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Best Small Business Credit Cards

March 2024

Credit cards are an excellent financing tool for startups and small businesses. They offer a fast source of credit, generous reward rates, and large sign-up bonuses.
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Business credit cards don't just offer great rewards. They can also help you build your company’s credit and solve cash flow problems. However, there are hundreds of small business cards to choose from. Which are the best small business credit cards?
Here are SuperMoney’s Best Small Business Credit Cards. We have focused on credit cards with low annual fees that still offer high reward rates and generous perks.
Compare All Business Credit Cards

What are small-business credit cards?

Small-business credit cards are cards that are marketed particularly for small companies. Credit card companies don’t have fixed rules on what qualifies as a small company. They do look at revenue, the number of employees and years in business to determine eligibility, but even a sole proprietorship -- the simplest and most common business structure -- with one employee can qualify for a business credit card. The Small Business Administration does set standards on what qualifies as a small business, but these don’t apply to business credit cards.

What’s the difference between personal and business credit cards?

Personal and business credit cards may look similar, but there are important differences to consider.

Credit Card Act of 2009 protections

Credit card companies don’t have to follow the same rules when dealing with businesses. The Credit Card Act of 2009 granted consumers important protections, such as a limit on fees and restrictions on interest rate hikes. In most cases, credit card issues offer the same protections to businesses as a courtesy. However, it’s worth checking the small print as these provisions don’t always apply to business credit cards.

Credit reporting

Business credit cards report your activity to commercial credit bureaus. Some credit card companies, such as American Express® and Capital One, will also report to both consumer and business credit bureaus.

Credit limits

Credit limits for business credit cards tend to be larger than personal credit cards. This can help business owners build their personal credit score, as some credit bureaus – such as Experian and Equifax – consider your business line of credit when calculating your personal as well as your business’ credit score. In the case of your FICO score, 30% of your credit score depends on your credit utilization ratio (amounts owed).
Source: myfico.com

Personal liability with business credit cards

In most cases, credit card companies require business owners to sign a personal guarantee and provide their Social Security number. If you do this, you are promising to pay the credit card debt if your business doesn’t.
Read the small print in your credit card agreement. If you had to agree to a personal guarantee or a “joint and several liability” when applying for the card, you’re personally liable for your business’ credit card debt.
Typically, only the owners of larger companies who apply for corporate cards with commercial liability are off the hook if their business is unable to repay its credit card debts.

How to find the best card for your small business?

Still looking for a card that fits your needs? No problem. SuperMoney has reviews and customer comments on hundreds of credit cards. SuperMoney’s credit cards database allows you to filter credit cards by the features that matter the most to you.

FAQs on Small Business Credit Cards

What are small business credit cards?

Small business credit cards are increasingly popular business financing options, particularly for entrepreneurs who don’t qualify for traditional business loans and don’t have access to networks filled with deep-pocketed family members, friends, and colleagues. Small business credit cards typically have higher spending limits and more generous rewards programs than consumer cards.

What’s the difference between personal and business credit cards?

Personal and business credit cards may look similar, but there are important differences to consider. 1.Credit card companies don’t have to follow the same rules when dealing with businesses. 2.Business credit cards report your activity to commercial credit bureaus. 3.Credit limits for business credit cards tend to be larger than personal credit cards.

What do you need to qualify for a business credit card?

When you have a small business, you own and operate by yourself, it's considered a sole proprietorship. And better yet, you don't need an EIN (Employee Identification Number) to apply for a small business credit card. You can apply with your Social Security Number – either will work.

How long does it take to get approved for a business credit card?

It takes 7-10 business days to get a new credit card after being approved for an account, in most cases. That means it usually takes 14-24 business days to get a credit card after submitting an application, though the timeframe will be a lot shorter if you're approved instantly.

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SuperMoney is the most comprehensive financial services comparison site around. We have published hundreds of personal finance articles and provide detailed reviews on thousands of financial products and services. Our unbiased advice and free comparison tools help consumers make smart financial decisions based on hard data, not marketing gimmicks.

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