Top Credit Cards for New Business Owners

Whether you’re looking for cards with low interest rates, generous rewards programs, or valuable perks like travel insurance, there are several great options tailored to new business owners. In this article, we'll explore some of the top choices currently available and discuss their key benefits to help you make an informed decision.

1. Best Overall: Chase Ink Business Unlimited

The Chase Ink Business Unlimited card is an excellent choice for new business owners seeking simplicity and value. With no annual fee and unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, it’s ideal for those who want straightforward rewards without tracking spending categories. Additionally, new cardholders can earn a $750 bonus after spending $6,000 within the first three months.

Another highlight is its introductory 0% APR for the first 12 months on purchases. This can be beneficial if you need to make large upfront investments in your business but don’t want to worry about immediate interest charges.

2. Best for Travel Rewards: American Express Business Gold Card

If your business requires frequent travel, the American Express Business Gold card could be a valuable tool in your financial toolkit. It offers 4X Membership Rewards points on two categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle (from a list of six options), such as airfare purchased directly from airlines or advertising on select media platforms.

• 4X points on top spending categories
• No preset spending limit, flexibility to grow with your business
• $295 annual fee (which may be offset by rewards)

While the annual fee is relatively high compared to other cards, the potential rewards and flexibility make it worth considering if travel and high spending are part of your business model.

3. Best for Cash Back: Capital One Spark Cash Plus

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus card offers one of the highest flat-rate cash-back programs available to business owners. It provides unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases without worrying about rotating categories or caps.

This card also comes with a unique bonus structure: you can earn up to $1,000 in cash bonuses, $500 after spending $5,000 within the first three months and another $500 after spending $50,000 in the first six months. While it does have a $150 annual fee, businesses that spend heavily can easily offset this cost through consistent rewards and bonuses.

4. Best for Building Credit: Brex Card for Startups

The Brex Card for Startups is designed specifically for newer businesses and startups that may not have established credit histories yet. Unlike traditional cards that rely on personal credit scores, Brex determines your creditworthiness based on your company’s bank balance and financial health.

• No personal guarantee required
• No annual fees or interest charges (it’s a charge card that must be paid in full each month
• Earn up to 7X points on rideshare services like Uber and Lyft, making it ideal for tech-savvy entrepreneurs

This card stands out because it offers high rewards without requiring a personal guarantee) something many startups appreciate as they work to establish themselves financially.

5. Best Low-Interest Option: U.S. Bank Business Platinum

If minimizing interest rates is your priority, then the U.S. Bank Business Platinum might be the right choice for you. It boasts one of the longest 0% introductory APR periods, 18 billing cycles on both purchases and balance transfers.

This card is particularly useful if you're planning to carry a balance over time or consolidate existing debt from other high-interest cards. While it doesn’t offer flashy rewards or bonuses like some other options on this list, its low cost makes it attractive for businesses focused primarily on managing their debt efficiently.

Finding the right credit card as a new business owner depends largely on your specific needs and financial goals. Cards like Chase Ink Business Unlimited offer simple rewards with no annual fee, while others like the American Express Business Gold cater more towards businesses with higher spending in specialized categories like travel or advertising. It’s important to assess what benefits will most support your business operations, whether that’s maximizing cash back, earning travel points, or simply building credit from scratch.