Every business has its specific needs that vary for every domain or desired target. Moreover, as the financial situations and operational landscape keep changing, there has to be some security to sail through.
That is where business credit cards get involved! These cards offer a wide range of perks, including financial management and business-related rewards.
If you have picked up one of the best business credit cards in the USA, you will always be covered and well-prepared for planned or sudden expenses.
So, if you also own a business in the United States, this guide about the best business cards in the country and the benefits they offer will certainly help a great deal.
Table of Contents
What is Business Credit Cards?
Business credit cards are the specifically designed credit card types that align with unique business needs. These cards offer numerous perks to every business, irrespective of its size and the domain in which it operates. One can manage expenses and enjoy a fruitful reward program tailored to business-related spending.
Key Features of Business Credit Cards in the USA
A reliable and fruitful credit card will always work towards offering great perks to the cardholder. Some of the key features that the business credit card has are:
- It allows you to do perfect expense management, helping you separate your personal expenses from the business expenditures.
- You get access to reward programs, allowing you to earn miles, points, cashbacks, and a myriad of other benefits related to office supplies or dining.
- Some business credit cards in the USA offer 0% introductory APR periods, providing flexibility in cash flow management.
- You will get a detailed monthly statement that helps you with budgeting and planning your finances accordingly.
Why does Your Business need a Credit Card?
There are multiple reasons why a business owner would opt for a business credit card. He may want to opt for it to keep safe against financial troubles or to enjoy the rewards it brings. Some of the advantages of using the best business credit cards in the USA that justify its requirement for your business are listed below.
Better Cash Flow
These cards offer short-term and long-term financing options to cover your business expenses if the cash flow gets challenging at any point in time.
Improved Business Credit
It will help you build an excellent business credit profile if you use the business credit card often for your business and make timely payments. At a large scale, this business credit value can help you secure larger loans or borrow money at simple terms from your bank.
Rewards and Perks
These credit cards help win rewards on all the purchases you make through them. You can redeem these rewards for travel, cash back, or other business-related expenses, potentially saving money.
There are countless other benefits that the best business credit cards offer. It is because of all these perks you should certainly consider opting for a credit card for your business.
Do you Qualify for a Business Credit Card?
Though there are numerous benefits of having a business credit card, you can only avail of them if you qualify for it. Your qualification for a credit card for your business depends on multiple factors, like the business type, creditworthiness, and overall financial situation. To get a business credit card, you should fulfill the following terms.
- You should own a sole proprietorship or an LLC (limited liability company) to apply for the card. Furthermore, big corporates are also eligible for these cards.
- Provide the business-related information, including your business name, tax identification number, and complete address.
- You may have to disclose your annual revenue report to the card provider to ensure your creditworthiness is satisfactory.
- Many financial institutes ask for a personal guarantee, ensuring the business owner is personally qualifying for debt.
You can apply for your preferred business credit card if you qualify for all these terms. Moving on, let us discuss the type of businesses eligible for a business credit card in the USA.
Which Businesses Can Get a Business Credit Card?
A wide range of businesses can qualify for a business credit card. Different financial institutes may have different terms in this regard. However, here’s a list of business types that can apply for any business credit card available in the USA.
Freelancers and Proprietors
Freelancers, consultants, and individuals can apply for business credit cards even if they operate under their name without a formal business address or an office location.
Small Businesses
Small businesses with a formal structure (LLC, partnership, corporation) and a consistent revenue stream are the most common candidates for business credit cards.
Also might love this article: 8 Best Small Business Credit Cards in the USA
Startup Businesses
New businesses or startups can also qualify for these cards. However, their eligibility may depend a lot on the owner’s creditworthiness.
Retail Stores and E-Commerce
Physical stores and online shops can also get their business credit cards for inventory purchases, marketing, and other operational costs.
Hospitality Services
Restaurants, catering businesses, and hotels can also apply for business credit cards to manage day-to-day expenses and cash flow.
Choose from the Best 11 Business Credit Cards in the USA
By now, you have learned all the information about different options for business credit cards in the United States. The next concern is about choosing the right options out of a huge list of options! Let us discuss the top 11 options that are best from the rest.
American Express® Business Gold Card: This card is an excellent option for businesses with vast spending. It allows you to earn 4x points on the two categories out of a list of six options where your business spends the most every month. You can earn up to $150,000 in combined purchases every financial year.
Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Ideal for high rewards on business expenses, offering 3x points on travel, shipping, and advertising purchases up to $150,000 per year. It comes with a substantial sign-up bonus and flexible point redemption options.
Capital One Spark Cash Select for Excellent Credit: It is a popular business credit card option known for its smooth reward structure and no annual fee. This card offers 2% unlimited cash back on every purchase and a $750 bonus when you spend $6,000 in the first three months.
Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard: With this card, you get 3% cash back on a category of your choice. Additionally, you get 2% on dining, and up to $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each year. Most businesses opt for this card because of its varied reward system.
American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card: This card is typically for small business owners who wish to enjoy the perks with the least or no card fee involved. It lets you earn 2X Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases up to $50,000 per year, after that, these rewards get 1X.
Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card: It is another preferred option that offers 5% cash back on office supply stores and internet, cable, and phone services (up to $25,000 annually). Additionally, you get 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent at gas stations and restaurants.
CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard: It is a valuable business credit card, particularly for those who frequently fly with American Airlines. With this card, you can earn 2 miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, telecommunications, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants, and gas stations.
Wells Fargo Business Elite Signature Card: The card is designed for larger businesses with substantial spending needs, offering a variety of features that can help manage expenses and earn rewards. You can earn 1.5% cash back on every $1 spent through this card.
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard: This card is apt for business owners who want to maximize their cash back on common business expenses without paying an annual fee. You can get 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants. Additionally, you get 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
Brex Card for Startups: It is a corporate credit card designed specifically for startup companies, offering unique benefits and rewards tailored to the needs of fast-growing businesses. It lets you earn 8X points on rideshares, 5X on travel booked through Brex, 4X on restaurants, 3X on eligible Apple purchases, 2X on software, and 1X on all other transactions.
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card: The card offers 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Business, AWS, and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership. 1% back on other purchases.
Comparison of the Best 11 Business Credit Cards in the USA
Name of the Card | Annual Fee | Intro Offer | Benefits |
American Express Business Gold Card | $295 | 70,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $10,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. | Flexible spending limit adapting to your business needs. Access to Amex Offers for savings on travel, dining, and more. |
Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card | $95 | 100,000 bonus points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. | Comprehensive travel and purchase protections. Points can be transferred to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs. |
Capital One Spark Cash for Business | $95 (waived for the first year). | $500 cash bonus after you spend $4,500 in the first 3 months. | No minimum to redeem cash back. Free employee cards with no additional fee. |
Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard | $0 | $300 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days. | No annual fee. Higher rewards for categories like office supplies or travel. Flexible cash back redemption options. |
American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card | $0 | None | No annual fee. Flexible spending limit. Access to Amex Offers. |
Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card | $0 | $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. | No annual fee. Employee cards at no additional cost. Flexible rewards redemption. |
CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard | $99 (waived for the first year). | 65,000 AAdvantage bonus miles after spending $4,000 in the first 4 months. | Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights. First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines flights. 25% savings on in-flight purchases. |
Wells Fargo Business Elite Signature Card | $125 (waived for the first year). | No annual fee. Higher rewards for categories like office supplies or travel. Flexible cash-back redemption options. | Detailed business reporting. Travel and emergency assistance services. |
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard | $0 | 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, then variable APR starting at 18.24% | No annual fee. No cap on total cash back earned. Cash back redemption in multiple forms. |
Brex Card for Startups | $0 | None | No personal guarantee required. Easy integration with accounting software. Exclusive offers from partners like AWS, Google Ads, and more. |
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card | $0 (requires Amazon Prime membership). | $125 Amazon.com gift card upon approval. | No annual fee for Prime membership. Flexible payment options. Integration with Amazon Business for detailed spending reports. |
Conclusion
After all the discussion, it is clear that business credit cards in the USA are a powerful financial tool that offers substantial benefits for every business. You can use them to manage expenses, enjoy valuable rewards, smoothen your cash flow, and build impressive business credit. You only have to be careful about choosing the right card out of numerous available options.
Refer to the list above that will help you compare different options and decide which card would be the best fit for your business. Carry out thorough research, and you enjoy efficient financial management.
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