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Entertainment July 28, 2026

Top Business Credit Cards for Maximizing Rewards and Cash Flow

Top Business Credit Cards for Maximizing Rewards and Cash Flow

The best business credit cards don't just support your spending — they work for you. With generous earning rates, valuable perks and benefits that can both elevate your lifestyle and boost your bottom line, the right card becomes one of your most valuable financial tools.

The right business card lets you earn rewards while staying focused on day-to-day operations. Whether you're an established business owner, a freelancer or just launching your first venture, choosing a card that best aligns with your goals is key.

Business credit cards help you separate business and personal spending while offering rewards and perks not typically found on personal cards.

To help make your decision easier, I've curated a selection of the top 10 business credit cards from our partners. I personally carry half of the cards on this list and have deep knowledge of the rest, backed by more than a decade of working in the travel rewards industry.

Here are my top picks.

The best business credit cards

  • The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
  • American Express® Business Gold Card
  • The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
  • Capital One Spark Cash Plus
  • Capital One Venture X Business
  • Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
  • Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
  • Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card (see rates and fees)
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ (see rates and fees)
  • United℠ Business Card (see rates and fees)

Comparing the best business credit cards

Here are TPG's top recommendations for best rewards credit cards.

Pointers from The Points Guy

Here's why TPG's Brian Kelly recommends business credit cards.

American Express cards

American Express Blue Business Plus

Welcome offer:Earn 15,000 points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership.

Annual fee:$0 (see rates and fees)

American Express Blue Business Plus card
THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits:This is my go-to card for everyday business purchases that don't fall into bonus categories. You'll earn 2 points per dollar spent on the first $50,000 spent annually, then 1 point per dollar spent after that — all for no annual fee.

I love that you can rack up valuable Amex Membership Rewards points, which you can transfer to 19 airline and hotel partners.

If you want a product that doesn't charge an annual fee and earns flexible, transferable points, this one's tough to beat.

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Blue Business Plus.


Apply: American Express Blue Business Plus


American Express Business Gold

Welcome offer:Find out your offer and see if you're eligible for as high as 200,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)

Annual fee:$375 (see rates and fees)

business gold cards
THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits:This card is ideal for high-spending businesses that value flexibility. I like that it automatically earns 4 points per dollar spent in your top two eligible spending categories each billing cycle (on the first $150,000 spent each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent) — so you're always maximizing rewards without thinking about it.

Bonus categories include U.S. restaurants, gas stations, advertising and tech providers. It's a strong choice if your spending shifts from month to month.

Although it doesn't come with premium travel perks, the annual fee is partially offset by the up to $240 annual statement credit per calendar year (up to $20 each month) for U.S. purchases at office supply stores, FedEx (through Oct. 1, 2026) and Grubhub (enrollment required).

I regularly take advantage of transfer bonuses to get even more value from my Amex Membership Rewards points.

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Gold.


Apply: American Express Business Gold


American Express Business Platinum

Welcome offer:Find out your offer and see if you're eligible for as high as 300,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership. (Welcome offers vary, and you may not be eligible for an offer.)

Annual fee:$895 (see rates and fees)

American Express Business Platinum card art
THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits:If you travel often and want luxury perks, this card delivers.

The annual fee is steep, but I think it's justified. You get Clear+ (up to a $219 statement credit per calendar year; subject to auto-renewal) and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit ($120 every four years for Global Entry or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck), Gold elite status with Marriott and Hilton, and unbeatable lounge access — including to Centurion Lounges for eligible cardmembers (enrollment required for select benefits).

You'll earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel and 2 points per dollar spent on large purchases of $5,000 or more, as well as a number of business-related categories (on the first $2 million spent each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar spent).

This is the next card I plan to add to my wallet. I just need to time my application right so I can meet the minimum spending requirement and unlock that massive welcome bonus.

To learn more, read our full review of the Amex Business Platinum.


Apply: American Express Business Platinum


Capital One cards

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Welcome offer:Earn a one-time cash bonus of $2,000 and a $500 Capital One Business Travel credit after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Earn an additional $2,000 cash bonus for every $500,000 spent during the first year.

Annual fee:$150

Capital One Spark Cash Plus art
THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits:This is my top recommendation for businesses that spend a lot and prefer to earn cash back. You'll earn at least 2% cash back on every purchase — with no categories to track — and 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Business Travel.

The generous welcome bonus adds even more value, and the $150 annual fee is refunded if you spend $150,000 in a year.

I also like that you can issue employee cards at no extra cost. Just keep in mind that this is a charge card — you'll need to pay your balance in full each month.

To learn more, read our full review of the Spark Cash Plus.


Learn more: Capital One Spark Cash Plus


Capital One Venture X Business

Welcome offer:Earn 150,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee:$395

a hand holds a credit card
THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits:I recommend this card to business owners who spend a lot and want to elevate their travel experience. It offers an incredible welcome bonus — though it comes with a high spending requirement to unlock it.

The card also includes premium travel perks, such as a $300 annual travel credit for bookings made through Capital One Business Travel, effectively reducing the annual fee to just $95.

You'll also enjoy access to Capital One's expanding lounge network. I appreciate the calm of the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) lounge and the convenience of grab-and-go options during my layovers at Denver International Airport (DEN). The complimentary Priority Pass membership unlocks access to 1,300-plus additional lounges worldwide.

The card has no preset spending limit, which is a great perk for businesses with high monthly expenses. You can also add employee cards at no extra cost.

To learn more, read our full review of the Venture X Business.


Learn more: Capital One Venture X Business


Chase cards

Ink Business Cash

Welcome offer:Earn $1,000 cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.

Annual fee:$0

THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits:This card offers one of my favorite ways to earn big on specific business expenses. It earns 5% cash back at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services (on up to $25,000 per year) and 2% at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $25,000 per year).

And if you have a Chase points-earning card, you can turn that cash back into fully transferable Chase points — making your rewards even more valuable. Eligible cards are:

  • Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card (see rates and fees)
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve® (see rates and fees)
  • Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business
  • Ink Business Preferred

Businesses looking for simple, straightforward cash back — especially recurring ones like monthly internet and phone bills — will enjoy how easy it is to accrue rewards with the Ink Business Cash.

To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Cash.


Apply: Ink Business Cash


Ink Business Unlimited

Welcome offer:Earn $1,000 cash back after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first four months from account opening.

Annual fee:$0

Chase Ink BU
THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits:This is a great everyday card, especially if you want to earn Chase points without having to track bonus categories.

You'll earn a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, which becomes 1.5 Ultimate Rewards points if you also hold an eligible Chase points-earning card.

That's how I use mine. I pair it with the Ink Business Preferred to turn everyday spending into valuable points I can transfer to airline and hotel partners.

If you don't plan to hold a Chase card that earns transferable points, though, I'd suggest looking for a 2% cash-back card instead.

To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited.


Apply: Ink Business Unlimited


Ink Business Preferred

Welcome offer:Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee:$95

A hand holds the Ink Business Preferred

Standout benefits:This is one of my favorite business cards thanks to its strong welcome bonus and reasonable $95 annual fee.

It's an excellent choice for businesses that spend heavily on travel, shipping, and advertising with social media sites and search engines, earning 3 points per dollar spent on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary year (then 1 point per dollar spent).

It also unlocks Chase's airline and hotel transfer partners (though transfers to World of Hyatt are at a reduced 4:3 ratio as of Oct. 1), offers cellphone protection when you pay your monthly wireless bill with the card, and pairs well with the Ink Business Cash and Ink Business Unlimited by letting you convert their cash back into fully transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

To learn more, read our full review of the Ink Business Preferred.


Apply: Ink Business Preferred


Chase Sapphire Reserve for Business

Welcome offer:Earn 200,000 bonus points after spending $30,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.

Annual fee:$795

Chase Sapphire Reserve Business card art
THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits:This is Chase's premium travel rewards card for businesses and an excellent choice for frequent travelers.

I like that it earns fully transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points (including transfers to World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio). Since Hyatt is my favorite hotel loyalty program, that's one of the card's biggest selling points.

The annual fee is high, but it's much easier to justify when you take advantage of the easy-to-use $300 annual travel credit and the two $250 The Edit credits available each year (minimum two-night stay required). It also offers useful business statement credits with Google Workspace (through Dec. 31, 2027) and ZipRecruiter (through Dec. 31, 2027).

Beyond the credits, you'll receive lounge access, excellent travel protections and strong earning rates on travel purchases, along with unlimited 3 points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising.

To learn more, read our full review of the Sapphire Reserve for Business.


Apply: Sapphire Reserve for Business


United Business Card

Welcome offer:Earn up to 110,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs: Earn 100,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQPs after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, earn 10,000 bonus miles after adding an authorized user in the first three months from account opening.

Annual fee:$150

Hands holding credit cards
THE POINTS GUY

Standout benefits:I carry this card because I want solid perks when I fly United Airlines — without committing to its premium card. I get a free checked bag, priority boarding and a discount on inflight purchases. The two United Club passes each year are a nice bonus, too.

It also earns 2 miles per dollar spent in useful categories like United purchases, dining, gas stations, office supply stores and transit.

If you also have a personal United card, you'll get 5,000 bonus miles each anniversary — an underrated perk.

But if you're a true United loyalist chasing status or want unlimited lounge access, the United Club℠ Business Card might be a better fit.

The information for the United Club Business Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

To learn more, read our full review of the United Business Card.


Apply: United Business Card


What to consider when choosing a business credit card

There's no one-size-fits-all business credit card. Instead, ask yourself these key questions to find the best fit for your company:

  • Would you like to earn cash back or travel rewards?
  • What are your top business spending categories?
  • Do you or your employees travel often?
  • Are you willing to pay an annual fee?

Cash back vs. travel rewards

If simplicity matters most, go for a flat-rate cash-back card — aim for at least 2% back on all purchases.

If you or your team travels frequently, consider a card that earns transferable points (like Chase Ultimate Rewards points), airline miles (like Delta SkyMiles) or hotel points (like Marriott Bonvoy points).

MELANIE LIEBERMAN/THE POINTS GUY

Personally, I prefer cards that earn Chase or Amex points because they're more flexible and often deliver higher value — especially when paired with transfer bonuses.

Welcome bonus

A welcome bonus can be the most valuable part of any card — at least for the first year. Just make sure you can confidently meet the minimum spending requirement — whether that's $3,000 or $30,000 in the first few months.

I always recommend timing new card applications with planned business expenses to hit the bonus organically.

Spending habits

Choose a card that aligns with your regular expenses. If you spend heavily in one or two areas — like dining or shipping — look for a card that rewards those purchases.

If your spending is spread out, pick a card that earns at a solid flat rate or adapts to your top monthly categories.

Annual fee

If you're paying an annual fee, make sure the benefits — like lounge access, statement credits or higher earnings — are worth it. Otherwise, a no-annual-fee card might make more sense.

How we chose the best business credit cards

We evaluated these cards based on the features that matter most to business owners:

  • Size and value of the welcome offer
  • Earning rates — especially in high-spending categories
  • Redemption options, including transfer partners
  • Key benefits like lounge access and employee card options

We also considered overall value, flexibility and how easily you can maximize each card based on common business expenses.

Redemption options for business credit cards

One of the best parts of earning rewards on a business card is using those points, miles or cash back to unlock meaningful value — whether that's covering a business-class flight, offsetting travel costs or simply putting money back into your business.

I've personally used points from several of these cards to book first-class flights to visit family in Australia and cover hotel stays during high-demand events — like a Taylor Swift concert and the Paris Olympics. Those trips would've cost thousands out of pocket.

Tourist couple looking at The Eiffel Tower in Paris, France
JAMES ONEIL/GETTY IMAGES

If you're earning transferable currencies like Chase or Amex points, you'll get the most value by transferring them to airline and hotel partners. For example, I transferred 45,000 Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt for a 10-night stay in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico — a fantastic deal.

Even simple cash-back cards can deliver serious value when you use that money to cover future expenses or free up your budget for growth.

Bottom line

The right business credit card does more than track expenses — it can unlock valuable rewards, simplify operations, and upgrade your travel and lifestyle.

Whether you're just starting out or running a well-established business, there's a card here that can help you earn big, save money and maybe even enjoy a lie-flat seat on your next trip.

Pick the card — or combination of cards — that best fits your spending habits and rewards goals. If you're strategic with how you earn and redeem, everyday business purchases can turn into extraordinary value.

For rates and fees of the Amex Business Gold,
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum,
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Business Plus,

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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