US Bank has an excellent business credit card as well. The fine print states there is a $25 annual fee, but it is waived if you make at least one purchase every year. I was surprised to find that the business card did not require a personal SSN, which keeps it seperate from personal transactions and credit reporting. The business card is also a good means to build credit for your business, which may come in handy when seeking credit without a personal guarantee in the future.
The 5 Best Credit Cards for Small Businesses
Updated April 2012
It seems like most credit card users only consider half the products on the market. Consumer credit and charge cards are heavily advertised, with the link to the business version of these cards sometimes appearing the bottom corner of the webpage. Yet failing to consider business as well as consumer products is a fundamental mistake that many credit card users make. (See also: 250+ Tips for Small Business Owners)
Who Are Business Cards For?
Business cards are intended for small businesses, sole proprietors, or any consumer who wishes to divide his or her company’s spending with a separate card. For example, when I was a business traveler, I used a business card to charge my reimbursable expenses. I still had to apply for the card using my own credit, and I alone was responsible for payment. Using a business card allowed me to segregate my personal expenses from those my company was reimbursing me for. Eventually, I realized that there was no reason why I couldn’t use whichever card offered the best combination of features and benefits for my personal or business expenses. Today, I hold a variety of business and personal cards to maximize the features of each.
Business Card Rewards
Like personal cards, the market for business cards has been characterized by ever-increasing rewards and perks. Whether you are using a business card for actual business expenses or merely to compliment the personal cards in your wallet, those who do not carry a balance will want to generate the highest possible return on their spending. On the other hand, any person or business that uses a credit card to finance purchases should be almost exclusively concerned with the finance terms. Therefore, the selection criteria for these top five business cards have been weighted heavily towards the rewards offered.
Credit Versus Charge Cards
It is also important to note that this list contains both credit cards and charge cards, as many of the best business products fall into the latter category. With a charge card, all balances must be paid in full or the account holder will be considered delinquent.
The Five Best Credit Cards for Small Businesses
Here are my top picks.
1. American Express’s Starwood Preferred Guest Business Card
With little or no difference from their consumer version, the Starwood Preferred Guest card from American Express is the ultimate travel rewards card. Members earn one Starpoint per dollar spent, which can be transferred to the mileage programs of more than 30 different airlines. Cardholders can also redeem their points for award nights at Starwood properties including Sheratons and Westins with no blackout dates or capacity restrictions. There is a $65 annual fee that is waived the first year, and a foreign transaction fee of 2.7%.
2. Capital One Spark
This is the credit card for those who would to receive the maximum cash back instead of loyalty points. The Spark card offers 2% cash back on all purchases with no limits, the highest rate on the market. Cardholders who carry a balance will incur interest at a rate equal to the Prime Rate plus 10.65%. There is a $59 annual fee for this card that is waived the first year, and no foreign transaction fees.
3. Ink Bold From Chase
Chase offers a dedicated line of business products called Ink. Their top-of-the-line product is the Ink Bold charge card. While it is not a simple knock off of a consumer card, it bears a close resemblance to Chase’s excellent Sapphire Preferred product.
Like its consumer cousin, Ink Bold card members earn points in Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program. New applicants will receive 50,000 Ultimate Rewards points as a sign up bonus -- 25,000 after your first purchase, and another 25,000 after spending $10,000 in three months. That can be redeemed for $500, or $625 in airfare. Thereafter, cardholders will earn five points per dollar spent at office supply stores, on cable and wireless service, and on landline communications. Two points per dollar are earned at gas and grocery stores, with one point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Once earned, points can be redeemed for one cent each towards cash back or a variety of merchandise options. Cardholders can also transfer points to the programs of several airline and hotel partners, as well as Amtrak Guest Rewards. Finally, points can be redeemed for 1.25 cents each towards travel booked through Chase’s web site. This card is a World Elite MasterCard which includes a variety of enhanced travel services as well as a business lounge access program.
This is a charge card, not a credit card, so balances must be paid in full. There is a $95 annual fee for this card that is waived the first year, but there are no foreign transaction fees.
4. American Express Business Gold
Although American Express offers its popular Platinum card with a wide range of benefits, customers must pay a huge annual fee for each card on the account. Just below that card in their product range is their Business Gold Rewards charge card, which has a much smaller fee but is superior in many ways. For example, cardholders will earn triple Membership Rewards points on airfare; and double points on advertising, gas, and shipping; in addition to one point per dollar spent on all other purchases. Once earned, Membership Rewards points can be redeemed for miles with 20 different carriers or for cash back or merchandise at a rate of one cent per point. There is a $175 annual fee for this card that is waived the first year, as well as a 2.7% foreign transaction fee. There is a $50 for the first additional card, but subsequent cards can be ordered at no additional charge.
5. American Express Plum
This is a charge card with some unique features that can work well for those who purchase expensive goods. Cardholders have the option of receiving a 1.5% discount on all purchases as long as they pay their balance in full within 10 days of their statement closing date. Alternately, card holders can extend their balance interest free for two months by paying a mere 10% of it within their normal statement due date. This card also comes with a robust set of purchase-protection policies including a $1,000 of accidental theft and damage coverage, and return protection of $300 per purchase, up to $1,000 a year. Finally, manufacturer’s warranties are extended by up to one year on items that cost as much as $10,000. This card is also part of the Open Savings program that offers 5% off on purchases from many business and travel companies. There is a $185 annual fee for this card that is waived the first year, but regrettably American Express charges their 2.7% foreign transaction fee.
By carefully considering the best business cards on the market, you can choose the product that best meets your needs.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author's alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.
Note that the consumer protection reforms passed for credit cards a couple years ago don't apply to business credit cards. They are only appropriate for business users with responsible credit usage habits.
Many people overlook the small business owners need for great credit cards that help them track and manager expenses. Instead of the social security number the small business will normally have an EIN number for tax tracking purposes.
