Best Small Business Credit Cards For Startups Of April 2024

Why we picked it: With extra cash back on office supplies, gas, dining and cell phone service, the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card* rewards common business expenses. Combined with a generous welcome bonus and a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles, it’s a triple threat with no annual fee.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center, 3% cash back at gas and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn $500 cash back after spending $4,500 in the first 150 days of opening the account.

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, followed by a regular APR of 19.24% - 28.24% variable. A balance transfer fee of either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater, applies.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The card offers a $100 annual credit towards recurring software subscriptions such as Quickbooks or FreshBooks. As the card charges a foreign transaction fee, businesses with significant foreign purchases should consider a card with no foreign transaction fees instead. For businesses with inconsistent cash flow, U.S. Bank ExtendPay allows you to pay off large purchases for a flat rate of 1.60% or below.

Why we picked it: With no annual fee, the Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business* is a simple card with no need to remember revolving bonus categories. Capital One miles are transferable to multiple air and hotel partners, which is where you’ll likely get best value. Alternatively, they can be redeemed for travel expenses.

Rewards: Earn 1.5 miles per dollar on every purchase.

Welcome offer: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: N/A

Other benefits and drawbacks: The card provides extended warranty on eligible purchases, as well as rental car collision coverage. There’s no foreign transaction fee, so your business purchases outside the U.S. won’t incur extra fees. Startups that need more time to pay should look elsewhere though, since this card does not offer an introductory 0% APR offer.

Why we picked it: The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card earns unlimited flat-rate cash back on all purchases, which makes it a good fit for businesses that don’t have concentrated spending in any one area.

Rewards: Earn 1.5% cash back rewards on every business purchase.

Welcome offer: Earn $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases, then a 18.49% - 24.49% variable APR applies for purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Card features include employee cards at no additional cost, an auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection and extended warranty coverage. Although there is no annual fee, the card charges a foreign transaction fee.

Why we picked it: Business owners can score significant rewards by using the no annual fee Ink Business Cash® Credit Card to pay for office supply, internet and phone expenses. The card’s high earn rates in these typical areas of business spending can help earn cash back faster than other small business credit cards.

Rewards: 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 and 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.

Welcome offer: Earn $350 bonus cash back after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months, then a standard APR of 18.49% - 24.49% variable applies for purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The elevated earn rate applies only to the first $25,000 in combined purchases per year. If your total expenses in these categories exceed this amount, you may want to use another card once you’ve hit the cap. The Ink Business Cash card offers employee cards at no additional cost. It also includes various travel and consumer coverages including an auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection and extended warranty protection.

Why we picked it: While The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express (terms apply, see rates & fees) caps reward earnings, most smaller startups and new businesses won’t be limited by the $50,000 maximum spend. The true value for many might come from Amex Membership Rewards® redemption flexibility, as points can be transferred 1:1 to many travel partners.

Rewards: Earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners up to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

Annual fee: No annual fee

Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate of 18.49% - 26.49% applies.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Amex’s suite of business benefits are some of the best in the industry. With secondary car rental loss and damage insurance¹, extended warranty² and purchase protection², your purchases and rental cars are covered. The card also offers employee cards at no extra charge and unlocks Amex Offers, a program that provides periodic merchants offers. The card does charge a foreign transaction fee, so it’s not the best option for international business expenses.

Why we picked it: The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card remains an all-star business credit card with one of the most lucrative welcome bonuses available on any business credit card. Chase Ultimate Rewards® points are arguably some of the most valuable credit card points available. The bonus spending categories offered by this card are attractive and relevant for start-ups and small businesses.

Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $95

Intro APR: N/A

Other benefits and drawbacks: Significant travel protection including trip cancellation and interruption for up to $5,000 per person, primary rental car insurance when renting for business purposes, cellphone insurance up to $1,000 per claim and no foreign transaction fees. If your startup is expanding, you’ll have no additional cost for employee cards. All this for a relatively low annual fee.

With this card, Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠. It’s also possible to transfer Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 rate to various hotel and airline partner programs.

Why we picked it: The no annual fee Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card lets you choose your top earning category. Choices include common business spending areas such as computer service, office supply stores and telecom and wireless services.

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back in the category of choice, 2% cash back on dining purchases and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year and 1% thereafter.

Welcome offer: Earn a $300 online statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles, then a 18.49% - 28.49% variable APR thereafter on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of 4% of the amount of each transaction applies.

Other benefits and drawbacks: If your business banks with Bank of America and has Business Platinum Honors status, you can earn an extra 25% to 75% on your cash-back rewards. Travel accident insurance is provided by the card, although you will face a foreign transaction fee for purchases abroad.

Why we picked it: Flat-rate cards are appealing for their simplicity. The Capital One Spark Miles for Business* card fits the bill, earning unlimited flexible miles on all purchases. If earning travel rewards is a goal, then this card is worth a look, especially since miles transfer to multiple travel partners.

Rewards: Earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase and 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Welcome offer: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.

Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year; $95 after that

Intro APR: N/A

Other benefits and drawbacks: The purchase APR is high for all applicants regardless of creditworthiness, so avoid this card if you need to carry a balance. The annual fee may be offset by the $100 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® once every four years. But crunch the numbers to make sure you’ll still see rewards after the annual fee kicks in.

Why we picked it: The State Farm Business Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card* is a solid cash-back earner for businesses that spend in the bonus categories. It also has a solid 0% APR introductory offer.

Rewards: Earn 3% cash back on insurance premium payments, up to $4,000 spent annually, 3% cash back at gas stations, cell phone service providers, office supply stores and on dining, including takeout and food delivery service purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfer for the first 12 billing cycles, then a standard APR of 19.24% - 28.24% variable applies. Balance transfer fee of 3% of the amount of each transfer, $5 min. applies.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The card offers limited benefits including purchase protection, cellphone protection and a $100 software subscription credit. Cardholders will also avoid foreign transaction fees and gain access to U.S. Bank’s ExtendPay.

Why We Picked It: The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card (terms apply, see rates & fees) is a no-frills option for small businesses that want to earn cash back and won’t spend more than the higher-reward earnings cap.

Rewards: Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%.

Welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months of account opening.

Annual fee: No annual fee

Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a 18.49% - 26.49% variable APR applies.

Other benefits and drawbacks: With employee cards and expanded buying power, the card will work well for small businesses on the rise. The card also offers rental car loss and damage insurance¹, purchase protection², extended warranty² and access to Amex Offers. The card charges a foreign transaction fee, so it may not be a good choice if your business makes significant purchases outside the U.S.

Why we picked it: If your personal credit is on the weaker side and you’re looking for a business credit card, the Capital One Spark 1.5% Cash Select for Good Credit* card may be your best bet. Flat-rate cash back, no annual fee and an introductory 0% APR on purchases make this card worthy of consideration.

Rewards: Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase and unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Welcome offer: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Annual fee: $0

Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months of account opening, followed by a regular APR of 21.24% - 29.24% variable on purchases and balance transfers.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Although the card is light on benefits and doesn’t offer a welcome bonus, it does provide an extended warranty on eligible items purchased with the card. Like all Capital One cards, you won’t be charged foreign transaction fees.

Why we picked it: Unlike the other recommended cards on this list, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus* card is a charge card. That means that balances must be paid off in full each month. The upside is that there is no predetermined credit limit, so you’ve got more flexibility with how much you can charge. The welcome bonus is exceptional, but requires a sizable level of spending. If your business can generate that level of purchases, the welcome bonus and regular cash-back earnings add up to a lucrative return.

Rewards: Earn 2% cash back on every purchase and 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Welcome offer: Earn a $1,200 cash bonus after spending $30,000 in the first three months.

Annual fee: $150

Intro APR: This card does not offer any introductory APR periods. There's not an APR because the balance is due in full every month. If the bill is paid late, a 2.99% late fee will be charged each month.

Other benefits and drawbacks: The moderate annual fee is refunded if the business spends more than $150,000 annually. You also won’t face any interest since you’re never availing yourself of credit. However, this card isn’t ideal if your cash flow is tight.

Why we picked it: Capital One Venture X Business* is a premium credit card with premium benefits to match. The generous welcome offer suits businesses with high spend. Flexible miles can be transferred to multiple air and hotel partners or redeemed for travel expenses.

Rewards: Earn 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked via Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar on flights booked via Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 150,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 in the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee: $395

Intro APR: This card does not offer an APR.

Other benefits and drawbacks: Although at first glance, the card appears pricey, the annual fee is easily offset by the annual $300 travel credit for purchases made through Capital One Travel, access to over 1,300 airport lounges, a yearly 10,000 miles anniversary bonus, a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit once every four years and no foreign transaction fees. For businesses that do a lot of travel spending, this card is a no-brainer.