Compare the best startup business credit cards
Many business credit cards offer helpful benefits for startups. Here are the best business cards by no annual fee, cash back and limiting debt.
A business credit card can be your best friend when it comes to covering your business expenses. But because there are so many cards on the market catering to small businesses, we’ve created this guide to help you compare features of the best startup business credit cards for your needs and financial situation.
Best startup business credit cards in Canada
- Best for registered Canadian corporations: Loop Corporate Credit Card
- Best for limiting debt: American Express Business Gold Rewards Card
- Best for cash back: BMO Cashback Business Mastercard
Pros and cons of startup business credit cards
Pros
- Access to funds
- Earn rewards on purchases
- Get low intro APR period on purchases
- Build business credit
- Track employee spending
Cons
- Could damage your personal credit in case of delinquency
- You may be personally liable for the company debt
- Credit limit may not be enough
- Could pay an annual fee
How to compare startup business credit cards
To choose the best business credit card for your startup, compare these features:
- Charge card vs credit card. You’ll need to decide whether a credit card or a charge card is right for your startup business. A charge card can be a handy way to keep out of debt, since you’ll need to pay off the balance in full each month, but a credit card can be helpful when you need extra time to cover the balance in full.
- Unsecured, secured or prepaid card. There are plenty of unsecured business credit cards on the market that offer strong perks and rewards. If you’re a startup business with no or low credit however, a secured or prepaid card may be all that you’re eligible for. These two types of business cards aren’t typically listed online, so you’ll need to contact a provider to find out if they offer secured and prepaid business cards.
- Annual fee. When cash is tight, you might not want the expense of a credit card annual fee. There are a couple of no annual fee startup business cards on the market, though you’ll earn more powerful rewards with cards that charge an annual fee.
- Signup bonus. If you anticipate lots of purchases in the next few months, you could breeze past the spending requirement for a card’s signup bonus.
- APRs. Interest rates are important, especially if you think you’ll be carrying a balance from month to month. Few business credit cards have low APRs, so your choices may be limited.
- Rewards. A card with strong rewards can pay for itself. If your card has tiered rewards, check that your startup has significant expenses in the right categories. If your expenses are spread evenly throughout many categories, you might get more out of a flat-rate rewards card.
- Interest-free period. Planning on carrying a balance between billing cycles? A longer interest-free period can come in handy and help you hold onto your money for a little bit longer.
Should I get a startup business credit card or use my personal card?
There are plenty of benefits to using a business card instead of a personal card. A business card can help you separate your personal spending from your business spending. While it may be tempting to rely on your personal credit card for business expenses — especially when you’re just starting out — this can have several unintended consequences. For example, separating your personal spending from your business spending can help you easily differentiate expenses and sort deductions come tax season.
Plus, a separate credit card for your business helps protect your personal assets if your business is incorporated and you find yourself facing a lawsuit. And even if your business isn’t entirely official, a business card offers other perks too:
- Build business credit
- Access higher credit limit
- Rewards on business-related purchases
- Simplified bookkeeping and credit card tax deductions
- Expense management tools
Can I get a business card before my company is official?
Yes. In fact, freelancers and private contractors are eligible for business credit cards as long as they can prove their income. While different card providers have different eligibility criteria, you should be prepared to offer the following information when you apply for a business credit card:
- Name of your business
- Industry type
- Business ID number
- Time in business
- Number of employees
- Annual revenue
- Estimated monthly expenses
- Total annual income
- Social Insurance Number
- Personal credit history
When should startups upgrade their credit cards?
What’s suitable for your business in its infancy may not work long-term — especially if your business experiences rapid growth or a sudden change in trajectory. One reason you may want to consider swapping card providers is if your business has outgrown your current card’s credit limit. Or perhaps your business chequing account is at another bank and there are perks or incentives for combining your accounts.
A practical way to evaluate whether your current card serves the needs of your company is by reviewing your business expenses and spending habits. Does your current card offer perks and rewards that benefit your business? Would it be possible to snag a lower APR by switching providers?
Just because a particular card worked for your startup doesn’t mean it will continue to work for your business two, three, five or ten years down the road – so don’t be afraid to switch it up.
Compare business credit cards
If you’d like to compare a wider range of small business cards check out the table below. You can also visit our comprehensive guide to business credit cards.
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