The Best Business Credit Cards for Maximizing Rewards

Points Pathfinder has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Points Pathfinder and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

Running a business requires managing expenses, and the right business credit card can make those expenses work for you. From cashback and travel perks to robust expense tracking and additional employee cards, business credit cards offer unique advantages tailored to entrepreneurs and small businesses. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best business credit card options, highlight their key features, and provide actionable tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.

Why Use a Business Credit Card?

A business credit card is more than just a payment tool—it’s a strategic resource that helps separate business and personal finances, simplifies bookkeeping, and unlocks rewards for everyday purchases. It provides access to business-specific perks like higher credit limits and employee spending controls, making it a valuable tool for companies of all sizes. By choosing the right card, you can also earn points, miles, or cashback on purchases you’re already making.

Key Features to Look For

Before diving into specific examples, let’s look at the key features that make a business credit card valuable:

1. Sign-Up Bonuses: Many business cards offer lucrative bonuses for meeting a minimum spend within the first few months.

2. Reward Categories: Cards often provide higher rewards on common business expenses, such as office supplies, internet, travel, and dining.

3. Low or No Annual Fees: Depending on your business size and spending habits, you may want a card with no annual fee or one with premium perks that justify a higher fee.

4. Introductory APR Offers: Some cards offer 0% APR on purchases or balance transfers for an introductory period, useful for managing cash flow.

5. Employee Cards: Many business cards let you issue additional cards for employees at no extra cost, earning rewards on their purchases while maintaining control over spending.

Top Business Credit Card Categories

Let’s explore some of the best business credit cards, categorized by their strengths. While we won’t name specific cards, we’ll describe their features in detail to give you a clear picture of what’s available.

1. Cashback Powerhouses

If your business spends heavily in certain categories like office supplies, utilities, or gas, a cashback card might be the perfect fit.

Example: One business card offers 5% cashback on office supply purchases and utilities like internet and phone services, 2% cashback on dining and gas, and 1% cashback on all other purchases. This card also features no annual fee, making it a cost-effective option for smaller businesses.

2. Travel-Focused Business Cards

For businesses requiring frequent travel, a travel rewards card can offer significant value through points or miles, as well as travel-related perks.

Example: A premium travel card might offer 3x points on airfare, hotels, and rental cars, priority boarding and free checked bags on flights with a specific airline, and access to airport lounges, providing a quiet space to work or relax during layovers.

3. Cards with Huge Sign-Up Bonuses

Sign-up bonuses are a quick way to earn a large number of points or cashback rewards.

Example: One business card offers a sign-up bonus worth up to 75,000 points after spending $5,000 in the first three months. These points could be redeemed for travel, gift cards, or statement credits, making this card an excellent choice for businesses with high initial expenses.

Additional Perks to Consider

Beyond rewards, some business credit cards come with valuable perks that can save your business time and money:

1. Expense Management Tools: Access to online dashboards that allow you to track spending by category, download reports, and integrate with accounting software like QuickBooks.

2. Purchase Protection and Extended Warranties: Protect your business purchases with insurance against theft or damage and extended warranties on eligible items.

3. Employee Spending Controls: Set spending limits on employee cards to manage budgets and prevent overspending.

4. Travel Protections: Cards often include travel insurance, rental car coverage, and trip cancellation protections, reducing the need for separate policies.

How to Choose the Right Business Credit Card

Selecting the best business credit card requires aligning its features with your business needs. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Analyze Your Spending Patterns: Identify where your business spends the most. Do you frequently travel? Spend heavily on office supplies or advertising? Choose a card that rewards your top spending categories.

2. Consider Cash Flow Needs: If you’re planning a large purchase or need to consolidate debt, look for a card with a 0% APR introductory offer.

3. Evaluate the Annual Fee: Compare the annual fee with the rewards and perks offered. If the card offers enough value—like free travel credits, lounge access, or cashback—it may justify a higher fee.

4. Look for Flexible Redemption Options: Choose a card that allows you to redeem rewards in multiple ways, such as statement credits, travel bookings, or transfers to loyalty programs.

Maximizing Your Business Credit Card Rewards

Once you’ve chosen the right card, here are some tips to maximize its benefits:

• Leverage Sign-Up Bonuses: Plan your spending to meet the minimum spend requirement for the bonus without overspending.

• Use the Right Card for Each Purchase: Pair multiple business cards to ensure you’re earning the highest rewards in each category.

• Pay Your Balance in Full: Avoid interest charges by paying off your balance each month, especially on rewards cards with higher APRs.

• Monitor Employee Spending: Regularly review transactions to ensure employees are using their cards appropriately.

Conclusion

The best business credit card can help you earn valuable rewards, streamline expense tracking, and access business-specific perks. By understanding your spending habits and choosing a card that aligns with your business goals, you can maximize your rewards and turn everyday purchases into valuable benefits. Start exploring your options today and watch your business spending work harder for you.

Points Pathfinder has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Points Pathfinder and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.