Best Small Business Credit Cards of 2023

Last updated March 24, 2023 | By FinanceBuzz Editors

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You don't need to own a big business to see big rewards from a business credit card. Whether you're looking for bonus cash back on office supplies, a way to build business credit, or a card with no annual fee and a long 0% introductory APR period, there's a business card that will meet your needs.

Generous sign-up bonuses also sweeten the deal for small business owners and will likely leave you wanting to apply for multiple cards to take advantage of all the introductory offers and other cardholder perks. Hopefully, one of the credit cards below offers just the perks and rewards that you're looking for to get the maximum benefit from your company card.

In this article

The best small business credit cards

Current Offer

Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$0

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 card purchases

Why We Like It

If you’re a freelancer, independent contractor, or small business owner in need of a business credit card that offers valuable rewards, consider the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card. It has no annual fee, a valuable sign-up bonus for new cardmembers, and rewards for common business purchases.

You don’t even need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to apply; sole proprietors and people who run side hustles can take advantage of this card’s benefits, too.

With the Ink Business Cash card, you’ll earn 5% cash back at the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. You’ll also earn 2% cash back at the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year.

Card Details
  • 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
  • Member FDIC
  • No Annual Fee
  • Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from 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
  • 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.

Current Offer

Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$195

Rewards Rate

5% cash back on travel purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards; unlimited 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more; unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases

Why We Like It

For business owners who prefer to pay their balance in full each month, the New Business Card! Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card offers Increased spending power, competitive rewards for business spending, and strong travel benefits. 

Small business owners who pay in full will gain greater spending capacity, and for eligible purchases, the Flex for Business benefit offers the ability to pay off certain purchases over time with interest.

Cardholders can earn unlimited 2.5% on purchases of $5,000 or more and 2% on all other business purchases. For travel, the Ink Business Premier offers unlimited 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, no foreign transaction fees, and several travel protections that include primary rental car collision insurance and roadside dispatch.

The Ink Business Premier also offers additional employee cards at no added cost to track spending and increase reward earnings. Pay your monthly cell phone bill with this card and receive cell phone coverage for yourself and each employee listed on your bill  (up to $1,000 per claim, max 3 claims per year, $100 deductible per claim.)

Card Details
  • Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
  • Travel Benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, No Foreign Transaction Fees and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
  • Rich Rewards. Limitless Opportunities. With no minimum redemption amount, redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • For businesses who prefer to pay their balance in full each month, Ink Business Premier gives access to increased spending power, rich rewards, and premium benefits.
  • Pay off eligible purchases over time with interest up to assigned Flex for Business limit. All other purchases must be paid in full each month.
  • Purchase with confidence with built-in protections like Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
  • There’s no additional cost for employee cards. Monitor spend with digital tools like purchase alerts, set spending limits, reporting, and more.

Current Offer

Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

1.5% cash back on all spending

Why We Like It

The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is best for business owners who want a simple, easy-to-use rewards card. It has an easy-to-earn sign-up bonus, a flat rewards structure on all purchases, and an introductory APR offer on purchases that can help you save money. And, there’s no annual fee.

You’ll earn a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make, with no limit on how much you can earn.

If you have a major purchase coming up for your business, you can take advantage of this card’s 0% introductory APR. You get 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months  (then 17.74% - 23.74% Variable), giving you a full year to pay down your balance without paying interest charges.

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

Current Offer

Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$95

Rewards Rate

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

Why We Like It

For business owners looking for a rewards card with premium benefits, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a standout option. It has a lucrative sign-up bonus, valuable rewards program, and flexible redemption options.

With this card, you’ll earn 3X Chase Ultimate Rewards 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.

It also has comprehensive travel benefits, including trip cancellation and interruption insurance, primary car rental insurance, and cell phone protection.

Card Details
  • Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
  • 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 Ultimate Rewards®
  • 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

Current Offer

Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $10,000 in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$295

Rewards Rate

4X Membership Rewards points for the first $150,000 spent in two select categories each year (after that 1X), and 1 point per $1 spent on other eligible purchases

Why We Like It

If you’re a business owner looking for a rewards credit card that offers great travel benefits, the American Express® Business Gold Card is a good choice for you. 

It has a robust welcome offer for new cardmembers, and you can earn valuable rewards on some of your most common business expenses. You’ll earn 4X points per $1 spent on two select categories (up to $150,000 annually, after that 1X) where your business spends the most money.

If you travel often for work, this card is an excellent addition to your wallet. When you book your flight with American Express Travel with your Membership Rewards Points, you’ll get 25% of those points back, up to 250,000 points per year.

Card Details
  • Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $10,000 in the first 3 months
  • 4X Membership Rewards points for the first $150,000 spent in two select categories each year (after that 1X), and 1 point per $1 spent on other eligible purchases
  • Terms apply

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Current Offer

Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$695

Rewards Rate

5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on Amextravel.com; 1.5X points on eligible 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 eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million per year, then 1X); and 1X points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases

Why We Like It

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is best for business owners looking for a rewards card with premium benefits. If you make major purchases throughout the year and travel often, the card can be very useful to you and your business.

New cardmembers can earn a lucrative welcome bonus and generous rewards. You’ll also earn 5X points per $1 spent on flights and prepaid hotels on Amextravel.com. On all other eligible purchases, you’ll get 1X point per $1 spent. However, on eligible 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 eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million per year, then 1X), you receive 1.5X points per $1 spent.

You’ll get Centurion Lounge access at airports, as well as access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection, Delta Sky Club, and Priority Pass Select. Each year, you’ll get up to $200 in airline credits to reimburse you for fees paid to an airline of your choice.

Card Details
  • Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months
  • 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on Amextravel.com; 1.5X points on eligible 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 eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million per year, then 1X); and 1X points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
  • Terms apply

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®

CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®

Current Offer

Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening

Annual Fee

$99 (waived first year)

Rewards Rate

Earn 2X miles per dollar on all eligible American Airlines purchases and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations; plus 1X miles on other purchases

Why We Like It

The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® is a great option for businesses that frequently fly on American Airlines with high travel expenses. Cardholders enjoy perks like a first checked bag free and preferred boarding on American Airlines flights.

Earn 2X miles per dollar on all eligible American Airlines purchases and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations; plus 1X miles on other purchases.

Card Details
  • Earn 65,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after spending $4,000 in purchases within the first 4 months of account opening
  • Earn 2X miles per dollar on all eligible American Airlines purchases and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations; plus 1X miles on other purchases

Current Offer

Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

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

Why We Like It

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express offers great rewards and earning incentives on business-related purchases with no annual fee.

Cardmembers can create employee cards, designate an account manager, and receive a complete year-end summary each year. 

Earn 2X Membership Rewards points on everyday eligible business purchases up to $50,000 each year, and 1X points on eligible purchases after that.

Card Details
  • Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
  • 2X Membership Rewards points on everyday eligible business purchases up to $50,000 each year, and 1X points on eligible purchases after that
  • Intro purchase 0% APR offer: 0% for 12 months then 17.99% - 25.99% (variable)
  • Terms apply

Current Offer

Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

2% cash back on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each year, then 1% after that

Why We Like It

For business owners who want to earn rewards without worrying about expensive fees, the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is a great option. It has no annual fee and offers a simple rewards structure that’s perfect for busy business owners who don’t want to think about different spending categories.

With the Blue Business Cash Card, you’ll earn 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each year, then 1% after that. Cash back is received in the form of statement credits.

This is also a good card for large purchases.

Card Details
  • Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
  • 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each year, then 1% after that
  • Intro purchase 0% APR offer: 0% for 12 months then 17.99% - 25.99% (variable)
  • Terms apply

Current Offer

Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$99 (waived first year)

Rewards Rate

2X miles on United purchases and dining (including eligible delivery services), at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting; and 1X miles on everything else

Why We Like It

The United℠ Business Card is best for business travelers who regularly fly on United and are looking for valuable rewards and travel benefits. This card boasts perks to make your next trip more pleasant.

With the United Business card, you’ll earn 2X miles on United purchases and dining (including eligible delivery services), at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting; and 1X miles on everything else.

Each year, United Business cardmembers who make seven United flight purchases of $100 or more will receive a $100 United travel credit. On your cardmember anniversary each year, United will add two one-time United Club passes to your account, giving you airport lounge access. 

On all United flights, you and your travel companions on the same reservation get priority boarding. When you pay for your flight with your card, you and one companion also get one free checked bag on all United flights.

Card Details
  • Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months
  • 2X miles on United purchases and dining (including eligible delivery services), at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting; and 1X miles on everything else

How to pick the right card for your business

No two businesses are alike and different company owners will have their own unique needs when it comes to the perfect small business credit card. To find one that's right for you, consider:

  • How much you plan to spend on your card: Some cards have maximum spending limits within bonus rewards categories; others offer extra perks for big spenders. Consider your average budget, your ideal credit limit, and how much you can comfortably spend each month.
  • What type of spending you do the most: Look at your typical business spending in a given calendar year. Business credit cards often offer bonus rewards for different spending categories, and you'll want a card that gives you extra points for the things your company spends the most on. 
  • What kinds of rewards you're interested in: Some cards offer the chance to redeem for cash back, whereas others allow you to trade points for travel or merchandise. Some even allow you to use your points with partner rewards programs. Consider how much redemption flexibility you need and which rewards excite you. 
  • How many employee cards you need: If you have lots of staff who need to charge purchases to your account, free employee cards will be an important perk. 
  • Can you afford — and justify — an annual fee: There are free business cards and cards that charge you to become a cardholder, though some waive the annual fee for the first year. Paying an annual fee is worth it only if you'll earn enough rewards to justify the fee or if the cardholder perks make the fee worth paying.
  • Business credit reporting vs. personal credit reporting: Certain card issuers report business card activity to your personal credit report, while others only report business credit card activity to your personal credit report if your account is delinquent. The rules typically vary by issuer, so do your due diligence before you apply for a card if this is an important consideration for you. 

Business credit cards vs. personal credit cards

Business credit cards are meant for small business owners to use on business expenses. Personal credit cards are meant for individuals to use on everyday expenses, such as groceries or gas.

This doesn’t mean you have to use a business credit card for business expenses. But as a small business owner, the benefits of having a business credit card over a personal credit card could include:

  • A higher credit limit
  • Bonus categories that align with common business expenses
  • Business-related perks and benefits
  • Separate credit reporting
  • Employee credit cards
  • Convenient tracking of business expenses

One of the most important reasons to have a business credit card for your business is because it can help separate your business and personal expenses. This can make it easier to file your taxes and help provide necessary bookkeeping if you’re audited.

What you need to get approved for a small business credit card

Business credit cards aren’t just for large corporations with loads of employees. You could qualify with many different types of business income, even as a freelancer or someone doing a part-time side hustle. Sole proprietorships, LLCs, non-profit organizations, and more can all qualify for business credit cards.

Here are some of the application requirements for getting approved for a small business credit card:

  • Social Security number (SSN) or individual tax ID number (ITIN)
  • Legal business structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, etc.)
  • Business’ legal name
  • Employer identification number (EIN) if you have one
  • Number of employees
  • Established business date
  • Annual business revenue

In some cases, you can use your SSN or ITIN in place of an EIN. And keep in mind that business credit cards also have credit score requirements. This means that even though some business cards don’t report to your personal credit, you often need a good or excellent personal credit score to qualify.

Pros and cons of business credit cards

Pros

  • Separating personal and business expenses
  • Potentially having a higher credit limit
  • Issuing employee credit cards to help with your business needs
  • Tracking your business expenses
  • Earning rewards on business purchases and/or bonus offers
  • Building your business credit history
  • Helping improve cash flow for your business
  • Taking advantage of credit card benefits, which could include purchase protection
  • Transferring rewards to loyalty programs, such as Hilton or Hyatt, with certain business credit cards

Cons

  • Paying an annual fee unless you have a no-annual-fee card
  • Losing out on some of the protections offered to consumer cardholders under the Credit CARD Act of 2009
  • Not having the best intro APR offers on purchases or balance transfers (the offers typically last fewer billing cycles compared to consumer cards)
  • Potentially having to pay high interest rates with a credit card or certain fees with a charge card
  • Having hard credit checks on your consumer credit history could affect your personal finance goals

FAQs

How do I get a business credit card for my business?

To obtain a business card for your company, research your options and submit an online application. The issuer or lender will consider your creditworthiness as well as other factors when you apply for a new business credit card.

You can use your company's EIN to apply if your business is well-established. Otherwise, you'll likely want to use your personal Social Security number on your business credit card application and apply as a sole proprietorship. 

You'll also need to provide details about your business structure and annual revenue. Some issuers may require that you make a personal guarantee indicating you will be personally responsible for any unpaid balances on your business credit card. Based on the information you provide, the credit issuer will either approve or deny your request for credit.

Does applying for a business credit card affect personal credit?

Applying for a business card can affect your personal credit if you apply with your Social Security number, as this will result in an inquiry on your personal credit report. A hard inquiry could impact your personal credit score.

Some business card issuers will report all information, including payment history, from your business card to your personal credit history; others report only negative information.

What are the major business credit bureaus?

There are three major business credit reporting agencies:

  • Dun & Bradstreet
  • Equifax Small Business
  • Experian Business

Each has its own scoring model, so you may see different business credit scores across the three agencies, similar to what you'd see with your personal credit reports if you were checking them in Equifax, Experian, and Transunion. Your business credit reports will typically include the following information across the three agencies, even though scoring models will vary:

  • Company information: business address and legal name, number of employees, ownership information, subsidiary information 
  • Public records data: judgments, liens, UCC filings, collection accounts
  • Payment data: past payments, accounts receivable, business credit card payment history, credit limits, length of credit history

How many credit cards should a small business have?

The right number of credit cards depends on your company's needs. Some businesses do fine with just one good card that offers generous cash back rewards or travel rewards for everyday business spending or for the kind of spending the company does most often. Other businesses benefit from having multiple cards so they can take advantage of different perks or earn the maximum rewards for different kinds of spending.

For everyday business spending, a company could benefit from a straightforward cashback rewards card to make regular business purchases without worrying about juggling bonus categories. But for frequent business travel, a company might also save money by applying for a new card that offers travel perks like no foreign transaction fees, bonus points on airfare, lounge access, or statement credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.

Can I get a business credit card for personal use?

The definition of what constitutes a "business" for obtaining a business card is pretty relaxed. Although you shouldn't lie on your application, you can often qualify with something as simple as selling a few items on eBay or listing crafts in an Etsy store.

Once you obtain a business card, the credit card issuer usually won't prevent you from using it for personal use. But if you obtained the card in the name of your business and want to maintain your company's separate legal identity, or you have business partners or shareholders, you typically shouldn't use the company card for personal purchases. Stick with a personal credit card instead.

Can you have a business credit card without a business?

Although you do need to have some type of business to get a business card, credit issuers are pretty lax in their requirements for what they consider to be a business.

If you make some money selling things online, babysitting, or walking the neighbor's dog, technically you could use these activities as your business and apply for a business card. Just be honest on your application and realize not every card issuer will necessarily approve you.

Why are business credit cards useful?

A business credit card can be useful in many ways. Often, small business owners may use credit cards to streamline cash flow and separate personal and business expenses, making it easier to track spending come tax time. Over time, a business credit card can also help you boost your business credit score. A strong credit history may make it easier for you to apply for lines of credit that you can use to grow your business in the future.

Methodology

To select the best business credit cards, we looked for cards that offer valuable perks for businesses of all sizes. We looked at the value of these rewards, as well as the welcome bonus, compared to the annual fee. We did not include all cards available.

Up to 5% Cash Back

Current Offer

Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$0

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 card purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

  • Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • $0 annual fee
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months (then 17.74% - 23.74% Variable)
  • Up to 5% cash back

Drawbacks

  • Capped spending on bonus cash back categories
  • Has foreign transaction fee
Card Details
  • 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
  • Member FDIC
  • No Annual Fee
  • Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from 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
  • 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.