How Does LendingTree Get Paid?

LendingTree is compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order). LendingTree does not include all lenders, savings products, or loan options available in the marketplace.

Advertising Disclosure

LendingTree is an advertising-supported comparison service. The site features products from our partners as well as institutions which are not advertising partners. While we make an effort to include the best deals available to the general public, we make no warranty that such information represents all available products. We are compensated by companies on this site and this compensation may impact how and where offers appear on this site (such as the order).

American Express Disclosure

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

7 Best Business Credit Cards for Startups in 2024

Updated on:

We receive commissions from our advertising partners. These commissions do not influence our recommendations. Click here to learn more.

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is the best credit card for startup businesses — you’ll earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%, redeemable for statement credits.

A business credit card for startups can help you keep your business expenses separate from your personal finances.
Many types of startups may qualify for a business credit card — from LLCs to sole proprietors.
If you haven’t established a business credit history, your personal credit history is typically used to approve your business credit card application.

Having a business credit card for your startup can help you manage your cash flow and separate your business spending from your personal life, as well as offer rewards and helpful benefits. Opting for a card with no annual fee will save you money each year. Some cards offer introductory 0% APRs which allow you to finance a purchase without incurring finance charges if you pay your balance in full before the term ends.

And if you don’t already have an established business credit history, don’t fret — many issuers will look at your personal credit history to approve you and establish your credit limit.

7 best startup business credit cards

Winner (cash back business credit card for startups): The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Unsecured business credit cards for startups with fair credit: Capital One Spark Classic for Business
Best startup card for online businesses: American Express^® Business Gold Card
Best business credit card for startups with a sign-up bonus: Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card
Best travel business card for startups: The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express
Best 0% APR business credit for startups: U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
Best for unlimited cash back rewards: U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa^® Business Card

Find your perfect card in 30 seconds. Check your approval odds so you can shop smarter.

Winner (cash back credit card for startups)

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.4

LendingTree's Review

4.4

Learn More

Rewards rate: 1% to 2% cash back

Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%, redeemable for statement credits

No annual fee
Intro APR offer on purchases
High rate of cash back on every purchase
Simple rewards, redeemable for statement credits

Spending cap on bonus rewards
Charges a foreign transaction fee

Benefits for startups: A generous flat-rate cash back rewards program*, introductory APR offer and the ability to spend above your credit limit give you lots of flexibility.

The The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is our overall pick for the best business credit card for startup business. That’s because it offers startup-friendly features like 2% cash back on purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year)*, an introductory APR offer and no annual fee.

This card is also a fine choice for making a big purchase for your new business. You’ll get an intro APR of 0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening, followed by a 17.74% - 25.74% Variable APR. This gives you a year to pay off your purchase with no interest, plus you can use the cash back from the welcome offer to help pay it off.

Furthermore, this card gives you flexibility in making large purchases through Expanded Buying Power. Amex may allow you to spend above your credit limit, based on factors including your payment history, credit record and financial resources that the issuer is aware of. (Note, however, that whenever you spend above your credit limit, the amount above your limit will need to be paid in full by your due date.)

*Cash back is easily redeemed for statement credits.

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, 17.74% – 25.74%, 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

*The information related to the The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Unsecured business credit card for startups with fair credit

Capital One Spark Classic for Business*

LendingTree's Review

4.3

LendingTree's Review

4.3

Learn More

Rewards rate: 1% to 5% cash back

Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions. Plus, earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

$0 annual fee
Earn cash back rewards with every purchase
Open to consumers with fair credit

1% cash back rewards rate is lower than other cards
High regular APR
No 0% intro APR
No welcome bonus

Benefits for startups: The recommended credit requirements open doors to entrepreneurs with lower credit scores. The flat-rate rewards program also appeals to those who appreciate simplicity.

The Capital One Spark Classic for Business has a $0 annual fee and lets you earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions. Plus, earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

With a lackluster rewards program, this card’s main appeal is that applicants with lower credit scores can apply. While the top business credit cards are available to those with good or excellent credit, the Capital One Spark Classic for Business is recommended for fair credit.

Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions. Plus, earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
No annual fee
Build and strengthen credit for your business by using this credit card responsibly
$0 Fraud Liability if your card is lost or stolen
Free employee cards, which also earn unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases
Rewards won't expire for the life of the account, and you can redeem your cash back for any amount
No foreign transaction fees

*The information related to the Capital One Spark Classic for Business has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Startup card for online businesses

American Express^® Business Gold Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.3

American Express<sup>®</sup> Business Gold Card

LendingTree's Review

4.3

Learn More

Rewards rate: 1x to 4x points

Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 eligible categories where your business spent the most each month on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card. Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required. Terms apply.

Excellent welcome offer
4X points on common business purchases
Transfer points to 15-plus loyalty programs
No preset spending limit

$375 annual fee
Rewards good mostly for travel
Bonus spending has an annual cap

Benefits for startups: Your purchases earn flexible points, and you can earn an elevated rate in two of your top eligible categories each month. This includes qualifying software and electronics, which makes it a great option for tech startups.

One of the best benefits of the American Express^® Business Gold Card is that the bonus spending is tailored to your specific business. You’ll get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 eligible categories where your business spent the most each month on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card. Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required. Terms apply.

The best part is that the bonus categories can change each month, making it a great option if your spending changes from time to time. Plus, the points that you earn are flexible and can be redeemed for a variety of travel purchases, including transfers to more than 15 hotel and airline loyalty programs.

Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
0% Intro APR ¤ for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.74% to 27.74% variable APR.*
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.*
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*
Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
The Business Gold Card now comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and Limited Edition White Gold. White Gold design is only available while supplies last. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
*Terms Apply

*The information related to the American Express^® Business Gold Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Sign-up bonus for startups

Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card

LendingTree's Review

4.7

Ink Business Preferred<sup>®</sup> Credit Card

LendingTree's Review

4.7

Apply Now

on Chase's secure site

Rewards rate: 1x to 3x points

Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn.

Outstanding sign-up bonus
Solid earnings on common business purchases
Transfer points to 10+ hotel and airline partners
No foreign transaction fees
25% bonus on Chase travel redemptions

$95 annual fee
No introductory 0% offer

Benefits for startups: This card can be a great option for startups or other businesses that spend heavily on qualifying social media advertising, shipping and internet services.

If you’re looking for a business credit card with a large sign-up bonus, the Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card may be right for you. It also comes with bonus spending categories that can be attractive for many businesses. You can earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn. So if your business does a lot of spending in these categories, it’s yet another reason to consider the Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card.

The perks of the card can easily outweigh the $95 annual fee, but the card does lose some appeal with its lack of an introductory 0% APR offer.

Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
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.
Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
Member FDIC

Travel business card for startups

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express*

LendingTree's Review

4.4

The Business Platinum Card<sup>®</sup> from American Express

LendingTree's Review

4.4

Learn More

Rewards rate: 1x to 5x points

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.

Outstanding array of luxury travel benefits
Over $1,000 worth of annual statement credits
High rewards rate on travel purchases
Access to the world’s largest lounge network

$695 annual fee
Few bonus spending categories outside travel
Statement credits can be difficult to use

Benefits for startups: With a long list of travel perks — including airport lounge access, car rental benefits and insurance — this card is ideal for startup owners who travel often.

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express comes with a hefty $695 annual fee, but also has outstanding luxury and travel benefits. If you frequently travel for your startup, you can more than justify the annual fee with over $1,000 in statement credits and access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection.

The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express is certainly not for everyone. But if the unparalleled list of credits and benefits can help you supercharge your startup, this might be the card you need.

Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
$199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
$695 Annual Fee.
Terms Apply.

*The information related to the The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

0% APR business credit for startups

U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.5

LendingTree's Review

4.5

Learn More

Intro APR length: 18 months

0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles, then a 17.24% to 26.24% Variable APR applies

Outstanding intro APR on purchases
$0 annual fee or membership fee

No sign-up bonus
No rewards for ongoing spending
Balance transfer fee
Foreign transaction fee

Benefits for startups: The long introductory APR offer on new purchases may give your business more financial flexibility.

The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card features one of the longest introductory periods around for purchases. You’ll get 0% intro APR on purchases for 18 billing cycles, after which a 17.24% to 26.24% APR applies.

So if you need to spend big to get your startup off the ground and want a lengthy intro APR card to use for paying off your purchases, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is the card to get.

Other business cards may serve you better if you want to rack up rewards or get a big sign-up bonus, but this one excels when you need maximum time without paying interest.

Limited time offer: 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 17.24% to 26.24%.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.
Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2024 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute
Terms and conditions apply

*The information related to the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Unlimited cash back rewards

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa^® Business Card*

LendingTree's Review

4.7

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa<sup>®</sup> Business Card

LendingTree's Review

4.7

Learn More

Rewards rate: 1% to 3% cash back

Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants. 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases. Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center. No limit on total cash back earned.

$0 annual fee
Earn unlimited cash back on business expenses
Generous sign-up bonus
Intro APR on purchases
Annual credit for software subscription expenses

Modest rewards rate on general purchases
Fuel and EV charging purchases of more than $200 only earn 1% cash back
3% foreign transaction fee

Benefits for startups: This card comes with an introductory APR on new purchases, plus an annual statement credit for a qualifying software subscription.

The U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa^® Business Card offers a large sign-up bonus: earn $750 in cash back — just spend $6,000 on the account owner's card in the first 180 days of opening your account. Most cards only allow 90 days or three months to earn the bonus.

You’ll get 3% cash back on lucrative categories like gas stations and restaurants.

You’ll also get a 0% intro APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases — after which, an 18.24% to 27.24% variable APR applies. Plus, you can earn a $100 annual statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses like Quickbooks for FreshBooks. The credit is automatically applied after 11 consecutive months of eligible payments to the service provider.

Earn $750 in cash back. Just spend $6,000 on the Account Owner's card in the first 180 days of opening your account.
Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.
1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center.
No limit on total cash back earned.
Rewards never expire.
Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks
0% Intro APR on purchases for 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 18.99% - 27.99%.
No annual fee.
Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Terms and conditions apply

*The information related to the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa^® Business Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

Compare business credit cards for startups

Credit Cards	Our Ratings	Annual Fee	Welcome Offer	Rewards Rate
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card* Learn More	4.4 Winner	No annual fee	Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.	Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%	Learn More
Capital One Spark Classic for Business* Learn More	4.3 Fair credit	$0	N/A	Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions. Plus, earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.	Learn More
American Express^® Business Gold Card* Learn More	4.3 Online business	$375	Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*	Get 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 eligible categories where your business spent the most each month on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card. Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required. Terms apply.	Learn More
Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card Apply Now on Chase's secure site	4.7 Sign-up bonus	$95	Earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.	Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn.	Apply Now on Chase's secure site
The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express* Learn More	4.4 Travel	$695	Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.	5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases. Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.	Learn More
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card* Learn More	4.5 0% APR	$0	N/A	N/A	Learn More
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa^® Business Card* Learn More	4.7 Unlimited cash back rewards	$0	Earn $750 in cash back — just spend $6,000 on the Account Owner's card in the first 180 days of opening your account.	Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants. 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases. Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center. No limit on total cash back earned.	Learn More

*The information for the The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, Capital One Spark Classic for Business, American Express^® Business Gold Card, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card and U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa^® Business Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms Apply.

Who can get a business credit card?

Usually, a business credit card application will require you to submit information about your business, so you’ll need a qualifying business to apply. However, you often don’t need an LLC or to be officially registered with the government to get a business credit card. A wide variety of businesses may fit an issuer’s criteria, including:

Sole proprietorships
Partnerships
LLCs
S corporations
C corporations
Many other types of businesses

Many issuers won’t require a brick-and-mortar business — you can have a business you run out of your home using your personal address.

How to get a business credit card for a startup

Understand your credit score

Make sure you look at both your personal credit report and your business credit history. This can help you understand which business cards you might be eligible for and improve your approval odds.
Decide on a charge card versus a credit card

A charge card requires you to pay your balance in full each month. If you think your business’s cash flow will require you to carry a balance month to month, you might consider a credit card instead.
Evaluate your spending

Many business credit cards offer rewards in different spending categories. Check your business’s typical spending to see which card might make the most sense for you.
Consider a card's fees

Some (but not all) business credit cards come with fees. In fact, if you have a limited or damaged credit history, many of your card options may include substantial annual and monthly maintenance fees. Be sure to scan the fine print for all the fees to evaluate whether an offer makes sense for you.
Apply for your new card

Once you’ve decided on the best business credit card for you, gather your application information and apply for your new card.
Use your card responsibly

After you get your new card, make sure to use it responsibly. Make a plan to always pay your bill off in full, each and every month, and consider setting up automatic payments.

Find your perfect card in 30 seconds. Check your approval odds so you can shop smarter.

How do you get a business credit card with no credit history?

Many issuers will look at both your business and personal credit history. So if you have good personal credit, you may be approved for a business credit card, even if your business has no credit history.

If you have neither business nor personal credit history, you’ll likely want to build up your credit profile before applying for a business credit card. You may even consider applying for a secured business credit card to jump-start your credit history.

You’ll need an employer identification number (EIN) to establish a credit history for your business, so it’s a good idea to get one before you apply for a credit card. You’ll also need an EIN to apply for business loans and file business tax returns. It’s free to apply and it only takes a few minutes to fill out a form online.

→ See if your startup needs an EIN and how to apply for one.

How to make the most of your first business credit card

Here are a few things you’ll want to do to maximize the value of your first business credit card:

If the card has an initial welcome offer, make sure that you meet the minimum spending amount to get your bonus.
Transfer any recurring business expenses to your new card.
Keep your spending within your card’s credit limit; request that your issuer increase your credit limit, if necessary.
Make a plan to pay your bill in full, each and every month, and consider setting up automatic payments.

Additional small business resources for startups

Getting a startup off the ground requires work and money. While a small business credit card can go a long way in offering financial flexibility, there are other resources you can use for anything from renting office space to paying vendors.

Startup business loans can help you access between $500 and $5 million for your business.
Small business grants come from federal, state and corporate sources. If applicable, check out these small business grants for minorities and business grants for women.
Business lines of credit usually require a steady track record, both financially and as a business.
Business loans may be harder to obtain for startups — but if your business has an established credit history, they may be an option.
Personal loans may be easier to get, but they typically come with higher rates and more personal liability.

Frequently asked questions

To get a business credit card for your LLC, you can apply for a business credit card and provide the required information about your LLC. Most business card issuers will require you to include your personal information, thereby personally guaranteeing the card. Credit card issuers will look at both your personal credit and the credit of your business to determine whether to approve the application.

Building business credit works in much the same way as building personal credit. Your business credit improves as you show that you’ve reliably paid your obligations. Using a business credit card responsibly can be one way to establish business credit. Consistently paying service bills like internet, cellphone or other utilities in the name of your business may also help your business credit.

Yes, many businesses do have their own credit reports and credit scores, separate from the credit reports and scores of their owner(s) or any employees. There are three main business credit bureaus — Experian, Equifax and Dun & Bradstreet. These credit bureaus collect business credit information in much the way that Experian, Equifax and TransUnion collect information about individuals.

Yes, you can use an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to get a credit card, though many business credit card issuers also require personal information, like your Social Security number. Still, some corporate credit cards will allow you to get a business credit card with only an EIN.

If you’re applying for a small business credit card, you as the business owner are personally responsible for what’s charged to the card. Some issuers only report business card activity to your personal credit if you fall behind on payments or incur other negative marks — but that’s not always the case. Some issuers may report your full payment history for your business credit card accounts to your personal credit.

Methodology: How we chose the best business credit cards for startups

In selecting the best business credit cards for startups, we considered factors including reward programs, annual fees and helpful features, such as no preset spending limit and statement credits for travel expenses.

Most of the cards on this list have generous rewards programs. In addition, the one business card here that doesn’t earn rewards still offers a lengthy period of intro APR that can make it worthwhile if your startup is planning a big purchase and will need time to pay it off.

Some of the cards here charge annual fees, while others don’t. For those that do, taking advantage of rewards, sign-up bonuses or welcome offers, as well as any credits offered, can help recoup that annual fee amount.

Finally, certain cards fill a truly unique niche. For example, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express offers what may well be the widest ranging airport lounge access available with a travel card. For business owners who fly regularly throughout the year, that benefit offers substantial value.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

The information related to the The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, Capital One Spark Classic for Business, American Express^® Business Gold Card, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card, U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa^® Business Card, Discover it^® Cash Back and Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card has been collected by LendingTree and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply.

The content above is not provided by any issuer. Any opinions expressed are those of LendingTree alone and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any issuer. The offers and/or promotions mentioned above may have changed, expired, or are no longer available. Check the issuer's website for more details.

Charlotte Zhang

Charlotte Zhang is a credit cards writer at LendingTree, where she explains credit cards and other personal finance topics in simple terms to help readers with financial decisions.

Charlotte believes learning about personal finance is a vital skill to prepare people for different financial scenarios in life.

Prior to joining LendingTree in 2023, she spent more than a decade contributing to personal finance and insurance websites, as well as parenting, education and travel websites and magazines. Before writing professionally, she taught English in China for over a decade.

Outside of work, she enjoys knitting, spending time with her husband and two kids and leading 4-H activities for community youth.

Specialties

Credit card reviews
Credit scores and building credit
Budgeting
Life insurance

Achievements

14+ years of personal finance writing experience
60+ articles written for LendingTree
Writing has also been published in U.S. News & World Report, USA Today, The Penny Hoarder, Money Under 30 and The Simple Dollar

Education

Bachelor of Science, Martin Luther College

Charlotte’s favorite credit cards

“I love the simplicity of cash back credit cards. I use the Discover it^® Cash Back for its rotating categories and Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card to get 2% back on everything else.”

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® Review

Best Chase Credit Cards in 2024

How to Apply for a Credit Card in 7 Steps

Average Credit Card Interest Rate in America Today

7 Best Business Credit Cards for Startups in 2024

Best overall business credit card

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Best overall business credit card

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Key takeaways

7 best startup business credit cards

Winner (cash back credit card for startups)

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card*