The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is the best credit card for startup businesses — you’ll earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%, redeemable for statement credits.
Having a business credit card for your startup can help you manage your cash flow and separate your business spending from your personal life, as well as offer rewards and helpful benefits. Opting for a card with no annual fee will save you money each year. Some cards offer introductory 0% APRs which allow you to finance a purchase without incurring finance charges if you pay your balance in full before the term ends.
If you don’t already have an established business credit history, don’t fret — many issuers will look at your personal credit history to approve you and establish your credit limit.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1% to 2% cash back
Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%, redeemable for statement credits
The The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is our overall pick for the best business credit card for startup business. That’s because it offers startup-friendly features like 2% cash back on purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year)*, an introductory APR offer and no annual fee.
This card is a fine choice for making a big purchase for your new business. You’ll get an intro APR of 0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening, followed by a 17.74% - 25.74% Variable APR. This gives you a year to pay off your purchase with no interest, plus you can use the cash back from the welcome offer to help pay it off.
Furthermore, this card gives you flexibility in making large purchases through Expanded Buying Power. Amex may allow you to spend above your credit limit, based on factors including your payment history, credit record and financial resources that the issuer is aware of. (Note, however, that whenever you spend above your credit limit, the amount above your limit needs to be paid in full by your due date.)
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1% to 5% cash back
The Capital One Spark Classic for Business has a $0 annual fee and lets you earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions. Plus, earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
With a lackluster rewards program, this card’s main appeal is that applicants with lower credit scores can apply. While the top business credit cards are available to those with good or excellent credit, the Capital One Spark Classic for Business is recommended for fair credit.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1x to 4x points
One of the best benefits of the American Express® Business Gold Card is that the bonus spending is tailored to your specific business. You’ll get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 eligible categories where your business spent the most each month on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com 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. Terms apply.
The best part is that the bonus categories can change each month, making it a great option if your spending changes from time to time. Plus, the points that you earn are flexible and can be redeemed for a variety of travel purchases, including transfers to more than 15 hotel and airline loyalty programs.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.
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Rewards rate: 1x to 3x points
If you’re looking for a business credit card with a large sign-up bonus, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card may be right for you. It also comes with bonus spending categories that can be attractive for many businesses. You can earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn. If your business does a lot of spending in these categories, it’s yet another reason to consider the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.
The perks of the card can easily outweigh the $95 annual fee, but the card does lose some appeal with its lack of an introductory 0% APR offer.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1x to 5x points
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty $695 annual fee, but also has outstanding luxury and travel benefits. If you frequently travel for your startup, you can more than justify the annual fee with over $1,000 in statement credits and access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is certainly not for everyone. But if the unparalleled list of credits and benefits can help you supercharge your startup, this might be the card you need.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Intro APR length: 18 months
0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles, then a 17.24% to 26.24% Variable APR applies
The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card features one of the longest introductory periods around for purchases. You’ll get 0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles, after which a 17.24% to 26.24% APR applies.
So if you need to spend big to get your startup off the ground and want a lengthy intro APR card to use for paying off your purchases, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is the card to get.
Other business cards may serve you better if you want to rack up rewards or get a big sign-up bonus, but this one excels when you need maximum time without paying interest.
How LendingTree Rates Credit Cards?
Our experts rate credit cards based on several factors including card benefits, bonus offers and independent research. Credit card issuers do not influence or have a say in our card ratings. Read our credit card methodology here.Rewards rate: 1% to 3% cash back
The U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card offers a large sign-up bonus: earn $750 in cash back — just spend $6,000 on the account owner's card in the first 180 days of opening your account. Most cards only allow 90 days or three months to earn the bonus.
You’ll get 3% cash back on lucrative categories like gas stations and restaurants.
You’ll also get a 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases, after which, an 18.29% to 27.29% variable APR applies. Plus, you can earn a $100 annual statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses like Quickbooks for FreshBooks. The credit is automatically applied after 11 consecutive months of eligible payments to the service provider.
| Credit Cards | Our Ratings | Annual Fee | Welcome Offer | Rewards Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
|
Winner
|
No annual fee | Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months. | Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% | |
|
Capital One Spark Classic for Business*
|
Fair credit
|
$0 | N/A | Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions. Plus, earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. | |
|
American Express® Business Gold Card
|
Online business
|
$375 | Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.* | Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 eligible categories where your business spent the most each month on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com 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. Terms apply. | |
|
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
Sign-up bonus
|
$95 | Earn 90,000 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 in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn. |
Apply Now
on Chase's secure site |
|
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
|
Travel
|
$695 | Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. | 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus. | |
|
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card*
|
0% APR
|
$0 | N/A | N/A | |
|
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card*
|
Unlimited cash back rewards
|
$0 | Earn $750 in cash back — just spend $6,000 on the Account Owner's card in the first 180 days of opening your account. | Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants. 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases. Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center. No limit on total cash back earned. |
Usually, a business credit card application will require you to submit information about your business, so you’ll need a qualifying business to apply. However, you often don’t need an LLC or be officially registered with the government to get a business credit card. A wide variety of businesses may fit an issuer’s criteria, including:
Understand your credit score
Make sure you look at both your personal credit report and your business credit history. This can help you understand which business cards you might be eligible for and improve your approval odds.
Decide on a charge card versus a credit card
A charge card requires you to pay your balance in full each month. If you think your business’s cash flow will require you to carry a balance month to month, you might consider a credit card instead.
Evaluate your spending
Many business credit cards offer rewards in different spending categories. Check your business’s typical spending to see which card might make the most sense for you.
Consider a card's fees
Some (but not all) business credit cards come with fees. In fact, if you have a limited or damaged credit history, many of your card options may include substantial annual and monthly maintenance fees. Be sure to scan the fine print for all the fees to evaluate whether an offer makes sense for you.
Apply for your new card
Once you’ve decided on the best business credit card for you, gather your application information and apply for your new card.
Use your card responsibly
After you get your new card, make sure to use it responsibly. Make a plan to always pay your bill off in full, each and every month, and consider setting up automatic payments.
Many issuers will look at both your business and personal credit history. So if you have good personal credit, you may be approved for a business credit card, even if your business has no credit history.
If you have neither business nor personal credit history, you’ll likely want to build up your credit profile before applying for a business credit card. You may even consider applying for a secured business credit card to jump-start your credit history.
You’ll need an employer identification number (EIN) to establish a credit history for your business, so it’s a good idea to get one before you apply for a credit card. You’ll also need an EIN to apply for business loans and file business tax returns. It’s free to apply and it only takes a few minutes to fill out a form online.
→ See if your startup needs an EIN and how to apply for one.
Here are a few things you’ll want to do to maximize the value of your first business credit card:
Getting a startup off the ground requires work and money. While a small business credit card can go a long way in offering financial flexibility, there are other resources you can use for anything from renting office space to paying vendors.
To get a business credit card for your LLC, you can apply for a business credit card and provide the required information about your LLC. Most business card issuers will require you to include your personal information, thereby personally guaranteeing the card. Credit card issuers will look at both your personal credit and the credit of your business to determine whether to approve the application.
Building business credit works in much the same way as building personal credit. Your business credit improves as you show that you’ve reliably paid your obligations. Using a business credit card responsibly can be one way to establish business credit. Consistently paying service bills like internet, cellphone or other utilities in the name of your business may also help your business credit.
Yes, many businesses do have their own credit reports and credit scores, separate from the credit reports and scores of their owner or any employees. There are three main business credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and Dun & Bradstreet. These credit bureaus collect business credit information in much the way that Experian, Equifax and TransUnion collect information about individuals.
Yes, you can use an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to get a credit card, though many business credit card issuers also require personal information, like your Social Security number. Still, some corporate credit cards will allow you to get a business credit card with only an EIN.
If you’re applying for a small business credit card, you as the business owner are personally responsible for what’s charged to the card. Some issuers only report business card activity to your personal credit if you fall behind on payments or incur other negative marks, but that’s not always the case. Some issuers may report your full payment history for your business credit card accounts to your personal credit.
In selecting the best business credit cards for startups, we considered factors including reward programs, annual fees and helpful features, such as no preset spending limit or statement credits for travel expenses.
Most of the cards on this list have generous rewards programs. In addition, the one business card here that doesn’t earn rewards still offers a lengthy period of intro APR that can make it worthwhile if your startup is planning a big purchase and will need time to pay it off.
Some of the cards here charge annual fees, while others don’t. For those that do, taking advantage of rewards, sign-up bonuses or welcome offers, as well as any credits offered, can help recoup that annual fee amount.
Finally, certain cards fill a truly unique niche. For example, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers what may well be the widest ranging airport lounge access available with a travel card. For business owners who fly regularly throughout the year, that benefit offers substantial value.
To see rates & fees for American Express cards mentioned on this page, visit the links provided below:
For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by third parties such as Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as certain terms, conditions, and exclusions apply.
The information related to the Capital One Spark Classic for Business, U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card, U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card, Discover it® Cash Back and Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.
The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.
