Best Business Credit Cards

All information about the Capital One Spark Classic for Business has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

A guide to business credit cards

For most businesses – from brick and mortar storefronts to “side-hustles” – a business credit card can be a great tool to track spending, save money on interest and earn rewards. Before applying, you should understand the application requirements and credit implications. Though business credit cards are very similar to personal credit cards, there are a few key differences. Finally, it’s a good idea to decide what’s important to you – are you hoping to spread out payments for several large purchases? Or do you simply want to earn cash back on the purchases you’re already making? Once you’ve decided what you’re looking for, it’s time to compare credit cards. Here, we’ll walk you through that process.

Comparing the best business credit cards offers

Editor’s picks: Best business credit card details

Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

Why we picked it: For businesses eyeing a large purchase, this card offers a 0% intro purchase APR for 9 billing cycles (12.24% to 22.24% variable APR thereafter). However, the real value goes to Preferred Rewards for Business clients at Bank of America or Merrill who can get up to a 75% boost in rewards. That means cardholders could enjoy an unlimited flat-rate of up to 2.62% cash back on all qualifying purchases.

Pros: This card charges no annual fee and rewards never expire. Businesses can earn a $300 statement credit after spending at least $3,000 in net purchases in the first 90 days of opening their account.

Cons: Big spenders who are not existing Bank of America or Merrill Preferred Rewards clients may be better served by a card with a higher rewards rate.

Who should apply? Those who qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business have an opportunity to earn up to an unlimited 75% rewards boost.

Who should skip? Those who do not qualify for the rewards boost will probably find more value from a card with a higher rewards rate, even if that means shelling out an annual fee.

Read our Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card: Best for flexible bonus categories

Why we picked it: This flexible business card offers a high cash back rate of 3% on a slew of common business-related categories including internet and mobile services, gas stations, and office supply stores, among others. Choose the category you anticipate being your top monthly expense in order to maximize earnings. Cardmembers also earn 2% cash back on dining purchases (on the first $50,000 in combined 2% and 3% category purchases, then 1%). Spend $3,000 in the first 90 days of account membership and receive a $300 statement credit. Not bad considering this card charges no annual fee!

Pros: There’s plenty to like about this versatile business card, including its lucrative rewards rate on bonus categories and dining, and a relatively low regular APR of 12.24% for those who qualify. Its 0% intro APR makes it easy to finance big business purchases over nine billing cycles, after which the regular APR applies (12.24% to 22.24% variable).

Cons: This card lacks many of the perks and management tools offered by similar business cards. And while there’s a lot of potential value here, not everyone will be able to keep track of rotating categories. If that sounds like you, you may be better off with a simple flat-rate card.

Who should apply? If your business requires a lot of time spent on the road or long power lunches with clients, you may find a lot of value in these bonus categories.

Who should skip? You won’t find much value in this card If the majority of your business expenses don’t align with its bonus categories. Likewise, the 3% foreign transaction fee isn’t ideal for those who frequently travel abroad for business.

Read our Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Capital One Spark Cash Plus: Best for flat-rate cash back

Why we picked it: This card offers strong value in spite of its annual fee, including a generous welcome bonus, one of the best flat cash back rates available on a business rewards card and a great annual bonus for heavy spenders.

Pros: Cardholders will earn unlimited 2% cash back on all qualifying purchases, with no need to track spending or enroll in bonus categories. Plus, there’s a welcome bonus of up to $1,000 ($500 if you spend $5,000 in your first three months and another $500 if you meet a total spending threshold of $50,000 in your first six months). In addition, this card comes with a good mix of business-friendly benefits including free employee cards, travel and emergency assistance as well as purchase security.

Cons: Because this is a charge card, this card requires you to pay off your balance in full each billing cycle. Additionally, it carries no ongoing APR or 0% introductory APR offers, making it less useful for those who need to free up cash flow or chip away at business expenses over time. Also, it carries a $150 annual fee.

Who should apply? Business owners looking for a straightforward way to earn cash back on their everyday purchases will see a lot of value from this card, particularly heavy spenders due to its flexible spending limits and annual bonus.

Who should skip? Modest spenders may not find this card worth it. If you plan to put less than $30,000 on the card, you’ll likely be better off with a no annual fee card that earns 1.5% back on general purchases or bonus cash back in specific categories relevant to your business needs.

Read our Capital One Spark Plus review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Best for boosted rewards

Why we picked it: Not only will you earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every business purchase, but you can also transfer your rewards to a qualifying Chase Ultimate Rewards card and boost their value by 25% when you redeem for travel.

Pros: Chase’s Ink Business Unlimited touts a lot of competitive features for a no annual fee card. New cardholders can receive $750 bonus cash back if they spend $7,500 on purchases within their first three months. Enjoy unlimited 1.5% cash back on all business purchases, plus a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases (it’s 13.24% to 19.24% variable after that).

Cons: Points are only worth 1 cent unless you transfer them to a premium Ultimate Rewards card. Some business credit cards offer a higher base rewards rate, such as The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.

Who should apply? This no-annual-fee credit card is ideal for small business owners looking for a straightforward rewards card without complicated rotating categories and spending caps.

Who should skip? While this card is an excellent choice for racking up rewards on day-to-day spending, big spenders looking for outsized rewards rates on specific categories would be better served by another card.

Read our Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for luxury travel perks

Why we picked it: The travel perks are plenty, including an up to $200 airline annual fee statement credit of a selected qualifying airline (enrollment required), airport lounge access, no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees) and up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

Pros: The Platinum currently touts an uber-generous welcome offer: New cardholders earn 120,000 points if they spend $15,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership. The card also offers up to $400 in statement credits per year for U.S. Dell purchases (up to $200 semi-annually, enrollment required, terms apply).

Cons: The annual fee is super-high at $595 ($695 if application is received on or after 1/13/2022, not waived the first year) as is the spend associated with the current welcome offer. Prospective cardholders should consider whether they spend enough and travel enough to justify those costs.

Who should apply? Big business spenders who travel a lot for work can reap first-class benefits, including free airport lounge access, seat upgrades and a 24-hour concierge service, with the Business Platinum Card from American Express.

Who should skip? If you don’t travel much, you may not be able to take full advantage of this card’s rewards.

Read The Business Platinum Card® from American Express review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card: Best for no annual fee

Why we picked it: A cash back rate of 2% (on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%) isn’t uncommon among business credit cards, but it is special when paired with no annual fee. The card also offers several attractive financing features, including a flexible spending capacity, a 0% introductory APR on new purchases for the first 12 months of membership (13.24% to 19.24% variable thereafter), and working capital terms after the first six months of membership (terms and restrictions apply). Plus, you can earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your card in your first three months.

Pros: This flat-rate cash back card offers some unique features, such as the possibility of spending beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power and even earning cash back in those cases.

Cons: The 2% cash back rate caps at $50,000 in purchases per calendar year (then 1%).

Who should apply? One of the best credit cards on the market, American Express’ Blue Business Cash card is a standout option for new business owners whose current expenses might not justify a card with an annual fee.

Who should skip? High-spending businesses may find they can earn more with an unlimited cash back card.

Read our American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Best for cash back on office supplies

Why we picked it: It’s one of the only cards that includes a bonus on office supply spending. If you’re working from home for the foreseeable future, that cash back reward can help provide your employees the services they need to stay productive online.

Pros: The Ink Business Cash card currently comes with a sign-up bonus: Cardholders can earn $750 if they spend $7,500 in the first three months.

Cons: Potential cardholders may be put off by the 2,000 point minimum for redemptions, as well as the $25,000 cap on bonus category purchases.

Who should apply? This no annual fee business credit card is a great option for owners who spend a lot in its bonus cash back categories, namely on internet, cable and phone services, at office supply stores and on gas and dining. If those categories are outside your spending profile, consider a flat-rate cash back business card, like the Chase Ink Business Unlimited.

Who should skip? The $25,000 cap on bonus category purchases means that larger businesses could earn more elsewhere.

Read our Ink Business Cash® Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Best for long intro APR period on purchases

Why we picked it: The card offers a 0% introductory APR on new purchases for 12 months (then 13.24% to 19.24% variable), making it useful if you need to finance a large purchase.

Pros: Cardholders have Expanded Buying Power, which lets them spend beyond their credit limit, so long as they repay it with their next statement. (Terms and conditions apply.) Additionally, you can earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership.

Cons: For larger business expenses, the 2X points on purchases caps at $50,000 a year (1X thereafter). Frequent international business travelers should note the 2.7% foreign transaction fee (see rates and fees).

Who should apply? The Blue Business Plus credit card is another solid option for business owners looking for a no annual fee card or flexible financing options.

Who should skip? Frequent travelers will find more value in another rewards program.

Read The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best for sign-up bonus

Why we picked it: The card touts a hefty sign-up bonus of 100,000 points after a $15,000 spend within the first three months. Those 100,000 points are worth $1,250 toward future travel when you book through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Pros: Your points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. Cardholders get up to $600 in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage ($100 deductible per claim, three times per year).

Cons: This isn’t the best credit card for business owners who want to do a balance transfer or finance a large purchase since it doesn’t offer a 0% introductory APR. There’s also a $95 annual fee.

Who should apply? Big business spenders might want to take advantage of that eye-popping sign-up bonus (100,000 points when you spend $15,000 within your first three months) as it’s currently one of the best on the market.

Who should skip? If you think you might be interested in balance transfer or financing a splurge item, this card’s lack of an intro APR is going to make that awfully expensive.

Read our Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Brex 30 Card: Best for startups

Why we picked it: This charge card offers several perks that are hard to find among business credit cards – but only if you’ve got funding. To be approved you need to link a bank account containing at least $50,000 if professionally invested or $100,000 if not.

Pros: In return for meeting that core criteria, you won’t need to provide a personal guarantee and you may get a credit limit 10-20X higher than what traditional business credit cards offer. CreditCards.com referrals get 50,000 bonus points after spending $9,000 within 30 days. In addition to the targeted bonus rewards categories, cardholders have access to built-in expense management, automatic receipt-matching, and instant virtual cards for their team. The card also integrates with QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, Concur and Expensify.

Cons: The Brex 30 Card is a charge card, meaning you’re required to pay your bill in full every 30 days.

Who should apply? This card is designed specifically with startups in mind.

Who should skip? Businesses that carry a balance month to month should look elsewhere as this is a charge card.

Read our Brex 30 Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business: Best for rewards

Why we picked it: The strong sign-up bonus (earn 50,000 miles after a $4,500 spend within the first three months), coupled with the competitive base rewards program, provides a real opportunity to rack up rewards

Pros: The card lets business owners add employees to the account for no additional fee, but the tools for managing those accounts are limited. For instance, you can’t manage those accounts remotely or set limits on individual spending. Plus, earn 2X miles on every purchase. You can redeem any airline or hotel purchase for a statement credit, and transfer your miles to more than 15+ travel loyalty programs, including Air Canada.

Cons: Travelers should note that the list of partner airlines is limited, with only one domestic carrier among them.

Who should apply? Consider the Capital One Spark Miles for Business if you’re looking for a flexible travel business rewards card – and you spend enough to justify the $95 annual fee (waived the first year).

Who should skip? The rewards rate is high but your business may be missing out on big rewards in its top spending categories.

Read our Capital One Spark Miles for Business review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi: Best for everyday cash back

Why we picked it: The card features competitive cash back on common expenses, like gas and restaurants.

Pros: There’s no limit on potential rewards, which can be redeemed at Costco or for cash.

Cons: Cash back rewards are only issued once a year in February, expire December 31 of that same year, and are only redeemable at Costco. There’s no annual fee, but you’ll need a Costco membership, which costs $60 a year, to reap rewards. Non-Costco shoppers might want to consider a more flexible business rewards card.

Who should apply? Business owners who are already Costco members will love this card’s rewards.

Who should skip? If you don’t live near a Costco or rarely shop there, you won’t be able to make the most of this card’s rewards.

Read our Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for no expiration on points

Why we picked it: Business owners get a generous return on their spend without having to worry about their points expiring. Plus, there are no blackout dates and no limit on the amount of points you can earn.

Pros: Cardholders receive a 25% bonus on points redeemed for eligible flight purchases through the American Express Travel portal, capped at 250,000 points back per calendar year. Plus, new cardholders can receive 70,000 points after spending $10,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership. The card also offers a certain level of convenience, given it automatically determines your top two monthly spending categories eligible for 4X points (capped at $150,000 in combined purchases per year; 1X after that).

Cons: Unless you plan to transfer points to airlines, you may be underwhelmed by the redemption options.

Who should apply? American Express’ Business Gold Card offers a bevy of benefits to business owners who currently spend enough to take advantage of its lucrative welcome offer and net a return on the $295 annual fee (not waived the first year).

Who should skip? If your business doesn’t do much traveling, another rewards program may offer more value.

Read our American Express® Business Gold Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Best for Hilton loyalists

Why we picked it: The welcome bonus is generous at up to 180,000 Hilton Honors bonus points. Earn 130,000 bonus points after a $2,000 spend in eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership, plus earn an additional 50,000 bonus points after you spend a total of $10,000 in purchases in the first six months. This can add up to some free hotel nights if you are strategic in your Hilton Honors redemptions.

Pros: Although there’s a $95 annual fee (not waived the first year), the ongoing rewards on this co-branded credit card are pretty awesome – and the generous welcome offer certainly provides an added incentive. Cardholders receive Hilton Honors Gold Status, which entitles them to additional perks, including an 80% bonus on all base points, select room upgrades and a fifth night free on every rewards stay of 5 consecutive nights or more. They also get a free weekend night each year they spend $15,000 and a second free weekend night when they spend a total of $60,000 in the same calendar year.

Cons: There’s not much value in other redemption options beyond hotel stays.

Who should apply? Business owners who travel a lot or frequent Hilton hotels will generally find themselves well-served by this credit card.

Who should skip? If you don’t travel often and rarely stay at Hiltons, this card will be of little value.

Read The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card: Best for hotel and flights redemption

Why we chose it: Cardholders can use miles for airfare, car rentals, hotels, merchandise and more. The miles don’t expire and there are no blackout dates.

Pros: Frequent Delta fliers can quickly rack up miles, thanks to a competitive base rewards program and lucrative welcome offer. After you spend $10,000 in a calendar year, you’ll earn a $100 Delta flight credit for future travel. Cardholders also enjoy ancillary Delta benefits, including a free checked bag and priority boarding. There’s a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.

Cons: When redeeming miles, watch out for steep fuel surcharges.

Who should apply? Delta loyalists will enjoy these card perks. Non-travelers may want to explore more general-purpose rewards business cards, while non-Delta fliers might want to look into flat-rate travel rewards credit cards.

Who should skip? If you don’t live near a Delta hub or rarely fly them, you won’t be able to make full use of this card.

Read our Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card review or jump back to this card’s offer details.

What are business credit cards?

Business credit cards are very similar to personal cards, just tailored to meet the needs of small-business owners. You’ll need to operate some type of business in order to qualify, though it doesn’t have to be a formal business. Gig workers and freelancers can be eligible, too. Here are a few things you should know about business credit cards:

• Nearly all business credit cards require you to sign a personal guarantee before you’re approved. A personal guarantee states that the cardholder agrees to be responsible for the debt, meaning unpaid business debt will hurt your personal credit.
• The credit limits are usually higher on business credit cards than on personal credit cards.
• The protections that apply to consumer cards, like those that prevent excessive fees and interest rate hikes, do not apply to business credit cards. However, business credit cards will often offer similar protections as a courtesy.
• Rewards and benefits are usually designed to meet the needs of small businesses. You can find discounts and rewards on utility services, shipping and other common business expenses.
• The way you use a business credit card can affect both your credit and your business’s credit.

How do business credit cards work?

Just as a personal credit card extends a line of credit to the individual, a business credit card provides businesses with a line of credit. A business may use its credit card to pay only for expenses associated with running the business.

Having a business credit card allows a business to free up its cash flow while purchasing necessities via credit. Business credit cards are also designed to include special features that specifically benefit businesses, such as organized expense tracking tools and spending controls, along with discounts on internet and other services needed to run a business. For the business traveler, these cards offer a slew of high-end perks from airport lounge access to upgrades. In terms of accounting, it’s advantageous to have these expenses under one business credit card account.

Types of business credit cards

It’s important to invest some time to determine the ideal business credit card for your business so that you can reap the benefits with the most value to you. Here’s a breakdown of different types of cards and how they might fit your financial needs and business objectives:

Cash back cards

Similar to personal cards, cash back business cards are a popular choice for business owners looking for simple ways to put money back in their pockets and maintain cash flow. Some cash back cards offer a straightforward flat rate on all your business expenditures while others have tiered rewards in different bonus categories that may be more useful if they align with your spending.

Who should get one: Anyone who runs a small business, even if it’s just a side hustle, can benefit from an unfussy cash back card. Businesses with a tendency to spend big will find a lot of value in a cash back card with flexible spending limits and big bonus opportunities.

Travel rewards cards

If your business requires frequent travel, a business travel credit card is a great way to not only offset travel expenses but also take advantage of perks like lounge access and travel insurance. You can often increase the value of the points you earn on these cards even more by redeeming them through issuer membership programs.

Who should get one: Business people who frequently travel can rack up valuable rewards to put towards future trips and take the sting out of business travel by making use of premium perks and cardmember discounts.

Balance transfer cards

If your business has taken on high-interest debts in the past, transferring the balance to a business credit card with a lower APR can help you manage and consolidate debt more quickly and save money on incurred interest.

Who should get one: If your business is weighed down by existing credit card debt and high interest rates, a balance transfer can remedy the situation provided the debt is paid down before the favorable introductory terms expire.

Charge cards

While they work in largely the same ways as credit cards, charge cards differ in that they have no existing spending limit. Instead, purchases are approved based on a number of factors in your financial history and you must pay the balance in full each month. Charge cards may be a good option if you have large purchases planned, but it’s important to make sure your business has the cash flow necessary to cover any month-to-month charges you make.

Who should get one: Charge cards may be a good option if you have large purchases planned, but it’s important to make sure your business has the cash flow necessary to cover any month-to-month charges you make.

Pros and cons of business credit cards

While business credit cards can be an excellent tool for managing your business’s cash flow, earning rewards and staying organized, they aren’t for every situation. Like most types of credit cards, each offering has benefits and drawbacks that you’ll need to weigh before applying.

How to choose a business credit card

Who should get a business credit card

• The business strategist. Having a card dedicated to your business is essential for tracking and managing your business expenses. This can help with budgeting and makes doing your business’s taxes much simpler. Plus, business cards often come with benefits designed to appeal to small-business owners such as free employee cards, expense tracking tools, quarterly summaries, merchant discounts, purchase protection and travel benefits.
• The rewards collector. The right business credit card can rack up rewards and boost your bottom line even with occasional use. Plus, any points or miles you accumulate can bring you one step closer to covering business travel expenses.

Who should skip a business credit card

• The debt accumulator. Your business should be focused on accumulating profits rather than debt, especially when you’re first starting out. If you find yourself prone to spending more than you can afford or missing payments, you may want to avoid the risk.
• The personal spender. Having a business credit card is an excellent tool for separating your personal and business expenses. If you plan on intertwining the two, you may encounter issues with liability and challenges come tax time.

How to apply for a small business credit card

A common misconception about business credit cards is that you have to have a formal business structure to get one. This isn’t true. Side hustles, sole proprietorships, freelance work and plenty of other money-making gigs qualify as businesses when it comes to credit card applications.

Before you hit “submit” on the application, make sure you’ve gone through these steps that will help maximize your odds of approval and secure the best card for your business.

1. Check your credit score. Credit card issuers will usually look into the business owner’s personal credit before approving an application, so it’s important to check your credit score before you start shopping around. If you’ve already established business credit through a loan or other credit line, you should check your business credit score as well, since issuers may also look at that. Most business credit cards require good to excellent credit. If your credit needs some work, it’s probably in your best interest to spend time improving your score before applying.
2. Compare business credit cards. With so many offers on the market, choosing a business credit card can be overwhelming. Consider rewards type, interest rates, fees and your business’s spending habits.
3. Find out if you prequalify with our CardMatch tool. Using a soft inquiry that won’t affect your credit score, CardMatch can show you which credit cards you’re likely to be approved for in under 60 seconds. Plus, you may also get access to special offers, like a boosted welcome bonus.
4. Complete your application. Once you’ve decided on a credit card, the hard part is over. You can apply online with any major issuer, mostly using information that you’ll know off the top of your head. Those with less formal business structures can use their own information in lieu of some business information, such as address and phone number. It varies from application to application, but here are some common required fields on business credit card applications.
   • Your business’s name or your name
   • Your business’s or your address and phone number
   • Your business’s industry
   • How long your business has been operating
   • Number of employees
   • Annual business revenue
   • Estimated monthly expenses
   • Your business’s EIN or your Social Security number

Business credit card vs personal credit card

There are a lot of similarities in the ways personal and business credit cards are used, but it’s important to note the differences.

Credit limits: A business credit card will generally have a much higher credit limit than a personal credit card. Business credit limits are not only determined by business revenue but also the income of the business owner.

Consumer protections: Thanks to the Credit Card Act, personal credit card users are protected from any murky fees that the issuer might suddenly decide to introduce on a whim. However, these protections do not cover small businesses, which means your issuer may increase rates and fees at will.

Credit reporting: While personal credit cards report monthly activity to the three big consumer credit bureaus Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, a business credit card might only report activity to commercial credit bureaus. Some business credit cards will report to both consumer and commercial credit bureaus. For someone trying to build business credit history, you’ll want to verify that your activity is being reported to both.

Here are some additional steps you can take to create a credit history for your business:

• A business checking account will help you establish your business as a financial entity.
• Register for a DUN number through Dun and Bradstreet to establish a credit history with them. For Experian and Equifax, establish an LLC so you can get an EIN and set up a phone line with a listed number.
• If some of your vendor accounts are not making it onto your credit report, you can use D&B’s Credit Builder service to provide positive payment information to your credit report. You can provide D&B with your vendors’ contact information, then D&B will contact them to verify your payment history.
• Building your personal credit score is one of the first steps to building a credit history for your business. A good personal credit score can help you acquire your first lines of business credit.
• Apply for a small-business credit card.
• So that you make your own payments on time (and minimize your need for cash flow), make sure your own customers are paying you in a timely manner.
• Request credit line increases on your existing accounts – this will improve your credit-to-debt ratio and thus your overall credit score.

Learn more on how long it takes to build business credit.

Business credit scores vs. personal credit scores

Credit scoring for businesses is a bit different (and more complicated) than scoring for consumers. Personal FICO scores range from 300 to 850, while business credit scores use different scales. There are three primary business credit score bureaus and they all structure their ratings differently.

You can find your business credit score by visiting the Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax and Experian websites. Each bureau calculates scores uniquely and offers different features.

While your business and personal credit are distinct, there is usually some overlap. Some business credit card issuers report activity to consumer credit bureaus. In those cases, your personal credit would be affected by your business credit activity. For that reason, it’s difficult to keep business and personal credit entirely separate.

Read more on the differences between business and personal credit cards.

How to make the most out of a small business card

• Secure a sign-up bonus. Business credit cards frequently tout sign-up bonuses worth $500 or more. Sign-up bonuses reward you for spending a certain amount with your card in a set time period, usually three months. The trick is to identify a sign-up bonus within your natural spending limits. You’ll want to avoid spending more than you can ultimately pay off in full, lest you lose those extra points to interest.
• Know your financing options. Cash flow management is an important issue for most small businesses. As such, issuers often offer promotional financing or business-friendly payment terms, such as an extended payment option, which lets business owners finance large purchases over a period of time with different terms than those used for routine purchases, to cardholders. Know the full suite of options you have to take advantage of.
• Make on-time payments. Aim to pay balances off in full each month or by the time an introductory APR expires. That way, you won’t lose any of your rewards to interest. At the very least, be sure to make all monthly payments on-time. Set up auto-pay or request alerts to minimize the odds of missing a due date. Missed payments will negatively impact your credit scores and tack on additional fees.
• Use your ancillary benefits & features. You may get more than rewards and flexible financing with your business credit card. Some issuers offer access to expense-management tools, purchase protection, extended warranties or certain travel insurance. You may also be able to do things like set custom limits for any authorized users added to the account. Read your card’s terms and conditions to get a full scope of its benefits.
• Deduct your interest & fees. You can generally deduct a portion of the interest and fees you pay on business expenses on your annual tax returns. (Note: This only applies to interest on business-related charges. If you use your business credit card for personal expenses, too, those charges aren’t eligible for a tax deduction.) Learn more in our tax season guide to small business expense deductions.
• Avoid charging personal expenses. That’ll make it much easier to complete your taxes each year and regularly reconcile your books, especially since some issuers provide a breakdown of the categories you’re spending on.

How we picked the best business credit cards

Research methodology: We analyzed 368 business credit cards to identify the best offers currently on the market. The major factors we considered include:

• Rewards program: Ideally, a business credit card should reward you for the purchases your business makes frequently, whether that’s travel, office supplies, or another category. We looked at whether a card offered a competitive rate of return in these spending categories as part of its base rewards program.
• Introductory bonus: In addition to solid base rewards, we considered whether the card offered bonus points, miles or cash back in exchange for a reasonable spend within the first few months of opening the account.
• Flexible financing offers: Many business owners use credit cards to finance large purchases, so we considered whether a specific card offered zero interest introductory APRs on purchases and/or balance transfers. We also considered whether the card had other financing features, like a flexible credit limit.
• Overall value: Some business credit cards do carry annual fees, so we considered whether that fee was justified by the rewards program, introductory bonus and/or ancillary benefits.

Other criteria include redemption options and flexibility, customer service, small business perks, and other rates or fees. Our business credit card reviews can help you compare offers to find the one that best suits your needs.

More information on business credit cards

For more information on all things business cards, continue reading content from our credit card experts:

• How to build business credit
• Reasons to get a business credit card
• Best credit cards for startups
• Best 0% intro APR business credit cards
• Business credit card advice

About the Author

Tracy Stewart

Tracy Stewart is a personal finance writer specializing in credit card loyalty programs, travel benefits, and consumer protections. He previously covered travel rewards credit cards, budget travel, and aviation news at SmarterTravel Media. His money-saving tips have appeared in the Washington Post, the Wall Street Journal, Consumer Reports, MarketWatch, Vice, People, the Zoe Report and elsewhere.

About the Editor

Jeanine Skowronski

Jeanine Skowronski is a credit card expert, analyst, and multimedia journalist with over 10 years of experience covering business and personal finance. She has previously served as the Head of Content at Policygenius, Executive Editor of Credit.com, Deputy Editor at American Banker, Staff Reporter at TheStreet and a columnist for Inc. Magazine. Her work has also been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Fox Business, Business Insider, U.S. News & World Report and more. You can reach Jeanine at jeanine.skowronski@creditcards.com.

About the Reviewer

Erica Sandberg

Erica Sandberg is a credit and money management expert who began her career at Consumer Credit Counseling Service (CCCS). There, she helped individuals and families overcome their debt issues and developed budgets, then transitioned into the agency’s primary media spokesperson. For CreditCards.com, Erica produces stories and advice columns, including her current Small Business Credit Profile, an interview platform that features entrepreneurs and the way they use credit products.