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The best startup credit cards: Top 12 business cards
Wondering which credit card is right for your new business? Check out ZDNet’s startup business credit cards with ratings from NerdWallet.
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There are so many things to think about when starting up a brand new business venture, and trying to get funding should not be one. A business credit card is a great way to get your small business off the ground while gaining a business credit score and cash back to help your business thrive through a personal credit card. There are many options on the market these days with different rewards programs, credit history necessities, interest rates, and special offers that consumer cards and personal credit scores do not offer that can help build business credit.
Whether you have a storefront, webpage, or do freelance work, a business credit card is a great way to keep your personal finances, business purchases and cash flow organized and separate, which will be helpful when tax season rolls around to help your credit report.
We want to make this process a little easier by giving you the 11 best startup business for credit cards for small business owners and the benefits of each credit card issuer.
Being a new business owner is stressful, but we want to help make this part easy. Here are our top picks based on different rewards cards your business may benefit from:
Intro BonusEarn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
APR15.49% - 23.49% Variable
Recommended CreditExcellent/Good
Reward Rates
- 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.
Annual FeeNo annual fee
Intro Purchase APR0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
- 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.
Why we like it
- The American Express card is great to use instead of borrowing large sums of money from lenders for business loans. You have a 0% APR for the first year giving you plenty of time to get your business off the ground and gain cash back rewards on those purchases.
Pros
- You get 0% APR for the first year, and then rates are 15.49% to 23.49% variable APR. You earn 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in purchases each year and then 1% after that.
Cons
- This card is not best for businesses that are spending well over $50,000 a year.
- It also has a high foreign transaction fee.
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.
Intro BonusEarn a one-time $500 cash bonus once you spend $4,500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
APR20.99% (Variable)
Recommended CreditExcellent, Good
Reward Rates
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions.
Annual Fee$0 intro for first year; $95 after that
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Intro Balance Transfer APRN/A
Balance Transfer FeeN/A
Balance Transfer APRNot Offered
Late Payment FeeUp to $39
Foreign Transaction FeesNone
Penalty APR29.40% (Variable)
- Earn unlimited 2% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions.
Why we like it
- Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases.
Pros
- If your expenses do not fall into the bonus categories on other cards, this card may be perfect for you because it has a 2% cash back on all purchases.
- It also has a start-up bonus.
- There is 0% fraud liability if the card is lost or stolen.
- Rewards do not expire, and you can redeem your cash back at any time.
Cons
- There is no annual fee for the first year; then it jumps to $95.
- After the first year, If you do not plan on spending $4,750, this card may not be the best fit for you.
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.
APR15.49% - 23.49% 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
- 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
Why we like it
- Starts with 0% APR which helps you rack up rewards quickly
- A great card for people who value Membership Rewards points with no annual fees. (See rates and fees.) The months of card membership make it great to pull in those points through different spending categories.
Pros
- You get 0% APR for the first year, and then rates are 15.49% to 23.49% variable APR. (See rates and fees.)
- You earn 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in purchases each year and then 1% after that.
- Comes with Expanded Buying Power which means more opportunities to earn points.
Cons
- This card is not best suited for businesses that are spending over $50,000 a year.
- There is a 2.7% foreign transaction fee. (See rates and fees.)
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.
Intro BonusEarn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
APR14.74% - 20.74% Variable
Recommended CreditGood, Excellent
Reward Rates
- 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
Annual Fee$0
Intro Purchase APR0% Intro APR on Purchases for 12 months
Balance Transfer FeeEither $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Balance Transfer APR14.74% - 20.74% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars.
Penalty APRUp to 29.99%
- 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
Why we like it
- This card is a good fit if your business spends a significant amount on office supplies, telecommunications, restaurants, and gas.
Pros
- You get 5% cash back on up to $25,000 in combined spending per account year at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 in combined spending per account year at gas stations and restaurants; and 1% on everything else.
- There's a great sign-up bonus, a 0% intro APR period, and a $0 annual fee
- Card offers fraud protection.
- Zero liability for unauthorized charges.
Cons
- Your business may have different bonus points or needs, and the 2% to 5% rewards may not be enough.
Intro BonusEarn 100k bonus points after you spend $15,000 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 Ultimate Rewards®
APR17.49% - 22.49% 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
Balance Transfer FeeEither $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
Balance Transfer APR17.49% - 22.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees$0
Penalty APRUp to 29.99%
- 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
Why we like it
- Offers the most significant sign up rewards on any credit card and rewards in many categories.
Pros
- You'll earn 3 points per dollar on up to $150,000 a year in spending on travel, telecommunications (internet, phone, and cable), shipping, and advertising on social media and search engines; all other spending earns 1 point per dollar. Another popular option by Ink is the Ink Business unlimited card.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel, and more.
Cons
- Annual fee of $95.
- After the first year, you need to spend up to $2,534 for the rewards to be worth the annual fee.
Intro BonusWelcome Offer: Earn 60,000 Bonus Miles and 10,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months.
APR17.99% - 26.99% Variable
Recommended CreditExcellent/Good
Reward Rates
- Earn 3 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
- After you spend $150,000 on your Card in a calendar year, you earn 1.5 Miles per dollar (that’s an extra half mile per dollar) on eligible purchases the rest of the year.
Annual Fee$550
Intro Purchase APRN/A
- Earn 3 Miles on every dollar spent on eligible purchases made directly with Delta.
- After you spend $150,000 on your Card in a calendar year, you earn 1.5 Miles per dollar (that’s an extra half mile per dollar) on eligible purchases the rest of the year.
Why we like it
- If you travel a lot, you will enjoy the Delta lounge, the annual companion certificate even for first-class, and the checked bag benefits.
Pros
- This card allows access to Delta lounges and American Express Centurion Lounges.
- Rewards: 3 miles per dollar on Delta purchases and 1 mile per dollar on other purchases (rising to 1.5 miles per dollar after you spend $150,000 in a calendar year)
- No foreign transaction fees when spending overseas. (See rates and fees.)
Cons
- The annual fee for this card is $550, which could be worth it if you travel enough. (See rates and fees.)
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.
Intro BonusLimited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy Bonus Points after spending $5,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer expires 8/31/22.
APR17.99% - 26.99% Variable
Recommended CreditExcellent/Good
Reward Rates
- 6x points 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
- 6x points 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.
Why we like it
- Comes with one automatic free night stay every year, elite status, generous rewards, and a sign-up bonus.
Pros
- You earn 6 points per dollar at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels; 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping; and 2 points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
Cons
- The $125 annual fee. (See rates and fees.)
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.
Intro BonusWelcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
APR16.49% - 24.49% Variable
Recommended CreditGood, Excellent
Reward Rates
- Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com
- Earn 1.5X points on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year
- 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Annual Fee$695
Intro Purchase APRN/A
- Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com
- Earn 1.5X points on eligible purchases at US construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year
- 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Why we like it
- For those who spend lots of time traveling.
Pros
- 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on amextravel.com.
- Access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide.
- Up to $200 annual credit for incidental airline fee.
- Reimbursement through statement credits every 4 or 4.5 years for the application fee for TSA Precheck or Global Entry.
- Automatic elite status with Marriott and Hilton hotels.
Cons
- The $695 annual fee is high, but it is a deductible business expense. (See rates and fees.)
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.
Intro BonusEarn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
APR22.49% (Variable)
Recommended CreditExcellent, Good
Reward Rates
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account.
Annual Fee$0 intro for first year; $95 after that
Intro Purchase APRN/A
Intro Balance Transfer APRN/A
Balance Transfer Fee$0 at this Transfer APR
Balance Transfer APR22.49% (Variable)
Late Payment FeeUp to $39
Foreign Transaction FeesNone
Penalty APR30.90% (Variable)
- Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account.
Why we like it
- This card is for traveling entrepreneurs whose business expenses may not fall into common bonus categories.
Pros
- This card earns unlimited 2 miles per dollar on all purchases.
- Miles can be redeemed for any travel expense — no blackout dates or restrictions — at a rate of 1 cent apiece.
- Great sign-up bonus.
Cons
- The card has no annual fee for the first year and then goes to $95.
- You need to spend $4,750 a year to make the rewards worth it.
Intro Bonus30,000 in Brex Rewards points upon signup and waived card fees for life (equal to $300+ value)*
APRN/A
Recommended CreditExcellent Credit
Reward Rates
- 7x on rideshare
- 4x on travel
- 3x on restaurants
- 2x on software subscriptions
- 1x on all other transactions
Annual Fee$0
Intro Purchase APRN/A
- 7x on rideshare
- 4x on travel
- 3x on restaurants
- 2x on software subscriptions
- 1x on all other transactions
Why we like it
- A great card for startups because it does not require the cardholder to personally guarantee the debt on the card.
- Perfect for the business owner with a thin credit file but is well-capitalized.
Pros
- This card earns 1 point per $1 spent on purchases, but if you make the Brex Card for Startups your only company card, you'll earn elevated rewards on rideshares (7 points per dollar), travel booked through Brex (4 points per dollar), restaurants and Apple products (3 points per dollar) and recurring software expenses (2 points per dollar). You'll also be qualifying for valuable offers from such business service providers as Amazon Web Services, Google Ads, WeWork, and Salesforce.
- Great sign-up bonus options.
- The credit limit is 10-20x higher than traditional small business corporate cards.
Cons
- Your business must have a $100,000 bank account balance to apply now. This is a charge card, not a credit card, meaning the balance transfer is due in full each billing cycle.
Why we like it
Great choice for a travel card with great rewards and no annual fee.
Pros
- This $0-annual-fee card earns 1.5 points for every dollar spent and 3 points per dollar on travel purchases booked through Bank of America.
- Great sign-up reward for a "no-fee" card.
Cons
- Higher reward rates are available on other cards. You might come out ahead on those cards if you spend enough, even after paying an annual fee.