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The Best Credit Cards for Small Business Owners

May 23, 2022

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Let’s talk money. More specifically, plastic.

Chances are, you have a credit card or two sitting in your wallet. That means you already understand the importance of credit cards. Not only do they make it easy to track your transactions, you need them to establish your credit (in other words, the measure of your trustworthiness to pay back any money that is lent to you).

But did you know that for business owners, it’s just as important to have business credit cards? Much like the process for building your personal credit, you use business credit cards for your business’s credit. Good credit history will boost your SMB’s credibility and reliability in the eyes of other credit card companies, banks, and investors (which will make it easier for you to get loans and lower interest rates). Plus, business credit cards typically have much higher credit limits than personal credit cards, making large or bulk purchases easier.

In other words, responsible credit card use is a boon for your business (or even seemingly irresponsible credit card use — Trainual CEO Chris Ronzio knowingly leveraged $300K worth of debt to successfully scale his business).

So, what’s the best credit card for your business?

Determining the best benefits for your SMB

You’ll know this from your personal credit card use, but different credit cards come with different benefits. Some come with points that accumulate with each transaction and can be used to purchase goods, book travel, or reserve other services. Others offer cashback — AKA spending money to make money back (a much smaller percentage, but still).

And where you swipe your card can add even more to your benefits. For example, some cards will give you more points at the gas pump, while others provide incentives for making purchases with their corporate partners (businesses like Amazon, Peloton, and Apple are just a few examples).

You’ll also want to consider where you and your business are financially. Because you’re the business owner, most credit card companies will be looking at your personal credit score to determine your eligibility for your first business credit card. They’ll want to ensure that any debt your business may accrue can be paid off. Factors like the annual fee and annual percentage rate (APR) for interest can also be important, especially if your business is just starting out.

So your choice of business card comes down to a few questions:

  • Where does your business spend the most money?
  • Where could you make the best use of your benefits?
  • What can you afford to pay for annual fees or interest?
A man with his hands pressed together saying, "The choice is yours."

Want an example?

Here’s a scenario for you: let’s say you run a landscaping business. Chances are your team is driving all over town to pick up supplies, do lawn treatment, and perform other yard maintenance. So, having a credit card that gives you 3% cashback for gas transactions is going to come in handy (especially with current gas rates).

On the flip side, you’re unlikely to be traveling anywhere outside your community, so airline points or hotel benefits are not going to be on your radar. You may, however, want to keep an eye out for credit cards that have extra benefits for purchases from home improvement companies like Home Depot or Lowes.

The best credit cards for your business

There are more than a few business cards out there, and you may be wondering where to start. That’s where we come in. With a list of some of the best cards available for small business owners right now:

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Best for business owners who want uncomplicated cashback rewards.
The Spark Cash Plus card gives you back 2% of what you spend. The downsides: an annual fee and no APR (meaning you have to pay off the card every month).

💳 Get the full details.

Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard

Best for entrepreneurs who want to choose their rewards.
You’ll get 3% cashback in your category of choice, and the list includes gas, travel, business consulting, and more. That’s alongside a 2% cashback on dining and 1% on all other purchases. There is, however, also a $50K cashback cap on your combined 3% and 2% categories.

💳 Get the full details.

Ink Business Preferred

Best for business owners who will have to finance a lot of business trips.
We’re talking about three points for every dollar spent on travel and other bonus categories (which include social media and search engine advertising!). Plus, because this is a Chase business card, users get access to Chase Ultimate Rewards, which has even more travel perks. There is, however, a $95 annual fee.

💳 Get the full details.

Brex 30 Card

Best for business owners with bumpy personal credit.
The Brex 30 card does not require a credit check or security deposit, but your business must be well-funded (with a minimum bank balance of $50K from professional investors).

💳 Get the full details.

Don’t see a card that completely fits your business’s needs? There are plenty of other great options out there, and personal finance sites like Nerdwallet and The Points Guy post lists of alternatives and track changing introductory offers on a monthly basis.

Ultimately, you know what will work best for your business. Choose wisely, and spend capably.

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Article

The Best Credit Cards for Small Business Owners

May 23, 2022

Jump to a section
Share it!
Sign up for our newsletter
Read for free. Unsubscribe anytime.

Let’s talk money. More specifically, plastic.

Chances are, you have a credit card or two sitting in your wallet. That means you already understand the importance of credit cards. Not only do they make it easy to track your transactions, you need them to establish your credit (in other words, the measure of your trustworthiness to pay back any money that is lent to you).

But did you know that for business owners, it’s just as important to have business credit cards? Much like the process for building your personal credit, you use business credit cards for your business’s credit. Good credit history will boost your SMB’s credibility and reliability in the eyes of other credit card companies, banks, and investors (which will make it easier for you to get loans and lower interest rates). Plus, business credit cards typically have much higher credit limits than personal credit cards, making large or bulk purchases easier.

In other words, responsible credit card use is a boon for your business (or even seemingly irresponsible credit card use — Trainual CEO Chris Ronzio knowingly leveraged $300K worth of debt to successfully scale his business).

So, what’s the best credit card for your business?

Determining the best benefits for your SMB

You’ll know this from your personal credit card use, but different credit cards come with different benefits. Some come with points that accumulate with each transaction and can be used to purchase goods, book travel, or reserve other services. Others offer cashback — AKA spending money to make money back (a much smaller percentage, but still).

And where you swipe your card can add even more to your benefits. For example, some cards will give you more points at the gas pump, while others provide incentives for making purchases with their corporate partners (businesses like Amazon, Peloton, and Apple are just a few examples).

You’ll also want to consider where you and your business are financially. Because you’re the business owner, most credit card companies will be looking at your personal credit score to determine your eligibility for your first business credit card. They’ll want to ensure that any debt your business may accrue can be paid off. Factors like the annual fee and annual percentage rate (APR) for interest can also be important, especially if your business is just starting out.

So your choice of business card comes down to a few questions:

  • Where does your business spend the most money?
  • Where could you make the best use of your benefits?
  • What can you afford to pay for annual fees or interest?
A man with his hands pressed together saying, "The choice is yours."

Want an example?

Here’s a scenario for you: let’s say you run a landscaping business. Chances are your team is driving all over town to pick up supplies, do lawn treatment, and perform other yard maintenance. So, having a credit card that gives you 3% cashback for gas transactions is going to come in handy (especially with current gas rates).

On the flip side, you’re unlikely to be traveling anywhere outside your community, so airline points or hotel benefits are not going to be on your radar. You may, however, want to keep an eye out for credit cards that have extra benefits for purchases from home improvement companies like Home Depot or Lowes.

The best credit cards for your business

There are more than a few business cards out there, and you may be wondering where to start. That’s where we come in. With a list of some of the best cards available for small business owners right now:

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Best for business owners who want uncomplicated cashback rewards.
The Spark Cash Plus card gives you back 2% of what you spend. The downsides: an annual fee and no APR (meaning you have to pay off the card every month).

💳 Get the full details.

Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard

Best for entrepreneurs who want to choose their rewards.
You’ll get 3% cashback in your category of choice, and the list includes gas, travel, business consulting, and more. That’s alongside a 2% cashback on dining and 1% on all other purchases. There is, however, also a $50K cashback cap on your combined 3% and 2% categories.

💳 Get the full details.

Ink Business Preferred

Best for business owners who will have to finance a lot of business trips.
We’re talking about three points for every dollar spent on travel and other bonus categories (which include social media and search engine advertising!). Plus, because this is a Chase business card, users get access to Chase Ultimate Rewards, which has even more travel perks. There is, however, a $95 annual fee.

💳 Get the full details.

Brex 30 Card

Best for business owners with bumpy personal credit.
The Brex 30 card does not require a credit check or security deposit, but your business must be well-funded (with a minimum bank balance of $50K from professional investors).

💳 Get the full details.

Don’t see a card that completely fits your business’s needs? There are plenty of other great options out there, and personal finance sites like Nerdwallet and The Points Guy post lists of alternatives and track changing introductory offers on a monthly basis.

Ultimately, you know what will work best for your business. Choose wisely, and spend capably.

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The Best Credit Cards for Small Business Owners

May 23, 2022

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