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There are many reasons it pays to have a dedicated business credit card that offers benefits beyond the rewards you earn. Having a business credit card makes it easier to keep your business and personal expenses separate for tax purposes, and the best business cards even come with unique cardholder perks, like travel protections or accounting integrations.
Maybe you don’t want to pay the annual fee that comes with perks you would expect from a card ,such as the American Express® Business Gold Card. The good news is there are plenty of no annual fee business credit cards that can help you reap rewards on business expenses without having to pay for the privilege. Here are a few of our favorites.
Top no-annual-fee business cards
Best for business startups
Cardholder rating
4.4
Bankrate score
4.3
Bankrate review
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:Good to Excellent
Apply now
on American Express‘s secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply
17.49% – 27.49% Variable
Reward Details
2%Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%.
1%1% cash back on all eligible purchases after spending $50,000 per calendar year.
Bankrate’s view
The American Express Blue Business Cash Card earns a generous flat rate of rewards for each dollar you spend. Along with a fair rewards rate, this card includes extended warranties on eligible purchases, purchase protection against damage or theft, dispute resolution, access to Amex Offers and more. The card’s well-rounded nature makes it a simple, valuable option for startups that want to focus on their business instead of juggling rewards.
Pros
The Expanded Buying Power feature offers flexibility to business owners who need to purchase beyond their credit limit.
Its introductory APR period for new purchases can help business owners avoid interest on upcoming costs.
Cons
Its foreign transaction fee can cut into your rewards earnings if you use your card for international purchases.
The $50,000 annual spending limit for boosted rewards may limit earning potential for larger businesses.
Card Details
Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% – 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
No Annual Fee
Terms Apply
Best for reward flexibility
Cardholder rating
4.3
Bankrate score
4.1
Bankrate review
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:Good to Excellent
Apply now
on American Express‘s secure site
See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply
15,000 Membership Rewards® points
17.49% – 27.49% Variable
Reward Details
2XEarn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
Bankrate’s view
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express works similarly to its cash back counterpart, except that you earn 2X Amex Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 you spend, then 1X points. You can redeem points you earn in American Express Membership Rewards on merchandise, gift cards, travel through AmexTravel.com and transfers to Amex’s many airline and hotel partners.
This card also comes with extended warranties for eligible purchases, purchase protection against damage or theft, dispute resolution, access to Amex Offers and additional cardholder benefits.
Pros
Its intro APR on purchases is on par with other business credit cards and can serve as a lifeline for business owners with upcoming expenses.
Expanded Buying Power allows you to spend a limited amount beyond your regular credit limit, making it a flexible option for business owners who need funds.
Cons
The spending cap for earning boosted rewards may limit the card’s rewards-earning potential for big spenders.
It lacks an intro APR on balance transfers, so it’s a poor choice for managing high-interest debt from other cards.
Card Details
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.49% – 27.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
You’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
No Annual Fee
Terms Apply.
Best welcome bonus
Cardholder rating
4.3
Bankrate score
4.2
Bankrate review
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 – 850
Apply now
on Chase‘s secure site
See Rates & Fees
Earn $750 bonus cash back
17.49% – 23.49% Variable
Reward Details
1.5%Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
Bankrate’s view
The Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card doesn’t have the highest rewards rate available on a flat-rate business rewards card, but offers a generous 1.5 percent cash back for each dollar you spend and currently has one of the best sign-up bonuses on any card for no annual fee. This bonus can prove useful if you need to invest in your business for growth.
You can also qualify for a primary auto rental collision damage waiver when you rent a car for business purposes, fraud protection, purchase protection against damage or theft, extended warranties and travel and emergency assistance services.
Pros
You can pool your points onto other eligible Chase cards to unlock more value via point transfers and boosted redemptions.
It carries a fair intro APR on purchases and a relatively low ongoing APR, making it an affordable option for budget-minded business owners.
Cons
There’s no intro APR on balance transfers, so it’s not a good choice for existing credit card debt management.
The spending requirement for this card’s welcome offer may be tough to achieve for some businesses.
Card Details
Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
No Annual Fee
Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
With Zero Liability you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Member FDIC
Best for bonus category spending
Cardholder rating
4.2
Bankrate score
4.3
Bankrate review
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:670 – 850
Apply now
on Chase‘s secure site
See Rates & Fees
Earn up to $750 bonus cash back
17.49% – 25.49% Variable
Reward Details
5%Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
2%Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
1%Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn
Bankrate’s view
The Ink Business Cash Credit Card offers tiered rewards rates that can help you earn plenty of rewards in specific business-related categories. The highest rewards tier includes office supply stores and Internet, cable and phone services, while the second tier rewards generously for purchases at gas stations and restaurants. Although your rewards are capped in each tier, you’ll still earn plenty of points before you see diminishing returns on your spending.
Pros
Its flexible redemption options through Chase Ultimate Rewards provide a unique feature compared to other small-business credit cards.
The card offers a strong variety of business-themed reward categories useful for most businesses.
Cons
The annual $50,000 spending cap on boosted rewards may not keep pace with the spending volume of larger businesses.
Its boosted rewards categories may not appeal to remote or strictly online businesses.
Card Details
Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
With Zero Liability you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
No Annual Fee
Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Member FDIC
Best for big spenders
Recommended credit score:670 – 850
17.49% to 79.99% variable APR
Reward Details
1.5%1.5% unlimited cashback with no annual fee
Bankrate’s view
The Capital on Tap Business Credit Card earns an unlimited 1.5 percent back on purchases and comes with a potentially higher-than-average credit limit. Business owners with excellent creditworthiness stand to benefit from up to $50,000 in available credit, making it a generous and flexible pick for business owners with plenty of ongoing costs.
Pros
Depending on your creditworthiness, you can qualify for a credit limit as high as $50,000, which will provide plenty of flexibility.
Applying won’t impact your credit score, so you can gauge your offer before moving forward with opening an account.
Cons
The card’s high-end APR is much higher than the rate you’ll find on most competing cards.
It lacks a sign-up bonus, so it lacks in up-front value compared to other cards on this list.
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Comparing the best no-annual-fee business cards
How to choose the best no annual fee business card
Business credit cards are the best option for sellers, consultants, freelancers and others who want to keep their finances and expenses separate. It’s easier to track your finances with a business credit card and manage your cash flow, along with having a separate credit score.
You don’t want to put your personal assets at risk or lose the protection of your chosen business entity, including S or C Corps, LLCs, general or limited partnerships, sole proprietors and nonprofit organizations. There could also be negative tax implications for your business and personal finances.
While no annual fee business credit cards offer generous rewards rates and bonus offers, these rates and bonuses are generally lower than you’ll find on an annual fee card. With that being said, there are plenty of valuable factors you should compare before you settle on a business card, including the following:
If you want to earn rewards on your business purchases, rewards rates and categories for everyday business spending should be on your radar. If your business spends more at gas stations and office supply stores than restaurants or home improvement stores, you should compare cards that offer boosted rewards rates in your preferred categories. If your business spending is spread out uniformly, then a business credit card with a flat rate of rewards could prove more valuable.
Ideally, you want a business credit card that offers a generous bonus with a minimum spending requirement you can easily meet. These offers can bring significant value alongside an intro APR offer, and are worth factoring in when choosing a card, especially if you have upcoming large purchases for your business.
The best business credit cards with no annual fee also tend to offer a 0 percent intro APR on purchases or balance transfers for a limited time. You should compare these offers based on how long they last, whether you’ll carry a balance for the first year and the variable APR you’ll have to pay on the remaining balances once the intro APR offer is over.
Business cards may come with an assortment of additional perks and benefits, including auto rental insurance, extended warranties, roadside dispatch or purchase protection. No annual fee business cards tend to come with fewer perks than their annual fee counterparts, but even the common benefits can add value to your business.
I’m a big fan of my Blue Business Plus because of the combination of simplicity and value. It’s a great option to provide solid rewards for any purchase that doesn’t earn a bonus elsewhere. Combining the higher flat rate rewards with my other Amex cards makes it a valuable member of my Amex portfolio.
— Ryan Flanigan, CCC, credit cards writer
What’s next?
The bottom line
A dedicated no annual fee business credit card can help you keep your business expenses separate for tax purposes, cover expenses during cash flow fluctuations, earn rewards, and provide additional perks and protections.
But don’t settle for a card without fully exploring your options, including annual fee business cards. Depending on your needs, you may find an annual fee business card is also a valuable choice.
Frequently asked questions
This report is similar to a personal credit history. You start by opening a credit file on your company once you decide which structure to use to establish and register it. It’s important to regularly check your business credit report for accuracy and track your progress just as you do with your personal report. Business credit reports are overseen by three entities: Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax and Experian. Factors used to determine your business credit score includes payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, credit mix, public records and liens and business information accuracy.
Learn more: Tips for building credit for startup businesses
You can build business credit the same way you build personal credit: borrowing and repaying lines of credit or loans. Secure a business credit card, keep utilization low and always pay on time or early. You can also open trade lines with vendors that report to credit agencies and consistently make timely payments. Regularly check your business credit reports for accuracy and to track your progress.
The Capital One Spark Classic for Business* is often the easiest business card to obtain, especially for those with fair credit or a less-than-perfect credit history. It offers the opportunity to earn unlimited cash rewards while also helping to build credit.
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