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Best Business Credit Cards in 2026: Top Rewards & Sign-Up Bonuses
Find the perfect business credit card for your company. We analyzed over 100 business cards to identify the best options for cash back, travel rewards, and welcome bonuses to maximize your business spending.
The right business credit card can save thousands annually through rewards and perks while helping you manage expenses and build business credit. Whether you prioritize cash back, travel rewards, or premium benefits, today’s business cards offer exceptional value.
Our team analyzed over 100 business credit cards, comparing rewards structures, welcome bonuses, annual fees, and business-specific benefits. Here are the 10 best business credit cards for maximizing rewards in 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Card | Best For | Annual Fee | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ink Business Preferred | Best Overall Business Card | $95 | ★4.9/5 |
| 2. American Express Business Platinum | Best Premium Business Card | $695 | ★4.8/5 |
| 3. Ink Business Cash | Best No-Fee Cash Back | $0 | ★4.8/5 |
| 4. Capital One Spark Cash Plus | Best Flat-Rate Cash Back | $150 | ★4.7/5 |
| 5. Blue Business Plus | Best Flexible Points Card | $0 | ★4.7/5 |
| 6. Brex Card for Startups | Best for Tech Startups | $0 | ★4.6/5 |
| 7. American Express Blue Business Cash | Best for Everyday Cash Back | $0 | ★4.6/5 |
| 8. United Club Infinite Business | Best for United Flyers | $695 | ★4.5/5 |
| 9. Bank of America Business Advantage | Best for BofA Customers | $0 | ★4.5/5 |
| 10. Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business | Best for Southwest Flyers | $199 | ★4.4/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
Ink Business Preferred
The Ink Business Preferred offers the best combination of welcome bonus, ongoing rewards, and redemption flexibility. Earn 3x points on travel, shipping, advertising, and internet/cable/phone services—the exact categories most businesses spend heavily on. The 100,000-point bonus is worth $1,000 in cash or significantly more when transferred to Chase's airline and hotel partners.
Pros
- ✓100,000 point bonus worth $1,000+
- ✓3x on travel, shipping, advertising, internet/cable/phone
- ✓Points transfer to airline & hotel partners
- ✓25% bonus on Chase travel portal redemptions
- ✓Cell phone protection up to $600
Cons
- ✗$95 annual fee
- ✗3x categories capped at $150K annually
- ✗Requires good credit for approval
American Express Business Platinum
The Business Platinum Card is Amex's flagship offering for businesses that travel frequently. With access to Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs, and Priority Pass lounges, plus over $3,500 in potential annual credits for hotels, airlines, and business services, this card justifies its premium fee for road warriors and frequent flyers.
Pros
- ✓200,000 point welcome bonus
- ✓Access to 1,550+ airport lounges worldwide
- ✓5x points on flights and prepaid hotels
- ✓Up to $3,500+ in annual statement credits
- ✓Premium business travel benefits
Cons
- ✗High $695 annual fee
- ✗$20,000 spending requirement for bonus
- ✗Must pay in full each month
Ink Business Cash
The Ink Business Cash is perfect for small businesses wanting straightforward cash back without an annual fee. Earn 5% on office supplies and internet/cable/phone services, and 2% at gas stations and restaurants—all common business expenses. The $750 welcome bonus requires just $6,000 in spending over three months.
Pros
- ✓$750 welcome bonus with modest spending
- ✓5% at office supply stores and internet/cable/phone
- ✓2% at gas stations and restaurants
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓Can combine with Ink Preferred for more rewards
Cons
- ✗5% and 2% categories capped at $25K annually
- ✗Foreign transaction fee
- ✗Lower rewards rate outside bonus categories
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
The Spark Cash Plus delivers a simple, powerful 2% cash back on every purchase with no category restrictions or caps. While it requires paying in full each month like a charge card, businesses with high spending will appreciate the straightforward rewards and the potential to earn up to $8,000 in bonuses during the first year.
Pros
- ✓Unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases
- ✓Up to $8,000 in bonuses first year
- ✓No foreign transaction fees
- ✓$150 annual fee is relatively low
- ✓Simple flat-rate structure
Cons
- ✗Must pay in full monthly (charge card)
- ✗High spending requirement for full bonus
- ✗Requires excellent credit
Blue Business Plus
The Blue Business Plus offers 2x Membership Rewards points on all business purchases up to $50,000 per year with no annual fee. These points can transfer to numerous airline and hotel partners, giving you the flexibility of a travel rewards card without category restrictions. It's ideal for businesses that want simple, valuable points-earning.
Pros
- ✓2x Membership Rewards on all purchases (up to $50K)
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓Points transfer to airline/hotel partners
- ✓Expanded buying power beyond credit limit
- ✓No category restrictions
Cons
- ✗2x earning capped at $50K annually
- ✗Modest welcome bonus
- ✗Foreign transaction fee
Brex Card for Startups
Brex is designed specifically for startups and tech companies, offering corporate-level credit limits without personal guarantees. Earn up to 7x points on common startup expenses like Uber, restaurants, software subscriptions, and travel. Companies must maintain a cash balance in their Brex Business Account, but gain access to integrated expense management and Silicon Valley perks.
Pros
- ✓Up to 7x on rideshares, restaurants, and travel
- ✓Credit limits 30x higher than traditional cards
- ✓No personal guarantee required
- ✓Built-in expense management tools
- ✓AWS, Slack, and software credits available
Cons
- ✗Must maintain substantial cash balance
- ✗Pay in full monthly requirement
- ✗Best suited for venture-backed companies
American Express Blue Business Cash
The Blue Business Cash offers a straightforward 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 annually with no annual fee. Unlike the Blue Business Plus which earns Membership Rewards points, this card delivers pure cash back that can be redeemed as statement credits. The 0% intro APR for 12 months helps finance large purchases.
Pros
- ✓2% cash back on all purchases (up to $50K)
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓$250 welcome bonus is easy to earn
- ✓Intro 0% APR for 12 months on purchases
- ✓Simple cash back without category tracking
Cons
- ✗2% earning capped at $50K per year
- ✗Foreign transaction fee
- ✗Amex not accepted everywhere
United Club Infinite Business
For businesses that consistently fly United Airlines, the Club Infinite Business card delivers exceptional value. The included United Club membership alone nearly covers the $695 annual fee, and you'll earn 4x miles on United purchases plus 2x on dining and travel. Additional perks include hotel credits, rideshare credits, and two monthly Instacart credits.
Pros
- ✓United Club membership included ($650 value)
- ✓90,000 bonus miles for business travel
- ✓4x miles on United purchases
- ✓$200 hotel credit annually
- ✓Up to $150 rideshare credit yearly
Cons
- ✗$695 annual fee
- ✗Only valuable if you fly United frequently
- ✗Limited non-United benefits
Bank of America Business Advantage
The Business Advantage Customized Cash card lets you choose your 3% category from gas, online shopping, dining, travel, and more—and you can change it monthly. Bank of America Preferred Rewards members can boost this to 5.25% cash back, making it one of the highest category earn rates available for businesses.
Pros
- ✓3% cash back in your choice category
- ✓Up to 5.25% with Preferred Rewards status
- ✓2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
- ✓No annual fee
- ✓$500 welcome bonus
Cons
- ✗Category earnings capped at $2,500 quarterly
- ✗Best rates require Preferred Rewards status
- ✗Foreign transaction fee
Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business
For businesses that frequently use Southwest Airlines, the Performance Business card offers tremendous value. The 80,000-point welcome bonus is worth over $1,000 in Southwest flights, and the annual 9,000 bonus points help offset the $199 fee. You'll also get four upgraded boardings annually and accelerated earning on Southwest purchases.
Pros
- ✓80,000 point bonus (worth $1,080)
- ✓3x points on Southwest purchases
- ✓2x on internet/cable/phone and social media ads
- ✓Annual 9,000 bonus points ($121 value)
- ✓Four upgraded boardings per year
Cons
- ✗$199 annual fee
- ✗Only valuable for Southwest flyers
- ✗Points have fixed value (1.35 cents)
How We Evaluate Business Credit Cards
Our expert team uses a comprehensive methodology to test and compare business credit cards. Here’s what we evaluate:
Rewards Structure
We analyze earning potential across business spending categories:
- Category bonuses: Higher rates on advertising, shipping, travel, office supplies
- Base earn rates: Cash back or points on everyday purchases
- Spending caps: Maximum earning for bonus categories
- Point valuations: Real-world redemption value
Welcome Bonuses
We calculate the true value of sign-up offers:
- Bonus amount in dollars or points
- Spending requirements and time limits
- How achievable requirements are for small businesses
- Total first-year value including ongoing rewards
Business-Specific Benefits
We evaluate perks that add real value for businesses:
- Expense management: Employee cards, spending controls, reporting tools
- Purchase protections: Extended warranty, purchase protection, return protection
- Travel benefits: Lounge access, travel credits, trip insurance
- Insurance coverage: Cell phone protection, rental car insurance
Credit Requirements
We assess accessibility:
- Personal credit score requirements
- Personal guarantee requirements
- Business revenue or cash balance needs
- Years in business requirements
Business Credit Card vs. Corporate Card
Understanding the difference helps you choose the right product:
Business Credit Cards
- Require personal guarantee
- Report to both business and personal credit bureaus
- Allow carrying balances month-to-month (with interest)
- Available to sole proprietors and small businesses
- Easier to qualify for
Corporate Cards
- Issued to the company without personal guarantee
- Don’t tie to personal credit score
- Must be paid in full monthly
- Require substantial cash reserves or revenue
- Better for established, well-funded companies (like Brex)
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a business credit card affect my personal credit?
Yes, typically. Most business credit cards require a personal guarantee, which means the card issuer will check your personal credit when you apply (causing a hard inquiry). Late payments or defaults may also appear on your personal credit report. However, responsible use and on-time payments usually don’t report to personal credit bureaus, so they won’t help build your personal score.
Can I get a business credit card as a sole proprietor?
Absolutely. Most business credit card issuers accept applications from sole proprietors, freelancers, and independent contractors. You can use your Social Security Number as your business tax ID, and you don’t need a formal business structure like an LLC or corporation.
What credit score do I need for a business credit card?
Most business credit cards require good to excellent personal credit (670+). Some premium cards like the Amex Business Platinum require excellent credit (750+). Cards like the Ink Business Cash are more accessible with good credit around 670-700.
How do I maximize business credit card rewards?
Create a card strategy that matches your spending:
- Use category bonus cards for specific expenses (e.g., Ink Business Cash for office supplies)
- Pair cards to cover all spending categories
- Use a flat-rate card (2% cash back) for non-bonus spending
- Take advantage of welcome bonuses strategically
- Redeem points for maximum value (often travel redemptions)
Should I pay off my business credit card in full?
Yes, whenever possible. Carrying a balance means paying high interest rates (typically 18-28% APR) that quickly erode any rewards earned. If you can’t pay in full, prioritize paying off the highest-APR cards first and consider a 0% APR balance transfer card.
Can I use business credit card rewards for personal use?
Generally, yes. While you should use your business card only for business expenses to maintain proper accounting, the rewards you earn are typically yours to use as you wish—whether for business or personal purposes. Check your specific card agreement for any restrictions.