When running a business, every financial decision can have a significant impact. One of the smartest financial tools entrepreneurs can utilize is a business credit card. The best business credit cards offer specialized perks tailored to company expenses, travel, and cash flow management. If used strategically, these cards can help maximize savings, earn rewards, and even provide essential tools for expense tracking. Below, we’ll explore some of the best business credit cards available in 2024, highlighting their top features and how they can benefit business owners.
The Best Business Credit Cards of 2024: Maximize Rewards and Benefits for Your Company
Why You Should Get a Business Credit Card
Before diving into the top business
credit cards, let's discuss why having one is essential. For small business
owners, a dedicated business card simplifies bookkeeping, builds business
credit, and often comes with rewards programs that align with company spending.
Many business credit cards
also come with higher credit limits than personal cards, which allows companies
to finance larger purchases without tapping into personal funds. By leveraging
a card's rewards, discounts, and benefits, entrepreneurs can effectively manage
cash flow and reduce the costs associated with running a business.
Top Business Credit Cards to Consider in 2024
Here are some of the best business
credit cards currently on the market, each catering to different business
needs:
1. Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Best for: Flexible rewards and travel benefits
Key Features:
- Welcome bonus:
Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first
three months. These points are worth $1,250 when redeemed through Chase
Ultimate Rewards®.
- Rewards structure:
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on
travel, shipping, internet, cable, and phone services, and advertising
purchases made with social media sites and search engines.
- Annual fee:
$95
- Foreign transaction fees: None
Why It’s Great: The Chase Ink Business Preferred® card is one of the best
business credit cards for companies seeking a combination of high rewards
and travel benefits. Its rewards structure is specifically tailored to business
expenses, while its travel perks can be maximized through the Chase Ultimate
Rewards program, which allows point transfers to various airline and hotel
partners.
2. Ink Business Premier Credit Card
Best for: Large business purchases
Key Features:
- Welcome bonus:
Earn a generous amount of cash back after spending a specified amount in
the first three months (specific details may vary based on promotions).
- Rewards structure:
Earn cash back on every purchase, with additional rewards for large
transactions.
- Annual fee:
Generally around $195 (check for updates as promotions may change).
- Foreign transaction fees: None
Why It’s Great: The Ink Business Premier Credit Card is ideal for
companies making large purchases. It offers cash back rewards that cater to
businesses spending heavily on supplies, equipment, or large orders. Its unique
rewards structure allows companies to earn significant cash back, making it one
of the best business credit cards for high spending.
3. American Express Business Gold Card
Best for: Customizable rewards categories
Key Features:
- Sign-up offer: Receive 70,000 Membership Rewards® points when you spend $10,000 within the first three months.
- Rewards structure:
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the two categories where your
business spends the most each month (up to $150,000 per year, then 1X).
- Annual fee:
$295
- Foreign transaction fees: None
Why It’s Great: The American Express Business Gold Card allows
businesses to customize rewards based on spending habits. The card
automatically adjusts to your highest spending categories, such as advertising,
travel, or software, making it ideal for companies with varied expense types.
This flexibility ensures that you're always earning the maximum points where
your business spends the most.
4. Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Best for: Straightforward cash back rewards
Key Features:
- Welcome bonus:
Earn up to $1,000 in the first six months – $500 after spending $5,000,
and an additional $500 after spending $50,000.
- Rewards structure:
Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, regardless of category.
- Annual fee:
$150
- Foreign transaction fees: None
Why It’s Great: For business owners who prefer a simple and straightforward
cash-back system, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus is one of the best
business credit cards to consider. It provides 2% cash back on all
purchases, so there is no need to track spending categories. Additionally, the
card doesn't have a pre-set spending limit, which can be beneficial for
companies with fluctuating monthly expenses.
5. Brex Card for Startups
Best for: Startups and venture-funded companies
Key Features:
- Welcome bonus:
Receive up to 50,000 points or a $500 statement credit.
- Rewards structure:
Earn 7X points on rideshare, 4X on travel booked through Brex, 3X on
dining, 2X on software, and 1X on all other purchases.
- Annual fee:
$0
- Foreign transaction fees: None
Why It’s Great: The Brex Card is designed specifically for startups, with
no personal guarantee required. It is one of the few business credit cards
that doesn’t require founders to use their personal credit for approval. This
card offers a competitive rewards program aligned with common startup expenses
such as ridesharing and software, making it a suitable option for young,
tech-driven companies.
6. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Best for: Everyday business expenses with no annual fee
Key Features:
- Welcome bonus:
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 within the
first three months.
- Rewards structure:
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on the first $50,000 in purchases
annually, then 1X point per dollar.
- Annual fee:
$0
- Foreign transaction fees: 2.7%
Why It’s Great: If you’re looking for a simple and reliable rewards card
with no annual fee, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card is one of the best
business credit cards for small businesses. It offers double the rewards on
the first $50,000 of spending each year, which is ideal for everyday business
expenses like supplies, fuel, or dining.
How to Choose the Best Business Credit Card
Selecting the right business
credit card depends on your company’s specific needs and spending habits.
Here are some factors to consider:
1.
Rewards Structure
Think about where your business
spends the most. If travel is a significant part of your expenses, opt for a
card that offers travel rewards. If most of your costs are on everyday
purchases, a cash-back card might be better.
2. Annual Fees
Many cards offer no annual fee,
while others have fees ranging from $95 to over $500. If a card with a higher
annual fee provides valuable perks and rewards that outweigh the cost, it can
still be a worthy investment.
3. Welcome Bonuses
Welcome bonuses can provide significant savings in the first year. Ensure you can meet the minimum spending requirement to qualify for the bonus.
4. Foreign Transaction Fees
For businesses with international
dealings, choose a card with no foreign transaction fees to avoid extra
charges.
Maximizing Your Business Credit Card Benefits
Once you select one of the best
business credit cards, use these tips to maximize its benefits:
- Track Expenses and Rewards: Many cards come with tools that integrate with accounting software, making it easy to track spending.
- Pay Off Balances in Full: Avoid interest charges by paying your balance monthly.
- Redeem Rewards Wisely: Use points for high-value redemptions such as travel or gift cards.
- Manage Employee Cards: Set spending limits to monitor employee expenses
effectively.
Conclusion
Choosing the right business
credit card can greatly benefit your company by offering rewards, cash-back
opportunities, and tools to streamline expense tracking. Whether you’re
interested in cards like the Chase Ink Business Preferred®, Ink Business
Premier Credit Card, or Capital One Spark Cash Plus, there is an option to fit
every business's needs.
By strategically using one of the best
business credit cards, you can reduce operating costs, earn rewards, and
reinvest those savings into growing your business. Take the time to compare
features, rewards, and fees to find the card that aligns perfectly with your
business objectives.
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