The 8 Best Business Credit Cards for Startups in 2024
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In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, startups face unique financial challenges and opportunities. The best business credit cards for startups can be vital tools for a young company, offering not just a convenient means of handling expenses but also a way to manage cash flow, earn rewards, and build a credit history.
However, with a plethora of credit card options available in the market, it becomes crucial for startup founders and financial managers to make an informed decision. Our goal is to guide budding entrepreneurs through the maze of available business credit cards, helping them to identify the ones that best align with their startup’s specific needs and growth objectives.
Selecting the perfect business credit card for a startup requires a nuanced understanding of various factors such as interest rates, reward structures, credit limits, and additional perks. Each card offers a unique set of features, and what might be suitable for one startup could be less than ideal for another. We delve into the specifics of the top business credit cards in the market, comparing and contrasting their benefits and drawbacks.
This analysis is not just about the numbers; it’s about understanding how these financial tools can fit into the broader strategy of a startup’s journey toward success. From cash back and travel rewards to zero annual fees and valuable sign-up bonuses, we explore the diverse options that can help startups maximize their financial resources.
Best Business Credit Cards for Startups
| Startup Business Credit Card | Welcome Offer |
| Capital One Spark Cash Plus | $1,200 Cash Back once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months |
| Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card | Earn 55,000 Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. |
| Capital One Venture X Business | 150,000 Miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening |
| U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card | Earn a $500 cash bonus after you spend $4,500 on purchases in the first 150 days the account is open. |
| Ink Business Premier® Credit Card | Earn $1,000 bonus cash back after you spend $10,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. |
| The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card | Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months. |
| Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. |
| Amazon Business American Express Card | Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card upon approval for the Amazon Business American Express Card. |
1. Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Our Rating: 4.8
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Welcome Offer
$1,200 Cash Back
Est. Value
$1,500
Annual Fee
$150
APR
N/A Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent
Rewards: Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. 2% cash back on all other purchases.
2. Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
Our Rating: 4.6
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
Welcome Offer
Earn 55,000 Bonus Miles (Terms Apply)
Est. Value
Up to $687
Annual Fee
$0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150
APR
20.99% – 29.99% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good, Excellent
Rewards: Earn 2x miles on Delta purchases and at restaurants. Also earn 2x miles on eligible U.S. shipping providers and U.S. advertising purchases in select media up to $50,000 per category, per year.
3. Capital One Venture X Business
Our Rating: 4.9
Capital One Venture X Business
Welcome Offer
150,000 Miles
Est. Value
Up to $2,625
Annual Fee
$395
APR
N/A Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent
Rewards: Earn up to 10x points per eligible $1 spent, along with an excellent welcome offer and no foreign transaction fees. This card is best for business owners who travel frequently.
4. U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card
Our Rating: 4.5
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card
Welcome Offer
$500
Est. Value
$500
Annual Fee
$0
APR
19.24% – 28.24% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good to Excellent 670 – 850
Rewards: A strong cash-back credit card that offers 3% / 1% depending on the purchase category.
5. Ink Business Premier® Credit Card
Our Rating: 4.7
Welcome Offer
Earn $1,000 bonus cash back
Annual Fee
$195
APR
Flex for Business variable APR: 19.49% – 27.49% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good, Excellent
Rewards: Earn up to 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase, 2.5% cash back on purchases of $5,000 or more, and 2% cash back on other eligible purchases.
6. The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Our Rating: 4.6
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Welcome Offer
Earn a $250 statement credit (Terms Apply)
Est. Value
$250
Annual Fee
No annual fee
APR
18.49% – 26.49% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good, Excellent
Rewards: Earn up to 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%.
7. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Our Rating: 4.7
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Welcome Offer
Earn 100,000 bonus points
Est. Value
$1,000 – $2,150
Annual Fee
$95
APR
21.24%-26.24% Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent, Good
Rewards: Earn up to 3 points per $1 spent on several business categories, on the first $150,000 spent annually, then 1 point. Get a 25% bonus when points redeemed for travel through Chase.
8. Amazon Business American Express Card
Our Rating: 3.5
Amazon Business American Express Card
Welcome Offer
Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card (Terms Apply)
Est. Value
$100
Annual Fee
No annual fee
APR
19.49% – 27.49% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good, Excellent
Rewards: Earn 3% Back or 60 Day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Business, AWS and Whole Foods Market. You will earn 3% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter. Earn 2% back at U.S. restaurants and gas stations and wireless telephone service providers, 1% back on other purchases.
Why Your Startup Needs a Business Credit Card
In the world of startups, agility, and financial flexibility are key to survival and growth. A business credit card emerges as an indispensable tool in this context, offering much more than a mere method of payment.
For one, it provides startups with essential cash flow leverage. Expenses like software subscriptions, marketing costs, and office supplies can be managed more effectively when there’s a credit line to tap into. This flexibility allows for smoother operation, especially in phases where revenue might be unpredictable or cyclical.
Additionally, a business credit card helps in separating personal and business expenses, a fundamental practice for financial clarity and simplified accounting. This separation not only aids in more accurate bookkeeping but also establishes a clear financial identity for the business, which is crucial for tax purposes and potential audits.
Moreover, the strategic use of a business credit card can propel a startup’s growth in ways beyond mere financial management. Many business credit cards come with rewards programs that can translate into significant savings and benefits for a startup.
These rewards range from cash back on everyday purchases to points that can be redeemed for travel or other business-related expenses. Furthermore, the responsible use of a credit card builds a credit history for your startup, which is invaluable for future financing needs like business loans or lines of credit.
Establishing good credit early on opens doors to better interest rates and more favorable credit terms down the line. In essence, a business credit card is not just a spending mechanism; it’s a strategic tool that, when used wisely, can foster a startup’s financial health and contribute to its long-term success.
How We Chose the Best Business Credit Cards for Startups
When selecting the best business credit card for startups, we took into account everything a business credit card offers and focused on four of the most important factors:
- Everyday Rewards – The most important factor when figuring out what business credit card your startup needs is how you plan to do most of your spending. If your credit card is going to be used for travel most often, find a travel rewards business credit card. If you spend a small fortune on food for your team, look for one with a high return rate on groceries and at restaurants. The best business credit cards for startups above have a wide variety of rewards programs and one should suit your needs.
- Opening Welcome Offer – Getting your startup off on the right foot is important and many of the business credit cards we showcase include a sizable up-front welcome offer. Spending on how you utilize the rewards points, a new business can stand to earn up to $2,000+ in rewards.
- Additional Perks & Benefits – Beyond the rewards program of a business credit card, everyday perks are critical to the value. Upgrades on car rentals and flights, increased warranties, and everyday purchase protection are just a few of the many important perks that startups have access to with a business credit card.
- Annual Fee – The annual fee on a business credit card is always a little higher than that of a personal credit card. For very small businesses, paying $500 a year may not make a whole lot of sense but the benefits earned throughout the year can be worth thousands if not tens of thousands of dollars. We did our best to ensure annual fees were kept low and is only a small fraction of the positive benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What should I consider when choosing a business credit card for my startup?
When selecting a business credit card, it’s important to consider several key factors. First, look at the interest rates and fees, including annual fees, late payment fees, and foreign transaction fees. Then, evaluate the rewards and benefits each card offers – some might provide cash back, points, or travel rewards that align with your business spending patterns.
Also, consider the credit limit and how it matches your startup’s financial needs. Lastly, assess any additional features such as introductory offers, expense management tools, or free employee cards, which can add value to your business operations.
How does having a business credit card impact my startup’s credit history?
Using a business credit card responsibly can positively impact your startup’s credit history. Just like with personal credit, timely payments and maintaining a low credit utilization ratio can build a strong business credit score. This score is crucial for future financial endeavors like obtaining larger loans or lines of credit.
However, it’s important to note that some card issuers report activity to both personal and business credit bureaus, so ensure that you understand the card’s reporting policy to manage its impact on your personal credit as well.
Are there specific business credit cards better suited for tech startups?
Yes, certain business credit cards may be more beneficial for tech startups, especially those that offer rewards for categories where tech companies typically spend more. For instance, cards offering higher cash back or points on software purchases, online advertising, or office supply stores can be advantageous.
Additionally, cards that provide benefits like free Wi-Fi access, travel rewards, or special deals with tech vendors can be particularly useful for tech startups. Always compare the rewards and benefits in the context of your startup’s specific spending habits and operational needs.
Final Thought on the Best Business Credit Cards for Startups
Starting a business is always an exciting and stressful time and ensuring your startup is equipped with the proper credit card is critical to its financial health.
No matter which business credit card or cards you choose, it’s important to review your choice after a short time (six months or so) and decide whether or not your startup’s spending habits match the rewards potential of the card you’re using. Spending changes and business credit card details change so always remain flexible to maximize your savings and perks.
