The 9 best credit cards for your small business (2025 edition)

For a small business owner, a credit card is far more than a simple payment method. It’s a powerful financial tool that can streamline operations, improve cash flow, and generate significant rewards.

Choosing the right card, however, can feel overwhelming given the sheer number of options available. Each card comes with its own unique structure of fees, rewards, and benefits tailored to different business needs.

This guide will break down the essential benefits of using a dedicated business credit card and highlight some of the top contenders for 2025. The goal is to equip you with the information needed to select a card that not only meets your current spending habits but also supports your long-term financial strategy.

The strategic advantages of a dedicated business credit card

Using a specialized credit card for your business offers a range of benefits that go far beyond simple convenience. These advantages can have a tangible impact on your financial health, operational efficiency, and bottom line.

One of the most critical benefits is the separation of finances. By keeping business expenses on a dedicated card, you create a clear and distinct record from your personal spending. This simple habit drastically simplifies accounting and makes tax season far less of a headache, as there's no need to manually sort through months of mixed transactions.

Effective expense management is another key advantage. Many business credit cards come with apps that allow you to categorize purchases and attach digital copies of your receipts on the go. To further automate this process, services like Zenceipt can connect to your email inbox and automatically extract and process invoices and receipts, ensuring that every expense is captured and logged for perfect bookkeeping. Furthermore, issuing employee cards is straightforward, allowing you to monitor spending and set limits while earning rewards on their purchases.

Credit cards are also invaluable for managing cash flow. When you need to pay suppliers before a client's payment comes through, a credit card can bridge the gap. Business credit limits, often starting at $50,000 or more, are substantially higher than personal card limits. Many cards also offer introductory periods with 0% APR, essentially providing an interest-free loan if you can pay off the balance within that timeframe.

Of course, the rewards are a major draw. Banks compete fiercely for business clients, leading to lucrative perks. These can include welcome bonuses, accelerated points on common business expenses like office supplies or online advertising, and valuable travel benefits such as airport lounge access and free hotel nights. Cashback rewards offer a direct return, putting money back onto your card or into your bank account.

Finally, consistent and timely payments on your business credit card are fundamental to building a strong business credit score. This score is crucial for securing future loans, negotiating favorable terms with vendors, and obtaining lower rates on business insurance. It’s a foundational element of your business's financial reputation.

Understanding your card options: credit vs. charge cards

While the terms "business card" and "corporate card" are often used interchangeably, they serve different entities. Corporate cards are issued to large corporations, and the company itself is liable for the debt. Small business cards, however, are typically issued to an individual owner who provides a personal guarantee. As a small business owner, your main choice will be between a credit card and a charge card.

Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

• Credit Card: Comes with a preset spending limit. It allows you to carry a balance from one month to the next, provided you make the minimum payment. If you carry a balance, you will be charged interest. These are generally easier to qualify for.
• Charge Card: Has no preset spending limit, offering greater flexibility for large purchases. However, it requires you to pay the balance in full every month. Failure to do so results in a steep penalty, and the issuer might suspend your card. These are typically more difficult to qualify for.

Top small business credit cards for 2025

With countless options on the market, finding the right card can be a challenge. Below is a curated list of some of the best small business credit cards, categorized by their primary strengths.

Best for cash back rewards

1. Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card

   • Bonus: $750 cash back after spending $7,500 in the first three months.
   • Rewards: 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services; 2% on the first $25,000 at gas stations and restaurants; 1% on everything else.
   • Fees: No annual fee.

2. Capital One® Spark® Cash Plus

   • Bonus: Up to $1,000 cash back ($500 after spending $5,000 in three months, and another $500 after spending $50,000 in six months).
   • Rewards: A straightforward 2% cash back on all purchases.
   • Fees: No annual fee.

Best for travel rewards

3. Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

   • Bonus: 100,000 points after spending $15,000 in the first three months.
   • Rewards: 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent annually on travel, shipping, and select advertising and utility purchases.
   • Fees: $95 annual fee.

4. The Business Platinum® Card from American Express

   • Bonus: 120,000 points after spending $15,000 in the first three months.
   • Rewards: 5 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel; 1.5 points on purchases over $5,000.
   • Fees: $595 annual fee. Note: This is a charge card.

Best for hotel stays

5. Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card

   • Bonus: 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points after spending $5,000 in the first three months.
   • Rewards: 5 points per dollar at select Marriott Bonvoy hotels and 3 points per dollar at U.S. restaurants and gas stations.
   • Fees: $150 annual fee.

6. The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

   • Bonus: 130,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $2,000 in the first three months.
   • Rewards: 12 points per dollar at Hilton hotels and resorts.
   • Fees: $95 annual fee.

Best for fair credit

7. The Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business
   • Features: Designed for business owners with fair credit (scores of 580 or higher).
   • Rewards: 1% cash back on all purchases.
   • Fees: No annual fee, but carries a high variable APR of 24.74%.

Best for 0% APR

8. The US Bank Business Platinum Card

   • Offer: 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months.
   • Features: A regular variable APR of 11.99% – 19.99% applies after the introductory period.
   • Fees: $0 annual fee.

9. The Blue Business®️ Plus Credit Card from American Express

   • Offer: 0% introductory APR for the first 12 months.
   • Bonus: 15,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
   • Fees: No annual fee.

Common mistakes to avoid

While business credit cards offer significant benefits, there are potential pitfalls to be aware of. Navigating these issues carefully is key to maximizing the value you get from your card.

Always read the terms and conditions. Business credit cards are not covered by the same consumer protections as personal cards under the Credit CARD Act of 2009. This means issuers can change interest rates, fees, or due dates with less notice. Understanding the fine print is essential to avoid surprises.

Make it a priority to pay your balance every month. The interest on credit cards and penalties on charge cards can accumulate quickly, undermining your profits. The only exception is if you are strategically using a 0% introductory APR period. Carrying a balance can also negatively impact both your business and personal credit scores, as some issuers report all business activity to consumer credit bureaus.

If you provide cards to employees, be sure to manage them effectively. Only issue cards to trusted team members who incur frequent expenses. Establish a clear, written policy detailing spending limits for categories like meals or hotels, and have each cardholder sign it. Use the card’s monitoring tools to track spending and address any questionable activity immediately.