Best Small Business Credit Cards in 2025: Which Cards Actually Help Your Business

Running a small business means wearing about twelve different hats, and "financial juggler" is definitely one of them. Between paying suppliers, covering employee expenses, and keeping the lights on, the last thing you need is to mix your business spending with your personal credit card. 

Mixing your personal and business expenses makes tax day a real pain. And as many as 50% of small businesses only use their personal credit card. What's the other half doing? Well, they know that having a business credit card is a game-changer.

The right business credit card does way more than just keep your accountant happy (though they'll definitely thank you). It's like having a financial sidekick that helps you build credit, rack up rewards on stuff you're buying anyway, and gives you breathing room to grow.

It sounds great, but we know scrolling through endless card options can make your head spin. That's why we've done all the research for you, so you can find a card that actually makes sense for your business.

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What is the best credit card for a small business?

The best overall small business credit card is the Chase Ink Business Cash Card. It offers business advantages like welcome bonuses after you spend a certain amount within the first few months from the date of account opening. 

The Chase Ink Business Cash Card offers 5% cash back on office supplies and internet services, no annual fee, and a generous welcome bonus. But the “best” card really depends on your business spending patterns.

Here are our top picks for 2025:

Best overall: Chase Ink Business Cash

No annual fee. 5% cash back on office supplies and internet, capped at $25,000 each account anniversary year. 0% intro APR for 12 months. Perfect for small businesses with regular office expenses.

Best for travel: American Express Business Platinum 

5X points on flights and prepaid hotels. Cardholders can also earn points on eligible hotel purchases. Premium travel perks and lounge access. Large welcome bonus. Perfect for businesses with frequent travel needs.

Best for cash back: Capital One Spark Cash Plus 

2% unlimited cash back on all purchases. No preset spending limit. Annual bonus opportunities. Perfect for high-volume spenders who want simple rewards. Cardholders can redeem points for cash back or other rewards.

These cards lead the pack for small businesses in 2025, but your ideal choice will depend on your spending habits, credit score, and whether you prefer cash back or travel rewards. Let's dive deeper into how to choose the right card for your specific situation.

What to look for in a small business credit card

As a small business owner, you need a credit card that works as hard as you do. Whether you're running a busy restaurant, managing a retail shop, or operating a service business, here's what to prioritize:

Rewards that match your spending patterns

Your business probably spends the most money on:

• Employee-related expenses (payroll, benefits).
• Inventory and supplies.
• Utilities and rent.
• Marketing and advertising purchases.

Some business credit cards offer increased rewards rates on common business purchases. Look for cards that offer higher rewards in categories where you spend the most. For example, if you’re a restaurant owner, a card offering extra points on bulk food purchases could save you thousands annually.

Practical fee structure

Before you get starry-eyed over rewards, take a hard look at the fees. While some premium cards justify their high annual fees with luxury perks, most small businesses benefit more from cards with no or low annual fees.

• Annual fee: For first-time applicants, selecting a business credit card with a low annual fee is super important. While some premium cards justify their fees with luxurious perks, most small businesses benefit more from cards with no or low annual fees.
• Employee cards: Check if additional employee cards are free or have fees.
• Foreign transaction fees: Important if you order inventory from overseas suppliers.

Business management tools

A good business credit card should do more than just process payments. Look for ones that integrate with your accounting software, provide detailed spending reports, and offer digital receipt tracking. These features can save you hours of bookkeeping, making tax time way less stressful.

Credit requirements and accessibility

Most credit card issuers will check your personal credit score, even for a business card. They'll also look at your annual revenue and how long you've been in business. Don't get discouraged if you're just starting out. There are cards designed for new businesses with less stringent requirements.

Flexible payment terms

Cash flow can be unpredictable when you're running a small business. The right card should offer some breathing room with features like introductory 0% APR periods for large purchases and payment due dates that align with your revenue cycle. This flexibility can be a lifesaver during slower seasons.

Security features

With digital fraud on the rise, there's no question that your business credit card needs security features. Look for cards offering zero liability for unauthorized charges, fraud monitoring, and virtual card numbers for online purchases.

The best card for your business won’t necessarily be the one with the flashiest rewards program, it's the one that aligns with how your business actually operates and helps you manage your cash flow most effectively.

Best small business credit cards in 2025

Here are our top picks, with real numbers and benefits that matter to small business owners like you.

Chase Ink Business Cash

The Chase Ink Business Cash credit card is great if you have regular office and internet expenses, particularly if you run a service-based company or a small retail operation. 

What makes this card stand out is its exceptional 5% cash back rate on common business expenses combined with no annual fee. For example, spending just $2,000 monthly on office supplies and internet services would earn you $1,200 back annually.

• Welcome bonus: $900 cash back after spending $6,000 in first 3 months
• Annual fee: $0
• Recommended credit score: 670-850
• Key rewards: 5% cash back on the first $25,000 of combined purchases in designated categories like office supplies and internet, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, 1% on everything else, 0% intro APR for 12 months
  

American Express Business Platinum

A premium card from American Express designed for businesses with employees who travel frequently and have higher spending patterns. 

What sets this card apart is its premium travel benefits package. Cardholders get access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, automatic hotel elite status, and premium travel insurance, making it essentially a business travel toolkit in card form.

• Welcome bonus: 120,000 points after spending $15,000 in first 3 months
• Annual fee: $695
• Recommended credit score: 740-850
• Key rewards: 5X points on flights and hotels through AmEx Travel, 1.5X points on purchases over $5,000, airport lounge access, $200 airline fee credit

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Perfect for high-volume spenders looking for simplicity rather than maximizing category bonuses. This card offers no preset spending limit, so your purchasing power is based on your spending habits and payment history.

With a straightforward earning structure  at 2% cash back on everything, a business spending $30,000 monthly would earn $7,200 annually in rewards, plus the potential for an additional $200 bonus, all without tracking bonus categories.

• Welcome bonus: Up to $1,000 ($500 after spending $5,000 in first 3 months, plus $500 after spending $50,000 in first 6 months)
• Annual fee: $150
• Recommended credit score: 670-850
• Key rewards: Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases, $200 annual cash bonus for spending $200,000+

American Express Blue Business Cash

The Blue Business Cash, also called the AmEx Blue Business card, is perfect if you're just starting with business credit cards, especially if you have irregular monthly expenses. 

The expanded buying power feature lets you spend above your credit limit when needed, while still earning solid rewards without paying an annual fee.

• Welcome bonus: $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in first 3 months
• Annual fee: $0
• Recommended credit score: 670-850
• Key rewards: 2% cash back on first $50,000 in purchases annually then 1%, expanded buying power feature, 0% intro APR for 12 months

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Business Card

This card is particularly valuable for restaurants, retail shops, and service businesses with high utility costs. 

It has a unique combination of utility rewards and a lengthy 0% APR period. That means you can earn rewards on overhead costs and get 15 billing cycles to pay off large purchases.

• Welcome bonus: $500 cash back after spending $4,500 in first 150 days
• Annual fee: $0
• Recommended credit score: 670-850
• Key rewards: 3% cash back on gas stations, office supplies, restaurants, and utilities, 1% on all other purchases, 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles

Chase Ink Business Preferred

Chase Ink's card is made for businesses investing heavily in digital marketing, shipping purchases, or travel, especially e-commerce companies and digital agencies. 

It has an exceptional return on modern business expenses. Spending $5,000 monthly on digital advertising earns you 180,000 points annually, worth $2,250 when redeemed for travel through Chase, making it one of the most lucrative cards for marketing-heavy businesses.

• Welcome bonus: 100,000 points after spending $15,000 in first 3 months
• Annual fee: $95
• Recommended credit score: 690-850
• Key rewards: 3X points on shipping, internet, cable, phone, advertising, and travel (first $150,000 annually), 25% more value when redeeming for travel through Chase

While these cards are our top picks for 2025, the best choice for your business is what you expect to spend the most on. If you’re just starting out, consider a no-annual-fee card to build credit and manage expenses. As your business expenses grow, you can upgrade to premium options that offer more rewards and benefits. 

And to make your payroll run just as smoothly as your business finances, consider Homebase Payroll—an easy, affordable solution designed for small businesses like yours. Learn how you can take the math out of payday for good in our free payroll demo.

How to choose the right small business credit card

Choosing a business credit card isn't just about chasing the biggest welcome bonus, it's about finding a card that fits your business like a well-tailored suit. Here's how to make the right choice for your specific situation.

Match the rewards to your spending.

Take a look at your last three months of business expenses. Where does most of your money go? 

If you're running a restaurant, you might spend heavily on supplies and utilities, making a card like the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards a better fit than a travel-focused card. If you're spending thousands on online advertising, a card that rewards digital marketing expenses could be your best bet.

Consider your credit profile.

Your personal credit score matters more than you might think for business credit cards. Here's what you generally need:

• Excellent credit (740+): Access to premium cards like the AmEx Business Platinum.
• Good credit (670-739): Most business cards, including the Chase Ink Business Cash.
• Fair credit (580-669): More limited options, but cards like Capital One Spark Classic are available.

Factor in your cash flow.

Managing cash flow is one of the biggest challenges for small businesses, with 82% of failures attributed to poor cash management. 

The right credit card can act as a powerful cash flow tool, giving you flexible payment terms and up to 55 days of interest-free float on purchases. Some business credit cards allow you to redeem earned points to offset purchases or be directly applied to your credit card bill.

Before applying, analyze your business's cash patterns and consider:

• Whether you can comfortably meet minimum spending requirements for welcome bonuses.
• If you need a 0% intro APR period for large purchases.
• How well the payment due dates align with your revenue cycle.
• Whether you can justify an annual fee based on your expected rewards.

Think about business growth.

Choose a card that can grow with your business. If you're just starting out, a no-annual-fee card with basic rewards might be perfect. But as your business expands, you might benefit from:

• Higher credit limits.
• More robust expense management tools.
• Premium travel benefits.
• The ability to earn rewards on higher spending volumes.

What is the easiest business credit card to get?

For new businesses or those with limited credit history, secured business credit cards are often the easiest to get approved for. The Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card, for example, requires a security deposit but reports to business credit bureaus, helping you build credit for future upgrades.

Other options include:

• Business charge cards (like some American Express options) that may be more flexible with approval.
• Cards from your existing business bank, which may consider your banking relationship.
• Retail business credit cards, which often have more lenient requirements.

Even if you start with a basic card, using it responsibly can help you qualify for better options in the future. Focus on making payments on time and keeping your credit use low.

Business credit card vs. personal credit card

Many small business owners start out using their personal credit cards for business expenses. After all, credit is credit, right? Well, not exactly. Using dedicated business credit cards helps separate business and personal expenses, which can protect and grow your business.

With a business credit card, you get:

Easier tax preparation.

Business credit cards automatically categorize your expenses and provide year-end summaries, making tax season much simpler. Instead of sorting through personal statements trying to separate that office supply run from your grocery shopping, you'll have clean, categorized records of all business spending.

Build business credit.

When you use a business credit card, you're building a separate credit profile for your company. A strong business credit profile helps you secure larger loans with better terms, negotiate more favorable payment terms with suppliers, and even qualify for better insurance rates. 

Plus, it makes your business more attractive to potential investors or buyers.

Better expense management.

Business credit cards come with powerful expense management tools that personal cards simply don't offer. You can get free employee cards with customizable spending controls, higher credit limits to support business growth, and seamless integration with accounting software. 

These cards provide detailed spending analytics that show you exactly where your money is going.

Legal and liability protection.

Using separate credit cards helps maintain the legal separation between personal and business finances. This "corporate veil" can protect your personal assets if your business faces legal issues or bankruptcy.

Business-specific benefits.

Business credit cards are designed with features that specifically address company needs. You'll get cell phone protection that covers all company devices, purchase protection for business equipment, and higher reward rates on common business expenses. Many cards also include travel insurance that extends to your employees.

Different credit reporting.

Most business credit cards only report to your personal credit if you default, while regular spending and payment activity builds your business credit. This means you can carry higher balances for business needs without impacting your personal credit utilization ratio.

While business cards offer these advantages, you're still personally liable for debt in most cases. Choose a card that matches your business's spending patterns and always keep detailed records of business expenses, regardless of which type of card you use.

Make your business credit card work for you.

Running a successful business means making smart financial choices, and choosing the right business credit card is a crucial one. Whether you opt for the straightforward rewards of the Chase Ink Business Cash®, the premium travel benefits of the American Express Business Platinum®, or start with a secured card to build credit, the key is matching the card to your business needs.

Start by evaluating your business spending, consider your credit profile, and choose a card that aligns with your goals. And remember, as your business grows, your credit card may need to change, too. Don't be afraid to reassess and upgrade as your business evolves.

Ready to take control of all your business finances? While you're getting your credit card strategy sorted, check out how Homebase can help you manage payroll, time tracking, and HR, all in one place. Don't have your business credit card yet? No worries! Get started for free.

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