What are the best business credit cards with rewards programs?

The best rewards points will really depend on what you’re looking for regarding perks. For instance, some cards offer you “points” when you spend on the card — and the point value may even vary, based on where you are spending. You can then “cash in” your points for a plethora of items like books, clothes, and other types of merchandise. Other cards offer travel-related options such as points to be redeemed for airline tickets or hotel stays. Others offer cash-back, which may be used for paying part of your monthly balance.

What type of information will the business credit card issuer ask for on the application?

All credit card issuers will want to know information about you and your business. So, your name, contact details, and Social Security number will be required, as will your credit score. In addition, the card issuer will usually want to see the amount of revenue that your company is bringing in. This can help them determine whether or not you have the financial wherewithal to pay your business credit card balance. If your business is just starting out, though, you may still have options when it comes to getting a company credit card. In this case, the card issuer will typically want to know the amount of your personal income.

Does your personal credit score matter when applying for a business credit card?

When applying for a business credit card, all card issuers will typically consider both your personal credit score and your business credit score (if you have one). However, even though the card you are applying for is intended to be used for business purposes, it is usually your personal credit score that is weighted more heavily in the decision. This is especially the case if your company is relatively new and you don’t have much (or any) business history to show.

Are there any business credit cards with unlimited lines of credit?

Business expenses can vary significantly from one month to the next. There are some cards available that have a large 5- or 6-figure spending limit, which gives you some major flexibility. On the other hand, business charge cards will usually have an unlimited spending limit — but you also need to pay off the balance of the card in full every month. Otherwise, you will be docked with a late fee and/or higher interest, and possibly even suspension of your business charge card usage. You may be able to find a “best of both worlds” business card, that gives you the option to either pay your statement in full every month or to defer a portion of your bill with no penalty.

Is there a difference between a business credit card and a corporate credit card?

While they may initially appear similar, there is a difference between a business credit card and a corporate credit card. The biggest of these is the fact that with a business card, the business owner — and oftentimes their credit score — is on the hook if the bill is not paid. With a corporate credit card, though, if the bill is not paid, it is the company itself that is responsible for paying it.

How can you prevent identity theft with a business credit card?

Just like with your personal credit card(s), your business credit card(s) could be at risk of identity theft. In fact, because business cards often have a higher credit limit, these can be a treasure trove for criminals to get hold of. To help prevent or combat identity theft with your business credit card, be sure that you keep a close watch on your statement. If you see any charges that were not authorized, contact the card issuer immediately to report them. In most instances, you are not liable for any fraudulent charges.

How To Get a Business Credit Card (Regardless of Your Company’s Size)

Updated: June 16, 2023, 3:02am CDT

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How To Get a Business Credit Card
5 Steps for Choosing the Right Business Credit Card
How To Apply for a Business Credit Card
Final Thoughts

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If you own or run a company, it’s likely that you have at least some business-related expenses. Rather than paying these costs outright with a check or cash, though, there could be some definite advantages to using a business credit card.

But before you sign up for just any card, follow a few key steps to determine how to get a business credit card and which card would be best for your particular objectives.

How To Get a Business Credit Card

If you’re wondering how you can get a business credit card, the good news is that in many cases, it’s easier than you might think! Using a business credit card can also come with a number of nice perks, like cash-back, travel benefits, or other rewards.

In addition to simply paying your expenses, a business credit card can be used for a number of other financial-related needs, too. These can include alternate financing strategies in lieu of taking on business loans.

So, how exactly do you go about securing a business credit card?

5 Steps for Choosing the Right Business Credit Card

Narrowing down the right business credit card can be quick and easy if you work through the following 5 steps:

1. Total Monthly Spend

The first step is to determine approximately how much your company spends on a monthly basis. In some cases, it may just be the cost of your internet service and a few new ink cartridges.

In other cases, though, you could have high overhead expenses, along with the cost of inventory, supplies, and marketing materials. And don’t forget to factor in travel if you’re on the move — this can really add up!

Hot Tip: As a part of your business credit card decision, ensure that you don’t let large balances rollover if you aren’t able to pay off the statement in full every month. Otherwise, you could find that you’re stuck with escalating interest charges over time.

2. Type and Categories of Expenses

Having an approximate expense figure is key to pointing you in the right direction in terms of the perfect card, but so are the types of expenses you have.

Savvy business owners will ascertain their “categories of spend” and look to sign up for a business card that rewards you in those categories. For example, if you spend a lot on online advertising (such as Facebook or Google Ads) then a card like the Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card will earn you 3 points for every $1 spent on that type of purchase.

This can make a significant difference over the course of a year vs. putting that spend on a card that just earns you 1 point per $1 spent on advertising. So, it’s critical to determine where you’re spending your money and allocate that spend to cards that reward you for doing so. This is one of the reasons that savvy business owners can earn so many points — by rotating the use of 4 to 5 business cards you can ensure that each $1 you spend on your business is earning 1.5 to 5 points.

Some of our favorite business cards are as follows:

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating

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 OfferEarn 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 Bonus Valuation*:
$1,800

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.49% - 26.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

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: 20.49% - 26.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

ELEVATED OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

U.P. Rating

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 OfferEarn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
150,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:
$3,300

Annual Fee

$695

APR

18.49% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Good to Excellent (670-850)

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 and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
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 (cap applies)

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

Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
5X Membership Rewards^® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on 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.
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. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card^®, here.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
$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^®.
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 03/2023.
$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 250k points with the Amex Business Platinum card. The current public offer is 150,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

And for straight-up cash-back earnings we like:

Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card

U.P. Rating

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 OfferEarn $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 Bonus Valuation*:
Up to $750

Annual Fee

APR

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 17.74% - 25.74% variable thereafter.

Credit Recommended

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 17.74% - 25.74% 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; 17.74% - 25.74% variable thereafter.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

3. Credit Card v. Charge Card?

As you go through the process of getting a business card, you should determine whether or not a credit card or a charge card will best fit your needs. Although the 2 types of cards have some similarities, there are also some distinct differences.

One primary difference is that there is typically no pre-set spending limit on a charge card. Also, there is no interest charged to charge cardholders because you’re required to pay back the entire balance in full every month.

If your payment is late, you may be dinged with a sizeable late fee… or possibly even a suspension of your charge card.

In addition, many charge cards are only accepted at certain locations like retail stores or gas stations (typically referred to as “branded” cards), while credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted anywhere.

4. Do You Want Rewards?

Amex Business Platinum — Image Credit: American Express

Having a rewards program associated with your business card can be a nice incentive. However, the rewards may come at a price.

For example, many rewards credit cards charge an annual fee. So, before you apply for a card, make sure that the potential rewards will meet or exceed any yearly fee you’re charged.

Put another way, you don’t want to sign up for a high annual fee travel card that offers luxury lounge access, like The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, if you hardly ever travel. Instead, it might make more sense to sign up for a lower annual fee card like the Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card if you’re not a big traveler but you’re looking to get cash-back on your business spend.

5. What Do You Qualify For?

Even if you’re found the ideal business credit card, you will still have to qualify before you are issued a card to use.

Similar to when you apply for a personal credit card, the card issuer will typically check your credit report so they can determine your payment history, as well as your credit utilization ratio and the average length of your other credit accounts. This can be done for both your personal credit score as well as your business credit score (if you have one).

Hot Tip: If you have trouble qualifying for a particular business credit card, you could try applying for a card that’s affiliated with your current bank or other financial institution where you already have a financial relationship built.

How To Apply for a Business Credit Card

Applying for a business credit card is pretty similar to applying for a personal credit card. The card application will ask you for personal and financial information, but there will be some additional information fields, too:

Name of the business
Type of business
Your role in the business (i.e., owner, founder, etc.)
Tax ID number (which might be your Social Security number) or Employer Identification Number (EIN)
Years in business
Number of employees (if applicable)
Annual revenue
Estimated monthly expenses

Final Thoughts

Because all businesses and financial needs are different, there is no single “best” business credit card across the board. To determine the card that is right for you, review several potential options — including spending limits, rewards offered (if any), annual fee, and qualification factors.

Lastly, if you’ve decided on a business credit card, don’t miss our piece on how to maximize rewards from your business purchases.

For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, click here.