20 Best Credit Cards for Every Type of Small Business Owner
Getting a credit card for your small interior-design firm can be a smart way to access instant capital, which can help spur a young company’s growth. When used wisely, cards can also help fill a gap between receipt of income and cash outflow. You don’t have to be an LLC or a corporation to apply; interior designers, makers, eBay sellers, freelancers, and anyone with a side hustle may be eligible. And for sole proprietors, a small-business credit card is a smart way to help separate business and personal expenses. In addition, many cards have better travel or cash-back benefits, better transfer rates, and lower APRs than their consumer-focused counterparts. An added bonus? Many cards offer excellent tools for monitoring your expenses.
Business cards can be harder to qualify for, and there are some risks, of course. Business owners are wholly responsible for all charges made on their accounts, and are liable for any unpaid balances. Also, business credit cards, unlike their consumer counterparts, are exempt from some protections of the CARD Act; as a result, they may be subject to higher fees and interest rates, more confusing terms, and unannounced changes. Terms and conditions apply to all of the cards listed below—so always read the fine print carefully.
No single card will be right for every design firm. Some have appealing sign-up bonuses, others have superb ongoing or annual rewards or great introductory APRs. Whether you're looking for travel awards, cash back, no annual fees, or a combination of perks, you'll find options for the best credit cards for small businesses below.
Best Credit Cards for Small Businesses, Ranked: Best for Travel Rewards
1. American Express Business Platinum Card
The basics: American Express's Business Platinum Card is one of the most popular for a reason, especially among frequent international business travelers. With a range of perks, this points-based reward system gets business travelers into airport lounges worldwide.
Welcome offer: Earn 50,000 points when you spend $10,000 and 25,000 additional points after the next $10,000 spent within the first three months of signing up.
Annual fee: $450
APR: Not applicable; each statement must be paid in full.
Benefits: Receive five points on each dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels through AmexTravel. Purchases greater than $5,000 earn 1.5 points per dollar spent, up to a total of one million points each year. All other purchases earn one point per dollar, unlimited. The American Express Business Platinum Card provides free access to more than 1,200 airport lounges in 130 countries—that's as good as it gets. And when you book a first- or business-class flight using rewards points, you'll receive a 35 percent points rebate, up to 500,000 points back per year. Users can also be reimbursed for TSA PreCheck and Global Entry application fees. Other perks include no foreign transaction fees, roadside assistance, and a $200 airline fee credit.
Drawbacks: The Amex Business Platinum Card carries one of the heftiest annual fees. Though there's an extended payment option (with interest, if you qualify), this is a charge card; accounts cannot carry a balance.
Designers it's ideal for: frequent travelers with relatively high expenses who want upscale airport lounge access just about everywhere.
2. Chase Ink Business Preferred Card
The basics: With an excellent sign-up offer, this is a great card for frequent travelers who want flexibility in how they use their rewards.
Welcome offer: Get 80,000 bonus points when you sign up and spend $5,000 in first three months. That's worth about $1,000 in travel rewards.
Annual fee: $95
APR: 17.99–22.99% variable
Benefits: Earn three points for every dollar spent up to $150,000 on expenses including travel, shipping, communications services, and advertising per year. On all other purchases, earn one point per dollar spent, unlimited. Transfer rewards point-for-point with partners. The card has no foreign transaction fees.
Drawbacks: You've got to spend a lot to get a lot. The annual fee is not waived for the first year.
Designers it's ideal for: people who travel a lot for business and want versatile rewards.
3. Capital One Spark Miles for Business Credit Card
The basics: A convenient card that delivers excellent miles bonuses for signing up and rewards any kind of spending.
Welcome offer: Receive up to 200,000 miles—earn 50,000 when you spend $5,000 in the first three months and then another 150,000 when you spend $50,000 within the first six months.
Annual fee: $95, waived for first year
APR: 18.74 variable
Benefits: You'll get two reward miles for every dollar spent, with no cap. Redeem them at any time—there's no minimum to do so and no blackout dates or seat restrictions. Plus, you can fly on any airline. Miles can also be used for hotel stays or vacation packages and have no expiration date. The Capital One Spark Miles card charges no foreign transaction fees and also offers some additional travel insurances and emergency services.
Drawbacks: To make the annual fee worth it, you'll need to spend at least $5,000 when the annual fee kicks in.
Designers it's ideal for: straightforward entrepreneurs looking for convenience and whose spending doesn't fall into all the regular buckets.
4. American Express Starwood Preferred Guests Business Credit Card
The basics: This traveler-friendly card has lots of options for the business spender who's brand-loyal.
Welcome offer: Make $3,000 in purchases in the first three months, and receive 75,000 bonus points.
Annual fee: $95, waived for first year
APR: 17.74–26.74% variable
Benefits: Highlights of the SPG Business Credit Card include six points for each dollar of eligible purchases at over 6,700 participating SPG and Marriott Rewards hotels across 110 countries. Cardholders also earn four points per dollar on select business and travel categories, get a one-night free hotel stay annually, and are automatically upgraded to Silver Elite status. All other purchases earn two points per dollar. Want to fly? Swap points for airline miles. You'll also get free hotel Wi-Fi and no blackout dates across Starwood's 29 brands, plus other perks, including no foreign transaction fees.
Drawbacks: Rates earned on purchases outside of SPG brands are lower than some other similar cards. Recent holders of Marriott cards (the brands merged in August 2018) are not eligible for the SPG bonus points.
Designers it's ideal for: that business spender who wants to earn points toward hotel stays and finds comfort across SPG's many brands.
5. CitiBusiness/AAdvantage Platinum Select World Mastercard
The basics: Citi describes this card as one of its best for travel. Earn miles and bonuses on purchases in select business categories and benefit during business travel, both domestic and international.
Welcome offer: Earn 70,000 American Airlines AAdvantage bonus miles when you spend $4,000 within the first four months.
Annual fee: $99, waived for first year
APR: 17.74–25.74% variable
Benefits: The sign-up bonus here is likely one of the best on offer right now. Extra perks on American include in-flight discounts, one free checked bag on domestic flights, and priority boarding. Earn two miles on any American Airlines purchases and at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants, and gas stations. Collect one mile per dollar everywhere else. Spend $30,000 in a calendar year, and you'll get a companion pass for $99. Cardholders also see no foreign transaction fees and reduced mileage awards.
Drawbacks: If you've held any other CitiBusiness/AAdvantage card within the past 24 months, you are not eligible for bonus miles.
Designers it's ideal for: the person who wants a super airline sign-up bonus and frequently flies American Airlines.
6. American Express Business Gold Card
The basics: This card offers attractive membership perks with a relatively high annual fee but also gives cardholders excellent flexibility and points on spending in categories including airfare, advertising, gas, restaurants, and shipping.
Welcome offer: One free year of ZipRecruiter Standard and up to one free year of G Suite Basic for three users, for a combined value of more than $3,000.
Annual fee: $295
APR: 16.24–24.24%
Benefits: Earn four times points on purchases up to $150,000 on the two categories where your business spends the most each month, such as restaurants and tech hardware. After the spending cap, rewards are earned at one point per dollar. Cardholders also receive a 25 percent rebate on points when booking first- or business-class airfare through American Express Travel, up to 250,000 points back per year. The Pay Over Time feature allow users to carry a balance or pay in full.
Drawbacks: Although there's a hefty annual spend, you won't find a points-based sign-up bonus here; the G Suite and Zip Recruiter perks may not be of value to some.
Designers it's ideal for: diverse spenders who want to maximize rewards and exercise flexible choice over bonus categories.
7. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premiere Business Credit Card
The basics: There's a reason Southwest's biggest fans are known for their enthusiasm—if the airline’s card benefits suit you, they're tremendous.
Welcome offer: You'll pick up 60,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first three months.
Annual fee: $99
APR: 17.99–24.99% variable
Benefits: Cardholders will collect two points per dollar on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases, and one point per dollar on everything else. They'll also incur 6,000 points each year on their cardmember anniversary. These points don't expire (so long as your account is open), and rewards on purchases are unlimited. You can also acquire 1,500 points toward Southwest elite status for every $10,000 you spend on the card annually. Enjoy priority boarding, free same-day standby, and no foreign transaction fees, too.
Drawbacks: Though its loyal followers are fervent, not everyone loves Southwest's style. Southwest flies domestic only, with a few exceptions, and hubs are generally in smaller cities, so expect transfers.
Designers it's ideal for: designers traveling to locations served by the airline; southwest fanatics, especially those working toward elite status; domestic travelers who want scheduling flexibility without an up-charge.
8. Chase United MileagePlus Explorer Business Credit Card
The basics: Use bonus points from this card toward travel on United and other travel benefits.
Welcome offer: Scoop up 50,000 miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months.
Annual fee: $95, waived for first year
APR: 17.99–24.99% variable
Benefits: With the Chase United MileagePlus Explorer card, you'll corral two miles per dollar on United purchases and at restaurants, gas stations, and office supply stores, and one mile per dollar on everything else. Miles won't expire and are unlimited. You'll also enjoy priority boarding and a free checked bag for yourself and a companion. Plus, get two United Club passes each year. Other perks include no foreign transaction fees, better seating access, and a faster track to elite status. Bag another 10,000 bonus points once you've spent an additional $25,000 on purchases annually.
Drawbacks: After the initial $3,000 spend, bonus requirements bump up.
Designers it's ideal for: This is a great card for those who fly often with United (or want to start), especially if they're working toward elite status.
Best Credit Cards for Small Businesses, Ranked: Best for Cash-Back Rewards
9. Capital One Spark Cash for Business Credit Card
The basics: This flat-rate card offers meat-and-potatoes business rewards.
Welcome offer: Spend $5,000 in the first three months and get a $500 cash bonus; spend $50,000 in the first six month and receive another $1,500.
Annual fee: $95, waived for first year
APR: 18.74% variable
Benefits: Earn two percent cash back on every purchase you make, with no cap on spending. Redeem your rewards at any time with no minimums, or set up automated rewards that deliver statement credit or a payment by check. Rewards have no expiration date. The Capital One Spark Cash for Business has no foreign transaction fees.
Drawbacks: Make sure you're spending enough to offset that annual fee (it'll take almost $5,000) after the first year. You'll need top-notch credit ranking to qualify for this card.
Designers it's ideal for: businesses who spend on a spectrum of things but don't want to use up time tracking bonus categories. There are no rewards categories here; all spending is equal.
10. Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card
The basics: The Chase Ink Business Cash card is a terrific option for businesses spending the bulk of their purchasing on office supplies, communications services, dining, and fuel.
Welcome offer: Get $500 cash back after spending $3,000 in first three months.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 15.24–21.24%, with 0% introductory APR for 12 months—that includes purchases as well as balance transfers, an uncommon perk.
Benefits: Earn five percent cash back on the first $25,000 per calendar year on combined purchases at office-supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services. You'll also get 2 percent cash back on the first $25,000 you spend per year at gas stations and restaurants. All other purchases result in 1 percent cash back, with no cap on rewards. Redeem rewards for cash, or choose gift cards or travel options.
Drawbacks: Rewards categories are fairly specific for this credit card—it's not your best option if these aren't where your design business spends its money. Foreign transactions are charged a 3 percent fee.
Designers it's ideal for: anyone who spends on these items as a large percentage of their business expenses and doesn't want to pay an annual fee. The Chase Ink Business Cash Card is also an exceptional option for reducing interest on balance transfers.
11. American Express SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card
The basics: The American Express SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card is a great option for the business owner who wants to stretch out their payment timeline while gaining some rewards in specific categories. With no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR, it's an attractive card with an affordable price tag.
Welcome offer: None
Annual fee: $0
APR: 14.24–21.24%, with 0% APR on purchases for nine months
Benefits: You'll get 5 percent cash back when you spend at U.S.-based office supply stores and wireless phone services and 3 percent cash back on another select category of your choice, for up to $50,000 in combined spending per year. Receive 1 percent back on all other purchases. The AmEx SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card also allows you to make purchases—and earn cash back—above your spending limit without pre-approval.
Drawbacks: There's no real signing bonus to speak of, and foreign transaction fees come in at 2.7 percent.
Designers it's ideal for: the business owner who spends primarily on office supplies and wireless and would benefit from additional rewards tied to another category that's not linked to operating expenses.
12. Capital One Spark Classic for Business Credit Card
The basics: One of the few cards readily available to those with fair or average credit, Capital One's Spark Classic credit card doesn't offer a lot of gimmicks. Instead, this straightforward cash-back rewards card offers an unlimited flat rate on every dollar you spend.
Welcome offer: None
Annual fee: $0
APR: 24.74% variable
Benefits: The main benefit of this card is simple: It gives you 1 percent cash back on every single purchase you make, with no spending limit. You'll also get solid credit-tracking tools and itemized spending reports. The Spark Classic charges no foreign transaction fees and no balance transfer fees, either.
Drawbacks: If you need to carry a balance, the annual percentage rate here is steep.
Designers it's ideal for: those with a mediocre credit score who want to build their business credit responsibly—especially if you can pay off the balance in full each month.
Best Credit Cards for Small Businesses, Ranked: Best for Low APR
13. American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card
The basics: This straightforward card offers excellent benefits but does have a spending cap for rewards. The excellent introductory APR is among the longest we found currently available.
Welcome offer: None
Annual fee: $0
APR: 13.24–21.24% variable, 0% for 15 months
Benefits: Your earning rate on everyday business purchase will yield two Membership Rewards points on every dollar spent on things such as office supplies or client dinners. This rate applies to the first $50,000 spent per year, and returns to one point per dollar thereafter. Points can be used for gift cards, merchandise, travel, and more. No foreign transaction fees are charged, and cardholders may spend above their limits.
Drawbacks: No bonus offer may be a deterrent for some, while the $50,000 spending cap on double points could be a drawback for businesses with high operating expenses.
Designers it's ideal for: anyone looking for a low-effort card with great return.
14. Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World MasterCard Credit Card
The basics: This Bank of America card offers a superb sign-up bonus for a no-fee card and solid ongoing rewards.
Welcome offer: For signing up, you'll receive 25,000 bonus points when you make a minimum of $1,000 in total purchases within 60 days of opening your account. These may be redeemed for a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 13.24–23.24% variable, with 0% introductory APR for nine billing cycles
Benefits: Earn 1.5 points for every dollar you spent on all purchases—no matter how much you spend. Enroll in the Business Advantage Relationship Rewards program to receive additional rewards on all purchases at up to 2.62 points per dollar. Earn three points per every dollar spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center. You'll see no blackout dates, and your points will never expire. There's also no overall spending cap and no foreign transaction fees.
Drawbacks: The sign-up bonus isn't as big as some others.
Designers it's ideal for: This one is a solid choice for the designer or small business owner who wants solid travel rewards, valuable ongoing rewards with no fee, and a low barrier to entry.
15. Bank of America Platinum Visa Business Credit Card
The basics: This is a decent low-cost option, with an achievable bonus, but it won't reward you for big spending.
Welcome offer: Spend $500 within 60 days of your account opening and get a $200 statement credit.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 11.24–22.24% variable, with 0% on purchases for seven billing cycles
Benefits: The Bank of America Platinum Visa Business Credit Card offers some of the lowest annual percentage rates—if you qualify, that is. With no annual fee and likely the lowest spending requirement for a small-business credit card bonus, this card's biggest ace is its accessibility.
Drawbacks: You may not qualify for the lowest APR rate, depending on your credit history. There are also no rewards points—no travel miles, no cash back, and no real bonus for continuing to use the card over time.
Designers it's ideal for: This an excellent choice for the business owner looking for a no-fuss card or who needs to carry a balance from time to time and has great credit.
16. Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
The basics: A relatively low buy-in bonus ratio and 0% APR on balance transfers make this card a worthy player.
Welcome offer: Once you've spent $3,000 within three months of opening your account, you'll get back $500 as a bonus.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 15.24–21.24% variable, with 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months
Benefits: With every purchase you make, you'll get a return of 1.5 percent cash back, regardless of how much you spend. Points can be redeemed for cash, gift cards, travel purchases, or merchandise.
Drawbacks: The rewards rate here is lower than with various other cards, and the foreign transaction fee is 3 percent.
Designers it's ideal for: If you're looking for no annual fee and a flat cash-back rate, this may be the card for you.
17. American Express Plum Card
The basics: The primary benefit of this charge card is its unusual payment option. Pay your balance in up to 60 days without accruing interest, so long as you've paid your minimum due. The AmEx Plum Card also delivers a 1.5 percent discount when you pay early—which is almost unheard of in the world of credit.
Welcome offer: None
Annual fee: $250 per year, with first year waived
APR: not applicable
Benefits: This charge card gives you the option to pay in full each month or carry a balance for up to 60 days with no interest. Get a 1.5 percent discount when you pay early (within 10 days of your statement closing date) and in full, with no cap on earning. The Plum Card also has no preset spending limit, allows business owners to choose their billing cycles, and offers travel perks including some travel insurances.
Drawbacks: There's no snazzy signing offer here, just a straightforward deal. There's a relatively high annual fee after year one.
Designers it's ideal for: the business owner who doesn't like to carry debt but may need more than 30 days to pay the bills and who doesn't care about fancy perks; those motivated by a discount for meeting a payment deadline.
Best Credit Cards for Small Businesses, Ranked: Best for Building Credit
18. Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card
The basics: Need to build up your business credit? Start here with a credit line between $500 and $25,000.
Welcome offer: Earn 1.5 percent cash back
Annual fee: $25, waived for first year
APR: Prime + 11.90%
Benefits: Depending on how much you deposit, you'll receive between a $500 to $25,000 credit line, which you can use for everyday expenses. Wells Fargo will periodically review your account and upgrade it as appropriate. Enroll in the 1.5 percent cash-back program and receive rewards automatically as a credit to your Wells Fargo or bank account. There are no spending categories or caps, and no foreign transaction fees.
Drawbacks: If your credit is already well established, better rewards are out there.
Designers it's ideal for: If you've had credit challenges in the past, the Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card is a great place to start rebuilding.
Best Credit Cards for Small Businesses, Ranked: Best for Fuel Rewards
19. Citi Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card
The basics: Costco members can earn cash back on all of their purchases, including purchases at Costco and Costco.com.
Welcome offer: None
Annual fee: $0 (but a Costco membership is required)
APR: 17.24% variable
Benefits: This tiered cash back program gives users 4 percent back on eligible gas worldwide, which includes Costco, for the first $7,000 annually (and at 1 percent back after that). You'll get 3 percent back on restaurant and eligible travel purchases (and no foreign transaction fees), 2 percent on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com, and 1 percent cash back on all other purchases. Cardholder benefits also include travel insurances, travel and emergency assistance, and extended warranty coverages.
Drawbacks: You must have a Costco membership to open an account. Memberships start at $60 per year, which is higher than the fee for some comparable co-branded cards.
Designers it's ideal for: Are you and your business ever on the go? If you’re constantly on the road visiting clients and vendors, consider the Citi Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card. It’s a good fit for those who also have a Costco membership and who want rewards on a broad spectrum of buying, especially gas.
20. Wex Fleet Card
The basics: Stop chasing down receipts and manually updating accounting files. Wex allows you to monitor fuel spending, drivers, and vehicles with this card, which is accepted at more than 90 percent of retailers nationwide.
Welcome offer: None
Annual fee: $0
APR: Not applicable
Benefits: From monitoring spending habits to tracking transactions in real time, the Wex Fleet Card provides the research, analysis, and control that designers (and their accountants!) want. Who needs rewards when early fraud detection, cost analysis, and driver tracking can all be done through a card that can help drive down costs? Wex can also help control product purchases, reduce theft, and increase efficiency.
Drawbacks: No rewards for spending.
Designers it's ideal for: Are you and your employees constantly on the road? Small businesses with fleets of vehicles who consider fuel one of their biggest budget items and want control over buying and tracking it are the best fit for this card.
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