2% on all business purchases.
A blue credit card with a golden plane at the bottom and a palm tree at the top.
Travel rewardsRack up points or miles to redeem on future travel and get perks like lounge access, free hotel stays and statement credits for Global Entry.
Cash and coins.
Charge cardsBusiness charge cards have no pre-set spending limit — a draw for businesses with large operating budgets — but you must pay your balance in full each month.
A green credit card.
Corporate cardsApproval is based on your business financials, not your personal credit, and cards do not require a personal guarantee.

Your guide to choosing a business credit card

What is a business credit card?

Business credit cards are a revolving line of credit that entrepreneurs can use to pay for company expenses. They typically offer rewards like cash back or points, as well as features like free employee cards with spending controls.
Most business credit cards let you spend up to a predetermined limit, then pay those items off over time with interest. Others have no preset spending limit, but the entire balance must be paid in full each month. Those are considered business charge cards and are best suited to established companies with reliable cash flow.
The terms "business credit card" and "small-business credit card" are often used interchangeably to refer to cards that are available to anyone with business income — gig workers, side hustlers and freelancers included. Approval for these kinds of cards largely depends on an applicant's personal credit history.
Corporate cards, sometimes called company cards, are different. These cards aren't available to sole proprietors, and approval is based on business financials rather than personal credit history. You typically need revenue in the multi-millions to qualify, though some options from fintech companies like Ramp and Brex, have more lenient requirements.

Business credit cards: Benefits and drawbacks

A business credit card can be a great tool to build business credit while earning rewards on things like operating costs and innventory, but they come with some risks, too. Weigh the benefits of a business credit card against any potential drawbacks before applying.
Pros

Build your business credit history.

Earn rewards for business spending.

Keep business and personal expenses separate.

Ability to issue employee cards; manage spending with custom controls.

Higher credit limits and bigger welcome offers than personal credit cards.

0% intro APR periods can be used to finance larger business purchases.

Cons

Most busines cards require a personal guarantee.

You need good/excellent personal credit to qualify.

Interest rates are high compared with business loans and lines of credit.

Business cards have fewer federal protections than consumer credit cards.

How to find the best business credit card for you

When choosing a business credit card, a simple cash-back option with no annual fee is a great choice for most companies. But it can pay to look at your spending to see whether there’s a better fit.
Spend a lot of time on the road? Look for a business card with travel perks like lounge access and preferred status. Spend a lot period? Then a card with an annual fee but a high rewards rate might justify the additional cost. (Plus, annual fees are deductible business expenses.)
If you’re going to carry a balance from month-to-month, prioritize a lower ongoing APR. Some business credit cards even offer a 0% interest rate for the first year, or longer. This can be of great benefit if you have a major business-related purchase you're looking to finance.

🤓 Nerdy Tip

Looking to get the most rewards possible? Consider combining multiple business credit cards — like a flat-rate card and one with bonus categories. Having more than one card means you'll need to track more spending (and bills). But card issuers often have complementary options in their portfolios, which can help limit some of the management.

What you need to apply for a business credit card

Applying for a business credit card is pretty straightforward. Business credit card applications typically ask for the following:
  • Business name. No formal business name? Just use your name.
  • Business contact information. If you don't have a separate business address and phone number, don't sweat it. Your personal address and phone number are just fine.
  • Employer identification number or Social Security number. You can get a business credit card without an SSN, but you'll need different identifying info instead.
  • Industry. This can be a broad category like retail, medical or professional services, or something more specific. If you're stumped, think about the service you provide. Drive for Uber? That's transportation. DoorDash or Grubhub? That's delivery.
  • Business type. Corporation, LLC, partnership or sole proprietorship. Businesses without a formal or legal business structure can choose “sole proprietor.”
  • Time in business, revenue and expenses. If your business has no annual revenue, simply enter "$0."
  • Personal guarantee. Virtually all small-business credit card applications require a personal guarantee. This means you’re personally responsible for the balance on your business card even if your company goes belly up. Want to avoid the personal guarantee? Look to a corporate card like Ramp or Brex.
Business credit cards, like consumer cards, consider your personal credit history to determine approval, interest rates and credit limits. Applying for a business card may ding your personal credit score, but only a little and only for a short time. If your personal credit history is thin or poor, bad-credit business credit cards are available.

4 tips to maximize business credit card rewards

A person looking at a mobile phone.
1. Use your card if possibleUsing a business credit card for all of your purchases makes those points, miles or cash back add up fast. But always pay on time and in full to stop late fees and interest charges from eating away at your rewards.
A calculator with cash next to it.
2. Lock down that bonusYou typically need to spend $3,000 to $6,000 within three months to earn a welcome bonus (some cards require more). Plan ahead and track your spending to ensure you don’t miss out.
Cash with a green percentage sign on the top-right corner.
3. Leverage every perkCash back and travel points are often just the tip of the iceberg. Several cards offer discounts or credits on things like software subscriptions, cell phone services and travel expenses when you pay with your card.
Paper documents wrapped with a ribbon that has a checkmark on it.
4. Deduct interest and feesIf you’re using your card for business costs only, fees and interest count as business expenses. That means you can deduct them at tax time.

Business credit cards: frequently asked questions

To view rates and fees of
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
, see this page.
To view rates and fees of
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
, see this page.
To view rates and fees of
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the
American Express® Business Gold Card
, see this page.
To view rates and fees of the
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
, see this page.
View rates and fees of
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
.
View rates and fees of
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
.
View rates and fees of
Capital One Spark Cash Select
.
The information related to the Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash℠ Card has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product or service.
Last updated on

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. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.
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