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Published April 1, 2024

16 Best Business Credit Cards in Canada for April 2024

The right business credit card can help companies earn rewards, discounts and other benefits that reduce overall operational costs. Used wisely, they can help keep a business’s expenses organized and improve owners’ credit scores, too.

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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.

Whether you’re seeking a business credit card for frequent flyers, a basic, no-fee option or something in between, there’s a lot to consider. To speed up the selection process — you do have a business to run, after all — we evaluated more than 40 business credit cards in Canada and chose ones that provide the most value across multiple categories.

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American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card®

Go beyond business as usual.
Earn up to 110,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points. That’s up to $1,100 in statement credits that can be reinvested in your business. Conditions apply.

Best business credit cards in Canada

Best overall business credit card

American Express® Business Edge™ Card


$99

20.99% / 21.99%

1x-10x Points

Up to 67,000 Points
Our take
Why we like it

There’s a lot of value packed into the American Express Business Edge Card: a manageable annual fee, impressive earn rates on common business purchases, and a wide range of perks and special offers, such as business and expense management tools and payment flexibility.

Pros
  • The generous welcome offer and 1,000-point monthly spend bonus should be attainable for many businesses.
  • A healthy earn rate on several everyday business purchases, like office supplies, electronics and gas.
  • Ability to add up to 99 supplementary cards — and up to $100,000 in coverage in case of employee misuse.


Cons
  • Not all retailers accept American Express.
  • Because of the relatively low spending limits associated with the 10x and 3x earn rates, the increased rewards may not be in effect for long for some businesses.
  • Limited insurance coverage included.
Card details
  • Earn up to 67,000 welcome bonus Membership Rewards® points.
  • Earn 45,000 Welcome Bonus points when you charge $5,000 in purchases to your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn 10x the points for every $1 spent on eligible business essentials including office supplies & electronics, rides & gas, eats & drinks within 6 months of Cardmembership, up to a maximum of 10,000.
  • You can earn an extra 1,000 Membership Rewards points for each monthly billing period in which you spend $3,000 in purchases on your Card. This could add up to 12,000 extra points in a year.
  • That’s $670 in statement credits that can be reinvested in your business.
  • Earn points that you can redeem in a variety of ways.
  • Earn 3x the points for Card purchases on eligible business essentials including office supplies & electronics, rides & gas, eats & drinks when your Welcome Offer ends. Caps and other conditions may apply.
  • Earn 1x the points on all other purchases charged to the Card.
  • Use points to offset business expenses. Membership Rewards® allows you to offset business expenses by covering the cost of purchases made on your Card, in full or in part. Redeem points for statement credits and to book flights, hotels, and car rentals.
  • Transfer points to frequent flyer and hotel programs, including one-to-one to Aeroplan®* and Avios.
  • Make the most out of a full suite of business management tools that give you more control over your business – anytime and anywhere.
  • Leverage your cash flow with the option of carrying a balance or paying in full each month.
  • Employee Card Misuse Protection is a benefit created specifically for business owners and it provides coverage of up to $100,000 per Basic Cardmember in the event an employee misuses their Supplementary Card for unauthorized charges.
  • Access coverage that can protect your business purchases when you charge the full price of eligible items to your American Express Business Edge™ Card.
  • Protect your eligible purchases against accidental physical damage and theft for up to 90 days with Purchase Protection® Plan.
  • Double the manufacturer’s original warranty up to one additional year with Buyer’s Assurance® Protection Plan.
  • American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information click the Apply now link. Conditions apply.
Other credit cards to consider

If this card doesn’t seem like a good fit for your wallet, take a look at NerdWallet’s selection of the best credit cards to help find the right option for you.

Best for: Premium perks

American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card


$599

21.99% / 21.99%

1.25x-3x Points

Up to 90,000 Points
Our take
Why we like it

The annual fee is no joke, but cardmembers have plenty of reasons to smile thanks to the American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve Card’s strong earn rates, extensive travel benefits and overall convenience.

Pros
  • Serious bonus point potential in the first six months.
  • Relatively low interest rate.
  • Strong earn rates on eligible Air Canada travel purchases, hotel bookings and car rentals, even after the 6-month even after the introductory period ends. Plus, premium travel perks and benefits, like airport lounge access and priority upgrades, to make sure your next trip goes smoothly.


Cons
  • High annual fee.
  • Earning the Annual Worldwide Companion Pass may not be possible for all businesses.
  • The purchase interest rate rockets to 24.99% if you miss a payment.
Card details
  • Earn up to 90,000 Welcome Bonus Aeroplan®* points.
  • Earn 65,000 Aeroplan points after spending $10,500 in purchases on your Card within the first 3 months.
  • Plus, earn an additional 25,000 Aeroplan points when you spend $3,500 in purchases in month 13.
  • Earn Aeroplan points that you can redeem in a variety of ways.
  • Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada and Air Canada Vacations®*, 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible hotels and car rentals.
  • Earn 1.25 points for every $1 spent on everything else.
  • Make the most out of a full suite of business management tools that give you more control over your business – anytime and anywhere.
  • Leverage your cash flow with the option of carrying a balance or paying in full each month.
  • Control employee expenses plus track and accumulate points on your account with Employee Cards, so you have an opportunity to maximize the points you earn.
  • Unlock business travel possibilities to make every work trip one to look forward to.
  • Access more than 1,200 Priority Pass™ airport lounges around the globe. That means an oasis of comfort before your flight—regardless of your choice of airline or cabin class.
  • Enjoy access to select Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounges™ for you and a guest, and Air Canada Café™; in North America, with a same day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance®* flight.
  • Enjoy Priority Check-In, Priority Boarding, and Priority Baggage Handling when you fly with Air Canada, together with up to eight companions.
  • Receive one Annual Worldwide Companion Pass when you spend $25,000 in net purchases prior to your Card anniversary date; your Pass entitles you to buy an accompanying Air Canada economy class ticket for a companion at a fixed base fare from $99 to a maximum of $599 CAD (plus taxes, fees, charges, and surcharges).
  • Stay focused on getting where you need to go. Receive up to $100 CAD in statement credits every four years when NEXUS application or renewal fees are charged to your Aeroplan Business Reserve Card.
  • Pay with your American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card and present your Aeroplan Membership Card at over 170 Aeroplan partner brands and 120 online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore to earn points twice.
  • If you’re departing from Toronto Pearson International Airport, enjoy the benefits of being an American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Cardmember. Get more from your travel experience with access to Pearson Priority Security Lane, Complimentary Valet Service, 15% discount on parking rates, and 15% discount on Car Care Services.
  • Roll over any unallocated Aeroplan Elite™ Status Qualifying Miles and unused eUpgrade Credits to the following year to enjoy during your travels.
  • Enjoy priority access to the standby list and eUpgrades. Get prioritized on the standby waitlist for an Air Canada flight and higher priority when you request an eUpgrade.
  • Earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card.
  • Book flight reward tickets for even fewer points with Air Canada. In addition to flights, you can also redeem for hotel stays, car rentals, vacation packages, merchandise and more.
  • Unlock two-car-class rental upgrades, expedited service, dedicated phone line, and more with complimentary upgrade to Avis President’s Club.
  • American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best for: AIR MILES points

BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Business Mastercard®*


$149

19.99% / 22.99%

0.08x-0.33x Miles

3,000 Miles
Our take
Why we like it

On-the-move business owners are likely fans of the BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Business Mastercard®* for its healthy earn rates, travel perks, small business support, and round-the-clock access to virtual health care through Maple.

Pros
  • Earn up to 4x the AIR MILES at certain retailers and reach your redemption goals faster by getting up to 22 additional cards for employees to use.
  • Wide range of travel perks and travel protection coverage.
  • Access to on-demand virtual physical and mental health care with Canadian-licensed general practitioners with Maple.


Cons
  • Airport lounge access is included with a complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass — but it isn’t free. You’ll need to spend US$32 per person, per visit.
  • While the interest rates are standard, this card does not come with flexible payment options or an extended interest-free grace period.
Card details
  • Welcome Offer: Get 3,000 AIR MILES Bonus Miles when you spend a minimum of $5,000 in the first three months. Plus, we’ll waive the $149 annual fee for a year.*
  • No annual fee for the first year.*
  • Get 1 Mile for every $12 you spend.*
  • Get 4x the Miles when you use your card at participating AIR MILES partners.
  • 25 payment grace days.*
  • Get up to 22 additional cards so employees can easily make purchases on behalf of your business and help you earn points faster* (employee cards have an annual fee of $50).
  • Use your card at Costco locations across Canada.*
  • Travel Protection.*
  • Liability Waiver Program protects your business against employee card abuse.*
  • Get cash advances at any BMO Bank of Montreal branch or at more than 1 million ATMs worldwide.*
  • Worldwide Acceptance.
  • Complimentary membership in Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass.
  • Become A Cardholder & Get Access To Virtual On-Demand Healthcare With Maple.*
  • *Terms and conditions apply.
  • BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

Honourable mention for: Cash back rewards

BMO CashBack® Business Mastercard®*


$0

19.99% / 22.99%

0.75%-10%

Up to $150
Our take
Why we like it

The BMO CashBack® Business Mastercard®* offers strong earn rates on gas, office supplies and bill payments, making it a smart no-fee choice for businesses looking to be rewarded for buying daily essentials.

Pros
  • No annual fee.
  • Rewarding intro offer.
  • Automatic rebates through the Mastercard Easy Savings program.


Cons
  • If you don’t frequent Shell gas stations you’ll miss out on the most savings.
Card details
  • Welcome Offer: Get 10% cash back on gas, office supplies and cell phone/internet bills for 3 months.*
  • 0.00% introductory interest rate on Balance Transfers for 9 months with a 3% transfer fee.*
  • Get 1.5% cash back on eligible gas stations, office supplies purchases and on your cell phone and internet recurring payments.*
  • Get 1.75% cash back on purchases at Shell®†† gas stations.
  • 0.75% cash back on all other card purchases.*
  • 25 payment grace days.*
  • Optional Employee Cards – empower employees with delegated purchasing authority.*
  • Use your card at Costco locations across Canada.*
  • Liability Waiver Program protects your business against employee card abuse.*
  • Get cash advances at any BMO Bank of Montreal branch or at more than 1 million ATMs worldwide.*
  • Worldwide Acceptance.
  • *Terms and conditions apply.
  • BMO is not responsible for maintaining the content on this site. Please click on the Apply now link for the most up to date information.

Best for: Hotel stays

Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card


$150

20.99% / 21.99%

2x-5x Points

Up to 90,000 Points
Our take
Why we like it

The Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card gives business owners who are also frequent hotel guests plenty of opportunities to rack up — and cash in — some valuable rewards.

Pros
  • A nice introductory bonus that doesn’t require much spending.
  • Solid earn rates on purchases, even after the introductory period ends.
  • Bonus points are awarded when you refer a friend or transfer 60,000 points to one of many frequent flyer program.


Cons
  • Cardmembers can’t maximize rewards if they don’t stay at Marriott Bonvoy properties.
  • No travel perks like lounge access or free checked bags, but travel insurance is included.
Card details
  • Earn up to 90,000 welcome bonus Marriott Bonvoy® points:
  • Earn 75,000 Welcome Bonus Marriott Bonvoy® points after you spend $6,000 on your Card in your first three months of Cardmembership.
  • Plus, earn an additional 2 points for a total of 5 points on every $1 spent on eligible gas, dining and travel purchases in your first 6 months (up to 15,000 points).
  • Offer ends May 6, 2024.
  • Travel to new heights with the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card.
  • Earn Marriott Bonvoy points that you can redeem in a variety of ways.
  • Earn 5 points for every $1 in Card purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
  • Earn 3 points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, dining and travel after your welcome offer ends, or the cap is reached.
  • Earn 2 points for every $1 spent on everything else.
  • Redeem points for free nights with no blackout dates at over 7,000 of some of the world’s most extraordinary hotels and resorts around the globe. Use your points for flights on some of the world’s leading airlines.
  • Make the most out of a full suite of business management tools that give you more control over your business – anytime and anywhere.
  • Leverage your cash flow with the option of carrying a balance or paying in full each month.
  • Control employee expenses plus track and accumulate points on your account with Supplementary Cards, so you have an opportunity to maximize the points you earn.
  • Experience the exclusive benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* Card.
  • Receive an Annual Free Night Award automatically each year after your anniversary.
  • Enjoy an automatic upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status when you reach $30,000 in purchases on your Card each year.
  • Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card. These can be used towards attaining the next level of Elite status in the Marriott Bonvoy program.
  • American Express is not responsible for maintaining or monitoring the accuracy of information on this website. For full details and current product information, click the Apply Now link. Conditions Apply. If you apply and get approved for an American Express Card, NerdWallet may receive compensation from American Express, which can be in the form of monetary payment.

Best for: Points on gas

BMO World Elite Business Mastercard


$149

17.99% / 22.99%

1.5x-4x Points

Up to 70,000 Points
Our take
Why we like it

The BMO World Elite Business Mastercard is a solid option for business owners seeking a travel card, as it boasts travel insurance and airport lounge access for a relatively low annual fee. Plus, cardholders can take advantage of a points program that rewards business expenses, like gas, office supplies and cell phone payments.

Pros
  • Accelerated rewards rates on everyday business spending, including gas, office supplies, cell phone and internet bill payments.
  • Travel insurance coverage that includes trip cancellation, trip interruption, baggage delay, and more.
  • Free Maple virtual care visits.


Cons
  • Limited airport lounge access.
  • $50 price for each employee card.
Card details
  • Get up to 50,000 points when you spend $5,000 in the first three months and an additional 20,000 points when you spend $35,000 in the first twelve months.
  • Take advantage of a 0.00% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for nine months with a 3% transfer fee.
  • Earn 4 points for every $1 you spend on gas, office supplies, cell phone and internet bill payments, up to a $50,000 annual spending limit.
  • Earn 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all other card purchases, including category spending in excess of the annual limit.
  • Redeem reward points for travel, office supplies and gifts for employees, as well as to pay for recent purchases, make cash deposits into your BMO investment account, and more.
  • Get up to 22 additional cards so employees can easily make purchases on behalf of your business and help you earn points faster.
  • Get protection against employee card abuse with the Liability Waiver Program.
  • Enjoy two free airport lounge passes a year with a complimentary membership to Mastercard Travel Pass provided by DragonPass.
  • Get automatic rebates of 1%-25% when you shop at qualifying merchants with Mastercard Easy Savings.
  • Receive travel protection when you use your Mastercard to book travel arrangements. Coverage includes trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, a car rental collision damage waiver and more.
  • Get 90-day purchase protection and extended warranty protection of up to one additional year on items you charge to the card.
  • Access on-demand health care with five free virtual care visits on Maple shared by you and your family members.

Best for: Low interest rate

CIBC bizline® Visa* Card for Business


$0

As low as 8.70%

N/A

N/A
Our take
Why we like it

A low interest rate, no annual fee, a reasonable minimum income requirement, and the potential for a generous credit limit make the CIBC bizline Visa card a viable fit for small but growing businesses.

Pros
  • No annual fee for up to ten cards.
  • A very low interest rate.
  • A credit limit of up to $50,000.


Cons
  • The interest rate can fluctuate, which could be an issue for businesses on a tight budget.
  • Very few perks.
  • No opportunity to earn rewards through business-related purchases.
Card details
  • No annual fee for the first card and up to nine additional cards.
  • Credit limits range from $1,000 to $50,000.
  • Manage, track and organize credit activity through CIBC CreditSmart.
  • Fraud alerts and zero liability in the event of fraudulent card activity.
  • $100,000 in common carrier accident insurance for the cardholder, a spouse and dependent children.
  • A $35,000 minimum individual annual income is required for approval.
  • Preferred rates: As low as 7.45% — CIBC Prime plus 1.5% on purchases and cash advances.

Best for: Points on international spending

TD Business Travel Visa* Card


$149

19.99% / 22.99%

2x-9x Points

Up to 175,000 Points
Our take
Why we like it

With its huge welcome offer, high earn rates on travel and foreign currency, and hearty selection of perks and benefits, the TD Business Travel Card is a strong option for businesses of any size.

Pros
  • Large intro offer that many established businesses will be able to earn.
  • Wide range of travel perks, including a broad selection of insurance, rewards on foreign currency and travel booking, and more.
  • Very strong earn rates in certain purchase categories.


Cons
  • Smaller businesses may not spend enough to score the full welcome bonus of 175,000 TD Rewards points.
  • Lack of flexibility with travel booking, which must be done through ExpediaForTD.com to earn rewards.
Card details
  • Earn a value of up to $1,122 in TD Rewards Points (that’s up to 175,000 TD Rewards Points) with no Annual Fee in the first year. Conditions Apply. Account must be opened by June 3, 2024.
  • Earn 9 TD Rewards Points when you book travel online through ExpediaForTD.com using your Card.
  • Earn 6 points for every dollar spent on foreign currency purchases, restaurant purchases and regularly recurring bill payments up to a maximum annual spend of $80,000. Earn rate becomes 2 TD Rewards Points per dollar spent after that.
  • Earn 2 TD Rewards Points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, retail business merchandise, gift cards, while making business purchases at Amazon.ca with Amazon Shop, and more. They can also be used to pay down the card’s balance.
  • No travel blackouts, no seat restrictions and no expiry for TD Rewards Points.
  • Annual fee: $149 — rebated in the first year.
  • Annual fee on additional cards: $49 — rebated for up to three cards in the first year.
  • Interest rates: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.
  • Access online reporting, review business expenses, managing existing credit limits and apply spend controls through the TD Card Management Tool.
  • Visa SavingsEdge program: save up to 25% on eligible business purchases.
  • Travel benefits: travel medical insurance (up to $2 million in coverage for the first 15 days for those under 65; coverage lasts for 4 days for those 65 and older); common carrier travel accident insurance (up to $500,000 for covered losses), trip cancellation insurance (up to $1,500 per insured person; maximum of $5,000), trip interruption insurance (up to $5,000 per insured person; maximum of $25,000), flight/trip delay insurance (up to $500 if a flight or trip is delayed for longer than 4 hours), delayed and lost baggage insurance (up to $1,000 of overall coverage per insured person), auto rental collision/loss damage insurance (covers the full cost of a car rental).
  • Toll-free emergency travel assistance services.
  • Save a minimum of 10% on the lowest available base rates in Canada and the U.S., and a minimum of 5% on the lowest base rates internationally on qualifying car rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations.
  • Visa Zero Liability protection, Verified by Visa and instant alerts to prevent fraudulent card use.
  • Access to $5,000 emergency cash advances.
  • Linked cards can earn 50% more TD Rewards Points and 50% more Stars at participating Starbucks stores.
  • Minimum credit limit of $1,000.

Best for: Low annual fee

TD Business Select Rate™ Visa* Card (Low Rate Option)


$49

8.99%

N/A

N/A
Our take
Why we like it

The TD Business Select Rate Visa Card is a great option for people looking for a low rate (8.99%) and low annual fee ($49). The card also offers free additional cards for employees as well as rental discounts at Avis and Budget.

Pros
  • Low interest rate (8.99% for purchases and cash advances).
  • Free additional cards.


Cons
  • No rewards or cash back.
  • No welcome offer.
Card details
  • $49 annual fee (no annual fee version available with a higher interest rate).
  • Discounts of up to 25% off for business purchases made under the Visa SavingsEdge Program.
  • Rental car discounts at Avis and Budget, and rental car insurance.
  • Purchase protection and extended warranty.
  • Earn 50% more Stars at participating Starbucks when you link your card.
  • 8.99% for purchases and cash advances.
  • Card is made from 90% recycled plastic.
  • To be eligible, you must have a Canadian credit file and be a Canadian resident of the age of majority in the province or territory where you live.

Best for: Aventura points

CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Business Plus


$120

19.99% / 22.99%

1x-2x Points

Up to 60,000 Points
Our take
Why we like it

There’s plenty to like about the CIBC Aventura Visa Card for Business Plus, including solid earn rates on gas and travel purchases and a generous, highly attainable welcome bonus.

Pros
  • Strong earn rates on travel purchases made through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
  • The 60,000-point welcome bonus is worth a flight from any location in Canada or U.S. to Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Bermuda, Central America or the Caribbean.
  • A broad selection of travel insurance is included.


Cons
  • Unlike some similar cards, there are few opportunities to earn extra points when making everyday business purchases.
  • Smaller businesses may not spend enough to score the full 60,000 welcome bonus, but the 25,000 welcome bonus only requires making one purchase.
Card details
  • Intro offer: Earn 25,000 Aventura points after making your first purchase, then 35,000 Aventura points after spending $35,000 or more during the first year. Plus, get a one-time annual fee rebate ($120) for the first card and ($50 each) for additional cardholders.
  • Earn 2 Aventura points on travel purchased through the CIBC Rewards Centre.
  • Earn 1.5 Aventura points for every dollar spent on eligible gas and travel purchases, such as flights, hotels, car rentals and travel agencies, up to a maximum annual spend of $80,000.
  • Earn 1 Aventura point for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, vacation packages, cruises, merchandise, gift cards and activities. Travel on any airline with no blackout periods, no restrictions.
  • $120 annual fee — rebated in the first year.
  • $50 annual fee for each additional card — rebated in the first year.
  • Add up to 15 cardholders to consolidate business expenses and earn points faster.
  • Cards registered with Visa SavingsEdge unlock automatic savings on business solutions, travel, electronics and more.
  • Savings of up to 25% at participating Avis and Budget rent-a-car locations worldwide.
  • Fraud alerts and zero liability protection if a card is stolen or used for fraudulent purchases.
  • Travel insurance: trip cancellation insurance (up to $1,000 per trip), trip interruption/trip delay insurance (up to $2,000 per trip), flight delay insurance (up to a maximum of $500), stolen/lost/delayed baggage insurance (up to $500 per insured person to a maximum of $1,000 per occurrence), car rental collision and loss damage insurance (up to the actual cash value of the rental vehicle to a maximum of $65,000), common carrier accident insurance (up to $500,000 per insured person), purchase security and extended warranty protection.
  • Free Uber Pass for six months.
  • Access to Visa Spend Clarity for Business, a web-based reporting solution for expense management.
  • Preferred rates: 19.99% for purchases, 22.99% for cash advances.

Best for: Flat-rate cash back

RBC® Business Cash Back Mastercard‡


$0

19.99% / 22.99%

1%-2%

N/A
Our take
Why we like it

Like most no-fee cards, the RBC Business Cash Back Mastercard is light on perks, but the savings it provides on gas and other business-related purchases can make a real difference for small businesses.

Pros
  • No annual fee.
  • Offers savings on gas and other purchases, plus automatic enrolment in Mastercard’s Easy Savings Program.
  • 21-day interest free grace periods can be extended to 51-days upon request.


Cons
  • The 2% introductory earn rate expires after three months.
  • Cash back redemption is capped at $650 a year.
  • Limited insurance offerings.
Card details
  • Earn 2% cash back on purchases made in the first three months.
  • Earn 1% cash back on purchases made after three months.
  • $650 annual cash back redemption limit.
  • Cash back can be redeemed for account credits at any time once the balance reaches $25 or more. Otherwise, the rewards will be automatically credited every January.
  • No annual fee for the first card and one additional card.
  • Automatic enrolment in Mastercard’s Easy Savings Program, which provides rebates on products and services from participating merchants.
  • Linked cards save 3 cents per litre on fuel and 20% more Petro-Points at Petro-Canada locations.
  • $0 delivery fees for 3 months from DoorDash.
  • Access to the RBC Offers program, which provides cash savings or bonus points on business spending at brands like Apple, ADP and Telus.
  • Purchase security and extended warranty protection on eligible business purchases.
  • Fraud prevention and zero liability protection.
  • Preferred rates: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.

Best for: No or bad credit

ScotiaLine® for business Visa Credit Card (Secured)


$0

Prime + 1%

N/A

N/A
Our take
Why we like it

With no annual fee and up to $500,000 of credit available, the ScotiaLine for Business VISA Credit Card (Secured) is a solid choice for business owners who do not qualify for a traditional credit card.

Pros
  • No annual fee.
  • Low interest rate.
  • Up to $500,000 credit limit.


Cons
  • No rewards.
  • No welcome offer.
Card details
  • No annual fee.
  • Free supplementary cards and personalized cheques.
  • Discounts on car rentals.
  • Low interest rate (Prime + 1%).
  • Unsecured version available.
  • Purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.

Best for: Aeroplan points

CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Plus Card


$120

19.99% / 22.99%

1x-2x Points

Up to 60,000 Points
Our take
Why we like it

In addition to a solid earn rate on Air Canada purchases, the CIBC Aeroplan Visa Plus card helps businesses earn Aeroplan points on items and services they’ll inevitably spend money on, like shipping, internet and phone services.

Pros
  • Strong earn rates on Air Canada purchases and when buying common business items.
  • Achievable bonuses, like an Air Canada Buddy Pass and 10,000 bonus points earned after your first purchase.
  • Broad selection of travel insurance included, plus perks like four complimentary
  • Maple Leaf Lounge™ One-Time Guest Passes per year.


Cons
  • Smaller businesses may not spend enough to score the full 60,000 welcome bonus.
  • Capitalizing on the highest earn rates won’t be possible if you don’t fly with Air Canada frequently.
Card details
  • Intro offer: Earn 10,000 points after making the first purchase, 20,000 points by spending $3,000 during the first four months, and 30,000 points by spending $35,000 during the first year. Plus, an annual fee rebate for the first card and each additional cardholder.
  • Receive an Air Canada Buddy Pass, good for a $0 base fare anywhere Air Canada flies in North America, when $3,000 is charged to the account in the first four monthly statement periods.
  • Free first checked bag for two travellers for each flight when a round-trip Air Canada flight is taken in the first year.
  • Maple Leaf Lounge access: up to four passes worth $25 each for every $10,000 in eligible spend.
  • $120 annual fee — rebated in the first year.
  • $50 annual fee for each additional card — first year rebate for up to three cards.
  • Add up to 15 cardholders to consolidate business expenses and earn points faster.
  • Earn 2 Aeroplan points for every dollar spent directly with Air Canada, including through Air Canada Vacations. After $80,000 in net annual card purchases, Aeroplan points are earned at the regular rate.
  • Earn 1.5 Aeroplan points for every dollar spent on shipping, internet, cable, phone services, travel and dining.
  • Earn 1 Aeroplan point for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
  • Earn points twice at over 150 Aeroplan partners and more than 170 online retailers through the Aeroplan estore.
  • Points can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, merchandise, gift cards and more.
  • Book flight rewards using fewer points when booking through the Rewards Officer.
  • Fraud alerts and zero liability protection if a card is stolen or used for fraudulent purchases.
  • Travel insurance: trip cancellation insurance (up to $1,000 per insured person per trip to a maximum of $5,000), trip interruption/trip delay insurance (up to $2,000 per insured person per trip), flight delay insurance (up to $500 per occurrence), stolen/lost/delayed baggage insurance (up to $500 per insured person to a maximum of $1,000 per occurrence), car rental collision and loss damage insurance (on cars with a suggested retail price of less than $65,000), common carrier accident insurance (up to $500,000 per insured person), purchase security and extended warranty protection.
  • Free Uber Pass for six months.
  • Access to Visa Spend Clarity for Business, a web-based reporting solution for expense management.
  • Preferred rates: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.

Best for: Cash back rewards

Scotia Momentum® for Business Visa* Card


$79

19.99% / 22.99%

1%-3%

N/A
Our take
Why we like it

Growing companies should look at the Scotia Momentum for Business Visa card for its low annual fee, impressive introductory rate for balance transfers, and strong cash back earn rate on common business purchases.

Pros
  • A low introductory interest rate on balance transfers, plus 25-day interest-free grace periods on new purchases.
  • Plenty of opportunities to earn cash back.
  • Potential credit limits range from $500 to $100,000.


Cons
  • No reward bonuses upon card approval.
  • Few perks beyond relatively limited insurance options.
  • The 3% cash back only applies to the first $50,000 in eligible purchases.
Card details
  • Intro offer: 2.99% interest rate on balance transfers, Scotia® Credit Card Cheques and cash-like transactions for the first six months (22.99% after that). This rate cannot be used to transfer a balance from another Scotiabank Account, or to make a payment or deposit to another Scotiabank Account. Offer ends October 31, 2024.
  • Earn 3% cash back on recurring bill payments and eligible gas station, restaurant and office supply store purchases — up to a maximum spend of $50,000. 1% cash back after that.
  • 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
  • Cash back rewards can be redeemed as deposits into eligible Scotiabank Canadian Dollar bank accounts or as credits against credit card balances.
  • Annual fee: $79 for the primary card and $29 for each supplementary card.
  • Credit limit of up to $100,000.
  • Insurance offered: out-of province/territory travel emergency medical insurance (up to $1 million each for cardmembers, spouses and dependent children), rental car collision loss/damage insurance (eligible only for rental vehicles valued at less than $65,000), purchase security and extended warranty protection.
  • Optional Scotia Business Loan Protection coverage up to $2,000,000.
  • Save up to 25% off base rates on car rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations in Canada or the U.S.
  • Visa SavingsEdge: receive discounts on business purchases at participating stores.
  • Preferred rates: 19.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances, including balance transfers and Scotia Credit Card Cheques.

Honourable mention for: Aeroplan points

TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card


$149

14.99% / 22.99%

1x-2x Points

Up to 60,000 Points
Our take
Why we like it

The TD Aeroplan Visa Business Card impresses with its obtainable welcome bonus, low interest rate and increased earn rate on essential business purchases.

Pros
  • A 14.99% interest rate on purchases is unusual for a card packing this many benefits, including a healthy earn rate on business purchases like shipping and internet.
  • Wide range of insurance provided.
  • Travel perks include statement Credits For NEXUS Holders, free checked bags and Maple Leaf Lounge guest pass.


Cons
  • Most travel perks require cardholders to hit spending thresholds before they can be claimed.
  • Smaller businesses may not spend enough to score the full welcome bonus.
Card details
  • Earn up to 60,000 Aeroplan points¹, with no Annual Fee in the first year¹. Conditions Apply. Account must be opened by June 3, 2024.
  • Earn 2 Aeroplan points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada, including Air Canada Vacations.
  • Earn 1.5 Aeroplan points for every dollar spent on eligible travel, dining and select business categories, such as shipping, internet, cable and phone services.
  • Earn 1 Aeroplan point for every dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • Earn points twice when paying with a TD Aeroplan Visa Business Card and providing an Aeroplan number at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and more than 170 online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore.
  • Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels, merchandise, gift cards and more. They can also be used to pay down the card’s balance.
  • Linked cards earn 50% more Aeroplan points and Stars at participating Starbucks stores.
  • $149 annual fee — rebated in the first year.
  • Free first checked bag for up to 9 people travelling on the same reservation on Air Canada flights.
  • One free one-time guest pass to Maple Leaf Lounges for every $10,000 in net purchases. Maximum of 4 passes a year.
  • Reach Aeroplan Elite Status more quickly by earning 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and one Status Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 in net purchases.
  • Access online reporting, review business expenses, managing existing credit limits and apply spend controls through the TD Card Management Tool.
  • Visa SavingsEdge program: save up to 25% on eligible business purchases.
  • Travel benefits: travel medical insurance (up to $2 million in coverage for the first 15 days for those under 65; coverage lasts for 4 days for those 65 and older); common carrier travel accident insurance (up to $500,000 for covered losses), trip cancellation insurance (up to $1,500 per insured person; maximum of $5,000), trip interruption insurance (up to $5,000 per insured person; maximum of $25,000), flight/trip delay insurance (up to $500 if a flight or trip is delayed for longer than 4 hours), delayed and lost baggage insurance (up to $1,000 of overall coverage per insured person), auto rental collision/loss damage insurance (covers the full cost of a car rental for up to 48 days), hotel/motel burglary insurance (up to $2,500), mobile device insurance (up to $1,000 in coverage).
  • Toll-free emergency travel assistance services.
  • Receive a rebate of up to $100 on NEXUS enrolment application/renewal fee costs once every 48 months.
  • Save a minimum of 10% on the lowest available base rates in Canada and the U.S., and a minimum of 5% on the lowest base rates internationally on qualifying car rentals at participating Avis and Budget locations.
  • Visa Zero Liability protection, Verified by Visa and instant alerts to prevent fraudulent card use.
  • Purchase security and extended warranty protection.
  • Minimum credit limit of $1,000.
  • Interest rates: 14.99% on purchases, 22.99% on cash advances.

Best for: Aeroplan Points with low interest rate

CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card


$180

12.99%-18.99% / 14.50%-21.50%

1x-2x Points

Up to 60,000 Points
Our take
Why we like it

The CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Card’s low interest rate and travel perks make this card a good fit for business owners on the move.

Pros
  • Low interest rates available.
  • Airport lounge access.
  • Annual fee rebate for the first year.


Cons
  • Lowest tier interest rate is not guaranteed.
  • Travel medical insurance not included.
Card details
  • $180 annual fee (first year rebated).
  • 12.99% – 18.99% purchases APR.
  • 2x Aeroplan points for Air Canada bookings.
  • 1.5x Aeroplan points on travel, transportation, dining and other services.
  • 1x Aeroplan point on everything else.
  • Earn points twice through the Aeroplan eStore.
  • Insurance coverage include trip cancellation, trip interruption, flight delay, baggage insurance, rental car coverage, purchase security, extended protection and common carrier accident insurance.
  • Complimentary upgrade to Avis Preferred Plus.
  • Free first checked bag for you, your authorized users and up to eight companions every time you fly with Air Canada.
  • Earn up to four complimentary Maple Leaf Lounge One-Time Guest Passes per year.
  • Authorized users can access travel benefits even when travelling without you.
  • Get an extra night free for every three hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points.
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Methodology: How we evaluate cards


NerdWallet Canada selects the best business credit cards based on overall consumer value and their suitability for specific kinds of businesses. Factors in our evaluation methodology 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 travel perks and business support services.

    Nerdwallet Logo Partner Spotlight
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    American Express® Business Gold Rewards Card®

    Go beyond business as usual.
    Earn up to 110,000 bonus Membership Rewards® points. That’s up to $1,100 in statement credits that can be reinvested in your business. Conditions apply.

    Summary of the best business credit cards in Canada

    Card nameCard featuresAnnual fee
    American Express® Business Edge™ CardBest overall business credit card.$99.
    CIBC bizline® Visa* Card for BusinessBest for: Low interest rate.$0.
    CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Plus CardBest for: Aeroplan points.$120.
    CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business CardBest for: Aeroplan Points with low interest rate.$180.
    BMO World Elite Business MastercardBest for: Points on gas.$149.
    Marriott Bonvoy® Business American Express®* CardBest for: Hotel stays.$150.
    CIBC Aventura® Visa* Card for Business PlusBest for: Aventura points.$120.
    American Express® Aeroplan®* Business Reserve CardBest for: Premium perks.$599.
    TD Business Travel Visa* CardBest for: Points on international spending.$149.
    BMO AIR MILES®† World Elite®* Business Mastercard®*Best for: AIR MILES points.$149.
    TD Business Select Rate™ Visa* Card (Low Rate Option)Best for: Low annual fee.$49.
    RBC® Business Cash Back Mastercard‡Best for: Flat-rate cash back.$0.
    Scotia Momentum® for Business Visa* CardBest for: Cash back rewards.$79.
    ScotiaLine for business Visa Credit Card (Secured)Best for: No or bad credit.$0.
    TD® Aeroplan® Visa* Business CardHonourable mention for: Aeroplan points.$149.
    BMO CashBack® Business Mastercard®*Honourable mention for: Cash back rewards.$0.

    The best business cards from Canada’s big banks

    Consider these top choices if you prefer to bank with one of Canada’s big banks.

    BANKBest card
    Bank of Montreal (BMO)BMO World Elite Business Mastercard
    Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)CIBC Aeroplan® Visa* Business Plus Card
    Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)RBC® Business Cash Back Mastercard‡
    ScotiabankScotia Momentum® for Business Visa* Card
    TD BankTD® Aeroplan® Visa* Business Card

    What to know about business credit cards in Canada

    As with other types of credit cards, there’s plenty to learn before selecting a business credit card that best suits your needs.

    What is a business credit card?

    A business credit card is a credit card specifically intended to cover business expenses. Whether you employ others, own a small family business or run a solo freelance operation as a side hustle, a business credit card will help you reach your goals faster.

    Business cards vs. personal cards

    Business credit cards are similar to personal credit cards in most ways — you use them to make purchases and then pay off the balance, incurring interest charges on what’s left over. However, there are differences related to perks, benefits and features.

    Business credit cards often have higher credit limits, which accommodate costly business expenses. Some also help you tap into more financing for your business by including things like longer interest-free grace periods and low introductory interest rates on purchases or balance transfers.

    The rewards involved with business credit cards are similarly tailored to meet business needs. For example, some travel rewards cards offer higher earn rates on items like office supplies, internet services and cell phone bills. Other cards provide cash back that can be reinvested in your business. Some come with juicy introductory earn rates and welcome bonuses; others provide useful perks like travel insurance and accounting tools designed to help small businesses.

    Finally, credit card providers often let businesses apply for several additional cards, which allows your employees to easily make business-related purchases as supplementary cardholders to help you claim the rewards sooner. Protection from employee misuse may be provided in the form of a liability waiver or insurance.

    Who can get a business credit card?

    Since business credit cards are designed to suit the needs of business owners and freelancers alike, you don’t need to own a large-scale business in order to apply for one. A business credit card should be within your reach as long as you can provide proper evidence that your business exists.

    Many cards don’t even require your business to hit certain revenue thresholds, so if you just started a small business and it isn’t yet turning a profit, you may still get approved.

    Why get a business credit card?

    A business credit card separates business expenses from your personal spending, which simplifies accounting and record keeping. This can be invaluable when tracking expenditures and budgeting for your company.

    Using a card solely for business purchases also makes it easy to deduct the interest and most fees you pay as business expenses. Get your personal and business spending mixed up, though, and tax time could get messy.

    A business credit card can also give you access to perks and rewards that are better suited to your company’s needs. Expense tracking tools, higher earn rates on business-related purchases, and discounts on essentials like gas are just a few examples of the goodies that come with some Canadian business credit cards.

    Types of business credit cards

    Business credit cards and charge cards are tailored for businesses of all sizes, so it’s important to identify the right type of card for your needs.

    Small business credit cards

    Small business credit cards operate almost identically to personal credit cards. Business owners generally apply for these cards directly and bear the responsibility of paying the fees and charges.

    While many small business card applications will be evaluated based on the owner’s personal credit score, some also require minimum income requirements. Applicants will also need to show documentation that proves their company is a real entity.

    Small business credit cards are generally the best option for sole proprietors, who can use them to earn rewards not offered by their personal credit cards, and small or mid-sized business owners with multiple employees.

    But they’re also a fit for brand new businesses in Canada.

    Business credit card options designed for entrepreneurs just getting started include cards with no annual fees or lower interest rates, which can help reduce a new company’s credit burden. Cards with low — or no — income requirements can also help upstart business owners get approved for their first company card so they can start building credit.

    Corporate credit cards

    Corporate credit cards are designed for larger companies with strong credit scores that generate significant revenues. American Express, for example, recommends its corporate credit cards to Canadian businesses with annual revenues of $10 million or more.

    Even though corporate credit cards can be distributed to employees, paying off a corporate card’s fees and charges are the responsibility of the corporation, not an individual worker or owner.

    How to compare business credit cards

    Business credit cards vary in terms of what they offer cardholders. Comparing them effectively often involves looking at several cards and reviewing the features most important to your needs. This may include:

    Pros and cons of business credit cards

    Even though business credit cards vary from one to the next, there are some common pros and cons that apply to most.

    Pros

    Cons

    How to get a business credit card

    Once you’ve chosen the best business credit card for your needs, you’ll need to apply and meet certain qualifications to prove your eligibility.

    Applying for a business credit card

    Applying for a business credit card is a lot like applying for a personal credit card, but with the added element of providing information about your business.

    To prove your identity, you’ll typically need a piece of original, valid and current government-issued photo identification, like a driver’s license or passport. If photo ID isn’t possible, some providers will accept valid and current documents from independent, reliable sources.

    If you’re a sole proprietor, you may be asked to provide:

    If you’re operating a new business or a start-up that’s less than two years old, you may also have to provide more information, like a business plan, cash flow statement, balance sheet, or financial statements signed since launch.

    If your business is a partnership, you’ll be asked to provide proof that a limited partnership exists and personal information about anyone with a significant interest in your business. The same applies to a corporation, but you’ll have to provide the Articles of Incorporation instead of partnership documents.

    How to qualify for a business credit card

    In addition to providing relevant legal and tax documents that prove the existence and current state of your business, you’ll need to convince credit card providers that they should do business with you.

    Doing that requires a strong personal credit report. If you’re applying for your first business credit card, there’s a good chance your company may not have much of a credit history. That means your personal credit score will be a major factor in whether you get approved for a business card and how high your credit limit will be.

    In Canada, a “good” credit score falls between 660 and 724. If your credit score is lower than that, however, you may still get approved for certain business credit cards suited for applicants with bad credit.

    Some cards may also have minimum income or revenue requirements. If your personal income or annual business revenue falls short of these thresholds, you’ll have to search for a card with a lower one.

    Getting the most out of your business credit card

    There are several ways you can maximize the value of your business credit card.

    How many credit cards should businesses get?

    There is no ideal number of different credit cards for a company to have. But there is a case to be made for businesses having more than one card.

    Multiple cards mean multiple lines of credit. Running a business can be both expensive and unpredictable, so having more borrowing power at your disposal can come in handy. Having more than one card can also help you earn more rewards.

    There are risks involved with applying for too many business credit cards. Each application for a new card can knock a few points off your credit score, so make sure to wait long enough between applications.

    Having balances spread across multiple cards requires a little more diligence in making sure they’re all paid off on time, too. You don’t want your interest payments to eat into your profits or diminish the value of your rewards.

    Frequently asked questions about business credit cards

    Can I use my personal credit card for business expenses?

    Yes. A personal credit card can be used for business purchases. The credit limit for personal cards, however, is generally lower than what’s offered for business cards.

    If you’re charging business purchases to your personal credit card, just be sure to track them carefully for when tax season rolls around.

    Is credit card interest tax deductible for a business

    Yes, it is. You can deduct the credit card interest paid on business-related purchases. If you have a dedicated business credit card, you can often deduct the fees, too.

    DIVE EVEN DEEPER

    23 Best Credit Cards in Canada for April 2024

    23 Best Credit Cards in Canada for April 2024

    NerdWallet Canada’s picks for the best credit cards include top contenders across numerous card categories. Compare these options to find the ideal card for you.

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    Interest charges don’t need to be a mystery. Use our credit card interest calculator to see how much interest you’d owe if you carry a credit card balance.

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    How to Start a Small Business in Canada: 10 Essential Steps

    To start a small business in Canada, you’ll need a plan, a good name, proper registration, permits and licenses, and solid financing.

    What Is a Business Credit Card?

    What Is a Business Credit Card?

    A business credit card is a way to charge expenses related to a company. Size and financial needs of the company should be considered before getting a business credit card.

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