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Best Credit Cards For New Small Business Owners

    Jason Vissers
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Advertiser Disclosure: Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity.

If you’re a new business owner, getting a credit card sounds like an awesome idea. Credit cards help you build credit, save you money with rewards, and enable you to make large purchases without needing cash on hand.

But as a new business owner, you may be wary of applying for a credit card because your company has no credit history, and you’re worried you won’t have an easy approval process. The good news? Many card issuers will take your personal credit history into account. This means that if you’ve maintained a good personal credit score, you have an excellent chance of qualifying for a business credit card. The even better news? There are plenty of options, even for those with a limited credit history or poor credit scores.

We’ve researched some of the best credit card options for new business owners and listed them below. Read on through to determine which one is right for you!

Learn More About Our Top Picks

CompanyKey TakeawayNext StepsKey Takeaway
Chase Ink Business Preferred

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With a travel-focused rewards scheme and a bonus rate when redeeming points for travel, the Chase Ink Business Preferred is great for businesses on the go.
With a travel-focused rewards scheme and a bonus rate when redeeming points for travel, the Chase Ink Business Preferred is great for businesses on the go.

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Chase Ink Business Cash

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A lack of an annual fee means the Chase Ink Business Cash is great for businesses that don't spend much.
A lack of an annual fee means the Chase Ink Business Cash is great for businesses that don't spend much.

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Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express

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With a 0% introductory APR, the Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express suits businesses that need to make a large purchase upfront.
With a 0% introductory APR, the Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express suits businesses that need to make a large purchase upfront.

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Brex

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With a unique rewards scheme and snazzy benefits, the Brex Card is built with fast-growing companies in mind.
With a unique rewards scheme and snazzy benefits, the Brex Card is built with fast-growing companies in mind.

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Spark Classic from Capital One

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Businesses with a lackluster or limited credit history will need to look no further than the Spark Classic from Capital One.
Businesses with a lackluster or limited credit history will need to look no further than the Spark Classic from Capital One.

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Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card

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Businesses with bad credit can turn to the Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card to help improve their credit score.
Businesses with bad credit can turn to the Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card to help improve their credit score.

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Read more below to learn why we chose these options.

Best Business Credit Cards For New Businesses

There are tons of business credit cards out there. Here are a few of our favorite new business credit cards, including Chase Ink Business Preferred, Chase Ink Business Cash, Brex, and more:

Chase Ink Business Preferred: Best For Travel Rewards

Chase Ink Business Preferred

Total Rating 4.1
Rewards & Perks4.5

Rates & Fees3.4

Features5.0

Eligibility Requirements2.4

Customer Service4.5

User Reviews3.7

Annual Fee

$95

Minimum Recommended Credit

Good

Rewards Rate

3 or 1 point per dollar spent

While this card from Chase is simply a rewards card, it packs in a lot of bonuses for those who travel frequently.

To start, Ink Business Preferred users get 3 points per dollar spent on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable, and phone services, and on advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year (up to $150,000 spent). All other purchases get 1 point per dollar spent. You’ll then be able to redeem your points for 25% more when you redeem them for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Beyond those basic rewards, Chase also lets you transfer your points on a 1:1 basis to a plethora of airline and hotel loyalty programs. If you need something other than travel rewards, you’ll also be able to redeem points for Amazon.com purchases, gift cards, and cash back, making this an extremely versatile card.

Pros

  • High-earning travel rewards
  • Bonus rate when redeeming points for travel

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • Spending cap on the 3x rewards rate categories

Get Started With Chase Ink Business Preferred

Read our in-depth review

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Chase Ink Business Cash: Best For No Annual Fee

Chase Ink Business Cash

Total Rating 4.7
Rewards & Perks5.0

Rates & Fees4.8

Features5.0

Eligibility Requirements2.4

Customer Service4.0

User Reviews3.7

Annual Fee

$0

Minimum Recommended Credit

Good

Rewards Rate

5%, 2%, or 1% cash back

This card from Chase lets you earn up to 5% cash back when you make purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services (up to the first $25,000 spent). You can also earn 2% back when spending at gas stations and restaurants (up to the first $25,000 spent). Everything else earns you 1% back.

The cherry on top of all those rewards is that you won’t have to worry about paying an annual fee — meaning you’ll end up with savings no matter how much you spend yearly.

The Ink Business Cash also features a 0% intro APR rate for the first 12 months, a very generous offer.

Pros

  • One of the highest-earning cash back rates
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • Spending cap on the 5% cash back categories
  • Foreign transaction fee

Get Started With Chase Ink Business Cash

Read our in-depth review

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Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express: Best For A 0% Introductory Rate

Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express

Total Rating 4.7
Rewards & Perks5.0

Rates & Fees4.9

Features4.7

Eligibility Requirements2.4

Customer Service4.0

User Reviews3.8

Annual Fee

$0

Minimum Recommended Credit

Good

Rewards Rate

2 or 1 point per dollar spent

If you need to make a big purchase but can’t pay it all upfront, having a card with 0% APR is very helpful because you won’t accrue interest. With a 0% intro APR for the first 12 months, the Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express has one of the longest 0% intro rates on the market today.

On top of that generous intro APR period, the Blue Business Plus also packs in some solid rewards. As a base, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar spent up to $50,000 yearly and then 1 point per dollar thereafter.

Amex also grants you expanded buying power, which enables you to spend above your credit limit. Additionally, this card does not carry an annual fee.

Pros

  • 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • Spending cap on the 2x rewards rate
  • Foreign transaction fee

Get Started With Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express

Read our in-depth review

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Brex Card: Best For Startups

Total Rating 4.8
Rewards & Perks5.0

Rates & Fees5.0

Features5.0

Eligibility Requirements3.4

Customer Service4.0

User Reviews4.1



The Brex Card isn't a normal business credit card. Those who use the Brex Card as their exclusive corporate card will get 8x points per dollar spent on rideshares and taxis, 5x points on travel, 4x points at restaurants, and 3x points per $1 spent on recurring software purchases. Everything else nets the standard 1 point per dollar spent. With such a unique rewards scheme, the Brex Card is well suited for fast-growing, tech-oriented startups.

Beyond rewards, the Brex Card lacks annual and foreign transaction fees. The company also offers a robust cash management account that is baked right into the Brex ecosystem.

Plus, you can get a Brex Card without signing a personal guarantee, and it won't even pull a credit score. These perks do come at a slight cost -- the card is technically a charge card, so your entire balance is due on your statement date. Besides that, only C-corp, S-corp, LLC, and LLP corporations are eligible for the Brex Card.

Pros

  • Startup-focused rewards
  • No personal guarantee required

Cons

  • Is a charge card
  • Available only to C-corp, S-corp, LLC, and LLP corporations

Get Started With Brex

Read our in-depth review

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Spark Classic From Capital One: Best For Fair Credit

Spark Classic from Capital One

Total Rating 2.9
Rewards & Perks1.6

Rates & Fees3.2

Features5.0

Eligibility Requirements4.2

Customer Service4.0

User Reviews3.7

Annual Fee

$0

Minimum Recommended Credit

Fair

Rewards Rate

Unlimited 1% cash back

One of the easiest small business credit cards to get, the Spark Classic from Capital One was made for those who want to build their credit. Despite being aimed at those with lower credit, this card still offers some decent perks.

To start, its base rewards dole out an unlimited 1% cash back without any sort of annual fee. That means you’ll be saving money no matter what your yearly spending rate is. Additionally, you’ll be able to add employee credit cards at no additional cost. Capital One requires no foreign transaction fees — great if your business needs overseas travel.

Pros

  • Targeted at fair credit applicants
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • Low cash back rate
  • Minimal benefits

Get Started With Spark Classic from Capital One

Read our in-depth review

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Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card: Best For Bad Credit

Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card


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Annual Fee

$25 per card

Minimum Recommended Credit

Poor

Rewards Rate

1.5% cash back OR 1 point on every $1 spent

One of the lone secured cards for business, the Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card is an appealing option for those looking to boost a low credit score. Wells Fargo targets this card for those just starting a business, businesses with little or no credit, and those with past credit problems.

You also have a couple of reward options: get 1.5% cash back or 1 point per dollar spent, which can be redeemed for gift cards, merchandise, airline tickets, and more. Besides the base bonuses, you won’t need to worry about paying annual or foreign fees.

Pros

  • Targeted at applicants with bad credit
  • Flexible rewards options

Cons

  • Security deposit required
  • Minimal benefits

Get Started With Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card

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Credit Card Review Methodology

Merchant Maverick has been researching and reviewing credit cards and credit card providers since 2018. Our writers have tested dozens of cards, evaluating rewards and perks, rates and fees, features, eligibility requirements, customer service, and user reviews. Read more about how we rate credit cards.

When comparing different cards, we consider many data points, including the relative cost of standard or extra fees, the range and value of benefits and perks offered, APR, availability, and credit score requirements. Our lists of the best cards include only those we’ve deemed worthwhile from multiple vantage points, and share qualities such as widespread accessibility, low APR, flexible rewards, and additional perks like employee cards.

We spend an average of 10-15 hours researching and updating each one of our lists, making sure the credit cards included meet our internal standards for quality and reputation.

New Business Credit Cards: FAQs

Do I need business credit to get a business credit card?

No, when you apply for a business credit card, issuers will also consider your personal credit history, which can be used to guarantee repayment.

What business information do I need to supply to get a credit card?

When applying for a business card, issuers usually request your company’s business tax identification number (EIN). If you don’t have one, you can often supply your personal social security number instead. Issuers will likely ask you for your business’s legal structure, its ownership type, and its age. It’s also not uncommon for issuers to request your annual revenue, how much you spend, and which country your business is located in.

Can I still get a business credit card if I’m not registered as a business?

Yes, you don’t need to register your business officially to get a business credit card. Find out more with our guide to business cards for the self-employed.

Can I get a new business credit card without signing a personal guarantee?

Usually, no. If you’re a new small business owner, you’ll most likely have to sign a personal guarantee.

Can I use personal credit cards for business?

Yes, there are a number of reasons why you might prefer a personal card, from better legal protection to better potential rewards. We go into more depth on the subject in our personal credit card guide.

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Jason Vissers

Jason Vissers

Senior Staff Writer at Merchant Maverick
Jason has been writing about small business software platforms, services, and financing since 2015. Jason’s expertise has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Time/NextAdvisor, Home Business Magazine, CreditCards.com, GoBankingRates, TheLadders.com, and other publications. He has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from San Diego State University and currently lives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Jason Vissers
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