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Opting for a business credit card that has no annual fee is an excellent way to minimize expenses for your business.
Few deals are better than a fee-free card, and many of these cards also offer attractive rewards programs that can further benefit your business.
In an era where over 20% of companies rely on business credit cards for funding, choosing the right card is more critical than ever. Being stuck with a card that offers unfavorable terms can lead to various financial drawbacks.
Given the multitude of options available, I’ve compiled a list of top business credit cards that charge no annual fees, evaluating them based on rewards, sign-up bonuses, and additional features. Let’s explore this list together and determine which card can provide the greatest benefit to your business.
What are the Top No Annual Fee Business Credit Cards?
Below is a curated list highlighting some of the best business cards that come without an annual fee.
1. Chase Ink Business Unlimited®
Ideal for earning unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.

Chase’s Ink Business Unlimited® offers a flat 1.5% cash back on every dollar spent for your business, all without any annual fee. New cardholders enjoy a 0% introductory APR for the first year, after which the variable rate ranges from 13.24% to 19.24%.
Getting paid back through cashback rewards can significantly reduce your business costs, and this card makes earning rewards straightforward. It also allows multiple employee cards at no extra charge, giving you control over spending limits and expenses.
Key Features:
- Additional employee cards at no cost to monitor and control spending.
- Earn up to $750 cashback after spending $7,500 within the first three months.
- Unrestricted 1.5% cash back on all business purchases.
- Comprehensive fraud protection, purchase protection, and personalized alerts for optimal security and management.
2. Chase Ink Business Cash®
Perfect for maximizing cashback rewards across various spending categories.

Chase Ink Business Cash® is designed to reward your business with cashback on everyday expenses, all while having no annual fee. Earn 5% cashback on the first $25,000 spent annually in categories like office supplies, internet, and utilities, which is ideal for businesses with regular recurring spendings.
The 2% cashback on dining and fuel purchases further boost your savings, making it easier to manage multiple expense streams. Plus, you’ll receive 1% cashback on everything else, ensuring every purchase contributes to your rewards.
With numerous cashback options, this card is particularly suitable if you’re aiming to offset different types of business costs effectively.
Key Features:
- Earn cashback on various categories, including supplies, dining, gas, and more.
- Includes purchase and fraud protection, along with other essential security features.
- Points earned can be used with Chase ultimate rewards for travel and other benefits.
- Having the option to select specific coverage guarantees that your business credit card purchases offer the protection and peace of mind you need to operate confidently.
- Enjoy a 0% introductory APR for the first year after opening your account, with no annual fees. This offer provides a great opportunity to try out the Chase Ink Business Cash® card and understand how it fits into your business spending habits.
3. Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® Credit Card
Ideal for simplifying your travel purchases.

The Bank of America Travel Rewards Mastercard allows you to earn 1.5 points for every dollar you spend globally, making travel more rewarding and easier to manage.
Having a credit card with no annual or international transaction fees saves you money, which is especially beneficial for frequent travelers. If you’re looking for a card that won’t add extra costs to your travel expenses, this one is definitely worth considering.
Key features include earning up to 75% more points compared to comparable cards, a welcome bonus of 30,000 points after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days, and various perks such as discounts on airport lounges, car rentals, and Amazon gift cards. It also provides savings on balance transfer fees during your account anniversary year, along with security features like purchase and identity theft protection.
4. American Express Blue Business Cash Card
Best for quick approval with a straightforward process.

This American Express Business card offers 2% cashback on eligible purchases, up to $50,000 in combined spending, and then 1% on all other purchases. Its simple approval process requires just seconds without annual fees.
The card provides greater buying power with an adjustable credit limit, giving businesses more flexibility and peace of mind when managing expenses. It features expanded acceptance, as nearly all places that take credit cards accept American Express, making it usable across a wide range of merchants.
Key features include earning 2% cashback on business expenses, no annual fees, flexible credit limits, and quick approval times. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses seeking an easy, straightforward credit card with beneficial cashback rewards.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express offers increased spending power and flexibility, earning you 2X points on every category of purchase.
You’ll accumulate twice the points on your first $50,000 spent each year, which means more savings and rewards for your business expenses. Connecting your account to software like QuickBooks makes tracking your finances simple, giving you better control over your business’s financial health.
With a dedicated account manager available to answer your questions, it’s an excellent choice for small and medium-sized business owners. This card also features tools to help you manage your expenses, optimize your rewards, and keep your financial overview clear and organized.
Key features include earning double points on purchases in categories like travel and shipping up to $50,000 annually, with 1X points after that. Free employee cards allow you to assign spending authority and reward points to your team, giving you control over how rewards are distributed. You can easily link your account to accounting software for comprehensive expense management, and online statements help you monitor your purchase history and budget.
U.S. Bank’s Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard is designed for businesses seeking unlimited rewards without spending limits. This card provides 3% cashback on nearly all your business expenses, with no ceilings, which allows for unlimited earning potential. Additionally, new cardholders can earn a $500 cashback bonus after spending $4,500 within the first 150 days of opening their account. This promotional offer, combined with unlimited rewards, makes it an attractive choice for businesses with high spending needs.
With this card, you also receive a $100 annual credit toward software subscriptions, helping reduce your recurring costs. Rewards never expire, so you can accumulate points over time without fear of losing them. Plus, the card is compatible with mobile payment methods like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay, making it convenient to make contactless transactions.
Key features include earning 3% cashback on all expenses with no spending cap, a $100 yearly software subscription credit, and the ability to add your business card to your mobile devices for easy payments. The combination of unlimited rewards, flexible payment options, and bonus cashback promotions makes this card particularly appealing for growing businesses.
Spark’s 1.5% Cash Select card is ideal for those who want consistent rewards without a cap. Earning a flat 1.5% cashback on every purchase, this card allows you to earn rewards infinitely without worrying about reaching a spending limit. The straightforward reward system makes it easy to understand and manage your benefits, making it suitable for business owners who prefer simplicity and predictability in their rewards program.
Spark 1.5% Cash Select is a credit card that gives you unlimited 1.5% rewards on every purchase you make. Although this isn’t the highest possible reward rate, it applies to any category, making it versatile for all your spending needs.
There are no limits, restrictions, or cap on the rewards you earn, so you can spend as much or as little as you want and still benefit from the cashback.
Using the online calculator available on their website, you can easily see how much money you will earn based on your spending habits with the Capital One Spark Cash card. This helps you understand exactly where your rewards come from and how they add up. Plus, with zero liability for fraud, you can rest assured that your money and account are protected from unauthorized transactions.
Key Features:
- Obtain virtual card numbers to enhance your security and prevent unauthorized access to your account information.
- Receive instant alerts for all transactions to keep you aware of where your money is being spent.
- Assign account managers who can monitor your account activity and oversee your spending to prevent any unauthorized transactions.
- Enjoy cashback rewards with no category restrictions, allowing you to shop anywhere you like and still earn rewards.
Other options you might consider include the Amex Express Business Gold Card and the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card.
What Are No Annual Fee Business Credit Cards?
No annual fee business credit cards do not charge a yearly fee for card use. These cards are especially beneficial if you’re working within a tight budget, as they help you save money that would otherwise go toward annual fees. They’re designed mainly for small businesses or individuals looking to manage their expenses better by using credit cards for payments. The rewards earned, such as points or cashback, can often be used for larger purchases later.
Some of these cards also offer annual fee redemption rewards, which differ from standard cashback or points, typically offering lower redemption percentages. These cards are excellent for small business owners or anyone who regularly spends on business expenses and wants to maximize their rewards without paying a yearly fee.
What Are the Benefits of a No Annual Fee Credit Card?
Using a no annual fee credit card provides several advantages that help you manage your finances more effectively and save money. Here are some key benefits:
1. Flexibility in Repayment
While credit cards are often used in emergencies, they are mainly meant to be used repeatedly with the plan to pay back your balance at regular intervals. A card with no annual fee makes this easier because there’s no penalty for carrying a balance over time. You can choose how long it takes to pay off your purchases, making it easier to manage your cash flow. This flexibility is especially helpful for people who prefer to control their spending by setting monthly limits, allowing them to handle repayments more cautiously.
2. Rewards for Spending
Paying with a credit card encourages consistent spending, resulting in higher rewards over time. Businesses benefit from this because rewards, such as cashback or points, accrue for purchases in various categories like office supplies, telecom services, and travel expenses. These rewards can often be redeemed for perks like free flights or gift cards, boosting your purchasing power. Some cards even allow you to increase your credit limit quickly when needed, helping manage larger expenses seamlessly.
3. Security and Fraud Protection
One of the key reasons to use credit cards is the protection they provide against fraud and stolen charges. Many no annual fee cards come with features like zero fraud liability, which safeguards your finances if your card is compromised. This peace of mind means you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized transactions, adding an extra layer of security for your business or personal finances.
4. Benefits for Traveling Business Owners
For business owners who travel frequently, having a credit card with no annual fee can be particularly advantageous, especially if foreign transaction fees are waived. These cards simplify international transactions and often reward travel-related expenses with points—without extra overseas fees. Additionally, features like real-time fraud monitoring help protect you when you’re abroad, minimizing risks associated with international travel.
Requirements to Qualify for No Annual Fee Business Credit Cards
Applying for a business credit card with no annual fee is generally straightforward, but there are a few requirements to keep in mind. Rules vary among banks, so it’s wise to understand what common criteria are before applying. This information helps you find a card that fits your needs.
1. You Must Be the Primary Contact
Since these cards are often issued in your name as a line of credit, you need to be the main applicant. You can’t delegate this responsibility to someone else if you want to qualify for this type of card.
2. Business Age Requirement
Most cards require that your business has been operating for at least six months. While some may consider more recent startups, generally, a stable, open business for that period increases your chances. Make sure your company is fully operational before applying, as this status will be reflected in your application.Your company’s age doesn’t matter much when applying for a business credit card.
The less risk you appear to banks during the application process, the more likely you are to get approved.
Upgrade your chances by ensuring your credit score is in good standing.
If you’re applying for a card under your business’s name, the bank will want assurance that both you and your company are reliable.
Having a personal credit score of at least 750 significantly boosts your approval odds; a score of around 600 might be acceptable in some cases.
If your credit score isn’t ideal, check out my guide on how to obtain startup business credit cards with no credit.
Most banks will ask you to verify your identity with personal details such as social security number, date of birth, and address.
As long as you have this information ready when submitting your application, approval should be straightforward.
Many banks also require your business to have a minimum number of employees—usually five—before they consider issuing a business credit card.
This requirement is often law, and even if it isn’t, most businesses find it challenging to bypass.
Why choose a no annual fee business credit card?
These cards don’t charge monthly, annual, or per-use fees, making them ideal for occasional users or startups just beginning their journey.
They often come with the convenience of being a Visa, allowing use at stores and other locations that accept this card type, simplifying purchases.
Understanding billing cycles is crucial: they determine interest rates, monthly, and annual fees.
A longer billing cycle means paying more overall, while shorter cycles reduce total costs.
Thankfully, no annual fee cards eliminate the end-of-cycle fee altogether, saving you money.
Qualifying for such cards typically requires your business to be established for a certain period and meet specific criteria like the number of employees and geographical location.
Some startups can also apply for business credit cards after operating for a predefined duration.
Bonus categories on business platinum cards often include rewards for spending at gas stations, grocery stores, and other specific vendors.
Banks offer these incentives to attract new customers by boosting reward point earnings.
Redeeming points can range from cash back to travel perks, offering more value than letting points sit unused in an account.
It’s important to review the rewards rate and terms before applying, ensuring the card’s benefits align with your spending habits.
Good credit history is often necessary for all no annual fee business credit cards, especially if your company is new or less established.
In most cases, you can access cash advances with these cards, provided you have an approved online business account.
You can request a cash withdrawal via branch visit or customer service call, with the amount sent within a specified time frame.
Warranty protection is typically included, allowing you to file claims for damaged or broken items—helping you get repairs or replacements at no extra cost—when your account is in good standing and payments are timely.
In conclusion, many excellent business credit cards are available that don’t require paying annual fees.
When choosing, consider your company’s specific needs and compare benefits carefully.
Some of the top providers include:
– Chase Ink Business Unlimited® for unlimited 1.5% cash back,
– Chase Ink Business Cash® for comprehensive cashback rewards, and
– Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® for easier travel purchases.
Whether you want to manage everyday expenses, travel, or build your credit profile, investing in a good business credit card makes sense.
These options are just a few among many, so explore each to find the perfect fit for your business.
What do you think? Which no annual fee business credit card appeals most to you? Share your thoughts in the comments below.