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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

Loop Corporate Credit Card logo
Credit recommended (650-)
Apply now
on Loop's secure site
650
Min. credit score
$0
Annual fee
Up to 2x
Points
n/a
Welcome offer
If you've just registered as a Canadian corporation and you're looking to transact in multiple currencies and take advantage of no annual fee and rewards points, the Loop Corporate Credit Card could be powerful sidekick. Earn rewards points, avoid FX fees and access up to 1 million in credit.
  • No annual fee. Enjoy the $0 annual fee.
  • Large credit limit. Access up to 1 million in credit
  • Earn rewards points. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on a Loop Plus subscription.
  • Spend in multiple currencies. The Loop Corporate Credit Card is a multi-currency credit card.
  • Avoid FX fees. Avoid paying additional costs with no FX fees.
  • Pair with a business bank account. Open a Loop business bank account and pay bills in 37 different currencies and hold funds in CAD, USD, GBP and EUR accounts.
  • For registered Canadian corporations only. To be eligible for the Loop Corporate Credit Card, you'll need to have proof that your business is a registered Canadian corporation.
Annual Fee $0
Purchase APR 30%
Cash Advance Rate 30%
Balance transfer APR N/A
Welcome offer N/A
Rewards Earn 2 points per $1 spent on a Loop Plus subscription.

Best for limiting debt:
American Express Business Gold Rewards Card

American Express Business Gold Rewards Card logo
Credit recommended (700-)
Apply now
on American Express's secure site
700
Min. credit score
$199
Annual fee
Up to 1x
Membership Rewards
40,000
Welcome offer
Although the American Express Business Gold Rewards Card has an annual fee of $199 it comes with a range of benefits for businesses. Earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $1 spent on purchases.
  • Earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $1 spent on purchases..
  • Your credit limit grows if you make payments on time and maintain a good credit history.
  • Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points. Earn a Welcome Bonus of 40,000 points after spending $7,500 in purchases within the first 3 months. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus points when you charge $20,000 in net purchases to your card each calendar quarter (that's up to $400 in value every year)..
  • Get a one class car upgrade, additional driver fee waiver and up to 10% discount on car rental rates for Hertz Gold Plus Rewards® members at participating Hertz locations (T&C's apply). Plus, get complimentary Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance (MSRP of up to $85,000).
  • Enjoy an interest-free period of up to 55 days.
  • Redeem your points for statement credit, merchandise, gift cards, flights and more. You can also transfer points to other eligible frequent flyer programs.
  • This card has an annual fee of $199.
  • Any additional cards will cost $50 annually.
Annual Fee $199
Purchase APR N/A
Cash Advance Rate N/A
Balance transfer APR N/A
Welcome offer Earn 40,000 Membership Rewards points. Earn a Welcome Bonus of 40,000 points after spending $7,500 in purchases within the first 3 months. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus points when you charge $20,000 in net purchases to your card each calendar quarter (that's up to $400 in value every year).
Rewards Earn 1 Membership Rewards point for every $1 spent on purchases.

Best for cash back:
BMO Cashback Business Mastercard

BMO Cashback Business Mastercard logo
Credit recommended (650-)
Read review
650
Min. credit score
$0
Annual fee
Up to 1.75%
Cash back
10%
Welcome offer
With an appealing signup bonus and a $0 annual fee, the BMO Cashback Business Mastercard can be a great choice if you're looking to minimize expenses. Earn 1.5% cash back on eligible gas purchases, office supplies and on cell phone and internet recurring payments, earn 1.75% cash back at participating Shell stations, and earn 0.75% on all other eligible card purchases. Get 10% cash back on gas, office supplies, cell phone bills and internet bills for 3 months. Valid until October 31, 2024. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 3% transfer fee. Valid until December 13, 2024. Plus, this credit card can be used at Costco locations across Canada.
  • This card's annual fee is $0.
  • Earn 1.5% cash back on eligible gas purchases, office supplies and on cell phone and internet recurring payments, earn 1.75% cash back at participating Shell stations, and earn 0.75% on all other eligible card purchases.
  • Enjoy 15% off admission to Cirque du Soleil shows touring Canada and 20% off resident shows in Las Vegas.
  • Get 10% cash back on gas, office supplies, cell phone bills and internet bills for 3 months. Valid until October 31, 2024. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 3% transfer fee. Valid until December 13, 2024.
  • Eligible items charged to your card can receive purchase protection and an extended manufacturer's warranty.
  • You can use your BMO card at Costco locations across Canada.
  • You won't get many of the benefits that come with other business credit cards on the market such as travel insurance, expense management tools and rewards points that can be redeemed for free flights and hotel stays.
  • You'll have to pay a 22.99% interest rate on any cash advances.
Annual Fee $0
Purchase APR 19.99%
Cash Advance Rate 22.99%
Balance transfer APR 0% intro for the first 9 months (then 22.99% )
Welcome offer Get 10% cash back on gas, office supplies, cell phone bills and internet bills for 3 months. Valid until October 31, 2024. Plus, get a 0% introductory interest rate on balance transfers for 9 months with a 3% transfer fee. Valid until December 13, 2024.
Rewards Earn 1.5% cash back on eligible gas purchases, office supplies and on cell phone and internet recurring payments, earn 1.75% cash back at participating Shell stations, and earn 0.75% on all other eligible card purchases.

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:

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.

1 - 8 of 8
Name Product CACCF Purchase Interest Rate Cash Advance Rate Annual Fee Minimum Income call to action Welcome Offer
American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card
21.99%
21.99%
$599
N/A
BMO World Elite Business Mastercard
17.99%
22.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($149 thereafter)
N/A
BMO Air Miles No-Fee Business Mastercard
19.99%
22.99%
$0
N/A
BMO AIR MILES World Elite Business Mastercard
19.99%
22.99%
$0 annual fee for the first year ($149 thereafter)
N/A
Loop Corporate Credit Card
Loop Corporate Credit Card
30%
30%
$0
N/A
Business Platinum Card from American Express
21.99% - 28.99%
N/A
$799
N/A
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
21.99%
21.99%
$150
N/A
American Express Business Gold Rewards Card
21.99% - 28.99%
N/A
$199
N/A
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Frequently asked questions

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Writer

Kevin Chen is a personal finance expert and a former writer at Finder. His expertise has been featured in CNN, U.S. News and World Report, Lifehacker and CreditCards.com, among other top media. See full bio

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Co-written by

Producer

Emma Balmforth is a producer at Finder. She is passionate about helping people make financial decisions that will benefit them now and in the future. She has written for a variety of publications including World Nomads, Trek Effect and Uncharted. Emma has a degree in Business and Psychology from the University of Waterloo. She enjoys backpacking, reading and taking long hikes and road trips with her adventurous dog. See full bio

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