Running a small business requires more than just hard
work—it requires strategic financial tools to help you manage expenses,
streamline operations, and even earn rewards. One of the most powerful tools
available to small business owners is a business credit card. With the right
business credit card, you can maximize cash flow, earn valuable rewards, and
gain access to exclusive perks that can make running your business smoother and
more profitable.
In this guide, we’ll review the best business credit
cards for small business owners in the US. We’ll cover cards that offer
great rewards for everyday expenses, travel benefits, no foreign transaction
fees, and robust expense management tools to help you keep track of your
spending.
1. Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Best for: Cash Back on Office Supplies and Internet
Expenses
The Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is a fantastic
choice for small business owners who want to maximize cashback rewards on
common business expenses. This card offers:
- 5%
cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually on office supplies,
internet, cable, and phone services.
- 2%
cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually on gas stations and
dining.
- 1%
cash back on all other purchases.
Sign-up Bonus: Earn $750 bonus cash back after
spending $6,000 in the first three months.
Annual Fee: $0
The combination of high cashback rates on essential business
categories and no annual fee makes this card one of the best options for small
business owners who want to save on their regular operating costs.
Why it’s great: High cashback rates on office
expenses, no annual fee, and a valuable sign-up bonus make this card a top
choice for business owners who need to manage day-to-day business purchases.
2. American Express® Business Gold Card
Best for: Customizable Rewards Categories
The American Express® Business Gold Card is ideal for
businesses with variable spending across different categories. This card
automatically adjusts to reward you in the two categories where you spend the
most each month, giving you flexibility and maximum value.
- 4X
Membership Rewards® points on the two categories where you spend the
most each billing cycle, up to $150,000 per year. Categories include
airfare, advertising, gas stations, shipping, and more.
- 1X
points on all other purchases.
Sign-up Bonus: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards®
points after spending $10,000 in the first three months.
Annual Fee: $295
Why it’s great: The flexibility to earn extra points
in your top spending categories is a huge advantage, particularly for
businesses with changing expenses throughout the year. Plus, Membership
Rewards® points can be redeemed for a wide range of travel, merchandise, or
gift cards.
3. Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Best for: Simple, Unlimited Cash Back
If you prefer a straightforward rewards structure, the
Capital One Spark Cash Plus delivers with unlimited 2% cash back on all
purchases. This card is perfect for businesses that want simplicity and don’t
want to worry about category restrictions or spending caps.
- 2%
cash back on all purchases with no limit on the amount you can earn.
- $1,200
cash bonus when you spend $30,000 in the first three months.
- No
preset spending limit, making it ideal for businesses with varying
expenses.
Annual Fee: $150
Why it’s great: Simple and unlimited 2% cash back on
all purchases makes it easy to earn rewards without tracking categories or
hitting spending limits. The large cash bonus for new cardholders also provides
substantial value.
4. Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Best for: High Travel Rewards and Valuable Perks
For small business owners who travel frequently or want to
maximize rewards for business-related travel, the Chase Ink Business Preferred®
Credit Card is one of the best options on the market.
- 3X
points on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services, and
advertising purchases, up to $150,000 annually.
- 1X
point on all other purchases.
- Sign-up
Bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the
first three months—worth $1,250 when redeemed for travel through Chase
Ultimate Rewards®.
Annual Fee: $95
Why it’s great: The sign-up bonus alone makes this
card one of the most valuable business credit cards for travel rewards. Plus,
with 3X points on common business expenses, you can rack up rewards quickly.
Points can also be transferred to several airline and hotel partners for even
more value.
5. Brex 30 Card for Startups
Best for: Startups and Tech Companies
The Brex 30 Card is specifically designed for startups and
tech companies that don’t want to rely on personal guarantees or credit scores.
Brex offers high rewards across key categories for growing businesses and comes
with excellent expense management tools.
- 7X
points on rideshare.
- 4X
points on Brex Travel.
- 3X
points on restaurants.
- 2X
points on recurring software purchases.
- 1X
points on everything else.
Sign-up Bonus: Earn up to 100,000 Brex points
after completing spending requirements.
Annual Fee: $0
Why it’s great: Brex tailors its rewards and benefits
to startup companies, offering flexibility, no annual fee, and generous rewards
on essential business categories like software and travel. Plus, there’s no
need for a personal guarantee, which is a significant advantage for founders.
6. Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash
Rewards Mastercard®
Best for: Customizable Cash Back Categories
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash
Rewards Mastercard® allows you to choose your highest cash-back category, which
can be especially useful for small businesses with specific spending needs.
- 3%
cash back on your choice of one of six categories (including gas,
office supplies, travel, TV/telecom services, and more).
- 2%
cash back on dining.
- 1%
cash back on all other purchases.
Sign-up Bonus: Earn $300 statement credit
after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days.
Annual Fee: $0
Why it’s great: Customizing your highest cashback
category allows you to optimize rewards based on your business's unique
spending patterns. The lack of an annual fee is an added bonus for businesses
looking to save.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Business Credit Card
Choosing the best business credit card depends on your
specific business needs and goals. Here are some factors to consider:
- Rewards
Structure: Do you want a card with fixed rewards across all
categories, or do you prefer one that maximizes cashback or points in
specific categories like travel or office supplies?
- Annual
Fees: Consider whether the rewards and benefits outweigh the cost of
the card’s annual fee.
- Sign-Up
Bonuses: Many business cards offer generous sign-up bonuses that can
provide significant value in the first year.
- Credit
Limits: If your business has fluctuating expenses, consider a card
with a high credit limit or no preset spending limit, like the Capital One
Spark Cash Plus.
- Additional
Perks: Look for cards that offer additional benefits such as travel
protections, no foreign transaction fees, purchase protection, or employee
cards.
Conclusion
Finding the best business credit card for your small
business can unlock valuable rewards, improve cash flow, and help you manage
expenses more efficiently. Whether you need cashback on everyday purchases,
travel rewards, or robust expense management tools, the right business credit
card can be a powerful asset to your company.
Be sure to compare offers, read the fine print, and consider
how the card aligns with your business’s financial strategy. With the right
choice, you can make your business expenses work harder for you and enjoy the
perks of smarter financial management.