Advertiser Disclosure

? Save money on credit card processing with one of our top 5 picks for 2026

The Best Credit Cards For Small Business

Whether you want cash back, travel rewards, or a great introductory rate on balance transfers, you'll find the best credit cards for small business on this list.

    Erica Seppala
  • UPDATED

Our content reflects the editorial opinions of our experts. While our site makes money through referral partnerships, we only partner with companies that meet our standards for quality, as outlined in our independent rating and scoring system.

We evaluated dozens of business credit cards based on rewards, fees, credit requirements, business perks, and overall value. These are our top picks for small businesses.

Compare Our Top Picks

ProviderBest ForAPRAnnual FeeRewardsNext Steps
Overall Best Business Credit Card17.74% – 26.74% (variable)$951x - 3x
Best For Custom RewardsPay Over Time APR 18.49% - 27.49% (variable)$3951x - 4x
Best For Flat-Rate Rewards16.74% - 22.74% (variable)$01.5% - 5%
Ramp
4.5
Best Corporate Credit CardN/A$0Up to 1.5% cash back
Best For Limited Credit HistoryN/A$0None
Show More Options
Best For 0% Intro APR16.74% - 28.49% (variable)$01% - 2%
Best For StartupsN/A$01x - 8x
Best For Fair Credit28.99% (variable)$01% cash back
Best For Bad Credit27.49% (variable)$01.5% cash back
Best For Balance Transfers17.99% - 26.99% (variable)$01% - 3%
Best For Travel Rewards24.49% (variable)$952x miles points on all purchaes
Show Fewer Options

Chase Ink Business Preferred

Best Overall

Overall Best Business Credit Card

Chase Ink Business Preferred is a strong overall pick for businesses that spend on travel, shipping, internet, phone services, and online advertising.

Cardholders earn 3x points in bonus categories, plus 1x on other purchases. Points can transfer to Chase travel partners, and the rewards can help offset the annual fee.

Welcome Offer
100,000 points when you spend $8,000 within 3 months of opening your account
Credit Score Requirement
670+

PROS

  • Excellent rewards
  • Generous welcome bonus
  • Free employee cards

CONS

  • Annual fee
  • Annual spending cap applies

American Express Business Gold Card

Best For Custom Rewards

Not Yet Reviewed

American Express Business Gold is a strong pick for businesses with spending that changes month to month.

Cardholders earn 4x points in their top two eligible categories each billing cycle, up to the annual cap. It’s best for businesses that spend on advertising, restaurants, gas, transit, wireless service, or technology purchases.

Welcome Offer
200,000 points when you spend $15,000 within the first 3 months
Credit Score Requirement
670+

PROS

  • Generous welcome offer
  • Luxury travel perks
  • QuickBooks integration

CONS

  • Annual fee
  • Annual fee for first employee card

Capital One Spark 1.5% Cash Select

Best For Flat-Rate Rewards

Capital One Spark Cash Select is a no-annual-fee business credit card for owners who want simple cash back without tracking bonus categories.

Cardholders earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, plus 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel. It’s a simple option for businesses with everyday spending across multiple categories.

Welcome Offer
$750 if you spend $6,000 within the first 3 months
Credit Score Requirement
670+

PROS

  • Generous welcome bonus
  • No annual fee
  • Travel benefits

CONS

  • Good credit required

Ramp

Best Corporate Credit Card

Ramp is a corporate card built for businesses that want spend controls, expense management, reimbursements, and unlimited physical and virtual cards.

Businesses can earn up to 1.5% cash back, access partner rewards, and use Ramp’s tools to track spending, set limits, and automate approvals. Advanced features and international support may require Ramp Plus.

Welcome Offer
None
Credit Score Requirement
N/A

PROS

  • Cash-back on eligible purchases
  • Unique savings insights
  • Strong employee management

CONS

  • Strict eligibility requirements
  • Not for carrying a monthly balance

Revenued

Best For Limited Credit History

Revenued is different from the other options on this list because it's not a traditional business credit card. The Revenued Business Card gives businesses access to working capital through the Revenued Flex Line, which is based more on revenue than traditional credit requirements.

It may be a fit for revenue-generating businesses that need flexible funding but may not qualify for a standard business card. However, Revenued does not offer rewards, and costs are based on a factor rate instead of a traditional APR.

Welcome Offer
None
Credit Score Requirement
N/A

PROS

  • No minimum credit score
  • Revenue-based line of credit
  • Fast & easy application process

CONS

  • No rewards
  • Daily or weekly payments required

American Express Blue Business Cash

Best For 0% Intro APR

American Express Blue Business Cash is a strong option for businesses that want simple cash back, no annual fee, and an intro APR period.

Cardholders earn 2% cash back up to the annual spending cap, then 1% after that. It’s best for moderate spenders, but the foreign transaction fee makes it less useful for frequent international purchases.

Welcome Offer
$250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months
Credit Score Requirement
670+

PROS

  • Introductory APR
  • No annual fee
  • Free employee cards

CONS

  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Limits on max cash back

Brex

Best For Startups

Brex is a corporate card for funded startups and growing companies that want high credit limits, employee cards, spend controls, reimbursements, and expense tracking.

There’s no personal guarantee or personal credit check, but balances must be repaid on schedule. Brex offers rewards in startup-friendly categories like rideshare, travel, restaurants, and software, though stricter eligibility may apply.

Welcome Offer
None
Credit Score Requirement
N/A

PROS

  • Earn points on business purchases
  • No credit check
  • No personal guarantee

CONS

  • Strict eligibility requirements
  • Can't carry a balance

Spark Classic from Capital One

Best For Fair Credit

Capital One Spark 1% Classic is a no-annual-fee business credit card for owners with fair or average credit who may not qualify for stronger rewards cards.

Cardholders earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase, plus 5% on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Responsible use may help build credit, but the APR is high, so it’s best to avoid carrying a balance.

Welcome Offer
N/A
Credit Score Requirement
580+

PROS

  • Accepts fair credit scores
  • Unlimited cash back
  • No annual fee

CONS

  • Low rewards rate
  • High APR

Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured

Best For Bad Credit

Not Yet Reviewed

Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured is a secured business credit card for owners with bad credit who want to build credit while earning rewards.

Cardholders earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases, but a security deposit is required. The APR is high, so this card is best for businesses that can pay in full while working toward stronger credit options.

Welcome Offer
N/A
Credit Score Requirement
500+

PROS

  • Available to users with bad credit
  • Unlimited cash back
  • No annual fee

CONS

  • Security deposit required
  • High APR

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business

Best For Balance Transfers

Not Yet Reviewed

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business is a no-annual-fee card with solid cash back and an intro APR on purchases and balance transfers.

Cardholders earn 3% cash back in select business categories, 1% on other purchases, and 5% back on prepaid travel booked through U.S. Bank. It’s a good fit for businesses planning a large purchase or balance transfer, but the bonus categories and foreign transaction fee may not work for everyone.

Welcome Offer
$500 when you spend $4,500 in the first 150 days
Credit Score Requirement
670+

PROS

  • Introductory APR
  • 5% cash back on travel
  • No annual fee

CONS

  • Limited bonus categories
  • Foreign transaction fee

Capital One® Venture Business

Best For Travel Rewards

Capital One Venture X Business is a travel rewards card for businesses that want simple miles, premium travel perks, and airport lounge access.

Cardholders earn 2x miles on every purchase, plus higher rewards on eligible travel booked through Capital One. The annual fee is higher than basic business travel cards, so it’s best for frequent travelers who will use the card’s travel benefits.

Welcome Offer
100,000 bonus miles when you spend $10,000 in the first 3 months
Credit Score Requirement
750+

PROS

  • Unlimited miles on every purchase
  • 2 free lounge visits per year
  • Annual fee waived the first year

CONS

  • Excellent credit required
  • Annual fee

Our Rating Methodology

Each provider gets 10–15 hours of research, is scored by a subject-matter expert, and is reviewed by a second expert before publication. Ratings are not influenced by our referral partnerships.

Rewards & Perks
40%
Rates & Fees
30%
Features
15%
Eligibility Requirements
5%
Customer Service
5%
User Reviews
5%

The 5 Best Business Credit Cards

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need an EIN for a business credit card?

Not always. Sole proprietors can often apply for a business credit card using their Social Security number instead of an EIN.

However, businesses with a formal structure, such as an LLC or corporation, should generally have an EIN. Having one can also help separate your business and personal finances and may make it easier to build business credit.

Do credit cards hurt small businesses?

When used responsibly, business credit cards can help cover expenses, earn rewards, and build business credit.

The risk comes from carrying balances, missing payments, or using a card your business can’t afford to repay.

Can I use a personal credit card to fund a business?

You can use a personal credit card for business expenses.

It’s best to use a separate card for business purchases only. Mixing personal and business expenses can make bookkeeping harder and may create problems at tax time.

What credit score is needed to apply for a business credit card?

Most business credit card issuers look at your personal credit score when you apply, especially if your business is new. Some issuers may also look at your business credit score.

You can find business credit cards for different credit levels, but the best rewards, rates, and terms usually require good to excellent credit. Take steps to improve your score before applying.

Can you get a business credit card without income?

It may be possible, especially with a secured business credit card or a card for startups, but approval depends on the issuer.

That said, it’s risky to open a business credit card with no income. If your business can’t repay what it charges, you could end up with debt, interest, and damage to your personal credit.

Erica Seppala

Erica Seppala

Editor & Senior Staff Writer at Merchant Maverick
Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
Erica Seppala
View Erica Seppala's professional experience on LinkedIn.
Erica Seppala

Latest posts by Erica Seppala (see all)

Compare Providers 0 of 4 selected