Best business credit cards for small business: Complete guide for 2025

Choosing the wrong business card isn’t all that different from buying a gift card — for your bank. High annual fees, thin rewards, and zero spending guardrails have a real cost attached. Chosen wisely, small business credit cards turn routine expenses into rewards while keeping your team’s spending on track.

That’s more important than it sounds when only 38% of finance leaders feel confident that employees are spending responsibly. (Translation: almost half of us lie awake at night thinking about how someone, somewhere, is still trying to code Friday night drinks under “client development.”)

I’ve gone through the top business cards for small businesses to cut through some of the noise. In this guide, we’ve got side-by-side comparisons, role-based recommendations, and some pro tips on how to get the most out of each card.

What are business credit cards, and why do small businesses need them?

A business credit card works much like a personal card, but it’s designed specifically for company expenses. Using one helps keep business and personal spending separate, which means fewer headaches when preparing tax records and protects your business credit history if you run into problems at home. It also gives you access to a revolving credit limit, which means you can cover expenses mid-month and pay them off in a few weeks if needed. Over time, responsible use builds a solid credit score that can unlock higher limits, better rates, or bonuses like cash back or travel rewards. 

Benefits of business credit cards for small businesses

The real value of a business credit card shows up in the details. Beyond separating expenses and earning points, a good business credit card can give your team more autonomy, streamline your finance workflows, and allow you to spend in ways that save you money later. 

Some of the added benefits I appreciate the most include:

• Access to higher credit limits than personal cards, giving you more financing to cover large purchases

• Employee cards with customizable controls, so spending stays within policy

• Integration with accounting and expense management software to reduce your finance team’s workload

• Protections like purchase coverage, extended warranties, and travel insurance

Business credit cards vs. charge cards

You can be forgiven for lumping together all the options for everyday financing. All those shiny plastic rectangles do look alike. But business credit cards and charge cards work very differently, and choosing the wrong one can seriously mess with your cash flow. 

A business credit card offers a revolving credit limit, a variable APR, and the option to carry a balance from one billing cycle to the next. That little bit of extra give can help you maintain smooth cash flow, but interest charges add up quickly if you don’t have a plan to pay in full. 

A charge card, often branded as a corporate credit card for small businesses, works differently. There’s usually no preset credit line, but you need to pay off the entire balance every month. It’s a structure that works for companies with steady revenue and stronger business credit histories, but it does require a certain amount of discipline and comes with higher annual fees.

The choice ultimately comes down to how your small business manages money: credit cards can bridge gaps when cash is tight, while charge cards need consistency but can scale better once your finances level out. 

Top business credit cards for small business (including card alternatives)

Every dollar counts for a small business, so you need your payment tool to do more. Below are some of the top business credit cards and a few alternatives that might make more sense depending on how you spend.

1. Rippling Corporate Card

Annual fee: $0 

Designed to work seamlessly with the platform you already use to run payroll, HR, and IT, the Rippling Corporate Card is designed to grow with your business. Because it’s fully integrated into Rippling, every transaction automatically syncs with expense management, which means you get real-time, granular control over employee spend and automated expense reporting.

It’s a charge card, so the balance is paid in full every statement period, and there are no personal guarantees or personal credit checks required. You can earn up to 1.75% cash back on all purchases, in addition to rewards for every dollar spent with no cap and no expiration. Rippling’s advanced policy engine also lets you block out-of-policy expenses based on factors like vendor, dollar amount, and expense category.

Where the Rippling Corporate Card falls short

• Balances must be paid in full each month, which means limited financing capabilities.

• Currently only available to US businesses.

Is the Rippling Corporate Card right for you?

• Use this if you want expense management, payroll, and HR data unified in one platform and exceptional control over employee spending.

• Avoid this if you need to carry balances over time.

Rippling Corporate Card: Feature snapshot

Pro tip: Because it’s part of the same system where you already manage people and payroll, expense reporting becomes automatic. I no longer chase receipts or struggle with end-of-the-month migraine trying to close the books.

You’ve never had control over card spend like this

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2. Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Annual fee: $0 

The Ink Business Card is Chase’s cash back option for small businesses looking for strong rewards in everyday categories. I like that it earns 5% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined purchases on core business expenses like office supplies, internet, cable, and phone services, and 2% cash back on your first $25,000 spent at gas stations and restaurants, plus 1% on all other purchases. Other features that caught my eye include employee cards at no extra cost, purchase protection, and fraud monitoring.

Where Chase Ink Business Cash falls short

• Bonus cash back rates are limited to the first $25,000 spent in those bonus categories each year.

• The APR after the intro period varies and can go as high as 25.49% depending on your creditworthiness.

• Foreign transaction fees apply, which cut into rewards when you travel abroad.

Is Chase Ink Business Cash right for you?

• Use this if you have a single large purchase to make and a plan to pay it off in the first year, when the APR is zero.

• Avoid this if your spending regularly surpasses the annual $25,000 cap or if you travel internationally frequently.

Chase Ink Business Cash: Feature snapshot

Pro tip: This card delivers the most value when you keep your annual spend in the 5% and 2% categories. Otherwise, it’s just a flat 1% card.

3. Capital One Spark 2% Cash for Business

Annual fee: $150

The Spark 2% Cash Plus is Capital One’s straightforward rewards card. I like it because it keeps things simple: you earn 2% cash back on every purchase with no limits or categories to track. There’s also a one-time cash bonus if you meet the initial spending requirement, and employee cards at no extra cost. I’m also a fan of the automation potential that comes with purchase records that you can download directly into your account software.

Where Capital One Spark 2% Cash for Business falls short

• The $150 annual fee might feel steep if your business doesn’t spend enough.

• Stricter requirements can make approval more difficult for newer businesses.

• Travel rewards may feel more limited compared to premium cards that offer travel insurance. 

Is Capital One Spark 2% Cash for Business right for you? 

• Use this if you want simple, unlimited cash back with no complicated bonus categories to track, and can handle the annual fee.

• Avoid this if your spending doesn’t justify the comparatively high annual fee, or if you need stronger travel benefits.

Capital One Spark 2% Cash for Business: Feature snapshot

Pro tip: I like this card for businesses that spend steadily across multiple categories. But unless your annual spend can justify that $150 every year, you’re better off with a no-fee alternative.

4. American Express Business Gold Card

Annual fee: $375

Some cards lock you into fixed categories, but the Amex Business Gold adjusts to how you actually spend. Every month, you receive four times the points in your top two spend areas up to $150,000 per year. If I worked with a business where spending shifted from month to month, this would definitely seal the deal. That flexibility comes with employee cards, expense tracking, and the enhanced travel rewards that built the AmEx brand make it a solid choice for big companies with multiple priorities, where travel eats a lot of the budget.

Where the American Express Business Gold Card falls short

• $375 in annual fees is a lot to pay if the card sits in your wallet most of the month.

• Like other American Express products, this card requires excellent credit and an extensive history.

• Reward caps may reduce value if your business has high levels of monthly spend. 

Is the American Express Business Gold Card right for you? 

• Use this if you’re looking for flexible rewards and premium travel perks.

• Avoid this if your spending regularly surpasses the $150,000 monthly limit and travel is a small part of your budget.

American Express Business Gold Card: Feature snapshot

Pro tip: I’ve found that the Business Gold Card works best for big businesses that shift from month to month because it automatically picks your top two categories. You don’t have to track them yourself.

5. Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

Annual fee: $0 

In my experience, cards like the Ink Business Unlimited work best when you just need a card that doesn’t make you think about categories. You get 1.5% cash back on every purchase with no caps, so you don’t need to monitor spending buckets to see consistent value. Cash also includes a welcome bonus, employee cards, purchase protection, and fraud monitoring.

Where Chase Ink Business Unlimited falls short

• The flat 1.5% cash back rate isn’t as competitive as some other cards.

• The APR may be on the high side after the intro period if you carry a balance.

• Foreign transaction fees can rack up for international purchases.

Is Chase Ink Business Unlimited right for you?

• Use this if you want straightforward rewards with no caps or categories.

• Avoid this if you regularly spend a lot in categories where other cards offer better rewards, or your business requires a lot of international travel.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited: Feature snapshot

Pro tip: In my view, this card works best as a complement to a bonus-category card. For example, you might use the Ink Cash card for its capped 5% and 2% categories, and the Unlimited for everything else to maximize my rewards.

6. Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Annual fee: $95

I’ve recommended the Spark Miles when travel is a big line item on the business budget. You earn two miles for every dollar anytime you spend, plus five miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars, provided you book through Capital One Travel. There’s also a one-time bonus if you meet the spending requirement, and you have the option to redeem your miles for travel, transfer them to a partner, or apply them as statement credits. 

Where Capital One Spark Miles for Business falls short

• The annual fee only pays for itself if you’re traveling enough to really leverage the redemptions.

• Award seat availability and transfer partner options aren’t as straightforward as other travel-focused cards.

• You’ll need good to excellent credit to qualify, which a young business or startup may not have. 

Is Capital One Spark Miles for Business right for you? 

• Use this if your business model calls for extensive travel and you want simple, uncapped travel earnings.

• Avoid this if you don’t travel frequently enough to justify the annual fee or need richer travel benefits.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business: Feature snapshot

Pro tip: Pairing a card like Spark Miles with Spark Cash can give you more flexibility in how you take your rewards and help you do an end-run around foreign transaction fees.

7. American Express Business Platinum Card

Annual fee: $695

If I needed a card that leaned into premium travel, I’d take a hard look at the AmEx Business Platinum. You earn five times the membership rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmEx Travel, plus 1.5 times the points on eligible purchases in select categories. You also benefit from airport lounge access, Global Entry and TSA checkpoint PreCheck credits, travel insurance, and no foreign transaction fees. 

Where the American Express Business Platinum Card falls short

• You need to travel extensively to justify an annual fee of $695 — difficult for a small business.

• Even mid-size businesses can struggle for approval without a strong revenue report.

• It’s a card geared towards travel, which means you won’t enjoy many perks in other categories. 

Is the American Express Business Platinum Card right for you? 

• Use this if you have a high travel budget that allows employees to make real use of lounges and credits.

• Avoid this if you want flexible rewards across a wide variety of expense categories.

American Express Business Platinum Card: Feature snapshot

Pro tip: This card only really makes sense if you’re on the road often enough to leverage travel rewards and need extensive insurance coverage. Otherwise, the steep fee outweighs the points you’d earn elsewhere.

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

Annual fee: $0

What stood out to me about the Triple Cash is the $100 annual statement credit for finance software like QuickBooks and FreshBooks. That’s something you regularly see on a no-fee business card. You’ll also earn 3% cash back in specific categories like gas stations, office supply stores, cell phone providers, and restaurants, as well as 1% everywhere else.

Where the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards Card falls short

• The intro bonus requires relatively high spend for a no-fee card.

• Redemption options may feel more limited compared to other cards, as cash back is mainly in the form of statement credits.

• Only certain categories qualify for “triple cash”, which means uncategorized spend won’t earn as much. 

Is the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards Card right for you? 

• Use this if you regularly make purchases in the 3% bonus categories and you want rewards with no annual fee.

• Avoid this if you prefer travel perks or spend extensively outside the listed expense categories.

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards Card: Feature snapshot

Pro tip: This card works best as a secondary card. Use it to capture the 3% bonus in select categories, then pair it with another card for anything else.

9. Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Rewards Card

Annual fee: $0

The hook here is choice. You get to decide which category earns 3% cash back, from gas to travel to office supplies. Add in 2% at restaurants and 1% everywhere else for an adaptable no-fee card. New cardholders can also earn a $300 statement credit on qualifying spend.

Where the Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Rewards Card falls short

• The 2% and 3% rewards apply only to your first $50,000 in combined spend every year — after that, they drop to 1%.

• Some users have reported a clunky redemption process compared to other issuers.

• Travel protections and perks are limited. 

Is the Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Rewards Card right for you? 

• Use this if you want complete control over your bonus category and your spending stays under the $50,000 annual cap.

• Avoid this if you need strong travel benefits or anticipate spending more than $50,000.

Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Rewards Card: Feature snapshot

Pro tip: You’ll need to keep a careful eye on your business spend if you’re going to pick the right 3% option each year. 

10. Brex Corporate Card

Annual fee: $0

The Brex Corporate Card can be a good fit for startups in my view, because it doesn’t ask for a personal guarantee or a credit check. Instead, approval is based on your business’s cash balance and revenue. Rewards categories also align with startup needs, such as rideshares, recurring software, and ads. This card also offers expense management tools, employee cards, and built-in integrations with platforms like QuickBooks and Xero.

Where the Brex Corporate Card falls short

• Rewards are only available if you use daily repayments; otherwise, your earnings drop.

• Credit limits fluctuate based on your cash balance, which can make planning challenging.

• Some users have found customer support inconsistent compared to traditional credit card issuers.

Is the Brex Corporate Card right for you? 

• Use this if you run a startup or other small business with strong cash reserves and want to skip the personal guarantee.

• Avoid this if you need predictable credit limits or anticipate needing to carry a balance.

Brex Corporate Card: Feature snapshot

Pro tip: Before considering this card, take a good look at all your financials. You may not need good personal credit, but you won’t qualify with intermittent cash flow. 

11. CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select Card

Annual fee: $99

I consider this a solid card to turn to if flights on American Airlines comprise a big part of your business travel and you’re focused primarily on travel rewards. It earns two miles per dollar on qualifying purchases with AA, gas, telecom, and car rentals, plus one mile for other purchases. I also like the practical perks like a free checked bag, preferred boarding, and a 25% in-flight discount.

Where the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select Card falls short

• Most of the value comes only if you fly American Airlines often.

• If you aren’t committed to traveling exclusively on American — and traveling often — the annual fee may feel out of line with rewards.

• Approval requires both strong credit and documented business revenue. 

Is the CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select Card right for you? 

• Use this if your team regularly flies American Airlines and will make good use of perks like free checked bags and priority boarding.

• Avoid this if you need to travel on more than one airline and prefer the flexibility of points and cash back.

CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select Card: Feature snapshot

Pro tip: Free checked bags alone can cover the annual fee quickly, so you can pair this card with a more general travel rewards option for more flexibility. 

12. American Express Amazon Business Prime Card

Annual fee: $0, but requires an Amazon Prime or Business Prime membership

If you run a substantial portion of your business spending through Amazon or Amazon Web Services, this card gives you the chance to earn some rewards off the back of your Prime membership. You can choose between 2% cash back at restaurants or 90-day extended payment terms — a unique perk in my view. You can also benefit from employee cards, spend tracking tools, and integration with Amazon Business analytics.

Where the American Express Amazon Business Prime Card falls short

• The 1% base rate is low compared to other flat-rate cards.

• Needing both an AmEx account and a Prime membership can add layers of cost and complexity.

• If you don’t regularly order from Amazon, you may not see any value from the card. 

Is the American Express Amazon Business Prime Card right for you? 

• Use this if Amazon is one of your main suppliers and you want the option to pick between rewards or an extended float on payments.

• Avoid this if you prefer flexible rewards not tied to a single ecosystem or don’t make lots of purchases on Amazon.

American Express Amazon Business Prime Card: Feature snapshot

Pro tip: Pair this card with a more general rewards card to ensure you’re still earning on spending outside of Amazon. 

13. PNC Business Cash Rewards Card

Annual fee: $0

What makes this card interesting to me is the tiered cash back for common business expenses. You’ll earn 1.5% on net purchases, plus up to 4% cash back at gas stations, 3% at restaurants, and 2% on gas stations, restaurants, and office supply stores combined. The catch? Rewards are capped at the first $8,000 per year, then cash back drops to 1%. 

Where the PNC Business Cash Rewards Card falls short

• Spending caps on bonus categories make this a less competitive card for higher-spending businesses.

• Cash bank rewards are tied to the PNC Banking ecosystem in the form of account fees or statement credits.

• Some users experienced wait times longer than typical for customer service. 

Is the PNC Business Cash Rewards Card right for you? 

• Use this if you’re already a PNC Banking customer and want to keep spending and rewards in one place.

• Avoid this if your business spend exceeds the bonus category caps or you need broader redemption options.

PNC Business Cash Rewards Card: Feature snapshot

Pro tip: Consider consolidating your banking and business financing under one roof for cleaner bookkeeping. 

Essential features to consider in business credit cards

The best business credit cards are about more than payment; they pull their weight in the day-to-day of running your small business. Whether that’s keeping your books cleaner and the rewards flowing or just preventing your team from accidentally expensing Taco Tuesday as “office supplies,” Here’s what I look at when deciding which card earns a spot in the wallet.

Rewards and cash back programs

Rewards only make sense if they match your spending priorities. A card with cashback on everyday expenses like printer paper and coffee supplies can add some liquidity to your budget, while travel rewards make more sense if you’re handing over cards to a mobile sales team. Some issuers also offer targeted incentives like vendor discounts and statement credits that offset the card’s annual fee. 

Annual fees and interest rates

The annual fee can eat into your rewards if you don’t spend enough to justify it. (And you shouldn’t spend more than you can afford to hit reward tiers!) 

Pay attention to the variable APR, too, since carrying a balance from month to month can add to your expenses, fast. Cards with low or 0% introductory APRs can give your new business breathing room on big upfront purchases. 

Credit limit and approval requirements

A higher credit limit offers flexibility but usually depends on your business’s credit score, revenue, and even a personal guarantee. Issuers typically run a credit check and may also dig into your business credit history for green (and red) flags before approving. If you’re just starting out, secured cards or a smaller credit line may be a necessary first step to establish trust.

Expense management and reporting features

Modern cards can function like mini expense management platforms. Look for tools that categorize charges, sync receipts, and export clean reports for taxes. This kind of automation reduces both the amount of admin work your finance team needs to shoulder and the chance of errors when they close billing cycles.

Employee card controls and limits

If you plan to distribute individual cards to your team, focus on options that let you set spending caps and monitor use for each cardholder. Real-time alerts and category restrictions can help employees avoid inadvertent misuse while still giving them the flexibility to cover legitimate expenses.

Integration with accounting software

This often overlooked feature is actually critical for keeping your finances accurate. A card that integrates directly with QuickBooks, Xero, or your payroll system eliminates double-entry and keeps reporting consistent. Smooth syncing also helps keep your financial data current, so you have confidence in the numbers you’re using to track and manage cash flow.

Travel benefits and protections

For businesses with employees on the move, look beyond basic travel rewards like miles for a card that waives foreign transaction fees or that offers bundled travel insurance. Protections like rental car coverage and trip cancellation can also cut down on the need for separate policies. These cards sometimes come with a higher annual fee, but if your business runs on travel, the peace of mind might be worth it.

Introductory offers and bonuses

Many cards come with sign-up incentives like 0% APR windows to big reward bonuses if you spend a set amount during the account opening period. Remember, these are one-time perks, so consider them if you plan to use the card for a significant early purchase, but prioritize permanent features and long-term fit in your decision-making.

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How to choose the best business credit card for your small business

Picking a business credit card isn’t just about swiping and paying later. The easiest business credit card to get might not actually do you much good if rewards don’t line up with how you spend, and the right business credit card needs to align with how your business actually runs. A good fit will balance rewards with costs, support healthy cash flow, and help you create a solid track record that builds business credit. 

Assess your business spending patterns

Look at where most of your money goes each month. If the bulk of your spend goes to hotel rooms, plane tickets, and meal per diems, then you should be focusing on cards with strong travel rewards. Everyday operating costs pair better with cards focused on steady cash back and statement credits. 

Determine your credit qualification

Check both your personal credit score and your business credit score before you click ‘submit’ on an application. Most issuers will run a credit check, and some will ask for a personal guarantee if your business credit history is thin. Knowing your numbers upfront keeps you from applying for cards out of your reach. 

Compare rewards vs fees

A high-reward card isn’t worth it if the annual fee outweighs any rewards or benefits. Some cards tie rewards to spend, while others stick to flat cash rewards. I try to always run the man on projected spending to see whether promised perks will actually offset costs based on our actual purchase needs. Sometimes, a simpler structure can actually save you more. 

Evaluate expense management needs

Some cards come with dashboards, employee card controls, and expense tracking tools designed for spend management at scale. That’s a lot of tool for a small business. On the other hand, if you’re entering a growth phase and starting to use multiple cards, features like these can help keep billing cycles and your accounting clear. 

Consider integration requirements

Really think about how a given card connects with your existing finance and spend tools and systems. Options that integrate with your bookkeeping software or payroll tools, for example, can save you time on reconciliation and reporting. And if you already have automations in place, a small business charge card with flexible limits can offer added convenience without complicating your workflow. 

Review approval requirements and timeline

Every issuer has its own approval process. Some credit card issuers give you an instant online decision, while others need to see your EIN or revenue records and take a few days to review. If you need quick access, focus on secured cards, which sometimes have faster account opening windows.

Plan for business growth and scaling

Your first pick doesn’t need to be your “forever card.” A secured card might be the easiest to get, but hopefully, it’s just a stepping stone to stronger options as you develop your credit history. A quick business credit card comparison every year or two can help you recognize whether your current card still fits your company’s size and financial needs. 

How to manage business credit cards effectively

The way you manage a business credit card for your small business can have a big impact on your current cash flow and your future ability to build business credit. In my experience, it helps to set clear rules up front and train your team to treat every swipe like it matters. Done right, you’ll not only avoid problems, you’ll get more value from rewards, lower costs, and stronger credit standing.

Setting up expense policies and controls

I’ve found that setting a clear corporate credit card policy early on prevents overspending and awkward conversations. Decide which expenses qualify, like travel or office supplies, and cap what each cardholder can charge. This keeps your records clean and avoids disputes when reviewing monthly payments. 

Training employees on card usage

Employees need to know what a business credit card is (and isn’t) for. A quick onboarding session covering allowable purchases, receipt handling, and the importance of timely reporting goes a long way. It’s better to overcommunicate than risk misuse. 

Monitoring spending and statements

I make a habit of checking statements weekly instead of waiting for the billing cycle to close. This helps catch out-of-policy spend and unusual activity before it becomes a problem, and helps ensure that the team stays within the assigned credit limit. Real-time alerts from most credit card issuers make staying on top of purchases even easier. 

Maximizing rewards and benefits

Not all business credit cards offer the same perks. Marching rewards to what your company needs, like cash back for everyday expenses or travel rewards for frequent fliers, can offset the annual fee. I’ve also seen value in leveraging statement credits or partner discounts that many issuers bundle in.

Maintaining good payment habits

Paying balances in full each cycle is the single best way to avoid variable APR charges. Even when cash flow is tight, making more than the minimum keeps your credit score healthy and builds trust with lenders.

Regular account reviews and optimizations

At least twice a year, I review our accounts to see if the current cards are still the best business credit cards for our needs. More than once, I’ve made a switch or learned that adding corporate credit cards for small businesses to the mix made sense as the company grew.

Simplify your small business spending with Rippling

Most corporate cards are siloed from the rest of a company’s employee data. Rippling’s corporate card solution, by contrast, tightly integrates with the rest of your workforce management processes, allowing for automations that save significant time on tedious administrative work. For instance, you can automatically issue cards during onboarding and revoke them during offboarding, tee up hyper-customized policies that block purchases before managers lose hours poring through an expense report during reconciliation, and more. 

Rippling Corporate Cards unifies 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.

With Rippling you get: 

• Complete integration with payroll, HR, and IT management systems

• No personal guarantees required for qualification

• No personal credit checks during the application process

• Automated expense reporting and real-time spending controls

• Competitive rewards on eligible business purchases

• Charge card structure requiring full balance payment each statement period

• Seamless employee onboarding and card provisioning

• Advanced security and fraud protection

• Unified platform eliminating the need for multiple vendors

• Dedicated support for growing businesses

FAQs about business credit cards for small business