The 8 Best Business Credit Cards for Independent Contractors [Self-Employed, Freelancers]

Business credit cards for self-employed workers, freelancers, and independent contractors keep business spending separate from personal finances and turn everyday expenses into rewards. The right card depends on where a business spends most, whether the priority is travel or cash-back, and how large an annual fee makes sense.

The 8 cards below cover a range of budgets and spending styles. Review the eligibility requirements near the end before applying.

Quick Overview of the Best Credit Cards for Independent Contractors

The American Express^® Business Gold Card carries the highest flexible earning rate on this list at 4x points, applied automatically to the 2 categories where a business spends most each billing cycle, on up to $150,000 in combined purchases per year. For a lower annual fee, the Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card earns 3x points in 4 categories that fit many contractors: travel, shipping, advertising, and internet, cable and phone service — up to $150,000 of these purchases annually.

Several picks charge no annual fee, including The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express (rates & fees), Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card, Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card, and The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card (rates & fees). Some also offer a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months.

Freelancers and sole proprietors can apply as a business using a Social Security number, with no separate business entity required.

The Best Credit Cards for Independent Contractors

Amex Business Platinum Card

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Welcome Offer

As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 300,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $6,600

Annual Fee

$895

APR

17.74% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Amex Business Platinum Card is a premium travel rewards card tailored for business owners who are frequent travelers with high annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers, like the best airport lounge access at over 1,550 lounges and numerous annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible travel purchases like flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid short-term rentals booked through AmexTravel.com
• Access to over 1,550 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
• Earn 2x Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)

Cons

• High annual fee of $895 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Learn more.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 01/2026.
• See how you can unlock over $4,000 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
• Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card^®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
• Make the Business Platinum Card^® work even harder for you. Hilton for Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Gift cards are not an eligible purchase. Benefit enrollment required.
• Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
• Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $219 back per calendar year on your CLEAR+ Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
• Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
• Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
• Enroll and get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year on U.S. purchases of ChatGPT Business* on the Business Platinum Card. *Subject to auto-renewal.
• Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
• Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
• Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
• 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
• 1X points on other eligible purchases
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.74% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

The Amex Business Platinum card suits independent contractors who travel often and want lounge access and premium travel protections.

• Annual fee: $895
• Earns 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com, 2x on eligible purchases in key business categories and on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more — up to $2 million of these purchases annually — and 1x on other purchases (Source: American Express)
• Access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, plus a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, which helps contractors who fly to clients or job sites
• Thousands of dollars in statement credits for travel and business expenses annually (many require enrollment in advance)
• No foreign transaction fees and QuickBooks integration for expense tracking (rates & fees)

Amex Business Gold Card

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

American Express^® Business Gold Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

American Express^® Business Gold Card

Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).

Welcome Offer

As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 200,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $15,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 200,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $4,400

Annual Fee

$375

APR

17.74% - 28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The American Express^® Business Gold Card is excellent at racking up rewards for your business spend.

The card earns a whopping 4x points per $1 in the 2 categories (from a list of 6) that your business spends the most money on each month. With no need to opt-in or preselect your categories, so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4x points per dollar spent on your 2 highest purchase categories each month up to $150,000 each calendar year in purchases; categories include:
  • Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
  • U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
  • Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
  • U.S. purchases at gas stations
  • U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
  • Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, plus TV and radio)
• 3x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card
• Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection

Cons

• $375 annual fee (rates and fees)
• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access or elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 200,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $15,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards^® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month 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 up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx (through 10/01/2026), Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
• Enroll and get up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year on U.S. purchases of ChatGPT Business* on the Business Gold Card. *Subject to auto-renewal.
• Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits per calendar year for U.S. purchases with Squarespace. Subscription purchases subject to auto-renewal.
• 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.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards^® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
• The Business Gold Card comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and White Gold. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
• Terms Apply

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.74% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

The Amex Business Gold card fits contractors whose spending shifts month to month, since its bonus categories adjust automatically.

• Annual fee: $375
• Earns 4x points on the 2 eligible categories where the business spends most each billing cycle, on up to $150,000 in combined purchases per year, then 1x
• The 6 eligible categories include U.S. gas stations, restaurants, transit, wireless service, advertising, and technology purchases, which cover a wide range of freelance costs.
• No preset spending limit and no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees)

Ink Business Preferred Card

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$2,000

Annual Fee

$95

APR

17.74% - 26.74% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.

Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.

Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
• Cell phone protection
• Purchase protection

Cons

• No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 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
• Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
• 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
• Go further when you book with Chase Travel℠. Enjoy competitive rates, seamless booking and premium benefits.
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Receive complimentary access to DashPass by DoorDash.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 17.74% - 26.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Ink Business Preferred card is a strong all-around choice with a midrange fee and bonus categories that align with common contractor costs.

• Annual fee: $95
• Earns 3x points on the first $150,000 spent each account anniversary year across travel, shipping, advertising with social media sites and search engines, and internet, cable, and phone service, then 1x (Source: Chase)
• Points can be transferred to Chase’s airline and hotel partners or redeemed through Chase Travel.
• Cell phone protection and primary rental car coverage on business trips

Amex Blue Business Plus Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.

Welcome Offer

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.

15,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $330

Annual Fee

No annual fee

APR

16.74% - 28.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

As a business owner, getting a credit card that maximizes each dollar you spend does not have to be complicated or expensive. Especially when you opt for The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express.

With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, you’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases throughout the year (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter) and receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards all for no annual fee (see rates and fees).

The simple and straightforward earning structure makes it a great fit for those looking to earn flexible rewards, without having to fixate on which purchases earn the most points.

Let’s take look at all that the Amex Blue Business Plus card has to offer.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter)
• Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
• No annual fee and employee cards at no additional cost

Cons

• No unique bonus categories and 2x earnings are capped at $50,000 in annual spend
• No elite travel benefits like lounge access or elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• 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, 16.74% - 28.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2X 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. Terms and limitations apply.
• You’ve got the power to spend above your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
• No Annual Fee
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 16.74% - 28.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

The Amex Blue Business Plus card is a $0-annual-fee option for freelancers to earn transferable points on general spending.

• Annual fee: $0
• Earns 2x Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 in purchases each calendar year, then 1x.
• 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.74% - 28.49%. (rates & fees)
• No fee for employee cards and no categories to track (rates & fees)

Ink Business Unlimited Card

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn $750 $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening.

$750 $1,000

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,000

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 16.74% - 24.74% thereafter.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

As a business owner, you likely keep pretty busy and probably prefer a credit card that just keeps things simple.

If so, the Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card might be just the card for you. From zero annual fee to a flat cash-back rate, the card is a no-frills option that you don’t have to think twice about.

Don’t forget too, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 16.74% - 24.74% thereafter.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
• No annual fee
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 16.74% - 24.74% thereafter.

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $750 $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 4 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
• Earn 5% total cash back on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 16.74% - 24.74% thereafter.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

• Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Ink Business Unlimited card gives contractors a flat cash-back rate with a $0 annual fee and no tracking required.

• Annual fee: $0
• Earns unlimited 1.5% cash-back on every purchase
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 16.74% - 24.74% thereafter.
• Cash-back converts to transferable points when paired with a card such as the Ink Business Preferred card.

Capital One Venture Business Card

Capital One Venture Business Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Capital One Venture Business Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 Miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

100,000 miles

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $1,800

Annual Fee

$95

APR

24.49%

Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Business card is a great fit for business owners looking for a well-rounded travel rewards card that offers an uncomplicated earn structure, a handful of useful benefits, and a reasonable annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
• Earn 2x miles on all other purchases
• $50 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel

Cons

• Charges a $95 annual fee
• Limited travel protections

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn a one-time welcome bonus of 100,000 miles once you spend $10,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won’t expire for the life of the account
• Receive up to $220 in credits: Receive an annual $50 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel, up to an annual $50 statement credit for purchases at qualifying advertising or software merchants, plus up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck^® every four years. Terms and conditions apply
• Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
• Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
• $95 annual fee
• Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
• Top rated mobile app

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 24.49%
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

The Capital One Venture Business card offers flat-rate travel miles at a modest annual fee.

• Annual fee: $95
• Earns 2x miles on every purchase and 5x on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
• Up to $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit and no foreign transaction fees.
• Miles transfer to Capital One airline and hotel partners.

Ink Business Cash Card

LIMITED TIME OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.

Welcome Offer

Earn $750 $1,000 when you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first four months after account opening.

$750 $1,000

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,000

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 16.74% - 24.74% variable thereafter.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card has a lot going for it that makes it a compelling choice for small business owners. The card features a very lucrative 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year.

When you factor in that the card has no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 16.74% - 24.74% variable thereafter. , you could be adding big value back into your business for no cost out of pocket.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Earn 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases on dining and gas, and 1% back on all other purchases
• Travel insurance and purchase protection

Cons

• Spending caps in bonus categories
• Low points earning outside of bonus categories

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $750 $1,000 when you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first four months after account opening
• Earn 5% cash back at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year on the first $25,000 in combined spend
• Earn 2% cash back on dining and gas each account anniversary year on the first $25,000 spent in combined spend.
• Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.
• Earn 5% total cash back on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
• As a Chase cardmember, you’ll be automatically checked for a credit line increase at least every 6 months.
• Complimentary three-month lnstacart+ membership.
• No Annual Fee
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 16.74% - 24.74% variable thereafter.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The Ink Business Cash card pairs bonus cash-back categories with a $0 annual fee, which fits contractors with office supply and utility costs.

• Annual fee: $0
• Earns 5% cash-back on the first $25,000 spent each account anniversary year at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services, 2% on the first $25,000 at gas stations and restaurants, then 1%
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 16.74% - 24.74% variable thereafter.
• Cash-back converts to transferable points with a card such as the Ink Business Preferred card.

Amex Blue Business Cash Card

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Take control of your cash-back with the Amex Blue Business Cash card, and earn 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in purchases each calendar year.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Take control of your cash-back with the Amex Blue Business Cash card, and earn 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in purchases each calendar year.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.

$250

UP's Offer Valuation*:

As High As $250

Annual Fee

No annual fee

APR

16.74% - 28.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

Looking for a way to keep tabs on your office supply costs and business travel expenses while earning cash-back? Then The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card could be a good fit.

This card offers expense management solutions that are designed to give companies more control, along with a much clearer picture of their business spending. In doing so, the more you spend, the more cash-back you can earn.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 2% cash-back on the first $50,000 of purchases each calendar year, then 1% back thereafter
• No annual fee
• Travel and purchase protection

Cons

• Not ideal for those who spend a lot on a specific category like groceries or gas

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Card Highlights

• 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, 16.74% – 28.49%, 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 the first $50,000 of purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter. 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*.
• * The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
• No Annual Fee. Terms Apply. Learn More.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 16.74% - 28.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.

The Amex Blue Business Cash card delivers straightforward cash-back with a $0 annual fee and automatic statement credits.

• Annual fee: $0
• Earns 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1%
• Cash-back is applied automatically to the billing statement, so there is nothing to redeem.
• 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.74% - 28.49%. (rates & fees)

Business Credit Card Requirements for Self-Employed Workers and Freelancers

• Most issuers look for good to excellent personal credit, generally a FICO score of 670 or higher. Approval also weighs income, existing debt, and credit history.
• A Social Security number is sufficient to apply; an Employer Identification Number is not required.
• Sole proprietors and freelancers can apply as a business of one, with no LLC or registered business name needed.
• No separate business revenue is required, since applications consider personal income if you’re applying as a sole proprietor.
• A personal guarantee is typically required, which makes the cardholder personally responsible for the balance (Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau).
• Applying usually triggers a hard inquiry, and business card activity can sometimes appear on a personal credit report (Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau).

How We Selected the Best Credit Cards for Independent Contractors

These cards were chosen for how well they fit freelance and contractor spending, with emphasis on rewards rates, annual fees, welcome offers, and benefits such as expense tools and travel protections. Cards that earn transferable points or offer flexible cash-back were favored over cards with limited redemption options. For the full scoring process, see the Upgraded Points credit card rating methodology.

Final Thoughts

The best card for an independent contractor depends on spending patterns, how often the business travels, and whether the preference is earning points or cash-back.

Frequent travelers may prefer the Amex Business Platinum card, while the Ink Business Preferred card balances rewards and cost, and the Ink Business Unlimited card keeps cash-back simple. Check the eligibility requirements before applying.