6 Best Business Credit Cards for Startups and New Businesses [2026]

Business credit cards for new businesses and startups can help you separate company spending from personal finances, open up quick access to credit, and start building a business credit profile. The right card also rewards common startup costs like advertising, shipping, and technology, and many add tools such as employee cards and expense management.

This guide compares 6 strong options across rewards, annual fees, and benefits.

Before applying, check the business credit card requirements section below to confirm eligibility.

Quick Overview of the Best Business Cards for New Businesses

The American Express^® Business Gold Card earns 4x points on the top 2 categories where a business spends the most each month, up to $150,000 per year combined across both categories — a strong fit for businesses with concentrated spending.

The Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card earns 3x points on advertising, shipping, internet, cable, phone, and travel on up to $150,000 per year, and it charges a $95 annual fee. The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express carries an $895 annual fee (rates & fees) but offers the broadest travel benefits of any card on this list, which makes it best suited to startups with frequent travel.

Three options with no annual fee suit simpler needs. The Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit Card earns a flat 1.5% cash-back on every purchase. The Ink Business Cash^® Credit Card earns up to 5% cash-back on office supplies and on internet, phone, and cable services. The Blue Business^® Plus Credit Card from American Express earns 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year.

Most new businesses can apply using a Social Security number, and an EIN is not required. The best choice comes down to where the business spends, travel frequency, and whether you will use a card’s annual credits.

Best Business Credit Cards for New Businesses

Best Overall Business Cards for Startups and New Businesses

American Express^® Business Gold Card (Top Pick)

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 is the most flexible everyday earner on this list, automatically rewarding a business’s top spending categories each month.

• Annual fee: $375 (Source: Amex)
• Earning rates: 4x points on the top 2 eligible categories each month, on up to $150,000 in combined purchases per year, then 1x.
• Key startup benefit: The bonus categories are chosen automatically based on where the business spends most, so shifting monthly costs still earn 4x.
• Points can be transferred to American Express’ hotel and airline partners or redeemed through AmexTravel.com
• 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 your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit 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 pairs a large welcome offer with bonus points on the categories new businesses may use most.

• Annual fee: $95
• Earning rates: 3x points on travel, shipping, internet, cable, and phone services, and advertising with search engines and social media, on up to $150,000 in combined purchases each year, then 1x (Source: Chase).
• Key startup benefit: Cell phone protection of up to $1,000 per claim, with a $100 deductible, when the monthly bill is paid with the card.
• Points transfer to Chase’s airline and hotel partners or can be redeemed through Chase Travel.
• Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express

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 is built for startups with heavy travel, trading a high annual fee for premium travel perks and statement credits.

• Annual fee: $895
• Earning rates: 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com, plus 2x on select business purchases (up to $2 million in purchases per year), then 1x (Source: American Express).
• Key startup benefit: Access to more than 1,550 airport lounges through the American Express Global Lounge Collection, plus more than $3,000 in annual statement credits toward business tools. Enrollment is required for some 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 your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Best Alternative Business Cards for Startups and New Businesses

Ink Business Unlimited^® Credit 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 keeps earning simple with flat-rate cash-back and no annual fee, making it a solid first card for a new business.

• Annual fee: $0
• Earning rates: Unlimited 1.5% cash-back on every purchase.
• Key startup benefit: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 16.74% - 24.74% thereafter.
• Welcome offer: Earn $750 $1,000 bonus cash-back after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 4 months from account opening.

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

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 earns transferable Membership Rewards points at a flat rate with no annual fee.

• Annual fee: $0
• Earning rates: 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year, then 1x.
• Key startup benefit: Employee cards at no extra cost (rates & fees) plus purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
• 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.
  

Ink Business Cash^® Credit 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 is the sister card to the Ink Business Unlimited card, swapping flat-rate rewards for higher cash-back in set categories.

• Annual fee: $0
• Earning rates: 5% cash-back on up to $25,000 in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each year, 2% on dining and gas on up to $25,000 combined per year, then 1%.
• Key startup benefit: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 16.74% - 24.74% variable thereafter.
• Welcome offer: Earn $750 $1,000 when you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 4 months after account opening.

Business Credit Card Requirements for New Businesses

New businesses without a physical presence and no income can still qualify for a business credit card. To qualify, applicants typically need a good or excellent credit score and can apply using their Social Security Number if they don’t yet have an Employer Identification Number (EIN).

Business applicants don’t need an LLC or an established corporation, as they can apply individually as a sole proprietor or freelancer using their personal details. Business credit card applications typically trigger a hard inquiry on the applicant’s personal credit report.

How We Selected the Best Business Credit Cards for New Businesses

Each card here was evaluated on the factors that matter most to a new business: annual fee, earning rates in common startup categories, welcome offer value, and business tools like employee cards and expense management. Cards were compared using Upgraded Points’ credit card rating methodology, which weighs rewards, benefits, and costs.

Offer valuations reflect Upgraded Points’ valuations at the time of publication.

Final Thoughts

The right business card comes down to spending patterns, credit profile, and rewards goals. Businesses with concentrated category spend often favor the Amex Business Gold card, those focused on marketing and travel lean toward the Ink Business Preferred card, and frequent travelers consider the Amex Business Platinum card.

Check the credit card eligibility requirements before applying.