How to select the perfect credit card for your business expenses

Regardless of the kind of business or side hustle you operate, there's an excellent business credit card designed to help you earn rewards and maximize your business expenses. It ultimately depends on the categories where you spend the most each month and which cards provide the best rewards in those areas.

In this guide, we'll explore various types of business owners and identify the cards that can deliver the greatest long-term earning potential for each type.

For those who frequently travel for business: A co-branded card

If you find yourself traveling the same routes multiple times a year, flying with the same airline, or staying loyal to a particular hotel brand, a co-branded business credit card is an excellent choice. You’ll earn bonus points or miles for every dollar spent with the airline or hotel chain linked to the card, along with extra benefits like complimentary checked bags, priority boarding, and simplified access to elite status.

Cobranded business credit cards simplify the journey to elite status, often providing perks like lounge access, early boarding, and complimentary seat selection. Some cards waive the mileage or revenue requirements for elite status after achieving a specified annual spend. Notable options like the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card and Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card allow you to earn elite-qualifying miles or dollars once you reach certain spending levels.

If you frequently stay at the same hotel brand but don’t have a preferred airline, a hotel card may be more suitable. The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card provides automatic Gold Elite status, offering benefits like priority late checkout (when available) and a 25% bonus on points for stays. Alternatively, The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card (see rates and fees) grants complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status and allows you to achieve Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year after spending $40,000 annually, with enrollment required for select benefits.

For those with side hustles: A flat-rate earning credit card

You don’t need a physical storefront to qualify for a business credit card. Whether you drive for Lyft on weekends or manage a small Etsy shop in your spare time, you can earn rewards on your business expenses. If your budget for monthly business purchases is limited, seek a card that offers a flat rewards rate and a low annual fee.

While flat rewards may not be as enticing as some tiered structures, they enable you to earn points or cash back on every transaction, regardless of the spending category. Additionally, an annual fee typically isn’t justified unless you’re spending thousands each month on your business card.

The Blue Business®️ Plus Credit Card from American Express (see rates and fees) and the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card from Chase provide excellent flat-rate rewards without an annual fee. These are great choices, especially if you also hold a personal American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards card. Both issuers allow cardholders to combine points from personal and business accounts, maximizing your redemption value.

For startup offices: A card with relevant bonus categories

Several business cards provide rewards for spending in categories such as office supplies and telecommunications. If you operate your business from an office, these cards can yield significant returns on your routine business expenses.

The American Express® Business Gold Card offers versatility, allowing you to earn 4 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases from your top two categories each billing cycle (1 point per dollar thereafter), 3 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com, and 1 point per dollar on all other transactions. Possible bonus categories include select U.S. advertising purchases, U.S. shipping expenses, select tech purchases made in the U.S., and more.

For retail entrepreneurs: A card that provides rewards for advertising

Whether you own a physical boutique or an online store, it's likely that you're investing monthly in advertising your business. Furthermore, most business cards that reward advertising expenditures also offer incentives in other important categories, like U.S. shipping.

Chase's Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card earns 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases (1 point per dollar thereafter) across categories such as travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services, and digital advertising. Similar to the Ink Business Unlimited, you can combine your points with your personal Chase Ultimate Rewards cards to maximize earning and redemption potential. The American Express Business Gold Card is also an excellent option, with advertising as a possible bonus category.

Final thoughts

The attractiveness and advantages of the cards discussed will differ based on your business expenses. Nonetheless, business credit cards play a crucial role in managing your business finances. Earning rewards on these expenses can help mitigate future costs, and if you also hold a personal credit card with the same issuer, you can earn even more rewards when planning your next trip. Selecting the right business credit card is as vital as choosing a personal card, so consider your spending habits and rewards objectives carefully before making a decision.