Choosing a business credit card shouldn’t feel like extra work. The goal is simple: Find a card that rewards your spending and delivers perks you’ll actually use. Follow these six steps to cut through the noise and find a business credit card that works as hard as you do.
1. Confirm you’re eligible
Your personal credit score is the most important factor to qualify for a business credit card. It matters more than your business structure, time in business or annual revenue.
You need a FICO score of 690 or higher to qualify for most small-business cards. There are some business credit cards for fair credit (FICO scores from 630 to 689). But you’re limited to secured cards if your score falls below that threshold.
Brand new businesses and those with no revenue can get a business credit card. You can even get a business credit card without having a business — as long as you have a good credit score.
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Corporate cards are an exception. Approval for these cards is based on your business’s financial performance. Your personal credit isn’t a factor at all. But corporate cards are only available to incorporated businesses. 2. Examine your business spending
Look over your books for the past six months. This can help anchor your business credit card choice.
- If you spend in two or three main buckets: Look for a card with higher rewards in those areas. Common bonus categories include shipping, advertising, gas and office supplies.
- If your expenses vary: A flat-rate cash-back business card is an excellent fit.
- If you buy inventory or supplies overseas: Pick a card with no foreign transaction fees.
- If you have a large upcoming expense: A 0% APR business card period can allow you to pay it off interest free over time.
» MORE: Best business cards for ad spend
3. Compare rewards programs
At a basic level, business card reward programs fall into two camps: cash back and travel rewards.
Cash-back cards do exactly that — give you a percentage back on every dollar you spend. You can redeem it as a statement credit or a deposit into your business bank account.
Travel rewards programs give you points or miles, rather than cash back. You can redeem these points for flights and hotel stays (even personal ones).
Cash-back cards offer the most predictable value: $150 earned in cash back will always be $150. Travel rewards can have more upside, but how you redeem your points matters.
Some card issuers boost point values when you book through their travel portal. This is an easy way to get extra from your rewards. Transferring points can pay off more but requires a little extra effort and planning.
| How you redeem | Value per point | Value on $10,000 spend* |
|---|---|---|
| Cash back/statement credit | 1 cent. | $200. |
| Issuer travel portal | 1-1.5 cents. | $200-$300. |
| Transfer to airline, hotel partners | ~1.5-2.5 cents. | ~$300-$500+. |
*Assumes a card that earns 2% cash back or 2X points.
» MORE: Best business travel cards
4. Factor in bonuses
A sign-up bonus often tips the scales when choosing a business credit card. Typical values range from $250 to $1,000 for cash-back cards and $500 to $1,000 travel cards. But there are outliers with massive offers for high-spend businesses.
You’ll need to spend more to get more, though. Choose a card with a bonus you can realistically earn without needing to carry the balance. Interest charges can quickly devalue your bonus cache.
5. Shop for ongoing perks
Sign-up bonuses are a one-time deal. Ongoing perks can pay off year after year — if you use them regularly.
Annual software credits can help ease recurring subscription charges, for example. And frequent flyers can save time and money with a business card that provides airport lounge access.
Many premium business cards now have coupon-style discounts rather than big-ticket perks. Since those cards require you to spend to save, be realistic about if you’ll actually use those benefits.
6. Weigh the annual fe
Don’t let an annual fee scare you. Higher-tier cards often pay for themselves through better rewards and bigger bonuses. Plus, if you use a card strictly for business, the fee is usually tax deductible.
To decide if an annual fee is worth it, do the math. Compare the card’s estimated yearly rewards — and added benefits — against the cost of the fee.
