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A good business credit card can make a big difference for small business owners. Not only can it help you build a business credit history and separate your personal and business purchases, but it can also provide valuable rewards to offset your travel expenses.
We like how easy it is to earn travel rewards on common business purchases with the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card(Rates and fees). But if you want more travel benefits, there are better options, including The New United℠ Business Card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.
How we evaluate products
Small business owners and solopreneurs are top of mind for us when rating and reviewing business cards. The most valuable credit cards to this type of reader include cash back and travel cards that offer rewards on common business expenses and travel costs.
We rate business cards primarily based on their annual value to the user. We also score these cards on business-specific features, such as earning rates on things like office supplies and telecommunications, as well as travel perks and reward redemption options.
Comapre the best business cards for travel
| Card name | Rewards rate | Annual fee | Excellent for... |
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Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
4.8
|
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; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases | $0 | Elevated everyday earning |
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Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card
4.4
|
1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases | $0 | Everyday earning |
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The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
4.9
|
2X Membership Rewards points on everyday eligible business purchases up to $50,000 each year, and 1X points on eligible purchases after that | $0 (terms apply) | Simple earning |
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Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
4.8
|
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase | $0 | Everyday earning |
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The New United℠ Business Card
4.7
|
2x miles on United® purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting; plus 1x mile on all other purchases | $150 | International flights |
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Capital One Spark Miles for Business
4.9
|
5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site, and 2X miles on every purchase, every day | $95 (waived first year) | Lucrative rewards on everything |
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Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
4.8
|
3X points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year; and 1X points per $1 on all other purchases | $95 | Flexible redemptions |
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Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
4.3
|
3X points on Southwest Airlines® purchases, 2X points at gas stations and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per year; plus 1X points on all other purchases | $149 | Domestic flights |
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Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
4.7
|
6X points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels; 4X points at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, U.S. purchases on shipping, and wireless telephone services purchased from U.S. providers; and 2X points on all other eligible purchases | $125 (terms apply) | Hotel stays |
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American Express® Business Gold Card
4.8
|
4X Membership Rewards Points on purchases in the two eligible categories with the most spend each month from 6 eligible categories (up to $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, after that 1X), 3X Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked at amextravel.com, and 1 point per $1 spent on other eligible purchases | $375 (terms apply) | Flexible rewards |
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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
4.7
|
5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com; 2X points on purchases at U.S. suppliers of construction materials and hardware, U.S. retailers of electronic goods, U.S. providers of shipping, software and cloud systems, and on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million per year, then 1X), and 1X points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases (purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus) | $895 (terms apply) | Premium perks |
As you review each card, consider your top priorities to narrow down the selection to the best fit for you and your business.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer: Earn $900 after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Rewards rate: 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; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year; and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Travel perks: The Ink Business Cash provides an auto rental collision damage waiver. You can also redeem your points for flights, hotel stays, and more through Chase Travel.
Additional benefits: You can also take advantage of purchase protection and extended warranty protection.
Apply now or read our full Ink Business Cash review.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card
Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer: Earn 30,000 online bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
Rewards rate: 1.5 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Travel perks: You can redeem rewards for travel through the Bank of America Travel Center. You can also redeem rewards for statement credits to offset travel and dining purchases.
Additional benefits: You can boost your earning potential by up to 75% as a Bank of America Preferred Rewards for Business member. That's a lot more points you can put toward travel.
Read our full Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards review.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Annual fee: $0 (terms apply)
Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership.
Rewards rate: 2X Membership Rewards points on everyday eligible business purchases up to $50,000 each year, and 1X points on eligible purchases after that.
Travel perks: The Amex Blue Business Plus provides car rental loss and damage insurance1 <p>Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.</p><p></p><ul><li>Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. </li><li>Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. </li><li>Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.</li></ul><p></p> . You can redeem your points for travel through American Express Travel or transfer your points to travel partners, including Delta, Hilton, and Virgin Atlantic.
Additional benefits: You can also take advantage of extended warranty coverage2 <p>When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year.</p><p></p><ul><li>Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. </li><li>Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. </li><li>Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.</li></ul><p></p> and purchase protection.3 <p>When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase with their Eligible Card, Purchase Protection can help protect their Covered Purchases for up to 90 days from the Covered Purchase date if it is stolen or accidentally damaged. The coverage is limited up to $1,000 per occurrence, up to $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year.</p><p></p><ul><li>Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. </li><li>Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.</li><li>Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.</li></ul><p></p>
Apply now or read our full Amex Blue Business Plus review.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Annual fee: $0
Welcome offer: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Rewards rate: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
Travel perks: You can redeem your rewards for travel through Chase Travel and take advantage of an auto rental collision damage waiver.
Additional benefits: Your Ink Business Unlimited also comes with extended warranty coverage and purchase protection.
Apply now or read our full Ink Business Unlimited review.
The New United℠ Business Card
Annual fee: $150
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open (limited-time offer).
Rewards rate:United Business cardholders will earn 2x miles on United® purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting; plus 1x mile on all other purchases.
Travel perks: United Airlines has a wide network, both domestically and internationally. What's more, it belongs to the Star Alliance, which includes several international airline partners that you can use your United miles with to book flights overseas.
Free flights aren't the only reason to get the card, though. It also offers priority boarding, the first checked bag free for you and a travel companion, and two one-time passes to the United Club airport lounge each year when the primary cardmember or authorized user is traveling.
Additional benefits: United Business cardholders will have access to several trip protections, including primary rental car insurance when renting for business purposes, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement, and purchase and extended warranty protection.
Read our full United Business Card review.
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Annual fee: $95 (waived first year)
Welcome offer: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months from account opening
Rewards rate: The card offers 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site, and 2X miles on every purchase, every day, making it a solid choice for business owners who don't spend a lot in any one expense category.
Travel perks: The Capital One Spark Miles for Business focuses more on its rewards program than travel perks. However, you'll get an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, up to $120. You'll also have the opportunity to transfer your hard-earned miles to one of 15+ airline partners to potentially squeeze more value out of them.
Additional benefits: Beyond the travel features, the card doesn't provide a lot of other major benefits. You will, however, get protections like $0 fraud coverage for unauthorized charges.4 <p class="">For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.<br></p>
Read our full Capital One Spark Miles for Business review.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Annual fee: $95
Welcome offer: Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Rewards rate: You'll earn 3X points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year; and 1X points per $1 on all other purchases.
Travel perks: The biggest benefit of having the Ink Business Preferred is its flexible rewards. If you redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards points for travel through the Chase Travel portal, you'll get more value than if you redeem them for cash back or gift cards. What's more, you could get more value by transferring your points to one of Chase's airline or hotel partners.
The card also offers primary rental car insurance when you rent a car for business purposes. This coverage is different than the secondary coverage most credit cards provide and doesn't require you to file a claim with your auto insurance company before it kicks in.
Additional benefits: Cardholders will also get trip cancellation and interruption insurance, roadside dispatch, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection. If you use the card to pay your cell phone bill, you'll get coverage of up to $600 per claim for you and any employees listed on your plan, up to three claims per year.
Read our full Ink Business Preferred review.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
Annual fee: $149
Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
Rewards rate: You'll earn 3X points on Southwest Airlines® purchases, 2X points at gas stations and restaurants on the first $8,000 in combined purchases per year; plus 1X points on all other purchases.
Travel perks: The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business card's main value proposition is the chance to earn valuable rewards with one of the best domestic airlines in the industry. While not specific to the card, Southwest Airlines passengers get two free checked bags on each flight (though that will change for flights booked and ticketed or changed on or after May 28, 2025) and don't have to pay a fee to change their flight reservation.
As a cardholder, however, you'll earn 6,000 bonus points each year when you renew the card, which could be enough to make up for its annual fee.
Additional benefits: The card also comes with purchase and extended warranty protection, lost luggage reimbursement, and baggage delay insurance.
Read our full Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Card review
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Annual fee: $125
Welcome offer: Earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after you use your new Card to make $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Terms apply. (limited time offer; ends 10/22/2025)
Rewards rate: 6X points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels; 4X points at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, U.S. purchases on shipping, and wireless telephone services purchased from U.S. providers; and 2X points on all other eligible purchases
Travel perks: The primary benefit of having a hotel credit card is the brand-specific perks that come with it. On that front, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card doesn't disappoint. It offers complimentary Gold Elite Status in the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, which can get you a number of perks ranging from bonus points on stays to late checkout.
The card also provides one free-night award worth up to 35,000 points every year when you renew your card and pay the annual fee, plus another free-night award when you spend $60,000 in a calendar year.
You'll also receive 15 elite night credits per year, which can help you qualify for a higher status in Marriott's loyalty program.
Additional benefits: Cardholders will also get purchase and extended warranty protection2 <p>When an American Express® Card Member charges a Covered Purchase to an Eligible Card, Extended Warranty§ can provide up to one extra year added to the Original Manufacturer’s Warranty. Applies to warranties of five (5) years or less. Coverage is up to the actual amount charged to your Card for the item up to a maximum of $10,000; not to exceed $50,000 per Card Member account per calendar year.</p><p></p><ul><li>Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. </li><li>Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. </li><li>Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.</li></ul><p></p> , as well as access to various expense management tools that come with all American Express business credit cards. (Enrollment may be required on select benefits.)
Apply now or read our full Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card review.
American Express® Business Gold Card
Annual fee: $375
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months
Rewards rate: The card's main value lies in its flexible rewards. You'll earn 4X Membership Rewards Points on purchases in the two eligible categories with the most spend each month from 6 eligible categories (up to $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, after that 1X), 3X Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked at amextravel.com, and 1 point per $1 spent on other eligible purchases.
Available bonus categories include:
- U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software and cloud system providers
- Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
- Transit purchases, including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
- Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)
- U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
- U.S. purchases at gas stations
Travel perks: The American Express Business Gold Card doesn't provide many major travel benefits, but you can transfer your points to several travel partners, including airlines and hotel brands. If you're earning bonus points on a good chunk of your expenses, you could start earning nearly free flights and hotel stays fast.
There are some travel benefits of note, however, including complimentary benefits when you book The Hotel Collection, a global assist hotline5 <p>You can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility.</p><p></p><ul><li>Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. </li><li>Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. </li><li>Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.</li></ul><p></p> , travel discounts and amenities, lost luggage insurance6 <p>Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Eligible Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the entire fare for a Common Carrier Vehicle ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible Account. Coverage can be provided for up to $1,250 for carry-on Baggage and up to $500 for checked Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus). For New York State residents, there is a $10,000 aggregate maximum limit for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.</p><p></p><ul><li>Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. </li><li>Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. </li><li>Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.</li></ul><p></p> , and rental car insurance (secondary coverage).1 <p>Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $50,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply.</p><p></p><ul><li>Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. </li><li>Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. </li><li>Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.</li></ul><p></p>
Apply now or read our full American Express Business Gold Card review.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Annual fee: $895
Welcome offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership..
Rewards rate: 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com; 2X points on purchases at U.S. suppliers of construction materials and hardware, U.S. retailers of electronic goods, U.S. providers of shipping, software and cloud systems, and on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million per year, then 1X), and 1X points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases (purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus)
When redeeming your travel rewards, you'll get 35% of your points back (up to 1,000,000 per year) when you use them to cover some or all of an eligible flight ticket.
Travel perks: The Business Platinum Card from American Express comes with a suite of premium travel benefits, and taking advantage of them can help offset its high annual fee. Cardholders can get up to $200 in annual airline fee credits and a fee credit for application for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
You'll also get elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, as well as complimentary benefits when you book a hotel stay through Fine Hotels Resorts. Membership in premium rental car programs that provide discounts and free upgrades is also included.
When you fly, you'll get complimentary airport lounge access to several networks, including the Centurion Lounge, International American Express lounges, Delta Sky Club, Priority Pass, Airspace, and Escape.
Enrollment may be required to activate select benefits.
The card also allows you to transfer your points to several airline and hotel partners to offset the cost of your travel purchases.
Additional benefits: If those perks aren't enough, there are also various trip protections available, including rental car insurance (secondary coverage)7 <p>Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible Card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the Commercial Car Rental Company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. Geographic restrictions apply. </p><p></p><ul><li>Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. </li><li>Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. </li><li>Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.</li></ul><p></p> and lost luggage insurance8 <p>Baggage Insurance Plan coverage can be in effect for Covered Persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen Baggage during their travel on a Common Carrier Vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an Eligible Card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked Baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on Baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the Common Carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per Covered Trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each Covered Person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all Covered Persons per Covered Trip.</p><p></p><ul><li>Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. </li><li>Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. </li><li>Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.</li></ul><p></p> .
Apply now or read our full Business Platinum Card from American Express review.
Bottom line
There are a lot of solid rewards credit cards out there, but the best business credit cards for travel really depend on your typical business expenses and what you want in a credit card. And it's worth keeping an open mind, too.
Be sure to compare these and other top business credit cards to get a better idea of what you're looking for and which new business card is the best fit for your needs.