How to choose the best credit card for your business expenses
Running a business (or a side hustle) comes with plenty of expenses, and the right business card can help you make the most of every dollar you spend.
From office supplies and advertising to travel and everyday business expenses, different cards reward different types of spending.
The trick is matching your habits to the card that offers the best rewards for your business. Whether you're a freelancer, a retail owner or a frequent traveler, there's a business card that can help you earn more points, miles or cash back on the purchases you're already making.
Here's a guide to the top business credit cards and which types of business owners they're best for.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Find out your offer and see if you're eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Comparing the best credit cards for business expenses
Here are our top picks for the best cards to use for your business expenses.
| Credit card | Best for | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|
| <strong><a href="https://ift.tt/TSa7CMo" target="_blank">American Express® Business Gold Card</a></strong><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong><br> </strong></span> | Flexible rewards | $375 (see <a href="/tc/7763?pid=7763&name=American%20Express%C2%AE%20Business%20Gold%20Card&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>) |
| <strong><a href="https://ift.tt/FLbWieO" target="_blank">The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express</a></strong> | Earning transferable points with no annual fee | $0 (see <a href="/tc/7760?pid=7760&name=The%20Blue%20Business%C2%AE%20Plus%20Credit%20Card%20from%20American%20Express&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>) |
| <strong><a href="https://ift.tt/srKPGMV" target="_blank">The Business Platinum Card from American Express</a></strong> | Luxury travel perks | $895 (see <a href="/tc/7758?pid=7758&name=The%20Business%20Platinum%20Card%C2%AE%20from%20American%20Express&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>) |
| <a target="_blank" href="https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-business/"><strong>Capital One Venture Business</strong></a> | Everyday business spending | $95 |
| <a target="_blank" href="https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/capital-one-venture-x-business/"><strong>Capital One Venture X Business</strong></a> | High-spending businesses | $395 |
| <strong><a href="https://ift.tt/GNY5UVl" target="_blank">Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠</a></strong> (see <a href="/tc/10965?pid=10965&name=Chase%20Sapphire%20Reserve%20for%20Business%E2%84%A0%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>) | Premium perks and advertising spending | $795 |
| <strong><a href="https://ift.tt/q9nG4UJ" target="_blank">Ink Business Cash® Credit Card</a> </strong>(see <a href="/tc/22125825?pid=22125825&name=Ink%20Business%20Cash%C2%AE%20Credit%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>) | Office supplies | $0 |
| <strong> <a href="https://ift.tt/9cEgzZX" target="_blank">Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card</a> </strong> (see <a href="/tc/221211974?pid=221211974&name=Ink%20Business%20Preferred%C2%AE%20Credit%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>) | Bonus-earning categories | $95 |
| <strong><a href="https://ift.tt/6jDZL9f" target="_blank">Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card</a> </strong>(see <a href="/tc/6218?pid=6218&name=Ink%20Business%20Unlimited%C2%AE%20Credit%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>) | Freelancers | $0 |
| <strong><a href="https://ift.tt/ChqNSZD" target="_blank">United℠ Business Card</a></strong> (see <a href="/tc/6874?pid=6874&name=United%E2%84%A0%20Business%20Card%20PID&data-testid=ratesFees" target="_blank">rates and fees</a>) | United Airlines flyers | $150 |
American Express Business Gold Card
Welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you're eligible for as high as 200,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Based on TPG's April 2026 valuations, this offer is worth up to $4,000.
Annual fee: $375
Standout benefits: The Amex Business Gold Card lets business owners earn 4 points per dollar spent in their top two eligible spending categories each billing cycle (up to $150,000 in combined spending, then 1 point per dollar spent).
This card also comes with a useful up to $240 statement credits per calendar year (up to $20 monthly) for U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub and office supply stores (enrollment is required). Plus, you can transfer the Membership Rewards points you earn to one of Amex's 20 hotel and airline partners.
TPG lead writer Katie Genter likes to use her Amex Business Gold Card's flexible business credit to order food via Grubhub at least once each month.
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Gold.
Apply here: American Express Business Gold Card
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first three months of card membership.
Based on TPG's valuations, this offer is worth $300.
Annual fee: $0
Standout benefits: Business owners earn 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on all purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent) for no annual fee. These points can be transferred to Amex's transfer partners for maximum value.
To learn more, read our full review of the Blue Business Plus.
Apply here: The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express
The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Welcome offer: Find out your offer and see if you're eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.
Based on TPG's valuations, this offer is worth up to $6,000.
Annual fee: $895
Standout benefits: The Amex Business Platinum offers unrivaled lounge access for small-business owners, along with a plethora of valuable statement credits, including up to $600 in statement credits (up to $300 biannually) for Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection* bookings and up to $200 in airline fee statement credits per calendar year. Enrollment is required for select benefits.
This card also earns 2 points per dollar spent on purchases at U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, software and cloud system providers and shipping providers, as well as on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).
You'll also receive automatic hotel elite status with Hilton, Marriott and Leading Hotels of the World (enrollment required) and enjoy numerous shopping and travel protections.
*The Hotel Collection bookings require a minimum two-night stay.
To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Platinum.
Apply here: The Business Platinum Card from American Express
Capital One Venture Business
Welcome offer: Earn up to 150,000 bonus miles: 75,000 miles after spending $7,500 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, plus an additional 75,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
Based on TPG's April 2026 valuations, this offer is worth up to $2,775.
Annual fee: $95
Standout benefits: Key benefits of the Venture Business include an annual $50 credit for Capital One Business Travel, up to $50 each year for qualifying advertising and software merchants and a $50 experience credit for every Capital One Lifestyle Collection stay. Cardholders also receive a $120 statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
You'll earn 5 miles per dollar spent on hotels, rental cars and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel, and 2 miles per dollar spent on other purchases.
To learn more, read our full review of the Venture Business.
Learn more: Capital One Venture Business
Capital One Venture X Business
Welcome offer: Earn 150,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Based on TPG's valuations, this offer is worth $2,775.
Annual fee: $395
Standout benefits: The Venture X Business comes with an annual $300 Capital One Business Travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel, 10,000 bonus miles each year (beginning on your first anniversary), a TSA/Global Entry statement credit and numerous travel protections.
You'll earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase and can redeem these miles by transferring them to one of Capital One's 15-plus transfer partners. Plus, you can add up to four authorized users at no additional cost.
To learn more, read our full review of the Venture X Business.
Learn more: Capital One Venture X Business
Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
Welcome offer: Earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Based on TPG's April 2026 valuations, this offer is worth $3,075.
Annual fee: $795
Standout benefits: The Sapphire Reserve for Business is Chase's most premium business card offering. It comes with perks like a flexible annual travel credit, airport lounge access, travel credits (providing over $1,200 in value annually) and excellent travel and purchase protections.
Additionally, the card has excellent earning rates, offering an uncapped 4 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked directly and 3 points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising.
This is a game changer for businesses with high ad spending, as most other cards with this bonus category limit how many points you can earn.
The points earned on this card can be transferred to one of Chase's hotel and airline partners for maximum value. Or, you can redeem them through Chase Travel℠ at up to 2 cents apiece, depending on the specific redemption, using Points Boost (see your card's guide to benefits for more information).
To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve for Business.
Apply here: Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
Ink Business Cash Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Standout benefits: Business owners earn 5% cash back on office supplies and select utilities on the first $25,000 in combined spending and 2% cash back on restaurant and gas station purchases on the first $25,000 in combined spending each account anniversary year (then 1% back).
Additionally, cardholders receive primary rental car insurance when booking rental cars on business trips.
To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Cash.
Apply here: Ink Business Cash Credit Card
Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
Based on TPG's valuations, this offer is worth $2,050.
Annual fee: $95
Standout benefits: The Ink Business Preferred card is well-suited for business owners who spend a lot on travel, shipping, social media advertising, search advertising and telecommunications. You'll earn 3 points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 in combined spending on these expenses per year (then 1 point per dollar spent).
These points can be redeemed for travel via Chase Travel at up to 1.75 cents apiece (depending on the specific redemption) with Points Boost, or transferred to one of Chase's partners for the most value. You'll also get numerous travel and shopping protections and even cellphone insurance.
To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.
Apply here: Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Welcome offer: Earn $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Standout benefits: The Ink Business Unlimited earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases. You'll also receive primary rental car insurance when booking rental cars for business purposes.
To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited.
Apply here: Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
United Business Card
Welcome offer: Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.
Based on TPG's April 2026 valuations, this bonus is worth up to $1,485 (including the points from adding an authorized user; not including the value of the PQPs).
Annual fee: $150
Standout benefits: The United Business Card offers an excellent 8 total miles per dollar spent on eligible United Airlines flights.
Business owners also receive two one-time United Club passes (the primary cardholder or authorized user must be present to redeem them), plus numerous United-specific perks to enhance their travel experience. This includes a free checked bag for the primary cardmember and one companion and priority boarding.
Additionally, cardholders will receive a handful of statement credits that help offset the card's annual fee.
To learn more, read our full review of the United Business Card.
Apply here: United Business Card
For side hustlers: A credit card with a flat earning rate
You don't have to own a brick-and-mortar store to apply for a business credit card. Whether you're a Lyft driver on the weekends or run a small Etsy store in your free time, you can rack up rewards on your business expenses.
If you don't have a large budget for monthly business purchases, there are two things to look for in a business card: a flat rewards rate and a low annual fee.
Some top choices include:
These are exceptional options if you also have an eligible personal card that earns American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One miles or Chase Ultimate Rewards. Each issuer lets cardmembers pool rewards between their personal and business accounts, so you can combine them for maximum redemption value.
Related: Who qualifies for a business credit card?
For office startups: A card with related bonus categories
Multiple business cards offer rewards in spending categories such as office supplies and wireless services. If you run your business out of an office, you can use these cards to earn a great return on your business expenses.
The list of potential bonus categories includes purchases with or on:
- Cellphone service providers (when paying your monthly bill with your card)
- Dining
- Electronic goods retailers
- Gas and electric vehicle charging
- Media providers for advertising in select online, TV and radio media
- Software and cloud system providers
- Transit purchases, including buses, subways, taxicabs and trains
Some top options include:
- Amex Business Gold (bonus categories may be limited to spending in the U.S.)
- Capital One Venture X Business
- Ink Business Preferred
Related: Best rewards credit cards
For retail business owners: A card that offers rewards for advertising
Whether you own a boutique or an e-commerce site, chances are you spend money every month to advertise your business. These expenses can add up, so it's worth earning as many points as possible.
Some popular credit cards for advertising expenses include:
- American Express Business Gold (in the U.S.)
- Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
- Ink Business Preferred
Related: Best credit cards for advertising
For frequent business travelers: A cobranded card
If you tend to fly the same airline or stay at the same hotel brand multiple times per year, a cobranded business credit card is a great option.
You'll get bonus points or miles on every dollar spent with the airline or hotel chain associated with the card. Plus, you'll also enjoy additional perks like free checked bags, preferred boarding and easier paths to elite status.
Some popular cobranded airline cards include:
- Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees)
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
- United Business Card
A hotel card is a better option if you don't often fly with the same airline but stay with the same hotel brand. A few popular options include:
- Amex Business Platinum
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
- The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
- World of Hyatt Business Credit Card (see rates and fees)
Related: Business cards vs. personal cards: Key differences
Bottom line
The best business credit card for you depends on how — and where — you spend. While each card offers different perks, all of them can help streamline your finances and earn rewards on everyday business expenses.
Best of all, if you own a personal credit card with the same issuer, you might be able to combine points or unlock added travel benefits.
Just like with personal cards, choosing a business card comes down to understanding your spending habits and reward goals. Take time to reflect on these factors before you make a decision.
Related: How to pick a strategy for your small-business credit cards
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Business Plus Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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