Business Credit Cards 101: How to Choose the Best Card for Your Business
- D. Shorter
- Feb 26
- 4 min read
(This article contains affiliate links. If you use these links to apply for a business credit card, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Black Women in Wallstreet!)
Why Every Business Owner Needs a Business Credit Card
A business credit card is not just another payment method—it’s a powerful financial tool that can help you build business credit, manage cash flow, and earn rewards.
🔹 Separate personal & business expenses for tax and legal protection.
🔹 Build business credit to qualify for larger loans and better financing options.
🔹 Earn cashback, travel rewards, and perks on business purchases.
🔹 Access higher credit limits than personal credit cards.
🔹 Improve cash flow by covering expenses before invoices are paid.
But with so many options, how do you choose the right card?
Let’s break down the process and highlight some of the best business credit cards for different needs.
Step 1: Identify Your Business Needs
Before applying for a card, think about how you’ll use it. Do you need cash back, travel rewards, or a 0% APR period?
✔ Do you spend a lot on office supplies or ads? → Look for cashback rewards.
✔ Do you travel frequently for business? → A travel rewards card may be best.
✔ Do you need to finance a big purchase? → Choose a card with 0% intro APR.
✔ Do you have a new business with no credit history? → Get a secured or no-PG (personal guarantee) card.
Pro Tip: You can have multiple business credit cards to maximize benefits!
Step 2: Compare the Best Business Credit Cards
Here are some of the best business credit cards available today:
🔥 Best Overall Business Credit Card
✅ Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
✅ 0% intro APR for 12 months
✅ No annual fee➡ Best for: Business owners who want simple, unlimited cashback.
💰 Best Business Card for Cash Back
✅ 2% cash back on all purchases
✅ No preset spending limit
✅ $1,200 cash bonus (after spending $30,000 in 3 months)➡ Best for: High-spending businesses that want straightforward rewards.
✈ Best Business Card for Travel Rewards
✅ 5X points on flights & hotels booked through Amex
✅ Access to Centurion Lounges & Priority Pass
✅ $200 airline fee credit➡ Best for: Business owners who travel often & want luxury perks.
🏆 Best for New & Small Businesses
💳 Brex Card (No Personal Guarantee Required)
✅ No personal credit check
✅ 7X points on rideshare, 4X on dining, 3X on travel
✅ No annual fee➡ Best for: Startups & entrepreneurs who want to build business credit without risking personal credit.
📉 Best 0% APR Business Credit Card
✅ 0% intro APR for 18 months
✅ No annual fee
✅ Low ongoing interest rates➡ Best for: Businesses that need to finance a large purchase or manage cash flow.
Want a card with high rewards & no annual fee? Check out Chase Ink Business Unlimited or Capital One Spark Cash Plus.
Step 3: Understand Business Credit Card Terms
Before you apply, know these key terms:
📌 APR (Annual Percentage Rate): Interest rate if you carry a balance. Look for 0% intro APR offers.
📌 Annual Fee: Some cards charge a fee ($95–$595). Make sure the rewards outweigh the cost.
📌 Cashback vs. Points: Choose cashback if you want simple rewards; points work better for frequent travelers.
📌 No PG (No Personal Guarantee): Some business credit cards don’t require your personal credit—a great option for new businesses!
Step 4: How to Apply & Get Approved for a Business Credit Card
🔹 What You Need to Apply
✔ Business Name & EIN (Employer Identification Number)
✔ Business Type & Revenue (Estimate if New Business)
✔ Personal Credit Score (Unless No PG Card)
✔ Legal Business Structure (LLC, Sole Proprietor, etc.)
Pro Tip: If you’re a sole proprietor, you can apply with your SSN instead of an EIN!
🔹 How to Increase Approval Odds
✅ Apply for cards that match your credit score.
✅ Keep personal credit utilization low before applying.
✅ Have a business checking account with cash flow.
✅ Consider a secured business credit card if you have low or no credit.
👉 Affiliate Recommendation: Need an easy approval business credit card with no PG? Apply for Brex Card.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using a Business Credit Card
🚫 Mistake #1: Mixing Business & Personal Expenses➡ Always keep business purchases separate for tax and legal protection.
🚫 Mistake #2: Carrying a High Balance➡ High balances hurt your business credit score and lead to high interest payments.
🚫 Mistake #3: Ignoring Business Credit➡ Even if your business is new, start building business credit early by making small purchases and paying them off.
🚫 Mistake #4: Choosing a Card Without Perks➡ Pick a card that rewards you for what you spend the most on (travel, ads, office supplies, etc.).
🚫 Mistake #5: Paying Late➡ Late payments can ruin your business credit score! Set up autopay to stay on track.
Final Thoughts: Build Your Business Credit the Smart Way
A business credit card is an essential tool for any entrepreneur. The right card can help you:
✅ Build your business credit score.
✅ Earn cashback or travel rewards.
✅ Manage cash flow and expenses easily.
💳 Ready to get started? Check out the best business credit cards:
🔹 Best Cashback Card: Chase Ink Business Unlimited
🔹 Best for Travel Rewards: Amex Business Platinum
🔹 Best No PG Card: Brex Card
🔹 Best 0% APR Card: U.S. Bank Business Platinum
🔥 Want more financial tips? Join Black Women in Wallstreet for expert advice on funding, business credit, and wealth-building strategies!
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