What is the best credit card for startups or new businesses?

Many business credit cards are available to startups. The best business card for one business may not be the best one for yours. Finding the right business credit card to help cover costs and get your new business up and running depends on finding a card with the benefits that matter most to you, gives you maximum value and is something you can afford.

How can I start my business credit?

Starting to build your business credit could be as easy as establishing credit with vendors and suppliers. However, not all credit lenders will report accounts to business credit bureaus. Opening a business credit card is a better option because major issuers like Capital One, American Express and Chase report your activity to commercial credit bureaus, such as Dun & Bradstreet. Another benefit is that you can avoid interest charges with a business credit card as long as you consistently pay your balance in full each month.

What are alternatives to a business credit card?

Small business credit cards can provide a lot of value, but they’re not the best solution for every business. Some entrepreneurs will need to cover expenses that exceed a credit card’s limits, carry a balance over a long period of time or may simply have poor credit. The most common alternatives to business cards are: Business loans: The best small business loans can have higher loan amounts and lower interest rates than business credit cards. Business lines of credit: A business line of credit may come with higher credit limits than a business credit card, especially if you have good or excellent credit. Personal credit cards: While you may miss out on the perks of a business credit card, personal credit cards at least guarantee you consumer protections against fraud and may have longer intro APR offers.

What is the easiest business credit cards to get?

The Revenued Business Card is one of the easier business credit cards to qualify for on our list, as you can potentially qualify with a business credit score of 300. However, there are other business credit cards for poor credit available, which may also offer some easier-to-obtain options for you and your business.

20 Best business credit cards of January 2025

Comparing Bankrate’s top small-business credit cards

	Rewards highlights			Learn more
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card Apply now on Chase's secure site	1% - 5%	Earn up to $750 bonus cash back $750 value	N/A	Apply now on Chase's secure site
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card Apply now on Chase's secure site	1X - 3X 25% increased redemption value Bankrate's rewards value: 2.0 cents per point	Earn 90,000 bonus points $1,800 value	N/A	Apply now on Chase's secure site
Capital One Spark Cash Select Apply now on Capital One's secure site See Rates & Fees	1.5% - 5%	$500 cash back $500 value	0 months	Apply now on Capital One's secure site See Rates & Fees
American Express® Business Gold Card Apply now on American Express's secure site See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply	1X - 4X Bankrate's rewards value: 2.0 cents per point	Earn 100,000 points $2,000 value	N/A	Apply now on American Express's secure site See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card Apply now on Chase's secure site	1.5%	Earn $750 bonus cash back $750 value	N/A	Apply now on Chase's secure site

Business credit vs. personal credit

A business credit score applies to businesses rather than individuals and ranges from 1 to 100, depending on the credit bureau. Business scores are also public and attached to an Employer Identification Number (EIN) rather than a Social Security number.

Building your business credit can be as easy as establishing credit with vendors and suppliers. However, not all lenders report accounts to business credit bureaus, so double-check that yours does. You can check your business credit score at the reporting agencies Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax and Experian, though you may have to pay to see your score.

Choosing the best small business card for you

Once you know how to get a business card, the next step is choosing the right one based on your business needs and goals. Keep these factors in mind to make the best decision:

Pick relevant earning categories and card combos

To maximize the value of your business card, choose one that earns rewards where your business spends most. If your business spends in many categories or you’d rather keep things simple, choose a business card with a flat rewards rate of at least 1.5X points or miles for all purchases. You could also utilize multiple business cards to earn rewards at a high rate in several categories and enjoy more perks.
Pay attention to redemption value

The value of your rewards can vary based on how you redeem them. Make sure the card you choose offers a redemption value of at least one cent per point or mile for your favorite redemption option. Cards that offer redemption flexibility often provide outsized value for certain redemptions, like travel.
Compare additional features and fees

Two cards may offer the same rewards, but one might have additional features that save you money, such as a low ongoing or intro APR, statement credits or travel perks. Make sure the value you get from the card’s perks justifies the annual fee.
Consider pairing cards

Using multiple business cards allows you to earn rewards at a high rate in several categories and enjoy more perks.

Dig deeper: How to get a business credit card with an EIN only

Bankrate’s take: Though uncommon, business cards that do not require a personal guarantee exist. However, there’s usually a tradeoff. Instead of providing a personal guarantee, you'll usually need to link a corporate bank account with a large balance, provide proof of significant business profits or offer business assets as collateral.

How one Bankrate expert uses his business credit cards

Bankrate writer Ryan Flanigan explains his approach to choosing business cards and how he uses them in this overall credit card strategy.

I like business cards because they can do the heavy lifting for me. When I have significant business spending, I know my personal credit won't take a hit, and I'll earn solid rewards. I've been able to keep my credit score in a good place even when I have a large balance on my business cards. It's also very helpful for keeping everything separate and organized once tax season rolls around.

When I'm looking for business cards, I want to see how they work together with other cards I have. For instance, the Amex Business Platinum, Business Gold and Blue Business Plus cards make an amazing team, covering almost every need I have. Also, the Chase business cards can all pool points together, which can make for an excellent points-generating machine. Every card does its job by covering something different. Like in business, when cards work together for me, it makes a great partnership.
— Ryan Flanigan, Writer, Bankrate Credit Cards

We monitor online discussions to see what people are saying about business credit cards.
A common question on Reddit’s r/smallbusiness forum is whether getting a business credit card is even worth it for small business owners. The consensus is that it’s absolutely worth it for keeping expenses separate, even if you have a side gig.
As one Redditor remarks: “..if you value the benefits of separation of finances, building business credit, earning rewards, and having access to emergency funds, getting a business credit card could still be worthwhile for your consulting side gig. Just be sure to choose a card with terms and features that align with your business needs and financial situation.”
Once you’ve decided to pursue a business credit card, how to choose the best one is another major topic of discussion. Redditors from another r/smallbusiness thread offer their thoughts, with one noting, “It depends on what you spend money on and what you value (cash back, free travel, or other perks).” Another reminds readers, “Different products exist precisely because there is not ‘one size fits all.’ It's contingent upon your circumstance and needs.”
While there’s no “right” answer as to which business credit card is best for you, forums like these allow you to see what others in a similar position think on the matter, which can help you make the most informed choice for yourself.

In the News

Many people are looking for ways to boost their income, noting how even with a pay raise, their wages are still trailing inflation. If you’re one of many people earning money from side hustles, it may be easier to qualify for business credit card than you might think. Just make sure you manage your card wisely, as 51 percent of small businesses are classified as financially unhealthy, according to a recent J.D. Power survey.

Our data: When is the best time to apply for a business credit card?

Understanding how approval rates fluctuate may help you better plan when to apply for a business credit card. We analyzed approvals for business credit cards that readers applied for through Bankrate in 2024.

According to our proprietary data, approvals for business credit card applications made via Bankrate were highest in January 2024, with 55 percent of applications submitted via Bankrate approved. This was a stark reversal from 2023, which saw its lowest approval rate in January.

Based on our data, approvals hovered at just over 50 percent for the first few months of 2024, then fell steadily through the year, reaching a low of 35 percent in July. Approvals then bounced back to around 40 percent through October.

Our data aligns well with insights from credit bureau TransUnion, which reported continued consumer demand for credit in the first quarter of 2024, despite still-high interest rates. According to the report, there were over 20 million more bankcard originations in January 2024 than December 2023. Credit lines also grew year-over-year, up 3.8 percent, potentially due to a higher number of new super prime accounts.

At the same time, the January 2024 Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices showed tighter underwriting standards for business loans. This may have pushed businesses to seek other funding products, like credit cards.

While seasonal trends may affect your business throughout the year, it’s not uncommon to use some form of business funding to manage cash flow. What’s important is finding the right combination of tools and strategies to grow your business.

Ask the experts: How do business credit cards impact business taxes?

Thomas Nitzsche

Financial Educator, Debt and Credit

Business credit card transactions that are legitimate business expenses may be written off as a business expense in some cases. A tax preparer may use those transactions as they’re working on your bookkeeping or as a means to prepare your taxes. Interest paid on business credit cards transactions is tax deductible, much like the interest paid on a business loan.

Frequently asked questions about business credit cards

Many business credit cards are available to startups. The best business card for one business may not be the best one for yours.

Finding the right business credit card to help cover costs and get your new business up and running depends on finding a card with the benefits that matter most to you, gives you maximum value and is something you can afford.
Starting to build your business credit could be as easy as establishing credit with vendors and suppliers. However, not all credit lenders will report accounts to business credit bureaus.

Opening a business credit card is a better option because major issuers like Capital One, American Express and Chase report your activity to commercial credit bureaus, such as Dun & Bradstreet. Another benefit is that you can avoid interest charges with a business credit card as long as you consistently pay your balance in full each month.
Small business credit cards can provide a lot of value, but they’re not the best solution for every business. Some entrepreneurs will need to cover expenses that exceed a credit card’s limits, carry a balance over a long period of time or may simply have poor credit. The most common alternatives to business cards are:
- Business loans: The best small business loans can have higher loan amounts and lower interest rates than business credit cards.
- Business lines of credit: A business line of credit may come with higher credit limits than a business credit card, especially if you have good or excellent credit.
- Personal credit cards: While you may miss out on the perks of a business credit card, personal credit cards at least guarantee you consumer protections against fraud and may have longer intro APR offers.
The Revenued Business Card is one of the easier business credit cards to qualify for on our list, as you can potentially qualify with a business credit score of 300. However, there are other business credit cards for poor credit available, which may also offer some easier-to-obtain options for you and your business.

How we assess the best business credit cards

50+

Cards rated

700+

Data points considered

Spending categories analyzed

40+

Perks evaluated

When evaluating the best business cards, we consider a mix of factors, including how cards score in our proprietary card rating system and whether cards offer features that fit the priorities of a diverse group of small-business owners, from earning rewards in popular business spending categories to getting payment flexibility or high-value perks. Whenever possible, we also feature cards that are available at various credit levels and price points.

Here’s a look at how our rating methodology breaks down for business credit cards:

Overall Score

Value 40%
Flexibility 20%
Perks 20%
Customer experience 20%

We analyzed over 50 of the most popular business credit cards and scored each based on its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup.

Here are some of the key factors that we considered:

The best business cards offer rewards in key business spending categories, so a primary criteria for a business card’s rating is its rewards value. This includes the card’s average rewards rate, estimated annual rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value and reward redemption value.

To estimate a business card’s average annual rewards earnings, we first calculate its average rewards rate based on how much it earns in different bonus categories and how closely its categories align with the average small-business owner’s spending habits. In other words, we assess whether the card earns rewards at a high rate in the most popular business spending categories.

We researched 10 key business spending categories including dining, gas, office supplies, travel, telecommunications, insurance and more to get a sense of the average small-business owner’s spending habits. We assumed an average annual spend of around $40,000 per year based on Bankrate survey data.

Using this data, we are able to assign a weighting to each of a card’s bonus categories. We also estimate the redemption value of points or miles from various issuer, airline and hotel rewards programs.

This weighting and rewards valuation allows us to estimate a card’s average annual rewards earnings — how many points or miles you’d earn with a given card if your spending was about average and you used the card for all of your business purchases — as well as what those points are worth. We also use point valuations to determine a card’s sign-up bonus value

With these calculations complete, we assign each card a score based on how its average rewards earnings, sign-up bonus value, rewards rate and redemption value stack up against other business cards, factoring in the card’s annual fee.

The better these values, the higher its score will be, making it more worthy of inclusion in our list and increasing its potential ranking.
We also score cards based on how much it costs to keep them in your wallet or carry a balance.

To start, each business card is scored based on whether it offers an intro APR and how its ongoing APR compares to the rates available on other business cards. This is because an intro APR on new purchases or balance transfers can be a lifesaver if you need to pay down debt, finance a large business purchase or free up cash flow.

While intro APRs are not uncommon on business cards, they aren’t a given, so cards that offer this sort of payment flexibility will score higher in our card rating system and are more likely to land a spot on our best cards list.

Even more important to both a card’s score and its inclusion in our list, however, is how its annual fee influences its overall value. We consider a card’s annual fee in two ways — how it ranks relative to the fees you’ll find on other cards in the category and how it impacts a card’s overall rewards value.

Cards with an annual fee will always be at a slight disadvantage in our scoring system since annual fees inherently cut into your rewards value. However, if a card offers terrific value via its ongoing rewards and perks, it can earn a high score and a spot in our list even if it carries a high annual fee. After all, the highest rewards rates and most valuable perks are often found on cards with annual fees.

With this in mind, we rate a card based primarily on how its ongoing rewards value and ongoing perk value (such as annual credits or bonuses) stack up against those of other cards in the category when you subtract annual fees.

That said, we strive to include as many no-annual-fee options in our list as possible since many business owners would rather not worry about offsetting fees, even if a card carries impressive rewards and perks.
Business rewards cards may make it easy to earn a lot of points, miles or cash back, but how easy is it to use those rewards? After all, if it takes a ton of effort to redeem rewards or you can only redeem rewards in a couple of ways, a card may be more trouble than it’s worth.

As such, we rate each card’s flexibility based on the restrictions it imposes on earning and redeeming rewards. We factor this rating into a card’s overall score and consider it when deciding on a card’s inclusion in our list.

Flexibility factors include whether a card only allows you to earn a high rewards rate on only a small amount of spending or requires you to meet a certain earning threshold before you can redeem rewards. We also examine whether your points are worth less when you opt for some redemption options over others and whether a card gives you the flexibility to transfer rewards to travel partners.
We also score each card’s set of features – its perks and benefits — against five tiers of features to provide a rating. Top-tier perks include benefits like airport lounge access, travel credits, elite status with an airline or hotel and credits for expedited security screening membership programs.

We give extra weight to perks especially useful or valuable for small-business owners, like being able to qualify with no personal guarantee, digital advertising credits, free employee cards and accounting perks.

We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.
1. Consumer Credit Appetite Remains High Despite Elevated Interest Rates. TransUnion. Accessed on Dec. 10, 2024.
2. Senior Loan Officer Opinion Survey on Bank Lending Practices. The Federal Reserve. Accessed on Dec. 10, 2024.
3. Half of Small Business Credit Card Customers Struggle with Financial Health as Majority of Those Businesses Carry Revolving Debt, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. Accessed on Dec. 10, 2024.

India Davis Editor, Credit Cards

India Davis is an editor specializing in credit cards and updates. She believes in putting the reader first and carrying out a brand’s voice to its fullest potential. She has…

Nouri Zarrugh Senior Editor, Credit Cards

Nouri Zarrugh is a writer and editor for CreditCards.com and Bankrate, focusing on product news, guides and reviews. His areas of expertise include credit card strategy, rewards…

* See the online application for details about terms and conditions for these offers. Every reasonable effort has been made to maintain accurate information. However all credit card information is presented without warranty. After you click on the offer you desire you will be directed to the credit card issuer's web site where you can review the terms and conditions for your selected offer.

Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The information, including card rates and fees, is accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information.

20 Best business credit cards of January 2025

+ Show Summary

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Capital One Spark Cash Select

American Express® Business Gold Card

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Capital One Spark Cash

Capital One Venture X Business

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Revenued Business Card

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

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Ink Business Premier® Credit Card

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

United℠ Business Card

Capital on Tap Business Credit Card

Capital One Spark Classic for Business

U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card

Comparing Bankrate’s top small-business credit cards

Business credit vs. personal credit

Choosing the best small business card for you

Pick relevant earning categories and card combos

Pay attention to redemption value

Compare additional features and fees

Consider pairing cards

How one Bankrate expert uses his business credit cards

What people are saying about business credit cards

In the News

Our data: When is the best time to apply for a business credit card?

Ask the experts: How do business credit cards impact business taxes?

Frequently asked questions about business credit cards

What is the best credit card for startups or new businesses?

How can I start my business credit?

What are alternatives to a business credit card?

What is the easiest business credit cards to get?

How we assess the best business credit cards

Great rewards value

Low fees and an intro APR

Redemption flexibility

Valuable business perks

Article sources