Best business credit cards

Finding the right business credit card starts with knowing how different options stack up. A card comparison tool can help you evaluate multiple business cards side by side, based on limits, fees, approval requirements, and rewards.

The ideal corporate card should align with how your business spends, who needs access, and how you manage expenses. That could mean flexible limits for employee purchases, automation for accounting, or better rewards on everyday categories like software, travel, or fuel.

Why choosing the right business credit card matters

Choosing the right business credit card shapes how effectively you manage company spending, build business credit, and stay in control of your finances. A mismatched card can slow down approvals, complicate expense tracking, and increase exposure to risk. The right one makes daily operations easier and improves long-term outcomes.

Business credit cards are now a primary financial tool. According to a survey conducted by Visa, over 83% of small businesses in the U.S. use at least one to manage expenses. And more than 55% relied on them for financing in 2022, according to the NBER.

The right card selection plays a key role in managing that spend efficiently. The table below outlines how different card features influence critical areas of business finance:

How card features impact your bottom line

The features built into a business credit card can directly affect how much you save, how efficiently you operate, and how prepared you are for audits or financial planning. Each feature helps you retain cash, reduce risk, or automate manual work. Business cards with automation features, including real-time categorization and receipt matching, can reduce month-end close time by 50%.

Here’s how key card features shape financial outcomes:

• Cash-back and rewards tied to core spending. Cards that offer 1.5% to 2% cash back on common categories, such as software, fuel, or advertising, can return thousands of dollars annually. For example, a company spending $250,000 per year on recurring SaaS and ad spend can save $3,750 with a 1.5% flat-rate rewards card.
• Virtual cards and role-based controls. Companies using virtual cards have eased their cash flow management by 40%, according to a 2025 Juniper Research study. Creating unique cards for tools or teams limits risk exposure and simplifies tracking.
• Automated receipt capture and transaction matching. Manual reconciliation often takes hours per week. When receipts are auto-matched to transactions in real-time, finance teams can save an average of 3 hours per month or more.
• No foreign transaction fees. For businesses with global vendors or remote teams, cards with 0% foreign transaction fees help avoid 2% to 3% surcharges on every international payment. A company spending $100,000 abroad could avoid $2,000 to $3,000 in extra costs per year.
• Accounting system integration. Cards that sync directly with tools like QuickBooks or NetSuite reduce manual data entry. In a survey of mid-sized finance teams conducted by Fortune Business Insights, vendors and analysts broadly agree that integrations reduce manual data entry and speed up reconciliation.
• Spend notifications and real-time alerts. Alerts triggered at the time of purchase help you monitor spend as it happens. This visibility makes it easier to catch policy violations early and reduce back-and-forth during review.

Each of these features offers a measurable impact. The closer your card’s features align with your operations, the more you protect your margins and simplify financial oversight.

Types of business credit cards and who they are for

Business credit cards are not one-size-fits-all. Different cards are designed to meet the needs of different business models, spend levels, and approval profiles. What works for a funded startup may not suit a sole proprietor. A card that benefits high-volume travel spend will offer little value to a company focused on software and tools.

Issuers structure their cards around core business goals, such as cash-back, credit building, low-interest financing, or employee management.

Cash back business credit cards

Business credit cards designed for cash back are built to return a percentage of your company’s spend in the form of rebates. These cards offer consistent value without requiring points tracking or redemption rules.

Most programs return between 1% and 2% of eligible purchases, though some include tiered rewards for specific categories like office supplies, software, or digital ads. With corporate cards like Ramp, businesses can save up to $80,000 or more with cash back.

For companies with steady monthly expenses, cash-back cards can reduce total outflows over time. A business spending $30,000 per month on operations can earn back $4,500 annually with a 1.25% flat-rate card. Some cards offer even higher rates in designated categories, making them useful for businesses with concentrated spend patterns.

0% APR business credit cards

0% APR business credit cards offer an introductory period where no interest is charged on purchases. This allows you to finance short-term expenses without taking on debt costs. Most 0% APR offers extend for 6 to 18 months, depending on the issuer and your credit profile.

These cards are often used for large upfront investments or bridging cash flow gaps. The key benefit lies in deferring interest. For a $20,000 expense, a typical business credit card could charge over $2,500 in interest annually at an APR of 13%. A 0% introductory offer eliminates that cost if the balance is paid in full before the end of the period.

These business credit cards are a good option for companies that need short-term financing without committing to a loan. Startups and early-stage businesses often use them to extend their runway or launch new products while conserving cash.

Secured business credit cards

Secured business credit cards are designed for companies that are building or rebuilding credit. These cards require a cash deposit upfront, which acts as collateral and typically sets the credit limit. The structure helps minimize risk for issuers while giving you access to credit-based spending.

Secured cards report to commercial credit bureaus, making them a practical option if you are starting out with no business credit history. Deposit requirements vary by issuer but often start around $500 to $2,000. The amount you deposit typically becomes your limit.

​​These cards are best suited for newer LLCs, sole proprietors, or any business recovering from credit setbacks. They also serve as a safeguard if your company has irregular revenue or you prefer to control spending with a fixed credit line.

High-limit business credit cards

High-limit business credit cards are designed for companies with larger monthly spend and stable cash flow. Limits vary based on issuer policy, revenue, and business credit strength.

According to an Experian survey, the average credit limit on business cards is around $56,100, but high-limit products can exceed $100,000 for qualified businesses. Some corporate credit cards offer uncapped limits that adjust dynamically based on spend behavior and cash reserves.

A higher limit supports smoother cash flow management. It reduces the need to split transactions, prevents card declines, and gives your team more operational runway between billing cycles.

These cards are well-suited for companies with high vendor spend, travel-intensive teams, or substantial advertising budgets. They also support fast-growing businesses that need more space to scale purchases without taking on financing or issuing multiple cards.

Business credit cards with no annual fee

Business credit cards with no annual fee are built for cost-conscious companies that want to access credit without adding fixed overhead. These cards provide essential features like spend tracking, employee access, and basic rewards, while avoiding yearly fees that reduce margins.

For businesses with tight budgets or lean cash flow, this structure offers flexibility without locking in recurring charges. Many no-fee cards still offer competitive cash-back rates, typically around 1% to 1.5%, along with features such as virtual cards, real-time alerts, and basic integrations.

These cards work well for businesses that spend moderately or want to test card-based spending before committing to premium options. They also support companies that want to issue multiple employee cards without increasing fixed costs.

Pre-approved and EIN-only business credit cards

Pre-approved and EIN-only business credit cards offer flexible access to credit without requiring a personal guarantee or hard credit inquiry. These cards evaluate your business based on revenue, cash flow, and banking history rather than your personal credit score.

Some issuers use alternative underwriting models to assess eligibility. According to Goldman Sachs, nearly 75% of small businesses cited personal credit concerns as a barrier to funding. EIN-only cards remove that barrier and give you access to a line of credit tied to your business activity.

Pre-approval cards are among the easiest credit cards to get. These help you see potential eligibility without a hard pull on your credit file.

EIN-only and pre-approved credit cards are most relevant for founders looking to build business credit from the start. They also serve established companies with clean financials that want to avoid personal liability.

What do you need to qualify for a business credit card?

Qualifying for a business credit card depends on how your company is structured, how you manage finances, and how issuers evaluate risk. Most cards require basic business details, verifiable revenue, and either a personal guarantee or a business credit profile. Some issuers also look at banking activity and time in operation to assess eligibility.

According to the Bankrate survey, 48% of applicants were denied or received less than requested due to credit issues or insufficient documentation. The requirements vary depending on whether you apply with a personal guarantee or an EIN only.

What counts as a business under card issuer guidelines

Card issuers define “business” based on income activity rather than formal registration. You can qualify without being incorporated, as long as you operate with the intent to generate revenue. Here’s how issuers typically evaluate business status:

• Sole proprietors and freelancers: If you earn income through freelance work, consulting, or creative services, issuers generally recognize that as a valid business. According to Forbes, over 27.1 million U.S. businesses operate as sole proprietorships. You can apply using your legal name and Social Security number, and list estimated annual income from your work.
• Registered entities: If you operate as an LLC, partnership, or corporation, you may be asked for an EIN or basic documents like incorporation papers. Issuers often favor registered businesses for higher limits or multi-user access.
• Online sellers and gig workers: Selling on platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay, or driving for rideshare and delivery services also qualify. The Freelance Forward report found that freelancers contributed $1.27 trillion to the U.S. economy in annual earnings in 2023, many of whom operate informally but still qualify for business credit products.
• Side hustles and part-time ventures: Even small operations, such as tutoring, event photography, or dropshipping, can be considered businesses if you collect payments or advertise your services. Issuers look for consistency in activity, not just size.
• New businesses with no history: Pre-revenue businesses can still qualify, especially if you have a business bank account or personal credit history to support your application. Some fintech issuers base approval on cash flow or connected accounts rather than credit score.

These categories give you several paths to qualify, whether you run a formal company or operate independently. As long as your activity involves regular income or service-based transactions, you can still find issuers that will consider it a business.

Business credit card requirements

To qualify for a business credit card, you must provide basic details about your company, including its operations and revenue streams. Issuers use this information to assess risk, verify business activity, and determine your credit limit or need for a personal guarantee.

• Legal name and business structure: You need to submit your business name and legal structure, whether that’s sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or corporation. If you operate as a sole proprietor, you can use your legal name as the business name.
• Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number (SSN): Most issuers accept either an EIN or SSN, depending on your structure. Some cards designed for LLCs and corporations require an EIN and will verify your registration with the IRS.
• Business revenue and time in operation: You may be asked to report estimated or actual annual revenue. Issuers generally prefer to see at least six months of operational history, although fintech-based cards may accept newer businesses with connected bank accounts.
• Business address and contact details: A physical or mailing address and phone number help verify that the business is active. Some issuers require a business domain or website, especially for companies applying without a personal guarantee.
• Banking and cash flow information: For cards that skip a personal credit check, you may need to link a business bank account. Issuers often review your average daily balance and transaction history, rather than relying solely on credit scores.
• Personal credit and guarantee (if applicable): Traditional business cards often require a personal credit check and guarantee. Most small business cards involve a personal guarantee, making personal credit history a key factor in many approvals.

Credit check vs. no credit check options

Business credit cards fall into two main categories: those that do not require a credit check and those that do. The key difference lies in how issuers assess risk.

Traditional cards typically evaluate your personal credit score and may require a personal guarantee. Newer alternatives use business performance data, such as cash flow and connected accounts, to make approval decisions.

Here's a quick look at how these two approaches compare:

Common examples of cards that require a credit check include Chase Ink, Amex Business Gold, and Capital One Spark for traditional credit cards. Options like Ramp and Nav Prime fall under modern corporate cards that require no credit check.

Best business credit cards by use case

Not every business credit card fits every business model. The right card often depends on how your company earns, spends, and grows. A travel-heavy team benefits from different features than a business managing contractor payments or recurring software subscriptions. Spending patterns, employee needs, and cash flow cycles all shape which card works best.

Startups with limited credit history

Startups with limited credit history often face barriers when applying for traditional business cards. Many issuers expect a strong personal credit score, revenue history, or an established business profile. That can be a challenge in the first year of operations.

According to CNBC, 44% of startups fail due to a lack of accessible funds. The market now includes credit cards for startups that assess cash flow, banking activity, or linked accounts, rather than relying solely on a credit score.

Construction and field-based businesses

Field-based businesses and construction workers need business credit cards that can handle job site expenses, supply purchases, fuel charges, and distributed teams. Many of these businesses rely on subcontractors, make frequent vendor payments, or operate with tight turnaround times between invoice and payout.

LLCs and small teams

Business credit cards for LLCs and small teams usually offer flexible limits, easy employee access, and tools for managing expenses without incurring heavy administrative overhead.

According to the 2023 NSBA, LLCs now make up about 43% of U.S. employer businesses, many of which operate with fewer than five employees. These teams typically need a card that supports both day-to-day expenses and simple accounting workflows.

Managing employee expenses

If your team makes purchases on behalf of the business, you need more than just a shared card. Managing employee expenses requires controls that track spending by user, limit risk, and reduce the time spent chasing receipts. Without the right tools, small purchases can create large problems for reconciliation and compliance.

According to Highradius, nearly 57% of companies report delayed month-end closes due to manual accounting and employee expense issues. A spend-enabled business card reduces those delays by providing real-time tracking and automated controls.

International transactions (no foreign transaction fees)

International transactions can add unnecessary costs if your business card includes foreign transaction fees. These fees often range from 2% to 3% per transaction, which adds up quickly for companies paying overseas vendors or managing remote teams.

Choosing a card with no foreign transaction fees improves budget predictability and simplifies global payments.

How business credit cards affect your credit profile

Business credit cards can affect both your business and personal credit profiles, depending on how the card is structured and how the issuer reports activity. Some cards report only to business credit bureaus, while others also share data with consumer credit agencies. The impact depends on whether the account includes a personal guarantee and how payments are managed.

All of the major business credit card issuers report card activity to commercial credit bureaus, such as Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax Business, or Experian Business. If your account includes a personal guarantee, late payments or defaults may also appear on your personal credit file, especially with traditional banks.

Cards that don’t report to personal credit bureaus

Many business credit cards avoid reporting activity to personal credit bureaus. These options help you keep business and personal finances separate, even if the card includes a personal guarantee. This separation protects your personal credit score from fluctuations due to business-related spending or high utilization.

Here are some business credit cards that typically do not report to consumer credit bureaus:

• Ramp Corporate Card: Ramp reports only to business credit bureaus and does not impact your personal credit score. The card has no personal guarantee, no interest charges, and helps build your business credit profile through responsible use. Ramp is often used by startups and high-growth companies looking for scalable expense control and reporting tools.
• BILL Divvy Corporate Card: The Bill card reports to Dun & Bradstreet and SBFE. However, if your account becomes delinquent, the issuer may report negative information to consumer credit bureaus. Divvy requires a business EIN and connects to your business bank account, making it more accessible for companies with established cash flow.
• Stripe Corporate Card: Stripe issues its corporate card without a personal credit check or personal guarantee. It reports only to business credit bureaus and is available to Stripe users with strong payment processing volume. The card offers flat rewards and easy integration with Stripe dashboards.

Before applying, always review a card’s reporting policy and terms. Some issuers only report to personal credit bureaus if your account becomes seriously delinquent, while others never report personal data at all.

How responsible card use builds business credit

Responsible credit card use plays a direct role in strengthening your business credit profile. Issuers report your activity to commercial credit bureaus, such as Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business. These reports shape your business credit scores, which influence your ability to secure loans, negotiate vendor terms, or qualify for higher-limit cards.

• Make on-time payments. Payment history is the most important factor in business credit scoring models. Late payments can hurt your profile, while consistent on-time payments signal reliability. MyFico notes that this factor alone can make up to 35% of your score.
• Keep credit utilization low. Using too much of your available credit can be seen as risky. Many lenders prefer to see utilization below 30%. A lower ratio suggests your business isn't overextended and can handle debt efficiently.
• Maintain multiple active tradelines. Business credit bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet look for at least three trade accounts to generate a PAYDEX score. Having several accounts in good standing helps you build depth and credibility.
• Build a long credit history. Older accounts contribute positively to your credit profile. Keeping older cards open and active helps demonstrate long-term financial responsibility.
• Use your card for regular business expenses. Charging predictable costs, such as software, office supplies, or utilities, allows you to demonstrate steady credit activity. Regular use, combined with full monthly payments, builds a positive track record without interest charges.
• Check that your card reports to commercial bureaus. Not all business cards report to Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, or Equifax Business. Choosing a card that ensures your good habits helps your credit profile grow.

Comparing card features: What matters most

Choosing the right business credit card goes beyond brand names and welcome offers. The real value lies in the features that support how your business operates. From flexible limits to accounting automation, the best card fits your workflow, not the other way around.

Spending limits and flexibility

Spending limits affect the purchasing power your business has on a day-to-day basis. Traditional business cards set hard credit limits based on your credit score and financial profile. Some modern cards, including Ramp, calculate limits dynamically using real-time cash flow, giving you more flexibility without relying on personal credit.

Charge cards with no preset limit can support high-spend operations but usually require full monthly repayment. This model works well if you maintain healthy cash reserves and want to avoid interest.

Rewards, points, and cash-back systems

Business rewards programs vary widely by card. Some cards offer flat rate cash back in select categories, such as advertising, travel, or office supplies, while others provide a flat rate across all purchases.

A study from ResearchGate found that small business owners preferred cash-back over point-based systems. That preference reflects a need for simplicity and liquidity. However, travel-heavy teams may gain more value from transferable points programs.

Ramp offers flat-rate savings in the form of automated vendor discounts and no-fee cards, eliminating the need to manage points.

Expense tracking and employee controls

Modern business cards offer built-in tools for managing employee spend. Features like custom card limits, receipt matching, and merchant-level restrictions help you stay in control as your team grows.

Most small businesses experienced unauthorized or inefficient spending due to poor controls. Cards like Ramp let you issue unlimited employee cards with pre-set controls, reducing risk while enabling decentralized purchasing.

Accounting integrations and automation

Cards that integrate with accounting platforms help you close books faster. Direct syncing with QuickBooks, NetSuite, or Xero can reduce manual entry and error rates. Ramp’s accounting automation cuts month-end close times by up to 50%.

Look for features like auto-categorization, real-time GL syncing, and receipt capture. These tools improve visibility and reduce the time your finance team spends on reconciliation.

Fees, penalties, and hidden costs

Fees can erode the value of any card. Some cards charge annual fees as high as $695, late fees up to $40, and foreign transaction fees around 3%. Hidden costs like high APRs on unpaid balances or penalties for cash advances can add up quickly.

Cards like Ramp avoid these traps by charging no annual fees, late fees, or foreign transaction fees, helping your business avoid unnecessary overhead.

Creating a company credit card policy that works

A company credit card policy sets the rules for how employees use business cards. It outlines what expenses are allowed, who gets a card, how spending is tracked, and how misuse is handled. Most businesses assign this responsibility to finance leaders or operations teams.

A well-defined policy protects your budget, simplifies reporting, and reduces the risk of out-of-policy purchases.

Who gets a card and how limits are assigned

Not every team member needs a business credit card. Most companies issue virtual cards to roles that involve regular purchasing, travel, or vendor payments. This typically includes department heads, project managers, and field reps.

A clear policy helps determine eligibility based on job function, spend frequency, and risk tolerance. Once you have decided who gets a card, here’s how limits are usually assigned:

• Step 1: Tailor spending limits based on job function. Set limits by department, role, or specific use case. For example, field supervisors may get higher daily caps for equipment needs, while junior staff may have lower monthly allowances. Some cards offer adaptive limits that adjust with project budgets or policy rules.
• Step 2: Clear policies for rewards and point ownership. Define who controls the rewards. In some companies, points earned go back into a central pool for team-wide benefits. In others, department leads may redeem points for travel or client expenses. Align rewards policies with spending limits to avoid misuse.
• Step 3: Real-time expense tracking with card-level controls. Choose cards that allow you to monitor usage in real time and set transaction-specific limits. Require digital receipt uploads to maintain documentation. A 2025 Resolve report found that companies using real-time tracking cut month-end close times by 70%.
• Step 4: Accounting software integration with spend alerts. Assign limits based on how well the card integrates with your accounting system. Cards that sync with platforms like QuickBooks, Xero, or NetSuite can generate alerts when users approach their assigned budget, helping finance teams stay ahead of their financial goals.
• Step 5: Limit structures that account for card fees and penalties. Factor in any per-card, transaction, or foreign use fees when assigning limits. Some cards charge for exceeding preset thresholds. Clarifying these cost triggers helps teams avoid penalty charges and manage operational expenses more effectively.

Setting rules for use, approvals, and reconciliation

Clear usage rules and approval workflows are essential to keeping your company's credit card policy on track. Without clear expectations, employee spending can quickly become inconsistent, and reconciliation may drag into month-end bottlenecks.

You can set rules based on job roles, expense categories, or vendor types. For example, travel spending limits may vary between a field rep and a department head. Many companies also build in pre-approval steps for high-value purchases. Most companies now require pre-approvals for expenses over $500 to limit budget overruns and fraud risks.

Real-time approval workflows can cut delays and provide visibility as purchases happen. Some cards now allow admins to approve or deny a transaction instantly via mobile or email. This makes it easier to catch out-of-policy purchases before they settle.

Reconciliation should also be built into your policy. If your process relies on end-of-month spreadsheets or late receipts, your team may struggle to close books on time.

Tools that automatically sync transactions to your general ledger, flag duplicates, and match receipts can help streamline the reconciliation process. You can also require employees to upload receipts immediately after a purchase or at a fixed cadence. The goal is to reduce the admin burden while keeping audit trails clean.

Business credit cards vs. other financing options

Business credit cards provide faster access to capital compared to many traditional financing options. Unlike loans or lines of credit, most cards do not require extensive paperwork or long approval timelines. According to JP Morgan, around 28% of small businesses use credit cards as a primary funding tool, often before considering term loans or SBA financing.

However, credit cards are not the right fit for every situation. If you need to borrow large sums over a long period or manage major asset purchases, you may benefit more from a structured loan. High interest rates and shorter repayment cycles can also make cards risky if you plan to carry a balance.

Credit cards vs. business lines of credit

Business credit cards and business lines of credit both offer flexible access to working capital, but they serve different financial needs. Credit cards tend to work better for frequent purchases, travel, and everyday business expenses. Lines of credit are typically more useful for larger or variable cash needs, such as covering payroll shortfalls or financing seasonal inventory.

Here’s a side-by-side breakdown to help you evaluate both options:

When to use a charge card instead of a credit card

Charge cards function differently from traditional credit cards. They typically require full payment of the balance each month and do not carry a preset spending limit. While this may sound restrictive, it can actually offer more flexibility for businesses with strong cash flow and fewer barriers to large purchases.

You might find a charge card more valuable than a credit card in these situations:

• You want spending power without a hard credit limit. Charge cards do not use fixed limits. Instead, your spending capacity adjusts based on your history, revenue, and repayment patterns. This makes them more suitable for companies with fluctuating costs or large recurring purchases.
• You prefer to avoid interest entirely. Since balances must be paid in full each cycle, charge cards eliminate the risk of interest charges. This structure rewards businesses that operate on healthy margins and plan their spending proactively.
• You want premium benefits that support growth. Many charge cards offer stronger reward programs than standard credit cards, including higher-value travel perks, vendor discounts, and concierge support. These features can add value to companies that frequently travel or manage large teams.
• You need tighter control over team-wide spending. With fixed payment cycles and no carry-over balances, charge cards create natural boundaries. This helps enforce real-time visibility and accountability across departments.
• You want a card that aligns with long-term financial discipline. Charge cards support responsible habits by design. Without the option to defer payments, your team stays within budget, and your business builds a credit history based on repayment strength.

Compare cards now and find your match

Choosing the right business credit card comes down to more than just rewards or fees. The best card supports how you spend, how your team works, and how you plan to grow. Whether you need better controls, flexible limits, or easier accounting, finding the right match helps you stay focused on the business.

That’s where a card comparison tool comes in. It helps you filter options based on real business needs, not just offers or brand names. By comparing cards now, you can find one that fits your workflow today and scales with you tomorrow.

Ramp vs. other business credit cards: What sets it apart?

Ramp stands out from traditional business credit cards by focusing on control, visibility, and long-term savings rather than rewards or credit-based perks.

Unlike many card issuers that rely on personal credit checks or require a personal guarantee, Ramp offers a true corporate card that underwrites based on business cash flow. This makes it a strong option for startups and growing companies that want to build credit without exposing founders to personal liability.

You receive a flat-rate cashback on every transaction, with no caps, fees, or interest charges. That compares favorably to many points-based cards that require you to track categories and redemption values.

Ramp’s unlimited cards with custom limits give you precise control over team spending. Its built-in policy enforcement tools flag out-of-policy transactions in real-time, helping to reduce non-compliant expenses.

Ramp also integrates directly with accounting tools like QuickBooks, Xero, and NetSuite, and automates expense categorization and receipt matching. Ramp customers close their books faster and save up to 40 hours each month. These features are especially helpful for lean finance teams looking to scale without adding overhead.