Best Business Credit Cards: Cash Back, Points and No-Fee Options
How business cards differ from personal cards, which popular cards fit which kind of business and what to check before signing a personal guarantee.
Key takeaways
- Business cards help separate business and personal spending, which simplifies taxes and bookkeeping.
- You do not need a large company: sole proprietors and freelancers can often apply using their Social Security number.
- Popular no-fee options earn 1.5% to 2x on all purchases; bonus category cards earn up to 5% on office and telecom spending.
- Most business cards require a personal guarantee, and some consumer protections of personal cards do not apply.
Whether you run a small online shop, freelance as a designer or manage a company with employees, a business credit card can make spending easier to track, provide a short-term financing buffer and earn rewards on expenses you have anyway. But business cards follow slightly different rules than personal cards, and those differences matter.
Please note
Cards and terms below are well-known US examples as of October 2026, not personal recommendations. We have no affiliate relationships. Welcome offers change often and are not listed.
Popular business credit cards compared
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Ink Business Unlimited | $0 | 1.5% cash back on every purchase | Simple, no-fee cash back |
| Chase Ink Business Cash | $0 | 5% at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services (first $25,000 a year combined), 2% at gas stations and restaurants (first $25,000 combined), 1% else | Businesses with office and telecom costs |
| Chase Ink Business Preferred | $95 | 3x points on the first $150,000 a year in travel, shipping, internet, cable and phone, and social media and search advertising; 1x else | Advertising-heavy businesses that travel |
| The Blue Business Plus Card (Amex) | $0 | 2x Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 a year, then 1x | Flat points with transfer partners |
| Capital One Spark Cash Plus | $150 | 2% cash back on every purchase | High spenders who pay in full; charge card with no preset spending limit |
Who can get a business credit card?
You do not need an incorporated company. Issuers typically accept:
- Sole proprietors and freelancers, using their name and Social Security number.
- LLCs, partnerships and corporations, usually with an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
- Side businesses, such as consulting, reselling or rideshare driving, if they are genuine business activities.
Approval relies heavily on your personal credit score, especially for new businesses, plus business revenue and time in business. Answer application questions honestly; misstating revenue is a serious problem.
Business vs. personal cards: key differences
| Business cards | Personal cards | |
|---|---|---|
| Personal guarantee | Usually required: you are liable if the business cannot pay | You are liable |
| CARD Act protections | Many do not legally apply (for example limits on rate increases), though some issuers extend them voluntarily | Apply |
| Credit reporting | Often reported to business credit bureaus; some issuers also report to personal bureaus | Reported to personal credit bureaus |
| Employee cards | Often free, with spending controls | Authorized users only |
| Rewards | Focused on business categories | Focused on consumer categories |
How to choose the right business card
- List your top expense categories: advertising, software, shipping, travel, fuel, office supplies.
- Pick flat-rate cash back if spending is spread out, or a category card if a few categories dominate.
- Check spending caps on bonus categories; caps often limit the best rates.
- Decide between cash back and points. Points can be worth more for travel; cash back is simpler for bookkeeping.
- Consider cash flow. Charge cards must be paid in full each month; credit cards allow a balance, at a cost.
- Look at employee card controls and accounting integrations if you have staff.
Smart rules for business card use
- Use the card only for business expenses. Mixing personal spending complicates taxes and can weaken legal separation for LLCs.
- Pay in full monthly; business card APRs are similar to personal cards, often above 20%.
- Keep receipts and export statements regularly for your accountant.
- Set limits on employee cards and review transactions weekly.
- Remember the personal guarantee: if the business fails, you may owe the balance.
Need a financing solution beyond a card? Compare the true cost of loans and APRs first.
Business cards in the UK
UK banks such as Barclaycard, American Express and high-street banks offer business credit and charge cards, usually for limited companies and sole traders with a business bank account. The same principles apply: check the personal guarantee, fees and foreign transaction charges.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a business credit card without a business?
You need a genuine business activity, but it can be small, such as freelance work or a side hustle, and it does not have to be incorporated.
Do business credit cards affect my personal credit?
Applying usually involves a hard inquiry on your personal credit. Whether ongoing activity appears on your personal report depends on the issuer; missed payments often do.
Do I need an EIN?
Not always. Sole proprietors can typically apply with their Social Security number.
Are business credit card rewards taxable?
Cash back on business purchases is generally treated as a rebate that reduces the cost of those purchases rather than as income. Ask your tax advisor how to handle it in your books.
What is the difference between a business charge card and a credit card?
A charge card must be paid in full each month and often has no preset spending limit; a credit card has a limit and allows you to carry a balance with interest.
