Basic business credit cards

Find out how basic business credit cards work to see if they could suit your business needs.

Name Product Finder score Purchases Annual / Monthly fees Rewards earn rate Representative APR Link Key benefit Representative example
OFFER
Barclaycard Payments Select Cashback Business Credit Card
4.0
★★★★★
27.5%
£0
2% cashback uncapped*
27.5% APR (variable)
Go to siteCard details
*Get 2% uncapped cashback on all eligible business spend in the first 3 months from account opening, reverting to 1% uncapped cashback thereafter. Apply by 2 April 2024. Terms apply.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 27.5% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 27.5% APR (variable).
Finder Award
CASHBACK
Capital on Tap Business Credit Card
4.0
★★★★★
35.15%
£0
1 point per £1 spent
35.2% APR (variable)
Go to siteCard details
Earn 1 point for every £1 of card spend. Redeem 1 point for 1p (1% cashback)
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 35.15% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 35.2% APR (variable).
Metro Bank Business credit card (only available to existing business customers)
4.5
★★★★★
17.44%
£0
N/A
18.9% APR (variable)
Card details
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 17.44% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 18.9% APR (variable).
Cashplus Business Credit Card Mastercard
4.0
★★★★★
29.94%
£0
N/A
29.9% APR (variable)
Card details
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 at a purchase rate of 29.9% (variable) p.a., your representative rate is 29.9% APR (variable).
CASHBACK
Funding Circle FlexiPay Business Credit Card
4.0
★★★★★
Flat fee per transaction
£0
1.25% cashback
33.4% APR (variable)
Card details
Get 1.25% cashback on all card spend with Flexipay for the first 3 months. Terms apply. Always 0% interest, no annual or set up fees, one flat fee per transaction from 3.9%.
Representative example: When you spend £1,200 with a fee of 4.9%, your representative rate is 33.4% APR.
Debite corporate card
4.0
★★★★★
N/A (this product is a charge card).
£0
N/A
N/A (this product is a charge card).
Card details
CASHBACK
Juni Business Card (only for ecommerce companies)
4.0
★★★★★
N/A (this product is a charge card).
£0
1% cashback
N/A (this product is a charge card).
Card details
Made for ecommerce companies only. Earn 2% cashback for your first 30 days, up to 1% thereafter on all eligible Juni card spend.
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If you run your own business, using a business credit card can be a flexible way to manage your cash flow.

There are a number of different business credit cards to choose from, all with different benefits and perks. But if you’re after a basic, no frills option, here’s what you need to know.

What is a basic business credit card?

A basic business credit card is a straightforward business credit card that charges no annual fee, has a low rate of interest and offers a decent credit limit. A basic business credit card could suit you if you’re looking for a fuss-free option that can help you manage your cash flow and keep your business finances separate from your personal accounts.

Business credit cards work in a similar way to personal credit cards, but the account will be in your company name, not your own. Business credit cards give you access to funds up to a specified limit, and enable you to spend what you need when you need to, and then pay back what you owe in flexible monthly repayments.

As with personal credit cards, you must pay at least the minimum payment each month to avoid late payment charges. Paying off the balance in full will ensure you don’t get charged interest – unless your card comes with a 0% promotional offer.

Eligibility requirements

To be eligible for a basic business credit card, you’ll need to be over the age of 18 and a UK resident. Some lenders will also require your business to have a minimum annual turnover.

You’ll also need to have registered your business and started trading. Some credit card providers will offer different rates and credit limits depending on the size of your business and its financial strength.

If you’re approved for a basic business credit card, it should arrive within 5–10 business days. You then need to activate it before using it.

Benefits of a business credit card

Some of the main benefits of a business credit card are outlined below:

  • Separate finances. A business credit card can help you to keep personal and company finances separate, making it easier to track expenses and prepare accounts.
  • Establish a credit history. If your business is just starting out, it’s unlikely to have much of a credit history. Using a credit card can help build up your business credit score, and enable you to get accepted for better deals in the future.
  • Manage cash flow. A business credit card gives you access to a revolving line of credit which will typically give you up to 56 days before interest is charged. Credit limits are generally much higher on business credit cards compared to personal credit cards.
  • Interest-free purchases. Some business credit cards charge no interest on your purchases for a few months, allowing you to spread the cost of an expensive item without paying interest. Just make sure you clear your balance before the 0% deal ends and interest kicks in.
  • Multiple users. You may be able to obtain additional cards for your employees at no extra cost and then set spending limits for each card, which you can track through your online account. This can help you to better manage employee expenses.
  • Rewards and benefits. With some business credit cards you might be able to take advantage of cashback or travel perks, for example, or enjoy fee-free spending abroad.

Drawbacks of a business credit card

Of course, there are also some downsides to using a business credit card. Even if you choose a business credit card that does not charge an annual fee, unless your card offers an introductory 0% period, you will be charged interest on any balance you do not pay off in full each month. Further fees could be charged if you don’t make your payments on time or if you exceed your credit limit.

Your business will also need a good credit history to qualify for the best deals. If it doesn’t, your application could be rejected or you might be offered a much higher interest rate and lower credit limit. Note that if you’re a new business or a sole trader, some lenders may look at your personal credit history instead to help them establish whether to let you borrow.

Example of a basic business credit card

Capital on Tap offers a standard business credit card designed for small businesses that have an annual turnover of at least £2,000 per monthper year. The card offers the following benefits and the option to upgrade to its Business Rewards plan:

  • Credit facility of up to £250,000
  • No annual fee
  • Up to 42 days interest-free on card purchases
  • Representative purchase rates of 35.15%
  • No foreign exchange or UK ATM charges
  • 1%cashback on your business spending
  • Unlimited cards for your company
  • Redeem points for Avios with optional Business Rewards plan

You can find out more about the Capital on Tap business credit card in our review.

Frequently asked questions

Approval for any credit card depends on your status. The representative APRs shown represent the interest rate offered to most successful applicants. Depending on your personal circumstances, the APR you're offered may be higher, or you may not be offered credit at all. Fees and rates are subject to change without notice. It's always wise to check the terms of any deal before you borrow.

We show offers we can track - that's not every product on the market...yet. Unless we've said otherwise, products are in no particular order. The terms "best", "top", "cheap" (and variations of these) aren't ratings, though we always explain what's great about a product when we highlight it. This is subject to our terms of use. When you make major financial decisions, consider getting independent financial advice. Always consider your own circumstances when you compare products so you get what's right for you.

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