Top Small Business Credit Card Picks to Watch in 2025

The T&E (Travel and Entertainment) credit card was one of the earliest business-oriented credit cards introduced in history.

Introduced in 1958, it significantly changed the way businesses and individuals managed transactions and expenses.

Today, the market for small business credit cards has grown tremendously, offering a wide array of options that are appealing for both personal use and business needs.

The top-rated credit cards for small business owners now feature low-interest rates, no annual fees, and rewarding cashback or points programs designed to maximize value.

This article provides rankings and reviews of the best small business credit cards, aiming to help entrepreneurs choose the card that best fits their unique financial strategies and goals.

Below are some of the leading options worth considering for your business credit needs.

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card stands out as a top choice for small business owners seeking simplicity and excellent rewards. It offers a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no limit. The absence of annual fees makes it a budget-friendly option, allowing users to benefit without worrying about extra costs. One attractive perk is its welcome bonus—spending just $6,000 within the first three months earns a substantial $900 cashback, which surpasses many competitors that require higher spending thresholds. This feature offers immediate value and can significantly boost your finances. Employees can also be added at no cost, with customizable spending limits for better control and security. Features like fraud protection and zero liability provide additional peace of mind, along with perks such as extended warranties and travel insurance, making this card versatile for various business needs.

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business card provides an excellent opportunity to maximize rewards on travel expenses, allowing frequent travelers to earn bonus miles quickly. The program offers a straightforward redemption process—miles can be used to offset statement credits for travel costs like flights, hotels, and car rentals. There is no minimum amount required to redeem miles, providing maximum flexibility for your travel plans. In addition, this card includes complimentary employee cards to help you gain the most value from your rewards everywhere you go. Besides the rewards structure, the card benefits from exclusive discounts through its partnership with Mastercard®, offering perks such as discounts on car rentals and gratis upgrades at select luxury hotels worldwide. These features make it an excellent choice for business owners who travel frequently and seek convenience and savings.

The American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card is an excellent option for busy entrepreneurs aiming to maximize rewards that benefit their business finances. You can earn double Membership Rewards points on expenses up to $50,000 each year. Additionally, you’ll receive a bonus of 15,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first three months of opening your account. This card comes with added perks like no annual fee and a full year of 0% interest on purchases from the date you open your account. This feature makes it easier to make larger, necessary purchases without worrying about accruing interest. Plus, you can keep track of your business expenses effortlessly through detailed online reports, which add convenience to your financial management.

The Revendee Business Card is designed to assist businesses with lower credit scores or those struggling to qualify for traditional credit cards. It offers an appealing cashback rate of 3%, providing an attractive reward for everyday expenses. There are no annual fees or hidden costs attached to this card. For a more flexible option, consider Capital on Tap, which offers adaptable repayment plans with no hidden fees or interest, along with an online expense tracking app, giving owners better control over their finances.

The Business Platinum Card from American Express provides a lucrative welcome bonus. Customers can earn up to 120,000 membership rewards points after spending $15,000 within the first three months of opening their account. This card also provides up to $200 in airline fee credits each year, and there’s no cap on how often these credits can be used throughout the year. Additionally, cardholders are covered for up to $189 annually in CLEAR membership costs. This allows travelers to skip lengthy security lines using biometric identification technology instead of showing their ID or boarding pass every time. Over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries are part of this program, offering complimentary food, drinks, and a relaxing atmosphere while waiting for flights.

The key features of this card include a generous welcome bonus of up to 120,000 reward points after meeting the spending threshold, annual airline fee credits of up to $200, and CLEAR membership fee coverage, along with access to a vast network of airport lounges worldwide through Priority Pass™ Select.

The Ink Business Premier℠ Credit Card is an excellent choice for business owners seeking substantial rewards. It offers a cashback rate of up to 2.5% on purchases of $5,000 or more, making it ideal for high spenders looking to maximize their rewards. This card also includes built-in safety features such as fraud protection and zero liability coverage, ensuring your transactions are secure. Furthermore, it provides purchase protection and has no foreign transaction fees, allowing you to make international purchases without concern over hidden costs. This combination of benefits makes it a highly attractive option for businesses with frequent travel or international spending needs.

The key features include a high cashback rate of up to 2.5% on large purchases, fraud protection, zero liability for unauthorized transactions, purchase protection, and no foreign transaction fees, giving users peace of mind when spending abroad.

The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is best suited for those who value zero liability coverage. This card offers a straightforward approach with a focus on simplicity and security. Cardholders benefit from the peace of mind that comes with protection against unauthorized charges, making it a reliable choice for everyday business expenses. It is also designed to support international transactions without additional fees, helping businesses avoid unexpected costs when dealing with overseas vendors. The card’s overall features are geared toward providing a secure, cost-effective solution for business owners worldwide.

The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card offers a generous $900 bonus cash reward after you complete the required purchases.

To earn this bonus, you need to spend at least $6,000 within the first three months.

After meeting this requirement, you’ll earn 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee, making this card ideal for small business owners aiming to maximize their earnings.

Their zero liability coverage safeguards you against unauthorized charges with the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card. This means any fraudulent charges can be disputed, and your money will be returned promptly.

An additional benefit is the ability to add employee cards at no extra cost. This feature allows you to manage employee spending without incurring extra fees, and you can set individual spending limits. Such control helps maintain your business’s financial health like never before.

Additionally, other options for small business credit cards include the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card and the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.

Small business owners have a range of credit card choices designed to fit different needs.

From earning cash back to avoiding foreign transaction fees, these cards offer many advantages to simplify business management.

Options differ in fees, rewards, balance transfer features, and other benefits, giving entrepreneurs the flexibility to choose the card that best suits their business operations.

Here are some common types of rewards that can benefit small business owners.

Cashback rewards are among the most popular, allowing businesses to earn a percentage back on purchases in general or specific categories like office supplies or dining.

This effectively helps small businesses save money by earning cash rewards on everyday expenses.

The best small business cashback cards often feature multiple categories, enabling owners to maximize savings across various types of spending.

Whether paying for supplies or client dinners, earning cashback boosts operational funds.

Travel rewards cards are another popular option, offering discounts and free airline miles with each purchase.

Small business owners who frequently travel for work can benefit from earning airline miles and discounts on lodging.

These cards often include accommodations and car rentals, providing added savings for out-of-town trips.

Using a travel rewards card for flights and hotel bookings can save money on business trips, especially when attending conferences or events.

Many travel rewards cards also earn points at gas stations and restaurants, further increasing earning potential.

However, be aware that some cards may charge annual fees or require a minimum spend to unlock certain travel bonuses.

Signing up for a new credit card often comes with bonus offers to give your business a quick boost.

These can include statement credits, bonus points, or rewards credited after you meet certain spending thresholds, typically within the first few months.

Some cards may provide extra incentives like reduced fees or special rewards on your initial transactions.

Many cards offer competitive introductory APR rates, making them attractive for new businesses looking to manage cash flow effectively.

These low rates apply during the initial period, helping businesses save on interest payments on purchases or balances transferred.

Once the introductory period ends, a variable APR takes effect, so it’s important to review the terms carefully.

Purchase protection is a valuable feature that shields businesses from fraud and damaged goods.

It typically covers eligible items within a specific period, usually 90 days, and up to a set amount.

This benefit offers peace of mind when buying high-value equipment or supplies, especially when using your employer identification number.

With the rise of international business, many credit cards now feature no foreign transaction fees.

This allows small businesses to make purchases abroad without additional costs, improving profitability when dealing with overseas suppliers or clients.

It’s a valuable feature for any company that operates internationally.

Many business credit cards include the option to issue free employee cards, enabling staff to make authorized purchases under your supervision.

This feature simplifies expense management by assigning specific credit lines per employee, with customizable limits to control spending.

Having dedicated employee cards helps maintain financial oversight and streamlines procurement processes, whether for payroll, supplies, or vendor payments.Their budget.

As a result, companies can optimize the use of their credit lines more effectively.

Key Factors To Consider When Choosing a Small Business Credit Card

Rewards Program

Many small business credit cards provide rewards that can be redeemed for future purchases or returned as cash back. It’s important to carefully read the terms and conditions to understand how these rewards are earned and compare options to find the best fit before making a decision.

Annual Cost and Fees

The annual fees for small business credit cards vary, with some offering introductory 0% APR and no annual fee, while others charge higher yearly charges. Some issuers may waive the fee on the anniversary of the account or run special promotions to help save on costs. The fee amount can also depend on your credit history. Comparing different cards ensures you choose the most economical option.

Credit Limits

The credit limit offered by small business cards usually depends on your credit profile and business financials. For freelancers and small entrepreneurs, understanding the credit limit is vital to managing cash flow and meeting your business needs effectively.

Extended Warranty Benefits

Many credit cards come with extended warranties that go beyond the manufacturer’s standard coverage on electronics, jewelry, appliances, and travel. This can include protection for trip cancellations, theft, or damage, offering peace of mind. Opting for a business gold card might provide even broader coverage, including rental car insurance, roadside assistance, and travel accident protection.

Personal vs. Business Credit Considerations

A small business credit card differs from a personal card because it’s designed to manage business expenses and improve cash flow. Separating personal and business finances should be a priority for entrepreneurs. Additionally, your personal credit isn’t usually factored into the application process for a business credit card, although a personal guarantee might be required for new or small businesses to secure credit.

Choosing the Right Card – Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Look for When Selecting a Business Credit Card?

Think about your intended usage, the fees and interest rates involved, and which credit bureaus the card reports to. These factors help you find the most suitable card for your business needs.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Using a Visa?

Visa cards are popular for their convenience, security, and global acceptance. They are trusted and broadly accepted worldwide, making them a reliable choice for business transactions across different countries.

Will My Social Security Number Be Used When Applying for a Business Card?

No, lenders do not typically require your Social Security Number for business credit cards. Instead, they may ask for your D-U-N-S number or other identification.

How Do Billing Cycles Work?

Business credit cards offer customizable billing cycles tailored to your cash flow needs. Your card issuer can provide guidance on setting up and managing your billing schedule.

Are Gift Cards Valid at All Stores?

Most merchants accept gift cards issued through business credit cards, but some may not due to higher transaction fees or issuer policies. Always check with the merchant beforehand.

What Is the Fair Credit Reporting Act?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law requiring credit bureaus to provide consumers with access to their credit reports and data. It aims to promote accurate reporting and protect consumers from incorrect or outdated information used in credit decisions.

Is Online Shopping Secure?

Your online purchases are protected by encryption technology that secures your card details. Many cards also offer additional security features, such as fraud alerts and theft protection, to prevent unauthorized transactions.

What Should I Know Before Applying?

Before applying, understand what type of card suits your business, review interest rates and fees for value, and be aware that applying involves credit inquiries which can impact your credit score. Doing your homework beforehand ensures a smoother process.

Conclusion

When selecting the best small business credit card, focus on key aspects like bonus rewards, annual fees, interest rates, credit limits, and fraud protection. Comparing different providers is essential to find the option that best fits your business. Always read and understand the terms and conditions before signing up, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Doing thorough research helps ensure you get the right card for your company’s specific needs.

Further resources on StepThroughThePortal.com highlight various options based on your business situation, including:

– Business cards for those without credit or with bad credit
– Crypto rewards cards
– No annual fee options
– Gas rewards cards
– Startup-specific cards

You can also find guides on how to open a business credit file and establish your business credit profile.