The best small business credit cards of March 2025

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

If you operate a business, whether part-time or full-time, you may benefit from opening a business credit card. A business credit card helps to keep personal and professional expenses separate, which makes things much easier come tax time. Plus, many business cards allow you to open free employee cards.

CNBC Select reviewed dozens of popular options and chose cards that fit into eight categories. Here are our top picks. (You can read more about our methodology below.)

Who's this for? The Chase Ink Business Unlimited is an excellent pick if you don't want to pay an annual fee.

Standout benefits: Our favorite benefit of the Ink Business Unlimited is that it offers you a generous 1.5% cash back on all purchases, making it especially attractive to those who don't want to deal with numerous bonus spending categories to maximize their rewards.

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Who's this for? The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a great option if you're a business owner who wants to earn rewards on common business expenses, such as travel, shipping, internet, cable and phone services.

Standout benefits: Points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, experiences and more at a rate of one cent per point. Your points instantly receive a 25% boost (1.25 cents per point) when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel^SM. For potentially greater value, you can transfer your points to Chase's 14 airline and hotel partners.

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Who's this for? You should consider the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express if you're a business owner looking to finance new purchases without incurring interest.

Standout benefits: You can benefit from an introductory APR on purchases. Terms apply.

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Who's this for? The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a top-notch card offering over a dozen premium perks for business owners.

Standout benefits: The card's luxury travel benefits include a statement credit for Global Entry ($120 every 4 years) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85 every 4.5 years through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider), access to over 1,400 airport lounges through the American Express Global Lounge Collection (Access is limited to eligible Card Members) and a $200 Airline Fee Credit. You simply select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the card.

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Who's this for? The Ink Business Cash Credit Card is a top choice if you're looking to boost your rewards balance with one of the biggest welcome bonuses on the market.

Standout benefits: This card is great if you regularly purchase from office supply stores or have significant bills from their internet, cable and phone service providers due to its bonus rewards on these purchases.

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Who's this for? The American Express® Business Gold Card is ideal if you have shifting spending patterns but still want to earn generous returns.

Standout benefits: The Amex Business Gold Card offers a flexible rewards program that assigns the highest rewards rate of 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories in each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.

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Who's this for? The Signify Business Cash^℠ Card by Wells Fargo is ideal if you're seeking a generous business cash-back card and don't want to pay an annual fee.

Standout benefits: You don't have to track bonus categories with the Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash Card because it earns a flat 2% in cash rewards on every purchase. Plus, if you pair this card with a Wells Fargo credit card that enables travel partner transfers (such as the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Visa® Card), you can convert the rewards you earn into airline miles and hotel points.

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Who's this for? If you're a business owner with less than stellar credit, you will appreciate having an easier time getting approved for the *Capital One Spark 1% Classic*.

Standout benefits: This card has a straightforward cash-back program and offers 1% back on all purchases. You can set up automatic redemption at a set time each calendar year or when a specific cash-back balance is reached.

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Rewards

• 5% cash back on Lyft rides (through Mar. 31, 2025)
• 1.5% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn a $750 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening the account.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

The Ink Business Unlimited card comes with an intro APR on new purchases and you can add employee cards at no additional cost.

As an added benefit, the cash back you earn with this card can be converted into transferrable Chase Ultimate Rewards® points if you have an eligible Ultimate-Rewards card, like the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. This gives you the option of converting your cash-back rewards into points or miles with programs such as World of Hyatt, Southwest Rapid Rewards and United MileagePlus.

This card also comes with purchase protection, extended warranty protection, roadside dispatch, rental car coverage (primary when renting for business purposes) and travel and emergency assistance services.

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Rewards

• 5X points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025)
• 3X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases in these categories each account anniversary year: Shipping, advertising with select social media sites and search engines, travel, internet, cable and phone services
• 1X points on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

You can earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travelâ„ .

Annual fee

$95

Notable perks

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers employee cards at no additional cost and provides helpful travel protections, such as no foreign transaction fees, roadside dispatch, auto rental collision damage waiver and trip cancellation/trip interruption insurance.

This card also comes with cell phone protection, which covers damage or theft for you and your employees listed on your monthly cell phone bill paid with your card, up to $1,000 per claim. Maximum of three claims in 12 months with a $100 deductible per claim. It also comes with purchase protection and extended warranty protection for eligible items.

This card offers a 25% bonus in value when you redeem points for travel through Chase Travel^SM. It also gives you access to all of the Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners. That means you can convert the points you earn into miles and points with programs such as World of Hyatt, United MileagePlus and Emirates Skywards.

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Rewards

• 2X points on up to the first $50,000 in purchases per year (then 1X)*
• 1X points on all other purchases

*Terms and limitations apply

Welcome bonus

Earn 15,000 points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership.

Annual fee

$0 (See rates and fees)

Notable perks

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is appealing if you're starting a business because it's affordable, rewarding and great for financing purchases thanks to its intro APR period on purchases. Terms apply.

If you plan to purchase office furniture, electronics, appliances and other business items, the special financing period can provide you with an interest-free period of up to a year. Plus, you'll earn an above-average return on your everyday business purchases and can add employee cards for free (see rates and fees). Eligible transactions are also covered by extended warranty and purchase protections.

This card earns American Express Membership Rewards points, which can be transferred to over 20 travel loyalty programs. Typically, the ability to transfer points is reserved for credit cards with an annual fee, and this is an excellent benefit that provides a path to boosting the value of the rewards you earn by taking advantage of the Amex Membership Rewards sweet spots.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

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Rewards

• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com
• 2X points on eligible travel purchased on AmexTravel.com
• 1.5X points on up to $2 million in purchases per per card account per calendar year of eligible purchases in the following categories: U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers, U.S. electronic goods retailers, software and cloud systems providers, U.S. shipping providers and on purchases of $5,000 or more. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
• 1X points for all other purchases
• Terms apply

Welcome bonus

You'll earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.

Annual fee

$695 (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has a hefty annual fee (see rates and fees), but its suite of benefits can make it worth it.

Whether it's travel, purchase protection, rewards or expense management, there's a benefit for every type of business owner. Cardholders have access to an incredible array of statement credit offers, many of which renew annually. These credits include:

• $199 CLEAR Plus credit per calendar year (Excluding any applicable taxes and fees; subject to auto-renewal)
• Up to $120 in application fees for Global Entry or up to $85 in application fees for TSA PreCheck (every four years for Global Entry; every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck)
• Up to $400 back per year on U.S. purchases with Dell (up to $200 back semi-annually) through 6/30/2025 (enrollment required)
• Up to $360 back per year (up to $90 back per quarter) for Indeed purchases (enrollment required)
• Up to $150 back per year for select Adobe auto-renewing annual business subscriptions through 6/30/2025 (enrollment required)
• Up to $120 back per year for U.S. wireless telephone service provider purchases (enrollment required)
• Up to $200 in airline fee credit per year

You also enjoy a large range of travel perks, including Gold elite status with Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy (enrollment required) and rental car privileges with Avis, Hertz and National. You'll also have unlimited complimentary access to 1,400+ airport lounges, including Amex Centurion Lounges, Escape Lounges, Plaza Premium lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Delta Sky Clubs and Lufthansa lounges. Enrollment required.

The benefits don't stop there, card members also enjoy a long list of travel and shopping protections. These coverages include return protection, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage insurance, extended warranty coverage, rental car insurance, cell phone protection and purchase protection.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Purchase protection, extended warranty underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Cell phone protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

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Rewards

• 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year (then 1% cash back)
• 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year (then 1% cash back)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card offers an intro APR on new purchases. Other perks include purchase protection, extended warranty protection, travel and emergency assistance services, roadside dispatch and primary rental car collision coverage (when renting for business purposes). Employee cards are available for no additional cost.

While this is a cash-back business credit card, you can boost the value of the rewards you earn when you pair it with a Chase credit card that enables point transfers (such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card). By utilizing Chase's travel partners, you can often use fewer points to book flights and hotels than if you redeemed your rewards for cash back to pay for the same bookings.

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Rewards

• 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.* The categories are: purchases at US media providers for advertising in select media, U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery, U.S. purchases at gas stations, transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways, monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
• 1X points on all other purchases
• Terms apply.

Welcome bonus

100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Terms apply*

Annual fee

$375 (see rates and fees)

Notable perks

Beyond rewards, the American Express® Business Gold Card provides expense management tools and helpful features if your business requires travel. The travel perks include no foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees), car rental loss and damage insurance, baggage insurance and trip delay insurance. Eligible items are also covered by cell phone insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.

The annual fee can also be outweighed by the card's benefits. Every year card members can receive up to $155 in monthly Walmart+ membership credits each year ($12.95 per month plus applicable taxes; subject to auto-renewal; Plus Ups not eligible) and up to $240 in statement credits each year for U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub and office supply stores (up to $20 in statement credits back per month; enrollment required).

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply.

Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

Purchase protection, extended warranty underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Cell phone protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

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Rewards

• 2% cash rewards on all purchases

Welcome bonus

Earn a $500 cash rewards bonus after spending $5,000 in the first three months.

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

The Signify Business Cash^℠ Card by Wells Fargo offers new cardholders an introductory APR on purchases, which means business owners can earn a sizable welcome bonus and access low-cost financing.

There is no cost to add employee cards, and you'll get a handful of useful insurance protections. Cardholders receive travel accident insurance and rental car insurance. It also comes with a Priority Pass membership, but you'll pay a per-visit fee to access the airport lounges within the network.

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Rewards

• 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

Welcome bonus

None

Annual fee

$0

Notable perks

The Capital One Spark 1% Classic comes with Capital One business benefits, which include account management tools and integration with business software. You can also take advantage of extended warranty coverage, no foreign transaction fees and roadside assistance.

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You don't need to be the founder of a large corporation or a restauranteur to be eligible for a business credit card. You may qualify even if your business is starting out or it's only a part-time side hustle. Freelance and independent contractor gigs, such as driving for DoorDash or Uber, could help you qualify for a business card.

What you'll need

When you're ready to apply for a business credit card, you'll typically need the following information:

• Business name: For sole proprietors, this can be your name.
• Business address: This can be your home address.
• Business tax ID: This can be an EIN or your social security number (if you're a sole proprietor).
• Estimated revenue: Total revenue before taxes or other expenses are deducted.
• Years in business: How long has your business been around?
• The number of employees: Enter one if you have no employees other than yourself.

Business credit card applications also ask for your personal information, including your social security number. When you apply for a business credit card, the issuer typically reviews your personal credit history.

What to do if you're not approved

If you're not instantly approved for the business card you applied for, don't worry. Often the card issuer just needs time to review your application further. Even if you're denied, you can call the issuer (call the reconsideration line if it has one) to see why they denied you and what you can do about it.

Business applications are a bit more complicated than a standard consumer credit card application. Sometimes you may need to send in tax returns or other documents to verify you have a business. Depending on the bank, you may also be able to move a credit limit from one card to the new card. Many factors go into getting approved for a credit card, but calling and talking to someone can sometimes be enough to get an application approved.

It can make sense for business owners to open a business credit card for several reasons. Having a separate credit card for business transactions is essential for your bookkeeping. Many business credit cards have built-in spending reports or free employee cards with the option to customize spending limits. On top of that, it makes sense to get rewards for purchases you're going to make anyway.

Expense tracking

Business credit cards can help you simplify your bookkeeping and keep track of your expenses. Many business card issuers offer integration with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks. You can also add employee cards so your people can make purchases on their own without you having to mess with a reimbursement system.

Points, miles or cash back

Aside from helping you cover essential business purchases, these cards can also be rewarding. The top business cards offer extra rewards, cash back and miles or points for everything from online advertising to internet services. These cards also tend to have other useful benefits, such as credits for software or computer expenses and insurance for business-related travel or other purchases.

Business credit cards can help you streamline your bookkeeping and keep personal expenses separate from business transactions. These cards also tend to have higher welcome bonuses and are particularly rewarding for common business expenses.

The flip side is that business card welcome bonus offers can have larger minimum spending requirements. And when you apply, many business credit cards will still pull your personal credit report.

With so many different types of business and corporate credit cards available, it can be hard to hone in on the best fit for you. If you understand which credit card perks will be the most valuable to your business and what type of rewards make the most sense, you can quickly narrow down your choice. Then, it's a matter of looking at the cost of those cards and finding the most affordable option.

Cost

The cost of having a credit card for your business is generally broken down into two areas: fees and interest. If you're able to take advantage of an intro-APR offer or pay off your balance in full each month, then you won't pay any interest. At that point, you just need to figure out if the card's benefits outweigh the fees.

Many credit card fees are avoidable, such as late payment or returned payment fees. However, there can be annual fees or foreign transaction fees that are more difficult to navigate, so be sure to factor these costs into the decision.

Rewards

Pay attention to the type of rewards a business card earns and what kinds of purchases qualify. Most credit card rewards are either cash back or travel rewards. Travel rewards can be more valuable, but it's often more complicated to redeem them for maximum value. Cashback is preferable if you want a return on your credit card expenses without the hassle.

Understanding where your business spends the most money is also key to finding the best business card for your situation. Some business cards are especially rewarding for shipping purchases, while others offer bonus rewards on advertising. By applying for a credit card with bonus categories that align with your business expenses, you can multiply the rewards you earn.

Benefits

If you choose a business card without looking into the benefits it offers outside of rewards, you're missing out on a lot of potential value. Some cards offer shopping or travel protections, which can help you save money by avoiding the extra cost of things like rental car insurance or extended warranty benefits.

You may also be able to take advantage of statement credit offers with retailers or service providers. These credits can often offset the card's annual fee, which makes it easier to justify opening a card.

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card list is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best business credit cards.

To determine which business cards offer the best value, CNBC Select analyzed business credit cards issued through FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions that are widely available in the U.S.  

We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards (e.g., cash back, points and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APR and balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees. We also considered additional perks (e.g., ongoing travel or merchant statement credits), cardholder protections (e.g., purchase protection, $0 liability protection and travel insurance), the application process when available (e.g., is there a credit pull or required credit score) and how easy it is to redeem points (e.g., are rewards are tied to a specific brand; if transferable, to how many/which partners, can you redeem for straight cashback). 
 
We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.  

For the cards that offered a rewards program, we considered consumer spending data forecasts from location intelligence firm Esri to determine where U.S. consumers are spending the most money, like on dining and travel. We used this to help determine what bonus categories are most useful for consumers. Since the value of a point or mile varies based on what they can be redeemed for, we also considered things like transferability and the ability to redeem for cash-back. 

When choosing the best business credit cards the main criteria in our ranking were the rewards rates and added benefits, such as redemption bonuses, insurance coverage and expense management features. Co-branded business cards, such as airline or hotel-specific cards, did not make our final list due to their often limited reward systems and potential to restrict your travel redemption options to a specific brand.

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For rates and fees of the Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.

For rates and fees of the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here.

For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, click here.

*Information about the Capital One Spark Classic for Business has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of the card prior to publication.