The best cash back business credit cards earn bonus rewards for business spending. Many come with no annual fee and offer generous introductory offers. These cards can also build business credit while offering perks like business tools, travel insurance and consumer protections.
Business credit cards help businesses track spending more efficiently and earn more rewards over time. If you’re a business owner considering a business card to earn rewards, here are our best cash back business credit cards.
Top cash back business credit cards
Best for no annual fee
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
This card is a smart choice for business owners who want a straightforward card with no annual fee. You’ll earn 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases and 5 percent back on Lyft rides (through September 30, 2027). The signup bonus is at an all-time high, earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening and a solid intro APR offer on purchases.
However, if you want to transfer points to Chase airline and hotel partners, you must pair this card with one of Chase’s premium cards. Also, if you have higher spending and don’t mind annual fees, you can get higher rewards rates with other cards.
Pros
This card has no annual fee, making it a solid choice for small businesses.
It offers a competitive intro APR for purchases and a low APR after.
Cons
You’ll need a premium Chase card if you want to use Chase travel partners.
You can earn higher rates and bonuses with other cards.
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 big spenders
Cardholder rating
4.0
Bankrate score
4.7
Bankrate review
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:740 – 850
Apply now
on Capital One‘s secure site
See Rates & Fees
Reward Details
2%2% cash back on every purchase
5%5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One’s travel booking site
Bankrate’s view
This charge card offers heavy-spending business owners extensive buying power with no preset spending limit and an annual fee (See Rates & Fees) refund each year you spend $150,000 or more. You’ll earn a flat 2 percent cash back rate on all purchases, which can grow your earnings quickly.
The welcome offer offers a one-time cash bonus of $2,000 cash back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months. Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year. With such a high spending requirement and the need to pay the balance in full every month, this card is not ideal for smaller businesses or if you need to finance purchases to free up cash flow.
Pros
No preset spending limit gives extensive purchasing power to higher spenders.
This card is excellent if your business spends enough to offset the annual fee (See Rates & Fees).
Cons
Charge cards must be paid in full, making this not useful for carrying a balance.
The welcome offer has very high spending requirements, which might cause you to overspend.
Card Details
Earn a one-time cash bonus of $2,000 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500K spent during the first year. You can earn this bonus multiple times over the course of year 1!
Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
Enjoy purchasing power that adapts to your business. The Spark Cash Plus card has no preset spending limit, so it can adapt to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history, credit profile and other factors
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One’s travel booking site
Empower your teams to make business purchases while you earn rewards from their transactions with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
$150 annual fee – Spend $150,000 annually and Capital One will refund this fee every year
Spark Cash Plus has no APR because your balance is due in full every month
For businesses that need large spending capacity and want to maximize cash back
Best for office supply stores
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
This is the ideal no annual fee business card if you spend heavily on cable and phone services, internet or office supplies, earning 5 percent cash back. You’ll also earn 2 percent at restaurants and gas stations. However, this rate is capped at $25,000 in combined spending in both categories. This means you have a total spending cap of $50,000 among your highest rewards categories.
The welcome offer is identical to the Ink Business Unlimited, making this a better option for business owners who can maximize the top bonus categories. If your spending needs exceed the spending caps, consider a card to pair with this for a potent combination.
Pros
This card has high reward-earning potential for no annual fee.
The welcome offer is competitive and can quickly boost cash back earnings.
Cons
Spending caps may limit the usefulness of this card for higher-spending businesses.
Bonus categories might not work for some business owners.
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 flexible bonus categories
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
Bankrate score
3.5
Bankrate review
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:740 – 850
17.49% – 27.49% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
Reward Details
3%Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter).
2%Earn 2% cash back on dining purchases (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter).
1%Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Bankrate’s view
This no annual fee card is for businesses that can use the card’s customizable 3 percent bonus categories. You can swap bonus categories each calendar month, which adds versatility in earning cash back based on your needs. However, it has an annual spending cap of $50,000 combined between your choice category and dining each calendar year.
The card offers a decent sign-up bonus and an intro APR period for purchases. You can also boost earnings with the Preferred Rewards for Business program. The more money you hold with Bank of America, the higher your earnings are boosted, for a maximum of 5.25 percent in your choice category. While the spending caps could be a limiting factor, this card offers excellent value and flexibility.
Pros
Flexible bonus categories allow business owners more ways to maximize earnings.
The card offers high earnings in the choice category for no annual fee.
Cons
The spending cap might not be enough for larger-spending businesses.
The Preferred Rewards program for Business is separate from the personal cardholder program, meaning you’ll need money in business accounts to boost earnings.
Best for fair credit
Bankrate score
3.9
Bankrate review
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:580 – 740
Reward Details
1%Earn unlimited 1% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions.
5%Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Bankrate’s view
This card is for small-business owners with less-than-ideal credit history, giving access to an unsecured line of credit and the chance to earn unlimited 1 percent cash back on all purchases plus 5 percent cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. It also offers free employee cards and discounts on business essentials.
If you need to build credit, this is a great option — but if your credit is good, you’ll want to explore better cards.
Pros
Business owners with fair credit can use this card to help build credit.
This card has no annual or foreign transaction fees.
Cons
There are far superior cards for business owners with good to excellent credit.
This card has a high APR compared to rival cards.
Best for no personal guarantee
Cardholder rating
4.2
Bankrate score
2.7
Bankrate review
Bankrate review
Recommended credit score:300 – 670
Apply now
on Revenued‘s secure site
Bankrate’s view
This prepaid business card features a flexible spending line. Approvals are based on your business revenue and banking activity, which is good for business owners with fair credit scores. The card also offers extended spending lines in exchange for a portion of your future business revenue, so you can access more capital than you’d get via a typical subprime or secured card credit limit. However, this can be a downfall if you can’t repay what you borrow.
Pros
You can access funding with bad credit if your business is profitable.
This card offers one of the best flat cash back rates available.
Cons
The flexible line of credit may be costly based on your factor rate.
Not having enough funds in your account to cover automatic daily finance charges results in a penalty fee.
Card Details
Business requirements: 1+ years in business, minimum of 20k/month deposits, and no Sole Proprietorships
No origination fees, maintenance fees, or draw fees
As your revenue increases, your spending limit increases
Access cash on demand with funds deposited straight into your bank account via the Flex Line
Approvals based on your business revenue and not personal credit
24/7 access to business funding – via mobile app and Visa business card
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot with 800+ reviews
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Comparing the best cash back business credit cards
Card Name
Best for
Annual fee
Recommended credit score
Highlights
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
No annual fee
$0
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
1.5% cash back on all purchases
5% cash back on Lyft purchases through September 2027
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Big spenders
$150
Excellent (740 – 850)
5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One’s travel booking portal
2% cash back on all purchases Annual fee refund after spending $150,000
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Office supply stores
$0
Good to Excellent (670 – 850)
5% cash back on office supply purchases and telecommunications services (up to $25,000 in combined purchases per cardmember year)
2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations (up to $25,000 in combined purchases per cardmember year)
1% cash back on all other purchases
5% cash back on Lyft purchases through September 2027
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
Flexible bonus categories
$0
Excellent (740 – 850)
3% cash back on your category choice: gas stations (including EV charging stations), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom and wireless, computer services or business consulting services (for first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year)
2% cash back on dining purchases (for first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year)
1% cash back on all other purchases
Capital One Spark Classic for Business
Fair credit
$0
Fair to Good (580 – 740)
5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel portal
1% cash back on all purchases
Revenued Business Card
No personal guarantee
None
Bad to Fair (300 – 670)
Clicking on a card name in the table above will direct you to its Bankrate review to learn more.
How to choose a cash back business card
Finding the best cash back business credit card is challenging when there are so many business cards to choose from. The most significant factor is how to get the most value in return from your spending, such as welcome offers, bonus categories and additional features. Consider the following as you decide.
Welcome offers can sway a decision
Get as much initial value as possible.
The best business cards offer sign-up bonuses and intro APR offers to make opening an account with them more attractive. A better initial offer can be the deciding factor between cards. However, always ensure you can meet the minimum spending requirement through your regular business spending.
For example, if you don’t have heavy spending needs, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus wouldn’t be a good option since you’d have to overspend to get the bonus. Also consider the timeframe. If you can’t meet the spend requirement during the timeframe, you might check out options that are more feasible.
Compare earning categories
Get cards that reward you where you spend the most. While there is no correct answer for all businesses, your spending needs can dictate which cards work best for you.
Make sure you compare earning categories so you can choose a business credit card with rewards on categories you’ll actually use. If spending fluctuates monthly in different areas, a flexible card like the Bank of America Customized Cash card might best fit your needs. Maximizing the $50,000 yearly spending all in the 3 percent bonus category would net $1,500 in cash back — an amazing return for a no annual fee card.
If you prefer not to keep track of spending limits, a flat-rate cash back card comes in handy. The best ideally earn a minimum of 2 percent back on any purchase you make.
Look closely at cardholder benefits
Decide which cardholder perks you want the most. Some of the best business credit cards offer free employee cards, expense-tracking features, QuickBooks integration and more. Others may provide travel perks or annual fee refunds.
Startup businesses may need flexible credit lines, making the Revenued card an ideal choice. But a card like the Capital One Spark Cash Plus with no preset spending limit might suit larger enterprises with heavier expenses.
If a card offers benefits you don’t value, that should diminish your overall assessment. If travel benefits aren’t helpful to you, then a business travel card becomes less valuable, for example.
Consider rates and fees
Think about how much your business spends and how much it can pay off each month. If you need to carry a balance, consider a business credit card with 0 percent APR offers on purchases or with a low-interest rate. Also, a charge card may best suit your business if you can comfortably pay off your balance in full each billing cycle.
You’ll also want to compare annual fees, remembering that cards with the best perks and rewards often have higher fees. Consider if the annual fee is worth it or if the fees outweigh the benefits. For example, you’d need to spend $7,500 on the Capital One Spark Cash Plus to earn enough cash back to offset the $150 annual fee. Watch out for interest and foreign transaction fees, which can quickly erase your earnings. Using the wrong card while abroad can be a costly mistake.
Eligibility requirements
Find the minimum credit score needed to qualify for a card, and check your credit score to see where you stand. While generally a business credit card may not impact your personal credit, there are exceptions, and issuers may consider your personal credit score when you apply. Business owners with excellent credit scores (FICO Scores of 800+) typically have the best chances of approval, but other factors are also weighed. And approval doesn’t guarantee high credit limits. Issuers may also consider your business revenue, industry, size and more when determining your credit limit.
If your credit is less-than-ideal, consider business cards to help you build your credit. If you’re concerned about a low credit limit, a charge card like the Capital One Spark 1% Classic could be an option. Using credit-building cards responsibly will improve your credit score, leading to better card opportunities with more reward potential.
Maximizing your cash back business card
Avoid interest charges and don’t forget about the perks.
Getting the maximum return on your cash back business card comes down to making sure you are getting the biggest return on your business spending. If you opt for a flat-rate card, for instance, you’ll want to remember to use this card for every purchase. Here are some tips:
Take advantage of perks. Look at your card’s benefits and perks. Purchase protections, bonuses in specific categories, milestone spending incentives or any other added business or travel perks increase a card’s value, so make sure you make use of them.
Make your payments. Pay your bill in full each month to avoid interest charges and penalty fees. These add up quickly and will easily wipe out the value of any rewards you earn. This is a good rule of thumb. Also, if your card has an intro APR offer, try to pay your balance by the end of that term.
Pair cards together. See how potential cards pair with other cards you already have. Make sure cards don’t repeat the same benefits or categories. The best card portfolio functions like a team. Ideally, you want something to cover every expense with at least some bonus. A good example would be pairing a flat-rate cash back card with a card earning in specific bonus categories where your business spends frequently. That combination would cover most of your purchases with bonus earnings, giving you the best returns.
What’s next?
Get the resources and products you need to grow your business.
The bottom line
When looking for the right cash back business credit card, evaluating your spending needs is possibly the most important factor. But you might also consider welcome offers and other perks to assist with your initial decision. Plus, certain cards may pair better with ones you already have.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing the best card. Before signing up for a new cash back business credit card, compare the top options to find the best card for your spending needs.
Frequently asked questions about cash back business cards
Cash back rewards earned from credit card spending are not considered taxable. Since you must make a purchase to earn rewards, the IRS considers them a rebate or a discount instead of income. However, if rewards are given without any spending, those could be considered taxable. Consult a tax professional if you are unsure about any type of reward.
Using your business credit card for personal spending is technically not illegal. However, it could potentially violate the terms and conditions of your card agreement, which can come with severe consequences, such as account closure. It also makes it more challenging to track your business expenses and can have tax implications. It’s best not to make a habit of putting personal expenses on a business card.
Ideally, you’ll find a 2 percent cash back card with bonus categories. A flat-rate card is a simple option, but that plus bonus rewards makes for a more useful card. But what’s considered best for one might not be for another. The best overall card for your business is the one that best meets your needs.
*Information about the Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® and Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business credit card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
