How To Apply and Qualify for a Small Business Credit Card [2025]

Applying for a small business credit card might sound intimidating, but it’s easier than you might think. You may qualify for a small business credit card and not realize it.

Many small business credit cards participate in the same points and miles rewards programs as personal credit cards. And all the points and miles you earn from your small business can be combined with your personal stash!

This guide explains what to expect if you apply for a small business credit card. It can be easy to qualify for a small business credit card that earns with some of our favorite rewards programs.

How To Qualify for a Small Business Credit Card

Qualifying for a small business credit card isn’t difficult and usually doesn’t require lots of paperwork. But the big question is, how can you qualify as a small business? Let’s review a few ways.

You Own a Legal Business

You can apply for a small business credit card if you already own a business. You must submit your Employer Identification Number (EIN) and your Social Security number. Your personal credit report will be used to determine approval for a new credit card, so you should have good credit.

You’re Starting a New Business

It’s essential to keep track of your finances, including keeping your personal and business expenses separate. Small business credit cards are a helpful tool for new businesses separating business and personal finances. Plus, the extra capital can help your new business grow. Most start-ups don’t last long, so banks may look at new business applications in more detail since they pose a higher risk.

You’re Already in Business (But Don’t Realize It)

Even if your business doesn’t have a legal structure, you may qualify as a business and be able to apply for a small business credit card. If you’re earning income from performing a service, working as an independent contractor, or selling goods for a profit, you’re operating a business. You don’t need to worry about creating a business plan or even thinking of a business name because you are a sole proprietor and can just use your name as the business name.

Common Small Businesses That Qualify

A sole proprietorship is the easiest way for individuals to qualify as a small business. A sole proprietor is simply a person who owns a business and is responsible for its debts.

Sole proprietorship does not separate the business from the owner. Income and losses from the business are reported on the owner’s individual tax return. You’ll use your Social Security number for the application. An EIN is not necessary when applying as a sole proprietor.

Common side gigs that can qualify as a small business include:

• Delivering with Postmates or Caviar
• Driving for Uber or Lyft
• Homemade goods or arts and crafts
• Renting a room or apartment on Airbnb
• Selling items on eBay or Amazon
• Teaching, tutoring, or coaching

For example, if you regularly or even occasionally sell goods for a profit, that’s considered a business. Or maybe you rent out your extra bedroom, vacation property, or even your house when you went away on vacation. Even selling goods at bake sales, farmer’s markets, and street fairs qualifies as operating a small business!

With a business credit card, you’ll be able to use your credit (and maybe even earn rewards!) for business expenses like materials, supplies, internet service, and gas.

Bottom Line: Operating or starting a small business that qualifies for a small business credit card isn’t as hard as it sounds. There are plenty of things you might already be doing that qualify you as a small business owner!

Why You Should Get a Small Business Credit Card

Getting approved for a small business credit card comes with plenty of perks. Not only does it increase the financial flexibility of your small business, but it also helps keep your business expenses separate from your personal accounts.

We think the biggest perk is getting more points and miles from your small business expenses. Business rewards can significantly increase your ability to earn points and miles for your next big trip.

Hot Tip: Don’t miss our separate guide on how to maximize rewards from your business purchases!

Another major perk is that most small business credit cards do not appear on your personal credit report. Even though banks evaluate your personal credit when you apply for a small business credit card, it will not impact your credit score in the long term.

Small business credit cards do not count against your 5/24 status with Chase. You can apply and get approved for as many small business credit cards as you want without worrying about going over the limit of 5 new accounts in 24 months. That includes Chase’s small business credit cards.

Another bonus is that most small business credit cards have the same rewards programs that you can combine with your personal cards.

Want to increase your Chase Ultimate Reward balance? The Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card, for example, will help you earn more Ultimate Reward points (if you have another Chase Ultimate Rewards card with an annual fee). Or you can keep things simple and collect valuable cash-back for your business with this card.

Hot Tip: American Express limits its welcome bonus for the same card once per lifetime. However, its small business credit cards are considered a different product from its similar personal card offerings.

One negative aspect of small business credit cards is they don’t come with the usual consumer protections that personal credit cards have. For example, small business credit cards can change their APR at any time, unlike personal credit cards.

How To Apply for a Small Business Credit Card

Filling out an application for a small business credit card is fairly easy. You will need to provide basic personal and business information.

Business Information

These are the questions you’ll find on most small business credit card applications:

• Business Name — Your business name, or your name if you’re a sole proprietor.
• Business Address — When operating an independent business, your home address would be your business address.
• Type of Business or Company Structure — Here you will have the option to choose between a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietor.
• Business Category — Here, you’ll select from a wide range of business categories such as manufacturing, retail trade, and transportation services. Be sure to select the options that best describe your business.
• Federal Tax ID Number — If you’re applying as a sole proprietor, use your Social Security number. For businesses, your tax ID is your EIN. The format of your EIN is different (12-345678), but has the same number of numbers as a Social Security number.
• Years in Business — You always want to be completely honest on credit card applications and it’s important to know how long you’ve been in business. If you’ve been selling things for a profit off and on for a few years, you’ve been in business for a few years.
• Annual Business Revenue — Here, you’ll report the net profit your business makes annually. As a sole proprietor, you will figure out the total amount of sales minus any operating expenses. If your business only makes a small profit, don’t let that deter you from applying for a small business credit card. Many businesses don’t make a profit right away, so any net gain is positive.
• Number of Employees — If you’re applying as a sole proprietor, you are the only employee. Other businesses can order additional cards for their employees, but all charges and fees associated with employee cards are the owner’s responsibility.

Personal Information

You’ll be required to provide your personal information for the bank to check your credit. Your credit score will be the determining factor for reviewing your creditworthiness for your small business application.

• Social Security Number — If you’re applying as a sole proprietor and already provided this as your tax identification number, you will provide it again here. Other businesses will provide the owner’s Social Security number.
• Total Annual Income — Your gross total annual income is all the income you earn annually, including regular wages and profits from your small business.
• Authorizing Officer — You will be able to choose an authorizing officer for your account. If you’re applying as a sole proprietor, you’ll be the authorizing officer. Other options include president, partner, manager, and member.

Bottom Line: You don’t need a ton of paperwork to submit your small business application. You need some basic information about your business and your personal credit information to see if you’ll be approved!

Add Employee Cards

If you’re applying as a sole proprietor, this section won’t apply since you are the only employee of your business.

Businesses with employees have the option to add additional cards for employees in the application, but you can request them later. You will need to provide personal information about the employees, but sometimes, you will only need their first and last name.

Remember, the owner is entirely responsible for all charges made on employee cards.

Submit Your Application

It’s almost time to find out if you can get approved for a small business credit card.

You will want to review your application to ensure everything is correct, read and accept the terms and conditions, and submit.

You might quickly find out that you’ve been approved, which would be great news! American Express is also known for providing your new small business credit card number instantly on approval.

If you’re not instantly approved, you might want to give it some time for the bank to review your application manually. Most banks will allow you to check your small business credit card application status online or by phone if you don’t feel like waiting for snail mail.

Be prepared for a phone call from the bank. They may ask you to call them, or they might call you unexpectedly.

Don’t worry; they probably want to get to know your business a little bit more, even if it’s just a side business you do for extra income. That’s completely normal.

Recommendations for Small Business Credit Cards

We’ve selected our favorite small business credit cards to help you upgrade your points and miles balance with your small business expenses.

Chase Small Business Credit Cards

Chase small business credit cards offer the opportunity to earn additional points with the flexible rewards program Ultimate Rewards. We love Ultimate Rewards for great travel rewards, but you can also use the points for cash-back.

These points can be transferred to your other personal Chase Ultimate Rewards cards and are extremely easy to use. Plus, the welcome bonuses alone can be worth hundreds of dollars in cash-back or travel, if not more!

Ink Business Cash Card

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 $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.

Up to $750

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $750

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 17.49% - 25.49% 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 cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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; variable 17.49% - 25.49% 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 at gas stations and restaurants, 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 $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
• Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 17.49% - 25.49% variable thereafter.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

You can easily earn bonus points using the Ink Business Cash card for your business expenses since it comes with an amazing reward-earning structure.

You will earn 5% cash-back at office supply stores and internet, cable, and phone services on the first $25,000 spent per calendar year. You will also earn 5% cash-back on Lyft purchases (through September 30, 2027) and 2% cash-back at gas stations and restaurants on the first $25,000 spent in a calendar year.

There is no limit when earning 1% cash-back on all other purchases. Your rewards will never expire as long as you keep your account open. You should check out the most valuable benefits of the Ink Business Cash card.

Hot Tip: While this card is advertised as a cash-back rewards card, you are actually earning Chase’s flexible rewards currency, Ultimate Rewards at a rate of 1 Ultimate Rewards point per 1% cash-back. If you have a premium Chase Ultimate Rewards card that carries an annual fee, then you have the option to use these points for travel instead of cash. This gives you more redemption options!

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

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 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.

90,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,800

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.24% - 26.24% 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 cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.24% - 26.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

One of the most popular small business credit cards is the Ink Business Preferred card.

You will earn 3x points on the first $150,000 spent on the following categories each account anniversary (not calendar year):

• Travel (airfare, hotel, car rentals, etc.)
• Shipping purchases (FedEx, UPS, USPS, etc.)
• Internet, cable, and phone services (Including cell phones)
• Advertising purchases on social media sites and online search engines (Google, Facebook, etc.)

You will earn 5x points on Lyft purchases (through September 30, 2027) and 1x points on all other purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.

One of the many significant benefits of the Ink Business Preferred card is that points are worth 25% more when you redeem your travel through Chase Travel. You can also transfer your points 1:1 to a number of airline and hotel loyalty programs, which you can redeem for an even higher value.

Points can also be used for cash-back and other rewards, usually at a 1 point to 1% cash value ratio.

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card

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 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

$750

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$750

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 23.49% 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 cardapplication.

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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 17.49% - 23.49% thereafter

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
• No annual fee
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 23.49% thereafter

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards^®.
• Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 23.49% thereafter
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

• Chase Ultimate Rewards

You will earn an unlimited amount of 1.5% cash-back on all purchases made for your business with the Ink Business Unlimited card. This is a fantastic card for spending on categories that don’t fall under the usual bonus-earning categories on other business cards.

There is no annual fee, and this card comes with an introductory 0% APR offer for the first 12 months. It also comes with a wide range of benefits including travel and purchase protection.

Similar to the Ink Business Cash card, this card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points at a value of 1 point for 1 cent cash-back.

Hot Tip: Have multiple Chase business credit cards? You can transfer your Ultimate Rewards from your cash-back earning cards to your other cards like the Ink Business Preferred card to get the extra 25% value when booking travel through Chase Travel.

American Express Small Business Credit Cards

Our favorite small business credit cards offered by American Express provide an incredible opportunity to earn additional points in the flexible Membership Rewards program, which includes quite a few travel benefits. You can link all of your Membership Rewards-earning cards into 1 Membership Rewards account, so all of your points are always in 1 place, whether for business or pleasure.

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

LIMITED TIME TRAVEL 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

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.

150,000 points + $500 statement credit

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,800

Annual Fee

$695

APR

18.49% - 27.49% 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 cardapplication.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight and hotel packages booked through Amex Travel
• Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection (as of 10/2024).
• Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) 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 $695 (rates & fees)
• Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card^® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection^® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 10/2024.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card^®. 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.
• NEW! 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. Benefit enrollment required.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards^® points for flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight + hotel packages booked at AmexTravel.com. 1X points on other eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• $199 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR^® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card^®.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 250,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum card. The current public offer is 150,000 points plus a $500 statement credit. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

With the Amex Business Platinum card, you can get 35% of your points back every time you use your Membership Rewards to pay with points on your selected qualifying airline through AmexTravel.com. This benefit is limited to up to 1,000,000 bonus points back every calendar year.

The Amex Business Platinum card comes stacked with other travel benefits, including:

• Up to $200 airline fee credit on your pre-selected airline (luggage fees, inflight purchases, etc.)
• Worldwide lounge access, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass (upon enrollment), Plaza Premium Lounges, and more
• Up to $400 annual Dell credit
• Up to $200 Hilton statement credits
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, upon enrollment
• Hotel benefits when you book through Fine Hotels & Resorts

The Amex Business Platinum Card comes with a hefty annual fee (rates & fees), but you can easily offset this with the Amex Platinum Business offer and all the great benefits it provides.

The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express

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

0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% - 27.49%.

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 cardapplication.

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, 17.49% - 27.49%, 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 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.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% - 27.49%.
• 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 great small business credit card to consider.

The ability to earn 2x points on any transaction is pretty amazing, especially since it can increase your capital quickly with the introductory APR offer (see table above for details).

You’ll also receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards, all for no annual fee (rates & fees).

American Express^® Business Gold Card

ELEVATED 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).

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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

Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

100,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $2,200

Annual Fee

$375

APR

18.49% - 27.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 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 cardapplication.

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

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Card Highlights

• Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
• 0% Intro APR ¤ for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.49% to 27.49% variable APR.*
• 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 3X Membership Rewards^® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*
• Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.*
• Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
• 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: 18.49% - 27.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 months from date of account opening
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 200k points with the Amex Business Gold card. The current public offer is 100,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

If you’re thinking about the Amex Business Platinum card but are hesitant because of the annual fee or the high spending needed to earn the annual fee, the Amex Business Gold card would be the next best option.

This card earns 4x Membership Rewards points on the top 2 categories in which your business spends the most every month (up to $150,000 in combined purchases every calendar year):

• 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, TV, radio)

You will earn 1x points on all other purchases. This card has an annual fee (rates & fees), but it also has plenty of other benefits that come with it.

If this sounds like something that might interest you, check out this Amex Business Gold offer.

Bottom Line: There are plenty of fantastic small business cards to choose from. Our favorites revolve around points and miles. Be sure to understand the fees, protections, and other benefits before submitting your application.

Final Thoughts

Small business credit card applications are pretty straightforward and aren’t much different from personal credit card applications. It’s important for you to be prepared to answer additional questions the bank may have about your business before you apply.

Getting a small business credit card is a great way to earn extra points and miles for your next big trip! With the incredible welcome offers and bonus earning categories, there is no question that you should significantly consider getting a credit card for your small business.

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