9 Best Small Business Credit Cards For Startups

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated November 10, 2025

Finding the right business credit card can give a startup the tools it needs to manage expenses, build credit, and earn rewards on everyday purchases. This guide highlights nine of the best small business credit cards for startups, making it easier to compare benefits and choose the right fit.

  • Capital One Spark Miles Select For Business

    The Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business is designed for business owners who want to earn travel rewards without added complexity. It provides a straightforward way to collect miles on everyday purchases.

    This card focuses on simplicity, making it a good choice for startups that want predictable rewards. It also comes with travel-focused features that can support business growth.

    Earning Structure:

    • 1.5x miles on every purchase
    • 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 17.49%–23.49% variable
    • Other benefits: Travel accident insurance, extended warranty protection
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Business credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Simple flat-rate earning system
    • Travel perks through Capital One Travel
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Access to business expense management tools

    Redemption Options:

    Miles can be redeemed for travel bookings, statement credits, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Requires good to excellent credit, generally a FICO score of 670 or higher.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The flat 1.5x earning rate may not be as competitive for businesses with high spending in specific categories.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its no-fee structure and simple earning system make it easy for new business owners to manage rewards without added costs.

  • U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card

    This card gives small business owners a simple way to earn rewards on common expenses. It works well for startups that want to manage costs while still collecting cash back. The card also provides tools to help separate business and personal spending. Free employee cards make it easier to track purchases across a team.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center
    • 3% cash back at gas stations and EV charging stations (on transactions of $200 or less, excluding discount stores, supercenters, and wholesale clubs), office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a $500 cash-back bonus after spending $4,500 within the first five months.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 17.99%–26.99% variable
    • Other benefits: Free employee cards, expense management tools
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Business credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Additional features: Offers purchase protection and extended warranty coverage

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Bonus rewards in multiple everyday business categories
    • Intro APR period on purchases
    • Free employee cards with individual spending limits
    • Expense tracking tools for businesses

    Redemption Options:

    Rewards can be redeemed for statement credits, direct deposits, or merchandise through the U.S. Bank rewards portal.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670–739) to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Foreign transaction fees and limited bonus categories may reduce value for businesses with international or specialized spending.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers straightforward cash back, no annual fee, and simple redemption options, making it easy for new business owners to manage.

  • Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

    The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is designed for small business owners who want strong rewards on everyday expenses. It focuses on categories that many startups rely on, making it practical for growing companies.

    It also provides flexible redemption choices through Chase’s rewards program. This makes it useful for owners who want both value and flexibility in how they use points.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3x points on travel, shipping, internet, cable, and phone services
    • 3x points on advertising purchases made with social media and search engines
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    The card currently offers 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months from account opening.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $95
    • APR: Variable, around 20.24%–26.24%
    • Other benefits: Cell phone protection, purchase protection, extended warranty
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Business credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: None
    • Additional perks: Travel protections and employee cards at no extra cost

    Key Benefits:

    • High rewards on common business categories
    • Strong welcome bonus value
    • Flexible redemption through Chase Ultimate Rewards
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Employee cards available

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants generally need good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670 or higher) to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The $95 annual fee and high spending requirement for the bonus may not suit very small businesses.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It provides clear rewards in essential categories and an easy path to valuable travel or cash back redemptions.

  • The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card From American Express

    The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card is designed for small business owners who want simple rewards without complicated bonus categories. It provides steady value across everyday purchases. This card also offers flexibility for businesses that need to manage expenses while earning rewards. It works well for startups that want to keep costs predictable.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2x points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year
    • Unlimited 1x points on purchases thereafter

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 within the first three months of card membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 17.49%–27.49% variable
    • Other benefits: Expanded buying power that adjusts with business needs
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
    • Additional features: Access to Amex business tools and expense management resources

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Flat-rate rewards with no rotating categories
    • Flexible spending capacity for larger purchases
    • Membership Rewards® points can be combined with other Amex cards
    • Useful tools for tracking and managing business expenses

    Redemption Options:

    Points can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, statement credits, or transferred to airline and hotel partners.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670 or higher) to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card has a yearly cap on earning 2x points, and purchases above that cap earn at a lower rate.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers simple rewards, no annual fee, and easy-to-use features that make it beginner-friendly for new business owners.

  • Signify Business Cash℠ Card By Wells Fargo

    The Signify Business Cash℠ Card is a straightforward option for small business owners who want simple rewards. It focuses on ease of use without adding extra layers of complexity. This card is designed for businesses that want consistent value on everyday purchases. It provides flexibility for managing expenses while keeping reward tracking simple.

    Earning Structure:

    • Unlimited 2% cash rewards on all eligible business purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a $500 bonus after spending $5,000 in the first three months of joining.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 17.49%–25.49% variable
    • Other benefits: Employee cards at no extra cost
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Business credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Additional features: Expense management tools and fraud protection

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Flat 2% cash rewards on purchases
    • Introductory 0% APR on purchases
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Free employee cards with customizable limits

    Redemption Options:

    Cash rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, or applied toward eligible purchases.

    Credit Requirements:

    Good to excellent credit (FICO score of 670–739) is usually required for approval.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card does not offer bonus categories or travel perks, which may limit value for some businesses.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its straightforward rewards system and no annual fee help new business owners manage spending and earn regular cash back.

  • Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

    The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is a simple option for small business owners who want straightforward rewards. It offers flat-rate cash back on all purchases without requiring category tracking.

    This card is designed for businesses that value flexibility in spending. It provides consistent rewards that can be useful for both everyday expenses and larger purchases.

    Earning Structure:

    • Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn a $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 within the first three months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: Variable, around 17.49%–23.49%
    • Other benefits: Purchase protection, extended warranty, employee cards at no additional cost
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Business credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Additional perks: Access to business management tools

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Flat-rate rewards on all purchases
    • Employee cards included at no extra cost
    • Flexible redemption options through cash back or travel partners

    Redemption Options:

    Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, travel, gift cards, or applied as a statement credit.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit (FICO score of at least 670) to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges foreign transaction fees, which may limit its value for international use.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    Its straightforward earning structure and lack of an annual fee make it easy for new business owners to manage and enjoy rewards without added complexity.

  • Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

    The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is designed for small business owners who want simple rewards on everyday expenses. It provides clear earning categories that align perfectly with typical business requirements.

    This card provides flexibility for managing business purchases while keeping costs predictable. It also integrates well with other Chase business cards for those looking to maximize rewards.

    Earning Structure:

    • 5x points on internet, cable, and phone services
    • 5x points at office supply stores
    • 2x points at gas stations and restaurants
    • 1x point on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    New cardholders can earn $350 after spending $3,000 in the first three months plus $400 after spending $6,000 in the first six months of card membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 17.49%–25.49% variable
    • Other benefits: Purchase protection, extended warranty, employee cards at no extra cost
    • Network: Visa
    • Type: Business credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Additional perks: Access to business management tools

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • High rewards on office-related purchases
    • Useful bonus categories for common business expenses
    • Employee cards included at no cost
    • Flexible redemption through Chase Ultimate Rewards

    Redemption Options:

    Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, or travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants need good to excellent credit, with a FICO score starting at 670, to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    The card charges foreign transaction fees, making it less ideal for international use.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It fits new business owners by offering no annual fee and simple reward categories that match everyday business spending.

  • Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® Credit Card

    This card gives small business owners flexibility by letting them choose a bonus rewards category. It is designed for businesses that want simple cash-back rewards without extra complexity. Cardholders can earn rewards on daily business expenses and control costs. It works well for startups that want to control spending and still get value back on purchases.

    Earning Structure:

    • 3% cash back in a category of choice (such as gas, office supply stores, travel, or others)
    • 2% cash back at restaurants
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn a $300 online statement credit after spending $3,000 within the first three months of membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 17.49%–27.49% variable
    • Other benefits: Access to Bank of America Business Advantage program
    • Network: Mastercard
    • Type: Cash-back business credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 3%
    • Additional perks: Online account management and employee card options

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Flexible 3% category choice
    • Solid rewards on dining and everyday spending
    • Employee cards at no extra cost
    • Simple cash-back structure for easy tracking

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit, or check, and can also be applied toward travel or gift cards.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need excellent credit (FICO score of 740 or higher) to qualify.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Foreign transaction fees and capped bonus rewards may limit its value for some businesses.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    It offers straightforward rewards with no annual fee, making it easy for new business owners to manage.

  • The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

    The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card offers simple cash back rewards that fit the needs of small business owners. It is designed for those who want predictable earnings without tracking categories. This card also provides flexibility with everyday spending. Business owners can use it to manage expenses while keeping rewards straightforward.

    Earning Structure:

    • 2% cash back on eligible purchases up to $50,000 per year
    • 1% cash back on all other purchases

    Welcome Bonus:

    Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases in the first three months of card membership.

    Card Details:

    • Annual fee: $0
    • APR: 17.49%–27.49% variable
    • Other benefits: Expanded buying power, expense management tools
    • Network: American Express
    • Type: Business credit card
    • Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
    • Additional features: Employee cards at no extra cost

    Key Benefits:

    • No annual fee to maintain the card
    • Simple flat-rate cash back structure
    • Tools to track and manage business expenses
    • Flexibility with expanded buying power

    Redemption Options:

    Cash back is automatically applied as a statement credit to the account.

    Credit Requirements:

    Applicants typically need good to excellent credit for approval, with a FICO score starting at 670.

    Spending Limitations / Potential Drawbacks:

    Cash back at 2% only applies to the first $50,000 in yearly purchases, then drops to 1%.

    Why it Works for Beginners:

    The straightforward cash back setup makes it easy for new business owners to earn rewards without managing complex categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top features to look for in a credit card for a startup business?

The most useful features include cash back or points on common business purchases like office supplies, advertising, and travel. Low or no annual fees help keep costs manageable while the business grows. Flexible redemption options and expense tracking tools also make a difference for new owners.

How can a new business with no credit history obtain a credit card?

A startup without credit history can apply for secured business credit cards that require a deposit. Some issuers also extend cards based on the owner’s personal credit rather than business credit. Responsible use over time builds the business’s credit profile.

What are the benefits of using a business credit card for a startup with no revenue?

A card can help separate personal and business expenses, making accounting easier. It also offers short-term financing through the grace period, which helps manage cash flow. Rewards programs provide small savings on everyday purchases, even before revenue starts coming in.

Which credit card issuers offer products tailored to startups with limited financial history?

Major issuers provide small business cards that consider personal credit during approval. Some cards are designed with no annual fee and simple reward structures for new owners. These products are often marketed toward startups and sole proprietors.

What options are available for startups with poor credit seeking a business credit card?

Secured business cards are the most accessible choice for owners with low credit scores. These cards require a cash deposit but still report activity to credit bureaus. Responsible use can help rebuild credit and eventually qualify the business for unsecured cards.