by Running a small company means every dollar counts. Business credit cards help you manage cash flow, earn rewards, and build credit. The right card turns everyday expenses into savings. This guide breaks down the best credit cards for small business finance in 2025. We compare rewards, fees, and perks. Whether you spend on travel, office supplies, or ads, there’s a card for you. Let’s find the perfect fit.
Why Small Companies Need Business Credit Cards
Personal cards work for side hustles. But once your company grows, business credit cards make sense. They separate expenses. This simplifies taxes and protects personal credit. Many offer higher limits and employee cards at no extra cost.
Rewards add up fast. Spend $50,000 yearly on ads? Earn $1,000 cash back or 100,000 points. That’s real money for reinvestment. Plus, building business credit opens doors to loans later. For more on funding, see our post on small business loans guide.
Key Features to Look for in Business Credit Cards
Not all best credit cards are equal. Focus on these factors.
- Rewards rate: 2%+ on common categories.
- Sign-up bonus: $500+ after spending $3,000–$5,000.
- Annual fee: $0 or offset by perks.
- 0% intro APR: For big purchases.
- Employee cards: Free with spending controls.
- Integration: Sync with QuickBooks or Expensify.
Match the card to your spending. Office supply heavy? Ink Business cards shine. Travel often? Airline cards win.
Top Business Credit Cards for 2025
We analyzed dozens of business credit cards. These stand out for small business finance. Rates and terms are current as of October 2025.
1. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (Chase)
Best for: Points on ads and travel
Earn 100,000 points after spending $8,000 in 3 months. That’s $1,250 toward travel via Chase Ultimate Rewards. Get 3x points on:
- Shipping
- Advertising (social media, search)
- Internet, cable, phone
- Travel
Up to $600,000 yearly, then 1x. No foreign fees. $95 annual fee. Perfect for digital marketers. For reward strategies, check NerdWallet’s top business credit cards.
2. American Express® Blue Business Cash™ Card
Best for: Simple cash back
No annual fee. Earn 2% cash back on all purchases up to $50,000 per year, then 1%. Auto-redeems as statement credit. 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months. Great for startups avoiding complexity.
Expanded buying power above limit. Ideal for small business finance with variable spend. Employee cards free. Apply via Amex Blue Business Cash.
3. Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Best for: Unlimited 2% cash back
Unlimited 2% on every purchase. $150 annual fee, waived with $150,000 spend. Earn $1,200 bonus after $30,000 in 3 months. Pay in full monthly to avoid interest—it’s a charge card.
Free employee cards with limits. 5% back on hotels/cars via Capital One Travel. Suits high-spenders. No preset limit.
4. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Best for: Travel perks
Premium but powerful. 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels via Amex Travel. 1.5x on purchases over $5,000. Welcome offer: 150,000 points after $20,000 spend in 3 months.
Perks include:
- $200 airline fee credit
- Global Lounge Collection access
- Dell, Indeed, Adobe credits
$695 annual fee. Worth it if you travel monthly. Pairs well with our business travel hacks.
5. Brex Card
Best for: Tech startups and no personal guarantee
No personal credit check. Approval based on cash flow. Daily payments from linked bank. Earn up to 7x on rideshares, 4x on travel, 3x restaurants. Points redeem 1:1 with partners.
No fees. Exclusive software discounts (AWS, Zoom). Perfect for SaaS and ecommerce. Scales with revenue.
Comparison Table: Top Business Credit Cards
| Card | Annual Fee | Rewards | Bonus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Preferred | $95 | 3x ads/travel | 100k points | Digital spend |
| Amex Blue Cash | $0 | 2% up to $50k | None | Simplicity |
| Spark Cash Plus | $150* | 2% unlimited | $1,200 | High spend |
| Amex Business Platinum | $695 | 5x flights | 150k points | Travel |
| Brex | $0 | Up to 7x | Varies | Startups |
*Waived with $150k spend
How to Choose the Right Card for Your Company
Follow this process. It takes 10 minutes.
- Track spending: Review last 3 months. Categorize.
- Calculate rewards: Use card simulators. Input spend.
- Check credit: Most need 670+ FICO. Brex is flexible.
- Read terms: Watch foreign fees, late penalties.
- Apply online: Approval in minutes for most.
Pro tip: Get one card now. Add another later for bonus categories.
Common Mistakes Small Companies Make
Avoid these traps with business credit cards.
Carrying a Balance
Interest eats rewards. Pay in full monthly. Use 0% intro periods for big buys only.
Mixing Personal and Business
Keep expenses separate. Use accounting software. Saves hours at tax time.
Ignoring Employee Spending
Set limits per card. Review statements weekly. Prevent surprise charges.
Missing Bonuses
Plan purchases to hit welcome offers. Buy inventory early if needed.
Maximizing Rewards in Small Business Finance
Earn more with strategy.
- Put all ads on 3x cards.
- Use travel cards for flights and hotels.
- Pool points across employee cards.
- Redeem at peak value (1.25–2 cents via portals).
One client earned $18,000 in travel last year. All from office expenses.
Building Business Credit with Cards
Business credit cards report to bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet. Pay on time. Keep utilization low. After 6–12 months, qualify for better terms.
Some cards report to personal credit too. Helps or hurts—choose wisely.
Alternatives to Business Credit Cards
Cards aren’t for all. Consider:
- Lines of credit: Lower rates for big projects.
- Charge cards: No preset limit, pay in full.
- Invoice financing: Borrow against receivables.
Cards win for flexibility and rewards. For funding options, see Forbes’ best business credit cards.
Applying for Your First Business Card
You don’t need an LLC. Sole proprietors qualify with SSN and EIN. Gather:
- Business name
- Address
- Revenue
- Years in business
- Personal info
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Pre-qualify online. No hard inquiry. Approval odds in seconds.
FAQs About Business Credit Cards
Do I need a business to apply? No. Freelancers and side gigs count.
Will it hurt my personal credit? Only if you miss payments.
Can employees have cards? Yes, free on most plans.
Are rewards taxable? No, if used for business.
Conclusion: Pick Your Card and Save
The best credit cards for small business finance turn expenses into assets. Start with no-fee cash back. Scale to premium travel. Track spending. Hit bonuses. Watch rewards grow.
Choose one card today. Apply in 10 minutes. Your company deserves the boost. Need help deciding? Comment your top expense category below—we’ll recommend the perfect match.
