15 Best Business Credit Cards for Startups

Business credit cards for startups are great if you want to get funding to get your business off the ground. To help you, this post lists the top 15 startup business credit cards. We also tell you what factors to consider when choosing a business credit card. Like interest rates, annual fees, rewards, and more. Finally, we'll give you the tools so you know how to pick, apply and use a credit card to your advantage. Apply to Another Financing Option  

15 Best Business Credit Cards For Startups

Unsecured Business Credit Cards for Startups

An unsecured credit card is a traditional credit card that requires no security deposit.

Delta SkyMiles Gold Business American Express Card

Other benefits and perks

• Limited time offer to earn 75,000 bonus points when spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
• Receive $100 off on Delta flights after spending $10,000 in a calendar year.
• Earn 2 miles for each dollar spent on certain purchases and 1 mile for all other purchases.
• This business credit card has no foreign transaction fees.

Reviews

• Best card for small business owners traveling frequently and needing to earn miles rewards for purchases.
• Doesn't have as many benefits as other business cards.

Capital One Spark Cash Select

Other benefits and perks

• No foreign transaction fees.
• $0 fraud liability on lost and stolen cards.
• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases and no limits or category restrictions.
• Rewards don't expire.
• Redeemable cashback rewards regardless of the amount.
• Free employee cards.
• Ability to download purchases to accounting software like Quicken, Excel, and QuickBooks.

Reviews:

• Cardholders enjoy not paying an annual fee and taking advantage of the introductory 0% APR.
• The unlimited cashback offer and other benefits and perks are a big plus for businesses building and developing revenue streams.

American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card

Other benefits and perks

• Get 15,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 for eligible purchases within the first 3 months.
• Earn twice the Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 in business purchases per year and 1 point per dollar after that.
• You can redeem points for gift cards, a statement credit, airfare, and online purchases.

Reviews

• Cardholders enjoy not paying an annual fee and taking advantage of the introductory 0% APR.
• Unfortunately, the credit score requirement keeps some applicants from qualifying.

Bank of America Business Advantage MasterCard

Other benefits and perks

• Introductory $300 bonus after making purchases totaling $3,000 within the first 90 days as a statement credit.
• Cashback deposit into Bank of America checking or savings account or as a paper check.
• 3% cashback in a preferred category and 2% cash back on dining on the first $50,000 in combined categories, and 1% cash back for other purchases.
• Earn more significant rewards with Preferred Rewards for Business.
• Roadside assistance.
• Travel accident insurance.
• Zero fraud liability protection.

Reviews

• Excellent customer service and mobile app ratings, customizable card allowing you to choose bonus categories.
• The card doesn't offer as many business benefits compared to other cards.

Discover It Business Card

Other benefits and perks

• Discover matches the cash earned at the end of the first year (sign-up bonus).
• 1.5% unlimited cash back.
• Free employee cards with spending limits.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Cardholders can redeem cash at any time.

Reviews

• Good for businesses that need start-term financing.
• You can't choose bonus categories to earn higher cash yields.

American Express Blue Business Cash Card

Other benefits and perks 

• $250 rewards bonus for making $3,000 in purchases first 3 months.
• 2% cash back on purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%.
• Car rental loss and damage insurance, extended warranties, travel assistance hotline, rewards when paying vendors, and purchase protection.
• With "Expanded Buying Power," you can purchase over your credit limit.

Reviews

• Cardholders enjoy not paying an annual fee and taking advantage of the introductory 0% APR.
• Business-related benefits and rewards help small business owners save money.

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

Other benefits and perks

• Limited offer to earn $500 cash back when spending $4,500 within the first 150 days after opening an account.
• 3% cash back at gas stations, office supply stores, cell phone providers, and restaurants on eligible purchases.
• 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
• Unlimited cashback earnings.
• Rewards don't expire.
• $100 statement credit for FreshBooks or QuickBooks software subscriptions.

Reviews

• Good for businesses with good credit and those that want to save money by earning rewards/bonuses and not paying an annual fee.

Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Other benefits and perks

• $750 cash back after spending $7,500 during the first 3 months after opening the account.
• 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent at office supply stores and on internet/cable/phone services each year.
• Then, 2% cash back on $25,000 spent at gas stations and restaurants annually, and 1% cash on other purchases.
• Cardholders can redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel, fraud protection, and zero liability for unauthorized charges.
• Cardmembers can use Chase Ultimate Rewards to redeem points with no annual fee redeem rewards.

Reviews

• High earnings yield for businesses using these types of services.
• Its no annual fee, no sign-up bonus, and 0% introductory rate, which are money savers.
• However, the ink business cash credit isn't advantageous for businesses that spend more than $25,000 in select categories.

Brex Corporate Card For Startups

Other benefits and perks

• Receive 10,000 points on the first $1,000 spent, another 10,000 points when spending $3,000 in the first 3 months, and 20,000 points when linking your payroll information to your Brex account.
• Receive 1 point for every dollar you spend and an unlimited reward through Brex's Exclusive Rewards Program when making Brex Card your only company card.
• No credit check, no personal guarantee required, no account fees, no interest, no foreign transaction fee, no SSN required or revenue.

Reviews

• This business credit card with no credit check is best for cardholders with bad credit and no credit history but with consistent revenue to pay off the balance daily or monthly.
• $50,000 bank balance required for monthly payments.
• No minimum requirement for daily payments.

Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

Other benefits and perks:

• $750 cash back bonus after spending $7,500 within the first 3 months.
• Unlimited 1.5% cashback on all purchases.
• You can redeem rewards for cash, gift cards, and travel.
• Auto rental collision damage waiver.
• Employee cards.
• Purchase and extended warranty protection.

Reviews:

• It doesn't offer bonus categories. However, businesses can make larger purchases during the first 12 months without paying interest.
• Cardholders like being able to earn rewards when paying for everyday business expenses.

Secured Business Credit Cards for Startups

A secured card requires a refundable security deposit that often works as your credit limit. Because of this, it's easier to qualify for them, and sometimes you don't even need to have a personal or business credit score.

First National Bank Business Edition Secured Visa Card

Other benefits and perks

• Applicants can request a specific credit limit between $2,000 and $100,000.
• Security deposits earn interest.
• Prequalification doesn't impact the credit score.

Reviews

• This secured card helps applicants prequalify even if their credit is bad.
• Cardholders can manage their accounts online, track spending, set up alerts, and control cash flow.

Discover It Secured Credit Card

Other benefits and perks

• Security deposit amounts begin at $200.
• Pre-approval does not harm credit.
• 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants up to $1,000 each quarter of combined purchases.
• Unlimited 1% cash back for all other purchases.
• Unlimited cash back match on cash earned the first year.
• Free FICO credit score review (appears on monthly statements).
• Automatic monthly account reviews begin after 7 months to upgrade to an unsecured card.

Reviews

• Cardholders feel it's the best-secured business credit card to improve credit scores.
• Applicants are happy they can qualify with limited or bad credit.
• One of the biggest benefits is that Discover reports payments to the major consumer credit bureaus.

OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card

Other benefits and perks

• $200 minimum security deposit (deposit becomes card holder's credit limit).
• No credit check.
• Issuer considers cardholders for credit line increase or unsecured card after 6 months.
• OpenSky reports to major credit bureaus.
• Roughly 50% of cardholders improve their FICO score by 30 points within 3 months.
• Flexible payment due dates.

Reviews

• This secured no-credit-check business credit card is an excellent option for individuals with poor credit histories.
• People don't like that OpenSky charges an annual fee and don't offer rewards.

Citi Secured Mastercard

Other benefits and perks

• Citi reports to major credit bureaus.
• Businesses worldwide accept Mastercard.
• $200 minimum security deposit equals credit limit. $2,500 maximum deposit.
• Manage the spending online.
• Set up auto payments and account alerts.
• Cardholders can choose the payment date.
• Free FICO credit checks.

Reviews

• Cardholders like the no annual fee savings.
• The secured card helps build credit for those with no or limited credit.
• One drawback—Citi doesn't review accounts until 18 months to determine whether card holders can upgrade to an unsecured card.

Capital One Quicksilver Secured Cash Rewards Credit Card

Other benefits and perks

• $200 minimum security deposit. $1,000 to $3,000 credit line increase available after 35 days.
• Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase.
• 5% cash back for hotel and rental car purchases made through Capital One Travel.
• Cardholders can add authorized users.
• Capital One reports payments to all 3 credit bureaus.

Reviews

• People are happy that using the secured card wisely enables cardholders to build credit and upgrade to an unsecured card.

A Financing Alternative: Loans for Startup Business

Business credit cards for startups seem like an easy choice until you can't pay off the monthly balance and incur late fees. Some business credit card issuers charge high annual fees and variable interest rates. Plus, you need to consider that you should only use around 30% of your credit limit to keep a good credit score. So you might be unable to use as much capital as you wanted. That's why business loans for startups are a better alternative. Several types of loans are available for small businesses, so it's important to research the options and find the loan that best suits your needs.

What Is a Business Credit Card for Startups?

A business credit card is a great tool for startups because it can help them manage their finances and build their credit history. Business credit cards typically offer higher limits and better rewards than personal credit cards, so they can be a valuable asset for early-stage businesses. However, it's important to use a business credit card responsibly and keep track of expenses so that you don't end up putting your startup in a precarious financial situation. A business credit card can be a valuable tool for helping your startup grow and succeed.

How do business credit cards work?

Business credit cards are just like personal credit cards, except they're specifically designed for businesses. That means they come with features that can be helpful for business owners, such as higher spending limits and the ability to track expenses. To get a business credit card, you'll first need to apply. The application process is similar to a personal credit card, but you may be asked to provide additional information about your business, such as your average monthly revenue.

Why use a business credit card instead of a personal credit card

Business credit cards offer some advantages over personal credit cards. For one, they can help you better manage your business expenses. Business credit cards also typically offer higher spending limits and may come with perks like cash back or rewards points. Another key difference is that business credit cards report to business credit reporting agencies, while personal credit cards report to consumer credit reporting agencies. This is important because your business credit score can impact your ability to get loans, lines of credit, and favorable terms from suppliers.

Pros and Cons of Startup Business Credit Cards

Startup business credit cards can be excellent tools, but they're not always the right option. To decide if they're right for you, analyze their advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

• The best business credit cards for startups help your business increase its profit margin and improve cash flow.
• By having an additional source of cash, you can set aside personal funds to set up an emergency fund.
• These cards are easy to get and don't require many documents or financial history.
• Many cards offer a 0% introductory rate for a specified time.

Cons

• The spending limit may not be enough to match your monthly budget.
• You risk damaging your personal credit score if you can't pay off the credit card balance on time.
• Paying annual and late fees and interest reduces your business's profit margin.
• Variable annual percentage rates can increase at any time.

Understand Credit Card Fees

You can keep money in your wallet by understanding credit card fees and choosing a credit card that doesn't charge some of them. Some credit card issuers offer free employee cards, although paying $45 to $300 for each employee card issued is possible. You will only pay interest on a balance carried forward and no interest as long as you pay off your account each billing period. With a 0% introductory APR, you won't pay interest during that period, but you will have to make the minimum monthly payment. Pay special attention to when the introductory period ends so you pay the balance in full, or you'll have to pay the applicable variable APR. Other standard credit card fees include late payment, cash advance, balance transfer, returned payment, and over-the-limit fees.

Most Common Cardholder Benefits

• Purchase, cell phone, fraud, and extended warranty protection for purchases within a specific period.
• Personal liability protection if someone attempts to use your card illegally.
• Travel rewards may include free baggage checks, upgraded flight seats, miles points, travel insurance policies, discounts at lounges, hotels, etc.
• Welcome sign-up bonuses can start at $100 and go as high as $750 or more.
• Initial 0% introductory APR for a specified time
• They don't charge annual fees or fees after the first year
• Cardholders can choose categories to maximize earnings based on where they shop the most.
• Some business credit cards for startups allow cardholders to choose how to receive cashback, whether as a statement credit, gift card, cash deposit, or reward redemption.

How to Choose a Credit Card

Use these tips to get the best credit cards for new businesses.

Know Your Credit Score

Your credit record is one of the most critical factors the business card issuer will consider. In addition, it will play a role in determining your account's interest rate and other terms. You can get a free report from the three major credit bureaus if you don't know your credit score.

#CaminoTip There’s no best credit card for your startup business, the choice depends on your needs and the requirements of each one.

Review Minimum Requirements

Preconditions may include a personal guarantee, minimum credit score, annual fee, and monthly paying off balances.

Consider Benefits

These benefits can include cash back, rewards points, and travel perks, so it's important to evaluate what type of benefits you're looking for before making a decision.

For example, if you frequently fly for business or pleasure, a card with travel insurance and rewards points for airline purchases would benefit more than one offering cash back on all purchases. It's also important to read the fine print and ensure you understand each card's terms and conditions before signing up.

Get a Card That Matches Your Business Expenditures

Cards offer discounts based on categorized spending. Examples include deals on gas, restaurants, flights, shipping, phone services, etc.

Coordinate Spending

Startups can take advantage of 0% introductory rates by making purchases and paying off the balance without paying interest.

Take Advantage of Additional Benefits

Business credit cards may include extended coverage and insurance on certain purchases or travel and auto rental insurance. Other perks include itemized receipts and syncing purchases with specific accounting software.

Business Credit Card Requirements

When applying for business credit cards for startups, you should expect to provide the following information.

• Business legal name
• Your legal name
• Contact information. Personal and business mailing addresses and phone numbers which for sole proprietors may be a home address
• Business bank account information
• Business structure. Typical entity types include sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability corporation, and corporation.
• Industry type
• Number of years in business
• Taxpayer ID number: Social Security Number (SSN), Employer Identification Number (EIN), or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number(ITIN) if accepted
• Annual business revenue
• Other income
• Monthly business expenses
• Business and personal credit history. The credit card company will run a credit check using your SSN or EIN.
• Personal guarantee. Credit card companies may or may not require collateral.

Other Approval Rules

Each credit card issuer may limit its risk by placing guidelines on its approval standards. For example, a credit card issuer may limit how many total cards you can have at one time, including personal and business credit cards. Other card issuers may reject applicants for a new card depending on how many they've opened in a specific time frame or put an application on hold when you have several pending credit requests. A credit card lender may restrict welcome bonuses to "once per lifetime" to prevent applicants from opening and closing accounts just to earn a reward or let you open as many accounts as you prefer with them.

How to Get A Business Credit Card For a Startup

Follow these steps when applying for business credit cards for startups.

• Be prepared. Know what your personal and business credit scores are before applying. You can get a free annual report from any of the 3 major credit-reporting bureaus.
• Decide on which credit card to apply for. You must research several startup business credit cards to apply for the one that's right for you and provides the most benefits.
• Gather the information you need. The list above details what you need to apply for startup business credit cards. Have everything in front of you before you apply.
• Complete the application. Complete every line and section of the application. Review the information thoroughly before you submit it.
• Wait to hear from the credit card company. Once you apply, the credit card company may provide an approval decision immediately or contact you later.
• Receive the card and activate it. Once approved, you should receive your business credit card within 7 to 14 days. Activate the card when you receive it to start making purchases and take advantage of card rewards.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Business Credit Card

Using a business credit card wisely reaps the highest rewards.

Pay off the Balance Each Month

Making minimum payments indicates to the major business credit bureaus that you may have cash flow problems. You establish a favorable credit history by paying the balance in full each month and aren't charged interest on the unpaid amount.

Keep Business and Personal Expenses Separate

Established businesses know it's bad to commingle personal and business expenses. It's called a business credit card because you only use it to make business purchases.

Don't Max Out Your Spending Limit

You should only spend 30% of your available credit at most. For example, if your card limit is $1,000, spend about $300 each month to keep your credit utilization at an acceptable level.

Create Individual Spending Limits

If you permit employees to use your business credit card, set an amount for each employee that doesn't exceed 30% of your card's total credit limit.

How To Build Business Credit

Starting a business from scratch usually means you have little or no credit history. Take these steps to build business credit quickly.

• Obtain licenses, permits, and other documents your state or county requires.
• Businesses using a DBA name or other legal business name build brand awareness which helps vendors and customers feel more comfortable selling and buying from them.
• Apply for credit with suppliers.
• Open a business bank account.
• Choose creditors that report payments to the 3 major credit bureaus.
• Start paying for supplies and business expenses with your credit card. Then, pay off the balance in full each month to build a positive credit history.
• Using 30% of your available credit builds your credit score faster and indicates to creditors that you're financially responsible and can repay debt.
• If you pay building rent and utility expenses, ask the landlord and utility company to report your payments to the credit bureaus.

Is a Startup Business Credit Card Right for Me?

Getting help to pay startup expenses keeps you from using personal funds to make purchases. Even better, if you haven't established business credit, a startup business credit card can help you do that when you use it responsibly. These credit cards can help reduce your business's cash flow and ultimately increase your business's overall profit by taking advantage of cashback rewards on business-related expenses and sign-up bonuses. But the truth is that business credit cards for startups are not the only financial products at your disposal. Explore other types of short-term financing if you have poor credit and can qualify for a fixed, lower rate by getting a small business loan. Get a business credit card when:

• You want to pay for regular, smaller expenses
• You will take full advantage of bonus rewards

Get another financial product when:

• You want to make a substantial purchase
• You want a financial product with lower rates

#DidYouKnow A startup business loan could be an incredible option for you.

Make Your Financing Decision

The best startup business credit cards with no credit might seem like a quick way to provide working capital to establish and launch your business. However, they may fail to provide sufficient cash flow or build a credit history in the long term. A small business loan is a smarter option providing more significant benefits to businesses just getting started.