12 top-rated small business credit card for rewards, travel and more

What is the best small business credit card?

The best small business credit card is the one that matches your spending, whether that means cash back, travel points, or a low intro APR.

• It helps you separate business and personal spending.
• It builds your business credit history over time.
• It rewards you with cash back, points, or travel perks.

A small business credit card gives you access to credit-building tools made for growth. When you first start out, a debit card or personal savings can help you avoid debt. That approach works for a while, yet it soon becomes a roadblock if you want to scale.

You can cover daily costs, but you do not build a strong financial base. Relying only on personal funds also blocks your business credit history. Lenders or debt collection agencies often check that history before they work with you. So this guide explains why a card helps, what to look for, and which cards to consider. It pairs well with other small business essentials that help you grow.

Why should small businesses use a credit card?

A small business credit card offers many day-to-day benefits. First, it keeps business and personal spending apart. As a result, you spend less time sorting transactions and more time reviewing real business costs.

It also helps during slow seasons or while you wait on invoices. You get short-term access to capital, which supports your cash needs. In addition, a strong credit profile makes it easier to:

• Qualify for larger loans
• Get better terms with vendors
• Access higher credit limits in the future

Many small business credit cards add rewards too. For example, you can earn cash back, travel points, or service discounts. Clean records also make it easier to claim small business tax deductions at year-end. To see how common cards are among owners, check the latest small business statistics.

Key features to look for in a small business credit card

Before you choose a small business credit card, focus on features that fit your needs. The interest rate is one of the first details to review. This matters most if you plan to carry a balance.

Look for these features when you compare a small business credit card:

• Reward structure. Does your spending match the categories that earn the most points or cash back?
• Introductory APR and ongoing rates. A 0% APR period can ease early costs, but watch the long-term rate.
• Annual fees. Note any annual fee. Some cards charge none, while others charge one for higher limits.
• Expense tracking tools. Pick a card that simplifies accounting with integrations or clear reports.
• Employee cards and limits. Many cards under one account with custom controls are a big plus.
• Fraud protection and purchase security. A good card gives peace of mind for both online and in-person transactions.

Sound spending habits also support your wider wealth management strategy. For the basics, start with this guide to wealth management and financial planning.

Types of small business credit cards

Small business credit cards come in a few types. Each one works best for different spending habits. So match your everyday costs with a card that gives back where you spend most.

Cash back cards

Cash back cards give you a share of your spending back. It is usually between 1% and 5%, based on the category and card. For example, a card with 3% back on gas earns you $9 when you spend $300 on fuel.

These cards suit owners who want a simple way to save money on daily costs. So they work well for office supplies, fuel, or internet bills.

Travel rewards cards

Travel rewards cards earn points or miles for business travel. You can use them for flights, hotels, or rental cars. For instance, each trip booked on the card adds points. Use the card enough, and those points can cover a free flight later.

Hotel chains or airline cards

These cards are a focused version of travel cards. They tie to one hotel brand or airline, and rewards grow when you stay loyal. For example, a co-branded hotel card may give bonus points, free upgrades, or a free night. Airline cards work the same way, with perks like free checked bags or priority boarding.

Food and shopping cards

Food and shopping cards suit businesses that spend a lot at restaurants or stores. For example, a card might give 4% cash back on restaurants or extra points at supermarkets. As a result, this type turns regular spending into small savings you can reinvest.

12 best small business credit cards to consider

Here are small business credit cards that help you earn rewards and control costs. Each one fits a different goal, so pick the one that suits your spending.

Best small business credit card for cash back

Cash back cards suit owners who want simple savings on everyday costs.

1. Capital One® Spark® Cash Plus

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is a straightforward card for owners who want steady cash back. Unlike many rewards cards, it puts no limits on categories. So it suits businesses with varied spending.

Key features:

• 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases with no category caps
• $2,000 welcome bonus after spending $30,000 in the first 3 months
• $2,000 bonus per $500,000 spent in the first year (no cap on bonuses)
• No preset spending limit, adjusts based on usage and credit profile
• Pay-in-full requirement each month (no revolving balance)
• Free employee and virtual cards, with all purchases earning rewards
• $150 annual fee, refunded yearly if total spending hits $150,000

2. Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card

The Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card is a practical choice for owners who want strong rewards with no annual fee. It offers a structured cash back program on categories that many small businesses use.

Key features:

• $750 total cash back bonus: $350 after $3,000 spent in 3 months; +$400 after $6,000 spent in 6 months
• 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent yearly at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services
• 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent yearly at gas stations and restaurants
• 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee
• Automatic credit line review every 6 months
• Fraud and Purchase Protection, plus account alerts
• Free employee cards with custom spending limits

Best small business credit card for travel

Travel cards suit businesses that book frequent flights or hotel stays. They offer points and perks that improve employee travel.

3. Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

The Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card suits owners who travel often and want flexible points. One of its best perks is that points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel.

Key features:

• 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel
• Points never expire as long as the account is open
• 1:1 point transfers to participating airline and hotel loyalty programs

4. The Business Platinum® Card from American Express OPEN

This card gives 5x Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com. It also grants access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes The Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club, Escape Lounges, and partner lounges. Note that some benefits, such as Priority Pass Select access, need enrollment.

Key features:

• $200 Airline Fee Credit per calendar year for incidental airline charges with a selected airline
• 150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 in the first 3 months (limited-time offer)

Best small business credit card for hotel stays

Hotel cards reward loyalty with extra points, free nights, and status upgrades. So they fit businesses that book lodging often.

5. Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is a solid pick for owners who often stay at Marriott. It offers perks made for frequent travelers, such as free nights and room-rate discounts.

Key features:

• 3 Free Night Awards after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months (each up to 50,000 points)
• 6x points on eligible purchases at Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• 7% room rate discount when booking directly with Marriott under the Amex Business Card Rate
• 1 free night award every year after card renewal (up to 35,000 points)
• 2nd free night award after spending $60,000 in a calendar year (up to 35,000 points)
• Complimentary premium internet at participating Marriott hotels
• No foreign transaction fees on international purchases

6. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

This is a practical card for owners who often stay at Hilton and want strong everyday rewards.

Key features:

• Welcome offer: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months
• 12x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on purchases made directly with Hilton hotels and resorts
• 5x Hilton Honors Bonus Points on other eligible purchases (up to $100K per calendar year, then 3x)
• Complimentary Hilton Honors Gold Status with space-available room upgrades and 80% point bonuses
• Variable APR: 19.99% to 28.99%, based on creditworthiness

Best small business credit card for 0% APR

0% APR cards suit businesses that want to buy now without interest during an intro period. So they help with cash flow while you manage startup or growth costs.

7. The US Bank Business Platinum Card

This card offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles. As a result, you can make large purchases or cover gaps without interest during that time.

Key features:

• 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 18 billing cycles
• Variable APR of 16.99% to 25.99% after the intro period, based on creditworthiness
• Applies payments to the lowest APR balances first after the minimum is met

8. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

This is a practical card for businesses with seasonal spikes or larger-than-usual purchases.

Key features:

• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening
• Variable APR of 17.49% to 27.49% after the intro period, based on creditworthiness
• Comes with Expanded Buying Power that lets you spend above your limit when needs arise

Best small business credit card for balance transfers

Balance transfer cards help you cut interest on existing card debt. You move a balance to a new card with a low or 0% intro rate, which saves on finance charges.

9. U.S. Bank Smartly™ Visa Signature® Card

This card features a 0% intro APR on both purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles. So it suits businesses that want to manage debt or make large purchases interest-free in year one.

Key features:

• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles
• Variable APR of 18.49% to 28.74% after the intro period
• No annual fee
• Up to 2% cash back on your first $10,000 in eligible net purchases each billing cycle when paired with a U.S. Bank Smartly Savings account

10. U.S. Bank Shield™ Visa® Card

The U.S. Bank Shield Visa Card gives a full 24 billing cycles of 0% interest on purchases and balance transfers. After that, the APR moves to a variable rate based on creditworthiness.

Key features:

• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 24 billing cycles
• Variable APR of 17.74% to 28.74% after the intro period
• No annual fee
• $20 annual statement credit after 11 straight months of purchases or balance transfers
• 3-Month $0 ExtendPay® Plan Offer available each year after the intro APR ends

Best small business credit card for specific airlines

Airline cards give strong perks like higher point earnings on ticket buys. Those points can turn into free flights, which makes travel easier for owners on the go.

11. Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

For owners who often fly Southwest, this card earns points fast on travel costs. It rewards spending tied to Southwest and its partners.

Key features:

• 3 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines® purchases
• 2 EarlyBird Check-Ins each year
• 25% back on in-flight purchases
• Unlimited reward seats with no blackout dates to 100+ destinations, including the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean

12. Gold Delta SkyMiles® Business Credit Card from American Express

This card suits owners who fly Delta often. It offers perks like priority boarding and a first checked bag free, which help business travelers cut hassle.

Key features:

• TakeOff 15: 15% off Award Travel booked with miles on Delta flights (not for partner-operated flights or taxes and fees)
• $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in a calendar year
• First checked bag is free on Delta flights
• Zone 5 priority boarding on Delta flights
• 20% back on select in-flight purchases as a statement credit
• No foreign transaction fees

Build your credit fast with the right small business credit card

A small business credit card will not solve every money problem. Still, it can be a valuable tool that helps your business run more smoothly. So choose one that fits how you spend.

Remember to use the card responsibly. Track your spending and cash flow so you do not fall into hard-to-clear debt. For more, review these financial management best practices for growing businesses.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need good personal credit to get a small business credit card?

Most issuers still check your personal credit at first. A strong score helps you get better terms. Over time, the card also builds your business credit.

Can a new business get a credit card?

Yes, many new businesses can qualify for a card. Issuers often look at your personal credit and income. So even a young business can get approved.

How do small business credit card rewards work?

You earn cash back, points, or miles on your spending. Some cards give more in set categories. You can then redeem rewards for statements, travel, or gift cards.

Should I pay off my balance each month?

Yes, pay the full balance whenever you can. This helps you avoid interest charges. It also keeps your credit profile healthy.

Can I give employees their own cards?

Yes, many cards offer free employee cards. You can set custom limits for each one. As a result, you keep control while your team spends.

Key takeaways

• A small business credit card separates business spending and builds business credit.
• Match the card type to how you spend, from cash back to travel or 0% APR.
• Compare rewards, fees, intro APR, and expense tools before you apply.
• Cards with free employee cards and controls help you scale safely.
• Use the card responsibly and track cash flow to avoid costly debt.