Best small business credit cards of February 2025
A small business credit card can be a powerful tool to help your business thrive. By choosing the right card, you can unlock a range of benefits, including large welcome bonuses, lucrative ongoing rewards, interest-free grace periods, valuable business perks, and employee cards at no cost. These cards also offer the advantage of separating your personal and business finances, providing a clear financial overview. By leveraging the power of a small business credit card, you can optimize your cash flow, maximize your rewards, and ultimately, supercharge your business.
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CardRatings’ top picks for small business credit cards
A small business credit card can be a valuable tool for managing business expenses. By choosing the right card, you can maximize rewards on business purchases, enjoy flexible financing options with 0% APR introductory periods, and maintain clear financial records by separating personal and business spending. Our experts have curated this list of the best small business credit cards to help you find the perfect card for your needs. By leveraging the power of a small business credit card, you can streamline your finances and boost your bottom line.
Why we like it
If your business tends to concentrate its biggest purchases in just one or two areas, you can likely get the most bang for your credit card reward buck with a tiered rewards card. In this case, the no-annual-fee CardName fits the bill a nice offering of bonus rewards earned in popular business categories.
If your business tends to concentrate its biggest purchases in just one or two areas, you can likely get the most bang for your credit card reward buck with a tiered rewards card. In this case, the no-annual-fee CardName fits the bill a nice offering of bonus rewards earned in popular business categories.
- This card is routinely among our top picks for small business credit cards without an annual fee thanks in large part to its rewards of as much as 5% cash back in popular small business spending categories.
- Capitalize on a 0% intro APR on purchases for intro_apr_duration (then,RegAPR). It's a nice feature for a business owner with some start-up costs or a major purchase on the horizon.
- There is a foreign transaction fee, which will cost you if you need to use the card for business outside of the U.S.
- There is a fairly low cap on the highest earning categories (5% and 2%) of $25,000. If your business spends more in any of those categories each year, those purchases will only earn 1% cash back.
- There is no annual fee, but if your rewards earning is limited by either the categories or the cap on the categories, you might earn more with a card that charges an annual fee.
Why we like it
All around, the CardName is just a solid business credit card to have on hand. The annual fee is reasonable given the benefits and rewards, employee cards are free, and the welcome offer is solid. While no one of its features truly stands out, taken together the perks and features make for one really decent small business cash back credit card.
All around, the CardName is just a solid business credit card to have on hand. The annual fee is reasonable given the benefits and rewards, employee cards are free, and the welcome offer is solid. While no one of its features truly stands out, taken together the perks and features make for one really decent small business cash back credit card.
- You can get your annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000 with the card.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase you make with the card, which means you don't have to keep up with categories or caps in order to earn maximum rewards for your business.
- There are no foreign transaction fees, so this is a good card should your business take you overseas or require purchases in foreign currency.
- Although you get 2% cash back on all of your purchases, you might earn more with another card if your purchases fall primarily in a few particular categories such as travel or office supply store purchases.
- This is a charge card, so you'll need to pay your balance in full every billing cycle. That's not a bad thing but could be inconvenient should you be in a situation where you need to carry a balance for a time.
Why we like it
Each business has their own needs, so the best rewards strategy for every business will look a little different. This card gives cardholders the power to earn where they earn the most rewards, making it a great option for a wide range of business needs.
Each business has their own needs, so the best rewards strategy for every business will look a little different. This card gives cardholders the power to earn where they earn the most rewards, making it a great option for a wide range of business needs.
- The choice bonus category isn't static. Cardholders have the option to change this category once a month.
- The categories cardholders have to choice from aren’t random niche categories that business owners can’t benefit from – they’re categories where many businesses have every day expenses so they stand to be quite lucrative.
- This is a great option for business owners who do their banking with Bank of America. You can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for the Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier.
- The choice bonus category can only be changes once a month, so if your expenses are all over the place all month long, this might not be the most lucrative option.
- This card is really designed with Bank of America bankers in mind. If you don’t handle your business banking needs through Bank of America, you could be leaving valuable rewards on the table.
Why we like it
One of the very best features of this card is its welcome bonus, which is worth as much as $1,125 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠! When it comes to value for the annual fee, the CardName from Chase rises to the top of our list.
One of the very best features of this card is its welcome bonus, which is worth as much as $1,125 when redeemed through Chase Travel℠! When it comes to value for the annual fee, the CardName from Chase rises to the top of our list.
- This card offers plenty of bang for a modest annual fee, including cell phone insurance for the primary phone number as well as employee phones on the same account.
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel through Chase Travel.
- The bonus categories are capped at a combined $150,000 each anniversary year. If you spend more in these categories, you need to use a card that awards more than one point per dollar after $150,000.
- The bonus categories are somewhat limited. If your business spending is in other categories, you would likely earn more with a card that awards those categories.
- Although the annual fee of AnnualFees is reasonable and in line with other business rewards cards, you still need to be sure you use and earn enough with the card to more than offset it.
Why we like it
This card comes with travel perks galore. Yes, it has a sizeable annual fee, but it's very easily offset by the many added bonuses that come with card membership. Because it's so easy to offset, it'll hardly feels like this card has an annual fee at all if you use it properly.
This card comes with travel perks galore. Yes, it has a sizeable annual fee, but it's very easily offset by the many added bonuses that come with card membership. Because it's so easy to offset, it'll hardly feels like this card has an annual fee at all if you use it properly.
- If you have a large expense coming up and you can wait to make it within your first three months of card membership, you stand to earn a very large welcome bonus.
- There are numerous travel credits and travel benefits that come with card, making its annual fee feel affordable.
- Accountholders can distribute employee cards for free, which is a big deal for a card with this type of annual fee.
- This is a "pay-in-full" card, so you must pay your entire balance in full each month. If you need to carry a revolving balance, this likely isn't the best option for you.
Why we like it
This card offers business owners and entrepreneurs a comprehensive suite of benefits that far outweighs its higher-than-typical annual fee. To start, new cardholders can earn a bunch of bonus Membership Rewards points thanks to the card's generous welcome bonus. Those points are sure to get you started on the right foot, but if that's not enough, you quickly have the opportunity to earn even more points as well as enjoy a large range of premium travel benefits. American Express is a CardRatings advertiser.
This card offers business owners and entrepreneurs a comprehensive suite of benefits that far outweighs its higher-than-typical annual fee. To start, new cardholders can earn a bunch of bonus Membership Rewards points thanks to the card's generous welcome bonus. Those points are sure to get you started on the right foot, but if that's not enough, you quickly have the opportunity to earn even more points as well as enjoy a large range of premium travel benefits. American Express is a CardRatings advertiser.
- This card includes tons of valuable benefits such as access to airport lounges, up to a $200 airline fee credit, a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fees, a CLEAR Plus credit, and more.
- Cardholders can enjoy complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting.
- In addition to numerous travel perks, the rewards rate is really solid for any business that has a lot of travel needs.
- Enrollment required for select benefits.
- The annual fee is AnnualFees, which is among the highest you find with any business card. This can be expensive if you aren’t able to use the extra benefits that come with the card.
- The best earning is only on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com. If your business purchases are regularly outside these categories, you likely won't maximize your rewards and could probably do better with a different card.
Why we like it
This no-annual-fee card is best viewed as a complement to other cards in the Chase Ink family, the CardName or the CardName. That's because it offers a flat 1.5% cash back on all your purchases, which means you can rake in a half-percent (or half-point if you prefer to think in those terms) more per dollar spent on all the purchases that don't fall under a points bonus category with the other Ink cards.
This no-annual-fee card is best viewed as a complement to other cards in the Chase Ink family, the CardName or the CardName. That's because it offers a flat 1.5% cash back on all your purchases, which means you can rake in a half-percent (or half-point if you prefer to think in those terms) more per dollar spent on all the purchases that don't fall under a points bonus category with the other Ink cards.
- There is no annual fee for this card so you won’t have to worry about earning enough rewards with the card to offset the fee.
- This card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases for intro_apr_duration (then, RegAPR) which can help you save money on interest if you need to make a large purchase.
- The welcome bonus for new cardholders is a very generous offering for a card with no annual fee.
- Although there is no annual fee, there is a foreign transaction fee, which is not ideal if you need to use the card for purchases outside the U.S.
- Although it’s convenient to not have to worry about purchase categories for rewards, you might earn more with a card that awards specific purchases.
Why we like it
Large expenses are just a part of being a business owner. If you need some extra time to pay off an upcoming business expense interest free, this card is a good one to consider thanks to its generous intro APR offer. Plus, it offers valuable rewards on every day business purchases, all for no annual fee.
Large expenses are just a part of being a business owner. If you need some extra time to pay off an upcoming business expense interest free, this card is a good one to consider thanks to its generous intro APR offer. Plus, it offers valuable rewards on every day business purchases, all for no annual fee.
- Intro APR offers are rare for business credit cards, so we always take notice when a business card offers this perk.
- This card doesn’t charge an annual fee which is another nice perk for a business card.
- Comparatively, the welcome bonus is a little low, but that's somewhat to be expected for a card with no annual fee.
- There's a cap on the bonus rewards you can earn with this card, so if your business has high expenses, you might want to consider another option.
Why we like it
If you're looking for an airline rewards card for your small business, you obviously have airline travel expenses; however, those likely aren't the only expenses your business has. That's why we like a card that offers solid rewards on purchases outside of those directly with the airline, but is still rewarding when you do need to cover some air travel expenses.
If you're looking for an airline rewards card for your small business, you obviously have airline travel expenses; however, those likely aren't the only expenses your business has. That's why we like a card that offers solid rewards on purchases outside of those directly with the airline, but is still rewarding when you do need to cover some air travel expenses.
- If your business travel takes you overseas, rest easy knowing you won't be charged foreign transaction fees when you use your card while abroad or if your business requires you to make purchases from foreign merchants.
- Membership Rewards points are highly valued in the travel rewards world; combine the points earned with this small business card with the points you earn on your personal cards to rack up rewards more quickly.
- This card is most rewarding if your spending generally occurs in predictable categories. If you tend to spend a little bit in many different categories, you may not max out the 4x points earning each year and that would be leaving rewards on the table.
- Annual fees aren't fun. This card comes with one, so you'll want to ensure your business needs and expenses will more than offset that fee each year.
Why we like it
If you travel often, the only disadvantage that stands out with CardName is the AnnualFees annual fee, but considering the perks that are offered with the card, a healthy welcome offer and extreme point-earning ease, that annual fee doesn't seem too bad. Truly the most striking thing about this card is the huge number of points that can be earned on purchases. With that kind of point-earning potential, traveling for work might suddenly feel kind of fun. Furthermore, Hilton is an extensive hotel brand, meaning there's likely a Hilton property nearby no matter where your travels take you.
If you travel often, the only disadvantage that stands out with CardName is the AnnualFees annual fee, but considering the perks that are offered with the card, a healthy welcome offer and extreme point-earning ease, that annual fee doesn't seem too bad. Truly the most striking thing about this card is the huge number of points that can be earned on purchases. With that kind of point-earning potential, traveling for work might suddenly feel kind of fun. Furthermore, Hilton is an extensive hotel brand, meaning there's likely a Hilton property nearby no matter where your travels take you.
- There are no foreign transaction fees, which can save your business money if you need to travel abroad or make foreign purchases.
- Enjoy complimentary Hilton HonorsTM Gold Status with your card, that gives you benefits at hotels and resorts within the Hilton Portfolio and allows you to earn an 80% bonus on all base points you earn on every stay getting you to free nights faster.
- Get up to $60 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Business Card.
- The annual fee for this card is AnnualFees. If you won’t earn enough points or use the benefits offered with the card, you should instead use a card with no annual fee.
- This card covers a lot of different purchase categories, but the best redemption will be for Hilton hotel stays. If you prefer other hotel brands or earning cash back, this card is not your best option.
Why we like it
This card offers valuable benefits for small business owners, including flexible payment options that could help you navigate the challenges of managing cash flow and unpredictable business conditions.
This card offers valuable benefits for small business owners, including flexible payment options that could help you navigate the challenges of managing cash flow and unpredictable business conditions.
- You have up to 60 days interest-free to pay off your balance once you've paid your minimum amount due.
- Get rewarded for paying your bill early. Even if you only pay the minimum due, paying within 10 days of the statement closing date earns you a 1.5% discount on the portion of your bill that you pay early.
- You can choose whether to receive your bill at the beginning, middle or end of the month, which is nice for helping to manage cash flow.
- You'll have to pay off your balance in full when you get each statement unless you exercise the "Extra Days to Pay" option, in which case you'll have until the following statement due date to pay off your balance.
- This isn't a traditional rewards card, so don't expect to earn rewards on purchases made with the card.
Compare the best small business credit cards by perks and features
Want to see how our picks for the best small business credit cards stack up against each other? Our comparison tool makes it easy to compare up to three cards at a time. Simply select the cards you’re interested in and we’ll automatically display their key perks and features side-by-side. With a quick glance, you can easily identify the card that best suits your needs and preferences.
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Compare the best business credit cards by user ratings
By analyzing real-world user experiences, we have developed a robust rating system that reflects the performance and value of various credit cards based on consumer insights. This chart allows you to easily compare these ratings side-by-side, enabling informed decision-making based on the feedback of actual cardholders.
How did each of our winning cards rate according to you?
CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. Responses were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ ratings were then averaged under broad topics.
How did each of our winning cards rate according to you?
CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. Responses were given on a scale of 1-10 and respondents’ ratings were then averaged under broad topics.
COST EFFECTIVENESS
REWARDS SATISFACTION
CUSTOMER SERVICE
WEBSITE/APP USABILITY
LIKELIHOOD OF CONTINUING TO USE
RECOMMEND TO A FRIEND/COLLEAGUE
Survey results by card
Select a card below to see the results for each card.
Survey methodology: CardRatings commissioned Slice MR in November 2024 to survey 1,666 cardholders nationwide. CardRatings’ website analytics from Jan. 1, 2024-Oct. 31, 2024 were used to determine a selection of the most popular cards. Responses to 10 questions were given on a scale of 1-10. For nine of these questions, respondents’ scores were averaged under broad topics. The overall rating represents an average of respondents’ responses to their overall rating of each card. “Cardholder favorite” cards are those scored in the top 10 overall.
Ask CardRatings’ experts
How can small business credit cards help business owners?
Business credit cards offer users a line of credit they can use when they need extra time to pay off new purchases or other business-related spending. These cards can also offer rewards, which business owners can redeem for personal use. For example, some of the best business credit cards available today earn cash back, airline miles or points in flexible rewards programs.
Small business credit cards can make it simple for business owners to keep their personal expenses and business expenses separate, which can simplify things at tax time. Many small business cards also offer rewards and other perks tailored to proprietors that can help save you money.
A small business credit card can be an invaluable tool for a growing business. The right card lets business owners access funds and manage cash flow, which are important for a growing company. I find that earning rewards on a business card is an overlooked perk many don't consider.
What features should you consider when choosing a small business credit card?
Compare small business credit cards based on their rewards programs, intro APR offers, protections for purchases and annual fees. Many of the best small business credit cards also offer free employee cards, which can help you track employee spending and maximize rewards on more business-related purchases throughout the year.
When choosing a small business card, look at the card’s attributes to see if they align with your business spends. You should also consider any annual fees and make sure that you'd earn at least enough back in rewards to compensate for that fee. If an intro APR is more important to you than rewards, read the fine print and make sure you understand the terms including length of the offer, balance transfer fees and the card's ongoing APR.
Knowing your needs and goals is key when selecting a business credit card. It's best to choose a card that allows firms to maximize rewards opportunities and features like cards for employees. Don't overlook perks like airport lounge access if you have employees who regularly travel.
Our CardFinder tool is also a great way to find the right card for you!
Tired of searching for the right credit card? CardFinder makes it quick and easy. Simply tell us your preferences and we’ll do the heavy lifting. Our three-step process saves you time and effort, so you can spend less time searching and more time enjoying the rewards. Get started today!
Frequently asked questions
Why do you need a small business credit card?
A small business credit card can be a valuable tool for your business. It can help you manage your cash flow by providing interest-free financing, separate your personal and business expenses for better financial organization, and earn rewards or cash back on business purchases. Many small business credit cards offer specialized features and perks designed to meet the unique needs of small businesses. Additionally, using a small business credit card can help you establish a credit history for your business, which can be beneficial for future financing opportunities.
Learn more about why you need a small business credit card.
Who can get a small business credit card?
Today's workforce is increasingly independent, with many individuals working as freelancers, contractors, or small business owners. Many of these individuals are eligible for small business credit cards.
To qualify, you typically need to be an authorized officer of a business. For sole proprietors and single-member LLCs, the owner is usually considered an authorized officer. For larger businesses, specific roles may determine who qualifies.
When evaluating applicants, banks often prioritize personal credit history, especially for new businesses. A strong personal credit score can significantly improve your chances of approval. Additionally, the type of business and its financial health may be factors in the decision-making process.
Remember, small business credit cards often require a personal guarantee, meaning you're personally liable for the debt. Any default could negatively impact your personal credit history.
Learn more about who can get a small business credit card.
Do I need an employer identification number to get a business credit card?
While small business credit card applications often request an Employer Identification Number (EIN), this isn't always a strict requirement. Sole proprietors without a formal business structure can typically use their Social Security Number (SSN) instead.
However, if you do have an EIN, you'll likely be asked for your SSN as well. Lenders use this information to assess your creditworthiness, especially when you're starting a new business and haven't built a substantial business credit history.
How to apply for a small business credit card?
To apply for a small business credit card, you'll need to gather some essential information. This includes your personal credit score, which is a key factor in determining your creditworthiness. If you're a sole proprietor without a formal business structure, you can often use your Social Security Number (SSN) instead of an Employer Identification Number (EIN). However, if you have an EIN, you'll likely need to provide both your SSN and EIN for verification purposes.
Additionally, you'll need to provide basic information about your business, such as its legal structure, annual revenue, and number of employees. While a strong business history can be beneficial, it's not always a strict requirement, especially for startups. Lenders often consider your personal credit history as a significant factor in the approval process.
Remember, honesty is crucial when applying for a small business credit card. Avoid providing false information as it can negatively impact your chances of approval and potentially damage your credit score.
Learn more about how to apply for a business credit card.
What is the difference between personal credit and small business credit scores?
A personal credit score is linked to your Social Security number, while your business credit score is linked to your Employer Identification Number or Tax ID Number. Also, your personal credit activity is summarized as a numerical score from 300-850, which is calculated by the three major credit bureaus Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. Business credit activity, however, is summarized in a score on a scale of zero to 100, and is tracked by companies such as Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business and Equifax Small Business.
Additionally, business credit scores, unlike personal scores, are available to the public though you may need to pay a fee to see it.
Just like with personal credit, it takes time to build a good business credit score, though the process is similar. Maintain responsible financial habits for your business and let time work for you. The age of your business, the type of debt you have and your assets, and revenue can all contribute to your score. With business credit scores, factors such as industry risk and any legal filings may also have an impact.
What credit score is needed for a business credit card?
If you're depending on your personal score to qualify for a small business card, you'll find most are available to people with good or excellent credit, which means a score of at least 700 is ideal. That said, if your business is well-established and shows a strong pattern of revenue, a lower score could qualify you. There are a handful of small business cards available to people with fair credit, though they are the exception rather than the rule.
If you're applying for a card and you have a business credit score to use, most experts agree that a score of at least 75 is ideal.
Can I use a personal credit card for my small business expenses?
While you can technically use a personal credit card for small business expenses, it's not recommended. Doing so can blur the lines between personal and business finances, making it difficult to track expenses and manage cash flow. Additionally, using a personal credit card for business expenses may not earn you rewards or benefits specifically designed for business use. It's generally more advantageous to use a small business credit card to enjoy exclusive perks, separate business and personal expenses, and potentially build business credit.
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Rating methodology: CardRatings experts review the fine print, details, perks, rewards and features of hundreds of cards and compare them side-by-side with similar cards. A card that makes an excellent balance transfer card may not make a great cash-back rewards card even though it offers those rewards. While the Best of the Year list is announced annually, that list – and all other “best of” lists on CardRatings – are regularly reviewed and updated as issuers change the terms and features of each card often.
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The information in this article is believed to be accurate as of the date it was written. Please keep in mind that credit card offers change frequently. Therefore, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information in this article. Reasonable efforts are made to maintain accurate information. See the online credit card application for full terms and conditions on offers and rewards. Please verify all terms and conditions of any credit card prior to applying.
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