Best business credit cards with cashback: Complete 2025 guide

Running a business is supposed to be about making money, but a lot of the time you’re focused on spending it — payroll, software, travel, pencils and printer paper, coffee pods, and client dinners. That’s why I like business cash back credit cards. At least some of that spending comes back, turning everyday costs into a steady return. It’s not going to make expenses disappear, but it does make them do a bit more for your business.

In this guide, I’ll break down the main types of cashback business cards, the features I find the most useful, and how to weigh the tradeoffs like fees, approval odds, and reward structures. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of the card that fits your business best — and how I think about the best cash back business credit cards for different needs.

What are business credit cards and card alternatives with cashback?

A business credit card with cashback pays you back a percentage of every purchase as a reward for using the card. Instead of accumulating points or miles, you’re basically getting part of your money returned in the form of cash or a credit on your bill. 

Some cards keep it simple with a single flat rate for every type of purchase, while others give bigger rewards in categories like travel, ad spend, or software subscriptions. Others rotate those categories depending on how you spend.

Types of business cashback cards

Not every cash back business card works the same way. The structure determines how rewards add up and how much effort it takes to get the most value. 

• Flat-rate cashback cards: With flat-rate cards, no matter what you buy, you get the same percentage back. A good choice if you don’t want to track categories or worry about missing a bonus.

• Tiered cashback cards: Tiered cards give back more in certain categories. If your business spends a lot in those specific spend buckets, you may rack up rewards faster than with a flat-rate card. 

• Rotating category cards: Rotating cards change their bonus areas every few months. One quarter it might be gas, the next it could be restaurants. They can deliver a lot of value if your spending aligns with the schedule, but typically take more effort to manage.

• Corporate charge cards: With a corporate charge card like Rippling, you skip the personal credit check, variable interest rates, and revolving balances. Instead, you’ll pay the full balance every month. Corporate cards with cashback typically appeal to larger companies looking for cashback benefits plus controls to manage employee spending.

Pay special attention to the corporate card vs business credit card distinction. A corporate card can give you more control over spend, but offers more limited financing options. A business credit card allows you to pay big purchases off over time, but can carry higher costs if you don’t manage interest carefully.

Best business credit cards and card alternatives with cashback in 2025

When I’m comparing business credit cards with cashback, I’m really asking one question: which ones make spending work the hardest? The cards below stand out to me for how they balance rewards, costs, and practical features.

1. Rippling Corporate Card

Annual fee: $0

If you’re looking for more control and visibility into company spending, look at Rippling Corporate Cards. It’s a corporate charge card, so there are no personal guarantees, and the expense management and policy tools help you track and manage purchases in real-time. Eligible purchases earn you 1.75% cashback.

If your team already uses Rippling for HR and payroll, you’ll get even more value, since those expenses, policies, and reimbursements sync into your unified platform automatically.

Pros:

• Up to 1.75% cashback on eligible purchases with no caps or expiration

• No personal guarantee or personal credit check

• Fully integrated into the Rippling HR, IT, and payroll platform

• Real-time policy controls and automated expense reporting

Cons:

• No revolving balance

• Only available to US businesses

Rippling Corporate Card feature snapshot

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2. Chase Ink Business Unlimited

Annual fee: $0

I’d turn to this card if I wanted simple, predictable rewards without the hassle of tracking categories. The flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase means you don’t have to worry about spending caps or rotating bonus buckets. This card could also work well as a backup for businesses already using a category-based card by serving as a catch-all for purchases that don’t qualify for bonus rates.

Pros:

• Straightforward 1.5% cash back on all purchases

• No annual fee

• Free employee cards

Cons:

• Flat rate may not be as competitive as tiered cashback options

• Foreign transaction fees limit utility for international travel

• High APR after the intro period makes carrying a balance expensive

• Requires a personal guarantee 

Chase Ink Business Unlimited feature snapshot

3. Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus

Annual fee: $150

I’d consider this card if my business spent heavily, had the cash flow to pay off the balance every month, and wanted to maximize the benefits of consistent cash back. It’s a card that makes sense when most of your spending doesn’t align with typical bonus categories, which makes that consistent 2% feel like a big win. It’s also useful if you have big travel or hotel needs that you handle through Capital One Travel, which can earn up to 5% cash back. 

Pros:

• 2% cash back on all purchases with no caps or categories

• Strong welcome offer and extra incentives for high first-year spend

• No present spending limit

Cons:

• Full balance payment every month limits financing capabilities

• High annual fee and steep spending thresholds

• High spend requirements to earn bonuses or annual fee refunds might make it expensive for low-volume businesses

Capital One Spark 2% Cash Plus feature snapshot

4. Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards

Annual fee: $0

I might recommend this card to a business already banking with Bank of America or Merrill and looking for unlimited rewards without the complexity of spending buckets or caps. The 1.5% cash back on all purchases works well for steady, mixed spending. If you qualify for the Preferred Rewards for Business program, the rate jumps to 2.62%. That’s a significant boost for business credit card cash rewards if you’re already in the ecosystem.

Pros:

• Unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases

• Preferred Rewards for Business members can boost rates to 2.62%

• No annual fee and free employee cards

Cons:

• Average cashback rates for businesses that don’t qualify for Preferred Rewards

• Higher reward tiers require large balances in Bank of America or Merrill accounts

• Limited travel protections compared to other premium cards

• Requires a personal guarantee

Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards feature snapshot

5. American Express Blue Business Cash Card

Annual fee: $0

If you’re in the market for a no-fee cashback card that offers higher rewards for everyday purchases, the Amex Blue Business Cash Card might be worth a look. It gives 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in eligible spending per year, then 1% after that. If you have moderate spend, that cap works fine, but it’s not ideal if you’ve got more extensive needs.

Pros:

• 2% cashback on the first $50,000 per year

• No annual fee

• Expanded Buying Power for spending above your credit limit

Cons:

• Cashback rate drops to 1% after $50,000 in annual spend

• Foreign transaction fees apply

• Requires a personal guarantee

American Express Blue Business Cash feature snapshot

6. U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Business Card

Annual fee: $0

If your business spends consistently in the card’s key 3% categories — gas, office supplies, cell phone providers, and restaurants — the card might be a fit. The no-fee structure and $100 annual statement credit for accounting software like QuickBooks or FreshBooks could also add value for a smaller business. For spend outside the priority buckets, though, the 1% rate feels less competitive.

Pro:

• 3% cashback in common spend areas

• $100 annual statement credit for select accounting tools

• No annual fee

Cons:

• Intro bonus requires relatively high spend

• Rewards outside the bonus categories only earn 1%

• Redemption options are limited mainly to statement credits

• Minimal travel protections

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Business feature snapshot

7. PNC Business Cash Rewards Card

Annual fee: $0

If you spend moderately in everyday categories like gas, dining, and office supplies, this card could meet your needs. I like that the cashback rates go up to 4% for some types of spend, but I’m less fond of the $8,000 annual cap. After that, all purchases drop to 1%, so it’s not suited for any but the lowest volume spenders.

Pros:

• Up to 4% cashback on certain categories

• 1.5% cash back on all other net purchases

Cons:

• Bonus rates capped at $8,000 annually across all categories

• Cashback redemptions tied to PNC bank accounts

• Limited travel rewards

PNC Business Cash Rewards Card feature snapshot

Use this cash back business credit card comparison chart to scan the major features side by side before you zero in on your main contenders:

Key features to look for in cashback business credit cards

Go beyond the cash back rate when you’re looking for a new business credit card — even if that’s the benefit that interests you the most. Pay attention to details like whether the card has a high annual fee, how the variable APR works if you plan to carry a balance, and whether the credit limit fits your needs. These details determine how much of your business credit cards’ cashbacks rewards you actually get to keep.

1. Cashback rate structure

A flat-rate card works well if you want predictable returns and don’t have time to track categories. Tiered or category-based cards, on the other hand, might be a better fit if your business spends heavily in a specific area, like travel or dining, since the higher rates can surpass the flat return.

2. Annual fees vs. rewards potential

Some cards charge a high annual fee, but the rewards can offset the cost if your business spends enough. Consider these cards if you know, based on spending projections, that the math will likely work in your favor. If expenses are smaller or unpredictable, you may be better off with a no-fee option, even if the cashback rate is less generous.

3. Sign-up bonuses

A big upfront bonus can be tempting, especially if you’re planning to use the card for a large purchase right after opening the account. But if meeting the spending requirements will strain your cash flow, skip the bonus and choose a card with steady rewards instead.

4. Spending caps and limits

Some business cards cap how much spending qualifies for the top cashback rate. That’s fine if your purchases stay under the threshold, but if you know your credit line (and likely spending) extends past it, take another look at cards with no limits and higher earning potential.

5. Redemption options and flexibility

How your business credit card lets you redeem rewards can change the actual value of the cash back. Cash or statement credit boosts working capital and keeps the lights on. Gift cards or discounts only make sense if they offset purchases you’d already be making.

6. Integration with accounting software

Manual uploads can work in a leaner setup, but create more admin burden and headaches for your finance team down the line. If you grapple with complex billing cycles or manage multiple employees, it might make sense to prioritize a card that plays well with others. 

7. Employee card management

Issuing cards to employees can dramatically improve efficiency — no more endless manual approvals and reconciliations — but only if you’ve got a solid corporate card policy and strong controls and activity tracking built in. For a sole proprietor or small shop, this feature matters less, but it can still keep spending transparent.

8. Expense tracking tools

A card that offers detailed expense reports makes it significantly easier to manage your budget and handle taxes. If you’re still developing a business credit history, accurate tracking also helps you show lenders that you use credit responsibly. 

9. Credit requirements

Some issuers won’t even look at your application without a strong business credit score and spotless personal credit history. Others mitigate risk with personal guarantees or deposit requirements. Be realistic about likely approvals and apply accordingly. Too many denials can show up on your record and make future approvals harder, and sometimes a secured card or prepaid card is the safest option.

10. Additional perks and benefits

Beyond cashback, perks like travel insurance, purchase protection, or statement credits for specific services can also add value. Weigh those extras to see if they align with what your business already buys. If not, don’t let them distract you from features that matter more.

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Benefits of using business credit cards with cashback

The biggest benefit of using business credit cards with cashback? The value shows up right away. Every dollar you spend earns something back, which can feel more concrete than chasing points or miles. But the payoff isn’t just the rewards. Cashback cards also make it easier to manage cashflow, track expenses, and build a stronger business credit score. Here’s how those rewards typically show up in daily operations.

Immediate return on business spending

With a business cash back credit card, every purchase earns money back. It’s like a built-in discount on things you’d be paying for anyway, from software subscriptions to office supplies. 

Improved cash flow management

Even a modest cash back business card helps free up cash that you can reinvest in day-to-day operations. Having a steady stream of rewards can also help smooth over unpredictable revenue cycles. 

Simplified expense tracking

Most credit card issuers offer categorized statements that line up with accounting software. It makes expense reporting cleaner and saves time during billing cycles.

Build business credit history

Consistently paying the balance on your business credit card helps improve your business credit score and your overall credit history. That makes it easier to qualify for higher credit limits and premium benefits down the line.

Enhanced financial reporting

With detailed statements comes a clearer insight into how money moves through your business. Some cards even offer extra tools for expense management, which makes it easier to track spending and prepare financial reports. 

Employee spending control

If you hand out cards to team members, you can set limits and track usage in real time. That kind of control is especially useful for corporate card programs, but even small business cash back cards usually offer basic employee management features. When 62% of company cardholders report seeing cards misused and 13% admit they aren’t confident employees spend responsibly, you know that guardrails are essential, not a “nice to have.”

How to choose the right cashback business credit card

To choose the right cashback business credit card, you need to look beyond the flashy marketing or fintech hype to understand how it delivers value to your particular business over time. A card with the wrong cashback rate structure or a high annual fee can wipe out any rewards you earn, while the right one strengthens your cash flow and supports growth. 

Here’s how I walk through the decision to avoid getting distracted by shiny messaging and irrelevant perks.

Assess your spending patterns

I start by looking at where most of my business expenses land. If travel or software dominates, I know I need to focus on cards that offer higher cashback in those categories and skip generic cashback business cards. 

Calculate potential cashback earnings

Next, I run the math. The best cash back business credit cards can look similar on paper, but small differences of 1-2% can add up quickly.

Consider your business size and needs

For corporate card programs, larger companies may get perks like higher limits, better expense management, and no personal guarantee requirements. For small business cards, I’d lean towards simple structures that let the company build business credit history while avoiding high fees. 

Evaluate integration requirements

A card should work with accounting tools to simplify billing cycles and expense management. I’ve learned the hard way that manual uploads create mistakes that affect both cash flow and how credit bureaus see the business.

Review credit requirements and approval odds

Finally, I weigh my odds of approval. Some issuers check both your business credit score and your personal credit history with consumer credit bureaus. If you’ve got a limited credit line or only fair credit, you might not qualify for premium rewards cards. 

Maximize your business spending with Rippling's Corporate Card

Rippling Corporate Cards unify employee and spend data, allowing you to create hyper-custom card policies and automate control over how, when, and where employees can spend. By connecting corporate card usage directly with employee data, Rippling gives you precise control over spending and policy enforcement, leading to better financial oversight with less administrative work. Enforce spend exactly the way you want — automatically.

Automated spending controls are only the beginning. Rippling is the best corporate card alternative for many other reasons: Instant virtual cards, rewards for every eligible dollar you spend. Through Rippling’s Spend suite, you get comprehensive, automated expense management, removing hours of tedious, administrative work from your expense management processes and gaining unprecedented control over spend.

With Rippling you get:

• Seamless integration with Rippling's HR and payroll platform

• Automated expense tracking and reporting

• No personal guarantees or personal credit checks required

• Cashback rewards on eligible business purchases

• Full balance repayment structure for better financial discipline

FAQs about business credit cards with cashback