Best Business Credit Cards for Small Businesses
The best business credit card depends on how your business spends, whether you carry a balance, and how much you value rewards versus a low fee. Below is a framework for finding the right fit, organized by common needs, with offers from our issuer partners.
How we evaluate business cards
- Value: rewards or benefits compared with fees.
- Cost: annual fee, APR and other fees.
- Flexibility: how easy rewards are to earn and use.
- Business tools: employee cards, spending controls and accounting integrations.
- Accessibility: typical credit profile and reporting practices.
- Issuer reputation and terms transparency.
Compensation from issuers may affect which cards appear and in what order. It does not change our evaluation criteria. See our editorial policy.
Best business cards by need
| If you want… | Look for… | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Simple rewards on everyday spending | Flat-rate or broad-category cash back | Caps on bonus categories |
| Rewards on advertising, software or shipping | Bonus categories matching your biggest expenses | Annual fee vs. rewards earned |
| Travel perks and points | Travel rewards, transfer or redemption flexibility | Higher annual fees and foreign transaction fees |
| To finance a purchase over time | 0% intro APR period | APR after the promotional period ends |
| Lower cost if you carry a balance | Low ongoing APR | Fewer rewards |
| To pay in full each month with high spending power | Charge-card structure | Balance due monthly; terms vary by issuer |
| To establish credit | Secured or entry-level business cards that report to bureaus | Deposit requirements; reporting practices |
Comparing the major issuers
| Issuer | Typically known for | Check |
|---|---|---|
| Chase | Broad business card lineup with rewards options | Eligibility rules and current welcome offers |
| American Express | Charge cards and rewards with premium benefits | Pay-over-time terms and acceptance |
| Bank of America | Cards with benefits for existing banking customers | Relationship-based rewards requirements |
Offers, eligibility and benefits change. Always confirm current details on the issuer’s website.
Best approach for startups and new businesses
- Apply as a sole proprietor with your SSN if you have no EIN-based credit history.
- Choose a no-annual-fee or low-fee card first.
- Pick a card that reports to business bureaus if building business credit is a goal.
- Keep spending within what you can pay off to avoid interest.
See our guide to building business credit.
Before you apply: checklist
- Review the Rates & Fees disclosure.
- Know the card’s credit requirement and whether a hard inquiry applies.
- Understand any personal guarantee.
- Confirm your spending can meet any welcome offer requirement.
- Check that the rewards fit your categories.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best business credit card overall?
There is no single best card. The best choice depends on your spending, whether you carry a balance and how much you value rewards versus fees.
Is a business card better than a personal card?
A business card can simplify bookkeeping and offer business-specific rewards and tools, but it is not automatically cheaper. Compare terms.
Can I get a business card with bad credit?
Options may be limited. Secured business cards or building personal credit first may help. No issuer can guarantee approval.
Do I need a high credit score?
Requirements vary. Generally stronger personal credit improves approval chances.
Epic Capital Solutions is not a lender, bank or card issuer and does not make credit decisions. This guide is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Rates, fees and terms are set by providers and change often.