Featured Partner Offer
Featured Partner
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
On American Express's Website
4.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On American Express's Website
Up to 2X Reward Rate
Earn 2X points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year; Earn unlimited 1X points on purchases thereafter
Welcome Bonus
Earn 15,000 points
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Regular APR
18.49% - 26.49% Variable
Credit Score
Excellent/Good(700 - 749)
Editorial Review
The Blue Business Plus card is a rare example of a no-annual-fee way to game your rewards earnings. You’ll earn 2X points on all purchases up to $50,000 per year. It’s a perfect fit if your business is small enough to spend less than $50,000 per year. If not, spend up to the $50,000 max, then switch to another card for the rest of the year’s purchases. You’ll win either way.
Pros & Cons
- Wide variety of airline transfer partners
- No annual fee
- High rewards rate on the first $50,000 in annual spending
- There’s a foreign transaction fee
- 2 points per dollar rewards rate falls to 1 point per dollar after $50,000 in annual spending
Card Details
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% – 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Small Business Credit Cards for Startups of 2024
Best Flat-Rate Cash-Back Card for Small Businesses With Under $50,000 in Annual Spending
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
On American Express's Website
5.0
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On American Express's Website
Up to 2% Reward Rate
Earn 2% Cash Back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year; Earn 1% Cash Back onRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn $250
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Regular APR
18.49% - 26.49% Variable
Credit Score
Excellent/Good(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
Considering there’s no annual fee, the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card pays off for business owners who spend $50k or less per year. Just don’t use the card overseas, as the foreign transaction fee eclipses the cashback rewards.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR on purchases
- Great extra benefits like purchase protection and car rental insurance
- Business-oriented benefits like employee cards and authorized manager accounts
- Highest-earning cash-back reward capped after $50,000 in annual spending
- High foreign transaction fees
- No low introductory APR for balance transfers
Card Details
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% – 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
- From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
- Just remember,the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Earn a$250statement credit after you make$3,000 in purchaseson your Card in your first3months.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Flat-Rate Flexible Rewards Card for Small Businesses With Under $50,000 in Annual Spending
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
On American Express's Website
4.9
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On American Express's Website
Up to 2X Reward Rate
Earn 2X points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year; Earn unlimited 1X points on purchases thereafter
Welcome Bonus
Earn 15,000 points
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Regular APR
18.49% - 26.49% Variable
Credit Score
Excellent/Good(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
The Blue Business Plus card is a rare example of a no-annual-fee way to game your rewards earnings. You’ll earn 2X points on all purchases up to $50,000 per year. It’s a perfect fit if your business is small enough to spend less than $50,000 per year. If not, spend up to the $50,000 max, then switch to another card for the rest of the year’s purchases. You’ll win either way.
Pros & Cons
- Wide variety of airline transfer partners
- No annual fee
- High rewards rate on the first $50,000 in annual spending
- There’s a foreign transaction fee
- 2 points per dollar rewards rate falls to 1 point per dollar after $50,000 in annual spending
Card Details
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% – 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
- You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
- *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
4.7
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On American Express's Website
Up to 4X Reward Rate
Earn 4X points in the 2 select categories where you spend the most each month (4X points applies to theRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn 70,000 points
Annual Fee
$375
Regular APR
19.49% - 27.49% Variable
Credit Score
Good,Excellent(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
A business with significant spending can justify the annual fee and earn massive rewards through the 4x points rate on eligible purchases.
Pros & Cons
- Flexible redemption and points transfer options
- Robust travel benefits
- Automatic 4 points per dollar on the two categories where you spend the most each billing period on up to $150,000 in annual spending
- Very high annual fee relative to benefits
- 4 points per dollar rate capped at $150,000 in annual spending
Card Details
- Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
- Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
- Get $12.95 back in statement credits each month when you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. $12.95 plus applicable taxes.
- Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
- *Terms Apply
Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Premium Travel Benefits
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
On American Express's Website
4.7
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On American Express's Website
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Get 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on American Express Travel; Earn 1.5X points on eligible purchasesRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn 120,000 points
Annual Fee
$695
Regular APR
19.49% - 27.49% Variable
Credit Score
Good, Excellent(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is the quintessential status card for high-spending, frequent-flying business owners and their employees. If sufficiently leveraged, the card’s robust benefits are well worth the high annual fee.
Pros & Cons
- Excellent welcome bonus
- A slew of potential statement credits
- Extensive airport lounge access
- Rich suite of travel perks
- High spending requirement to earn welcome bonus
- Annual fee and additional cardholder fees are very high
- Limited spending bonus categories
- Some credits are doled out in increments, making them harder to use
Card Details
- Welcome Offer: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with your Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
- Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
- Unlock over $1,000 in annual statement credits on a curation of business purchases, including select purchases made with Dell Technologies, Indeed, Adobe, and U.S. wireless service providers.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees charged by your one selected, qualifying airline to your Card.
- $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Business Platinum Card®.
- The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Platinum Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Small Business Cash-Back Card From Chase
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
4.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cableRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn $750 bonus cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.49% - 24.49% Variable
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
Offers enticing cash rewards for those with significant business-related spending, with an added bonus of 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months of opening your account.
Pros & Cons
- No additional fee for employee cards
- High rewards rates in select bonus categories
- Generous welcome bonus
- Very high fee for cash advances & balance transfers
- Spending cap on bonus categories
- Low rewards rates outside of bonus categories
Card Details
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
- Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Small Business Flat-Rate Cash-Back Card From Chase
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
4.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
1.5% Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 1.5% Cash Back rewards on every purchase made for your business
Welcome Bonus
Earn $750 bonus cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
18.49% - 24.49% Variable
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
Busy business owners will appreciate this card’s simple flat-rate rewards program which doesn’t require time to manage and optimize.
Pros & Cons
- Unlimited 1.5% cash back rewards on purchases
- No annual fee
- Generous welcome bonus
- 0% Intro APR on purchases for 12 months
- Cash back awarded as Ultimate Rewards, which can be combined with premium Chase credit card accounts for better reward redemption options
- High foreign transaction fees
- Not a good card for balance transfers
Card Details
- Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
- Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
- No Annual Fee
- Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
- Member FDIC
Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best Card With No Preset Spending Limit and Low Annual Fee
Business Green Rewards Card from American Express *
4.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 2X Reward Rate
Earn 2X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases at American Express Travel; Earn 1X points for eachRead More
Welcome Bonus
15,000 points
Annual Fee
$95
Regular APR
19.49% - 27.49% variable
Credit Score
Excellent Credit(750 - 850)
Why We Picked It
If you are looking for an entry into the Membership Rewards Ecosystem and want a flexible credit line, consider the American Express Business Green Card.
Pros & Cons
- The card earns Membership Rewards points, which are highly flexible
- Spending limit adapts based on factors such as purchase and payment history
- Some travel benefits
- Lackluster earning potential, especially compared to other business cards
- $95annual fee
Card Details
- Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership
- Earn 2x points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases at American Express Travel and 1x points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases
- No preset spending limit
All information about Business Green Rewards Card from American Express has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
All information about Business Green Rewards Card from American Express has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases in the first 3 months of card membership
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Welcome Bonus
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
4.6
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website
Up to 3X Reward Rate
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable andRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn 100,000 bonus points
Annual Fee
$95
Regular APR
21.24%-26.24% Variable
Credit Score
Excellent, Good(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
Frequent business travelers who spend generously within the bonus categories will find extreme value in this card.
Pros & Cons
- Remarkable welcome bonus
- No foreign transaction fees
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- Rewards for common business expenses
- Has annual fee
- Rewards cap on high earning categories
- Potential gaps in reward coverage for key business categories
Card Details
- Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more – your points don’t expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
New Cardmember Offer! Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
Best for Amazon
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card *
4.5
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
Up to 5X Reward Rate
Earn 5% back or 90 days terms on eligible U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com and Whole Foods MarketRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn a $125 Amazon.com gift card
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.49% - 27.49% variable
Credit Score
Good/Excellent(700 - 749)
Why We Picked It
If your business spends heavily on Amazon.com, AWS, or Whole Foods, this card’s 5% back is an unbeatable reward — more so with no annual fee. If short-term cash flow is an issue, you have the option to swap the 5% back for 90-day 0% APR financing on any eligible purchase. There is no 0% intro APR offer, and the standard APR is high, so this card isn’t suitable for long-term financing.
Pros & Cons
- No foreign transaction fee
- Free employee cards include purchase controls
- On each eligible purchase, choose 5% back or 90-day terms at Amazon and Whole Foods
- Amazon Prime membership required
- No intro APR offer
- Standard APR can be high, depending on your credit
Card Details
- Earn a $125 Amazon.com gift card upon approval for the card
- No annual fee
- Choose 5% back or 90 days terms on eligible U.S. purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership
- The 5% rate applies to the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter
- Earn 2% back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers
- Earn 1% back on other purchases
All information about Amazon Business Prime American Express Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
All information about Amazon Business Prime American Express Card has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor
Earn a $125 Amazon.com gift card upon approval for the card
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.