Business credit cards with no annual fee

10 Business Credit Cards With No Annual Fee

Running a small business comes with a myriad of fees and payments you can’t avoid. Luckily, your credit card doesn’t have to be one of them.

We divided the top business cards into three categories: daily driver, triple play, and category king.

Daily driver credit cards are those you pull out for most purchases. They usually offer a flat rate on purchases like 2% cash back or 2x points or miles. If you only want one business credit card, make it one of these.

Triple play cards offer at least 3% (or 3x points) on at least three different categories, such as gas, dining, office supplies, etc. If you’re going to add a second business credit card, a triple play card is a great complement to a daily driver card.

Finally, category king cards offer up to 5% cash back, but only in one or two categories. These cards are great for purchases in this one category, and complement a daily driver and triple-play credit card very well. This three-card cash back strategy may be the most efficient way to maximize cash back.

Daily Driver Business Credit Cards With No Annual Fee

If you don’t already carry a business credit card, one of these daily drivers is a good choice for your first business credit card.

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card 

American Express Blue Business Cash Card

Our Rating: 4.6

★★★★

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

Welcome Offer

Earn a $250 statement credit

Est. Value

$250

Annual Fee

No annual fee

APR

17.99% – 25.99% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good, Excellent

Rewards: Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases, up to $50,000 per year. Earn 1% on eligible purchases after that. Terms Apply.

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card has a lot going for it. You get a straight 2% cash back on eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year. Once you spend more than $50,000, you’ll earn just 1% cash back on eligible purchases. You get a decent welcome offer, and there’s a 0% introductory APR offer on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening, then 17.99% - 25.99% variable APR, which will help with new business expenses.

Terms Apply.

1% cash back
All eligible purchases
1% cash back on eligible purchases after spending $50,000.
2% cash back
All eligible purchases
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.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • Up to 2% cash back

Cons

  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved05/20/2023
690
Not Provided
---
Approved08/23/2023
746
Experian
$10,000
Approved08/23/2023
752
TransUnion
$10,000
Approved08/23/2023
753
Equifax
$10,000
Approved09/12/2023
823
Experian
$5,000
Approved01/20/2024
717
Experian
$10,000
Approved01/20/2024
739
Equifax
$10,000
Approved01/20/2024
741
TransUnion
$10,000
Approved02/23/2023
680
Experian
$2,000

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express

Our Rating: 4.5

★★★★

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Welcome Offer (Terms Apply)

Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points

Est. Value

Up to $300

Annual Fee

No annual fee

APR

17.99% – 25.99% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good, Excellent

Rewards: Earn 2x points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2x applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is for business owners who don’t spend more than $50,000 annually because you’ll earn just 1x points on purchases when you pass that threshold. This card is almost a twin of the The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card except that you earn points instead of cash. If you travel occasionally, this card can help you collect points that you can use to transfer to travel partners. Transferring points to travel partners can get you the most value for your points.

Terms Apply.

1x points
On all other eligible purchases
1x points on other purchases.
2x points
All eligible purchases
Earn 2x points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2x applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • Up to 2x points
  • 0% Intro APR

Cons

  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved04/06/2024
821
Equifax
$12,800
Approved04/06/2024
830
TransUnion
$12,800
Approved04/06/2024
841
Experian
$12,800
Denied12/11/2023
753
Not Provided
---

 Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

Bonus Offer

Earn $900 bonus cash back

Annual Fee

$0

APR

17.99% – 23.99% Variable

Credit Req’d

Excellent, Good

Rewards: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases. This card is ideal for business owners who want a simple rewards system.

The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is a great card for small business owners who want simple and straight cash back. There’s a terrific welcome offer, and after that, you’ll earn a respectable 1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases. There’s a 0% introductory APR offer on purchases for 12 months, then 17.99% - 23.99% variable APR, which will come in handy if you need to expand your business.

1.5% cash back
All eligible purchases
1.5% cash back on all eligible purchases with no limits to the amount you can earn

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • Earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points
  • Earn 1.5% cash back

Cons

  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved03/18/2023
825
Experian
$6,000
Approved12/14/2023
783
TransUnion
$8,000
Approved12/14/2023
787
Experian
$8,000
Approved12/14/2023
791
Equifax
$8,000
Approved10/04/2023
734
TransUnion
$8,000
Approved10/04/2023
735
Equifax
$8,000
Approved10/30/2023
850
Experian
$16,000
Approved04/25/2023
662
Equifax
$4,000
Approved04/25/2023
667
TransUnion
$4,000
Approved04/25/2023
718
Experian
$4,000
Approved04/16/2023
843
Experian
$16,000
Approved01/12/2024
653
Experian
$4,000
Approved01/12/2024
672
TransUnion
$4,000
Approved01/12/2024
675
Equifax
$4,000
Denied01/12/2024
756
Experian
---
Denied01/12/2024
775
TransUnion
---

Capital One Spark Cash Select 

Capital One Spark Cash Select

Our Rating: 4.7

★★★★

Capital One Spark Cash Select

Welcome Offer

$500 Cash Back

Est. Value

$500

Annual Fee

$0

APR

17.99% – 23.99% Variable

Credit Req’d

Excellent

Rewards: Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and unlimited 1.5% cash back for all your other business purchases.

The Capital One Spark Cash Select is a cash back credit card with an excellent welcome offer and elevated cash back on all your purchases. If you don’t have excellent credit, check out Capital One Spark Cash Select for Good Credit, which is almost the same card minus the welcome offer. Either way, you earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

1.5% cash back
All eligible purchases
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back for your business on every purchase, everywhere - with no limits or category restrictions.
5% cash back
Hotels
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
5% cash back
Rental Cars
Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee

Cons

  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved07/22/2022
750
Not Provided
$20,000
Denied07/16/2022
755
Equifax
---

Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business

Capital One Spark Miles

Our Rating: 4.0

★★★★☆

Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business

Welcome Offer

50,000 Miles

Est. Value

Up to $875

Annual Fee

$0

APR

17.99% – 23.99% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good 670 – 739

Rewards: Earn 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. Earn unlimited 1.5x miles on every purchase.

The Capital One Spark Miles Select for Business is an excellent travel credit card for business owners. It offers a little bit of everything: a strong welcome offer, a base of 1.5x miles on purchases, and no annual fee. Perfect for the globe-trotting business owner (no foreign transaction fees, either).

1.5x miles
All eligible purchases
Earn unlimited 1.5X miles on every purchase
5x miles
Hotels
Earn 5X miles on hotels booked through Capital One Travel
5x miles
Rental Cars
Earn 5X miles on rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Up to 1.5% rewards

Cons

  • Requires good credit

Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash(SM) Card

Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash

Our Rating: 4.5

★★★★

Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash(SM) Card

Welcome Offer

$500

Est. Value

$500

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.49% to 26.49% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good to Excellent 670 – 850

Rewards: Earn an unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases.

The Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash(SM) Card is a new card from Wells Fargo. There is an excellent welcome offer and a straight 2% cash back on all purchases. The card also offers 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, then 18.49% to 26.49% variable APR, which is great if you still have some expenses. There is no annual fee, and employee cards are also free. There’s also complimentary membership access to more than 1,300 participating airport lounges worldwide with “pay as you go” lounges if your business plans include travel.

2% cash back
All eligible purchases
Earn an unlimited 2% cash back on all eligible purchases

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • Unlimited 2% cash back

Cons

  • High APR
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved04/29/2024
745
Experian
$12,000

Triple Play Business Credit Cards With No Annual Fee

Once you have your daily driver, consider adding one of these triple play credit cards to maximize your rewards. Each one offers at least 3% cash back (or 3x points or miles) in at least three categories.

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card 

Chase Ink Business Cash

Our Rating: 4.8

★★★★

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Welcome Offer

Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400

Est. Value

Up to $750

Annual Fee

$0

APR

17.99% – 23.99% Variable

Credit Req’d

Excellent, Good

Rewards: 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.

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has an excellent welcome offer. You also earn elevated rewards on several business categories–categories where a business is most likely to spend money. There is no fee for employee cards and there’s a 0% intro APR offer on purchases for 12 months, then 17.99% - 23.99% variable APR. It’s a perfect credit card for small businesses that won’t go over the rewards cap.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
2% cash back
Dining
Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year.
2% cash back
Gas
Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year.
5% cash back
Select Categories
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

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • Up to 5% cash back
  • Earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points

Cons

  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved12/13/2023
781
Experian
$3,000
Approved12/13/2023
805
TransUnion
$3,000
Approved12/13/2023
811
Equifax
$3,000
Approved01/03/2023
753
Experian
---
Approved07/04/2023
755
Experian
$3,500
Approved07/04/2023
791
Equifax
$3,500
Approved07/04/2023
815
TransUnion
$3,500
Approved01/06/2023
757
TransUnion
$5,000
Approved01/06/2023
763
Equifax
$5,000
Approved01/06/2023
764
Experian
$5,000
Approved01/12/2024
810
TransUnion
$4,000
Denied08/10/2023
763
Experian
---

Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card By Citi

Costco Business

Our Rating: 4.0

★★★★☆

Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card By Citi

Welcome Offer

None

Est. Value

None

Annual Fee

$0 (requires Costco membership)

APR

19.99% – 27.99% Variable

Credit Req’d

Excellent 740 – 850

Rewards: Earn 4% cash back on gas and EV charging stations for the first $7,000 a year (then 1%); 3% cash back on restaurants, 3% cash back on eligible travel; 2% cash back on Costco and Costco.com purchases, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card By Citi offers elevated rewards on many of the categories businesses spend a good chunk of change. Only the gas/EV charging category has a cap, all other categories can earn unlimited cash back. If you buy your gas at Costco, you could save even more, as Costco gas prices are very competitive. There are some valuable travel benefits as well.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
Earn unlimited 1% on all other purchases
2% cash back
Select Categories
Earn unlimited 2% on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
3% cash back
Travel
Earn 3% cash back on eligible travel, including Costco Travel
3% cash back
Dining
Earn unlimited 3% on restaurants
4% cash back
Gas
Earn 4% on eligible gas and EV charging for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Up to 4% cash back

Cons

  • No welcome bonus
  • High APR
  • Requires good credit
  • Requires Costco membership

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

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card

Our Rating: 4.5

★★★★

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

Welcome Offer

$750

Est. Value

$750

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.49% – 27.49% Variable

Credit Req’d

Good to Excellent 670 – 850

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center; 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas and EV charging stations, cell phone service providers, office supply stores, and restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

The U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card is a strong cash-back credit card that includes an excellent upfront bonus and has a high everyday rewards program. There’s 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and rental cars booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center, and 3% cash back on many everyday spending categories. There’s even a $100 credit towards recurring software subscriptions, and 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months, then 18.49% - 27.49% variable APR.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.
3% cash back
Cell phone service
Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at cell phone service providers.
3% cash back
Office Supplies
Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at office supply stores.
3% cash back
Dining
Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at restaurants.
3% cash back
Gas
Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations.
5% cash back
Hotels
Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center.
5% cash back
Rental Cars
Earn 5% cash back on prepaid car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • Up to 3% cash back

Cons

  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved04/27/2023
765
Experian
$3,000
Approved04/27/2023
774
TransUnion
$3,000
Approved04/27/2023
779
Equifax
$3,000
Approved05/12/2023
800
Not Provided
$13,000
Approved04/05/2023
780
Equifax
$10,000
Approved05/01/2023
750
TransUnion
$25,000
Denied10/02/2023
746
Experian
---
Denied10/02/2023
752
TransUnion
---
Denied10/02/2023
753
Equifax
---

Category King Credit Cards With No Annual Fee

If you make a lot of business purchases from Amazon or Whole Foods, consider adding the card below to your wallet.

Amazon Business Prime American Express Card

Our Rating: 4.0

★★★★☆

Amazon Business Prime American Express Card

Welcome Offer (Terms Apply)

Eligible Prime Members get a $125 Amazon Gift Card

Est. Value

$125

Annual Fee

No annual fee

APR

18.99% – 26.99% Variable

Credit Req’d

Excellent, Good

Rewards: Earn 5% Back or 90 Day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Business, AWS and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership. You will earn 5% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter. Earn 2% cash back at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers. 1% cash back on other purchases. Terms Apply.

Amazon Business Prime American Express Card is for business owners who often make business purchases on Amazon and are already Amazon Prime members. Yes, it’s true that the card does offer rewards in categories other than Amazon, but Amazon purchases are the main draw. There’s no annual fee for the card and no foreign transaction fees but you do need to have an Amazon Prime membership.

Terms Apply.

1% cash back
On all other eligible purchases
1% Back on other purchases.
2% cash back
Cell phone service
2% Back on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers.
2% cash back
Dining
2% Back at U.S. restaurants.
2% cash back
Gas
2% Back at U.S. gas stations.
5% cash back
Select Categories
5% Back or 90 Day Terms on U.S. purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Business, AWS and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership. You will earn 5% Back on the first $120,000 in purchases each calendar year, 1% Back thereafter.

Pros

  • Welcome offer
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fee
  • Up to 5% cash back

Cons

  • Requires good credit
App StatusDateCredit ScoreBureauCredit Limit
Approved01/22/2024
817
Experian
$10,000
Approved07/24/2023
725
Equifax
$22,000
Approved07/24/2023
727
Experian
$22,000
Approved07/24/2023
731
TransUnion
$22,000
Approved05/28/2023
726
Equifax
$3,000
Approved05/28/2023
800
Experian
$3,000
Approved05/28/2023
806
TransUnion
$3,000
Approved04/04/2024
710
Not Provided
$3,500
Approved05/26/2023
670
Equifax
$3,000
Approved05/26/2023
702
Experian
$3,000
Approved05/26/2023
709
TransUnion
$3,000
Approved02/13/2023
717
Experian
$3,000
Approved11/30/2023
774
Experian
$3,000
Approved11/30/2023
806
Equifax
$3,000
Approved11/30/2023
814
TransUnion
$3,000

Summary

Small business owners have tons of fees to keep track of, so there’s no reason your credit card needs to have an annual fee as well. There are a lot of great business credit cards that don’t charge an annual fee, and one (or more) will suit you perfectly.