In today’s fast-paced entrepreneurial world, having the best business credit cards can be the difference between scaling your business and hitting financial roadblocks. Whether you’re a startup founder, a small business owner, or managing corporate expenses, the right credit card can offer perks like cashback, travel rewards, purchase protections, and most importantly, access to credit when you need it most.
With hundreds of options on the market, this comprehensive guide explores the best business credit cards in 2025 based on rewards, features, fees, and flexibility. We’ll also help you understand how to choose the right card and maximize your benefits.
Why You Need a Business Credit Card
Before diving into our list of the best business credit cards, it’s essential to understand why every business—no matter the size—needs one:
1. Separation of Personal and Business Expenses
Business credit cards help you separate personal transactions from company expenditures. This simplifies bookkeeping, tax preparation, and ensures legal compliance.
2. Credit Building
Just like personal credit, building business credit is crucial for securing loans or better financing options. Using one of the best business credit cards responsibly can elevate your company’s credit score over time.
- Rewards and Perks
From 0% intro APRs to 5% cashback on office supplies, the rewards offered by the best business credit cards can add real value to your bottom line.
4. Employee Card Management
You can issue employee cards and monitor spending using most premium business credit cards. Some offer custom spending limits and real-time tracking.
Best Business Credit Cards in 2025
Here’s our expert-curated list of the best business credit cards for 2025. We’ve categorized them to help you choose based on your business needs.
1. American Express® Business Gold Card
Best for: Flexible Spending and High Rewards
Key Benefits:
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each month (up to $150,000/year).
- No preset spending limit.
- Access to Amex Offers and travel perks.
Annual Fee: $375
APR: Variable 19.49% – 27.49%
Why It’s One of the Best Business Credit Cards:
If your spending fluctuates across categories like tech, advertising, or shipping, this card adapts to your patterns, making it a dynamic and high-value pick.
2. Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Best for: Travel and Advertising Rewards
Key Benefits:
- Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months.
- 3X points on travel, advertising on social media, and internet/cable/phone services (up to $150,000/year).
- Points are worth 25% more when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Annual Fee: $95
APR: 21.24% – 26.24% variable
Why It’s One of the Best Business Credit Cards:
Ideal for businesses with advertising budgets or frequent travel. Points go further when used for flights or hotels.
3. Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Best for: Unlimited 2% Cashback
Key Benefits:
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases.
- No preset spending limit.
- $200 annual bonus every year you spend $200,000.
Annual Fee: $150
APR: No APR – this is a charge card (balance must be paid in full each month).
Why It’s One of the Best Business Credit Cards:
The simplicity of flat-rate cashback and no foreign transaction fees make this card a favorite for larger businesses and high spenders.
4. Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards
Best for: Customizable Cashback Categories
Key Benefits:
- 3% cashback on your choice of category (gas, office supply, travel, etc.)
- 2% cashback at restaurants and 1% on all other purchases.
- $300 online bonus after $3,000 in purchases in first 90 days.
Annual Fee: $0
APR: 18.49% – 28.49% variable
Why It’s One of the Best Business Credit Cards:
Perfect for small business owners looking for flexibility and no annual fee. Pairs well with Bank of America business checking.
5. U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card
Best for: Businesses with Diverse Spending
Key Benefits:
- 2X points in the top two categories where your business spends the most.
- 5% cashback on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the Rewards Center.
- No annual fee for the first year, then $95.
APR: 19.24% – 28.24% variable
Why It’s One of the Best Business Credit Cards:
Auto-adjusting rewards based on your business categories makes it ideal for operations with dynamic budgets.
How to Choose the Best Business Credit Card
Choosing among the best business credit cards depends on your specific needs. Here are crucial factors to consider:
1. Business Spending Habits
Track your past expenses. If most of your spending is in travel or tech, pick a card that rewards those categories.
2. Cash Flow Flexibility
Some cards offer 0% intro APR for up to 12–18 months. This helps manage cash flow during growth phases.
3. Employee Card Controls
If you have a team, look for cards offering free employee cards and custom spending limits.
4. Signup Bonuses
Signup bonuses of $500–$1,000+ can help offset your initial business expenses.
5. Annual Fees vs. Value
Some of the best business credit cards charge annual fees, but the benefits often outweigh the cost.
How to Qualify for the Best Business Credit Cards
You don’t need a six-figure business to get approved. In fact, even freelancers, gig workers, and sole proprietors are eligible.
Required Info:
- Business name (or your own)
- EIN or SSN
- Estimated revenue (can be $0 for startups)
- Industry type
Pro Tip: A good to excellent personal credit score (690+) greatly improves approval chances.
Best Business Credit Cards for Startups and Small Businesses
If you’re just starting out, here are a few best business credit cards with easy approval and minimal fees:
1. Brex Card for Startups
- No personal guarantee required.
- Based on business cash flow, not personal credit.
2. Chase Ink Business Unlimited®
- 1.5% cashback on every purchase.
- $750 bonus after spending $6,000 in 3 months.
3. Capital One Spark 1% Classic
- Designed for fair credit applicants.
- Reports to business credit bureaus to build your profile.
Maximizing the Value of the Best Business Credit Cards
To truly benefit from the best business credit cards, implement these strategies:
➤ Automate Bill Payments
Avoid late fees and interest by setting up auto-pay for recurring expenses.
➤ Use for All Business Purchases
Maximize reward points or cashback by using your card for rent, subscriptions, travel, and office supplies.
➤ Track and Categorize Expenses
Use the issuer’s mobile app or accounting integrations like QuickBooks to streamline tax season.
➤ Redeem Wisely
Choose reward redemptions that offer the best value—often travel or statement credits over gift cards or merchandise.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best business credit cards can become a liability if misused. Here are key pitfalls to avoid:
- Carrying a balance past the intro APR period.
- Mixing personal expenses with business ones.
- Ignoring fees, terms, or changes in rewards programs.
- Applying for too many cards at once (hurts your credit).
Are Business Credit Cards Tax-Deductible?
Yes. Annual fees, interest charges, and even some membership costs may be tax-deductible if the card is used strictly for business purposes. However, always consult a tax professional.
Final Thoughts
Whether you want cashback, points, or flexible financing, there’s a card tailored to your needs. Our top recommendation for most businesses is the Chase Ink Business Preferred®, thanks to its generous bonus, travel perks, and flexible point system. However, if simplicity and cashback are your priority, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus might be the right fit.
By choosing wisely and managing your card responsibly, the best business credit cards can become a powerful tool to boost growth, manage cash flow, and build business credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I get a business credit card with bad credit?
Yes, options like secured business credit cards or the Capital One Spark Classic are available for those with fair credit.
2. Are there no-annual-fee business credit cards?
Absolutely. Chase Ink Business Unlimited®, Bank of America Business Advantage, and others offer solid rewards with no annual fee.
3. Will my personal credit be affected?
In most cases, yes—especially during application. But responsible use helps build both business and personal credit profiles.
References
American Express Business Cards
Chase Ink Business Credit Cards
Capital One Business Cards
Bank of America Business Cards
U.S. Bank Business Leverage Card
IRS Business Tax Deductions Guide