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

When you’re just starting a business, using a debit card or personal savings is a wise step to avoid debt in the early stages. While that approach can work, it quickly becomes a roadblock if your goal is to grow.

You can cover day-to-day expenses, but you’re not building the financial foundation needed to take on bigger opportunities.

Relying solely on personal funds prevents you from building a business credit history. Lenders or debt collection agencies often look at that history when deciding whether to work with you or offer better terms.

In other words, you’ll need a small business credit card to gain access to credit-building tools designed for business growth.

This article explains why a credit card can help your business, features to look for, and a list of recommended small business credit cards across different categories.

Why should small businesses use a credit card?

Using a small business credit card offers multiple operational benefits. It helps maintain a clean separation between business and personal expenses. You’ll spend less time sorting transactions and more time reviewing actual business spending.

A small business credit card is also useful during seasonal slumps or while waiting for invoice payments. You get short-term access to capital, which can be a crucial part of supporting your business’s wealth management strategy.

Another important reason to use a business credit card is to build your business’s credit profile. A strong credit score can make it easier to:

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

Many small business credit cards come with rewards like cash back, travel points, or discounts on recurring services.

Key features to look for in a small business credit card

Before choosing a small business credit card, focus on features that match your actual business needs. The interest rate should be one of the first details you review, especially if you plan to carry a balance.

Look for these features when evaluating a small business credit card:

• Reward structure. Does your spending align with categories that earn the most points or cash back?
• Introductory APR and ongoing interest rates. A 0% APR period can ease startup or transition expenses, but watch for the long-term rate.
• Annual fees. Take note of any annual fees. Some cards offer strong rewards and benefits with no fee, while others charge one in exchange for higher limits.
• Expense tracking tools. You want a small business credit card that simplifies accounting, with integrations or downloadable reports.
• Employee cards and limits. Multiple cards under one account with customizable controls are a major plus.
• Fraud protection and purchase security. A good small business credit card offers peace of mind for both online and in-person transactions.

Types of small business credit cards

Small business credit cards come in a few different types, and each works best for different spending habits.

Match your business’s everyday expenses with a card that gives you something back where you spend the most.

Cash back cards

Cash back cards give you a percentage of your spending back as a reward. It’s usually between 1% and 5%, depending on the category and the card.

For example, if your card gives 3% back on gas and you spend $300 filling up your delivery vans, you’d get $9 back.

These cards are best for businesses that want a simple way to save money on everyday expenses like office supplies, fuel, or internet bills.

Travel rewards cards

Travel rewards cards help you earn points or miles that can be used to pay for business travel, like flights, hotels, or rental cars.

Let’s say your company sends staff to attend industry events; each trip booked on the card earns you points. Use the card enough, and those points can cover a free flight or hotel stay later on.

Hotel chains or airline cards

These types of credit cards are a more focused version of travel rewards cards. They’re tied to a specific hotel brand or airline, and the rewards work best when you stay loyal to that brand.

For example, if you often stay at the same hotel chain for business trips, a co-branded hotel card might give you bonus points, free upgrades, or even a free night after a certain amount of spending.

This works the same with airline cards, if you always fly with the same airline, you might get free checked bags or priority boarding.

Food and shopping cards

Food and shopping cards are geared toward businesses that spend a lot at restaurants, cafes, or retail stores. 

A food and shopping card might give 4% cash back on restaurant purchases or extra points for buying at certain supermarkets or department stores.

This type of card helps turn regular spending into small savings or rewards you can reinvest in your business.

12 best small business credit cards to consider

Here are the small business credit cards that can help your business earn rewards, control costs, and manage spending more efficiently.

Best small business credit card for cash back

Cash back cards are ideal for small businesses that want straightforward savings on everyday expenses.

1. Capital One® Spark® Cash Plus

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is a straightforward small business credit card designed for business owners who prioritize consistent cash back and spending flexibility.

Unlike many rewards cards, this one offers no restrictions or limits on categories, making it a practical choice for businesses with diverse spending patterns.

Key features:

• 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases with no category restrictions or 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 how many bonuses can be earned)
• 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 annually 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 small business owners looking to maximize rewards on common business expenses without paying an annual fee. 

This small business credit card offers a structured cash back program, rewarding spending in select categories that many small businesses rely on.

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 annually at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services
• 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually 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 customizable spending limits

Best small business credit card for travel

Travel credit cards benefit businesses that book frequent flights or hotel stays. They offer points or travel-specific perks that can improve employee travel experiences.

3. Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

The Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card is built for small business owners who regularly travel and want more flexibility when redeeming points.

One of the card’s most useful benefits 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 small business credit card provides 5x Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com.

The card also grants access to more than 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes access to The Centurion Lounge, Delta Sky Club (when flying Delta), Escape Lounges, and other partner lounges.

Note: Enrollment is required for some benefits, such as Priority Pass™ Select lounge access

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 credit cards reward loyalty by offering extra points for stays, free nights, and status upgrades. They are a good fit for businesses that frequently book lodging for work trips.

5. Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is a solid choice for business owners who often stay at Marriott properties and want to earn rewards on hotel expenses.

As a small business credit card, it offers valuable perks tailored for frequent travelers, including free hotel nights and discounts on room rates.

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 small business credit card for owners who frequently stay at Hilton properties and want to maximize rewards on everyday business expenses.

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% – 28.99%, based on creditworthiness

Best small business credit card for 0% APR

0% APR cards are suitable for businesses looking to make purchases without paying interest during an introductory period. These cards help with cash flow while managing startup or expansion costs.

7. The US Bank Business Platinum Card

As a small business credit card, it provides a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles. 

This allows businesses to make large purchases or cover cash flow gaps without accruing interest during that period.

Key features:

• 0% Introductory 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 balances with the lowest APRs first after the minimum payment is met

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

This is a practical small business credit card for businesses that experience seasonal spikes or need to make larger-than-usual purchases.

Key features:

• 0% Introductory 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 credit limit when business needs arise

Best small business credit card for balance transfers

Balance transfer cards help businesses reduce interest on existing credit card debt. They allow you to move your balance to a new card with a low or 0% introductory rate, saving on finance charges.

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

This small business credit card features a 0% introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles.

It’s an ideal option for businesses needing to manage existing debt or make large purchases without incurring interest during the first year.

Key features: 

• 0% Introductory 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 small business credit card gives cardholders a full 24 billing cycles of 0% interest on both purchases and balance transfers.

After the introductory period, the APR adjusts 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 consecutive 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-specific cards provide good perks like higher point earnings on ticket purchases. These points can be converted into free flights, making travel more efficient and comfortable for businessmen on the go.

11.  Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

For business owners who frequently fly with Southwest Airlines, this credit card offers ways to accumulate points quickly on travel-related expenses, especially those 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 small business credit card is suitable for business owners who frequently fly with Delta. It offers practical perks such as priority boarding and a first checked bag free, which are helpful for business travelers trying to minimize hassle.

Key features: 

• TakeOff 15: 15% off Award Travel booked with miles on Delta flights (not applicable to partner-operated flights or taxes/fees)
• $200 Delta Flight Credit after spending $10,000 in purchases 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 won’t solve every financial challenge, but it can be a valuable tool in helping your business operate more smoothly.

Remember to use the card responsibly and monitor your business spending and cash flow so as not to dig your business into debt that’s hard to recover from.