The best business credit cards in 2024

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Featured Offer

Ink Business Preferred? Credit Card

Welcome Bonus

Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel?

Earn 90k bonus points

Regular APR

21.24% – 26.24% Variable

Annual Fee

$95

Credit Score

Credit Score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

Excellent, Good

Apply Now

On Chase Bank USA, NA's Secure Website

The Blue Business? Plus Credit Card from American Express

*

The information for the The Blue Business? Plus Credit Card from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best business credit card

Key takeaways

2X

Earn 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year

1X

Earn unlimited 1x points on purchases thereafter

5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best business credit card

Welcome bonus offer

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.

Earn 15,000 points

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

17.99% – 25.99% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent/Good </div>

Why we picked it

The annual fee stakes are low and the potential value is high with the Blue Business Plus from American Express (terms apply, see rates and fees). This card earns versatile points and doesn’t charge an annual fee. Specifically, you’ll earn 2x American Express Membership Rewards? points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year (then 1x). Because of that cap, business owners with more substantial annual spending may want to consider other cards. As a new card holder, you can earn a decent 15,000 Membership Rewards? points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening.

+ Pros

• $0 annual fee
• 2 points for every dollar your business spends on all purchases up to $50,000 each calendar year; earn unlimited 1X points on purchases thereafter
• Car rental insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty

– Cons

• Modest welcome bonus offer
• 2x rate is capped at $50,000 in purchases per year, after which you only earn 1 point per dollar
• Charges foreign transaction fees

Highlights

• 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.
• 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.99% – 25.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards? points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
• You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
• *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
• No Annual Fee
• Terms Apply

All information about The Blue Business? Plus Credit Card from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.

The American Express Blue Business Cash? Card

*

The information for the The American Express Blue Business Cash? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best for cash back with no annual fee

Key takeaways

2%

Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year

1%

Earn 1% cash back on all purchases thereafter

4.9/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for cash back with no annual fee

Welcome bonus offer

Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.

$250 statement credit

Annual fee

No annual fee

Regular APR

17.99% – 25.99% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent/Good </div>

Why we picked it

You’d be excused for having trouble telling the Blue Business Plus from American Express apart from the Blue Business Cash (terms apply, see rates and fees). The Blue Business Cash has slightly less potential rewards value because it earns cash back instead of Amex Membership Rewards points. If you’d rather deal in cash back anyway, that won’t be a drawback at all. You’ll earn 2% cash back on purchases for up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% back. Your cash back will come in the form of automatic credits against your monthly statement. The card also offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a 17.99% – 25.99% variable APR applies. New card holders can earn a $250?statement credit after spending?$3,000 in purchases in the first?three?months of account opening.

+ Pros

• No annual fee
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a 17.99% – 25.99% variable APR applies?
• $250?statement credit after spending?$3,000 in purchases in the first?three?months of account opening

– Cons

• 2% rewards are capped at the first $50,000 spent each calendar year
• Charges a foreign transaction fee
• No bonus rewards for travel, office supplies or other relevant spending categories

Highlights

• Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
• 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.99% – 25.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
• From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
• Just remember,?the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
• No Annual Fee
• Terms Apply

All information about The American Express Blue Business Cash? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Best for flat-rate rewards

Key takeaways

2X

Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase

5X

Earn unlimited 5x miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

4.8/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for flat-rate rewards

Learn More

On CardRatings’s Secure Website

Welcome bonus offer

Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months

50,000 miles

Annual fee

$0 intro for the first year; $95 after that

Regular APR

26.24% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent, Good</div>

Why we picked it

The Spark Miles for Business stands out for its unlimited 2x miles on most spending. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a business card that beats this rewards rate outside of bonus categories. Plus, the annual fee is reasonable: $0 intro for the first year; $95 after that. You may be able to get more value from your miles by transferring them to one of Capital One’s more than 15 travel loyalty program partners (including British Airways Executive Club and Wyndham Rewards). Business travelers may also appreciate the card’s application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, two free visits to a Capital One airport lounge per calendar year and no foreign transaction fee.

+ Pros

• Unlimited 2x miles on every purchase (plus 5x on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel)
• Ability to transfer miles to eligible travel loyalty programs
• No foreign transaction fee

– Cons

• Annual fee is $0 intro for the first year; $95 after that
• No intro APR offer
• Limited bonus rewards rates

Highlights

• 2x miles on most spending
• 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $120 credit to cover the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
• Ability to transfer miles to more than a dozen partners
• 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
• Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year; $95 after that

Ink Business Preferred? Credit Card

Best for travel and business expenses

Key takeaways

3x

Earn 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year

1x

Earn 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, with no limit to the amount you can earn

4.7/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for travel and business expenses

Apply Now

On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website

Welcome bonus offer

Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

90,000 bonus points

Annual fee

$95

Regular APR

21.24%-26.24% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Good, Excellent</div>

Why we picked it

If your business expenses are dominated by travel, shipping, advertising via social media and search engines, and/or internet, cable and phone services, you’ll want to consider the Ink Business Preferred. This Chase business credit card offers 3x Chase Ultimate Rewards? points on the first $150,000 you spend in those categories combined each year, with years measured from your account anniversary. After you open the card, you can also earn an impressive 90,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Your options to redeem points include using Chase Travel? for a 25% boost to your point value or transferring to Chase’s airline and hotel travel partners (including JetBlue TrueBlue and Marriott Bonvoy).

+ Pros

• Points are worth 25% more when used through Chase Travel?
  
• Earn 90,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening
• Points can be transferred to participating loyalty programs

– Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No 0% introductory APR
• Bonus rewards capped at $150,000 in spending across bonus categories each year

Highlights

• Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel?
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more – your points don’t expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel?
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Member FDIC

Ink Business Cash? Credit Card

Best for welcome bonus with no annual fee

Key takeaways

5%

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

4.5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for welcome bonus with no annual fee

Apply Now

On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website

Welcome bonus offer

Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening

up to $750 bonus cash back

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

18.49% – 24.49% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent, Good</div>

Why we picked it

The no annual fee Ink Business Cash comes with a welcome offer of $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening. On top of that, the card offers solid bonus rewards categories, chief among them 5% cash back on up to $25,000 spent in select business categories each account anniversary year (then 1%). If you’re looking to spread out payments for a large purchase, you could benefit from the card’s 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months (followed by a 18.49% – 24.49% Variable APR).

+ Pros

• No annual fee
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months (then an ongoing 18.49% – 24.49% Variable APR)
• Welcome bonus of $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening

– Cons

• Charges a foreign transaction fee
• 5% cash back rate capped at $25,000 in spending across bonus categories each year
• 0% intro APR does not apply to balance transfers

Highlights

• Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
• 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
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• 10% Business Relationship Bonus If you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
• With Zero Liability you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• No Annual Fee
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Capital One Venture X Business

Best for big spenders

Key takeaways

2X

Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase

5X

Earn 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals and 10 miles on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal

4.5/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for big spenders

Learn More

On CardRatings’s Secure Website

Welcome bonus offer

Earn 150,000 bonus miles when you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months, which is equal to $1,500 in travel.

150,000 bonus miles

Annual fee

$395

Regular APR

N/A

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Excellent</div>

Why we picked it

The Venture X Business charges a steep $395 annual fee, but its top-notch travel benefits can easily make it worthwhile for the right business owner. You can earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. All other purchases earn 2x miles. Each year, you’ll get a $300 credit to cover bookings reserved with Capital One Travel. After your account anniversary, expect 10,000 bonus miles. Other benefits include Premier Collection hotel perks and a statement credit to cover the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

+ Pros

• $300 annual travel credit
• Airport lounge access (Priority Pass and Capital One Lounge)
• 10,000-mile account anniversary bonus

– Cons

• Charges a $395 annual fee
• Travel must be booked through Capital One Travel to earn top bonus rewards
• No intro APR offer

Highlights

• 2x miles on most purchases
• 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 150,000 miles after spending $30,000 in the first three months of account opening
• 10,000 bonus miles for your account anniversary each year
• $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
• $395 annual fee

Ink Business Premier? Credit Card

Best for large purchases

Key takeaways

5%

Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards?

2.5%

Earn 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more

2%

Earn 2% cash back on all other business purchases

4.4/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for large purchases

Apply Now

On Chase Bank USA, NA’s Secure Website

Welcome bonus offer

Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

$1,000 cash back

Annual fee

$195

Regular APR

Flex for Business variable APR: 19.49% – 27.49%

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Good/Excellent</div>

Why we picked it

The Ink Business Premier is great for businesses that make large purchases, since it earns 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more. The welcome bonus is solid, but it comes with a high spending requirement: $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Instead of setting a strict credit limit, Chase advises card holders to pay their balance in full each month, though it’s possible to carry a balance as well.

+ Pros

• Substantial welcome bonus offer
• High rewards rate especially for large purchases over $5,000
• Pay in full card allows flexible spending power

– Cons

• $195 annual fee
• No ability to transfer points from the card to other Chase accounts
• No bonus categories outside of large purchases over $5,000

Highlights

• Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Earn unlimited 2.5% total cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more and unlimited 2% cash back on all other business purchases.
• Travel Benefits: Unlimited 5% total cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, No Foreign Transaction Fees and Trip Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance.
• The only business credit card with 2.5% cash back on every purchase of $5,000 or more.
• Get the buying power you need to make large purchases, cover monthly expenses and help your business grow. While you must pay your Pay In Full balance each month, this card has built-in flexibility. The Flex for Business feature allows for qualifying purchases to be paid over time with interest.
• Purchase with confidence with built-in protections like Fraud Protection, Zero Liability Protection, Purchase Protection, Cell Phone Protection, and Extended Warranty Protection.
• There’s no additional cost for employee cards. Monitor spend with digital tools like purchase alerts, set spending limits, reporting, and more.
• Member FDIC

The Business Platinum Card? from American Express

*

The information for the The Business Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best for luxury travel benefits

Key takeaways

5x

Earn 5x Membership Rewards? points on flights and prepaid hotels on American Express Travel

1.5X

Earn 1.5x points on eligible purchases at U.S. 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

Earn 1x points on other eligible purchases

4.1/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for luxury travel benefits

Welcome bonus offer

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards? points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

Earn 150,000 points

Annual fee

$695

Regular APR

19.49% – 28.49% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Good, Excellent </div>

Why we picked it

The Amex Business Platinum (terms apply, see rates and fees) charges a $695 annual fee but offers luxury travel benefits such as hotel loyalty status with Marriott and Hilton, access to American Express’ Global Lounge Collection, and premium status with eligible car rental programs. The card also offers solid rewards, including 1.5x points on eligible business spending and purchases of $5,000 or more on up to $2 million spent per calendar year (then 1x). Plus, you can use more than $1,000 worth of statement credits to cover eligible spending each year.

+ Pros

• Substantial welcome bonus offer
• Potential to earn over $1,000 in statement credits each year
• Hotel elite status and airport lounge access

– Cons

• High annual fee
• High minimum spending requirement to unlock welcome bonus
• Base rewards rate is 1 point per dollar

Highlights

• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards? points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 5X Membership Rewards? points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase 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, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year?of membership?with?the Business Platinum Card?.?Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card?, here.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the?Card.
• $199 CLEAR? Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR? Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card?.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection? can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

All information about The Business Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.

Capital One Spark Classic for Business

*

The information for the Capital One Spark Classic for Business has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best for fair credit

Key takeaways

1%

Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase

5%

Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

4/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best for fair credit

Welcome bonus offer

None

N/A

Annual fee

$0

Regular APR

29.99% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Average, Fair, Limited</div>

Why we picked it

The no annual fee Spark Classic for Business offers 1% cash back on most purchases, and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Those rewards rates plus no welcome offer mean this card is far from the best earner on our list, but it’s available to consumers with less-than-excellent credit. Cash back rewards can be redeemed for any amount at any time with no expiration date for the life of the account.

+ Pros

• Available to applicants with fair credit
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fee

– Cons

• High variable APR of 29.99% Variable
• No welcome bonus
• Low base rewards rate (1%)

Highlights

• Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions
• No annual fee
• Build and strengthen credit for your business by using this credit card responsibly
• $0 fraud liability for unauthorized charges if your card is lost or stolen
• Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases
• Rewards won’t expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount
• No foreign transaction fees

Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card

*

The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best hotel card

Key takeaways

6X

Earn 6 points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy? program

4X

Earn 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping

2X

Earn 2x Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card points on all other eligible purchases

4.7/5

The CNN Underscored Money editorial team has developed a star rating so you can see the best card for specific categories. While we believe this card excels in this category, its overall star rating may differ.

Best hotel card

Welcome bonus offer

Earn 5 Free Night Awards, valued at up to 50K points each for eligible stays. Offer ends 10/16. Resort fees & terms apply.

Earn 5 Free Night Awards

Annual fee

$125

Regular APR

20.49% – 29.49% Variable

Credit score

Credit score ranges are based on FICO? credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.

<div>Good/Excellent</div>

Why we picked it

The $125-annual-fee Marriott Bonvoy Business (terms apply, see rates and fees) is the best Marriott card for small businesses, and it’s the highest-performing co-branded hotel card here. The card should be especially appealing to business travelers, as it earns 6x points on eligible Marriott Bonvoy hotel purchases and 4x points at restaurants and U.S. gas stations and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and U.S. shipping purchases. Each year, you’ll also get a free night award certificate valued at up to 35,000 points (note that resort fees may apply). This card is even more valuable for consumers with a personal Marriott card, since you can combine the 15 elite night credits from this card with elite night credits from a personal card.

+ Pros

• Free night award every year after your card renewal month
• Elite night credits stack with personal Marriott credit card credits
• Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status

– Cons

• $125 annual fee
• Only business owners can qualify
• Second free night award requires spending $60,000 in a calendar year

Highlights

• LIMITED TIME OFFER: Earn 5 Free Night Awards, valued at up to 50K points each for eligible stays after you use your new card to make $8,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 10/16. Resort fees & terms apply.
• Receive a 7% discount on eligible bookings as a benefit of being both a Marriott Bonvoy? member & a Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card Member when you book directly with Marriott through an eligible channel for a participating property under the Amex Business Card Rate.
• 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy? program.
• 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
• 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
• Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy? points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy?. Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card.
• Terms apply.

All information about Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.

Our picks at a glance

	Annual fee	Welcome bonus	Best for	Notable feature
The Blue Business? Plus Credit Card from American Express * The information for the The Blue Business? Plus Credit Card from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0	15,000 Membership Rewards? points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of account opening.Terms Apply.	Small businesses	0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate of 17.99% - 25.99% applies
The American Express Blue Business Cash? Card * The information for the The American Express Blue Business Cash? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	No annual fee	$250?statement credit after spending?$3,000 in purchases in the first?three?months of account opening.Terms Apply.	Cash back with no annual fee	0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a 17.99% - 25.99% variable APR applies
Capital One Spark Miles for Business	$0 intro for the first year; $95 after that	50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening	Flat-rate rewards	Unlimited 2x miles on all purchases
Ink Business Preferred? Credit Card	$95	90,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening	Travel and business expenses	Cell phone protection
Ink Business Cash? Credit Card	$0	$350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening	Welcome bonus with no annual fee	0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months, then a standard APR of 18.49% - 24.49% variable applies for purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies
Capital One Venture X Business	$395	150,000 miles after spending $30,000 in the first three months of account opening	Big spenders	$300 annual travel credit for Capital One Travel bookings
Ink Business Premier? Credit Card	$195	$1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening	Large purchases	2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more
The Business Platinum Card? from American Express * The information for the The Business Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$695	150,000 Membership Rewards? points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases with the card within the first three months of card membership.Terms Apply.	Luxury travel benefits	Over $1,000 worth of statement credits available
Capital One Spark Classic for Business * The information for the Capital One Spark Classic for Business has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$0	None	Fair credit	No foreign transaction fees (as with other Capital One cards)
Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card * The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.	$125	Earn 5 Free Night Awards (worth up to 50,000 points each) after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership (offer ends 10/16, resort fees and terms apply). Terms Apply.	Hotels	Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status

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All information about Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card, The American Express Blue Business Cash? Card, The Blue Business? Plus Credit Card from American Express and The Business Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored.

How do business credit cards work?

Like consumer credit cards, small-business credit cards let you make purchases without paying upfront and can offer both rewards and protections on spending. Unlike consumer credit cards, small business cards are geared at businesses, defined broadly to include part-time freelancers and sole proprietors.

Small-business cards often allow card holders to borrow a certain amount, called a credit limit, which they must pay back by a deadline to avoid interest charges. But some small business cards come without set spending limits and require card holders to pay their balances in full each month — this kind of product is called a charge card.

In either case, cards have a primary account holder, who is responsible for repaying all charges. As the primary account holder, you can typically provide employees with their own authorized user cards, often at no extra cost. The primary account holder gets any rewards for spending and may have access to travel benefits that authorized users do not have.

A small-business card is also different from a corporate card, though both can offer rewards and benefits. A corporate card is issued based on the organization’s finances, while small business cards tend to rely on the applicant’s personal credit. Corporate cards have stricter qualification requirements than small-business cards and are generally used by larger companies.

Types of business credit cards

Small-business cards and corporate cards are the two main types of business cards. This page highlights small-business cards, which are accessible to a wider range of companies.

Small-business cards can be split, broadly, into two categories: credit cards and charge cards. Credit cards provide revolving lines of credit and allow card holders to carry a balance in exchange for interest. Charge cards do not have strict credit limits, but they must be paid in full each month.

A card can also have a flexible spending limit and advise paying balances in full while also providing an option for card holders to pay over time with interest. Credit cards and charge cards may offer similar benefits, such as rewards for spending, promotional APRs and travel protections.

Pros and cons of business credit cards

While business credit cards can be valuable tools, they do have some drawbacks.

Pros:

• Separate charges. Business credit cards allow you to separate your company expenses from your personal purchases.
• Help with accounting and tax preparation. Business credit cards can include robust expense tracking and accounting features that make bookkeeping and tax preparation easier.
• Earn rewards. Business credit cards can offer valuable cash back, points, or miles for your spending, with bonuses for common business purchases.
• Provide short-term financing. Business credit cards offer a short-term financing option for small businesses, which can prevent cash flow issues.
• Come with card holder benefits. With a small business card, you might get into certain airport lounges for free, get your money back if a recent purchase is stolen or get your application fee for TSA PreCheck refunded. These and other benefits can make your card even more valuable.

Cons:

• Small business cards rely on your personal credit. You typically need good or excellent credit to be approved for small-business credit cards, and the primary account holder is responsible for repayment.
• Fewer legal protections. Some consumer protections don’t apply to small business cards. For example, issuers typically have to give at least 45 days’ notice to increase the interest rate on a consumer credit card, but are not legally required to do so for small business cards. However, some card issuers have voluntarily extended protections to their business cards.
• Potentially high interest rates. When you use a small business card to finance your company purchases, you may be charged an interest rate around 30% on balances.

How to qualify for a business credit card

Small business credit cards are available to a variety of business owners. This includes corporations, partnerships, nonprofits and LLCs. But this also includes unincorporated businesses and sole proprietors.

In practice, this includes virtually anyone who makes income outside of employment, such as ride-share drivers, child care providers and people who sell products online.

How to apply for a business credit card

You may be able to apply for a business credit card in the branch, by mail or over the phone. Applying online may be the fastest option.

The application for a business card will be much like a personal credit card application. In addition to your personal information, the application will ask for business information, such as your business’ legal name, age and structure. You’ll also provide a business address and phone number. For a sole proprietor, that may be your phone number and home address.

You will also be asked to supply your company’s employer identification number (EIN). If you’re a sole proprietor and you don’t have an EIN, you can use your Social Security number (SSN).

What to consider when choosing a business credit card

The most important factor to think about is how you plan to use the card. If you intend to use it to pay off purchases over time, then one of the most important considerations should be the card’s interest rate. You may wish to consider cards with introductory 0% annual percentage rate (APR) offers for purchases, balance transfers or both.

Cards with the lowest interest rates may have more modest benefits and rewards. But if you carry a balance, a lower interest rate will save you a significant amount of money, and should be more important than earning rewards or receiving benefits.

But if you’re planning on avoiding interest charges by paying your monthly statement balances in full, then you should probably consider a rewards credit card. These cards can offer you cash back, points or miles. Frequent business travelers should consider premium travel rewards cards that offer benefits such as airport lounge access. And if you get a business card that’s co-branded with an airline or hotel, then look for benefits when you use those travel providers, such as priority service or room upgrades.

Also consider fees, including annual fees and foreign transaction fees. Benefits such as travel insurance and purchase protection can help distinguish cards, too. Most business cards will offer accounting and expense tracking features, but some may have greater functionality than others.

How business credit cards affect your personal credit score

When you apply for a business credit card, it will be reported on your personal credit report as an application for new credit. By itself, this will have little or no effect on your credit score. But if you have applied for numerous new cards in a short period of time, you may see a bigger drop.

Once your business credit card account is open, the information that appears on your personal credit history may differ based on the credit card issuer. Some don’t report business credit card activity to the personal credit bureaus, though this can change if you miss payments on your card.

Methodology

Our money and data analytics teams evaluated more than four dozen business credit cards. We then narrowed down our list of the best business cards by giving them a star rating out of five, based on the following factors and our editorial judgment:

Pricing and fees (40%)

Cards with more competitive variable APRs and lower fees received a boost in our ratings compared to cards with more expensive setups.

Rewards and welcome bonus value (35%)

Many business credit cards earn rewards and offer welcome bonuses, but not all rewards have the same value. We used spending data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and estimates of rewards values from The Points Guy to determine which cards dole out the best rewards value and highest welcome bonus value.

Spending limit flexibility (10%)

Charge cards and cards that otherwise don’t impose strict credit limits received a boost.

Benefits (10%)

Cards that offer benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty and cell phone insurance received a boost.

Annual credits/bonuses (5%)

Cards that come with credits and bonuses for spending in certain categories received a small bump compared to cards that do not.

What didn’t make the cut

While we found the best business credit cards for many uses, there are other options that didn’t make the list.

• Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business * The information for the Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : This is a good no annual fee card, but it only earns 1.5 miles per dollar spent, which is lower than the rate of 2 miles per dollar for most purchases with Spark Miles for Business.
• Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit: Similarly, this is a solid no annual fee card, but its 1.5% cash back rate is inferior to the Spark Miles for Business’ rewards rate of 2 miles per dollar on most spending.
• Capital One Spark Cash Plus: This is a charge card that offers 2% cash back, but it has a $150 annual fee. The new account bonus is great, but you have to spend a lot to earn it.
• Other co-branded hotel cards, such as IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card * The information for the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. and The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card * The information for the The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : If you’re a regular customer at IHG hotels or Hilton hotels, you’ll likely find one of these cards to be a better pick than the Marriott Bonvoy Business. But the Marriott card performed better under our methodology, which weighs rewards value heavily.
• U.S. Bank Business Leverage? Visa Signature? Card * The information for the U.S. Bank Business Leverage? Visa Signature? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. : It features some excellent bonus points opportunities, but rewards can’t be transferred to travel partners as with Spark Miles for Business. And it charges a $0 introductory annual fee for the first 12 months, then a $95 annual fee.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. 2Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

To view rates and fees for The Blue Business? Plus Credit Card from American Express * The information for the The Blue Business? Plus Credit Card from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , please visit this page.

To view rates and fees for The American Express Blue Business Cash? Card * The information for the The American Express Blue Business Cash? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , please visit this page.

To view rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card? from American Express * The information for the The Business Platinum Card? from American Express has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , please visit this page.

To view rates and fees for American Express? Business Gold Card * The information for the American Express? Business Gold Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , please visit this page.

To view rates and fees for Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card * The information for the Marriott Bonvoy Business? American Express? Card has been collected independently by CNN Underscored. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. , please visit this page.