Best Business Credit Cards for Good and Bad Credit: Top 15

Camino Financial04 Nov 2018

Having one of the best business credit cards can help you boost your business.

It will allow you to make regular purchases and take care of cash emergencies. But there are so many options out there that choosing one might seem impossible, especially if you have poor credit. Here you will find a list of the best commercial credit cards. It doesn't matter if you have good or bad credit; you'll find something that meets your needs. We also list some alternatives to help you fund your business needs. Apply for Another Financing Option

10 Best Business Credit Cards For Good Credit

Here's a shortlist of the best credit cards for businesses with good to excellent credit scores.

The Business Platinum Card American Express

Business Platinum Card American Express
Main features Description
Annual Fee $595
Required Credit Score 690+
APR 18.24% (for Pay Over Time balances)
Penalty fees $39 or 2.99% for late payment. $39 for return payment
Benefits and details
  • This is one of the best business credit cards because you earn 75,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $15,000 on qualifying purchases within the first 3 months of membership.
  • Get access to more than 1,200 airport lounges in 500 countries spread out across the globe.
  • The unsecured business credit card offers travelers more lounge options than any other credit card on the market today.
  • Receive up to $200 yearly in statement credits every time a qualifying airline charges incidental fees, such as in-flight refreshments, to your business credit card.

American Express Business Gold Card

American Express Business Gold Card
Features Description
Annual Fee $295
Required Credit Score 690+
APR 14.24% – 22.24%
Penalty fees $39 or 2.99% for late payment. $39 for return payment

Benefits and details

  • Earn 50,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $5,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of membership.
  • Earn 4x points on the 2 categories where you spend most each month, up to the first $150,000 in combined spending, including shipping, buying gas, advertising in select media, purchased-directly-from-an-airline airfare, and others.
  • Also, earn 1 point per dollar on purchases after that.

Marriot Bonvoy Business American Express Card

Marriot Bonvoy Business American Express Card
Features Description
Annual Fee $125
Required Credit Score 690+
APR 15.74% – 24.74%
Penalty fees Up to $39 for late payment. $39 for return payment.

Benefits and details

  • Earn 100,000 bonus Marriott Bonvoy points after using your new card to make $5,000 purchases within the first 3 months.
  • Get 6 points for each dollar of eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels.
  • Get 4 points at US restaurants, gas stations, wireless telephone services bought directly from service providers in the US, and on US shipping purchases.
  • Earn 2 points on every other eligible purchase
  • Receive 1 free night award every year after your card's account anniversary. Plus, earn an additional free night award after spending $60,000 in purchases on your card in a calendar year.
  • No blackouts.

Capital One Spark Cash for Business

Capital One Spark Cash for Business
Features Description
Annual Fee $0 for the first year; $95 afterward
Required Credit Score 690+
APR 20.99%
Penalty fees Up to $39 for late payment.
Benefits and details
  • Earn a $500 cash bonus after spending $4,500 within the first three months of card opening.
  • Get an unlimited 2% cashback.
  • Zero fraud liability if your unsecured business credit card gets lost or stolen.
  • Get automatic fraud alerts.
  • Redeem points anytime; no minimums.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Easily and securely download your purchase records to multiple formats, including Excel, Quicken, or QuickBooks, to make accounting easy.
  • Receive quarterly and yearly reports and easily handle your planning, budgeting, and taxes.

Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Chase Ink Business Cash Card
Features Description
Annual Fee None
Required Credit Score 690+
APR 0% for the first 12 months, 13.24% to 19.24% after that
Penalty fees $39 for late payment. $39 for return payment
Benefits and details
  • This is one of the best business credit cards for cash back.
  • Earn $500 bonus cash back after spending $3,000 within 3 months of account opening.
  • Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent on office supplies, internet, cable, and phone services.
  • Also, earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent on meals and gas.
  • Earn 1% cash back on every other purchase.
  • You can have annual fee redeem rewards, cash back, travel, and gift cards via Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • As long as your card stays open, cash rewards don't expire.

Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Chase Ink Business Preferred Card
Features Description
Annual Fee $95
Required Credit Score 690+
APR 15.99%–20.99%
Penalty fees $39 for late payment. $39 for return payment

Benefits and details

  • Earn 100,000 points upon spending $15,000 within 3 months of card opening.
  • Earn 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases, shipping travels, internet, cable, and phone services, and advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each year.
  • Get free employee cards.
  • No foreign transaction fees.

Capital One Spark Miles

Capital One Spark Miles
Features Description
Annual Fee $0 for the first year and $95 afterward
Required Credit Score 690+
APR 20.99%
Penalty fees $39 for late payment

Benefits and details

  • Spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months of card opening and receive 50,000 bonus miles.
  • No blackouts, seat restrictions, or minimum to redeem.
  • It's the best small business credit card because you earn unlimited 2 miles per purchase.
  • Zero fraud liability if a card gets stolen or lost.
  • Redeem miles for hotel stays, airline tickets, and vacation packages with no expiration date.

United Business Card

United Business Card
Features Description
Annual Fee $0 for the first year; $99 afterward
Required Credit Score 690+
APR 16.49%–23.49%
Penalty fees $39 for late payment. $39 for return payment

Benefits and details

  • Get 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 within the first 3 months of opening the card.
  • Get 2 miles on purchases from United, including tickets, inflight food, beverages, Wi-Fi and other charges, restaurants and eligible delivery services, gas stations, office supply stores, and local transit and commuting.
  • Also, get 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Employee cards at no additional cost.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business

Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
Features Description
Annual Fee $99
Required Credit Score 690+
APR 15.99%–22.99%
Penalty fees $39 for late payment. $39 for return payment

Benefits and details

  • Earn 9,000 points annually on your cardmember anniversary.
  • It's one of the best corporate credit cards because you can get free employee cards.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • Earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 on business purchases within the first 3 months of opening the credit card.
  • Earn 3 points for every $1 you spend on Southwest Airlines purchases, 2 points for every $1 you spend on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services, and 1 point for every dollar you spend on all other purchases.

Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard

Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard
Features Description
Annual Fee None
Required Credit Score 720+
APR 0% for the first 9 billing cycles, 12.24% to 22.24% after
Penalty fees $19 – $49 for late payment. $39 for return payment

Benefits and details

  • Make $3,000 purchases within the first 90 days of credit card opening and earn 30,000 bonus points.
  • This is the best business credit card for travel because every dollar you spend on travel purchases (such as airline, car, or hotel) earns you 3 points.
  • Each dollar you spend on all purchases earns you 1.5 points each time, regardless of how much you spend.
  • No limit to how many points you can accumulate.
  • Points do not expire.
  • No foreign transaction fees.
  • If you are a Business Advantage Relationship Rewards client, you can earn up to a 75% rewards bonus for every purchase.

Top 5 Business Credit Cards For Bad Credit History

We recommend applying for secured credit cards if you have a bad credit score. Here are our top 5 business credit cards for bad credit.

OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card

OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card
Features Description
Annual Fee $35
Required Credit Score 300+ (no credit check)
APR 17.64% variable
Penalty fees 3% foreign transaction fee

Benefits and details

  • $200 refundable minimum deposit is the cardholder's credit limit.
  • These business credit cards for bad credit offer no credit check when applying.
  • Cardholders' eligibility to receive a more significant credit line or an unsecured card increases after 6 months.
  • The issuer reports monthly payments to all 3 major credit bureaus.
  • No monthly fees.
  • 50% of cardholders making timely payments improve their FICO score by 30+ points in 3 months.
  • Flexible payment due dates – cardholders choose the best date for them.

Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card

Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card
Features Description
Annual Fee None
Required Credit Score 300+
APR 15.9% variable, cash advance 24.74% variable
Penalty fees Maximum late fee $50, 4% cash advance fee (minimum $10)

Benefits and details

  • The Fargo business-secured credit card has no membership or foreign fees.
  • For bad credit, you need a $500 minimum security deposit for these business credit cards.
  • 1.5% cash back for every $1 spent on net purchases. Cardholders must enroll in the cashback rewards program.
  • Wells Fargo credits cashback quarterly to the cardholder's account or eligible checking or savings accounts.
  • It's the best credit card for small businesses because there's a periodical review to upgrade to an unsecured card.
  • Wells Fargo Business Online lets cardholders track spending, payments, and transfers.
  • Zero Liability Program, Rapid Alerts, Fraud monitoring, and Purchase Assurance help businesses keep finances safe.

Credit One Bank Platinum Visa

Credit One Bank Platinum Visa
Features Description
Annual Fee $75 first year (charged when the account opened), $99 per year after that
Required Credit Score 300+
APR 24.24% variable
Penalty fees Cash Advance Fee $5 or 8%, whichever is greater, foreign transaction fee 3% or $1, whichever is greater, maximum late fee $39

Benefits and details

  • Credit line increases reviews.
  • 1% cash back rewards on gas, food, mobile phone, internet, cable, and satellite TV service purchases.
  • $300 spending limit with no security deposit required.
  • The secured business credit card offers monthly credit bureau reporting.
  • Applicants can apply without harming their credit.

First National Bank Of Omaha Business Edition Secured Visa Card

First National Bank Of Omaha Business Edition Secured Visa Card
Features Description
Annual Fee $39
Required Credit Score 300+
APR 20.49% variable, cash advance 25.49% variable
Penalty fees Cash Advance Fee 5% (minimum $15), foreign transaction fee 3%, maximum late and over-limit fees $39 each

Benefits and details

  • $2,200 minimum security deposit (deposit is 110% of your own credit limit).
  • Credit limit between $2,000 and $100,000.
  • Cardholders paid interest on the security deposit.
  • Discounts are available with Visa SavingsEdge.
  • Cardholders can track and monitor spending, red flag their tax deductions, and use collected data to prepare tax filings.
  • Attractive financing option for a business owner with bad credit.

Secured Sable ONE Credit Card

Secured Sable ONE Credit Card
Features Description
Annual Fee None
Required Credit Score 300+
APR 10.99% variable
Penalty fees Foreign transaction fee of 2%

Benefits and details

  • This is one of the best business credit cards with no annual fee.
  • A minimum security deposit of $10 (spending limit equals deposit amount).
  • You don't need to pay a membership or monthly fees for this secured business credit card.
  • 2% cash back on everyday business purchases from merchants such as Amazon, Uber, Uber Eats, Whole Foods, Netflix, Spotify, and others.
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases.
  • Cardholders receive a dollar-for-dollar match at the end of the first year on all cash back.
  • Applicants can qualify with little or no credit history.
  • No credit check to apply.
  • Up to $10,000 credit limit.
  • No SSN required for non-citizens of the US.

How to Compare Business Credit Cards

Requirements

Make sure you know the requirements of the vendor of your choice since they differ widely among business credit cards. Of course, you need to have a business, even if it's a small sole proprietorship. Also, ensure you know your credit score since most business credit cards require you to meet a minimum threshold. You may not get approved for some cards unless your credit is good. That said, there are also credit cards for businesses with bad credit. Finally, while some business card providers require you to have a Social Security Number, others will extend you a credit card without SSN.

Type Of Business

Consider what kind of business you have. Are you and your employees always doing long-distance travel? Do you spend tons of money entertaining clients in restaurants? Maybe your company spends a lot on gas? Choose a business credit card that delivers the most benefits given your business' lifestyle. If you plan to use your card to make a big purchase soon, consider one that comes with an introductory 0 % APR deal.

Interest rates

When looking at business credit cards, it's important to compare the interest rates. Some cards have a variable interest rate that can go up or down, while others have a fixed interest rate. It's also important to look at the annual percentage rate (APR), the cost of credit expressed as a yearly percentage. The APR includes the interest rate and any fees you may have to pay on your balance. Finally, read the terms and conditions carefully to know what you're getting into. Some cards have no annual fee but may charge a late payment fee or other penalties.

Rewards program offered by the card

Some cards offer cash back or points that can be redeemed for travel or other rewards, while others provide bonuses like waived annual fees or statement credits. Be sure to compare each card's benefits to see which offers the best value for your needs.
#CaminoTip In order to keep your good credit score, always pay your monthly business credit card bill in full and on time. You can set up automatic payments so you don’t need to remind yourself. When you pay down your credit card bill within 30 days, you don’t pay interest.

Requirements for Business Credit Cards

  • Minimum age of 18 or 21 years (can vary per credit card issuer)
  • Date of birth
  • Bank account information
  • Valid ID to verify the person's identity
  • Verified physical US address where the applicant resides
  • Sufficient income or assets to make payments verified using tax returns, paycheck stubs, or annual W-2 statements
  • Social security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (when accepted by the creditor)
  • Credit score rank that meets lender requirements and credit history review
  • That you have a limited number of new accounts

How to Get a Business Credit Card

First, find the application. If you go to a bank, you may find it online or on paper.

The application requests information such as:
  • Your company's legal name or DBA if a sole proprietor
  • Tax ID number
  • Physical and mailing addresses (if they're different)
  • Business entity type
  • The business's industry designation
You will also need data from financial statements, bank statements, and tax returns.
#DidYouKnow You may need to supply personal information such as SSN, date of birth, and income.

Creditors may ask for a personal guarantee signed by the business owners or partners validating that they will repay the debt should the business default on making payments.

Once you complete the application, review and sign it. Finally, submit it to the credit card issuer. It may take hours, days, or weeks before you hear anything and another 2 weeks before receiving the card.

What Is a Business Credit Card?

A business credit card is a type of credit card designed for businesses. It typically offers higher credit limits and a wider range of features than a regular credit card. A business credit card can finance expenses such as office supplies, travel, and advertising. It can also help establish a good payment history for your business.

What are the types of business credit cards?

There are 2 main types of commercial credit cards:
  • Secured credit cards: This card requires you to make a refundable security deposit (cash) that works as the credit limit.
  • Unsecured credit cards: This credit card doesn't require a cash deposit, and the issuer establishes your credit limit depending on your credit score.

Pros and Cons of Business Credit Cards

Pros

  • They're an easy and practical way to make business expenses
  • Commercial credit cards offer bonuses and rewards
  • They help you build your credit history
  • They increase purchasing power, helping you make larger purchases, and allowing you to borrow money up to a certain limit to purchase items or services.

Cons

  • Because of the interest and fees, they can end up being expensive
  • You can't use them to make significant expenses (compared to purchases you can make with a loan)
  • Many small business credit cards require a personal guarantee

Tips On How To Use Small Business Credit Cards

If you've never used a business credit card, maybe you're feeling a bit anxious about how you'll use it. But you don't have to worry; by following these tips, you'll become an expert in using credit cards.

  • Create guidelines (and follow them!) on which expenses you can use the credit card on and which ones you shouldn't
  • Never use your business credit card for personal purposes and vice versa
  • Never use more than 30% of your credit limit
  • If your employees use the credit card, make sure to have policies on how to use them and who gets to use them.
  • Make sure to use your points and cashback rewards (many people let them expire)

Tips to Improve Your Credit With a Business Credit Card

If you want to build business credit, follow these tips

  • Pay the credit card bill 5 to 10 days before the due date.
  • Pay the balance due or more than the minimum balance.
  • After making timely payments for 4 to 6 months, ask the card issuer to increase your credit limit.
  • Using no more than 30% of your available credit and less, if possible, helps to improve your credit score.
  • Become an authorized user on another person's account who has a high credit limit and excellent credit history.
  • Check your credit history report for errors and have mistakes removed.
  • Make arrangements to have rent and utility payments reported to credit bureaus which show you make payments on time.
  • Add one or two new credit accounts, such as another credit card or a loan, to reduce your credit utilization ratio.

Alternatives to Business Credit Cards

  • Business loans. Available from traditional and alternative lenders, small business loans protect personal wealth, build credit, and provide working capital.
  • Savings account. With existing funds, business owners use their money to cover unexpected expenses without paying loan interest and fees.
  • Personal credit card. You could also apply for a personal credit card to make business purchases. While this is not recommended, it might be the solution if you can't get other types of credit.
  • Family and friends. This short-term financing helps small business owners start or sustain a business. However, they should write the financial arrangement and repay the debt regularly.
  • SBA loans. Applicants may qualify for SBA loans which offer small and large loan amounts and capped interest rates. The problem is that they have stringent requirements.
  • Investors. Business owners benefit from an investor's business expertise without having a loan payment each month. Investors work with a network of professionals to help grow a business.
  • Home Equity Loans. Borrowers borrow a percentage of their home's equity and make monthly fixed payments to repay the loan. The real estate property serves as collateral which lowers typically borrowing costs.

A Better Option Than Credit Cards

Did you know that business loans offer several advantages over business credit cards? First, these loans typically have lower interest rates than credit cards. This can save your business money on the total amount you borrowed.

Second, business loans come with fixed repayment terms that are easier to budget. This can give your business the ability to manage its cash flow better. Third, you can use loans for various purposes, while credit cards are typically only valid for small purchases. You can use a loan to finance your business's expansion or other significant projects. Finally, business loans are often easier to qualify for than credit cards. This is because lenders typically consider businesses less risky than individuals when lending money. Check out Camino Financial loans, we provide loans with competitive interest rates and affordable monthly payments. We are here to help you get the financial assistance you need and to provide you with the tools you need to succeed. Apply For A Business Loan!

FAQs

What is the best business credit card?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best business credit card for you will depend on your individual business needs and spending habits. However, some of the most popular business credit cards include the Chase Ink Business Preferred Card, the American Express Business Gold Card, and the Visa Business Platinum Card.

Can I apply for a business credit card without a business?

Yes, you can apply for a business credit card without having an existing business. However, the requirements may be more stringent than if you already have a business. For example, the issuer may require that you provide documentation such as your company's articles of incorporation or tax ID number.

Why should I get a small business card?

A small business credit card can help you handle unexpected expenses, build your business credit, keep an eye on your employees' costs, and stay organized.

How to apply for a business credit card?

Follow these tips:
  1. Incorporate your business to help separate your personal credit from that of your company
  2. Apply for an EIN number
  3. Open a business bank account
  4. Before you apply, make sure you have the minimum required credit score

Can you get a business credit card with bad credit?

Yes, you can. If you have a bad or poor credit score of 550 or below, you can apply for a secured credit card (meaning you'll need to put up collateral). Also, check our list of the best cards for bad credit.

Can I use my EIN to get a credit card?

The primary purpose of an EIN (Employee Identification Number) is to serve the IRS as an identifier for your business taxes. Still, most banks require it to open a bank account or get a loan or credit card.

Do business credit cards check personal credit scores?

Most card issuers check personal and business credit scores, especially when they require applicants to sign a personal guarantee to secure approval.

How do I establish business credit?

Only apply for a business credit card that reports payments to the 3 major credit bureaus. Once you use the card, pay the balance in full each month. Your credit score should increase within 3 to 6 months. Also, use only 30% of your available spending limit each month and ask for a credit limit increase after making timely payments for 6 months.

Can I get a business credit card with bad personal credit?

Yes, many lenders offer secured and unsecured business credit cards with benefits such as cashback on eligible purchases and tools to monitor expenses. Credit card issuers charge a higher variable APR and may require a minimum security deposit.

Does opening a business credit card affect your credit score?

It depends on whether the lender performs a soft or hard inquiry to view your credit history. Bad credit applicants should apply for credit cards with no credit checks or ones that do a soft check.

How to make the most of your business credit card?

Make sure always to pay your credit card bill in full and on time. This will help you maintain a good credit score and ensure you don't pay any unnecessary interest charges. Also, try using your business credit card for as many business expenses as possible. This will help you rack up rewards points and save money.

What's the difference between personal and business credit cards?

Individuals use personal credit cards to pay for day-to-day personal expenses, while businesses use their cards exclusively for business expenses.

What credit score do I need for a small business credit card?

To get the best-unsecured business card, businesses should have a credit score of 700 or higher. Certain lenders may accept a lower credit score but charge higher rates and offer fewer benefits.

Can you get a business credit card without an income?

Applicants apply for business credit cards using their SSN and personal credit histories. Lenders may approve their applications with other income sources and good personal credit scores. However, lenders may ask the applicant to sign a personal guarantee should the business fail to pay off a credit card balance.

Do you need LLC to get a business credit card?

Not necessarily, but it can help. If you are a sole proprietor or have a small business with few employees, you may be able to get a business credit card from a bank or other financial institution without having an LLC or corporation. However, having an LLC or corporation may make getting approved for a business credit card easier and provide some tax benefits.

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