X
Finance
Why you can trust ZDNET : ZDNET independently tests and researches products to bring you our best recommendations and advice. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Our process

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.

When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNET nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.

ZDNET's editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.

Close

Best small business credit cards for big shipping budgets

You can earn shipping rewards and cashback on the items you buy the most.
Written by Lena Borrelli, Contributing Writer
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | Best introductory offer
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Best introductory offer
View now View now
American Express® Business Gold Card | Best for personalized rewards
American Express® Business Gold Card
American Express® Business Gold Card
Best for personalized rewards
View now View now
Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card | Best for low APRs
Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Best for low APRs
View now View now
Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | Best for excellent credit
Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Best for excellent credit
View now View now
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card | Best for travelers
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Best for travelers
View now View now

In recent years, we have seen the rise of the small business and its growing number of entrepreneurs. However, finding the right credit card for your small business is not always easy. It can be made especially difficult when you spend a growing amount of money on shipping each year, with many cards limiting your rewards or assigning short expiration terms. 

However, a number of financial institutions have taken notice, and they have begun creating credit cards specifically designed for the growing small business. These cards offer not only the typical cashback and travel rewards seen with traditional credit cards, but many have also begun to incorporate shipping benefits to help with your rising shipping expenditures.

Using the latest rates and information for today's best small business credit cards, these are the best small business credit cards for big shipping budgets.

card highlights
intro bonusEarn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
APR18.49% - 26.49% Variable
recommended creditExcellent, Good
reward rates
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners
  • 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter
annual feeNo annual fee
intro purchase APR0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening

At a glance

Many American Express business credit cards are great picks, but the Blue Business Plus Credit Card is excellent for its open rewards policy. You immediately receive a 0% introductory APR on your purchases for the first year of card membership (then, 18.24% - 26.24% variable). An introductory offer includes 15,000 Membership Rewards Points after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of having the card. 

Accounts may have up to 99 cards for employees, with extra Membership Rewards points earned on each employee's card. 

Membership points vary based on the type of purchase you make:

  • 2X points on everyday business purchases 

  • 2X points on the first $50,000 spent annually in purchases  

  • 1X points on all other purchases

There are other benefits, too. American Express offers its signature Expanded Buyer Power, a unique feature that allows you to spend above your credit limit. There are limits as to how much you can exceed your credit limit, but it fluctuates based on factors like your credit score and spending habits. Just be careful with fees because Amex has several, such as a 2.7% foreign transaction fee, an up to $39 late payment fee, and a sliding scale for balance transfers.(See Rates & Fees

To get the American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card, you can apply online in what American Express says can be as little as 30 seconds.

Pros:

  • Flexible buying power

  • No overlimit fees

  • 0% intro APR

Cons:

  • Spending caps

  • Several fees

  • No travel rewards

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

card highlights
intro bonusWelcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
APR19.49% - 27.49% Variable
recommended creditExcellent/Good
reward rates
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
  • 1X is earned for other purchases. **
annual fee$375
intro purchase APRN/A

At a glance

The American Express® Business Gold Card has no pre-set spending limit for your card, instead of using a fluctuating scale for your card's credit limit. American Express welcomes you with generous introductory rewards that include 70,000 Membership Rewards® Points when you spend $10,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months of having your card.

The Business Gold Card does not cap your spending rewards, and there is an additional annual bonus that includes 4x points for your first $150,000 in eligible purchases at the end of every year. You also can earn up to 250,000 points back on airline purchases each year. 

When it comes time to pay your bill, American Express allows you enormous flexibility with its Pay Over Time Option that allows you to, well, pay over time if you do not want to pay off your whole balance. Plus, enjoy the added peace of mind of Purchase Protection*, which covers up to $1,000 per occurrence and up to $50,000 per account per year on eligible purchases. Just watch out for the annual fee, which costs $295 per year.

Pros:

  • Unlimited points

  • Generous intro offer

  • Flexible payment structure

Cons:

  • High annual fee

  • Intro offer lasts just 3 months

  • Limited purchase protection

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
American Express® Business Gold Card

American Express® Business Gold Card

card highlights
intro bonusEarn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
APR18.49% - 24.49% Variable
recommended creditGood, Excellent
reward rates
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
annual fee$0
intro purchase APR0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 Months

At a glance

The Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is one of our picks for the best airline credit cards. It is a great option for everyday purchases but even better for its welcome rewards. When you open a new account, you receive a welcome bonus of $750 cashback after spending $6,000 during your first three months. There is also a 0% fixed Intro APR for the first year (then 18.24% - 24.24%, variable), and you get up to 100,000 additional points per year when you refer new business owners to the card. With Chase Ultimate Rewards®, you can redeem your rewards for various items, such as cashback, gift cards, and travel. Your points never expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

There is no annual fee or minimum interest charge, but you still pay for things like balance transfers, cash advances, and transaction fees. Your account includes extra security features, such as real-time fraud monitoring and purchase protection up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account for 120 days after purchase. There is also an auto rental collision damage waiver when you use your card for rental cars, allowing you to save money by declining the rental company's own collision insurance.

Pros:

  • Welcome bonus cash back

  • Intro APR

  • Up to $3,000 credit limit

Cons:

  • Not a great choice for poor credit

  • No bonus rewards categories

  • Some added fees

Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

card highlights
intro bonusEarn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
APR21.24% - 26.24% Variable
recommended creditGood, Excellent
reward rates
  • Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
  • Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases–with no limit to the amount you can earn
annual fee$95
intro purchase APRN/A

At a glance

You start earning immediately when you open the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card with welcome rewards to kick off your earnings. New cardholders receive 100,000 bonus points after $15,000 on purchases in the first three months after opening your account, redeemable through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. 

With the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, you earn 3x the points on all of your shipping purchases. You also earn 3x the points, up to $150,000, on other select business categories. All other purchases receive one point for every $1 spent. Points never expire as long as your account remains open, and you get 25% more value when you redeem your points for travel using Chase Ultimate Rewards®. If you refer other business owners, you could earn up to 100,000 additional points each year.

Your card comes with Chase's signature protections, such as fraud protection and purchase protection with personalized account alerts. There are some basic fees associated with the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card, like a $95 annual fee, but there are no foreign transaction fees.

Pros:

  • 100,000 bonus points

  • Bonus travel rewards

  • Chase Ultimate Rewards® bonuses

Cons:

  • Excellent credit required

  • Annual fee

  • Limited rewards outside bonus categories

Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

card highlights
intro bonusEarn five Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points for each bonus Free Night Award, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer Ends 3/20/24.
APR20.99% - 29.99% Variable
recommended creditExcellent/Good
reward rates
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy Points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
annual fee$125
intro purchase APRN/A

At a glance

The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card has fantastic rewards on many of the things you buy the most, including shipping costs. There are introductory incentives, too. When you enroll, you can earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 within the first 3 months of having the card. 

The Marriott Bonvoy Card shows its customer appreciation with annual travel bonuses, including the annual Free Night Award, which doubles when you spend $60,000 or more in eligible annual purchases. You can then use your award for one night each at more than 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels around the world. You can receive extra discounts through the Marriott Bonvoy Air+Car Transfer Program, plus travel is made a breeze with premium internet, priority late checkout, and 10% extra bonus points with complimentary Silver Elite Status.

There is a $125 annual fee, but it does not charge foreign transactions fees, and there is no fee if you need additional cards for employees. Your purchases are protected for 90 days by the Purchase Protection* feature, which covers up to $1,000 per claim and up to $50,000 per card annually. There is also an extended warranty* on purchases for up to five years from the purchase date. For easier account management, your account will integrate with QuickBooks. 

Pros:

  • 4x points for shipping

  • Tons of travel perks

  • Introductory incentives

Cons:

  • High annual fee

  • Good to excellent credit recommended

  • Limited international merchants

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

How did we choose these cards?

To find the best credit cards for shipping budgets, we considered several factors:

  • APR: A business credit card's annual percentage rate (APR) is important because it determines how much you pay for each purchase you make using your new card.

  • Rewards: We specifically consider which business credit cards have rewards for shipping, as well as cashback, travel incentives, and extra rewards on everyday purchases.

  • Introductory rewards: Whether it is the intro APR, special rewards, or even cashback rewards, many credit cards offer welcome rewards when you open your account. 

  • Annual fee: While some companies charge an annual fee of several hundred dollars, others may not charge a fee at all. 

  • Fees: Other types of credit card fees can eat into your rewards, such as foreign transactions, cash advances, and late fees. 

Whichone is the best business credit card for big shipping?

The best business credit card is different for everyone based on unique factors like credit score, annual spending, and business needs. These cards for business shipping are a great place to start with competitive APRs and lucrative reward schedules.

How do I qualify for a business credit card for shipping?

Your credit score is a major factor that credit card companies will heavily consider when determining whether to approve your application and which annual percentage rate (APR) to assign to your account. Issuers will also likely inquire about your industry, annual income, number of employees, and how long you have been in business.

What shipping purchases qualify for the best business credit cards for shipping?

Options may vary by company, but most business credit card issuers consider shipping purchases to be those made via services like UPS, FedEx, DHL, and other express shipping services. It can also include postal companies, couriers, and mailbox stores. 

Are there alternative cards worth considering?

Some business credit cards may also suit your needs, such as these:

  1. Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

  2. American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

  3. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

  4. Brex 30 Card

  5. Capital One Spark Cash for Business

  6. Capital One Spark Cash Select for Business

  7. Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business 

  8. United Business Card

Before you decide, be sure to carefully review your options and ensure that you understand the terms and conditions for your card. Our business credit card guide can help you get started!

Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.    


Editorial standards