How to choose the best credit card for your business expenses
Editor's Note
No matter what type of business or side hustle you manage, there’s a great business credit card that can help you earn more rewards with your everyday business spending.
The key is knowing which categories you spend the most on each month — and which cards offer the best rewards in those categories.
Let’s cover some common types of business owners and the cards that will offer the highest long-term earning potential for each.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express — Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 in eligible purchases on the card within the first three months of card membership.
Comparing the best credit cards for business expenses
Here are our top picks for the best cards to use for your business expenses.
| Credit card | Best for | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|
High-spending businesses | $395 | |
Premium perks and advertising spending | $795 | |
Bonus-earning categories | $95 | |
Flexible rewards | $375 (see rates and fees) | |
Everyday business spending | $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95 | |
Luxury travel perks | $895 (see rates and fees) | |
Freelancers | $0 | |
Office supplies | $0 | |
Earning transferable points with no annual fee | $0 (see rates and fees) | |
United Airlines flyers | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150 |
The information for the Ink Business Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Capital One Venture X Business
Welcome offer: Earn up to 400,000 bonus miles: 200,000 miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 200,000 miles after spending $150,000 on purchases in the first six months. Based on TPG's September 2025 valuations, this offer is worth up to $7,400.
Annual fee: $395.
Standout benefits: The Venture X Business comes with an annual $300 Capital One Business Travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel, 10,000 anniversary miles, a TSA/Global Entry statement credit and numerous travel protections.
You'll earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase and can redeem these miles by transferring them to one of Capital One's 15-plus transfer partners. Plus, you can add up to four authorized users at no additional cost.
To learn more, read our full review of the Venture X Business.
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Business
Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
Welcome offer: Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months of account opening. Based on TPG's September 2025 valuations, this offer is worth a whopping $4,100.
Annual fee: $795.
Standout benefits: The Sapphire Reserve for Business is Chase's newest and most premium business card offering. It comes with perks like a flexible annual travel credit, lounge access, numerous travel credits (providing over $1,200 in value annually) and excellent travel and purchase protections.
Additionally, the card confers excellent earnings rates, earning an uncapped 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly and 3 points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising. This is an absolute game changer for businesses with high ad spending, as most other cards with this bonus category have a spending cap.
The points earned on this card can be transferred to one of Chase's 14 hotel and airline partners for maximum value. Or, you can redeem them through Chase Travel℠ at up to 2 cents apiece, depending on the specific redemption, through the new Points Boost feature.
To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve for Business.
Apply here: Sapphire Reserve for Business
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn 90,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. Based on TPG's September 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $1,845.
Annual fee: $95.
Standout benefits: The Ink Business Preferred is a great card for business owners with high spending on travel and select business categories. You'll earn 3 points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 in combined spending in select categories (then 1 point per dollar).
These points can be redeemed for travel via Chase Travel at up to 1.75 cents apiece, depending on the specific redemption with Points Boost, or transferred to one of Chase's partners for the best value. You'll also receive numerous travel and shopping protections and cellphone insurance.
To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.
Amex Business Gold Card
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership. Based on TPG's September 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $2,000.
Annual fee: $375.
Standout benefits: The Amex Business Gold allows business owners to earn 4 points per dollar spent in their top two spending categories each billing cycle (up to $150,000 in combined spending, then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter).
This card also comes with a useful up to $240 credit per calendar year (up to $20 monthly) flexible business credit for U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub and office supply stores (enrollment is required; terms apply). Plus, you'll be able to transfer the points you earn to one of Amex's 20 hotel and airline partners.
Katie Genter, TPG's lead writer for points and miles, likes to use her Amex Business Gold's flexible business credit by ordering food via Grubhub with her card at least once each month.
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Gold.
Apply here: Amex Business Gold
Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Welcome offer: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening. Based on TPG's September 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $925.
Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $95.
Standout benefits: Simplicity is the name of the game with the Spark Miles for Business, as business owners will earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases. These miles can be redeemed for travel purchases or transferred to one of Capital One's excellent airline and hotel partners. Cardholders will also receive a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit.
To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Spark Miles for Business.
Learn more: Capital One Spark Miles for Business
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Welcome offer: Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership. Based on TPG's September 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $4,000.
Annual fee: $895.
Standout benefits: The Amex Business Platinum offers unrivaled lounge access for small-business owners alongside a plethora of valuable statement credits, including an up to $600 hotel credit (up to $300 semi-annually) and an up to $200 airline credit per calendar year.
This card also offers expanded Dell and Adobe credits and earns 2 points per dollar spent on purchases at U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software and cloud system providers and shipping providers, as well as on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
You'll also receive automatic hotel elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required; terms apply), enjoy numerous shopping and travel protections and earn 2 points per dollar spent in select categories and on all purchases over $5,000 (on up to $2 million in spending per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar).
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Platinum.
Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0.
Standout benefits: The Ink Business Unlimited earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases. You'll also receive primary rental car insurance when booking rental cars for business purposes.
To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited.
Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Ink Business Cash Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0.
Standout benefits: Business owners will earn 5% cash back on office supplies and select utilities on the first $25,000 in combined spending and 2% cash back on restaurant and gas station purchases on the first $25,000 in combined spending each account anniversary year (then 1% back). Cardholders will also receive primary rental car insurance when booking business rental cars.
To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Cash.
Apply here: Ink Business Cash Credit Card
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of card membership. Based on TPG's September 2025 valuations, this offer is worth $300.
Annual fee: $0.
Standout benefits: Business owners will earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on all purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar) for no annual fee. These points can be transferred to one of Amex's transfer partners for maximum value.
To learn more, read our full review of the Blue Business Plus.
Apply here: The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
United Business Card
Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $150.
Standout benefits: The United Business Card offers an excellent 7 miles per dollar spent on United flight purchases.
Business owners will also receive two United Club passes (primary cardholder or authorized user must be present to redeem them), plus numerous United-specific perks that will enhance their travel experience, such as free first checked bag for the primary card member and one companion, priority boarding and 25% cash back on inflight purchases. Additionally, cardholders will receive a handful of statement credits to help offset the card's annual fee.
To learn more, read our full review of the United Business Card.
Apply here: United Business Card
For side hustlers: A credit card with a flat earning rate
You don’t have to own a brick-and-mortar store to apply for a business credit card. Whether you’re a Lyft driver on the weekends or run a small Etsy store in your free time, you can rack up rewards on your business expenses.
If you don’t have a large budget for monthly business purchases, there are two things to look for in a business card: a flat rewards rate and a low annual fee.
Some top choices include:
These are exceptional options if you also have an eligible American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles or Chase Ultimate Rewards-earning card.
Each issuer allows cardmembers to pool rewards between personal and business accounts, so you can combine them for maximum redemption value.
Related: Who qualifies for a business credit card?
For office startups: A card with related bonus categories
Multiple business cards offer rewards in spending categories like office supplies and wireless services. If you run your business out of an office, you can earn a great return on your everyday business expenses with these cards.
The list of potential bonus categories includes purchases with:
- Cellphone service providers (when paying your monthly bill with your card)
- Dining
- Electronic goods retailers
- Gas
- Media providers for advertising in select online, TV and radio media
- Software and cloud system providers
- Transit purchases, including trains, taxicabs, buses and subways
Some top options include:
- Amex Business Gold (bonus categories may be limited to spending in the U.S.)
- Capital One Venture X Business
- Ink Business Preferred
Related: Best rewards credit cards
For retail business owners: A card that offers rewards for advertising
Whether you own a boutique or an e-commerce site, chances are you’re spending money each month on advertising your business. Plus, most business cards that offer rewards for advertising also offer rewards in other valuable categories, like U.S. shipping.
Some popular choices include:
- American Express Business Gold
- Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
- Ink Business Preferred
- Ink Business Unlimited
Related: Best credit cards for advertising
For frequent business travelers: A cobranded card
If you travel the same routes multiple times throughout the year, fly on the same airline or stay with the same hotel brand, a cobranded business credit card is a great option.
You'll get bonus points or miles on every dollar spent with the airline or hotel chain associated with the card. You'll also enjoy additional perks like free checked bags, preferred boarding and easier paths to elite status.
Some popular cobranded airline cards include:
- Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees)
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
- United Business Card
A hotel card is a better option if you don’t often fly with the same airline, but you do stay with the same hotel brand.
- Amex Business Platinum: This card offers strong perks on hotel stays and airport experiences. It also comes with automatic Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status and Hilton Honors Gold status, plus up to $600 hotel credit, earned as two biannual $300 credits. (Terms apply; enrollment is required for some benefits.)
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
Related: Business cards vs. personal cards: Key differences
Bottom line
The best business credit card for you depends on how — and where — you spend. While each card offers different perks, all of them can help streamline your finances and earn rewards on everyday business expenses.
Best of all, if you own a personal credit card with the same issuer, you might be able to combine points or unlock added travel benefits.
Just like with personal cards, choosing a business card comes down to understanding your spending habits and reward goals. Take time to reflect on these factors before you make a decision.
Related: How to pick a strategy for your small-business credit cards
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Business Plus Card, click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
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
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.