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Business credit cards help small-business owners make the most of their day-to-day expenses. Aside from earning valuable rewards such as airline miles and cash back, the best business credit cards come with a variety of benefits that help you better organize your business finances. These include low intro APRs, expense tracking and other business-related perks.
So whether you’re a freelancer, working a side gig or running your own organization with multiple employees, here’s how a small-business credit card can work for you.
Business credit cards help small-business owners make the most of their day-to-day expenses. Aside from earning valuable rewards such as airline miles and cash back, the best business credit cards come with a variety of benefits that help you better organize your business finances. These include low intro APRs, expense tracking and other business-related perks.
So whether you’re a freelancer, working a side gig or running your own organization with multiple employees, here’s how a small-business credit card can work for you.
Creditcards.com’s Best Business Credit Cards for February 2023
Our rating:4.7
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
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
2%
Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
1%
Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
At A Glance
Intro offer
$900
Best Offer Ever: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
17.49% - 23.49% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Our rating:4.0
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
At A Glance
Intro offer
$900
Best Offer Ever: Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
17.49% - 23.49% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Our rating:4.2
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Unlimited 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2X
Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account.
At A Glance
Intro offer
50,000 miles
Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Annual fee
$95, waived first year
Regular APR
25.24% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Our rating:4.7
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
740-850 (Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
2%
Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
At A Glance
Intro offer
Up to $1,000 cash bonus
Earn up to a $1,000 cash bonus; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months, and $500 once you spend $50,000 in the first 6 months of account opening
Annual fee
$150
Regular APR
N/A
Recommended credit
740-850 (Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Our rating:4.4
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 select categories where your business spent the most each month.
1X
1X is earned for other purchases. **
25%
Airline Bonus: Get 25% points back after you use points for all or part of an eligible flight booked with Amex Travel, up to 250,000 points back per calendar year.*
At A Glance
Intro offer
70,000 points
Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
Annual fee
$295
Regular APR
18.74% - 26.74% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Our rating:4.4
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%.
1%
1% cash back on all eligible purchases after spending $50,000 per calendar year.
At A Glance
Intro offer
$250
Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
Annual fee
No annual fee
Regular APR
17.74% - 25.74% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Our rating:4.1
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners.
1X
2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
At A Glance
Intro offer
15,000 points
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.
Annual fee
No annual fee
Regular APR
17.74% - 25.74% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Our rating:3.7
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
2.5%
Unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more
2%
Unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
At A Glance
Intro offer
$1,000 Cash Back
Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual fee
$195
Regular APR
18.49% - 26.49% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Our rating:4.9
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com
1.5X
Earn 1.5X points on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year
1X
1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
At A Glance
Intro offer
120,000 points
Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Annual fee
$695
Regular APR
18.74% - 26.74% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Our rating:4.1
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
740-850 (Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases everywhere, every time.
At A Glance
Intro offer
$300
Get a $300 statement credit online bonus after you make at least $3,000 in net purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.49% - 26.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Recommended credit
740-850 (Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Our rating:3.9
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
740-850 (Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
3% cash back in the category of your choice (on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter).
2%
2% cash back on dining purchases (on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter).
1%
1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.
At A Glance
Intro offer
$300
Get a $300 statement credit online bonus after you make at least $3,000 in net purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening - with no annual fee and cash rewards don't expire.
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.49% - 26.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Recommended credit
740-850 (Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Our rating:3.4
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
$200 Cashback
Spend $15,000 in the first 3 months for $200 cashback
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
9.99% - 34.99% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Our rating:4.5
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
1X
Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn
At A Glance
Intro offer
100,000 points
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®
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
20.24% - 25.24% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Our rating:4.7
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Earn 2 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta, on every dollar spent on eligible U.S. purchases for advertising in select media, on every dollar spent on eligible U.S. shipping purchases, on every eligible dollar spent at restaurants.
1X
Earn 1 Mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.
At A Glance
Intro offer
75,000 miles
Limited Time Offer: Earn 75,000 Bonus Miles after spending $3,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 3/29/23.
Annual fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
Regular APR
20.24% - 29.24% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Our rating:4.9
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
3X on all other eligible purchases. Terms & Limitations Apply.
At A Glance
Intro offer
Earn 165,000 Points
Limited Time Offer: Earn 165,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 3 Months of Card Membership. Offer ends 4/5/23
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
20.24% - 29.24% variable
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Our rating:3.7
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
670-850 (Good to Excellent)
CreditCards.com 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.
Our rating:3.6
Our writers, editors and industry experts score credit cards based on a variety of factors including card features, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers have no say or influence on how we rate cards. The score seen here reflects the card's primary category rating. For more information, you can read about how we rate our cards.
Recommended credit
(No Credit History)
CreditCards.com 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.
50,000
50,000 signup bonus points after spending $9,000+ in the first 30 days
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
N/A
Recommended credit
(No Credit History)
CreditCards.com 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.
All information about the Capital One Spark Classic for Business has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer.
Comparing the best business credit cards of 2023
Business Credit Card
Best For
Intro Bonus
Rewards Rate
Annual Fee
CreditCards.com Rating
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Cash back on office supplies
$900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
5% on office supplies, internet
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
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
Flexible bonus categories
$300 statement credit if you spend $3,000 in first 90 days
3% cash back on a category of your choice, 2% cash back on dining purchases (on up to $50,000 in combined 2% and 3% category purchases per year, then 1%)
1% cash back on other purchases
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
Best for hotel and flights redemption
Limited time offer: 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of card membership (offer ends 3/29/23).
2X miles per dollar on direct Delta purchases, on eligible U.S. purchases for advertising in select media, on eligible U.S. shipping and at restaurants
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99
7X points at restaurants, 5X points at hotels, 2X points on recurring software subscriptions and 1.5X points on all other purchases if you pay your bill weekly
Editor’s picks: A closer look at our top-rated business credit cards
Best for cash back on office supplies: Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Best Features: The Ink Business Cash card can help small-business owners save money on their everyday spending. The first $25,000 you spend every anniversary year will earn you the following: 5% cash back in combined purchases made in select business categories (office supply stores, as well as variable internet, cable and phone services) and 2% cash back in combined purchases made at gas stations and restaurants. All other purchases earn an unlimited 1% cash back.
Biggest drawbacks: Potential cardholders may be put off by the 2,000 point minimum for redemptions and the $25,000 cap on bonus category purchases.
Alternatives: If your high-spending categories tend to lean toward travel purchases, you could get more value out of the Capital One Spark Miles for Business. It earns 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on every other purchase.
Bottom line: This no-annual-fee business credit card is an excellent option for owners who spend heavily within the bonus cash back categories. If those categories are outside your spending profile, consider a flat-rate cash back business card, like the Chase Ink Business Unlimited.
Best for simple rewards program: Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Best Features: Not only will you earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every business purchase, but you can also transfer your rewards to a qualifying Chase Ultimate Rewards card and boost their value by 25% when you redeem for travel. The no annual fee and generous sign-up bonus ($900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening) are also enticing.
Biggest drawbacks: Points are only worth one cent unless you transfer them to a premium Ultimate Rewards card, plus you need a minimum of 2,000 points for redemptions.
Bottom line: This Ink Business Unlimited card is ideal for small-business owners looking for a straightforward rewards card without complicated rotating bonus categories and spending caps.
Best for rewards: Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Best Features: Cardholders will earn an unlimited 2% cash back on all qualifying purchases, with no need to track spending or enroll in bonus categories, plus earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Additionally, there’s a welcome offer of up to a $1,000 cash bonus; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first three months and $500 if you spend $50,000 in the first six months of account opening.
Biggest drawbacks: If you make a late payment, you could get hit with a 33.65% variable penalty APR. Travelers should note that the list of partner airlines is limited, with only one domestic carrier among them.
Alternatives: The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a strong choice thanks to its versatile rewards program that includes high bonus rewards in travel and other select business categories.
Bottom line: Consider the Capital One Spark Miles for Business if you’re looking for a flexible travel business rewards card – and you spend enough to justify the $95 annual fee (waived the first year).
Best for flat-rate cash back: Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Best Features: Cardholders will earn an unlimited 2% cash back on all qualifying purchases, with no need to track spending or enroll in bonus categories, plus earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Additionally, there’s a welcome bonus of up to a $1,000 cash bonus; $500 once you spend $5,000 in the first three months and $500 once you spend $50,000 in the first six months of account opening.
Biggest drawbacks: Because this is a charge card, you must pay off your balance in full each billing cycle. It also carries no ongoing APR or 0% introductory APR offers, making it less useful for those who need to free up cash flow or chip away at business expenses over time. It also comes with a $150 annual fee and high thresholds for annual and sign-up bonus spending for earnings which could make this card too costly for some business owners.
Alternatives: If you tend to carry a balance each month, the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card has a variable APR rate for purchases (17.74% to 25.74%). Depending on your creditworthiness, this could be a good choice for a low-interest business credit card.
Bottom line: Business owners looking for a straightforward way to earn cash back on their everyday purchases will get a lot of value from the Spark Cash Plus, particularly heavy spenders, due to its flexible spending limits and annual bonus.
Best for no expiration on points: American Express® Business Gold Card
Best Features: Large businesses will get a lot of value out of this card – especially if they spend big in two of Amex’s six high-earning bonus categories. The Amex Business Gold card automatically awards 4X points on the two select bonus categories you spend the most on each billing cycle. This applies to the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year (1X after that). All other spending earns 1X.
Biggest drawbacks: The annual fee is a steep $295. You won’t get as much value from the Amex Business Gold card if your most significant spending falls outside the following six categories: 1. airfare purchased directly from airlines; 2. U.S. purchases at gas stations; 3. U.S. shipping; 4. U.S. restaurants; 5. U.S computer software, hardware and cloud solutions from select technology providers; 6. U.S. online, radio, and TV advertising. And unless you plan to transfer points to airlines, you may be underwhelmed by the redemption options.
Alternatives: The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card also offers increased rewards in bonus categories but comes with a lower annual fee and a bigger sign-up bonus.
Bottom line: The American Express Business Gold Card offers plenty of benefits to business owners who spend enough to take advantage of its lucrative welcome offer and net a return on the $295 annual fee (not waived the first year).
Best for no annual fee: American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Best Features: A cash back rate of 2% (on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%) isn’t uncommon among business credit cards, but it is special when paired with no annual fee. This no-frills card also offers a 0% introductory APR on new purchases for the first 12 months of membership (17.74% to 25.74% variable thereafter).
Biggest drawbacks: The 2% cash back rate caps at $50,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1%). If you plan to exceed that figure with business purchases, perhaps consider a card with a higher spending cap.
Alternatives: If your business makes a lot of office-related purchases, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card offers a higher rewards rate in that category.
Bottom line: One of the best credit cards on the market, the American Express Blue Business Cash card is a standout option for new business credit card owners whose current expenses might not justify a card with an annual fee.
Best for long intro APR period on purchases: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Best Features: American Express has several credit card solutions for small businesses. The Blue Business Plus card offers a 0% introductory APR on new purchases for 12 months from the account opening date (then 17.74% to 25.74%, variable). Plus, you can earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership.
Biggest drawbacks: The redemption options with this card are limited since you’ll get the best value redeeming for travel. Frequent international business travelers should also note the 2.7% foreign transaction fee (see rates and fees).
Alternatives: The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card comes with a 2% cash back rate on all purchases up to $50,000 per year (1% cash back after) and lets you redeem for a statement credit or cash back without losing any value.
Bottom line: The Blue Business Plus credit card is another solid option for business owners looking for a no-annual-fee card or flexible financing options.
Best for large purchases: Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card
Best features: An impressive and unlimited flat rate of 2% and the chance to earn 2.5% on every purchase over $5,000 makes this a top pick for small-business owners with larger budgets who don’t want to worry about spending caps or having to track bonus categories.
Biggest drawbacks: The annual fee puts the card out of reach for small-business owners who can’t quickly offset the $195 annual fee and continue raking in cash back rewards. Plus, the benefits are limited compared to other business cards that offer statement credits, intro APR offers on purchases, or let you transfer your points to travel partners for a potentially higher redemption value.
Alternatives: The Capital One Spark Cash Plus offers unlimited 2% cash back at a slightly lower annual fee. But if you’re looking for a business card that lets you transfer your rewards to airline or hotel loyalty programs, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express could be a better fit despite the spending cap on the card’s generous flat rate.
Bottom line: The Business Premier card is a great fit for high-spending small-business owners who want to earn flat-rate rewards without worrying about spending caps. But if travel makes up a big part of your expenses, other cards could prove more rewarding.
Best for luxury travel perks: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Best Features: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the best business credit cards for travel. Cardmembers get a generous welcome offer of 120,000 points if you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months, an airline fee credit of up to $200 every year with one qualifying airline (enrollment required), airport lounge access, no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees) and up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
Biggest drawbacks: The annual fee is super high at $695 (not waived the first year), as is the spending requirement associated with the current welcome offer. Prospective cardholders should consider whether you spend and travel enough to justify these costs.
Alternatives: If you’re not a frequent business traveler eager to turn points and miles into travel rewards booked through American Express Travel, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has redemption options that may be a better fit for you.
Bottom line: With the Business Platinum Card from American Express, big business spenders who frequently travel for work can reap first-class benefits, including free airport lounge access, seat upgrades and a 24-hour concierge service.
Best for flat-rate unlimited boosted rewards: Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
Best Features: This card offers an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and charges no annual fee. But the real value goes to Preferred Rewards for Business clients at Bank of America or Merrill, who can get up to a 75% boost in rewards. That means cardholders could enjoy an unlimited flat rate of up to 2.62% cash back on all qualifying purchases.
Biggest drawbacks: Big spenders who are not existing Bank of America or Merrill Preferred Rewards clients may be better served by a card with a higher rewards rate on business-specific bonus categories.
Bottom line: Those who qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business have an opportunity to earn an impressive amount of rewards with the Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard®.
Best for flexible bonus categories: Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
Best Features: This versatile business card has plenty to like, including its lucrative rewards rate on bonus categories and dining. The low end of the variable APR rate (16.49% to 26.49% variable) will also be a plus for those who qualify, as well as the no annual fee.
Biggest drawbacks: This card requires excellent credit and lacks many of the perks and management tools similar business cards offer. And while there’s a lot of potential value here, not everyone will want to keep track of rotating categories.
Alternatives: The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has a higher sign-up bonus and allows cardholders to earn higher rewards rates in multiple business-related categories.
Bottom line: If your business requires a lot of time spent on the road or long power lunches with clients, you can get a lot of value out of the Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard®.
Best for low interest with excellent credit: Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
Best features: The low end of the variable APR rate (9.99% to 34.99%) is impressive for a credit card, especially one with no annual fee. Depending on your creditworthiness and eligibility, you may be able to use this as a low-interest business credit card.
Biggest drawbacks: While the card carries an impressive low-end APR, it also has one of the highest high-end APRs offered on a business credit card. Plus, Capital on Tap calls this, “The credit card built for small businesses.” But it currently doesn’t accept applications from sole proprietors who make up the majority of small businesses.
Alternatives: The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is a flat-rate business credit card available to most small-business owners, including sole proprietors. It offers an unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases and comes with a more modest variable APR rate (17.49% to 23.49%). Plus, you’ll have an easier time qualifying for the sign-up bonus, which earns $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Bottom line: For a lot of small-business owners, the Capital on Tap card may not offer much value.
Best for sign-up bonus: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Best Features: With the Ink Business Preferred, you’ll earn 3X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases made on travel and in select business categories each account anniversary year. The card also touts a hefty sign-up bonus of 100,000 points after a $15,000 spend within the first three months, worth $1,250 toward future travel when you book through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Biggest drawbacks: This isn’t the best credit card for business owners who want to do a balance transfer or finance a large purchase since it doesn’t offer a 0% introductory APR.
Alternatives: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express comes with a lengthy introductory APR on purchases and earns 2X points per dollar on the first $50,000 spent on purchases each year, 1x points per dollar thereafter.
Bottom line: Big business spenders might want to take advantage of the Ink Business Preferred’s top-of-the-line sign-up bonus and rewards program.
Best for hotel and flight redemption: Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
Best Features: Frequent Delta fliers can quickly rack up miles thanks to a number of perks, including a competitive base rewards program and lucrative welcome offer bonus. Cardholders can use miles for airfare, car rentals, hotels, merchandise and more. The miles don’t expire and there are no blackout dates.
Biggest drawbacks: When redeeming miles, watch out for steep fuel surcharges.
Alternatives: The flexibility and high rewards earning potential that comes with the American Express® Business Gold Card may be a better fit for travelers who don’t want to be tied to one airline.
Bottom line: Delta loyalists will enjoy these card perks. But non-Delta fliers might want to look into flat-rate travel rewards credit cards.
Best for Hilton loyalists: The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
Best Features: The welcome offer is generous at 165,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in purchases in the first three months of card membership (limited time offer ends 4/5/23). This can add up to some free hotel nights if you are strategic in your Hilton Honors redemptions.
Biggest drawbacks: There’s not much value in other redemption options beyond Hilton hotel stays.
Alternatives: The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card and the versatile Chase Ultimate Rewards program may be a better fit for travelers who are not loyal to one hotel brand.
Bottom line: Business owners who travel a lot or frequent Hilton hotels will generally find themselves well-served by this credit card.
Best for budgeting and expense tracking: Divvy Business Card
Best Features: If you can pay your bill weekly, you’ll earn 7X points at restaurants, 5X points on hotels, 2X points on recurring software subscriptions, and 1.5X points on all other purchases. Business owners will also appreciate how easy it is to manage expenses. Using the Divvy platform, you can track transactions as they happen, create budgets, submit expense reports and even reimburse employees.
Biggest drawbacks: Redemption rates are highest when redeemed for travel (one cent per point). This will disappoint anyone looking for cash back (worth up to 0.52 cents per point), statement credit (worth up to 0.49 cents per point) or gift cards (worth up to 0.51 cents per point).
Bottom line: Small-business owners who want a credit card with easy-to-use budgeting and expense-management tools will want to look at what Divvy offers. But suppose your business expenses go beyond restaurants and hotels, or you want to redeem your rewards for cash back or statement credit. In that case, you’ll get a lot more value with another business credit card – especially one that comes with a generous sign-up bonus.
Best Features: CreditCards.com referrals get 50,000 bonus points after spending $9,000 within the first 30 days. In addition to the targeted bonus rewards categories, cardholders have access to built-in expense management, automatic receipt matching, and instant virtual cards for their team. The card also integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Concur and Expensify.
Biggest drawbacks: The Brex 30 Card is a charge card, meaning you’re required to pay your bill in full every 30 days. And to be approved, you need to link a bank account containing at least $50,000 if professionally invested or $100,000 if not.
Alternatives: If your startup tends to spend more in categories that fall outside of the Brex 30’s bonus rewards categories, the Capital One Spark Plus is a flat-rate credit card that offers up an unlimited 2% cash back on all of your purchases.
Bottom line: Startup founders with a big bank account but limited credit history will find some value with the Brex 30 Card.
A business credit card is a revolving line of credit used by small-business owners to make purchases or withdraw cash. Similar to personal cards, business credit cards carry interest charges if not paid in full each month.
You’ll need to operate some type of business in order to qualify for a business credit card, but it doesn’t have to be a formal business. Here’s what you need to know about business credit cards:
Who can apply for a small-business credit card?
Small-business credit cards aren’t just for formal business structures like a limited liability company (LLC), corporation or partnership. They can be used by anyone trying to make a profit by selling goods or services. This includes sole proprietors, such as freelancers, independent contractors and gig-economy workers.
How do business credit cards work?
A business credit card helps small-business owners keep track of their credit card spending. It allows a business to free up its cash flow while purchasing necessities via credit.
The best business credit cards are also designed to include special features that specifically benefit businesses, such as organized expense tracking tools and spending controls, along with discounts on internet and other services needed to run a business. For the business traveler, these cards offer a slew of high-end perks from airport lounge access to upgrades. In terms of accounting, it’s advantageous to have these expenses under one business credit card account.
What you should know about business credit cards
Small-business credit cards can impact your personal credit. Most small-business credit cards will assess a business owner’s personal credit history before approving you for a new card. Some will also report your business activity to personal credit bureaus. This could have a negative impact if you make late payments on your business credit card or run up too much debt and have a high credit utilization ratio.
Small-business credit cards have fewer consumer protections. The protections that apply to consumer cards, like those that prevent excessive fees and interest rate hikes, do not apply to business credit cards. However, business credit cards will often offer similar protections as a courtesy.
Small-business credit cards have business-related features and benefits. The credit limits are usually higher on business credit cards than on personal credit cards. Plus, rewards and benefits are usually designed to meet the needs of small businesses. You can find discounts and rewards for office supplies, business-related travel, shipping and other common business expenses.
Expect to sign a personal guarantee when applying for a small-business credit card. Nearly all business credit cards require you to sign a personal guarantee before you’re approved. A personal guarantee states that the cardholder agrees to be personally liable for the debt. This means you agree to pay back any debt even if your business fails.
Types of business credit cards
From secured to high-limit business credit cards, there are plenty of options to choose from. To determine the ideal business credit card for you, you’ll need to compare credit cards to see which one provides the most value to you and your business. Here’s a breakdown of different types of cards and how they might fit your financial needs and business objectives:
Similar to personal cards, cash back business cards are a popular choice for business owners looking for simple ways to put money back in their pockets and maintain cash flow. Some cash back cards offer a straightforward flat rate on all your business expenditures while others have tiered rewards in different bonus categories that may be more useful if they align with your spending.
If your business requires frequent travel, a business travel credit card is a great way to not only offset travel expenses but also take advantage of perks like lounge access and travel insurance. You can often increase the value of the points you earn on these cards even more by redeeming them through issuer membership programs.
If your business has taken on high-interest debts in the past, transferring the balance to a business credit card with a lower APR can help you manage and consolidate debt more quickly and save money on incurred interest while making it easier to chip away at the current balance.
While they work in largely the same ways as credit cards, business charge cards differ because they have no existing spending limit. Instead, purchases are approved based on a number of factors in your financial history, and you must pay the balance in full each month. Although the balance must be paid in full monthly, the flexibility in spending can make it easier for business owners to manage their cash flow.
A corporate credit card is issued to employees so they can use a credit card to make authorized business purchases on behalf of the company. A small business credit card usually requires a personal guarantee, but a corporate credit card is backed by the business. The application process to obtain corporate credit cards is typically lengthier and requires the business to work directly with the credit card company to show financial documentation and possibly go through a financial audit.
Pros and cons of business credit cards
Pros
They can help build business credit: Using a business credit card responsibly can increase your business credit score, which looks better to vendors and can secure you the best interest rates on business loans.
Tax benefits: Keeping business expenses separate from personal ones makes tax records simpler to unravel and provides peace of mind during tax season.
Lucrative rewards:Businesses can benefit greatly from the rewards earned on spending, particularly on cards that offer high-value rewards rates.
Increase cash flow: Using a business credit card to pay vendors or suppliers can stabilize cash flow while your business is waiting for payments to come in. Plus, the cards can even be used to raise startup funding.
Cons
Potentially high interest rates: Business cards generally have higher fees and interest rates than personal credit cards.
Can affect personal credit score: You may be personally liable for any unpaid debt on the cards, which can affect your personal credit score.
Potential for misuse by employees: Larger organizations with multiple users listed on the account may have difficulty tracking down who made what purchase and verifying the business legitimacy of that purchase.
Lack of consumer protection: Personal credit cards come with protections against instant rate hikes and capped fees. However, these protections do not apply to business cards and means your terms can change at any time.
Who should get a business credit card?
Business credit cards aren’t for everyone. Before shopping among credit cards for your business, determine whether you should get one in the first place. Here’s who should and shouldn’t get a business card:
Who should get a business credit card
The small-business owner. Having a card dedicated to your business is essential for tracking and managing your business expenses. Business credit cards may also have benefits that appeal to small-business owners, like free employee cards and expense tracking tools.
The rewards collector. The right business credit card can rack up rewards and boost your bottom line even with occasional use. Plus, any points or miles you accumulate can bring you one step closer to covering business travel expenses.
The employer. Most business cards allow the cardholder to order a card for an employee (or several). This means as the primary cardholder you can track, monitor and oversee the employee spending for each of the cards.
Who should skip a business credit card
The debt accumulator. Your business should be focused on accumulating profits rather than debt, especially when you’re first starting out. If you find yourself prone to spending more than you can afford or missing payments, you may want to avoid the risk.
The personal spender. To avoid a headache during tax season, personal spending is one of the expenses you should never charge on your business card. If you plan on intertwining the two, you may encounter issues with liability and challenges come tax time.
The credit-challenged. If you are concerned about the potential impact to your own credit score and the personal liability you may face for unpaid balances, then it may not be worth the risk.
How to choose a business credit card
Once you’ve determined you should get a business credit card, the next task is to choose the best business credit card that meets your needs. Here are some things to consider when choosing a business card:
In what categories do you spend the most?
Business credit card rewards cover a variety of business-related purchase categories like office supplies, travel, dining and software subscriptions. If you and your business spend heavily in any of these categories, then there’s most likely a business card that will suit your needs. For example, if you travel for business often, then a card like the Amex Business Platinum or the Capital One Spark Cash Plus will kick back plenty of rewards. But if you spend across a variety of categories, then a flat-rate card like the Ink Business Unlimited or Capital On Tap Business cards will still give you plenty of cash back for your business purchases. Just make sure you pick a business card that matches your spending so you can experience the full benefits.
How much do you plan to spend monthly or yearly?
Some business credit cards have spending limits for their rewards. The Amex Blue Business Cash card earns its elevated 2% back, but only on the first $50,000 each calendar year, so spending more than $50,000 will drop the rate down to 1%. If your business spends less than that spending cap, then you could earn 2% all year. However, businesses that spend more each year or month might need cards with unlimited rewards or spending caps near $150,000 a year.
Do you need employee cards?
Business owners with employees may need employee cards. Employee cards allow employees to spend on the business account, bypassing the need for expense reports and reimbursements. Some card issuers charge for or limit employee cards, while other issuers offer unlimited virtual cards with custom limits for employees. If it’s important for your business to allow employees to spend with the business account, opt for a card offering low-cost or free employee cards.
Can you afford the annual fee?
While some business credit cards cause sticker shock from the amount of the annual fee, the benefits and perks may allow the cardholder to easily recoup the cost. It’s important to consider how your business will use the card, such as for travel or equipment purchases, and find a card where the rewards most align with your business’ spending values and ultimately offset the cost of the card.
Many business cards offer generous sign-up or welcome bonus offers, more than making up for the annual fee (if taken advantage of). For example, if you need a business card for travel, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express does have a $695 annual fee, but it includes a 120,000 welcome offer in Membership Rewards® points (when you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months), plus 5x rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels when booked through the Amex travel portal.
How to get a small-business credit card
How long does it take to get a business credit card?
The decision process varies depending on the card. Some applicants may receive a decision instantly while others require longer consideration. Once approved, it generally takes around seven to ten business days to receive the cards.
If your business card application is denied, find out the reason behind the denial. This could range from not enough credit history to too many credit card applications. You can review both your personal and business credit report to verify the information being reported is accurate. Once you have a better understanding of what is causing the denial, you can work on improving your company’s financials and then re-apply at a later date. You could also ask the credit card company to reconsider the decision or apply for a secured business credit card option.
Before you submit your application, make sure you’ve gone through these steps that will help maximize your odds of approval and secure the best card for your business.
Check your credit score. Most business credit cards require good or excellent credit. If your credit needs some work, it’s a good idea to improve your credit score before applying. If you’ve already established business credit through a loan or other credit line, you should also check your business credit score as well, since issuers may also look at that.
Compare business credit cards. The right business credit card for you will be based on your business needs. Some features to consider are: rewards type, interest rates, fees and your business’s spending habits. It’s also a good idea to make sure the business credit card reports your progress to business credit-reporting agencies like Dun & Bradstreet. This will help you to grow your business credit.
Find out if you prequalify with our CardMatch tool. Using a soft inquiry that won’t affect your credit score, CardMatch can show you which credit cards you’re likely to be approved for in under 60 seconds. Plus, you may also get access to special offers, like a boosted welcome bonus.
Gather information for your application. Those with less formal business structures can use their personal information, such as address and phone number. But you’ll still need to provide some business information, such as your legal name and type of business, annual business revenue, number of employees and years in business.
Complete your application. Once you’ve decided on a credit card, apply online with any major issuer. To complete your application, you’ll need to provide either your employer identification number (EIN) or social security number. Other important information, such as the legal name of the business, the number of employees on payroll and annual revenue, will need to be provided to complete the application.
Secure a sign-up bonus. Business credit cards frequently tout sign-up bonuses worth $500 or more. Sign-up bonuses reward you for spending a certain amount with your card in a set time period, usually three months. The trick is to identify a sign-up bonus within your natural spending limits. You’ll want to avoid spending more than you can ultimately pay off in full, lest you lose those extra points to interest.
Know your financing options. Cash flow management is an important issue for most small businesses. As such, issuers often offer promotional financing or business-friendly payment terms, such as an extended payment option, which lets business owners finance large purchases over a period of time with different terms than those used for routine purchases. Know the full suite of options you have to take advantage of.
Make on-time payments. Aim to pay balances off in full each month or by the time an introductory APR expires. That way, you won’t lose any of your rewards to interest. At the very least, be sure to make all monthly payments on time. Set up auto-pay or request alerts to minimize the odds of missing a due date. Missed payments will negatively impact your credit scores and tack on additional fees.
Use your secondary benefits and features. You may get more than rewards and flexible financing with your business credit card. Some issuers offer access to expense-management tools, purchase protection, extended warranties or certain travel insurance. You may also be able to do things like set custom limits for any authorized users added to the account. Read your credit card’s terms and conditions to get a full scope of its benefits.
Deduct your interest and fees. You can generally deduct a portion of the interest and fees you pay on business expenses on your annual tax returns. (Note: This only applies to interest on business-related charges. If you use your business credit card for personal expenses, too, those charges aren’t eligible for a tax deduction.) Learn more in our tax season guide to small-business expense deductions.
Avoid charging personal expenses. That’ll make it much easier to complete your taxes each year and regularly reconcile your books, especially since some issuers provide a breakdown of the categories you’re spending on.
Utilize employee cards. Many business credit cards allow the cardholder to add their employees as authorized users. While you will need to provide a guarantee to repay and watch out for interest charges, employee cards are a great tool for earning additional rewards on behalf of the company.
Business credit cards for fair or bad credit
It’s possible to get a business credit card if your credit score falls outside the good-to-excellent range, but your options are limited.
For people with fair credit, options include unsecured credit cards, which don’t require a deposit. One example is the Capital One Spark Classic for Business. It even comes with a modest 1% cash back on purchases – a solid perk for a credit card that has no annual fee and lets you earn unlimited rewards as you work to improve your business credit.
The downside to the Capital One Spark Classic is the 29.74 percent variable APR. If you don’t pay your balance in full each month, an interest rate that high could add a hefty sum to your balance. This could make it harder to build your credit and gain access to better business credit cards.
If you have bad credit, you may have an easier time getting approved for a secured business credit card. These cards require a security deposit, which will act as your credit limit. This could be as low as $200, and if you want that deposit back, your account will have to be in good standing at the time of closing.
A secured business card may not come with top-of-the-line benefits, but it lets you keep your business accounts separate from your personal spending. And in some cases, you may even be able to earn rewards.
For example, with the Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card, you’ll earn cash back or reward points. In other words, you can choose to earn 1.5% cash back on qualifying purchases or one point per $1 spent. If you choose the reward points, you’ll get 1,000 bonus points each billing cycle when you spend $1,000 on qualifying purchases. To get the Wells Fargo Business Secured Card, you’ll have to put down a minimum deposit of $500.
In the news: Expenses to avoid charging on a business credit card
There are some purchases you just don’t pay for with a business credit card.
High-value purchases that can negatively impact your company’s bottom line, payroll and legal settlements are among the business expenses you should avoid charging to your business credit card. In fact, business cards operate under a different set of rules than cards issued for personal use. For business plastic, the protections of the Credit CARD Act of 2009 don’t automatically apply. With business cards:
Issuers can raise rates and lower credit lines at the first sign of financial stress.
There isn’t a mandatory cap for late fees.
Over-limit fees are allowed.
If you pay late or default on a business card, it could end up on your personal credit history.
Research methodology: We analyzed 368 business credit cards to identify the best offers currently on the market. The major factors we considered include:
Rewards program: Ideally, a business credit card should reward you for the purchases your business frequently makes, whether that’s travel, office supplies or another category. We looked at whether a card offered a competitive rate of return in these spending categories as part of its base rewards program.
Introductory bonus: In addition to solid base rewards, we considered whether the card offered bonus points, miles or cash back in exchange for a reasonable spend within the first few months of opening the account.
Flexible financing offers: Many business owners use credit cards to finance large purchases, so we considered whether a specific card offered zero-interest introductory APRs on purchases and/or balance transfers. We also considered whether the card had other financing features, like a flexible credit limit.
Overall value: Some business credit cards do carry annual fees, so we considered whether that fee was justified by the rewards program, introductory bonus and additional benefits.
Other criteria include redemption options and flexibility, customer service, small business perks and other rates or fees. Our business credit card reviews can help you compare offers to find the one that best suits your needs.
More information on business credit cards
For more information on all things business cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:
Frequently asked questions about business credit cards
While both types of business credit cards are used to finance a business, small-business credit cards are designed for all types of small-business owners and have much fewer barriers to entry than corporate credit cards. Corporate credit cards are usually only accessible to larger businesses with millions in annual revenue and it’s typically much tougher to qualify. In addition, the debt burden always lies with the primary cardholder – the person providing the personal guarantee. With corporate credit cards, liability may fall solely on the business or be shared between all authorized cardholders.
Business credit cards work nearly the same as personal cards, but there are a few differences, most of which will benefit your business. Higher credit limits, business-specific reward categories, expense summaries and increased consumer protections are a few examples of the differences between a business card and a personal credit card.
Technically, no. But “business” is defined broadly when it comes to credit cards. Side gigs like dog-walking, owning an Etsy shop or mowing lawns can qualify as businesses. If you make money (legally) doing it, chances are it counts as a legitimate business.
Yes, there are a number of ways a business credit card can affect your personal credit. And whether that impact is negative or positive depends on how you use it. Most business credit cards will perform a hard credit check on your personal credit. Delinquency on your business account will result in the card issuer reporting this negative behavior to the credit bureau, resulting in a hit to your personal credit score. Down the road, this could make it harder for you as an individual to be approved for additional credit.
It depends on the card, but you will usually need an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to submit a business credit card application. Some applications may allow you to use your Social Security number instead, but some may ask for both numbers. If your business doesn’t yet have one, the good news is it’s free to apply for an EIN online with the IRS and is a quick process.
If you want to check your business credit score, there are several business credit bureaus to choose from, including Experian, Equifax, FICO and Dun & Bradstreet. Each has its own scoring model based on information from your business credit report.
In most cases, to get your business credit score, you’ll need to purchase access to your credit report. Sites like Experian charge a one-time fee (starting at $39.95) each time you want to see your report and score. Or you can purchase an annual plan (Experian’s Business Credit Advantage℠ costs $189 per year).
Want to check your business credit score for free? CreditSignal® is a free tool from Dun & Bradstreet that monitors your credit file for changes. It comes with a 14-day introductory period where you can see credit scores and ratings for free.
While the options are somewhat more limited, the good news is yes, you can get a business credit card even if your credit score falls outside the good or excellent score range.
For those with fair credit, the Capital One Spark Classic for Business is an excellent unsecured card option. The cardholder earns 1% cash back on purchases and has no annual fee, making it an ideal card for earning cash back on purchases you are likely to need for your business anyways and building business credit. The downside is, it does have a 29.74 percent variable APR, so if you carry a balance each month then you’ll also be incurring hefty interest charges.
About the Author
Jeanine Skowronski
Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance. She has previously served as the Head of Content at Policygenius, Executive Editor of Credit.com, Deputy Editor at American Banker, Staff Reporter at TheStreet and a columnist for Inc. Magazine.
About the Editor
Tracy Stewart
Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.
About the Reviewer
Erica Sandberg
Erica Sandberg is a prominent personal finance authority and author of "Expecting Money: The Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families." Her articles and insights are featured in such publications as The Wall Street Journal, Pregnancy, Babytalk, Redbook, Bank Investment Consultant, Prosper.com, MSN Money and Dow Jones MarketWatch. An active television and radio commentator, Sandberg is the credit and money management expert for San Francisco’s KRON-TV, a frequent guest on Forbes Video Network, Fox Business News, Bloomberg TV and all Bay Area networks. Prior to launching her own reporting and consulting business, she was affiliated with Consumer Credit Counseling Services of San Francisco where she counseled individuals, conducted educational workshops and led the media relations department. Sandberg is a member of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers and on the advisory committee for Project Money.
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