Best business cards for startups of December 2023
When you’re managing a startup, maximizing your finances is vital for success, which is why it is important to know some of the best business credit cards for startups. Having a business credit card is a good starting point for any business. At The Points Guy, we are committed to helping our readers make better financial decisions, whether you’re an established business or just getting started.
Adding a business card to your wallet can help you earn rewards on new business expenses and simplify the finances of your new enterprise. Here are our top picks for your startup from our partners.
- 1.5% Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
Why We Chose It
The Ink Business Unlimited is a great business card for freelancers, as it offers no annual fee and unlimited 1.5% cash back. New cardmembers can earn a generous $900 cash back after spending $6,000 in the first three months from account opening. Premium Chase card holders can also transfer the Ink Business card’s cash-back rewards to Chase Ultimate Rewards and potentially double its redemption value.
In addition to having no annual fee, the Ink Business Card features a relatively low spending rate to earn the sign-up bonus and an introductory 0% APR for 12 months on new purchases (a variable of 18.49% to 24.49% will apply after), which can be helpful for freelancers who are still building out their businesses. But even for established operations who may already have other Ink Business cards, the Ink Business Unlimited can be a great card to fill in reward gaps not covered by other products. Read more about the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card here.
Pros
- Unlimited cash-back earning.
- Compatible with Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Introductory APR on purchases.
- No annual fee.
Cons
- Limited travel and purchase protections.
- Foreign transaction fees.
- No bonus categories.
- Earn $900 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
Why We Chose It
The Ink Business Unlimited is a great business card for freelancers, as it offers no annual fee and unlimited 1.5% cash back. New cardmembers can earn a generous $900 cash back after spending $6,000 in the first three months from account opening. Premium Chase card holders can also transfer the Ink Business card’s cash-back rewards to Chase Ultimate Rewards and potentially double its redemption value.
In addition to having no annual fee, the Ink Business Card features a relatively low spending rate to earn the sign-up bonus and an introductory 0% APR for 12 months on new purchases (a variable of 18.49% to 24.49% will apply after), which can be helpful for freelancers who are still building out their businesses. But even for established operations who may already have other Ink Business cards, the Ink Business Unlimited can be a great card to fill in reward gaps not covered by other products. Read more about the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card here.
Pros
- Unlimited cash-back earning.
- Compatible with Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Introductory APR on purchases.
- No annual fee.
Cons
- Limited travel and purchase protections.
- Foreign transaction fees.
- No bonus categories.
- Earn $900 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
Pros
- Unlimited cash-back earning.
- Compatible with Chase Ultimate Rewards.
- Introductory APR on purchases.
- No annual fee.
Cons
- Limited travel and purchase protections.
- Foreign transaction fees.
- No bonus categories.
- Earn $900 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
- 5% 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
- 2% Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
- 1% Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
Why We Chose It
The Ink Business Cash Credit Card is a great pick if you are looking for a no-annual-fee business card with great cash-back rates. The card provides 5% back on office supplies and telecommunication purchases (up to $25,000 in combined purchases each year), 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $25,000 in combined purchases each year) and then 1% back on all other purchases. In addition, it offers an introductory 12-month 0% APR for purchases (a variable APR of 18.49% to 24.49% will apply after). If you apply today, you can take home a bonus of $900 cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.
The Ink Business Cash’s cash-back can be transferred to Chase Ultimate Reward points for cardmembers with eligible premium Chase Ultimate Rewards cards. This potentially doubles the value of its sign-up offer, making the bonus one of the best business card offers out there. Read more about the Ink Business Cash Credit Card here.
Pros
- Lucrative sign-up bonus.
- No annual fee.
- Introductory APR for purchases.
- Bonus earning categories.
- Compatible with Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Cons
- Subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule.
- Spending cap on bonus earning.
- Foreign transaction fees.
- Earn $900 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
Why We Chose It
The Ink Business Cash Credit Card is a great pick if you are looking for a no-annual-fee business card with great cash-back rates. The card provides 5% back on office supplies and telecommunication purchases (up to $25,000 in combined purchases each year), 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $25,000 in combined purchases each year) and then 1% back on all other purchases. In addition, it offers an introductory 12-month 0% APR for purchases (a variable APR of 18.49% to 24.49% will apply after). If you apply today, you can take home a bonus of $900 cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening.
The Ink Business Cash’s cash-back can be transferred to Chase Ultimate Reward points for cardmembers with eligible premium Chase Ultimate Rewards cards. This potentially doubles the value of its sign-up offer, making the bonus one of the best business card offers out there. Read more about the Ink Business Cash Credit Card here.
Pros
- Lucrative sign-up bonus.
- No annual fee.
- Introductory APR for purchases.
- Bonus earning categories.
- Compatible with Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Cons
- Subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule.
- Spending cap on bonus earning.
- Foreign transaction fees.
- Earn $900 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
Pros
- Lucrative sign-up bonus.
- No annual fee.
- Introductory APR for purchases.
- Bonus earning categories.
- Compatible with Chase Ultimate Rewards.
Cons
- Subject to Chase’s 5/24 rule.
- Spending cap on bonus earning.
- Foreign transaction fees.
- Earn $900 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
- 2X Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners
- 1X 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter
Why We Chose It
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card is a great card for startups looking for reward earning without a high annual fee. The card earns 2 American Express Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on all purchases, up to $50,000 in annual spending. Based on creditworthiness, new card members can also qualify for an introductory APR of 0% for up to 12 months on new purchases (a variable APR of 18.49% to 26.49% will apply after; APR will not exceed 29.99%). But the Blue Business Plus does have a foreign transaction fees, so if your business involves international travel, there may be better options for you. Read more about the Blue Business Preferred Card here.
Pros
- Transfer partners.
- No annual fee.
- Flat-rate earning on all purchases.
- Introductory APR.
Cons
- Foreign transaction fees.
- Cap on bonus earning.
- 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
Why We Chose It
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card is a great card for startups looking for reward earning without a high annual fee. The card earns 2 American Express Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on all purchases, up to $50,000 in annual spending. Based on creditworthiness, new card members can also qualify for an introductory APR of 0% for up to 12 months on new purchases (a variable APR of 18.49% to 26.49% will apply after; APR will not exceed 29.99%). But the Blue Business Plus does have a foreign transaction fees, so if your business involves international travel, there may be better options for you. Read more about the Blue Business Preferred Card here.
Pros
- Transfer partners.
- No annual fee.
- Flat-rate earning on all purchases.
- Introductory APR.
Cons
- Foreign transaction fees.
- Cap on bonus earning.
- 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
Pros
- Transfer partners.
- No annual fee.
- Flat-rate earning on all purchases.
- Introductory APR.
Cons
- Foreign transaction fees.
- Cap on bonus earning.
- 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
- 5X 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
- 1.5X Earn 1.5X points 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.
- 1X 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Why We Chose It
The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a great card if your startup requires extensive travel — and even more so if you are looking to add some luxury to your business trips. While the card does come with a high annual fee, it also offers a ton of valuable benefits and perks. The Business Platinum Card offers generous annual travel credits, unparalleled lounge access (including Amex Centurion Lounges), elite hotel status and more. Read more about the Business Platinum Card from American Express here.
Pros
- Global Entry/TSA Precheck application credit.
- Numerous statement credits.
- Elite hotel status.
- Travel and shopping protections.
Cons
- High annual fee.
- High spend needed for welcome offer.
- Minimal non-travel bonuses.
- 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.
Why We Chose It
The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a great card if your startup requires extensive travel — and even more so if you are looking to add some luxury to your business trips. While the card does come with a high annual fee, it also offers a ton of valuable benefits and perks. The Business Platinum Card offers generous annual travel credits, unparalleled lounge access (including Amex Centurion Lounges), elite hotel status and more. Read more about the Business Platinum Card from American Express here.
Pros
- Global Entry/TSA Precheck application credit.
- Numerous statement credits.
- Elite hotel status.
- Travel and shopping protections.
Cons
- High annual fee.
- High spend needed for welcome offer.
- Minimal non-travel bonuses.
- 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.
Pros
- Global Entry/TSA Precheck application credit.
- Numerous statement credits.
- Elite hotel status.
- Travel and shopping protections.
Cons
- High annual fee.
- High spend needed for welcome offer.
- Minimal non-travel bonuses.
- 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.
- 4X 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.
- 3X Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
- 1x 1X is earned for other purchases. **
Why We Chose It
The American Express Business Gold Card is a great choice for companies looking to earn travel rewards, specifically American Express Membership Rewards points. The card earns 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on your top two spending categories each billing cycle (up to $150,000 in combined purchases every calendar year), 3 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. American Express points are transferable to 18 airlines and three hotel transfer partners. The Amex Business Gold card is not for every start up, as it has a hefty $295 annual fee($375 if application is received on or after 2/1/24), but it can be a good match if you’re looking to gain flexible reward points. Read more about the American Express Business Gold Card here.
Pros
- Earns American Express Membership Rewards points.
- Flexible redemption options.
- High welcome offer.
- Bonus earning rates.
Cons
- High annual fee.
- Less appropriate for lower-spending businesses.
- 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. Now choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
- *Terms Apply
- See Rates & Fees
Why We Chose It
The American Express Business Gold Card is a great choice for companies looking to earn travel rewards, specifically American Express Membership Rewards points. The card earns 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on your top two spending categories each billing cycle (up to $150,000 in combined purchases every calendar year), 3 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. American Express points are transferable to 18 airlines and three hotel transfer partners. The Amex Business Gold card is not for every start up, as it has a hefty $295 annual fee($375 if application is received on or after 2/1/24), but it can be a good match if you’re looking to gain flexible reward points. Read more about the American Express Business Gold Card here.
Pros
- Earns American Express Membership Rewards points.
- Flexible redemption options.
- High welcome offer.
- Bonus earning rates.
Cons
- High annual fee.
- Less appropriate for lower-spending businesses.
- 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. Now choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
- *Terms Apply
- See Rates & Fees
Pros
- Earns American Express Membership Rewards points.
- Flexible redemption options.
- High welcome offer.
- Bonus earning rates.
Cons
- High annual fee.
- Less appropriate for lower-spending businesses.
- 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. Now choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
- *Terms Apply
- See Rates & Fees
- 3X Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year
- 1X Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases – with no limit to the amount you can earn
Why We Chose It
The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card is a great choice for companies looking to earn reward points, specifically Chase Ultimate Rewards. The Ink Business Preferred offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 spent on travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers, and all other purchases earn 1 Ultimate Rewards point per dollar. All points are transferable to Chase’s airline and hotel transfer partners. The Ink Business Preferred also offers travel protections, shopping protections, primary rental car coverage and more for — all for just a $95 annual fee. Read more about the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card here.
Pros
- Cellphone and travel protections.
- Multiple bonus categories.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Annual fee.
- High spend required for sign-up bonus.
- 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 Ultimate Rewards®
- 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 Ultimate Rewards®
- 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
Why We Chose It
The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card is a great choice for companies looking to earn reward points, specifically Chase Ultimate Rewards. The Ink Business Preferred offers 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 spent on travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers, and all other purchases earn 1 Ultimate Rewards point per dollar. All points are transferable to Chase’s airline and hotel transfer partners. The Ink Business Preferred also offers travel protections, shopping protections, primary rental car coverage and more for — all for just a $95 annual fee. Read more about the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card here.
Pros
- Cellphone and travel protections.
- Multiple bonus categories.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Annual fee.
- High spend required for sign-up bonus.
- 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 Ultimate Rewards®
- 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 Ultimate Rewards®
- 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
Pros
- Cellphone and travel protections.
- Multiple bonus categories.
- No foreign transaction fees.
Cons
- Annual fee.
- High spend required for sign-up bonus.
- 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 Ultimate Rewards®
- 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 Ultimate Rewards®
- 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
Comparing the best business cards for startups
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| Credit card | Best for | Intro offer | Earning Rate | Annual Fee | |
| Best for no-annual-fee reward earning |
15,000
Membership Rewards® points |
1 - 2X points
1 - 2X points
details
|
No
annual fee |
||
| Best for travel perks |
Earn 120,000
points |
1 - 5X points
1 - 5X points
details
|
$695 | ||
| Best for American Express Membership Rewards |
Earn 70,000
points |
1 - 4X points
1 - 4X points
details
|
$295
($375 if application is received on or after 2/1/24) |
||
| Best for Chase Ultimate Rewards |
100,000
points |
1 - 3X points
1 - 3X points
details
|
$95 | ||
| Best for freelancers |
$900
|
1.5% cash-back
1.5% cash-back
details
|
$0 | ||
| Best for cash-back |
$900
|
1 - 5% cash-back
1 - 5% cash-back
details
|
$0 |
More details on our best business credit cards for startups
Do I qualify for a business credit card if my business is a start-up?
Startups will have a limited credit history, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a business credit card. Most issuers will allow individuals to apply for business cards using a Social Security number, but that requires a personal guarantee ‚— an agreement where the applicant agrees to personally cover any debt on the business card. Even in cases of business failure, the personal guarantor is responsible for the debt.
This means that your personal credit history greatly affects your eligibility for a business credit card. If your personal credit is good to excellent, the cards on this list can be a great fit.
How can I establish business credit?
Small business credit cards are often given to companies with minimal credit history based on a personal credit score. However, established businesses should seek to create a dedicated business score to access better loans and lines of credit. For more information on how to build business credit, you can check out our full guide here.