Business Credit Cards with Rewards

The best Spark business card is Capital One Spark Cash for Business because it gives 2% cash back on all purchases and offers a $500 cash bonus for spending $4,500 in the first 3 months. Capital One Spark Cash for Business also has a $0 annual fee the first year ($95 after).

If you plan to use your card more for travel, the best Spark business card is Capital One Spark Miles for Business. It gives 2 miles per $1 spent and offers a bonus of 50,000 miles (still worth $500).

If you don’t want to pay an annual fee, the best Spark Business card is either Spark Cash Select or Spark Miles Select. The rewards aren’t as good, but these cards don’t cost anything to own and offer 0% APRs for 9 months on purchases.

2020 Capital One Spark Business Cards:

• Capital One Spark Cash for Business: 2% cash back on all purchases. $500 cash bonus for spending $4,500 in the first 3 months. $0 annual fee first year, $95 after. 18.74% (V) regular APR. Good personal credit required.
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business: 2 miles per $1 on all purchases. 50,000 miles bonus ($500 value) for spending $4,500 in the first 3 months. $0 annual fee first year, $95 after. 18.74% (V) regular APR. Good personal credit required.
• Capital One Spark Cash Select for Business: 1.5% cash back on all purchases. $200 cash bonus for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. $0 annual fee. 0% APR for 9 months on purchases. Good personal credit required.
• Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business: 1.5 miles per $1 on all purchases. 20,000 miles bonus ($200 value) for spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. $0 annual fee. 0% APR for 9 months on purchases. 14.74% - 22.74% (V) regular APR. Good personal credit required.
• Capital One Spark Classic for Business: 1% cash back on all purchases. $0 annual fee. 24.74% (V) regular APR. For business owners with limited personal credit.

Each of the Capital One Spark business cards caters to different needs. But they have a few things in common. None of them charge foreign transaction fees, for example. And all of the Spark business cards let you get employee cards at no extra cost.

The best business credit cards for travel often have large initial bonuses and high rewards earning rates on travel purchases. Most also charge no foreign transaction fees, and some may even have no annual fee, too.

A lot depends on your unique preferences and needs. Perhaps you’re a big spender who wants the most benefits possible. Or, maybe you want to maximize your perks with a certain travel provider. Whatever type of business travel rewards card you’re after, you should be able to find a great deal. You can find some popular options below.

Best business credit cards for travel:

• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card
• CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®
• Capital One® Spark® Miles Select for Business
• Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card

Above all else, make sure you choose a business travel credit card that allows you to earn more benefits than you have to pay in fees. There’s no point in getting a card with a big bonus and a high annual fee if you won’t spend enough to earn the bonus.

There is no Chase Sapphire business credit card, but there are three Chase business credit cards that don’t bear the Sapphire name: Ink Business Preferred, Ink Business Unlimited and Ink Business Cash. The Chase Ink business credit cards are similar to Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve in that they offer big sign-up bonuses. For example, the Chase Ink Business Preferred card gives 80,000 points (worth up to $1,000 in travel) for spending $5,000 in the first 3 months. But unlike the Sapphire cards, Ink Cash and Ink Unlimited both give 0% APRs on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months.

There are also two co-branded Chase business credit cards. The first is the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business card, which offers 60,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, plus 6,000 points each account anniversary. The second is the Marriott Premier Plus Business credit card, which gives 75,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. And you get a free night’s stay every account anniversary.

It’s also good to note that you can still use the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Chase Sapphire Reserve cards for business purchases. It’s legal to use a personal credit card for business purposes. Just don’t also put personal expenses on the card, as that will make keeping your finances in order much more difficult.

Best alternatives to a Chase Sapphire business credit card:

• Ink Business Preferred: 80,000 points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months. 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business purchases annually. 1 per $1 on all other purchases. $95 annual fee. Good credit needed.
• Ink Business Cash: $500 cash back when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. 5% back on the first $25,000 per year spent at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services. 2% back on the first $25,000 per year spent at gas stations and restaurants and unlimited 1% back on everything else. $0 annual fee. Good credit needed.
• Ink Business Unlimited: $500 cash back when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. 1.5% cash back on all purchases. $0 annual fee. Good credit needed.
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business: 60,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. 6,000 points each account anniversary. 2 points per $1 on Southwest purchases and Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases. 1 per $1 on all other purchases. $99 annual fee. Excellent credit needed.
• Marriott Premier Plus Business: 75,000 points when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. 6,000 points each account anniversary. 6 points per $1 on Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and Starwood Preferred Guest purchases. 4 points per $1 on restaurant, gas station, shipping, internet, cable, and phone service purchases. 1 per $1 on all other purchases. Free night’s stay every account anniversary. $99 annual fee. Good credit needed.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred (personal card): 50,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months. 2 points per $1 on travel and dining and 1 on all other purchases. Points worth 1.25 cents each toward travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. 1:1 point transfer to 13 airline and hotel loyalty programs. $0 annual fee the first year, $95 after.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve (personal card): 50,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months. 3 points per $1 on travel and dining and 1 on all other purchases. Points worth 1.5 cents each toward travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. 1:1 point transfer to 13 airline and hotel loyalty programs. $300 annual travel credit. Complimentary Priority Pass Select lounge membership. $450 annual fee.

While there are no Chase Sapphire business cards, there are plenty of good Chase business options to choose from, along with the Sapphire personal cards. One thing to watch out for on the Ink Business cards is that only Ink Business Preferred has no foreign transaction fee. The other two Ink cards charge 3%.

The best American Airlines business credit card is the American Airlines AAdvantage Aviator Business card because it gives 60,000 bonus miles just for making your first purchase. You also get 2 miles per $1 on American Airlines purchases and at eligible office supply, telecom and car rental merchants. The AAdvantage Aviator Business card gives 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases, plus a 5% miles bonus every year.

The only other American Airlines business credit card option is the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Mastercard, which gives 70,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 in the first 4 months and waives its $99 annual fee for the first year. On top of that, you get 2 miles per $1 on purchases with American Airlines, telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental agencies and gas stations. Plus, you receive 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.

The American Airlines business credit cards differ in their bonuses and earning rates. But they do have a few things in common. Both give 25% off food and beverage purchases on American Airlines flights. Both also give preferred boarding and a free first checked bag for you and up to four companions on American Airlines flights.

There are a few more things you should know about each American Airlines business credit card, too.

2018’s American Airlines Business Credit Card Offers:

• American Airlines AAdvantage Aviator Business: 60,000 miles for making a purchase in the first 90 days. 2 miles per $1 on American Airlines flights. 2 miles per $1 at eligible office supply stores, telecom providers and car rental companies. 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. 5% miles bonus every year. Companion ticket for $99 if you spend $30,000 in a year. 3,000 Elite Qualifying Dollars (gives you AA perks) for spending $25,000 in a calendar year. $95 annual fee. Good credit needed.
• CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select World Mastercard: 70,000 miles when you spend $4,000 in the first 4 months. 2 miles per $1 on American Airlines flights. 2 miles per $1 spent with eligible telecom companies , cable and satellite providers, car rental agencies and gas stations. 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. $0 annual fee the first year, $99 after. Good credit needed.
• Best Personal American Air Card for Biz: American Airlines AAdvantage Aviator Red Credit Card: 60,000 miles for making a purchase in the first 90 days and paying the annual fee. 2 miles per $1 on American Airlines flights and 1 on all other purchases. 10% of your redeemed miles back. 3,000 Elite Qualifying Dollars (gives you AA perks) for spending $25,000 in a calendar year. $100 AA flight discount for spending $30,000 in a calendar year. $95 annual fee. Good credit needed.
• Best Business Card for Travel: Capital One Spark Miles for Business: 50,000 miles for spending $4,500 in the first 3 months. 2 miles per $1 on all purchases. $0 annual fee the first year, $95 after. Good credit needed.

While your American Airlines business credit card options are limited, you could just use a personal American Airlines credit card for business purchases. Or, you could get a top-notch business rewards card, such as Capital One Spark Miles for Business, that gives miles on any airline purchase.

The best Delta business credit card is the Gold Delta SkyMiles Business card because it has a $0 annual fee the first year ($95 after) and offers a 30,000-mile bonus when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months. You also get a $50 statement credit if you make a Delta purchase in the first 3 months. Plus, you’ll earn 2 miles per $1 on all Delta purchases and 1 mile per $1 on everything else.

For big-spenders looking to get the most value possible, the Delta Reserve Business card is best because it gives 70,000 bonus miles when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months and 15,000 more miles for spending $30,000 in any calendar year. Reserve for Business also gives cardholders Delta Sky Club access. But this Delta business credit card costs $450 per year.

There’s also a middle option: the Platinum Delta SkyMiles Business card. It boasts a 50,000-mile bonus and has an annual fee of $195 per year.

All of the Delta business credit cards have a few benefits in common. They all offer a free checked bag and priority boarding on Delta flights. And they give a 20% statement credit on eligible Delta in-flight purchases.

Here are the best Delta business credit cards:

• Gold Delta SkyMiles Business: $0 annual fee the first year, $95 after. 30,000 miles when you spend $1,000 in the first 3 months. $50 statement credit after your first Delta purchase in the first 3 months. 2 miles per $1 on Delta purchases and 1 per $1 on everything else. Good credit required.
• Delta Reserve Business: $450 annual fee. 70,000 miles and 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months. 15,000 miles and 15,000 MQMs when you spend $30,000 in any calendar year. 2 miles per $1 on Delta purchases and 1/$1 on everything else. 0% APR on purchases for 6 months. Complimentary Delta Sky Club access. Good credit required.
• Platinum Delta SkyMiles Business: $195 annual fee. 50,000 miles when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months. $100 statement credit after your first Delta purchase in the first 3 months. 2 miles per $1 on Delta purchases and 1 on everything else. 0% APR for 6 months on purchases. Good credit required.

The best Delta Business credit card for you depends on how much you’re willing to pay in fees and how frequent of a traveler you are. If you’re a big spender and a frequent traveler, you’ll probably like the bigger bonus and lounge access of Reserve. But if you’re only an occasional flyer, Gold SkyMiles is probably the way to go. Platinum SkyMiles is the perfect in-between.

A Barclays business credit card is best for frequent business travelers. That’s because all three Barclays business cards offered in the U.S. are co-branded with a specific airline. You can choose from American Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and JetBlue, as of February 2019.

Here are the best Barclays business credit cards:

• American Airlines AAdvantage® Aviator™ Business Credit Card
• Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card
• JetBlue Business Credit Card

If you want maximum travel rewards but don’t want to be tied to a single airline, consider a general-purpose travel rewards card. Some allow you to redeem points or miles for statement credits toward any travel purchase, and you’ll have more choices when booking flights.

The best Shell business credit card is the Shell Fleet Plus card because it has a $0 annual fee and works at 14,000 U.S. Shell and Jiffy Lube locations. Cardholders also get a rebate of up to 6 cents per gallon, depending on how much they spend each billing period.

If you want to use your card at the most places possible, the best Shell business card is the Shell Fleet Navigator card. Not only is it accepted at Shell and Jiffy Lube, but the fact that it’s a Mastercard means 95% of U.S. fueling stations will take it. You can also get rebates of up to 5 cents per gallon. Shell says this card may have “limited fees” but does not disclose them.

There’s also the plain old Shell Small Business card, with no annual fee, monthly fee or setup fee. You can only use it at Shell and Jiffy Lube. And the only rewards it provides are discounts at participating Jiffy Lube locations. But it does offer the ability to carry a balance between months, something that the other two cards do not.

Here are the Shell business credit cards:

• Shell Fleet Plus card: No annual fees, monthly fees or setup fees. Works at 14,000 U.S. Shell and Jiffy Lube locations. Rebate of up to 6 cents per gallon of gas purchased each billing cycle, depending on the amount spent. Discounts at participating Jiffy Lube locations. Must pay in full each billing cycle. Requires good credit (score of 700+).
• Shell Fleet Navigator card: Limited fees (not disclosed). Works at 95% of U.S. filling stations, wherever Mastercard is accepted, including 14,000 Shell and Jiffy Lube locations. Rebate of up to 5 cents per gallon of gas purchased each billing cycle, depending on the amount spent. Discounts at participating Jiffy Lube locations. Must pay in full each billing cycle. Requires fair credit (score of 640+).
• Shell Fleet Plus card: No annual fees, monthly fees or setup fees. Works at 14,000 U.S. Shell and Jiffy Lube locations. Discounts at participating Jiffy Lube locations. Can carry a balance between billing cycles. Requires good credit (score of 700+).

All three Shell business credit cards provide a few other types of benefits, too. For example, you can control how much your employees are able to spend on the account, and employee cards don’t cost extra. You’ll also get detailed reports on your gas-related spending, including your mileage, fuel prices, non-fuel purchases at the stations and more.

There are two Amazon business credit cards. The first is the Amazon Business Card from American Express, which gives 3% cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases. The other is the Amazon Prime Business card, which is reserved for Prime members and gives 5% back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases. Both versions of the card also give 2% cash back at U.S. gas stations, at U.S. restaurants, and on wireless phone service purchased directly from U.S. providers. And there’s 1% back on everything else.

There’s also an ongoing promotion for the Amazon Business credit cards: New cardholders get a $100+ Amazon.com gift card after approval ($125 for Business Prime).

Amazon business credit cards are designed specifically for small business owners. They are true credit cards, not charge cards, which means it’s possible to carry a balance between months. Cardholders can also choose to forgo earning rewards in favor of a 0% interest payment plan for 60 days (non-Prime) or 90 days (Prime) on all Amazon purchases.

The best cash back business credit card is the Capital One Spark Cash for Business Visa Card because it offers unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases. Spark Cash for Business also has a $500 bonus for spending $5,000 in the first 3 months and a $1,500 bonus for spending $50,000 in the first 6 months. There is no annual fee the first year ($95 after that), and applicants need good personal credit or better for approval.

Some cash back business cards are best for certain spending categories. When it comes to phone service and office supplies, the SimplyCash Plus has the best deal. It offers 5% cash back on $50,000 spent per year in those categories, plus 3% back in a category of the cardholder’s choosing and 1% back on all other purchases. There’s also an intro APR of SimplyCash Plus on purchases, and the annual fee is $0. SimplyCash Plus requires good credit.

There are several other cards that deserve a spot on the list of best cash back business credit cards, too.

Here are the best cash back business credit cards:

• Capital One Spark Cash for Business – Best overall
  
• Chase Ink Business Cash – Best initial bonus
• SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card from American Express – Best bonus categories
• Chase Ink Business Unlimited – Best for new businesses
• Capital One Spark Classic for Business – Best for limited credit
• Plum Card from American Express – Best charge card

The Capital One Spark Classic card is great for business owners with limited or no credit, offering good approval odds along with 1% cash back on all purchases and a $0 annual fee.

The Plum Card from American Express is the best cash back business charge card because it gives a 1.5% discount on all purchases that get paid off early. And while each purchase has to be paid in full, Amex allows two billing cycles (60 days) to do it. You just need to make a minimum payment on time the first month. The Plum Card also offers $600 in statement credits for spending $30,000 in the first 3 months ($200 credit for each $10,000 spent). And its $0 1st yr, $250 after annual fee is waived the first year.

It’s also worth mentioning that you shouldn’t forget about cash back credit cards meant for personal use. There are some really great deals right now, especially if you don’t plan to spend enough to qualify for a business card’s initial bonus.

The best fuel card for small business is the U.S. Bank Business Edge Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard because it offers 3% cash back on fuel purchases at any station. That 3% rate applies up to $200 spent on each fill-up, with amounts above that yielding 1% back. The U.S. Bank Business Edge Cash Rewards card has a $0 annual fee.

Some people might think that the best fuel cards for small businesses are those partnered with a certain gas station, like the Shell Business card. But those cards restrict fuel purchases that earn rewards to specific stations too.

Many general business credit cards offer rewards at least as good, while letting you make purchases anywhere. For example, the American Express SimplyCash Plus Business card gives 3% cash back in the spending category of your choice, including fuel purchases.

Here are the best fuel cards for small businesses:

• Best overall: U.S. Bank Business Edge Cash Rewards World Elite. Unlimited 3% cash back on single gas purchases of $200 or less (1% on purchases in excess of $200); cell phones and accessories; and office supplies. $0 annual fee. Excellent credit required.
• Best fuel store card: Shell Small Business Card. Pay at the pump at more than 14,000 stations. No personal guarantee needed for businesses open for at least 3 years and with more than $1 million in annual sales. $0 annual fee. Good credit required.
• Best for office supply rewards: SimplyCash Plus Business Card from American Express. 3% cash back on the spending category of your choice, including fuel purchases. 5% back on up to $50k in telephone and office supply purchases per year. $0 annual fee. Good credit required.
• Best for wholesale shopping: Costco Anywhere Visa Business Card. 4% cash back on fuel purchases, up to $7,000 annually; 1% after. 3% on restaurants and travel and 2% at Costco. $0 annual fee. Excellent credit required.
• Best for introductory 0% APR: Chase Ink Business Cash. 2% cash back on first $25k per year on fuel and restaurant purchases. 5% on first $25k spent on office supplies and phone/internet/cable. $0 annual fee. Good credit required.
• Best cash back: Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard. $200 cash back for spending $500 in the first 60 days. 3% cash back on fuel and office supply purchases, up to $250,000 spent annually. 2% back at restaurants. $0 annual fee. Excellent credit required.

The best fuel cards for small business are more flexible that you might realize. In addition to the cash back and rewards that come with fuel and business-related purchases, all the cards give at least 1% cash back or 1 bonus point/mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. You’ll be able to use your fuel card in a pinch for emergencies or other unexpected expenses and earn additional cash back or rewards in the process.