Credit Cards
Best business cards for startups of November 2026
By
Stephanie Stevens
Stephanie Stevens
Credit cards writer
Stephanie Stevens is an associate writer with TPG's credit cards team. She focuses on creating timely credit cards content for TPG readers.
and
•Gabrielle Bernardini
Gabrielle Bernardini
Senior editor
Gabrielle Bernardini is the senior points and miles editor at TPG. Joining the team in 2023, she focuses on helping people utilize their credit card rewards to travel for less.
Edited by
Daisy Hernandez
Daisy Hernandez
Credit cards editor
Daisy is a credit cards editor at TPG. Her expertise spans earning and redeeming rewards across rotating categories on multiple cards.Prior to this, she wrote news stories, how-to guides and tested and reviewed gear for Popular Mechanics, Sports Illustrated, Bicycling and Runner's World.
Most of the cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you approve through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
When you’re managing a new business, maximizing your finances is vital for success, which is why it is important to be aware of some of the best business credit cards for startups. Opening a business credit card makes sense for startups since it can help simplify the finances of your new enterprise. Plus, lots of the rewards on these cards are geared toward business expenses and can help you earn points and miles you can redeem for business-related travel and rewards.
At The Points Guy, we are committed to helping our readers make better financial decisions, whether you’re an established business or just getting started. Here are our top picks for your startup from our partners.
At The Points Guy, our goal is to help you maximize your travel experiences while minimizing spending. Our travel and credit cards experts share their own experiences and give honest analyses to help you make decisions that benefit you the most. While we do receive compensation through our credit card application links, ads, and clearly indicated sponsored content, our editorial content, points valuations and card analysis are entirely our own.
- Capital One Spark Cash Plus: Best for unlimited business cash back
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Best for no annual fee
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Best for freelancers
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best for Chase Ultimate Rewards
- Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Best for office supplies
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for business owners who prioritize premium travel perks
- American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for flexible rewards earning
- Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash® Card: Best for no annual fee business spending and flat rate rewards
Browse by card categories
Comparing the best startup business cards
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
| 2% | 2% cash back on every purchase |
| 5% | 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Earn $2,000 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year
Earn $2,000
Annual fee
$150
Regular APR
25.99% (Variable)
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
740-850Excellent
The Capital Spark Cash Plus is a great cash back card for larger businesses with high spending. It allows business owners to earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, and Capital One will refund the card’s annual fee if the business meets a minimum spend of $150,000 annually. Read our full review of the Capital One Spark Cash Plus credit card.
Pros
- The card features unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase
- This card offers a large welcome bonus
- Hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel are eligible for 5% cash back
Cons
- The card has a $150 annual fee
- The required spend to refund the annual fee is very high
- The card’s balance must be paid in full every month
- Earn a one-time cash bonus of $2,000 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
- Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year. You can earn this bonus multiple times over the course of year 1!
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Enjoy big purchasing power so you can spend more and earn more rewards. The Spark Cash Plus card has no preset spending limit, so it can adapt to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history, credit profile and other factors
- Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
- Streamline your accounts payable process, employee spending, and more from your online account with free business management tools
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while you earn rewards from their transactions with free employee and virtual cards
- $150 annual fee - Spend $150,000 annually and Capital One will refund this fee every year
- Your card is designed to be paid in full. However you have the option to carry over a portion of your balance with interest if needed. Pay at least the minimum payment amount by your payment due date, otherwise you'll be charged a 2.99% late fee
- For businesses that need large spending capacity and want to maximize cash back
- Top rated mobile app
Apply for The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Apply now
for The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Expressat American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
| 2X | Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply. |
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
As High As 50,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Apply and find out your welcome offer. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
As High As 50,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
Annual fee
No annual fee
Regular APR
16.99% - 28.74% Variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
Excellent to Good
If you’re just starting out with your small business (or side hustle), you may have some expenses that you’d like to maximize with a credit card but can’t yet justify paying an annual fee on other business cards. That’s where the Blue Business Plus card comes in. Read our full review of The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Earn Membership Rewards points
- Transfer points to airline and hotel partners
Cons
- 2x points capped at $50,000 per calendar year; then 1x
- No higher bonus categories for business-related spending
- As High As 50,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Apply and find out your welcome offer. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 16.99% - 28.74% based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
- You’ve got the power to spend above your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
- Apply to know if you’re approved with no personal or business credit score impact. If you are approved and choose to accept the Card, your personal and business credit scores may be impacted
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply.
at Chase's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
| 1.5% | Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business |
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn $750 bonus cash back
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.99% - 24.99% Variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
670-850Good, Excellent
The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card offers 1.5% cash back on everyday, non-bonus business expenses. Read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card.
Pros
- No annual fee
- A generous cash-back sign-up bonus
- Flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Primary insurance for car rentals
Cons
- Higher spend to receive sign-up bonus
- No conversion to Chase points without holding the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No travel protections
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Earn 5% total cash back on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
- Member FDIC
at Chase's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
| 3X | Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year |
| 1X | Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn |
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn 100,000 bonus points
Annual fee
$95
Regular APR
17.99% - 26.99% Variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
670-850Good, Excellent
The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card is an excellent all-around business credit card that currently offers its highest welcome offer and the ability to earn valuable Ultimate Rewards points on a variety of business expenses. Read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.
Pros
- Bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners for a reasonable annual fee
- Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement and primary car rental insurance when traveling on business
- Additional perks including extended warranty, cellphone protection and purchase protection
Cons
- High spending needed to get to sign-up bonus
- Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Earn 5x total points on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Go further when you book with Chase Travel℠. Enjoy competitive rates, seamless booking and premium benefits.
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Receive complimentary access to DashPass by DoorDash.
- Member FDIC
at Chase's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
Rewards rate
| 5% | Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. |
| 2% | Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases on dining and gas each account anniversary year. |
| 1% | Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. |
Intro offer
Open Intro bonus
Earn $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening
Earn $750 bonus cash back
Annual fee
$0
Regular APR
16.99% - 24.99% Variable
Recommended credit
Open Credit score description
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.
670-850Good, Excellent
Even if your business does not have a lot of travel expenses, there are still so many ways to take advantage of travel rewards cards. With no annual fee, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card offers generous returns on a broad spectrum of office expenses like supplies, internet, cable and phone services. Read our full review of the Ink Business Cash Credit Card.
Pros
- The current sign-up bonus on this card is impressive
- There is no annual fee, which is perfect for small business owners
- You’ll earn 5% at office supply stores and on common monthly bills such as internet, cable and phone services up to $25,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary year. Plus, you’ll earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, up to $25,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary year
Cons
- 5% cash back earned on certain categories is capped at the first $25,000 you make in combined purchases each account anniversary year
- Earn $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening
- Earn 5% cash back at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year on the first $25,000 in combined spend
- Earn 2% cash back on dining and gas each account anniversary year on the first $25,000 spent in combined spend.
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.
- Earn 5% total cash back on Lyft rides through 9/30/27.
- As a Chase cardmember, you’ll be automatically checked for a credit line increase at least every 6 months.
- Complimentary three-month lnstacart+ membership.
- No Annual Fee
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Comparing the best startup business cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
at Capital One's secure site | unlimited business cash back | Earn $2,000 Open Intro bonus Earn $2,000 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year | 2 - 5% cash-back Open Rewards rates
| $150 | ||||||
at American Express's secure site | no annual fee | As High As 50,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. Open Intro bonus As High As 50,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $5,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Apply and find out your welcome offer. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. | 2X points Open Rewards rates
| No annual fee | ||||||
at Chase's secure site | freelancers | Earn $750 bonus cash back Open Intro bonus Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1.5% cash-back Open Rewards rates
| $0 | ||||||
at Chase's secure site | Chase Ultimate Rewards | Earn 100,000 bonus points Open Intro bonus Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. | 1 - 3X points Open Rewards rates
| $95 | ||||||
at Chase's secure site | office supplies | Earn $750 bonus cash back Open Intro bonus Earn $750 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening | 1 - 5% cash-back Open Rewards rates
| $0 |
How we rate
We chose the best business credit cards for startups based on various factors such as the welcome bonus, earning rates and redemption options. Our picks are solid options for those looking to get their new business off the ground and earn rewards on the purchases associated with that venture. To learn about how TPG evaluates and chooses cards for our roundups, check out our methodology here.
Welcome bonusThe best cards for startups come with good welcome bonuses that can maximize value for your business.
Annual feeOur picks for business cards feature annual fees to align with all budget sizes.
Earning ratesWe chose cards with elevated earning rates across various startup spending categories.
Redemption optionsOur best cards have multiple redemption options that give flexibility for those with a startup.
Added benefitsThe value of additional perks on the card to help with your startup was factored into our ratings.
Ask our experts
What's your favorite business card for startups — and why?
How to choose a startup business credit card
Finding the correct business credit card for startups is based on several factors. These include a card’s annual fee, welcome offer, bonus earning categories, perks and benefits.
Startups looking for a business credit card should review their expenditures and what benefits they are looking for in a credit card, such as travel perks, purchase protections, or the ability to earn rewards across broad categories. After a startup has determined what they need, then they can shop around to see which credit card is a good fit.
Here are some of the main points to consider when choosing a business card for your startup:
- Select a card with a minimum spend requirement that is achievable for your startup to earn the sign-up bonus. The welcome bonus is a large part of a card's value since it often offers more points than can be earned through general spending.1Sign-up bonus
- If your card features an annual fee, it is important to consider if the perks and benefits for your startup outweigh it.2Annual fee
- Choose a card for your startup that features elevated earning rates on your regular spending.3Bonus categories
How to pick a strategy for your small-business credit cards - The Points Guy
Get the most out of the card you choose for your startup
Pros + cons of business cards for startups
Pros
- Using a startup credit card responsibly can help you build your business credit score
- Startup credit cards can earn rewards in the form of points, miles or cash back on every dollar you spend on your business
- Many startup business cards provide purchase, theft and fraud protection
- Startup business credit cards can provide business-friendly perks like travel insurance, complimentary hotel stays and bonus points on expenses related to your startup
- Opening a startup credit card can separate personal and business expenses
Cons
- Credit cards can encourage overspending
- Carrying a balance on your startup credit card could damage your business credit score
- The cost of borrowing on startup credit cards is higher than traditional loans
- You’re still personally responsible for any debt incurred on a startup business card
- Having too many card applications can negatively affect your credit score
Frequently asked questions
Startups typically have a limited credit history, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a business credit card. Most issuers will allow individuals to apply for business cards using a social security number, but that requires a personal guarantee — an agreement where the applicant agrees to personally cover any debt on the business card. Even in cases of business failure, the personal guarantor is responsible for the debt.
This means that your personal credit history greatly affects your eligibility for a business credit card.
Applying for a business credit card is not a complicated process being that business credit card applications ask for information similar to personal card applications. Most business credit cards offer online applications and usually provide notice of approval or rejection right away.
The best business credit card for startups is one that best suits the spending needs and redemption options for business owners. Those looking for bonus earning categories to match their spending habits will be able to maximize the specific startup credit card they’re utilizing.
Most of the cards we've selected for business owners are recommended for those with good to excellent credit scores.
Small business credit cards are often given to companies with minimal credit history based on a personal credit score. However, established businesses should seek to create a dedicated business score to access better loans and lines of credit. For more information on how to build business credit, you can check out our full guide here.