Best business credit cards of May 2026
The best business credit cards offer generous earning rates, lucrative perks and additional features that positively affect both your bottom line and your operational efficiency. The right business card allows you to earn rewards while focusing on the day-to-day operations of your enterprise — whether you own a formal business with multiple employees, are just getting your company off the ground or simply do freelance work as a side gig, and it’s important to select the best business card for you.
Business credit cards allow you to separate business and personal spending. They also grant access to more rewards and specialized perks that aren’t typically offered on personal credit cards. Consider how your business is spending the most and what rewards you want to earn when choosing your business card — or cards.
To help you with this choice, check out our curated selection and comprehensive guide on some of the best business cards from our partners below.
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for business owners who prioritize premium travel perks
- Capital One Venture X Business: Best for businesses with high-spending
- American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for flexible rewards earning
- Capital One Venture Business: Best for high-spending businesses that want simple travel rewards
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best for business travelers
- Capital One Spark Cash Plus: Best for unlimited business cash back
- Graphite™ Business Cash Unlimited Card: Best for simple flat-rate cash back on business spending
- Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠: Best for business travel rewards
- Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Best for office supplies
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card: Best for BofA Preferred Rewards for Business members
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Best for freelancers
- Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card: Best for Alaska loyalists
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Best for no annual fee
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card: Best for BofA business owners who travel often
- Capital One Spark Cash: Best for flat-rate business cash back rewards
- United℠ Business Card: Best for United Airlines flyers
- Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card: Best for customizing your highest spend category
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Best for small business owners
- Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: Best for frequent Southwest Airlines flyers
Comparing the best business cards
Best for business owners who prioritize premium travel perks
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X | Earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus. |
| 1X | Earn 1X points on other eligible purchases. |
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express continues its long-standing streak as one of the most valuable cards on the market for frequent business travelers. The Amex Business Platinum card offers perks like automatic Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status (enrollment required) and statement credits that can be used toward business-specific purchases.
Pros
- No foreign transaction fees
- Offers easy to use business-specific statement credits
- Earns valuable and transferable Membership Rewards points
Cons
- $895 annual fee
- As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025.
- See how you can unlock over $3,500 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
- Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
- Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton for Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Gift cards are not an eligible purchase. Benefit enrollment required.
- Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
- Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR+ Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
- Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
- Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
- Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
- Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
- Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
- 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
- 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
- 1X points on other eligible purchases
- Terms Apply.
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 2X miles | 2 miles per dollar on every purchase |
| 5X miles | 5 miles per dollar on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel |
| 10X miles | 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
The Capital One Venture X business card has all the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit and lounge access. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture X Business card.
Pros
- The Capital One Venture X Business card has a generous welcome offer.
- In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 travel credit and airport lounge access, at a reasonable annual fee of $395.
- Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.
Cons
- The card requires a substantial amount of spending to earn the welcome offer.
- Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel
- With no preset spending limit, enjoy big purchasing power that adapts so you can spend more and earn more rewards
- Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
- Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®. Enjoy access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge and Landing locations and participating Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
- Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
- This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
- Top rated mobile app
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.* |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ using your Business Gold Card.* |
| 1X | Earn 1X on all other eligible purchases. |
The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full review of the Amex Business Gold card.
Pros
- You'll earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar in the top 2 spending categories each billing cycle (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
Cons
- Hefty $375 annual fee.
- There may be better options for small businesses who don't spend a lot.
- As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 200,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $15,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.*
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ using your Business Gold Card.*
- Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.*
- Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
- The Business Gold Card comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and White Gold. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
- *Terms Apply
Best for high-spending businesses that want simple travel rewards
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 2X miles | Earn 2X miles per $1 on every purchase, everywhere |
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel |
The Capital One Venture Business card offers a straightforward way for established businesses to earn travel rewards on everyday spending. Cardholders earn unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases and 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel. With flexible redemption options, transferable miles and valuable annual credits, the card is designed for businesses that want a simple rewards structure paired with travel-focused benefits.
Pros
- Simple earning structure
- Bonus categories
- Annual credits
- No foreign transaction fees
- Flexible redemption options, including transfer partners
Cons
- Has an annual fee
- Fewer bonus categories than some competitors
- Lacks premium perks
- Limited-time offer: Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles—75,000 miles once you spend $7,500 in the first 3 months, and an additional 75,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 6 months
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
- Receive up to $220 in credits: Receive an annual $50 travel credit for bookings through Capital One Business Travel, up to an annual $50 statement credit for purchases at qualifying advertising or software merchants, plus up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every four years. Terms and conditions apply
- Unlimited 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel
- Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
- $95 annual fee
- Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
- Top rated mobile app
at Chase's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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 |
The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card's sign-up bonus is a generous offer for the card. Plus, earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees. Read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.
Pros
- Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption
- Reasonable $95 annual fee; bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners
- Primary car insurance; and perks including cellphone and purchase protection
- Extended warranty
- Trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement
Cons
- High spending needed to get sign-up bonus
- No travel perks
- 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
Comparing the best business cards
Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning rate | Annual fee | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
New Offer at American Express's secure site | business owners who prioritize premium travel perks | As High As 300,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. Open Intro bonus You may be eligible for as high as 300,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. | 1 - 5X points Open Rewards rates
| $895 | ||||||
at Capital One's secure site | businesses with high-spending | Earn 150,000 bonus miles Open Intro bonus Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening | 2 - 10X miles Open Rewards rates
| $395 | ||||||
New Offer at American Express's secure site | flexible rewards earning | As High As 200,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. Open Intro bonus You may be eligible for as high as 200,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $15,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. | 1 - 4X points Open Rewards rates
| $375 | ||||||
New Card at Capital One's secure site | high-spending businesses that want simple travel rewards | Limited-time offer: Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles Open Intro bonus Limited-time offer: Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles—75,000 miles once you spend $7,500 in the first 3 months, and an additional 75,000 miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 6 months | 2 - 5X miles Open Rewards rates
| $95 | ||||||
at Chase's secure site | business travelers | 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 |
How to apply for a business credit card
If you own a small business or just do freelance gigs, you could be eligible for a business credit card. You don’t necessarily need a tax ID or an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to qualify for a business credit card; if you’re a sole proprietor with a small business or side gig, you can usually enter your Social Security number (SSN) instead.
“You don’t have to be a large business or use a complex travel rewards card to get value. My mom’s small accounting firm uses a cash-back rewards card for its everyday purchases and is proud to earn enough rewards to cover mortgage payments for its office condo.”
21% of TPG users have at least 1 business credit card in their wallet
Our recent survey revealed that 21% of TPG users carry at least one business credit card in their wallet. Business credit cards typically offer excellent welcome bonuses and other great perks, which isn’t surprising considering their popularity.
Additionally, business credit cards often come with valuable business-specific perks and the ability to earn rewards on common business expenses like advertising, office supplies, and phone bills. Add a business credit card to your wallet to optimize your small business spending.
Ask our experts
What's your favorite business credit card — and why?
How to choose the best business credit card
- Find a card that your business can readily meet the minimum spend for its sign-up bonus. A welcome bonus plays a large part in a card’s value as it typically offers more points than can be earned through general business spending.1Sign-up bonus
- If your card features an annual fee, it is important to consider if the card’s perks and benefits outweigh the card’s annual fee.2Annual fee
- Choose a business card that features elevated earning rates on your regular business spending.3Bonus categories
Pros + cons of business credit cards
Pros
- Using business credit cards responsibly can help you build your business credit score, which differs from your personal credit score
- Business credit cards can earn cash back, points or miles on every dollar you spend in categories not always covered by personal credit cards
- Business credit cards provide business-friendly perks like travel insurance, complimentary hotel stays and bonus points on expenses like shipping or software
- Opening a business credit card can separate personal and business expenses
- Some business credit cards offer higher welcome bonuses than personal credit cards
Cons
- Carrying a balance and using your card irresponsibly can damage your business credit score
- The cost of borrowing on business credit cards is higher than traditional loans
- You’re still personally responsible for business credit card debt
- Having too many card applications can negatively affect your credit score
- Some business credit cards have high spending requirements for lucrative welcome bonuses
Frequently asked questions
Business and personal credit cards have similar functionalities. Many card issuers allow for personal referrals for business cards. In both cases, you’re extended a line of credit to make purchases, and you agree to pay for those purchases over time based on the cardholder agreement.
However, business credit cards are geared toward small businesses, and depending on the issuer (or specific card product), you may need to produce formal documentation in order to be approved. In addition, business cards typically include bonus categories or benefits that may hold less appeal to the general consumer. This can include bonus rewards on shipping purchases, statement credits for business-related service providers or embedded technology to help with accounting.
Additionally, many personal credit cards pair well with business credit cards. Complementary personal/business card combinations can help you diversify your points earning and bonus categories and can play a part in a responsible spending strategy.
There’s no single card that would be considered the “best” for every, single small business. Instead, it’s important to consider the type of rewards and selection of benefits that make the most sense for your company. If your company travels internationally often, you would want a business credit card with no foreign transaction fee. If you’re not interested in travel rewards, then a cash-back business card could make the most sense. If your small business spends a bunch of money on client dinners, then a business card with a dining bonus could be the best fit.
While it’s not technically “illegal” to use a business card for personal use, it’s generally against the terms and conditions of most business credit cards. In addition, combining personal and business purchases on a credit card can make it harder to separate legitimate, business-related transactions when tax season rolls around. Finally, business credit cards tend to have fewer protections for cardholders, so using one for personal reasons could backfire.
Sometimes. It all depends on the given issuer, since some will consistently report business card account information to both consumer and commercial credit bureaus, while others won’t. Instead of worrying about this question, though, focus your energy on paying your balance in full and on time each month. This will ensure that any business cards reported to a credit bureau will only impact your score in a positive way.
Plus, your business credit card could provide multiple benefits to your personal score. This could be done by managing your business credit card account responsibly, which demonstrates you’re a reliable borrower, or lowering your personal credit utilization, for instance.
You certainly can, though each issuer reserves the right to review your application and determine whether you qualify for a business line of credit. In many instances, you can use your Social Security number as a sole proprietor and get approved for a card. Even if you have no business credit history, an issuer will look at your personal credit score and history to determine your eligibility.
It is possible to refer someone to a business card even if you only have personal cards. Every issuer has their own policy regarding rewarding referrals so you will have to check with your specific card issuer to see if you are eligible for a referral bonus. Check out our in-depth guide on earning referral bonuses on both personal and business credit cards.
The best small business credit card will depend on your small business. See what perks and benefits your business is looking for and if the card you're looking at is the best fit for your business spending. You can use our guide above to help you see which card is the best for your business.
There is no limit to the amount of business cards you can have. It is important to know your business and what cards align most with your spending.
While it’s easy and free to check your personal credit score, the process with a business credit report requires jumping through a few more hoops. You can check your business credit score through free services that send alerts when your score or report changes. However, you often have to pay additional fees to view unlimited full reports.
Tracking your business credit score may be a bit harder, but it’s not any less important than your personal credit report
The wording of these two may be similar, but the features of a business credit card and a business line of credit are very different.
A business credit card is like a personal credit card because it allows borrowers to spend with a predetermined credit limit at an annual percentage rate (APR). Most business cards are unsecured, and borrowers can be approved for one without proof of assets or collateral.
A business line of credit is a revolving business loan with a preset credit limit. To be approved for a business LOC, your business’s financial picture and creditworthiness are considered. Sometimes, approval is based on collateral. LOCs are meant to cover day-to-day operative expenses that may exceed a credit limit on a credit card, such as payroll.