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Best business credit cards for 2020
Maximize your business spending by maximizing rewards.
Whether you’re just starting a business or have an operation many years in the works, getting the right business card can be an exciting step in your professional life. The needs of your business are unique, and your credit card should complement those unique needs.
Finder’s credit card team spends hundred of hours researching credit cards to create helpful educational guides on business credit cards and rank the top cards in the industry.
Best business credit cards
To speed up your search for the right card, we’ve assembled the best business-focused contenders on the market. If one of these don’t catch your eye, see the table below to compare options based on rewards, annual fee, APR and more.
Quick look: Best business credit cards
- American Express® Blue Business Cash Card: Best business credit card for mid-sized businesses
- Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business: Best business credit card for cash back
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Best business credit card for balance transfers
- The Business Platinum® Card from American Express: Best business credit card for luxury travel
- Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card: Best business credit card for signup bonus
- Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card: Best business credit card for building credit
Best business credit card for mid-sized businesses: American Express® Blue Business Cash Card
Businesses that spend up to $50,000 annually could find the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card to be the best choice. You’ll earn a solid 2% cash back on all purchases on up to $50,000 each calendar year, then 1%.
| Annual fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 0% intro for the first 12 months (then 14.74% to 20.74% variable) |
| Balance transfer APR | 0% intro for the first 12 months (then 14.74% to 20.74% variable) |
| Welcome offer | N/A |
| Rewards | 2% cash back on all purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% |
| Rates & fees | rates & fees |
Pros
- Cash back. Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 each calendar year. After you reach the cap, you’ll earn 1% back.
- Intro APR on purchases. Transfer within 60 days of opening your account to enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months (see rates & fees). Once the intro period passes, your rate reverts to a variable 14.74% to 20.74%.
- No annual fee. You won’t pay an annual fee for your card or for additional employee cards.
- Rotating categories. Since earning categories rotate quarterly, you won’t always have an optimal cash back choice.
Best business credit card for cash back: Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business
The Capital One® Spark® Cash for Business credit card lets you earn unlimited cash back on all business purchases. This makes the card ideal for businesses that spend more than $250,000 annually, and businesses that don’t spend much on any particular category of purchases.
| Annual fee | $0 intro annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter) |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 18.49% variable |
| Balance transfer APR | 18.49% variable |
| Welcome offer | $500 after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months |
| Rewards | 2% cash back on all purchases |
| Rates & fees | rates & fees |
Pros
- Cash back. Earn unlimited 2% cash back.
- Signup bonus. Get $50,000 bonus cash back once you spend $4,500 in the first 3 months of card membership.
- No foreign transaction fee. Use your card freely when traveling abroad without paying any foreign transaction fees.
- No travel rewards. There’s no way to earn rewards from travel with this card, which is rare for a business card.
Compare the best business rewards credit cards
Best business credit card for balance transfers: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
If you’re looking for a solid balance transfer card for your business, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express could be worth considering. You’ll get a strong intro APR period on balance transfers and purchases (see rates & fees), and you’ll earn membership points on everything you buy.
| Annual fee | $0 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 0% intro for the first 12 months (then 14.74% to 20.74% variable) |
| Balance transfer APR | 0% intro for the first 12 months (then 14.74% to 20.74% variable) |
| Welcome offer | N/A |
| Rewards | 2x points on everyday business purchases on up to $50,000 annually, then 1x points |
| Rates & fees | rates & fees |
Pros
- Intro APR period. Enjoy a 0% intro APR period on balance transfers and purchases for 12 months following your account opening. After that, you’ll pay a variable APR of 14.74% to 20.74%.
- Membership points. For every dollar spent up to $50,000 per year, you’ll earn 2 points. After reaching the cap, you’ll get 1x points.
- No annual fee. You won’t pay an annual fee for your card or for additional employee cards.
- Late payment fees. You’ll pay up to $39 in fees for each late payment.
Compare other business credit cards for balance transfers
Best business credit card for luxury travel: The Business Platinum® Card from American Express
Business owners who spend thousands of dollars a month on air travel could use the benefits offered by The Business Platinum® Card from American Express. You’ll get to enjoy premium perks, like complimentary access to more than 1,200 airport lounges worldwide, hotel benefits at select brands, 24/7 concierge services and more.
| Annual fee | $595 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | N/A |
| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
| Welcome offer | 50,000 points after spending $10,000 and 25,000 points after spending an additional $10,000 in the first 3 months |
| Rewards | 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel, 1.5x points if you spend $5,000 on a single eligible purchase on up to 1 million additional points per year and 1x points on all other purchases |
| Rates & fees | rates & fees |
Pros
- Membership points. Earn 5x points on prepaid hotels and flights booked through the Amex travel site. For purchases over $5,000, you’ll earn 1.5x points up to one million points annually. For all other purchases, you’ll earn 1x points.
- Welcome offer. Get 50,000 bonus points when you spend $10,000 during your first 3 months of card membership. Get 25,000 additional bonus points after you spend $10,000 more during the same three months.
- Airline fee credit. Every year, you’ll get a $200 airline fee credit to use toward incidental air travel fees.
- Annual fee. You’ll pay $595 annually to use this card.
Compare the best business credit cards with travel rewards
Best business credit card for signup bonus: Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card
The Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card comes with one of the highest signup bonuses you can get for a business credit card. But that shouldn’t be the only reason to consider the card. You’ll also earn a high number of points on selected business purchases.
| Annual fee | $95 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 17.49% to 22.49% variable |
| Balance transfer APR | 17.49% to 22.49% variable |
| Welcome offer | 80,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months |
| Rewards | 3x points on the first $150,000 on travel and select business categories annually, then 1x after and on all other purchases |
| Rates & fees | rates & fees |
Pros
- Signup bonus. Earn 80,000 points once you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months of card membership.
- Earn rewards. Earn 3x points on travel, cable and phone services, advertising with social media and search engines, Internet and shopping up to $150,000 in combined purchases per year. After you reach the cap, you’ll earn 1x points, which is also the earning rate on all other purchases you make.
- Higher point value. Your points are worth 25% more value when you redeem your points for travel purchases made through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Annual fee.You’ll pay $95 annually to use this card.
Best business credit card for building credit: Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card
Businesses looking to build their credit may find the Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card useful. You’ll have full control over your credit line with a deposit of up to $25,000, and — with responsible use and timely payments — you’ll build your credit and you may graduate to an unsecured card.
| Annual fee | $25 |
|---|---|
| Purchase APR | 16.65% variable |
| Balance transfer APR | N/A |
| Welcome offer | 1,000 points after spending $1,000 in any monthly billing period |
| Rewards | 1.5% cash back on all purchases |
Pros
- Build your business credit. Businesses with no credit history and businesses with past credit difficulties are welcome to apply for the card. Use the card responsibly to build your credit.
- Earn rewards. When you open your account, you can select between two reward programs — earn 1.5% cash back or earn 1.5x points, plus additional monthly bonuses.
- High credit line deposit. You can deposit from $500 up to $25,000 to act as your credit line.
- Hidden fees. Several potential fees on this card are hidden, including late payment fees.
How we selected our top cards
We picked our top cards by comparing several factors across available business cards, including credit requirements, annual and balance transfer fees, APRs, reward opportunities, points or cash back earned per dollar, signup bonuses and additional perks such as travel insurance. Our picks performed above and beyond the others, earning spots on our list.
What’s changed in 2020
The Business Platinum Card from Amex now offers up to $200 in annual Dell statement credits.
At the tail end of 2018, Amex added a 35% airline bonus for eligible Membership Reward spend. The tradeoff: It removed Centurion Lounge entry at destination airports for Amex Business Platinum Card members.
The Blue Business Plus card no longer has the longest intro APR on balance transfers, but its promotional interest rate is still one of the best you’ll find.
Amex rebranded the SimplyCash® Plus Business Credit Card from American Express to the American Express® Blue Business Cash Card, simplifying the rewards structure and adding an intro APR for balance transfers.
What's in this guide?
- Why trust us? Our credit card experts spend hundreds of hours each week researching and writing about the latest in credit card activity. Thanks to this research, we know what makes a credit card stand out among the competition. Our biggest goal? To help our readers find the best credit card for their personal or business needs. Our goal is helped along by our editorial guidelines that keep our content unbiased and as accurate as possible.
Compare business cards by bank
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Our pick for a business credit card
Compare business credit cards
Updated February 17th, 2020
How does a business credit card work?
A business credit card is just like a regular credit card, but with tools specifically designed to help you streamline and manage your business spending. These tools can range from rewards or cash back specifically catering to business expenses like office supplies, to travel perks for employees on the move.
In addition, you can set spending controls for each employee and you can monitor their card activity. This can help you streamline your finances and avoid card misuse.
Here’s how to get started with a business card:
1. Compare & apply for a card
Look for for a card that fits your needs, whether that’s a high rewards rate, an intro APR or a balance transfer offer.
2. Start earning rewards
If you opened a business card with rewards, use it on business expenses to start earning rewards.
When is a business credit card worth it?
Business credit cards act similarly to rewards credit cards and can be used in a similar fashion. The main reason you might find a business credit card worth it however comes down to your business needs and your spending capacity.
Business cards generally have much higher spending caps on rewards or offer earning categories specifically tailored to business needs. For example, you might find a business credit card that offers rewards on office supplies or phone and internet services. Many business cards also offer free additional cards for employees, which can help you rack up rewards even faster. Generally, if your business is growing, it can pay to have a business credit card.
Here’s a look at what you stand to make in rewards each month using the Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card. The Ink Business Preferred earns 3x points on travel, cable and phone, advertising, internet and shopping, on up to $150,000 each year. After and on all other purchases you’ll earn 1x points.
Category rewards: Ink Business Preferred℠ Credit Card
| Purchases | Money spent | Points earned |
|---|---|---|
| Office supplies | 7,000 | 700 |
| Phone and internet | 1,100 | 3,300 |
| Two travel trips | $3,000 | 6,000 |
| Total | $11,100 | 10,000 |
How to compare credit cards for small business
Think about your business spending and cash flow when weighing business card factors that include:
Annual fee
Consider how much you’re willing to pay to use a business credit card each year, and determine if any perks are worth the price.
Promotional interest rate
An intro purchase APR can help you avoid paying high interest rates on big items or balances you transfer from other cards.
Cash back and rewards
Choose a business credit card that can earn rewards on what you buy most. Look for cash back, miles or points in categories that fit your needs.
Foreign transaction fees
If you travel internationally on business, a card that waives foreign transaction fees can save you big. Many providers charge 2% or more for each purchase made outside the States.
Signup bonus
The business card market is fierce, with many providers offering generous bonuses to entice you to choose theirs over competitors. Most come with spending requirements that are easy to meet with regular use.
Premium benefits
Rewards aren’t the only perks. You could get access to priority airline boarding, waived bag fees and other luxury travel extras. Just make sure your business can take advantage of what your card offers.
How do I choose a business credit card?
In many ways, choosing a business credit card is similar to choosing a personal credit card. Here are some things to consider:
- Figure out the reason you need a business credit card. This includes the need for a new line of credit to invest in your business; an interest-free period to pay off your current debt; an interest-free period to make a large purchase of inventories or supplies and pay it off in the next months; luxury perks during frequent travel or the option to earn rewards on your business expenditures.
- Determine what kind of rewards suit you best. Depending on your business needs, you can earn rewards on office supplies, gas, dining or travel purchases. Some credit cards offer flat rewards on all purchases while others have no rewards at all. Calculate which of these options would best complement your business wallet and apply for the card that offers the best value for your needs.
- Figure out if you need to carry a balance. If part of your business card needs involve an early investment, look for a card with an intro APR on purchases or balance transfers. This can help you save on interest while you wait for your business investment to pay off. And if you need to carry a balance from time to time thereafter, look for a business card with a low ongoing purchase APR.
- Determine the number of employee cards you need. Some business cards, but not all, offer free additional cards for employees. Such cards can let you earn additional rewards on purchases made by your employees with the employee business card. But if you don’t have as many employees and the benefits you get from the cards outweigh a potential annual fee, you could consider a more expensive credit card option.
You asked, we listened: Top 5 common questions
Business cards aren’t so different from standard cards, though as you’d expect from a business card there’s a bit of fine print involved. Here are the 5 most common questions we receive on the subject.
- What’s the difference between a business card and a personal card? Business cards differ from personal cards because they offer perks and rewards designed around business expenses. You’ll also need a business or to show you’re generating revenue in order to obtain a business credit card.
- Can I apply for a business credit card as a freelancer? Yes. Freelancers and other individuals working “gigs” can apply for a business credit card so long as they can prove their income.
- Is business credit the same as personal credit? No. Building your business credit score is separate from your personal credit score.
- Will my business credit affect my personal credit? Generally no. However, there are a few situations in which it might affect your personal credit, such as the case of business cards with a personal guarantees.
- Can you get a business credit card with bad credit? There are business cards for poor credit, including secured business cards that require a deposit as collateral when opening the card.
Read more about business credit cards
Amy Bonnett
Compliance Coordinator
Hi, I’m Amy! When searching for the best business credit card for our small business, my husband and I had a lot of questions about how they differ from personal credit cards. Articles like these showed us how business credit scores work, what a personal guarantee is, and whether points or cashback would give our business the most value.
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