In a Nutshell
The best cash back business credit cards give you the flexibility of cash back rewards that you can use for your business. Whether your credit is in great shape or needs work, one of our top picks could be a good fit for you.This offer is no longer available on our site: Capital One Spark Classic for Business
With a small-business cash back credit card, you can invest the rewards you earn back into your company or use them for something else entirely — it’s your choice.
Here are our top picks to help you find the right fit for your small business or company.
- Best for everyday business expenses: Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
- Best for a flat rate and no annual fee: The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
- Best for average credit: Capital One Spark Classic for Business
Best for everyday business expenses: Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Here’s why: The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card offers 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year on internet, cable and phone services as well as office supply stores (then 1%).
You’ll also earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases each account anniversary year at gas stations and restaurants (then 1%). And you’ll earn 1% back on all other purchases.
The cash back categories on this card make it one of the best credit cards for business owners who spend a lot on these everyday enterprise expenses.
You’ll earn a one-time $350 cash back credit after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 6 months after account opening. The card also offers a 0% purchase APR for 12 months from account opening, after which the APR is 17.99% - 25.99%.
With this card, you can redeem your rewards in a number of ways. You can redeem your Chase Ultimate Rewards points for cash back rewards as a statement credit or direct deposit to most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Alternatively, you can use your points to buy gift cards, purchase products or services through the rewards portal, or book travel. The card has no annual fee, which means you can start netting cash back right away and don’t have to spend a certain amount each year to offset the annual fee.
Check out reviews of the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card to get more card details and determine if it’s right for you.
Best for a flat rate and no annual fee: The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Here’s why: The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card isn’t the only small-business credit card that offers 2% cash back, but this card has an advantage — unlike some credit cards that waive the annual fee only for the first year, this cash back card doesn’t charge an annual fee.
Just keep in mind that the rewards rate applies only to the first $50,000 spent on eligible purchases each calendar year. After that, you’ll earn just 1% back on purchases. Your cash back will be automatically credited to your statement. There are no other redemption options, but it’s nice to not have to actively jump through hoops to get your cash back.
The card offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months. Once the intro APR period is over, the card has a variable 17.74% - 25.74% purchase APR.
The card also lets you makes purchases above your spending limit without your needing to call in advance for permission or having to pay an over-limit fee. The only catch is that you have to pay off any amount you spend above your credit limit in full each month as part of your minimum payment. And American Express could curb the amount you’re allowed to spend over your credit limit — it adjusts based on your payment history, credit records and other factors.
Best for average credit: Capital One Spark Classic for Business
Here’s why: It can be tough to qualify for a rewards business credit card without healthy credit scores. But with the Capital One Spark Classic for Business, you may get approved even if you’re in a position where you need to strengthen your credit.
The card offers 1% cash back on every purchase, which isn’t as generous as what some of the other best cash back business credit cards offer — but it could be a good choice while you’re working on building your business credit. Plus, you can earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars when you book through the Capital One travel portal. You can redeem your cash back as a statement credit or paper check. This card also comes with free employee cards, which means you could earn rewards on purchases that your employees make, too.
The card comes with a variable APR of 30.74% on purchases and no annual fee.
How we picked these cards
Cash back rewards are relatively straightforward, so you don’t have to worry about complicated redemption options and rates. But small-business owners are typically interested in finding a card that will give them the most bang for their buck.
As a result, we focused mostly on credit cards that don’t charge annual fees — and if they do, they offer value that can help make up for it. We also looked at other valuable card features, including welcome bonuses, introductory 0% APR offers and accessibility for small-business owners with less-than-stellar credit.
These features give you more options based on your credit situation and the chance to squeeze value out of your new card through more than just the rewards program.
How to make the most of the best cash back business credit cards
Because these cards offer straightforward rewards, the most important thing is to focus on which card will give you the most rewards for your expenses. As you shop around to find the right business credit card for you, think about where you spend the most and consider a card that offers bonus rewards on those purchases.
If you don’t spend a lot in any one area, consider applying for a card that offers a high rewards rate on all of your business purchases instead. Watch out for rewards caps, though. If your business spends a lot, you may be better off with a card that offers unlimited rewards — even if it comes with an annual fee.
Finally, if you plan to take advantage of an introductory 0% APR promotion, make it a goal from the start to pay off your balance before the promotional period ends. A lot of these cards charge high APRs, and if you carry a balance from month to month, interest charges can cut a chunk out of the value you could gain from your card each month.