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.
Business credit cards for startups offer flexible financing for new businesses. The best card for you will depend on whether you're looking to launch or grow your operations. If you just want to establish or build business credit, it’s hard to go wrong with a business credit card with flat-rate cash back and no annual fee. The
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
is a good example. Otherwise, look for benefits that meet your new business’s needs. Facing big startup costs? Consider an option with no preset spending limit or one that lets you pay down expenses without interest. Planning a marketing push or stocking up on supplies for a new office? Look for a cash-back card that pays higher rates on those kinds of spending to maximize your rewards.
Your new business’s lack of history shouldn’t deter you from applying. Business credit card issuers prioritize your personal credit history over factors like time in business or annual revenue. Your startup can likely choose from the best small-business credit cards if you have good or excellent personal credit. If you don’t, there are some cards for new business owners with no credit as well.
All of our picks for the best business cards are chosen by our editorial team, who follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage to help you choose the business card for your company. We independently evaluate and rate dozens of small-business credit cards, scoring them on fees, rewards rates, bonus offers and other features. View our full methodology.
Note: Some of our selections for the best business credit cards for startups can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet, followed by the full list of our picks.
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.
Business credit cards for startups offer flexible financing for new businesses. The best card for you will depend on whether you're looking to launch or grow your operations. If you just want to establish or build business credit, it’s hard to go wrong with a business credit card with flat-rate cash back and no annual fee. The
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
is a good example. Otherwise, look for benefits that meet your new business’s needs. Facing big startup costs? Consider an option with no preset spending limit or one that lets you pay down expenses without interest. Planning a marketing push or stocking up on supplies for a new office? Look for a cash-back card that pays higher rates on those kinds of spending to maximize your rewards.
Your new business’s lack of history shouldn’t deter you from applying. Business credit card issuers prioritize your personal credit history over factors like time in business or annual revenue. Your startup can likely choose from the best small-business credit cards if you have good or excellent personal credit. If you don’t, there are some cards for new business owners with no credit as well.
All of our picks for the best business cards are chosen by our editorial team, who follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage to help you choose the business card for your company. We independently evaluate and rate dozens of small-business credit cards, scoring them on fees, rewards rates, bonus offers and other features. View our full methodology.
Note: Some of our selections for the best business credit cards for startups can be applied for through NerdWallet, and some cannot. Below, you'll find application links for the credit cards from our partners that are available through NerdWallet, followed by the full list of our picks.
Here are the best credit cards for startups and new businesses
| Best for | NerdWallet rating▼ | Annual fee▼ | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New small businesses (spending less than $50,000 per year) The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Apply now on American Express' website Rates & Fees | 4.9/5 | $0 | 1%-2% Cashback | $250 | Apply now on American Express' website Rates & Fees |
Setting up an office Ink Business Cash® Credit Card Apply now on Chase's website | 5.0/5 | $0 | 1%-5% Cashback | $350 | Apply now on Chase's website |
Sign-up bonus Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card Apply now on Chase's website | 4.9/5 | $95 | 1x-3x Points | 100,000 Points | Apply now on Chase's website |
0% intro APR U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® Apply now on US Bank's website Rates & Fees | 5.0/5 | $0 | 1%-3% Cashback | $500 | Apply now on US Bank's website Rates & Fees |
Corporate card (no personal guarantee) Ramp Card Apply now on Ramp's website | 3.7/5 | $0 | 1.5% Cashback | N/A | Apply now on Ramp's website |
Startups with venture funding Brex Card Apply now on Brex's website | 3.1/5 | $0 | 1x-7x Points | 10,000 Points | Apply now on Brex's website |
Charge card for startups Capital One Spark Cash Plus Apply now on Capital One's website Rates & Fees | 5.0/5 | $150 | 2%-5% Cashback | $1,200 | Apply now on Capital One's website Rates & Fees |
AmEx Membership Rewards The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Apply now on American Express' website Rates & Fees | 4.6/5 | $0 | 1x-2x Points | 15,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website Rates & Fees |
Overall cash-back card for startups 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 |
Incorporated startups with fair credit Capital on Tap Business Credit Card Apply now on Capital on Tap's website | 3.9/5 | $0 | 1.5% | $200 | Apply now on Capital on Tap's website |
Easy-to-manage bonus categories American Express® Business Gold Card Apply now on American Express' website Rates & Fees | 4.8/5 | $375 | 1x-4x Points | 70,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website Rates & Fees |
Business travel card for startups U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard® Apply now on US 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 US Bank's website Rates & Fees |
| Best for | NerdWallet rating▼ | Annual fee▼ | Rewards rate | Intro offer | Learn more |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New small businesses (spending less than $50,000 per year) The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Apply now on American Express' website Rates & Fees | 4.9/5 | $0 | 1%-2% Cashback | $250 | Apply now on American Express' website Rates & Fees |
Setting up an office Ink Business Cash® Credit Card Apply now on Chase's website | 5.0/5 | $0 | 1%-5% Cashback | $350 | Apply now on Chase's website |
Sign-up bonus Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card Apply now on Chase's website | 4.9/5 | $95 | 1x-3x Points | 100,000 Points | Apply now on Chase's website |
0% intro APR U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® Apply now on US Bank's website Rates & Fees | 5.0/5 | $0 | 1%-3% Cashback | $500 | Apply now on US Bank's website Rates & Fees |
Corporate card (no personal guarantee) Ramp Card Apply now on Ramp's website | 3.7/5 | $0 | 1.5% Cashback | N/A | Apply now on Ramp's website |
Startups with venture funding Brex Card Apply now on Brex's website | 3.1/5 | $0 | 1x-7x Points | 10,000 Points | Apply now on Brex's website |
Charge card for startups Capital One Spark Cash Plus Apply now on Capital One's website Rates & Fees | 5.0/5 | $150 | 2%-5% Cashback | $1,200 | Apply now on Capital One's website Rates & Fees |
AmEx Membership Rewards The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express Apply now on American Express' website Rates & Fees | 4.6/5 | $0 | 1x-2x Points | 15,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website Rates & Fees |
Overall cash-back card for startups 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 |
Incorporated startups with fair credit Capital on Tap Business Credit Card Apply now on Capital on Tap's website | 3.9/5 | $0 | 1.5% | $200 | Apply now on Capital on Tap's website |
Easy-to-manage bonus categories American Express® Business Gold Card Apply now on American Express' website Rates & Fees | 4.8/5 | $375 | 1x-4x Points | 70,000 Points | Apply now on American Express' website Rates & Fees |
Business travel card for startups U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard® Apply now on US 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 US Bank's website Rates & Fees |
Discover business products tailored to your needs
Monitor your business credit score, manage your cash flow, and get curated recommendations to drive your business’s growth.
I'M INTERESTED IN:
Our pick for
New small businesses (spending less than $50,000 per year)
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Apply now
on American Express' website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-2% Cashback
Intro offer
$250
You'll earn 2% on your first $50,000 in spending each year and 1% on any spending beyond that threshold. There's also a long intro APR period and a decent welcome offer. Terms apply.
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-2% Cashback
Intro offer
$250
You'll earn 2% on your first $50,000 in spending each year and 1% on any spending beyond that threshold. There's also a long intro APR period and a decent welcome offer. Terms apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- High rewards rate
- Intro APR period
- Cash rewards
Cons
- Spending caps on bonus rewards
- Requires good/excellent credit
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 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.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- Just remember, 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.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Setting up an office
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Apply now
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5% Cashback
Intro offer
$350
You'll earn up to 5% cash back at office supply stores and on Internet, cable and phone bills. Plus, you can net one of the biggest welcome offers available for a cash-back card and take advantage of a long 0% APR intro period.
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-5% Cashback
Intro offer
$350
You'll earn up to 5% cash back at office supply stores and on Internet, cable and phone bills. Plus, you can net one of the biggest welcome offers available for a cash-back card and take advantage of a long 0% APR intro period.
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
- 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 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 purchases
- 10% Business Relationship Bonus If you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Our pick for
Sign-up bonus
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Apply now
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$95
Rewards rate
1x-3x Points
Intro offer
100,000 Points
The
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
delivers with a generous welcome offer and a high rewards rate on travel, advertising, shipping and telecom. Annual fee
$95
Rewards rate
1x-3x Points
Intro offer
100,000 Points
The
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
delivers with a generous welcome offer and a high rewards rate on travel, advertising, shipping and telecom. Pros
- New cardholder bonus offer
- Bonus categories
- Transfer partners
Cons
- Has annual fee
- No intro APR offer
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 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 Travel℠
- 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
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
Our pick for
0% intro APR
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
Apply now
on US Bank's website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-3% Cashback
Intro offer
$500
One of the few business credit cards to offer a 0% intro APR period on balance transfers, this card also boasts a big welcome offer and up to 3% cash back in certain bonus categories.
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1%-3% Cashback
Intro offer
$500
One of the few business credit cards to offer a 0% intro APR period on balance transfers, this card also boasts a big welcome offer and up to 3% cash back in certain bonus categories.
Pros
- Bonus cash back categories
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period on purchases and balance transfers
Cons
- Requires good/excellent credit
- Low rate outside bonus categories
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- Rewards never expire.
- Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022.
- Terms and conditions apply.
View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Corporate card (no personal guarantee)
Ramp Card
Apply now
on Ramp's website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5% Cashback
Intro offer
N/A
Ramp requires a business bank account balance of $75,000. But if you can meet that, this corporate charge card might be easier to qualify for than similar options as it doesn't require venture backing or a personal credit check. There's no personal guarantee, either.
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5% Cashback
Intro offer
N/A
Ramp requires a business bank account balance of $75,000. But if you can meet that, this corporate charge card might be easier to qualify for than similar options as it doesn't require venture backing or a personal credit check. There's no personal guarantee, either.
Pros
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
- Simple, straightforward rewards
- 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
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, no minimum spend required.
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
- No personal credit check or personal guarantee required.
- Issue unlimited virtual cards and physical cards for each employee.
- Prevent out-of-policy spending with built-in controls, including spend restrictions by category or merchant.
- Ramp is a corporate charge card powered by Visa. Businesses are required to pay the monthly balance in full by each statement period.
- Must have at least $75,000 in cash in any U.S. business bank account to qualify.
- Must have most of your operations and corporate spend in the US (although Ramp does support international transactions and will waive all related transaction fees).
- Ramp is only available to corporations, LLCs and limited partnerships. Individuals, sole proprietorships and unregistered businesses are not eligible.
Our pick for
Startups with venture funding
Brex Card
Apply now
on Brex's website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1x-7x Points
Intro offer
10,000 Points
Venture-backed startups can qualify for this corporate card with as little as $50,000 in a business bank account (non-funded startups need $1 million). You can apply with an EIN only, and there's no personal guarantee.
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1x-7x Points
Intro offer
10,000 Points
Venture-backed startups can qualify for this corporate card with as little as $50,000 in a business bank account (non-funded startups need $1 million). You can apply with an EIN only, and there's no personal guarantee.
Pros
- No annual fee
- New cardholder bonus offer
- Qualify with limited/bad credit
- Bonus categories
- No foreign transaction fees
- No personal guarantee
Cons
- Complicated rewards structure
- High capital requirement for approval
- Daily repayment may be required
- Not available to sole proprietors
- Get 10,000 points when you spend $3,000 on a Brex Card within your first 3 months.
- No personal guarantee needed – Brex does not ask for a personal credit check or security deposit during the application.
- Credit limits 10-20x higher than traditional small business corporate cards.
- Minimum bank balance of $50,000 from professional investors may be required to qualify for Brex.
- Exclusive signup offers from the best products and tools for your business (e.g. AWS, Google Ads, WeWork, Salesforce) worth up to $150,000 in value.
- Earn points on every dollar spent with industry-leading multipliers: 7x on rideshare, 4x on Brex Travel, 3x on restaurants, 2x on software subscriptions and 1x on all other transactions.
- Earn 3x Brex Rewards points on all eligible Apple purchases through the link or your Brex dashboard.
- Miles transfer program to 7 airlines (including Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Air France, and more) and their loyalty programs, giving Brex customers access to book travel across all of the major global airline alliances - Star Alliance, Oneworld, and SkyTeam.
- 30-day charge card running on the Mastercard network. Enjoy global acceptance with no foreign transaction fees.
- Build business credit: Brex partners with Dun & Bradstreet and Experian to report your on-time payments.
- Make employee expenses seamless - automated receipt-capture and expense matching and reconciliation via text, email, and mobile app. Instantly add new users and set spending limits.
- Contactless pay with Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.
- Simplify reconciliation with built-in integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, and more.
Our pick for
Charge card for startups
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Apply now
on Capital One's website
Annual fee
$150
Rewards rate
2%-5% Cashback
Intro offer
$1,200
Heavy spending startups with secure cash flow can increase their purchase power — and their cash back – with the
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
. This charge card has no preset limit, but it doesn't allow you to carry a balance. There's also a huge welcome offer if you can qualify.Annual fee
$150
Rewards rate
2%-5% Cashback
Intro offer
$1,200
Heavy spending startups with secure cash flow can increase their purchase power — and their cash back – with the
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
. This charge card has no preset limit, but it doesn't allow you to carry a balance. There's also a huge welcome offer if you can qualify.Pros
- Earns cash back on primary and employee cards
- Rewards don’t expire
- 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
- Earn a one-time cash bonus of $1,200 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Comes with no preset spending limit, so it can adapt to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history and credit profile
- Get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Add employee cards for free, and earn unlimited 2% cash back from their purchases
- $150 annual fee
- Spark Cash Plus has no APR because your balance is due in full every month
View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
AmEx Membership Rewards
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Apply now
on American Express' website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1x-2x Points
Intro offer
15,000 Points
Rack up AmEx Membership rewards with 2X points on all purchases (up to $50,000 each year) and 1X points after that. The welcome offer and intro APR period sweeten the pot. Terms apply.
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1x-2x Points
Intro offer
15,000 Points
Rack up AmEx Membership rewards with 2X points on all purchases (up to $50,000 each year) and 1X points after that. The welcome offer and intro APR period sweeten the pot. Terms apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- High rewards rate
- Intro APR period
- Transfer partners
Cons
- Spending caps on bonus rewards
- Requires good/excellent credit
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- 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.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- *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.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Overall cash-back card for startups
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Apply now
on Chase's website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5% Cashback
Intro offer
$750
A no-brainer cash back business card that deliver unlimited, flat-rate rewards alongside a stellar welcome offer and long intro APR period.
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5% Cashback
Intro offer
$750
A no-brainer cash back business card that deliver unlimited, flat-rate rewards alongside a stellar welcome offer and long intro APR period.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period
- No reward caps
- New cardholder bonus offer
Cons
- No bonus categories
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Our pick for
Incorporated startups with fair credit
Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
Apply now
on Capital on Tap's website
Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5%
Intro offer
$200
You don't need stellar credit to qualify for this business card, which earns
1.5%
on all purchases. Applicants with with a FICO score of 670 or higher can typically qualify.Annual fee
$0
Rewards rate
1.5%
Intro offer
$200
You don't need stellar credit to qualify for this business card, which earns
1.5%
on all purchases. Applicants with with a FICO score of 670 or higher can typically qualify.Pros
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- 24/7 customer service
Cons
- Not available to sole proprietors, charities or nonprofits
- Must enroll in automatic payments
- 1.5% rewards on all spend, no caps or restrictions
- Earn $200 cashback when you spend $15,000 in the first 3 months.
- $0 annual fee
- No foreign exchange fees
- APRs range from 18.49% to 35.99% variable
- Unlimited cards for your employees
- Capital on Tap Business Credit Cards are issued by WebBank
Our pick for
Easy-to-manage bonus categories
American Express® Business Gold Card
Apply now
on American Express' website
Annual fee
$375
Rewards rate
1x-4x Points
Intro offer
70,000 Points
Expenses can vary from month to month for a startup, but the
American Express® Business Gold Card
automatically adjusts to reward where you're spending most. You'll earn 4X points on your top two spending categories each month (up to $150,000 in combined spending). The six eligible categories include advertising, software, U.S. gas stations, U.S. restaurants, transit and wireless service. Terms apply.Annual fee
$375
Rewards rate
1x-4x Points
Intro offer
70,000 Points
Expenses can vary from month to month for a startup, but the
American Express® Business Gold Card
automatically adjusts to reward where you're spending most. You'll earn 4X points on your top two spending categories each month (up to $150,000 in combined spending). The six eligible categories include advertising, software, U.S. gas stations, U.S. restaurants, transit and wireless service. Terms apply.Pros
- Bonus categories
- Transfer partners
- Luxury perks
Cons
- Has annual fee
- Complicated rewards
- Spending caps on bonus rewards
- Requires good/excellent credit
- Welcome Offer: Earn 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.*
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
- Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
- Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
- Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
- *Terms Apply
View Rates & Fees
Our pick for
Business travel card for startups
U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard®
Apply now
on US Bank's website
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards rate
1x-5x Points
Intro offer
60,000 Points
You get big rewards on travel and no annual fee for the first year. Earn 4X points on your first $150,000 in combined travel expenses annually, no matter where you book it. Plus 5X points on hotels and rental cars booked via U.S. Bank's Reward Center. You can also earn bonus points on dining, takeout and delivery.
Annual fee
$0 intro for the first year, then $95
Rewards rate
1x-5x Points
Intro offer
60,000 Points
You get big rewards on travel and no annual fee for the first year. Earn 4X points on your first $150,000 in combined travel expenses annually, no matter where you book it. Plus 5X points on hotels and rental cars booked via U.S. Bank's Reward Center. You can also earn bonus points on dining, takeout and delivery.
Pros
- Bonus categories
- Welcome offer
- Annual fee waived for the first year
Cons
- Requires good/excellent credit
- No intro APR offer
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Altitude Connect™ World Elite Mastercard®, the business travel card that's 5X more rewarding.
- Limited Time Offer: Earn 60,000 bonus points, worth $600 if you spend $6,000 on the Account Owner's card in the first 180 days from account opening.
- Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- Earn 4X points on travel, gas and EV charging stations on the first $150,000 in combined annual spend.
- Earn 2X points on dining, takeout, restaurant delivery and cell service providers.
- Earn 1X points on all other eligible spend.
- Rewards never expire.
- Earn a $25 statement credit for every three consecutive monthly taxi or rideshare trips.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $95 per year thereafter.
- Points transfer between business and consumer U.S. Bank Altitude products (excluding Reserve).
- Airport lounge access - Priority Pass™ Digital annual membership with access to more than 1,300 VIP lounges worldwide, plus four complimentary visits per membership year.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022.
- Terms and conditions apply.
View Rates & Fees
Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Best for: Best overall cash-back card for startups
NerdWallet star rating:
5
The
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
is a great choice for virtually every business owner, including new ones. It earns a simple, flat 1.5
% cash-back rate on every purchase, with no limit on how much you can earn. The sign-up bonus is outstanding for a cash-back card, particularly one with no annual fee: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
There’s even an intro APR period for purchases. Read NerdWallet's review of the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
.U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
Best for: 0% intro APR
NerdWallet star rating:
5
The
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
stands out for its 0% APR intro period: 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 19.24%-28.24% Variable APR
. That’s a long runway for a new business owner. And on an ongoing basis, it’s a solid cash-back card: Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants. Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases
. Plus, the card offers a competitive welcome bonus and charges a $0
annual fee. Read NerdWallet's review of the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
.Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Best for: Setting up an office
NerdWallet star rating:
5
The
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
offers 5% cash back on up to $25,000 spent at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone bills. If you’re setting up an office for your new business, that could result in some serious rewards. (If not, then look elsewhere.) There's also an introductory APR for purchases and an excellent sign-up bonus for a no-annual-fee cash-back card: 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.
Read NerdWallet's review of the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
.American Express® Business Gold Card
Best for: Easy-to-manage bonus categories
NerdWallet star rating:
4.8
The
American Express® Business Gold Card
has six bonus categories: advertising, gas stations, restaurants, software, transit and cell phone service. Whichever are your top two categories each month, that’s the spending you’ll earn bonus rewards on. That can translate into outstanding rewards, as long as your business spends money in those categories. If it doesn't, the steep annual fee ($375
) probably isn't worth it. Only purchases made in the U.S. qualify for bonus categories. Read NerdWallet's review of the American Express® Business Gold Card
.Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Best for: Charge card for startups
NerdWallet star rating:
5
The
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
is an excellent option for business operators whose expenses don't fall into the bonus categories on other business credit cards. You get a high, flat rewards rate — 2
% on every purchase — with no limit to how much you can earn. And you can earn a $1200
welcome bonus if you hit certain spending requirements. Just make sure that you have enough revenue or outside investment to pay off your spending in full each month, as this is a charge card that doesn't let you revolve a balance. (See rates and fees.) Read NerdWallet's review of the Capital One Spark Cash Plus
.U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard®
Best for: Travel card for startups
NerdWallet star rating:
5
The
U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard®
delivers impressive rewards on travel, no matter where you book it: Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center. Earn 4X points on travel, gas and EV charging stations on the first $150,000 in combined annual spend. Earn 2X points on dining, takeout, restaurant delivery and cell service providers. Earn 1X points on all other eligible spend.
There's also a solid welcome offer and no annual fee for the first year ($95
after that). Read NerdWallet's review of the U.S. Bank Business Altitude™ Connect World Elite Mastercard®
.The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Best for: New small businesses (spending less than $50,000 per year)
NerdWallet star rating:
4.9
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
boasts one of the better introductory APR offers among business credit cards: 0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 months, and then the ongoing APR of 18.49%-26.49% Variable APR
. Beyond that, you earn a strong 1%-2%
cash back. But that higher rate is reserved for your first $50,000 in spending — that’s why it’s a good choice for new small business owners who don’t expect to spend much more than that. There's also a $0
annual fee. Terms apply. Read NerdWallet's review of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
.Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Best for: Sign-up bonus
NerdWallet star rating:
4.9
The
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
starts you off with one of the biggest sign-up bonuses of any credit card anywhere: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 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 Travel℠.
You also get bonus rewards on travel expenses and common business spending categories, like advertising, shipping and internet, cable and phone service. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read NerdWallet's review of the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
.The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Best for: AmEx Membership Rewards
NerdWallet star rating:
4.6
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
is a near-twin to The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
, with one key difference: Rather than cash back, it pays you in AmEx Membership Rewards points. Read NerdWallet's review of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
.Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
Best for: Incorporated startups with fair credit
NerdWallet star rating:
3.9
Capital on Tap says applicants with a FICO score of 670 or higher have the best chance of approval, but the card is available to business owners with fair credit (typically considered a score from 630 to 689). The
Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
issued by WebBank offers 1.5
% cash back on all purchases, no annual fee and the potential for a low APR. Two important notes, however: This card is not available to sole proprietors, which excludes the majority of businesses, and you’ll need at least six months of business history to qualify. Read NerdWallet's review of the Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
.Ramp Card
Best for: Corporate card with no personal guarantee
NerdWallet star rating:
3.7
The
Ramp Card
does not require a credit check or personal guarantee — though you’ll need a registered business structure and a healthy bank balance (at least $75,000) to qualify. Plus, you’ll have to be able to pay off your balance in full every month. The corporate card offers unlimited 1.5%
cash-back rewards with no annual fee, plus access to expense management software, which lets you set card-level spending controls, collect receipts and track expenses. Read NerdWallet's review of the Ramp Card
.Brex Card
Best for: Startups with venture funding
NerdWallet star rating:
3.1
The
Brex Card
and its associated spend management platform are designed for well-capitalized startups — new businesses will likely need an equity investment or a referral from an existing customer to qualify, plus at least $50,000 in cash. But if you qualify, the Brex Card
earns rewards and doesn’t require a personal guarantee. Like Ramp, the corporate card it’s linked to sophisticated spend and expense management software that may help startup founders keep a closer eye on their finances. Users can earn 1x-7x
cash back on their spending. Read NerdWallet's review of the Brex Card
.Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
Best for: Sole proprietors with fair credit
NerdWallet star rating:
3
The rewards rate on the
Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
isn't going to wow anyone; there's no sign-up bonus and the APR is high. What makes this card valuable is that it's available to business operators with fair credit, who don't have a lot of options in business credit cards.Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® Secured credit card
Best for: New business owners with bad credit
This card has not been rated by NerdWallet.
This is one of a handful of secured credit cards that caters to businesses. You’ll have to put down a security deposit of at least $1,000, and your available credit line will be equal to your deposit. But using the card and making on-time payments can help build your business credit over time — plus, you’ll earn 1.5% cash back rewards. Bank of America automatically reviews secured accounts and you can upgrade to an unsecured card if your credit history improves.
Follow these steps to find the right business credit card for your startup.
- Figure out what you can qualify for. The better your personal credit, the more business credit card options you’ll have. If your FICO score is below 690, focus on business credit cards for fair credit (FICO scores typically from 630 to 689) or business credit cards for bad credit (FICO scores below 630).
- Weigh the annual fee against potential rewards. Some credit cards charge annual fees, but those cards also tend to offer more generous rewards on travel or other types of spending. If the rewards outweigh that cost, paying a fee may be worth it (plus, the annual fee may be tax deductible). But you can also choose from a number of business credit cards with no annual fee so your new business has one less expense.
- Look for a long intro period. A business credit card with a 0% APR introductory offer can help you pay off startup expenses over time — 12 or more billing cycles, in some cases — without owing interest on the balance you roll over.
- Consider a charge card. Business charge cards typically have no preset spending limit, making them a good option for startups with big expenses and cash on hand. With a charge card, you’ll typically have to pay off your balance in full every month, though some — the Ink Business Premier® Credit Card, for example — will let you finance certain purchases. So only opt for a charge card if you’re confident your cash flow can reliably keep pace with your expenses.
- Find rewards that match your spending. Some cash-back business credit cards offer a flat rewards rate on all your company’s spending, regardless of what you’re buying. Others offer higher rewards rates in categories like travel or gas — or on spending with specific companies, like Amazon or Lowe’s. Choose a card that’s likely to align with your purchasing patterns.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
Many business credit cards let you combine rewards from the same issuer — including points earned on personal cards — and potentially increase the redemption value. For example, transferring points from theChase Freedom Unlimited®
to an Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
increases their value by 25%. Each issuer has its own rules. Learn about yours in NerdWallet's guide to combining credit card points. New businesses can typically get a business credit card without any business revenue or established business credit history. In fact, all you need is a good personal credit score — most business cards require a FICO score of 690 or higher — to get a business credit card for a new business, since most issuers base approval on your personal FICO score instead of your business’s financial history.
If you have no personal credit history or bad credit, you'll likely need to start with a secured business credit card, which requires you to deposit cash with your credit card issuer that they can pull from if you don’t pay your bill.
Professionally funded startups or incorporated businesses with a hefty business bank account may also qualify for a corporate credit card, which bases approval on company finances and business credit score. Corporate cards do not require a personal guarantee, which offers some added protection for your personal finances.
Startups don’t necessarily need business credit cards. Many entrepreneurs bootstrap their operations with personal credit cards, and card issuers don’t generally have rules against using consumer cards for business purchases.
But if you’re going to finance a new business with credit, there are some distinct advantages to doing so with a business credit card.
The biggest one is that it keeps your business and personal finances separate. All business owners, even freelancers and sole proprietors, should avoid using the same credit card for personal and business spending. You could choose a personal credit card and dedicate it solely to business expenses, or you could start using a business credit card right away.
But that’s where another key difference comes into play: personal cards affect your personal credit score regardless of how you use them. If you’re using your card a lot to front business costs (and potentially carrying debt as a result), that kind of utilization can weigh down your credit score. And a lower score could affect aspects of your life beyond your business, increasing your costs for things like housing, cars and insurance.
Most business credit cards, on the other hand, only affect your personal credit in instances like non-payment.
That doesn’t mean business debt doesn’t impact your personal finances, though. You’ll usually still have to personally guarantee business credit card debt, meaning you promise to repay it out of your own pocket if your business can’t.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
It’s especially important for LLC owners to keep their business and personal finances separate. If you mix the two, your creditors could later argue that your LLC and personal finances weren’t really separate, which means you could lose the protection an LLC offers to your personal assets. Read our picks for the best business credit cards for LLCs.- Access to financing. New businesses generally don’t qualify for business loans due to their lack of a track record. Business credit cards offer startup funding that can help you cover costs while you build revenue. Credit cards are one of the most expensive forms of financing due to their high interest rates, though, so look for a 0% intro APR period if you want to spread out big expenses.
- Business credit history. In general, card issuers report the use of a business credit card (and the payment of your bill — whether on time or late) to business credit bureaus, helping to create a credit profile specific to your business. Your business credit score can help you qualify for other types of financing in the future.
- Employee cards. Most business credit cards issue employee cards for free. Usually, you can control when and where employees use those cards — which can be a good way to empower your employees to make business purchases without putting your cash at risk.
- Expense management software. Some corporate cards, like Ramp and Brex, come with built-in expense management software that can help you set budgets for specific projects, keep track of expenses, collect receipts and create unlimited virtual cards for your team.
- Rewards for spending. New businesses often face a number of startup costs. A business credit card can earn you cash back or points for those purchases you have to make anyway. Some cards even offer bonus categories with bigger rewards on expenses like office supplies or advertising that you may need to invest in to get up and running.
- Credit card perks. In addition to rewards, many credit cards come with perks like rental car insurance and discounts at select vendors.
Opening a business credit card is one of the first steps toward establishing and building business credit. Making on-time payments and keeping your spending low (20% to 30% of your credit limit) can help you strengthen your business credit score over time.
Why does that matter? A strong business credit score can help you get more favorable terms with suppliers, lower business insurance rates and, eventually, secure a business loan for your startup.
Registering your business, getting an EIN and applying for an identification number with business credit firm Dun & Bradstreet can also help you build business credit.
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
American Express® Business Gold Card
, see this page.The information related to the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business 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 May 10, 2024
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 more about how we rate business credit cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Business credit cards are available to most new businesses, including LLCs, provided the owner applying for the cards has strong personal credit. However, LLC owners will probably still have to sign personal guarantees to qualify — so you’ll be on the hook if your business can’t pay its credit card bill.
See our picks for the best business cards for LLCs.
You probably can’t get a business credit card with only your EIN — unless you’re applying for a corporate card, which are only available to incorporated businesses generating large amounts of revenue. For most business credit cards, you’ll need to provide your Social Security number.
Applicants with excellent credit may be instantly approved for some business credit cards. You may even get a virtual credit card number and access to your line of credit right away, which should let you make online purchases. You’ll have to wait for your physical card in the mail, though.
If your credit score falls in the bad, fair or good ranges, you may have to wait longer to be approved for a card.
