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The best cash back credit cards for business
Maximizing every penny spent on your business is essential for growing it. One of the best ways to do this is by redeeming rewards on a business cash back credit card. With one of these cards, you can receive a percentage (between 1% and 5%) of each qualifying transaction refunded.
Some cards give you a percentage of cash back incentives regardless of what you buy. Others offer tiered rewards based on where you use them. Some even offer you bonus cash if you spend a specific amount within the first few months of opening an account.
Moreover, if you pay off your balances in full every month, the cash back incentives equate to free money. All told, there are many different options available to help your business maximize rewards. Here are the best cash back credit cards for business.
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
- Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
- Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
With the Chase Ink Business Cash card, your business can earn cash back rewards of 5% on every dollar spent on internet/cable services and at office supply stores (with a cap of $25,000/year). Moreover, you also earn 2% back at restaurants and gas stations (with a cap of $25,000/year). Sweetening the deal is a 0% introductory APR for the first year, then a variable APR 18.24% - 24.24%. Overall, it is a versatile business card that works well for companies looking to save money on their office supplies, internet, and restaurant expenditures.
Pros:
- 0% introductory APR for the first year
- 5% cash back on office supplies and home internet service
- No annual fees
- Cash bonus of $750
Cons:
Lower cash back incentive on all purchases relative to other offerings
Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases)
- Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases)
- Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
- Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases)
- Earn automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases)
- Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
This card offers you the choice of which category you earn 3% cash back in. Furthermore, you also earn 2% back on dining. If you have a business checking account with Bank of America, the company offers more cash back incentives on your credit card. There are three tiers based on average daily balances. If you qualify for the highest tier (Platinum Honors with a three-month balance average of at least $100,000), you earn even more cash back incentives. As you can see, the more you bank with Bank of America, the more cash back incentives you receive.
Pros:
- Ability to choose a 3% bonus category
- No annual fees
- 0% introductory APR for the first 9 months
- Preferred Rewards for Businesses give you more ways to maximize incentives
Cons:
Cap on highest cash incentives per year (first $50,000 combined in the chosen category and dining)
Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Card
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center.
- Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
- Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
This card entitles you to 3% cash back on purchases made at gas stations (for transactions under $200), cell phone providers, and office supply stores. For the rest of your expenses charged, you earn a 1% bonus with unlimited rewards. Additionally, there is no annual fee for this card. And upon opening it, you receive an introductory rate of 0% APR for the first year on purchases and balance transfers.
Pros:
- 0% APR for first year on all purchases and balance transfers
- 3% cash back bonuses on purchases at office supply stores, cell phone service/providers, and gas stations
- No annual fees
- Cash bonus of $500 when you spend $4,500 within the first 150 days of account opening
Cons:
Some cards offer higher cash back incentives
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- 1% cash back on all eligible purchases after spending $50,000 per calendar year.
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- 1% cash back on all eligible purchases after spending $50,000 per calendar year.
One distinction between this credit card and some of the others is flexibility in purchasing power. American Express allows you (in certain circumstances) to spend more than your credit limit. They base it on factors like your credit, history of use of the card, payment history, and more. You also earn 2% on all qualifying transactions for the first $50,000. For every purchase after this threshold, you receive 1% back. American Express credits every cash back to your statement automatically. Moreover, there is no annual fee.
Pros:
- 2% cash back on the first $50,000 of qualified purchases
- 0% introductory APR for first 12 months
- Flexible purchasing power
- No annual fee
Cons:
You do not have a choice in how to redeem cash back rewards (American Express credits them to your statement)
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
How do I redeem my cashback rewards?
Redeeming cash back incentives depends on your credit card provider. Some issuers (like American Express) credit your cashback rewards to your statement, while others offer choices. You can transfer your rewards to a bank account, have them issue a check, apply them as statement credit, or use the points for purchases for specific retailers.
How do I choose my bonus category?
For cards that allow you to choose your bonus category, you want to log into your account. On the dashboard, there will be a tab allowing you to select the bonus category. Your account allowance for changing it varies by issuer, so be sure to double-check with them on how often you can adjust it.
When do my rewards appear?
For American Express users, they will appear as statement credits each month. For other issuers, it can vary from a few business days to a week.
Why did we choose these products?
These cards represent some of the best cards you can use. In each case, they deliver generous incentives, simple terms, year-end cash back rewards, bonuses for spending a specified amount when you open an account, and low introductory rates.
Moreover, some of these options also include higher cash back incentives for specific categories (office supplies, home internet, cell phone, etc.) So, if your company uses these services often, it is a convenient way to maximize cash back rewards.
Which card is right for me?
Since needs can vary, not every card making this list will be a suitable option in your case. With this in mind, here are some examples of the best choices based on uses:
Best card for home office rewards: Chase Ink Business Cash
If you make many home office purchases, this is a smart credit card to have. Ink Business Cash by Chase gives you cash back rewards of 5% on home supplies and home internet service for the first $25,000 spent each year. Whether you need new computers for your staff or a way to cut internet expenses, the cash back rewards help you achieve what you need.
Best card for flexible rewards: Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards
Most business credit cards categorize cash back rewards for you. With this card, you have the power to choose the category that best fits your needs. You can earn 3% cash back on categories like computer consulting services, office supply stores, travel, and more. Overall, this card offers unrivaled flexibility in helping your business gain incentives.
Are there alternative cards worth considering?
There is one credit card worth exploring in addition to the ones listed above. The reason I chose not to include it is you have to be a Costco member to apply for the card, and you receive your cashback certificate annually (not monthly).
Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card by Citi
You earn 4% cash back rewards on gas and EV charging purchases at Costco for the first $7,000 spent, then 1% after. The 3% cash back incentives on restaurants and eligible travel expenses are hard to beat for business travelers. Then there's the 2% bonus on all purchases made at Costco or Costco.com. All other purchases qualify for 1% cash back. There is no annual fee and no foreign transaction charges.