Best Business Credit Cards of January 2024

Our experts answer readers' credit card questions and write unbiased product reviews (here's how we assess credit cards). In some cases, we receive a commission from our partners; however, our opinions are our own. Terms apply to offers listed on this page.

The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business†, Capital One Spark Miles for Business†, Chase Freedom Flex℠, U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®, Capital One Spark 1% Classic†. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Our expert recommendations will help you choose the best business cards that fit your spending style, rewards preferences, and financial goals.

Best Credit Cards from Our Partners

Complete Editorial Review of the Top Small Business Credit Cards of 2024

These are the very best business credit cards available right now, as chosen by Business Insider's experts.

Best Business Credit Cards of 2024

• The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: Best flat-rate cash back with no annual fee
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Best for maximizing cash back
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best intro bonus offer
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Best for travel rewards with no annual fee
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for premium travel perks
• Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business† : Best for flat rate miles with no annual fee
• American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for big spenders
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Best for office supplies and wireless
• U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® : Best rewards card with a generous intro 0% APR offer
• Capital One 1% Classic†: Best for fair credit

Best for intro bonus offer

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card - Product Name Only

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card - Product Name Only is an ideal option if you're looking to earn valuable, flexible rewards points on your business spending through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program. If you already have one of the popular Chase cards that earn these rewards — like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card - Product Name Only or Chase Sapphire Reserve® - Product Name Only — you'll earn even more by adding this card to your wallet.

Like the Sapphire cards mentioned above, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card - Product Name Only earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points. You can either keep the rewards you earn on your Ink card separate from the rest of your Ultimate Rewards stash, or you can transfer the points to your personal credit cards. These points can be traded for cash back or transferred to frequent flyer and hotel loyalty partners.

If you transfer your Ultimate Rewards points to a personal card to purchase travel through Chase, you can get a 25% bonus if you use your personal Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card - Product Name Only, or a 50% bonus if you move your Ink points to your Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card - Product Name Only.

Chase Ultimate Rewards points are valued at 1.8 cents apiece according to Insider's points and miles calculations, primarily because you can transfer them to airline and hotel partners for high-value award flights and stays.

What the experts love: A great welcome bonus offer, 3x points on up to $150,000 spent per year in select popular business categories.

What the experts don't love: You have to spend $8,000 in the first three months to earn the 100,000-point welcome bonus offer, so this offer won't be ideal for smaller businesses with less spending requirements.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card - Product Name Only review

Best for premium travel perks

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express - Product Name Only

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express - Product Name Only is the business version of American Express' famed The Platinum Card® from American Express - Product Name Only, and it used to be our pick for the top business card.

But since then, this card's annual fee has since increased, and it's become a bit more of a niche product. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express - Product Name Only is potentially useful for mid-sized businesses that spend a lot on flights and travel, but less valuable for sole proprietors and very small operations.

The Business Platinum card added new benefits, including new 1.5x earning categories on eligible purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, software and 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 as well as annual statement credits for wireless, Indeed, Adobe purchases, and Dell**.

Like Chase points, Amex points have a high value according to Insider's points and miles valuations — 1.8 cents apiece, on average, again based on the ability to transfer points to airline and hotel partners for award travel.

What the experts love: You'll get lots of perks, including statement credits, plus 5x Amex Membership Rewards points on airfare and prepaid hotels when you book through American Express Travel.

What the experts don't love: Very high annual fee of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express - Product Name Only, plus a high minimum spending requirement to earn the welcome bonus offer.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express - Product Name Only review

Best for travel rewards with no annual fee: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express - Product Name Only

It's a rare points-earning business card that doesn't charge an annual fee. But with The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express - Product Name Only, you'll earn 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 you spend each calendar year, without any bonus categories you need to track.

According to Personal Finance Insider's points and miles valuations, Amex points are worth 1.8 cents apiece on average, so you're getting a 3.6% return on all your business spending up to $50,000 each year.

The card is currently offering The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express - Intro Bonus.

What the experts love: 2x points on up to $50,000 spent per year (then 1x), with no annual fee.

What the experts don't love: The welcome bonus is meager compared to many other cards.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express - Product Name Only review

Best flat-rate cash back with no annual fee

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card - Product Name Only

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card - Product Name Only is a good choice if you prefer straightforward cash-back earning without having to worry about keeping track of bonus categories. Insider considers it to be the best 2% cash back credit card for small business owners.

With this card, you earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases, on the first $50,000 spent per calendar year, then 1% back (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars).

For small businesses with big expenses on the horizon, there's a The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card - Intro APR (then a The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card - Regular APR APR) that can help you save some money on interest, as well. New cardholders can also earn The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card - Intro Bonus.

What the experts love: Earning 2% cash back on all purchases on up to $50,000 spent per year (then 1%) with no annual fee is hard to beat, a zero interest credit card with an introductory 0% APR can give you some breathing room.

What the experts don't love: The card doesn't currently offer a welcome bonus.

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card - Product Name Only review

Best for flat rate miles with no annual fee

Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business - Editorial Name Only

The Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business† - Product Name Only recently increased its welcome bonus to Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business - Intro Bonus. That's a rare deal from a no-annual-fee business card, and more than double the usual offer.

Cardholders earn 1.5 miles per dollar on purchases (except hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel, which earn 5 miles per dollar). There are no pesky foreign transaction fees to worry about, and you'll get a few travel benefits, including roadside assistance and secondary car rental insurance.

The redemption options on this card are similar to that of its big sibling, the Capital One Spark Miles for Business† - Product Name Only. Based on Insider's valuations, you can expect to get around Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business - Featured Reward Value in travel from this card's bonus.

What the experts love: A strong welcome bonus and earning for no annual fee make the card an affordable entry point if you're interested in earning credit card rewards for travel.

What the experts don't love: Light on benefits compared to other travel credit cards, no intro APR offer

Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business† - Product Name Only Review

Best for maximizing cash back

Ink Business Unlimited℠ Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card - Product Name Only is a simple one at first glance, earning unlimited 1.5% cash back. However, just like the consumer Chase Freedom Flex℠ - Product Name Only and Chase Freedom Unlimited® - Product Name Only cards, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card - Product Name Only has a trick up its sleeve.

Although the card is marketed as "cash back," it earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that you can redeem for cash (1 point = 1 cent). That means that you can combine the points earned from the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card - Product Name Only with the ones you earn from cards like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card - Product Name Only, or the personal Chase Sapphire Reserve® - Product Name Only or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card - Product Name Only, and either earn a bonus when you redeem them for travel through Chase, or transfer them to travel partners. When those points are combined onto an Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card - Product Name Only, you'll get a guaranteed 1.5–3 points per dollar spent.

The card also offers a Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card - Intro APR on purchases, followed by a Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card - Regular APR, so it's a good choice if you have expenses coming up that you want to spread out over time.

What the experts love: "The current welcome bonus offer is especially impressive for a no-annual-fee card," says Silbert.

What the experts don't love: This card isn't as valuable on its own — you need another Chase card to truly maximize the rewards.

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card - Product Name Only review

Best for big spenders

American Express® Business Gold Card

If you don't want to pay the higher annual fee of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express - Product Name Only, the American Express® Business Gold Card - Product Name Only is a good alternative. And depending on your spending habits, the Business Gold could be a more rewarding choice, thanks to the ability to earn 4x points on popular business spending categories on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year in the two select categories where your business spent the most each month; then 1x.

Eligible 4x categories are:

• U.S. gas stations
• U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery)
• U.S. wireless telephone service provider
• U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
• U.S. purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)
• Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways

This card currently comes with a big welcome offer of American Express® Business Gold Card - Product Name Only (worth American Express® Business Gold Card - Featured Reward Value based on Insider's valuations). Cardholders also receive a decent selection of travel and shopping perks, including a 25% points rebate on first- and business-class flights (or economy flights on your selected airline) booked through Amex Travel.

What the experts love: High level of customization when it comes to where you earn the most rewards

What the experts don't love: Wilson notes that it's the only premium Amex card that doesn't offer a statement credit to offset the annual fee.

American Express® Business Gold Card - Product Name Only review

Best for office supplies and wireless

Ink Business Cash℠ Credit Card

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card - Product Name Only is another solid Chase entry. Just like with the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card - Product Name Only, you can pool the "cash" you earn with points from a points-earning card, effectively converting your cash into (potentially) more valuable points.

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card - Product Name Only is an especially good option if you can maximize its bonus categories, including office supply stores, internet, cable, and restaurants, among others. The card earns 5% cash back (5x points) at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services, and 2% cash back (2x points) at gas stations and restaurants. You'll earn 5% and 2% in these categories on the first $25,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary year (then 1%), and 1% cash back (1 point per dollar) on all other purchases with no caps.

New cardholders can also take advantage of a Ink Business Cash® Credit Card - Intro APR (then a Ink Business Cash® Credit Card - Regular APR APR), making this card a good choice for big purchases you want to pay off over several months.

What the experts love: No annual fee, you can earn up to 5% cash back

What the experts don't love: Not the best option if you don't spend a lot within the 5% cash-back categories

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card - Product Name Only review

Best for a generous intro 0% APR offer

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™ Mastercard®

If you're looking for a rewards-earning business card with a generous 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers, the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® - Product Name Only is an excellent choice, and the best U.S. Bank credit card for small-business owners. Cardholders receive a U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® - Intro APR, followed by a U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® - Regular APR APR, which is very uncommon on business cards.

The card's welcome offer and earnings aren't anything to sniff at, either. New cardholders can earn U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® - Intro Bonus (authorized user purchases won't count, however).

You'll also earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the U..S Bank Rewards Center, 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

Another unique feature of the card is an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses like FreshBooks or QuickBooks. If you already subscribe to these services, the statement credit is a nice bonus — and it's particularly unusual for a no-annual-fee card.

What the experts love: Long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers, good bonus and earning rates, software subscription statement credit

What the experts don't love: Foreign transaction fees

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® - Product Name Only review

Best for fair credit

Capital One 1% Classic† - Product Name Only

Whether you have a new business or just don't have a ton of credit history, the Capital One 1% Classic† - Product Name Only could be a good stepping stone. It's possible to get approved for the card with just fair credit, whereas most other business cards that earn rewards require a good or even excellent credit score.

The card offers 1% cash back on all purchases, which isn't spectacular, but as a starter business card, it's not bad. There are no annual fees or foreign transaction fees, and employee cards are free to add (you'll earn rewards for their purchases, too).

You'll also receive a handful of good benefits, including secondary car rental insurance, purchase protection against damage or theft, extended warranty on eligible items, and travel and emergency assistance services.

What the experts love: You only need fair credit to be considered for approval, decent benefits for a starter card, no foreign transaction fees or annual fee

What the experts don't love: Card only earns 1% cash back across the board, no welcome bonus offer

Business Credit Cards Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What's the difference between a personal credit card and a business credit card?

While personal credit cards are intended for any type of purchase, business credit cards are targeted toward business owners. That doesn't mean you need a large established company to apply for a business credit card. In fact, you can may qualify for a business card as long as you meet the bank's application requirements, even if you just resell household items on eBay or operate a small home baking business.

How do I qualify for a business credit card?

It's easier to qualify for a business credit card than you may think. If you do any freelancing or a side gig, such as driving for Uber or selling items on eBay, you can typically qualify for a business credit card as a sole proprietor. In this case, you are personally on the hook for your business' debts.

What do I put on a business credit card application?

You can apply for a business card using your Social Security number if you're a sole proprietor. You should put down your legal name as the business name. If you have a business with employees, you'll need to answer questions about your business size, type, and revenue, in addition to providing your SSN and your EIN (if requested).

What's the difference between a business credit card and a corporate credit card?

With a business credit card, the primary cardholder is responsible for the debts on the card and for any fees that are incurred. A corporate card is issued by a company to its employees, and the company is responsible for paying that card.

Why You Should Trust Us: Our Expert Panel for This Guide

We consulted top credit card experts from NerdWallet and The Points Guy, a certified financial planner, and our own credit cards editor to inform our picks for the best business credit cards. We also interviewed them about how to find the best business credit card for you — you'll find the whole text of our interviews at the bottom of this page.

The Experts' Advice on Choosing the Best Business Credit Card for You

We interviewed three credit card experts and one financial planner about what to look for if you're considering opening a business credit card. You can find the full text of our interviews below (some answers may be lightly edited for clarity).

What features make a business credit card good?

Sara Rathner, credit card expert at NerdWallet:

The rewards need to be in line with your business' typical spending. An ultra-high bonus isn't worth overspending for. And what good is extra cash back if it's for types of purchases you'll never make?

Luis Rosa, certified financial planner:

The ability to easily provide corporate cards to employees with their own spending limits, plus strong welcome bonuses and cash-back or rewards programs.

Sarah Silbert, deputy editor at Personal Finance Insider:

A good business credit card will reward your company for the purchases it makes most frequently. It will also offer benefits to make your life easier, such as free employee credit cards and travel perks.

Benét Wilson, freelance aviation journalist and former senior editor at The Points Guy:

If you spend a lot on specific categories (like travel, office supplies, dining, and internet/wireless), then you want a card that offers top points per dollar spent on them. You want free employee cards and tools that help you balance the books. Plus you need broad options to redeem your points (travel, statement credits, gift cards).

How should someone approach finding the best business credit card for their specific situation?

Sara Rathner, NerdWallet:

Before applying, know how much you spend, and on what. From there, you can find the cards that reward you the most for what your business already does.

Luis Rosa, CFP:

Benefits will vary from solopreneurs to bigger businesses so make the decision based on spending patterns or anticipated future purchases.

Sarah Silbert, Personal Finance Insider:

If there are any specific benefits you want from a business credit card, start there. For example, not every business card comes with airport lounge access. If you don't have any particular perks in mind, consider whether you want to earn cash back or travel rewards — that decision alone will narrow down your options. From there, take a look at the credit card options and evaluate their benefits. If you're looking at a card with an annual fee, make sure it's worth it for you. You won't want to pay hundreds of dollars per year for a card if you never put its luxury travel perks to use.

Benét Wilson:

Look for a business credit card that can help you maximize your purchases, separate your expenses and save money on interest each year. Do you prefer earning cash-back rewards, airline miles, hotel points, or transferable currencies? Are you willing to pay an annual fee? What categories does your business spend the most in each year? Do you or your employees travel frequently and if so, would there be a benefit in having hotel elite status or a checked bag allowance when flying?

Is there anything else you'd tell someone looking to open a business credit card?

Sara Rathner, NerdWallet:

Remember that you're personally liable to cover any unpaid credit card bills if your business fails. Spend carefully.

Luis Rosa, CFP:

Keep in mind that if you assign employees cards you and the business are still ultimately responsible for the charges on those cards.

How We Chose the Best Small Business Credit Cards

Personal Finance Insider evaluated dozens of business credit cards that are currently open to new applicants, including several no-annual-fee business cards. We narrowed the list down based on the following criteria:

• Sign-up bonus — Does the card offer a valuable welcome bonus offer to new cardholders who meet a minimum spending requirement?
• Ongoing rewards — Beyond the welcome bonus offer, does the card offer a competitive rate of points or cash back on purchases?
• Other features — Does the card come with any additional benefits, such as travel protection, free employee cards, cell phone insurance, or primary car rental insurance?
• Annual fee — If the card has an annual fee, does it offer enough benefits to justify it?

For anyone running a business with dozens of employees, keeping your personal and business finances separate is vital. Things can get murky quickly when you're cutting personal and business checks from the same account — a business credit card will not only help separate expenses, but also help you establish business credit, so that you have flexibility later on with loans and leases. Plus, you can get additional authorized cards for employees as needed.

Before you decide on the right card for your venture, you should have an idea of how your want to redeem your rewards:

• Do you want to earn miles and points for free luxury vacations?
• Do you want to decrease the cost of your business travel?
• Do you want to earn cash back to reinvest in your business?

It's also important to consider your spending habits and choose a card that earns the most rewards for your usual business expenses. Read more about how we rate credit cards.