The best business credit cards for each spending category
Quick summary
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Business credit cards have many significant advantages. For example, business cards can allow your company to make large purchases without affecting your personal credit. Business cards also offer different bonus categories than personal travel credit cards. The trick is finding the card that best matches your business spending.
While one business may spend a lot on computers, another business could host frequent dinners and thus need the best business card for dining purchases.
In this guide, we consider the best cards for the bonus categories in which businesses tend to spend the most. By using these cards, you can keep your personal and business spending separate — and maximize your earnings on business expenditures.
What is a bonus category for business credit cards?
A bonus category is when you earn extra points or miles on certain types of purchases with your credit card, such as at supermarkets. Which bonus categories your card has can vary greatly. The opposite of a bonus category is everyday spending, which is when you use your credit card outside the bonus categories.
Best business cards for advertising
SEO, pay-per-click, banners ... you likely spend money on various forms of advertising for your business each month. What form your advertising takes can vary by your clientele. Using a credit card with bonus multipliers for advertising can help you earn extra rewards for money you're spending anyway.
Here are some of the best business cards for advertising.
Comparison of the top business cards for advertising
| Card | Category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express® Business Gold Card | 4 points per dollar in your top two spending categories each billing cycle, which can include online, radio and TV advertising (bonus-earning is limited to the first $150,000 in purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar). | 2 cents apiece. | 8 cents. | $375 (see rates and fees). |
| Ink Business Preferred Credit Card | Earn 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 in combined spending across multiple categories (then 1 point per dollar), which include social media sites and search engines. | 2 cents apiece. | 6 cents. | $95. |
| The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 spent on the card each year, then 1 point per dollar. | 2 cents apiece. | 4 cents. | $0 (see rates and fees). |
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business | 2 miles per dollar. | 1.85 cents apiece. | 3.7 cents. | $0 introductory annual fee, then $95. |
| World of Hyatt Business Credit Card | 2 points per dollar spent in your top three spending categories (through Dec. 31, 2023, then top two categories) each quarter, which can include social media and search engine advertising. | 1.7 cents apiece. | 3.4 cents. | $199. |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card | 2 points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising. | 1.5 cents apiece. | 3 cents. | $199. |
| IHG Rewards Premier Business Credit Card | 5 points per dollar on social media and search engine advertising. | 0.5 cents apiece. | 2.5 cents. | $99. |
| U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card (see rates and fees) | 2% back in your top two spending categories each month. Several types of advertising are included in the list. | 1 cent apiece. | 2 cents. | $0 introductory annual fee, then $95. |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
Why the Business Gold is the best business card for advertising
The Amex Business Gold Card covers multiple types of advertising, while other cards have more limited ranges for their advertising bonus category. While the Business Gold Card does have a limit on its bonus category — $150,000 per year — you could earn up to 600,000 Membership Rewards points per year before needing to consider another card or another earning path.
If you find yourself spending beyond this limit, there's nothing stopping your business from getting another Business Gold Card. Just understand that you likely won't be eligible for a welcome offer on the second card, but it would provide access to continued elevated earning rates.
Related: The best credit cards for Facebook ad spending
Best business cards for airfare and hotels
Not every business includes travel. For those that do, however, these expenses can add up quickly. Using the right credit card to buy tickets to conventions, sales pitches and other work-related trips can help you earn points and miles at a much better rate.
These are the business credit cards you should be using for airfare and hotels.
Comparison of the top business cards for airfare and hotels
| Card | Airfare category bonus | Hotel category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | 5 points per dollar on prepaid airfare booked with Amex Travel. | 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked with Amex Travel. | 2 cents apiece. | 10 cents. | $695 (see rates and fees). |
| American Express Business Gold Card | 4 points per dollar in your top two spending categories each billing cycle, which can include airfare (bonus-earning is limited to the first $150,000 in purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar). | 1 point per dollar. | 2 cents apiece. | 8 cents for airfare; 2 cents for hotels. | $375 (see rates and fees). |
| Ink Business Preferred Credit Card | Earn 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 in combined spending across multiple categories (then 1 point per dollar), one of which is travel. | Same as airfare. | 2 cents apiece. | 6 cents. | $95. |
| Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card | 3% back in the category of your choice (on up to $50,000 in combined spending between this category and dining per year, then 1%), one of which is travel. Preferred Rewards members can earn up to 5.25% back. | Same as airfare. | 1 cent apiece. | 3 cents (or up to 5.25 cents). | $0. |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
Why the Ink Preferred is the best business card for airfare and hotels
Technically, the Business Platinum Card can earn more points on airfare and hotels, but this requires booking through Amex Travel. Booking through a third-party platform has some drawbacks, however. And if you only book flights and don't care about the earning rate for hotels, then the Amex Gold can be a good option.
However, the best overall card in this category is the Ink Preferred, as it uses a wide definition of the "travel" category and thus allows you to earn valuable Ultimate Rewards on both flights and hotels — or anything else considered to be travel, no matter how you book it.
Note that the bonus earnings only apply to the first $150,000 spent on the card across all of its bonus categories each year. If you maximize this, you'll earn 450,000 Ultimate Rewards points each year.
Related: 5 reasons to get the Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Best business cards for Amazon and online shopping
Depending on your business model, you may spend a lot of money on online shopping. That could be anything from buying source materials for your products to buying items on sale to resell for a profit later on. Whatever it is, increasing the number of points you earn on each purchase is possible if you use the right credit card — and you could earn even more by going through an online shopping portal like Rakuten or TopCashback.
Here are some of the business credit cards to use when shopping online.
Comparison of the top business cards for Amazon and online shopping
| Card | Category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express | 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 in purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar. | 2 cents apiece. | 4 cents. | $0 (see rates and fees). |
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business | 2 miles per dollar on all purchases. | 1.85 cents apiece. | 3.7 cents. | $0 introductory annual fee, then $95. |
| Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card | 1.5% back on all purchases (up to 2.625% back for Preferred Rewards members). | 1 cent apiece. | 1.5 cents (or up to 2.625 cents). | $0. |
| Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card | 1.5% back on all purchases (can be combined with Ultimate Rewards if you have a card that earns these points). | 1 cent apiece (or 2 cents). | 1.5 cents (or 3 cents). | $0. |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
Why the Blue Business Plus is the best business card for online shopping
For those purchasing from multiple locations, the Blue Business Plus offers a solid return of 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 spent on the card each year. The points you earn are valuable Membership Rewards points, which you can use for incredible value across a variety of redemption options. The best thing about this card is that you have access to the full range of Amex transfer partners — which can't be said of no-annual-fee cards from other providers, as these often require a premium card to unlock additional redemption options for your points.
Related: Why the Amex Blue Business Plus Card is so underappreciated
For businesses that spend over $50,000 per year, you can open a second Blue Business Plus Card. Understand that you wouldn't qualify for a welcome offer on this card — due to American Express' once-per-lifetime bonus restrictions — but you would have access to increased spending capacity at the rate of 2 points per dollar.
If your online procurement and shopping habits are entirely confined to Amazon, then you may want to investigate the Amazon Business Prime card, which offers a choice between 90-day payment terms or 5% back. However, this won't help if your business frequently shops with other online merchants.
The information for the Amazon Business Prime card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Best business cards for building and construction supplies
Construction materials aren't cheap. The variance in how many points you could earn during the course of a year only increases with how much your business is spending on these materials each year. For every $1,000 your business spends on these purchases, you could be facing a difference of $17 in rewards when using a 1% cash-back card as opposed to using our recommendation. That can really add up over the course of a year.
Here are some top business card options for construction supplies and building materials.
Comparison of the top business cards for building and construction supplies
| Card | Category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business | 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases. | 1.85 cents apiece. | 3.7 cents. | $0 introductory annual fee, then $95. |
| The Business Platinum Card from American Express | 1.5 points per dollar on the first $2 million in annual purchases in select business categories and purchases of $5,000 or more. Construction material and hardware suppliers are listed among the available categories. | 2 cents apiece. | 3 cents. | $695 (see rates and fees). |
| U.S. Bank Business Leverage Visa Signature Card | 2% back in your top two spending categories each month. Construction, commercial goods and home improvement categories are on the list. | 1 cent apiece. | 2 cents. | $0 introductory annual fee, then $95. |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
Why the Spark Miles card is the best business card for building and construction supplies
The Spark Miles card earns 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, regardless of where you're purchasing. This valuable flexibility allows your business to shop wherever you need and still earn rewards on each purchase. The card also has some lesser-known benefits, which include extended warranty and purchase protection. These are valuable benefits when your business is spending thousands of dollars on building materials.
Note that frequent shoppers at Lowe's could benefit from the Lowe's Business Rewards Card from American Express, though you're restricted to earning rewards at Lowe's stores. Meanwhile, Home Depot offers a pair of commercial credit products — though the perks are limited and only apply to Home Depot transactions.
The information for the Lowe's Business Rewards Card and Home Depot cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: Double miles on everything: Capital One Spark Miles for Business credit card review
Best business cards for computers and electronics
Nearly every business needs a computer. Some businesses need multiple computers, and there are also technology needs like credit card terminals, tablets, servers and more. These purchases aren't cheap. Luckily, several cards can help your business increase the rewards you're earning on these purchases.
Comparison of the top business cards for computers and electronics
| Card | Category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Business Cash Credit Card | 5% back (or 5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar) on the first $25,000 spent per year across several bonus categories (1% thereafter), one of which is office supply stores. | 1 cent apiece (unless combined with Ultimate Rewards, then 2 cents apiece). | 5 cents (or 10 cents). | $0. |
| American Express Business Gold Card | 4 points per dollar in your top two spending categories each billing cycle, which can include computers, software and cloud solutions (bonus-earning is limited to the first $150,000 in purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar). | 2 cents apiece. | 8 cents. | $375 (see rates and fees). |
| Huntington Voice Business Credit Card℠ | 4% back on the category of your choice each quarter, on up to $7,000 spent per quarter (then 1%). "Electronics, camera and computer stores" is a category option. | 1 cent apiece. | 4 cents. | $0. |
| The Business Platinum Card from American Express | 1.5 points per dollar on the first $2 million in annual purchases in select business categories and purchases of $5,000 or more. Electronic goods retailers and software and cloud system providers are among the qualifying business categories. | 2 cents apiece. | 3 cents. | $695 (see rates and fees). |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
The information for the Huntington Voice Business card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why the Amex Business Gold Card is the best business card for computers and electronics
Overall, the Amex Business Gold Card has the greatest breadth for earning a lot of points on your purchases during the year. Cardholders can earn 4 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent (then 1 point per dollar) in their top two spending categories each billing cycle. Computers, software and cloud solutions are among the eligible categories.
It's true that the Business Platinum Card offers multiple technology credits: up to $400 in annual statement credits with Dell, up to $150 per year with Adobe and $90 per quarter with Indeed (enrollment is required for select benefits). These can add up to over $900 in savings per year. However, the earning rate on purchases after exhausting these credits is not stellar.
Related: 9 things to do when you get the Amex Business Platinum Card
It's also worth mentioning the Ink Business Cash card. If your technology purchases come from office supply stores, such as buying laptops from Staples or Office Depot, you could earn 5% back on the first $25,000 of these purchases each year. If you have a premium card with Chase — such as the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card — you can turn your cash-back rewards into Ultimate Rewards points to use with transfer partners. Thus, 5% back could turn into 5 points, achieving a value of 10 cents per dollar spent.
Best business cards for dining
If your business hosts frequent dinners and banquets or spends a lot of money on catering, you should get a business credit card that earns bonus points and miles on dining. Let's look at your best options in this category.
Comparison of the top business cards for dining
| Card | Category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Business Gold Card | 4 points per dollar in your top two spending categories each billing cycle, which can include dining (bonus-earning is limited to the first $150,000 in purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar). | 2 cents apiece. | 8 cents. | $375 (see rates and fees). |
| The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express | 2 points per dollar (on the first $50,000 in purchases on the card each year, then 1 point per dollar). | 2 cents apiece. | 4 cents. | $0 (see rates and fees). |
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business | 2 miles per dollar. | 1.85 cents apiece. | 3.7 cents. | $0 introductory annual fee, then $95. |
| The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card | 6 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants. | 0.6 cents apiece. | 3.6 cents. | $95 (see rates and fees). |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card | 4 points per dollar. | 0.84 cents. | 3.36 cents. | $125 (see rates and fees). |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
For further reading, see here: What's the best business credit card for dining purchases?
Best business cards for gas
Gas purchases play an important role in businesses with shipping and delivery operations. While these purchases can be expensive, the silver lining is that you can earn a lot of rewards on these purchases.
Comparison of the top business cards for gas
| Card | Category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Business Gold Card | 4 points per dollar in your top two spending categories each billing cycle, which can include gas (bonus-earning is limited to the first $150,000 in purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar). | 2 cents apiece. | 8 cents. | $375 (see rates and fees). |
| Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card | 8 points per dollar. | 1.1 cents apiece. | 8.8 cents. | $95. |
| World of Hyatt Business Credit Card | 2 points per dollar spent on your top three spending categories each quarter through Dec. 31, 2023. Starting Jan. 1, 2024, this will change to your top two categories. Gas stations are an eligible category. | 1.7 cents apiece. | 3.4 cents. | $199. |
| Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi (see rates and fees) | 4% back on the first $7,000 of fuel and EV charging purchases per year (then 1%). | 1 cent apiece. | 4 cents. | $0 (but a paid Costco membership is required). |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why the Amex Business Gold Card is the best business card for gas
While the Wyndham business card does have a higher rate of return (8.8% against 8%), it earns points that can only be used in one way: with Wyndham Rewards. The flexibility of earning Membership Rewards points with the Business Gold Card puts this card at the top of our list. The Wyndham business card does offer top-tier status and has a lower annual fee, but the Business Gold Card provides points that you can use for cash, statement credits or first-class flights around the world.
Related: No fuss with high earning potential: American Express Business Gold Card
Best business cards for internet and phone expenses
There's a good chance that your business has a phone and uses the internet. These are necessary monthly expenses for most businesses, and several credit cards can help you earn extra rewards on these bills each month.
Comparison of the top business cards for internet and phone expenses
| Card | Category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Business Cash Credit Card | 5% back on the first $25,000 per cardmember year spent on total purchases across internet, cable and phone services and office supply stores. | 1 cent apiece (unless combined with Ultimate Rewards, then 2 cents apiece). | 5 cents (or 10 cents). | $0. |
| Ink Business Preferred Credit Card | 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 in combined spending each year in bonus categories, one of which is internet, cable and phone services. Earn 1 point per dollar thereafter. | 2 cents apiece. | 6 cents. | $95. |
| Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card | 5 points per dollar on select utility purchases, including telecommunications. | 1.1 cents apiece. | 5.5 cents. | $95. |
| The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card | 6 points per dollar on wireless phone services in the U.S. (equipment purchases are excluded). | 0.6 cents apiece. | 3.6 cents. | $95 (see rates and fees). |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card | 4 points per dollar on wireless phone services in the U.S. (equipment purchases are excluded). | 0.84 cents apiece. | 3.36 cents. | $125 (see rates and fees). |
| Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard credit card | 3% back in the category of your choice, which can be TV, telecom and wireless. 3% back is limited to the first $50,000 in combined purchases each year across your chosen category plus dining. Earn 1% back thereafter. Preferred Rewards members can earn up to 5.25% back. | 1 cent apiece. | 3 cents (up to 5.25 cents). | $0. |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
The information for the Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why the Ink Cash card is the best business card for internet and phone expenses
The Ink Cash card is marketed as a cash back-earning card. However, the real power of this card comes when you combine it with an Ultimate Rewards-earning card, such as the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, and turn your cash back into Ultimate Rewards to use with Chase's transfer partners. In this way, the Ink Cash card would earn 5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar, with a total earning value of 10 cents per dollar spent.
Related: Your guide to the Chase Ink Business credit cards
However, this elevated earning rate is limited to the first $25,000 per cardmember year spent on total purchases across internet, cable and phone services and office supply stores. If your business will spend more than that on phone and internet expenses, consider shifting these purchases to the Ink Preferred card after passing the $25,000 threshold. To justify the $95 annual fee on the Ink Preferred card, you would need to put an additional $2,375 (after the $25,000 spent on the Ink Cash) of internet and phone expenses on the Ink Preferred.
Best business cards for office supplies
Office supplies can include everything from pens and pencils to printers and paper. Some businesses will spend very little in the category each year; others will spend a lot. Some credit cards can provide significant returns on your office supply spending.
Comparison of the top business cards for office supplies
| Card | Category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Business Cash Credit Card | 5% back on the first $25,000 per cardmember year spent on total purchases across internet, cable and phone services and office supply stores. | 1 cent apiece (unless combined with Ultimate Rewards, then 2 cents apiece). | 5 cents (or 10 cents). | $0. |
| The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express | 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 in purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar. | 2 cents apiece. | 4 cents. | $0 (see rates and fees). |
| Huntington Voice Business Credit Card | 4% back on the category of your choice each quarter, up to $7,000 spent per quarter (then 1%). "Utilities and office supply stores" is a category option. | 1 cent apiece. | 4 cents. | $0. |
| U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees) | 3% back. | 1 cent apiece. | 3 cents. | $0. |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
The information for the Huntington Voice Business card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Why the Ink Cash card is the best business card for office supplies
The Ink Cash card is marketed as a cash back-earning card. And its earning rate of 5% back at office supply stores is unmatched.
However, the real power of this card comes when you combine it with an Ultimate Rewards-earning card, such as the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card. In this way, you can turn your cash back into Ultimate Rewards to use with Chase's transfer partners. In this way, the Ink Cash card would earn 5 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar, with a total earning value of 10 cents per dollar spent.
Related: Reasons to apply for the Chase Ink Business Cash Card
Best business cards for rental cars
If your business has travel as part of its operation, chances are that you need a rental car at your destination. Along with credit cards that provide rental car elite status — which can lead to car-type upgrades, a free second driver or earning a free rental at faster rates — credit cards can also provide good earning rates on your rentals. Here's a look at your best options.
Comparison of the top business cards for rental cars
| Card | Category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business | 5 miles per dollar on rentals booked through Capital One Travel (2 miles per dollar otherwise). | 1.85 cents apiece. | 9.25 cents (3.7 cents otherwise). | $0 introductory annual fee, then $95. |
| Ink Business Preferred Credit Card | 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 of spending each cardmember year across several bonus categories, one of which is travel. 1 point per dollar after the $150,000 threshold. | 2 cents apiece. | 6 cents. | $95. |
| The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express | 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 in purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar. | 2 cents apiece. | 4 cents. | $0 (see rates and fees). |
| The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card | 6 points per dollar. | 0.6 cents apiece. | 3.6 cents. | $95 (see rates and fees). |
| Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi | 3% back. | 1 cent apiece. | 3 cents. | $0 (but a paid Costco membership is required). |
| Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard credit card | 3% back in the category of your choice (which can be travel). 3% back is limited to the first $50,000 in combined spending in your 3% category plus dining, then 1%. | 1 cent apiece. | 3 cents. | $0. |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
Why the Spark Miles card is the best business card for rental cars
When it comes to hotels, booking through a travel portal may not be the best idea. However, rental cars booked through travel portals aren't always subject to these pitfalls. As TPG tested and confirmed earlier this year, you can enjoy your rental car elite status perks with certain companies while booking through Capital One Travel. In this way, you can earn 5 miles per dollar with the Spark Miles card and still enjoy perks like going straight to your car without waiting in line.
Related: Double miles on everything: Capital One Spark Miles for Business credit card review
Best business cards for shipping
If your company sells products to customers located in other cities, you likely spend a lot of money on shipping. Unlike businesses that deliver locally and spend a lot of money on gas, your business likely spends a lot of money with FedEx, UPS and the post office.
Comparison of the top business cards for shipping
| Card | Category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Business Gold Card | 4 points per dollar in your top two spending categories each billing cycle, which can include shipping (bonus-earning is limited to the first $150,000 in purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar). | 2 cents apiece. | 8 cents. | $375 (see rates and fees). |
| Ink Business Preferred Credit Card | 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 of combined spending each cardmember year in several business categories, including shipping. 1 point per dollar after passing the $150,000 threshold. | 2 cents apiece. | 6 cents. | $95. |
| The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express | 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 spent on the card each year, then 1 point per dollar. | 2 cents apiece. | 4 cents. | $0 (see rates and fees). |
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business | 2 miles per dollar. | 1.85 cents apiece. | 3.7 cents. | $0 introductory annual fee, then $95. |
| Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card | 4 points per dollar on U.S. shipping purchases. | 0.84 cents apiece. | 3.36 cents. | $125 (see rates and fees). |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
Why the Amex Business Gold Card is the best business card for shipping
No other business credit card comes close to earning 8 cents' worth of points or cash back on shipping charges. With the Amex Business Gold Card, you can earn at this rate on your first $150,000 of annual spending in your top two categories, which adjust automatically each billing cycle. Thus, the card adjusts to your spending habits. If you spend a lot of money on shipping, the rewards on the Amex Business Gold can really add up — up to 600,000 points per year before dropping down to a 1-point-per-dollar rate.
Related: Maximize your earning with the Amex Business Gold
Best business cards for general travel
Some businesses have travel expenses while others don't. And not all travel falls under "airfare and hotels" or "rental cars," which we covered above. If your business has travel expenses for vacation rentals, trains or black car services, you need a credit card that has a broad definition of travel expenses.
Comparison of the top business cards for general travel
| Card | Category bonus | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| World of Hyatt Business Credit Card | 2 points per dollar in your top three spending categories each quarter through Dec. 31, 2023 (then the top two categories per quarter). "Local transit and commuting" is an eligible category. | 1.7 cents apiece. | 3.4 cents. | $199. |
| Ink Business Preferred Credit Card | Earn 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 in combined spending across multiple categories (then 1 point per dollar), which includes a broad travel category. | 2 cents apiece. | 6 cents. | $95. |
| The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express | 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 in purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar. | 2 cents apiece. | 4 cents. | $0 (see rates and fees). |
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business | 2 miles per dollar. | 1.85 cents apiece. | 3.7 cents. | $0 introductory annual fee, then $95. |
| Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard credit card | 3% back on a category of your choice, which can be travel. 3% back is limited to the first $50,000 in combined annual spending between your chosen category plus dining. | 1 cent apiece. | 3 cents. | $0. |
| Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi | 3% back. | 1 cent apiece. | 3 cents. | $0 (but a paid Costco membership is required). |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card | 2 points per dollar on ride-share operators. | 1.5 cents apiece. | 3 cents. | $199 (Performance) and $99 (Premier). |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
Why the Ink Preferred card is the best business card for general travel
If you are looking for a broad concept of what counts as "travel," the Ink Preferred card from Chase provides that with a 6% return on spending. Your business can earn 3 points per dollar on travel on the first $150,000 spent each year across the available bonus categories.
Related: 10 considerations for your small-business credit card strategy
Other cards do offer elevated earning rates on certain aspects of travel, such as ride-share operators and local commuting. If your travel spending includes these, consider whether you would be better suited with a more tailored, specific travel bonus.
Best business cards for large purchases
Rather than the category of purchases, another approach is looking at how to earn rewards on large purchases. Can you earn extra rewards if the transaction amount is above a certain threshold? The answer is "yes." These are the best business credit cards for large purchases.
Comparison of the top business cards for large purchases
| Card | Earning rate on large purchases | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Business Platinum Card from American Express | 1.5 points per dollar in select business categories and on purchases of $5,000 or more (limited to the first $2 million in annual spending across these purchases, then 1 point per dollar). | 2 cents apiece. | 3 cents. | $695 (see rates and fees). |
| New Business Card! Ink Business Premier Credit Card | 2.5% back on purchases of $5,000 or more, 2% otherwise. | 1 cent apiece. | 2.5 cents. | $195. |
| Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card | Earn 1.5 miles per dollar on all purchases after spending $150,000 on your card in a calendar year. Additionally, earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles after spending $30,000 on the card in a calendar year, up to four times per year. | 1.41 cents apiece. | 2.12 cents. | $650 (see rates and fees). |
| Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card and Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card | No bonus points on large purchases. However, earnings from big purchases can add up toward the Southwest Companion Pass. | 1.5 cents apiece. | 1.5 cents. | $99 (Premier) and $199 (Performance). |
| World of Hyatt Business Credit Card | No bonus points on large purchases. However, you can unlock a 10% points rebate after spending $50,000 on the card in a calendar year. Plus, receive five qualifying night credits for each $10,000 spent on the card annually. | 1.7 cents apiece. | 1.7 cents. | $199. |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
Why the Business Platinum Card is the best business card for large purchases
While the threshold of what counts as a large purchase is higher — $5,000 — the ability to earn a 3% return on these purchases should catch your eye. This is the best rate of return on large purchases that don't fit into any other bonus category.
That being said, earning fewer points but earning perks instead might be more your style. You could spend your way to World of Hyatt status, Delta Medallion status or the Southwest Companion Pass through significant spending on credit cards. If these align with your travel goals, it could be worth shifting large purchases onto credit cards in these programs.
Related: The best credit cards to jump-start elite status in the second half of 2022
Best business cards for non-bonus spending
Every business has spending that won't fall into any of the bonus categories covered above. This is where a card with quality earning on "everyday spending" will help you continue to earn valuable rewards and cash back on every purchase.
Top business cards for non-bonus spending
| Card | Non-bonus earning | Value of the points* | Total earned per dollar spent | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express | 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 in purchases each year, then 1 point per dollar. | 2 cents apiece. | 4 cents. | $0 (see rates and fees). |
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business | 2 miles per dollar. | 1.85 cents apiece. | 3.7 cents. | $0 introductory annual fee, then $95. |
| Capital One Spark Cash Plus | 2% back. | 1 cent apiece. | 2 cents. | $150. |
| Ink Business Premier Credit Card | 2% back. | 1 cent apiece. | 2 cents. | $195. |
*Based on TPG valuations and not provided by issuers. See more information here.
Why the Blue Business Plus card is the best business card for non-bonus spending
The Blue Business Plus card is on two important "best of" lists, which should make it clear why this card is your best business card for everyday spending. It's on our lists of the best business credit cards and the best no-annual-fee business cards. Unlike no-annual-fee cards from other issuers that need a premium card to unlock points transfers, you'll earn Membership Rewards points with access to all of Amex's transfer partners. You can earn 2 points per dollar on the first $50,000 spent on the card each year, then 1 point per dollar.
Don't expect any frills in the card's benefits, but the earning rate on daily purchases is unmatched. And so is the fact you get rewards that aren't subject to limitations on how you use them.
Related: Why the Amex Blue Business Plus Card is so underappreciated
Bottom line
What's the best business credit card? There isn't one answer, because each company is unique. Evaluate where your business spends the most and look for credit cards that earn extra rewards or cash back in those categories. Depending on what those categories are, a combination of cards may be your best solution.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold card, click here.
For rates and fees of Amex Business Platinum card, click here.
For rates and fees of Blue Business Plus card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Delta Reserve Business card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Business card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business card, click here.