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Best business credit cards for travel

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Whether you run a major corporation, own a small family business or have a side hustle that brings in part-time income, having a dedicated business credit card can help you in more ways than one. Not only can a business credit card help you keep your personal and business spending separate for bookkeeping and tax preparation purposes, but a credit card will allow you to borrow money for important business expenses in a pinch.

The best business credit cards for travel also let business owners earn points or miles for each dollar their business spends, and that’s on top of the travel perks they offer. Many of the best also offer flexible redemption options you can take advantage of even during times when you’re not traveling at all, whether that means you can cash in your points for statement credits, gift cards or merchandise.

Comparing the top business travel credit cards

A closer look at the best business travel credit cards, delta skymiles® reserve business american express card: best for delta airlines loyalists.

• Rewards: 3X miles on Delta purchases; 1X miles on all other purchases or 1.5X miles on purchases for the rest of the year after spending $150,000 in one calendar year
• Limited Time Offer: Earn 110,000 Bonus Miles after spending $12,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Offer Ends 7/17.
• Annual fee: $550

For brand loyalists, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card is considered the strongest of Delta’s branded cards, earning 3X miles per dollar spent on flights, seat upgrades, and eligible in-flight purchases. Cardholders enjoy a number of luxury perks, including complimentary travel concierge services, priority boarding, a free first-checked bag, Delta lounge access, and travel insurance.

For business owners who are frequent flyers, the card’s Status Boost feature can earn up to 15,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) up to four times per year. Companion traveler perks include an annual complimentary companion certificate and two complimentary SkyClub guest passes each year — both of which are especially valuable if you plan on booking an expensive trip that you’d like to take a colleague, client or guest on. The card’s current welcome offer is 11,000 bonus miles after only $12,000 in purchases during the account’s first 6 months. Offer ends 7/17/24.

United℠ Business Card: Best for United Airlines travelers

• Rewards: 2X miles on United Airlines purchases, dining, at gas stations, on office supplies and on local transit and commuting; 1X miles on all other purchases
• Welcome bonus: 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months
• Annual fee: $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99

The United Business Card earns boosted rewards for purchases made through United Airlines and on some common spending categories (dining, gas stations, office supplies, local transit/commute costs). For travelers looking to earn rewards both through airline-specific purchases and on everyday business expenses, this card offers a benefit that works with both.

This card’s welcome offer currently gives a 75,000 bonus-mile reward after $5,000 in purchases made in the first 3 months of the account being open. When combined with the introductory $0 annual fee, cardholders will see a hefty benefit in the first year. Travelers who carry a personal United credit card in tandem with this business card can earn a 5,000-mile credit annually X — a significant ongoing benefit for those who travel using United Airlines both professionally and for leisure travel.

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: Best for Hilton hotel regulars

• Rewards: 12X points on hotels and resorts in the Hilton portfolio, 6X points on U.S. gas stations, U.S. cellphone service providers and U.S. shipping purchases and purchases at U.S. restaurants, airfare booked through Amex Travel and select car rentals. 3X points on all other purchases
• Welcome bonus: 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points after you spend $6,000 in the first six months of card membership
• Annual fee: $195

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is the only Hilton-brand business credit card available — maybe because, with rewards like these, no other product is necessary. Purchases made at any of 7,000+ Hilton portfolio hotels and resorts internationally earn a whopping 12X points: excellent news if your business travel has you staying in hotels regularly. Even if you only travel occasionally for work, a 6X earning rate on regular expenses (cell phone service, U.S. gas station and restaurant purchases) can keep you earning toward your next trip.

Though there is a $195 annual fee on this product, it doesn’t take much in hotel stays to offset the cost: a mere $528 on Hilton brand hotel stays, to be exact. Cardholders enjoy complimentary Gold Status, earning every fifth night free on reward stays, among a bevy of other Hilton-specific perks. With hotels everywhere from small-town America to large international destinations, business travelers who choose Hilton can maximize their benefits by carrying this card.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Best for business road warriors

• Rewards: 6X Marriott Bonvoy Points at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program, 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. gas stations, 4X points on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping and 2X points on all other purchases
• Welcome bonus: Limited Time Offer: Earn 125,000 Bonus Marriott Bonvoy Points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. (Offer ends 5/3/23)
• Annual fee: $125

The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card offers both hotel-specific benefits for travelers and built-in protections on luggage, car rentals, and purchases made with the card. For business owners who want both the benefit of boosted earnings on hotel stays and a standard contingency plan for lost luggage or car rentals, this account is a solid contender. Cardholders receive complimentary Gold Elite status at Marriott Bonvoy properties.

For travelers who require frequent rental cars and hotel stays, the perks of this card make it a natural contender. The account’s current welcome offer equates to about $875 to redeem toward Marriott stays, but loyalty points can also be redeemed for gift cards at various restaurants and retailers.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best for flexible rewards

• Rewards: Earn 3X points on the first $150,000 spent each year on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, and advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines (then 1X points) and 1X points on all other purchases
• Welcome bonus: Earn 100,000 bonus points when you spend $15,000 on qualifying purchases within three months of account opening
• Annual fee: $95

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card is incredibly popular with business owners thanks to the fact that it doles out Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Rewards you earn with this card can be used to book travel directly through the Chase travel portal, but you can also transfer your points to Chase airline and hotel partners at a 1:1 basis. This means that 100,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards points earned with this card can be turned into 100,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points or United miles, or even 100,000 World of Hyatt or Marriott Bonvoy points.

The Ink Business Preferred is currently offering a welcome bonus of 100,000 points (worth $1,250 in travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®) after you spend $15,000 on qualifying purchases with your card within three months of account opening. You’ll also get the chance to earn 3X points per $1 on up to $150,000 spent on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone purchases, and advertising with social media sites and search engines (then 1X points) and 1X points on everything else. A $95 annual fee applies, but the first-year bonus makes up for it several times over.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Best for luxury travel perks

• Rewards: Earn 5X Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com, as well as 1.5X points on purchases over $5,000; earn 1X points on other purchases
• Welcome bonus: Earn 120,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $15,000 within three months of account opening
• Annual fee: $595 ($695 if the application is received on or after Jan. 13, 2022)

The Business Platinum Card from American Express lets consumers earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com. Cardholders also earn 1.5X points for purchases over $5,000, which highly favors businesses that have a lot of high-dollar expenses throughout the month.

The welcome offer to look forward to includes earning 120,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the card within the first three months.

When it comes to redeeming your rewards, keep in mind that the American Express Membership Rewards program is versatile and flexible. Points in this program can be used to book travel directly through AmexTravel.com, redeemed for gift cards or merchandise, or transferred to popular airline and hotel partners.

It’s also important to note that, when you redeem points for eligible airfare with this card, you’ll get 35 percent of your points back (up to 500,000 back per year).

Consider this card if you want luxury perks and generous statement credits

In terms of major travel benefits, the Amex Business Platinum comes with no foreign transaction fees, a $200 airline fee credit each year, up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership every five years, up to $179 back per year on a Clear membership, the ability to visit Priority Pass Select or Centurion airport lounges and more.

All in all, the card comes with more than $2,500 in annual statement credits, including those on certain business expenses, such as up to $400 in Dell purchases (terms apply), up to $360 in Indeed hiring products ($90 per quarter), up to $150 with Adobe and up to $120 on U.S. wireless telephone purchases ($10 per month).

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Best with no annual fee

• Rewards: Earn 2X Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 you spend each year, then 1X points
• Welcome offer: 15,000 Membership Rewards points if you spend $3,000 within the first three months of account opening
• Annual fee: $0

The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express offers the chance to earn valuable American Express Membership Rewards points without paying an annual fee. In fact, you’ll earn 2X points on the first $50,000 you spend each year with your card (then 1X points), which gives you the unique opportunity to earn more than the standard 1X points per dollar on most of your business spending.

Like other cards within this program, the Amex Blue Business Plus lets you book travel directly through AmexTravel.com, transfer points to popular airline and hotel partners, or redeem points for gift cards or merchandise. If you have other cards that earn Amex Membership Rewards points, your rewards points can all be pooled in a single account.

Consider this card if you want to earn travel rewards with no annual fee

Many of the top credit cards for business travelers charge an annual fee, but this card gives you the rewards you want without having to pay one.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card: Best for flexible travel redemptions

• Rewards: Earn 1.5X points on all regular purchases and 3X points on travel booked through the Bank of America travel center
• Welcome bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus points (worth $300 in statement credit toward travel) when you spend $3,000 on your card within 90 days of account opening

The Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard credit card lets consumers rack up a flat 1.5X points for all regular spending on their card, but travel purchases made through the Bank of America travel portal net 3X points for each dollar spent. The initial bonus of 30,000 points is easy to earn with just $3,000 in spending required within the first 90 days, and this card doesn’t have an annual fee for business owners to worry about.

Also, if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards customer, you can earn up to 75 percent more rewards for each dollar you spend on your card. Interestingly, this card also comes with a 0 percent intro APR on purchases for nine billing cycles, followed by a variable APR of 12.24 percent to 22.24 percent. This perk can help business owners pay down large purchases without any interest for a limited period of time.

Consider this card if you want flexible redemptions

A major benefit to consider with the Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard is just how flexible the redemption options are. Not only can you redeem your rewards for any travel purchase charged to your card, but you can cash them in for travel purchases through the Bank of America Travel Center. When you’re not traveling, you can also cash in your points for cash back or gift cards.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business: Best flat-rate travel credit card

• Rewards: Earn a flat 2X miles for each dollar you spend
• Welcome bonus: Earn 50,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,500 on your card within three months of account opening
• Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, $95 after that

Business owners who don’t want to deal with complex loyalty programs or rewards structures should consider the Capital One Spark Miles for Business . Once you sign up, you’ll earn a flat 2X miles for each dollar you spend, and you’ll get the chance to cash in your miles for travel purchases at a rate of 1 cent per mile. You can redeem rewards for hotel stays, flights, vacation packages and more. You can also transfer miles earned with this card to several Capital One airline and hotel transfer partners , such as Accor, Air Canada and Asia Miles.

With this card, you can earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles after you spend $4,500 on your card within the first three months. Your miles never expire as long as the account is in good standing, and there’s no limit to the number of miles you can earn. This card does have a $95 annual fee, but it’s waived the first year. Plus, you can receive up to a $100 credit for one Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.

Consider this card if you want to earn a flat rate of travel rewards for each dollar your business spends

Earning a flat 2X miles for each dollar you spend can be attractive if you don’t want to keep track of complicated rewards schemes. This card also comes with free employee cards, so you can earn flat-rate rewards on purchases your employees make as well.

Is a business travel credit card right for you?

Assess your business travel habits.

Taking note of your own travel habits can help you to maximize the benefits of a business travel credit card. Are you a frequent flyer with a particular airline? Would you benefit from additional rental car coverage, or do you frequent restaurants on the road? Decide what travel perks would benefit you most, then look for a business travel card that maximizes those rewards. If there is no significant pattern to your travel habits, look for a card that has flexible benefits.

Decide which travel perks you want

Many of the top travel credit cards for small business owners come with travel benefits like airport lounge access, airline fee credits or fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership. While you’ll pay a higher annual fee for a card with any of these perks, the investment can be worth it if you travel often.

Look for rewards flexibility

If you’re not traveling a lot right now, you should also make sure you have plenty of options when it comes to cashing in your rewards. The best small business credit cards for travel let you cash in points for flexible travel redemptions or for statement credits, merchandise or gift cards.

Compare fees and interest rates

There’s nothing wrong with paying the annual fee on a business credit card if the rewards or cardholder perks make up for it. Still, you should take the time to compare cards and their fees, as well as the long-term interest rate you might pay.

If you plan to carry a balance, you should look for cards that offer 0 percent interest for a limited time. If you travel outside of the country often, you’ll want to look for a business card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees .

How to choose a business credit card for travel

If you’re struggling to figure out which travel business cards to consider, you should know you’re not alone. The following tips can help you sort through the best business cards for travel based on the flexibility you need and how much you’re willing to spend.

Many of the top travel credit cards for small business owners come with travel benefits like airport lounge access, airline fee credits or fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck membership. While you’ll pay a higher annual fee for a card with any of these perks, the investment can be worth it if you travel often.

If you’re not traveling a lot right now, you should also make sure you have plenty of options when it comes to cashing in your rewards. The best small business credit cards for travel let you cash in points for flexible travel redemptions or for statement credits, merchandise or gift cards.

There’s nothing wrong with paying the annual fee on a business credit card if the rewards or cardholder perks make up for it. Still, you should take the time to compare cards and their fees, as well as the long-term interest rate you might pay.

If you plan to carry a balance, you should look for cards that offer 0 percent interest for a limited time. If you travel outside of the country often, you’ll want to look for a business card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees .

The bottom line

The best travel business cards can help you earn rewards and gain access to special benefits, but one type of card may leave you better off than another. Make sure to compare all of your options side-by-side before you sign up for a business credit card, and only sign up once you have found one that suits your needs, goals and lifestyle.

All information about the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card and Capital One Spark Miles for Business review has been collected independently by Bankrate and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

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Best Business Travel Credit Cards in 2024

Business travel cards not only offer rewards but come with perks such as higher credit limits, loyalty programs and detailed spending reports. We’ve listed the best options to help you find the right card for your needs.

Grace Pilling

Grace Pilling was the Senior Content Manager for Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. She previously led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com and MoneyUnder30. Pilling has a bachelor's degree in English from Western Sydney University and a diploma in book editing, proofreading and publishing. She is focused on empowering readers to make informed financial choices that support their best lives, not a company’s bottom line.

Brett Holzhauer, CPFC

Personal Finance Journalist

Brett Holzhauer is a Certified Personal Finance Counselor (CPFC) and a personal finance reporter at MoneyGeek. He has written for several leading publications, including Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, CNBC and ValuePenguin. Holzhauer has a journalism and mass communications degree from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications at Arizona State University.

Victoria Copans

Victoria Copans is a professional writer, editor and translator. She previously worked as the managing editor for online events industry publication XLIVE. As a self-described budgeting nerd, she was drawn to the personal finance space to help share important and useful information that people may not otherwise have access to. In her free time, she loves to travel, learn languages and explore the beautiful nature in her home of Vermont.

Updated: June 21, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

• Our Top Picks
• What They Are
• How They Work
• Using a Personal Card
• Travel or Cash Back?
• Pros and Cons
• How to Choose
• Experts' Advice

MoneyGeek partners with leading industry experts and advertisers to help you get to your financial happy place. Our content is accurate when posted but offers may change over time. We may receive compensation for partner advertisements, but our editorial team independently reviews and ranks products. Learn more about our editorial policies .

Choosing the best business travel card can be your passport to a world of perks, from airport lounge access to hotel upgrades. But with so many options out there, how do you find the one that best matches your business needs?

MoneyGeek has evaluated the ins and outs of the best business travel credit cards to help you find your perfect fit. Here's what you need to know about what a business travel card is, how it works and what factors to consider when choosing the best business credit card for travel rewards.

Why You Can Trust Our List

To ensure that we provide our readers with the most accurate and up-to-date information, experts at MoneyGeek collect 57 data points from different sources, such as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau , card issuer websites and our various partners. We rely on our unique in-house ranking methodology to select the best business credit cards, and our model assigns specific percentages to different parameters such as the annual fee, welcome offer, rewards rates, APR, foreign transaction fees and more.

MoneyGeek's Top Picks

• MoneyGeek's Take
• Pros & Cons
• Card Details

• MoneyGeek's Take The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a robust ally for businesses, offering an impressive welcome offer that sets the tone for its value-driven features. With a rewards structure that generously caters to travel and specific business expenses, the card helps turn everyday spending into tangible benefits. Its suite of travel protections brings confidence to frequent travelers, and the modest annual fee is easily justified by the multitude of perks, including free employee cards. In short, it’s an astutely designed card that recognizes and rewards modern business dynamics.

• MoneyGeek's Take The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card a gem for frequent Southwest travelers and business professionals. Its strength lies in the generous rewards on Southwest purchases and specific business-related expenses, bolstered by a tempting sign-up bonus and annual anniversary points. While it does come with an annual fee, the myriad of perks, including upgraded boardings and diverse point-earning categories, makes this card an indispensable tool for those aiming to maximize benefits from their spending.

• MoneyGeek's Take The United℠ Business Card is tailored to the needs of frequent travelers and business professionals, offering a substantial welcome bonus, reward miles on United Airlines purchases and rich travel perks and protections. While it comes with comprehensive travel conveniences, potential cardholders must weigh these with the card's annual fee and lack of introductory APR offers. Ideal for those aiming to maximize travel benefits, this card can be a strategic choice for enhancing comfort and affordability while traveling.

• MoneyGeek's Take The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is a powerhouse for Hyatt loyalists, offering rich rewards on spending, with exceptionally high returns on Hyatt hotel purchases. It caters to domestic and international spenders, with no foreign transaction fees and a host of travel protections, making it a reliable companion on your journeys. Additionally, this card offers opportunities for free nights and status accelerations within the World of Hyatt program. However, its value may be less compelling for infrequent travelers or those seeking broader hotel options or airport lounge access.

When considering a business credit card with travel rewards, it is advantageous to reflect on what your travel needs are. While having an abundance of features is enjoyable, it isn’t advisable to pay an annual fee for a card unless you use its benefits. — Brett Holzhauer , Personal Finance Journalist

Business Travel Cards Defined

A business travel card is a credit card designed to offer benefits and rewards to business owners and professionals who travel frequently for work. These cards offer rewards points for travel-related expenses such as airline tickets and hotel stays. The best business travel credit cards stand out by providing enticing sign-up bonuses and a wide array of perks to make your business travels more comfortable and economical.

When you pay for your business trips using a business travel rewards credit card, you facilitate smoother expense tracking and earn rewards that you can later use to offset future travel costs. It's a savvy way to save on travel expenses while enjoying extra comforts on your business trips.

How Business Travel Cards Work

Understanding the workings of business travel credit cards can help you maximize their potential benefits. Let's break down the fundamental aspects of how these cards function.

Reward Points and Miles

Most business travel credit cards operate on a rewards system, earning points or miles for every dollar you spend. These points can be incredibly versatile, allowing you to redeem them for flight tickets, hotel stays or even cash back in some cases. The best business travel card for you would offer a rewards rate that aligns with your spending pattern, helping you accumulate points quickly and easily.

Sign-Up Bonuses

Many of the best business travel credit cards come with a lucrative sign-up bonus as an incentive to choose their card. To secure this bonus, you'll typically need to meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of account opening. It's a great initial boost that can lead to substantial savings on your business travels.

Annual Fees

Business travel credit cards often come with annual fees ranging from moderate to high amounts. While this might seem like a downside, the best business credit cards for travel often offer benefits that far outweigh the cost of the annual fee, provided you make good use of the card's features and rewards.

Additional Perks

Apart from rewards and bonuses, these cards also come with additional perks such as airport lounge access, travel insurance and free checked bags, further enhancing your travel experience. When choosing a business travel rewards credit card, considering these extra benefits can help you find a card that adds value and convenience to your business trips.

Should You Use a Personal Credit Card for Business Travel?

Using a personal credit card for business travel might seem convenient, especially if you already have a card with great rewards. However, keeping your business and personal expenses separate is generally recommended for easier management and better financial clarity.

Opting for a business travel credit card instead can provide you with detailed reports on your spending, a feature that many personal cards do not offer. Moreover, business credit cards often come with higher credit limits, giving you more flexibility for making business-related purchases.

While using a personal card for business travel isn't a no-go, the best business travel credit cards can offer benefits specifically tailored to business needs, which will make your trips more rewarding and your expense tracking simpler.

MORE: Best Business Travel Credit Cards for Airline Miles

Business Credit Cards: Travel or Cash Back?

When it comes to business credit cards, you often face a choice between travel rewards and cash back. Both have their merits, and the best option for you hinges largely on your business’s specific needs and travel frequency.

Travel rewards business credit cards tend to give you perks like airline miles, hotel upgrades and access to exclusive lounges. These perks can make your business trips more comfortable and pleasurable. They are especially beneficial if you or your employees travel frequently for work.

On the other hand, cash back cards offer a straightforward rewards system, giving you a percentage of your spending back as cash. This might be the better option if your business expenses are more varied and not necessarily travel-centric.

In essence, while travel rewards cards can elevate your business travel experiences with luxurious perks, cash back cards offer flexibility and simplicity that is hard to beat. The best business credit card for travel rewards or cash back is one that aligns with your business spending patterns and preferences.

MORE: Best Business Credit Cards for Cash Back

Pros and Cons of Using a Travel Card

Before deciding on the best business travel card for you , it's wise to weigh the pros and cons. Let’s break down the potential advantages and drawbacks to consider.

Reward points and travel perks

When you choose a business travel rewards credit card, every dollar spent can earn you points or miles that can be redeemed for travel-related rewards. These perks can make your business travels much more enjoyable and comfortable, offering a significant advantage over other types of credit cards.

Higher credit limits

Business travel credit cards often offer higher credit limits compared to personal cards . This gives you the financial flexibility to manage larger purchases efficiently, which can be great for businesses with substantial travel or operational expenses.

Build business credit

Utilizing a business travel card responsibly can assist in building your business credit score, which can be beneficial in securing better terms for business loans or credit lines in the future.

Annual fees

Many business travel credit cards come with annual fees that can be quite substantial. It’s important to ensure that the benefits and rewards you receive from the card justify these fees.

Complex rewards structures

While the rewards can be generous, the structures can sometimes be complex and require active management to fully benefit from them. Understanding the nuances of a card's reward system can sometimes be a bit overwhelming.

Potential for high interest rates

If not managed carefully, business travel cards can come with high interest rates, especially if you carry a balance month to month. It’s advisable to pay off the balance in full each month to avoid accruing high interest charges.

How to Choose a Business Travel Credit Card

Selecting the best business travel credit card will enhance your business travel experience. Here are some key factors to consider while making your choice:

• Understand your spending habits : Before you start exploring options, take time to analyze your business spending patterns. Understanding where most of your business expenses lie will help you choose a card that offers maximum rewards for your spending habits.
• Weigh the annual fee against the benefits : Almost all premium business travel credit cards have an annual fee. Remember to evaluate whether the perks and rewards offered by the card outweigh the annual fee to ensure you get the best value.
• Consider the rewards structure : Travel rewards business credit cards come with different rewards structures. Some offer miles or points that can be redeemed for travel benefits, while others offer cash back. Choose a structure that offers the best returns on your spending based on your preferences and business needs.
• Look into the sign-up bonus : Many cards lure in new customers with a generous sign-up bonus. While this is an attractive feature, be sure to check the spending threshold required to earn this bonus and confirm that it aligns with your budget.
• Check the foreign transaction fees : If international business travel is a regular occurrence for you, considering a card with no foreign transaction fees should be a priority. This way, you can save on the extra costs that accumulate while using the card abroad.
• Examine additional perks : Finally, don't overlook the additional perks offered by the card. From airport lounge access to travel insurance, these perks can add substantial value to your business travel credit card, making your travels more comfortable and convenient.

Securing the best business travel card hinges on a deep understanding of your spending habits and travel needs. Remember to weigh the benefits against the costs and choose a card with a rewards structure that aligns with your business's financial landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions to assist you in understanding and choosing the best business travel card for your needs.

Business travel credit cards are specifically designed to cater to business-related expenses, offering higher credit limits and tools for better expense management. They often come with business-centric rewards and perks that can be exceptionally beneficial if you or your employees travel frequently for work. Moreover, they can help in building a business credit score which can be advantageous for securing future loans.

The value derived from the rewards largely depends on how effectively you use the card. If your business involves frequent travel, the benefits and rewards can easily outweigh the annual fees. Be sure to calculate the potential rewards and compare them against the annual fees to judge the card's worth for your specific needs.

Absolutely, business travel credit cards are available for businesses of all sizes, including freelancers and solo entrepreneurs. It's always a smart move to keep business and personal expenses separate, and having a business card helps in achieving this while enjoying other business-specific perks. However, do take note of the card's terms and approval requirements before applying.

Yes, in many cases the rewards points can expire, although the timeframe can vary greatly between cards. Remember to read the terms and conditions of the card to understand the lifespan of your rewards points. Utilizing your points regularly and keeping track of them can help in preventing loss through expiration.

Absolutely, many business travel credit cards offer a variety of protections including travel insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty on purchases. These added protections can provide peace of mind and potentially save your business money in the long run. However, the specifics can vary between cards, so it's recommended to review the card's policy details to understand exactly what is covered.

Business vs. Corporate Credit Cards

Experts' Advice Choosing a Business Travel Credit Card

• Who is best suited for a travel rewards credit card, and how can consumers determine if a travel card is right for them?
• What factors should consumers consider when searching for and comparing travel credit cards?
• What common mistakes do people make when it comes to choosing and using a travel credit card?
• How can travelers maximize the rewards and benefits of travel credit cards?
• When does getting a travel business credit card with a steep annual fee make sense?
• With consumer credit cards offering better protection, why should small business owners consider getting business credit cards?   

About Grace Pilling

Grace Pilling was the Senior Content Manager for Credit Cards at MoneyGeek. She previously led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com and MoneyUnder30.

Pilling has a bachelor's degree in English from Western Sydney University and a diploma in book editing, proofreading and publishing. She is focused on empowering readers to make informed financial choices that support their best lives, not a company’s bottom line.

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• U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
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Best Business Rewards Credit Cards of June 2024

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The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.

Introduction to Business Rewards Credit Cards

Opening a rewards credit card for your business is a smart move, whether you want to earn cash back to put back into your small business, or rack up points and miles to redeem for travel down the road.

You don't need to own a full-time business or an LLC to qualify for a small-business credit card; even side gigs like Lyft driving, delivering for Instacart, operating an Airbnb, running a blog, or freelancing can make you eligible.

Here are the best business credit cards with rewards to consider right now.

Compare the Top Business Rewards Credit Cards

Earn 2% cash back on everyday eligible business purchases (on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, then 1%). Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening

18.49% - 26.49% Variable

Earn a $250 statement credit

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Good choice for earning 2% cash back on all your eligible purchases up to $50,000 a year
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Intro APR offer
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. No annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. If your business spends more than $50,000 a year, you'll want to use a different card to earn bonus cash back once you meet that threshold

If you're spending money on your business anyway, you should be rewarded for those purchases by using one of the best small-business credit cards. With The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, you can earn unlimited cash back on your spending with no annual fee.

• Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
• 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
• From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That's why you've got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
• Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
• No Annual Fee
• Terms Apply

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases.

0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months

18.49% - 24.49% Variable

Earn $750 bonus cash back

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Earns 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with no bonus categories to keep track of
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. You can earn more cash back on some purchases with a card that has bonus categories

The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is a great option for small business owners who prefer a straightforward earning rate and no annual fee. You'll earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, and there's no limit to what you can earn.

• Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
• Member FDIC

Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Earn up to $750 bonus cash back

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Broad 5% and 2% cash-back categories (you can earn bonus cash back at office supply stores and at gas stations and restaurants)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Intro APR offer for purchases
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can pair this card with a card that earns Ultimate Rewards to redeem your cash back for travel
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Annual cap on bonus categories

Between offering a big welcome bonus, extra rewards in useful categories, and ongoing benefits like primary car rental insurance and purchase protection, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is an excellent no-annual-fee cash-back business credit card for small-business owners.

• Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
• Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• 10% Business Relationship Bonus If you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary

Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center. Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants. 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.

0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles

19.24% - 28.24% Variable

$500 cash back

Excellent/Good

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Strong welcome bonus and bonus categories for a no-annual-fee card
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Introductory 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. World Elite Mastercard benefits including cell phone protection
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Foreign transaction fees
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Relatively high minimum spending requirement to unlock bonus
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Authorized user purchases don’t count toward minimum spending requirement

The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is a no-annual-fee card for small business owners with a generous welcome bonus and great bonus categories. It's a good pick if you prefer earning straight cash back, especially if you can use the $100 annual software credit.

Earn 2x Membership Rewards® Points on everyday eligible business purchases (on up to $50,000 per year in purchases, then 1X). Earn 1x Membership Rewards® Points on all other purchases.

0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months from account opening

Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. The rare no-annual-fee card to earn Amex Membership Rewards points
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Solid earning rate on the first $50,000 in purchases each year
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. For spending above $50,000 each year, you will only earn 1 point per dollar

If you're a small-business owner looking for a credit card that offers flexible rewards points without paying an annual fee, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is an excellent option. You don't need to own a full-time business to be eligible to apply, either — even freelancers and those with side gigs can qualify for a small-business card.

• Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
• You've got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
• *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.

Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

21.24% - 26.24% Variable

Earn 100,000 bonus points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. High sign-up bonus
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Offers 3x bonus points on several spending categories, including travel and advertising purchases
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Includes comprehensive travel coverage
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Welcome bonus has a very high minimum spending requirement

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers a huge welcome bonus and solid earning and benefits for a moderate annual fee. If your small-business expenses line up with the card's bonus categories and you like redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for travel, this is one of the best small-business credit cards to consider.

• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.

Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com. Earn 1.5X points on each eligible purchase at shipping providers, US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (on up to $2 million per calendar year). Earn 1X points for each dollar you spend on other eligible purchases.

19.49% - 28.49% Variable

Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. More travel benefits than you'll find on any other business credit card
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Generous airport lounge access options, from American Express Centurion Lounges to Priority Pass (enrollment required)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Complimentary hotel elite status (enrollment required)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Access to Amex concierge services
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Very high annual fee
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Limited opportunities to earn bonus points
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Annual statement credits won't be useful for everyone

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the best small-business cards with an elevated bonus and top-notch benefits (and a premium annual fee to match). It's an excellent offer if you like earning Membership Rewards points and you can maximize the bonus spending categories and perks — but be sure to assess whether the annual fee is worth it for you before you commit.

• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Earn 4x Membership Rewards® Points on the first $150,000 spent each calendar year in combined purchases from the top 2 business categories where your business spent the most each billing cycle (then 1x points per dollar). Earn 3x Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com. Earn 1x Membership Rewards® Points on all other purchases.

Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. You can bonus points on the categories where you make the most purchases (from a list of options)
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. High annual fee

The American Express® Business Gold Card is a good choice if your business spends a lot in certain categories and you want to earn Membership Rewards points for travel or other redemptions. It's got a high annual fee, but if you can use the card's benefits to your advantage, it can be well worth it.

• Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
• Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
• Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
• Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
• *Terms Apply
• The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card : Best flat-rate cash back with no annual fee
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Best uncapped cash back
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Best no annual fee card with up to 5% cash back
• U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® : Best no annual fee cash back card with an intro 0% APR
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: Best for earning travel points with no annual fee
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Best overall travel rewards card
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Best travel rewards card with luxury perks
• American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for automatically maximizing rewards

Business Rewards Credit Card Reviews 

The best credit cards for business rewards earn bonus points or miles on common business expenses such as office supplies, utilities, shipping, and more. They'll also include benefits and perks such as purchase protection, travel insurance, cellphone insurance, and other valuable tools that can save you and your company a lot of money and time. These are the best of the best for 2024, as chosen by Business Insider's team of credit card experts. 

Best Flat-Rate Cash Back with No Annual Fee: The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card is among the best 2% cash-back credit cards . It's an excellent choice for business owners who want high reward rates, but don't want to keep track of bonus categories for different purchases.

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card offers an excellent cash-back rate — 2% cash back on all purchases on the first $50,000 spent each calendar year (then 1% back). Your cashback comes in the form of Reward Dollars. The card currently offers $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your card in your first three months of account opening.

There's also a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening (then a 18.49% - 26.49% Variable APR) that can help you save some money on interest if you have large purchases on the horizon.

Cardholders get access to a suite of small-business tools and features including the American Express business app, which lets you scan and organize receipts and download expense reports. Employee cards are free to add, and you can easily set up spending limits. You'll also receive a decent range of benefits, like purchase protection, extended warranty, car rental insurance, and access to discounts through Amex Offers .

Learn more in our Amex Blue Business Cash card review .

Best Uncapped Cash Back: Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is a great pick if you want a no-annual-fee card that earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases with no limits on how much you can earn. It also comes with one of the highest welcome bonuses of any no-annual-fee small-business card : $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Even though it's marketed as a cash-back card, Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card cardholders actually earn rewards in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards® points , which are worth 1 cent each toward statement credits, gift cards, or travel booked through Chase .

Your rewards become more valuable if you also have an annual-fee Chase card, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card personal card , Chase Sapphire Reserve® personal card , or Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card business credit card. That's because you can transfer your Ultimate Rewards points into one of these accounts, then transfer them to Chase's airline and hotel partners to book award travel, potentially at a much higher value.

New cardholders receive a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months (then a 18.49% - 24.49% Variable APR). In addition to these perks, you'll get access to excellent account benefits including roadside dispatch, account management tools, and travel emergency assistance.

Learn more in our Chase Ink Business Unlimited credit card review .

Best No-Annual-Fee Card With Up to 5% Cash Back: Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card could help you earn maximum cash back on your expenses if your business spends a lot in eligible categories. With a big welcome bonus offer and up to 5% cash back on spending, this is an excellent no-annual-fee option.

Like the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card, the no-annual-fee Ink Business Cash® Credit Card earns rewards in the form of Chase Ultimate Rewards points and comes with a strong welcome bonus offer: $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening. However, instead of flat-rate cash back on all purchases, the card earns bonus rewards in certain categories:

• 5% cash back (5 points per dollar) on the first $25,000 spent (then 1x) in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year
• 2% cash back (2 points per dollar) on the first $25,000 spent (then 1x) in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
• 1% cash back (1 point per dollar) on all other purchases with no cap

This card won't make sense if your business doesn't spend much at office supply stores, gas stations, restaurants, or on cable, internet, and phone services. But if you do, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has the potential to be very rewarding. That's why it's on our list of the best 5% cash back credit cards .

There's also a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months (then a 18.49% - 24.49% Variable APR) which can help you save money if your business has large purchases to make that can't be paid off all at once. You'll also get access to business management tools and benefits like purchase protection, extended warranty, and roadside dispatch.

Learn more in our Chase Ink Business Cash credit card review .

Best No-Annual-Fee Cash Back Card With an Intro 0% APR: U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®

The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® checks all the boxes for anyone who wants to earn rewards and get a generous intro APR on purchases  and balance transfers. It comes with a substantial welcome bonus, too.

The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® is a rare combination of solid earning, a generous bonus, and a long intro APR on purchases and balance transfers — all with no annual fee. The welcome bonus offer is an excellent deal, but just be aware authorized user purchases won't count toward the minimum spending requirement, which isn't the case on most other cards.

This card earns 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the U.S. Bank Rewards Center, 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. Again, if these bonus categories match your typical business expenses, you could do very well with the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®.

The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® also has a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles (then a 19.24% - 28.24% Variable APR). This is a terrific option for folks looking to pay down credit card debt without incurring higher interest or pay off larger purchases (such as computers and other tech equipment) over multiple billing cycles. 

Cardholders can also receive an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses like FreshBooks or QuickBooks, which is a nice deal for a no-annual-fee card. Other benefits include World Elite Mastercard benefits and access to Rewards Center Earn Mall. 

Learn more in our U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards card review .

Best for Earning Travel Points With No Annual Fee: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is one of the few no-annual-fee cards that earn flexible travel points, and it's a particularly good option right now with a strong welcome bonus offer of 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership. It also offers up to 2 points per dollar earning across the board.

If earning valuable Amex Membership Rewards points is part of your travel strategy, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express should be on your radar. It earns a generous 2 points per dollar on all purchases on up to $50,000 in spending per year (then 1x). This makes the card ideal for businesses that don't spend much past that threshold.

Beyond the welcome bonus of 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first three months of card membership, cardholders can expect a few solid benefits from the card, like purchase protection, extended warranty, car rental insurance, and small-business management tools. This card is also part of the Amex Trifecta — a trio of cards that can help you earn 2x to 5x Amex points on every purchase you make. 

Learn more in our Amex Blue Business Plus credit card review .

Best Overall Travel Rewards Card: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card should be on your shortlist if you like earning flexible travel points and don't mind paying a modest annual fee. With a massive welcome bonus offer, great earning categories, and top-notch benefits, this card is hard to beat.

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is ideal for small-business owners who spend a lot in popular business categories, especially for those who like to maximize their rewards by redeeming them for travel.

New cardholders can earn a huge welcome bonus of Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. That's potentially worth $1,800 in travel (based on Business Insider's valuation of Chase points ) when you transfer points to Chase's airline and hotel partners and book award travel.

Cardholders earn 3 points per dollar on up to $150,000 in combined spending each year (then 1 point per dollar) on:

• Shipping purchases
• Advertising purchases on social media sites and search engines
• Internet, cable, and phone services
• Travel (including airfare, hotels, rental cars, and more)

All other purchases earn 1 point per dollar. If these categories are typical expenses for your business, you could take home a huge haul of rewards from this card each year.

One downside: The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card doesn't offer an introductory 0% APR. That said, it comes with plenty of other benefits that can potentially save you money, including cell phone protection , t rip cancellation/interruption insurance , extended warranty, and  purchase protection .

Learn more in our Chase Ink Business Preferred card review .

Best Travel Rewards Card With Luxury Perks: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express has a high annual fee, but it's more than worth it if you take advantage of the card's premium perks, including airport lounge access , up to $200 in annual airline incidental fee credits **, and up to $400 in Dell statement credits ** each year.

With a hefty $695 annual fee, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express certainly isn't for everyone. However, it can put significant value back into your pocket if you make the most of its wide array of upscale benefits and earning opportunities.

Cardholders earn:

• 5 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
• 1.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year
• 1 point per dollar on everything else

Along with the aforementioned benefits, cardholders can take advantage of up to $120 in credits for U.S. wireless providers each calendar year**, up to $360 in Indeed credits each calendar year**, up to $150 in Adobe credits each calendar year**, and up to $189 back per year in credits for CLEAR® membership**.

Learn more in our Amex Business Platinum card review .

Best for Automatically Maximized Rewards: American Express® Business Gold Card

The American Express® Business Gold Card is only a good fit for certain types of businesses, but if you spend a lot in its bonus categories, it can supercharge your Amex Membership Rewards points earning.

The American Express® Business Gold Card is an excellent customizable rewards business card for folks capable of paying the pricey annual fee. For a $375 annual fee, you'll earn 4 American Express Membership Rewards points per dollar on two spending categories (from a list) of your choosing up to $150,000 per calendar year (1 point per dollar thereafter). Eligible 4x categories are: 

• U.S. gas stations
• U.S. restaurants (including takeout and delivery)
• U.S. wireless telephone service provider 
• U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers 
• U.S. purchases for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)
• Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways 

So if your business spends big in these categories, the American Express® Business Gold Card is worth the extra expense. You'll also earn 3 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com

Learn more in our Amex Business Gold card review .

Business Rewards Credit Card Frequently Asked Questions

The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has no annual fee, and earns up to 5% cash back on select categories such as office supplies and Internet or phone bills.

You can qualify for a business credit card without a multi-million-dollar corporation or even a full-time venture. Freelancers and sole proprietors are eligible as well. Even a side hustle such as driving for Lyft, reselling merchandise online, or providing paid childcare will count toward business credit card eligibility. 

The best business rewards card for your individual needs depends your earning goals and spending habits. If you're new to rewards business credit cards, you can't go wrong with a no-annual-fee cash-back card like the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card or The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card for a strong combination of simplicity and value.

You should get a business credit card to keep your business and personal expenses separate. Opening and using a small-business card for your business expenses can help keep you organized, and taking advantage of specific small-business tools these cards offer can make your life easier as well — particularly during tax time.

If your credit is low, you may not qualify for the best small-business credit cards. Even if your business has an employee identification number (EIN), the card issuer will still need to use your social security number (SSN) to check your personal credit history. However, you might still be eligible for business credit cards geared toward those with limited or fair credit . If you have bad credit, you can apply for a secured credit card so you can boost your credit score through responsible use. 

Why You Should Trust Us: How We Chose the Best Rewards Business Cards

Evaluating dozens of rewards business credit cards on your own is a tall order. Business Insider's experts have done the legwork for you by highlighting current options that offer valuable benefits, including:

• The biggest welcome bonuses
• The highest earning rates
• The most valuable ongoing benefits

Read about how we rate and review credit cards at Business Insider, and check out our credit card reviews hub to see which credit cards rank at the top of their respective category.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

***Terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Refer to your Guide to Benefits for more details. Travel Accident Insurance is not guaranteed, it depends on the level of benefits you get at application.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the above benefits are provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply

For rates and fees of the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, please click here.

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10 Best Business Credit Cards for Travel 2022

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After comparing fees, rewards, bonuses, and more, we found that Capital One’s free Spark 1.5X Miles Select card offers the best value for the most business owners. We’ll tell you all about why we like Spark 1.5X Miles Select―and about nine other cards that might be a good fit―in the article below. 

Best business credit cards for travel

• Spark 1.5X Miles Select : Best overall business credit card for travel
• Spark 2X Miles : Best for flat-rate miles rate
• Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business Card : Best for travel perks
• Ink Business Preferred® credit card : Best for flexible points
• U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card : Best for cash back

Compare the best business credit cards for travel

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Spark 1.5X Miles Select: Best overall business credit card for travel

Capital One’s Spark 1.5X Miles Select is our favorite travel business credit card for most business owners.

So what makes it a standout? It starts with the annual fee―or rather, the fact that Spark 1.5X Miles Select doesn’t have one. In fact, it’s the only travel-focuses business card we’ve found with no annual fee . That makes it a great value for all business owners, including those who don’t do enough travel to offset high fees.

We also like that Spark 1.5X Miles Select earns flat-rate rewards. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling to a conference, buying your team lunch, or just getting more printer paper. No matter how you spend, this card lets you earn a decent amount of miles.

Now, other cards do let you earn more miles. So if you’re really trying to maximize your miles, Spark 1.5X Miles Select may not be the card for you. But if you want to earn miles without planning your spending, this card does the job.

Likewise, Spark 1.5X Miles doesn’t have a ton of travel perks. Capital One will tell you if flight prices drop (and even refund you after you book), and you don’t pay foreign transaction fees. But don’t expect free checked baggage, a travel lounger, or other top-tier perks.

All the same, Spark 1.5X Miles offers a simple way to earn miles for travel―without worrying about an annual fee. That makes it flexible enough for most business owners, which is why Spark 1.5X Miles is our top business credit card for travel.

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Spark 2X Miles: Best flat-rate miles rate

Like the idea of a flat rewards rate, but want to earn even more? Then Spark 2X Miles could be your perfect business credit card.

Spark 2X Miles lets you earn miles at a flat rate, just like Spark 1.5X Miles Select. But Spark 2X Miles earn more miles per dollar, meaning you’ll rack up free travel faster. Plus, Spark 2X Miles gets you some added perks. You’ll get a credit to put toward Global Entry or TSA Precheck, for example. And you get access to Capital One airport loungers, including two free visits each year.

Of course, you will have to pay more to get all these benefits. Spark 2X Miles has an annual fee (after your first year), though it’s a pretty affordable one. You’ll also pay a high APR if you carry a balance on your Spark 2X Miles card, so we highly recommend paying this one off each month (which is a good practice for all business credit cards).

But simply put, Spark 2X Miles earns you plenty of flat-rate miles and gives you other travel perks―without breaking the bank.

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business Card: Best for travel perks

Looking for a great balance of travel perks and price? Then check out the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business Card.

Aside from earning miles on your purchases, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business Card rewards you with some great travel benefits. You’ll get a free checked bag on Delta flights, for instance, along with priority boarding. Plus, you’ll save on travel. The Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business Card gives you a $100 Delta flight credit each year (after you spend $10,000) and offers a 20% discount on in-flight purchases.

But this card does have an annual fee (aside from your first year), so make sure those benefits outweigh that cost. And keep in mind, while this card has nice perks, it’s not a super high earning card. You max out a 2X miles for Delta, restaurant, shipping, and advertising purchases. Everything else? Just 1X miles.

All the same, the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business Card offers a nicer travel experience with a reasonable annual fee.

Ink Business Preferred® credit card: Best for flexible points

If you don’t always want to redeem rewards for travel, Chase’s Ink Business Preferred® credit card can give you more flexibility.

The Ink Business Preferred® credit card earns points instead of miles (and luckily, you can earn them at a pretty high rate for travel, shipping, advertising, and more). You can redeem those points for travel, if you want. In fact, Chase gives you 25% for each point when you redeem for travel. But if you’d rather get cash one month or merchandise the next, the Ink Business Preferred® credit card gives you that option.

Like other cards on this list, the Ink Business Preferred® credit card has an annual fee―and its fee never gets waived at all. So as always, do some math before committing to this card and its fee. And note that this card comes with a generous welcome bonus, but you have to spend a lot ($15,000) to get it. In other words, this card works best for bigger spenders.

If that meets your business needs, though, the Ink Business Preferred® credit card can give you more flexibility than a travel-specific credit card.

U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card: Best for cash back

Prefer to get straight up cash? The U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card is a cash back business credit card ―but it has a couple extras to reward your travel.

With the U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card, you earn 1% on most purchases, but you get 2% cash back in your top two spending categories. Those categories can include travel-related ones like airlines, car rental, gas stations, and hotels. But U.S. Bank gives you 5% cash back (an excellent rate) on prepaid hotels and prepaid car rentals―rewarding you even more for your travels.

The catch? You have to book those car rentals and hotels through U.S. Bank’s Travel Rewards Center―not the most convenient way of doing things. And the U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card is another card that has an annual fee after your first year, so you’ll want to make sure you travel enough to get your money’s worth. 

But for basic cash back―with a little extra for travel―the U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card is a solid option.

Want affordable banking with great perks? With Bluevine, you can get a fee-free business checking account―and you can even earn up to $5,000 in interest.

Honorable mentions

Haven’t seen the right credit card for your small business yet? Then maybe one of our five honorable mentions will interest you.

• CitiBusiness®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® : Best for American Airlines travel
• Business Gold Card : Best credit limit
• Business Platinum Card® : Highest points rate
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card : Highest miles rate
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card : Best for heavy travel

Compare honorable mention business credit cards for travel

Citibusiness®/aadvantage® platinum select® mastercard®: best for american airlines travel.

We’ve already shown you that American Express has some great deals for Delta customers―but what if you fly American Airlines? In that case, take a look at the CitiBusiness®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®.

The CitiBusiness®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® earns extra miles for American Airline purchases―plus it saves you 25% on in-flight purchases. As you might expect, it also gets you a free checked bag and preferred boarding. And if you spend $30,000 with your card in one year, you earn an American Airlines Companion Certificate.

You will have to pay an annual fee after year one, so make sure you travel enough on American Airlines to justify the CitiBusiness®/AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®.

Business Gold Card: Best credit limit

Looking for a high-limit business credit card ? Then we think American Express’s Business Gold Card will interest you.

With the Business Gold Card, you don’t have a strict credit limit. Instead, American Express gives you an adaptable spending limit. It automatically adjusts based on your card usage (and repayments), meaning you can get more buying power without calling to ask for a credit limit bump.

The Business Gold Card earns points, not miles. But you can earn a 4X rate in your top categories (like airfare), and you can get points back for booking travel through American Express. That just might make the $295 annual fee―the highest so far―worth it. 

Business Platinum Card®: Highest points rate

If you like the idea of earning flexible points (like with the Ink Business Preferred® credit card) but you want the highest possible rate, you need American Express’s Business Platinum Card®.

The Business Platinum Card® earns up to 5X points on flights and hotels, making it one of the top-earning business credit cards. Plus, you can usually get a generous welcome offer that earns you even more points. And to sweeten things further, this card gets you access to American Express airport lounges, gives you a baggage fee credit, and has several other travel perks.

Those benefits come at a high cost, though. The Business Platinum Card® is the most expensive card on this list, with an annual fee of almost $700. So it’s not right for all business owners―but it can get you a very high points rate.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card

If you’d rather get a top-notch rate on miles than points, then you’ll like the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business Card earns up to 3X miles on travel through Delta. And like other American Express cards, it offers great welcome bonuses when you open your card. This Delta-branded card also gets you travel benefits like priority boarding, a free checked bag, and (paid) access to the Delta Sky Club. You even get a companion certificate each year when you renew.

But as you can guess from seeing other AmEx cards, this one has a hefty annual fee. And while the 3X max rewards rate is great, it only applies to travel. So if you want a high rate on everyday spending, you may prefer a different credit card.

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card: Best for heavy travel

Our final pick is only for very frequent fliers. But if that’s you, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card has all sorts of great benefits.

For starters, you earn 3X miles on travel. Rather than having a welcome bonus, though, this card lets you earn 15,000 bonus miles whenever you spend $30,000 in one year. You can even earn that bonus more than once a year. You’ll also enjoy travel perks like complimentary airport lounge access, a companion certificate, concierge assistance, free checked bags . . . and so on.

In other words, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business Card offers some of the best travel perks we’ve seen. But with a $550 annual fee, only regular travelers will be able to justify this pricey business credit card.

The takeaway

The Spark 1.5X Miles Select credit card from Capital One is our top business credit card for travel. It has no annual fee, earns flat-rate rewards and starts you off with a (with a 16.99%–26.99% variable APR after). That means it provides plenty of value for all kinds of business owners.

To earn even more miles at a flat rate, you can upgrade to the Spark 2X Miles card from Capital One. For airline-specific perks, we suggest American Express’s Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business Card. Business owners wanting more flexibility than simple miles will like the points rewards from Chases’s Ink Business Preferred® credit card. And the U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card offers basic cash back while giving you extra rewards for your travel.

Safe travels!

Found the right travel card for your small business? Find out how to apply for a business credit card and start earning those miles.

Related reading

• Best Instant Approval Credit Cards 2023
• 5 Best Business Credit Cards for Balance Transfer 2023
• Best 0% Interest Business Credit Cards 2023
• How to Get a High-Limit Business Credit Card
• What’s the Difference Between a Business Credit Card and Corporate Credit Card?

Methodology

We analyzed more than three dozen credit cards to find the best business credit cards for travel. We narrowed things down by looking for business cards that offered miles rewards, travel perks, or extra value for redeeming travel. Then we scored those credit cards based on their fees, purchase APR, rewards rate, and more.

Choosing the right business credit card for travel

While we do like the Spark 1.5X Miles Select card for many business owners, you should know that there’s no one-size-fits-all business credit card for travel. (In fact, there’s no one-size-fits-all small-business credit card at all.) Instead, you need to find the card that works with your business needs and habits.

So as you shop for a travel credit card for your business, think about these questions:

How often do you travel?

Frequent travelers may want lots of perks for their trips―like lounge access, companion passes, priority boarding, and more. If you travel enough, a $550 annual fee might feel worthwhile to get those perks.

But for business owners that travel every once in a while, a lower-fee card with fewer perks might be a better fit.

How do you travel?

Consider what airlines you use. If you mostly use American Airlines, for instance, getting the CitiBusiness/AAdvantage Platinum Select card could make a lot of sense. But that card won’t offer as much for Delta customers. Instead, they should get an American Express Delta SkyMiles card.

On the other hand, travelers that don’t fly as much may prefer a flat-rate card (like the Spark cards from Capital One) that reward you just as much for car rentals, hotels, and other traveling expenses.

Would you like more flexibility?

It’s great to get miles for free travel, but maybe you’d rather get a more flexible kind of reward. In that case, you can look for business credit cards that reward you with cash back or points.

Some of these (like Chase’s Ink Business Preferred) still give you some nice rewards for traveling, but they give you more options for using those rewards.

Travel business credit card FAQ

Yes, you can use your business credit card for travel―as long as it’s business travel.

Capital One’s Spark 1.5X Miles Select is the best business credit card to use while traveling (in most cases). It earns flat-rate miles on all your purchases and has no annual fee, making it a good value for all traveling business owners.

If you travel a lot, though, you may prefer a business credit card with more travel perks like the Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business Card.

Yes, most credit card companies let you use your business credit card rewards points for personal travel. But when in doubt, ask your credit card company for its policy.

Yes, you can use an EIN to get a business credit card .

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Best business credit cards of July 2024

The best business credit cards offer generous earning rates, lucrative perks and additional features to affect both your bottom line and your operational efficiency. Selecting the right business card allows you to earn rewards while focusing on the day-to-day operations of your enterprise — whether you own a formal business with multiple employees, are just getting your company off the ground or simply do freelance work as a side gig.

Business credit cards allow you to separate business and personal spending. In addition, they allow you to access more rewards and unique perks that aren’t typically offered on personal credit cards. Consider where your business spends the most and what type of rewards you want to earn when selecting your business card — or cards.

Check out our curated selection and comprehensive guide on some of the best business cards from our partners below.

Browse by card categories

Comparing the best business cards, more details on the best credit cards, credit pointers with brian kelly.

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for travel perks
• Capital One Venture X Business : Best for businesses with high-spending
• Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for bonus earning
• Capital One Spark Cash Plus : Best for unlimited business cash back
• The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express : Best for no annual fee
• American Express® Business Gold Card : Best for flexible rewards earning
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card : Best for freelancers
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business : Best for everyday business spending
• Ink Business Cash® Credit Card : Best for office supplies
• Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card : Best for businesses that fly Alaska Air regularly
• Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card : Best for BofA Preferred Rewards for Business members
• Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card : Best for customizable business cash back
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card : Best for frequent Southwest Airlines flyers
• United℠ Business Card : Best for United Airlines flyers
• Advertising
• Business Cash-Back
• Business Secured

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a great card for frequent travelers looking to add a touch of luxury to their business trips. While the card does come with a high annual fee, you’re also getting a ton of valuable benefits in return. They include generous annual travel credits, unparalleled lounge access that includes Amex Centurion Lounges and more. Read our full review of the Business Platinum Card from American Express .

• Up to $100 statement credit for Global Entry every 4 years or $85 TSA PreCheck credit every 4.5 years (enrollment is required)
• Up to $400 annual statement credit for U.S. Dell purchases (enrollment required)
• Gold status at Marriott and Hilton hotels; access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts program and Hotel Collection (enrollment required)
• Steep $695 annual fee.
• High spend needed for welcome offer.
• Limited high bonus categories outside of travel.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases.
• Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
• Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
• The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
• $695 Annual Fee.
• Terms Apply.

Capital One Venture X Business

The Capital One Venture X business card has all the Capital One Venture X Reward Credit Card has to offer and more. It offers an incredible welcome bonus and requires an equally impressive spend to qualify. In addition, the card comes with premium travel perks like annual travel credit and lounge access. Read our full review of the Capital One Venture X Business card .

• The Capital One Venture X Business card has a welcome offer of 150,000 miles.
• In addition, the card comes with many premium travel perks such as an annual $300 travel credit and airport lounge access, at a reasonable annual fee of $395.
• Business owners are also able to add employee cards for free.
• The card requires a high spend of $30,000 in the first three months to earn the 150,000-miles welcome bonus.
• Another drawback is that the annual travel credit can only be used on bookings made through Capital One Travel.
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
• This card has no preset spending limit, so you get purchasing power that adapts to your spending needs. The annual fee on this card is $395
• Earn 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months from account opening
• Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get the best prices on thousands of options
• Every year, you'll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
• Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
• Skip the lines with up to a $100 statement credit on TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry. Then enjoy unlimited complimentary access to Capital One Lounges and a network of 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Priority Pass™ and Plaza Premium Group lounges
• This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
• Elevate your stay at luxury hotels and resorts from the Premier Collection with a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits on every booking

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

The Ink Business Preferred Credit Card’s sign-up bonus is among the highest we’ve seen from Chase. Plus earn points across the four bonus categories (travel, shipping, advertising and telecommunication providers) that are most popular with businesses. The card comes with travel protections, shopping protections and will also have primary coverage when renting a car for business purposes for you and your employees. Read our full  review of the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card .

• One of the highest sign-up bonuses we’ve seen — 100,000 bonus points after $8,000 worth of spend in the first three months after card opening.
• Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for points redemption.
• Reasonable $95 annual fee.
• Bonus categories that are most relevant to business owners; primary car insurance.
• Perks including cellphone and purchase protection; extended warranty; trip cancellation/interruption insurance; trip delay reimbursement;.
• Yearly cap on bonus categories.
• No travel perks.
• Subject to Chase's 5/24 rule on card applications.
• Earn 100k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
• Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
• Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
• With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
• Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
• Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
• Member FDIC

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is a business cash-back card that offers 2% on all purchases. If your business spends more than $7,500 annually and doesn’t want to keep up with multiple bonus categories, this is the perfect card for you.

• Unlimited 2% rewards rate on all purchases with no categories to keep up with
• No foreign transaction fees, making this a great card to bring on your travels abroad
• $150 annual fee may be pricey for small business owners
• Earn a one-time cash bonus of $1,200 once you spend $30,000 in the first 3 months
• Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere—with no limits or category restrictions
• Comes with no preset spending limit, so it can adapt to your needs based on your spending behavior, payment history and credit profile
• Get your $150 annual fee refunded every year you spend at least $150,000
• Earn unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Add employee cards for free, and earn unlimited 2% cash back from their purchases
• $150 annual fee
• Spark Cash Plus has no APR because your balance is due in full every month

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

The Blue Business Plus is a great card for small business owners who want to earn lucrative Membership Rewards points on everyday business spending. It was created specifically for sole proprietorships and start-ups with limited revenue who would appreciate a card with an introductory interest rate and expanded buying power. Read our full review of the Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express . 

• No annual fee.
• Earn Membership Rewards points; transfer points to 22 travel partners.
• 2x points capped at $50,000 a calendar year (then 1x)
• No higher bonus categories for business-related spending.
• Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
• 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
• Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
• You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
• *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.
• No Annual Fee
• Terms Apply

American Express® Business Gold Card

The Amex Business Gold card is a solid choice for high-spending small businesses with the flexibility to earn 4 points per dollar in the two categories where you spend the most. The card is ideal for businesses who value simplicity above all. Read our full review of the Amex Business Gold card .

• You'll earn 4 Membership Rewards points per dollar in the top 2 spending categories each month (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year).
• Hefty $375 annual fee.
• There may be better options for small businesses who don't spend a lot.
• Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
• Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
• Get up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.
• Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
• *Terms Apply
• See Rates & Fees

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited' sign-up gives you a generous $750 cash back spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening plus unlimited 1.5% cash back on every business purchase. It fills in rewards gaps not covered by the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. You can maximize this card by pairing it with cards including the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Ink Business Preferred. Read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card .

• Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
• No Annual Fee.
• Primary insurance for car rentals.
• No conversion to Chase points without holding the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred or Ink Business Preferred.
• Higher spend to receive sign-up bonus.
• No travel protections.
• Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business offers a simple way to earn rewards on every business purchase, no matter the category. Those miles can then be easily redeemed for travel purchases or by transferring to partners. Read our full review of the Capital One Spark Miles for Business.

• You’ll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you don’t have to juggle different bonus categories.
• Employee cards are free and also earn 2 miles per dollar on all spending.
• It’s an affordable card that only charges $95 in annual fees, and that fee is $0 the first year.
• The sign-up bonus is only worth $925 according to TPG valuations (not provided by the issuer), which falls short against some of the top business travel cards.
• The card comes with minimal perks if you’re wanting additional benefits for when you travel.
• Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won't expire for the life of the account
• Unlimited 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
• Skip the lines with up to a $100 statement credit on TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry
• $0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
• Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

The Chase Ink Business Cash is an excellent no annual fee card for small business owners. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on office supplies and select utilities, as well as 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations. Ink Business Cash cardholders also get automatic credit limit increase assessments every six months — and sometimes even sooner — to suit the needs of their growing enterprises. Read our full review of the Chase Ink Business Cash card . 

• Earn $350 after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months from account opening.
• You’ll earn 5% at office supply stores and on common monthly bills such as internet, cable and phone services. Plus, you’ll earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year.
• 5% and 2% cash back earned on certain categories is capped at the first $25,000 you make in combined purchases each account anniversary year.
• Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
• Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
• Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
• 10% Business Relationship Bonus If you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
• Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card

For small business owners in the Pacific Northwest, this card definitely packs a punch. You can jump start your earning with a good sign-up bonus and the famous companion fare offer, and Alaska Airlines has some good airline transfer partners if you need to go another route. Read our full review of the Alaska Airlines Visa Business card .

• Get Alaska's Famous Companion Fare each year card is renewed (after meeting spend requirement)
• Free checked bag
• 20% back on inflight food, beverage and Wi-Fi purchases when you pay with your card
• Only earns 1-2 miles per dollar for all purchases outside of Alaska Airlines purchases
• Get 50,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Earn another Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after spending $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year.
• Free checked bag for any cardholder and up to 6 guests on the same reservation when you pay for your flight with your card - that's a savings of $60 per person roundtrip!
• Priority Boarding for any cardholder when paying for the flight with an Alaska Airlines Business card.
• Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, shipping and local transit (including rideshare) purchases and 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if your company has an eligible Bank of America® small business account.
• Enjoy 20% back on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases when you pay with your new card.
• Get $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership purchased with your Alaska Airlines Business card.
• Plus, no international transaction fees and a low annual fee of $70 for the company and $25 per card.
• This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

The Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Back offers phenomenal returns on all purchases, with a 1.5% earning rate that could potentially climb to 1.875-2.62x for existing Bank of America customers who participate in the Preferred Rewards for Business program. Read our full  review of the Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard credit card .

• Unlimited 1.5% earning rate on all eligible purchases, no matter the category.
• Bank of America Preferred Rewards for Business members could have access to even more earning potential.
• There’s a 3% foreign transaction fee, so you want to avoid using this card on your international travels.
• Redemption options are limited to cash back rewards.
• Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.
• Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases, or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee, and earn up to an unlimited 2.62% cash back on all purchases if you have a Bank of America® business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier.
• No annual cap and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Choose how to redeem your cash rewards – as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you.
• 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.

Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card offers small businesses a way to mold their rewards structure to fit changing business needs. If you qualify for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards for Business program, this no-annual-fee card has the potential to easily earn you thousands of dollars in cash back each year. Read our full review of the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash card.

• Flexible earning structure (3% cash back in the category of your choice and 2% on dining; up to $50,000 in combined purchases per year (then 1%)
• No annual fee or expiration on rewards.
• $300 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
• Only one category can be chosen for the 3% rewards rate each month.
• 3% foreign transaction fee.
• Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice: gas stations & EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services, 2% cash back on dining purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• You'll earn 3% cash back on purchases in the category of your choice and 2% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter.
• You can earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase, if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier. That means you could earn up to 5.25% cash back in your selected choice category and up to 3.5% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 in those combined purchases each calendar year, and up to an unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases.
• Choose how to redeem your cash rewards-as a deposit into your Bank of America® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you. Cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• To change your choice category for future purchases, you must go to the Mobile Banking app or Business Advantage 360, our small business online banking. You can change it once each calendar month, or make no change and it stays the same.

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business card is ideal for business travelers and loyal Southwest flyers interested in hitting A-List status or earning a Companion Pass. Read our full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card . 

• 9,000 points on each cardmember anniversary
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck/Nexus credit (up to $100)
• 4 upgraded boardings a year
• $199 annual fee means only those loyal to Southwest will truly benefit
• Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening and an additional 40,000 points when you spend $15,000 in 9 months.
• 9,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
• Earn 4X pts on Southwest® purchases.
• Earn 3X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
• Earn 2X points on rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services and 1X points on all other purchases.
• 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available.

United℠ Business Card

The United Business Card offers a plethora of travel benefits that will benefit business owners who prefer to fly United — all for a reasonable annual fee. Read our full review of the United Business Card . 

• Earns 2 miles per $1 spent in a variety of categories, including United purchases, dining (including eligible delivery services), gas, office supplies and more
• Get a $100 United travel credit after qualifying purchases each year
• If you have a personal United card, too, you can earn 5,000 bonus miles each year
• Open employee cards at no additional cost
• Redemption options are mostly limited to United and its partners
• Other United cards have higher earning rates on some purchases
• You might get more use from transferable points instead of United miles
• Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
• $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99.
• Receive a 5,000-mile "better together" bonus each anniversary when you have both the United℠ Business Card and a personal Chase United® credit card.
• Earn 2 miles per $1 spent on United® purchases, dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting.
• Earn 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, employee cards at no additional cost - miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster.
• Enjoy a free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United ClubSM one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
• $100 United® travel credit after 7 United flight purchases of $100 or more each anniversary year.

While its $695 annual fee (see rates and fees ) may appear jarring at first, the Business Platinum Amex offers unmatched benefits, including lounge access, plus other value-added perks that can easily offset the card’s annual fee each year. Not to mention, it has an earning structure that can add up quickly for those who travel frequently. If you want to be rewarded for travel spending with American Express Travel and want extra comfort on your trips, this card provides both. New applicants can earn 150,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of card membership.

You don’t have to be a high spender to find value in this card. It’s well suited for those who travel frequently, will enjoy airport lounge access , will benefit from automatic elite status with Marriott and Hilton (enrollment required) and can maximize the card’s various statement credits. Plus, the card’s return on spending for travel purchases is very strong — as is the return in select business categories and purchases totaling more than $5,000. You’ll also enjoy a 35% points rebate on eligible flights booked with Amex Travel on up to 1 million points back per calendar year.

“I find that the annual perks and credits vastly outweigh the large annual fee. And that's even without using some of them. By using the benefits with Priority Pass and Amex lounges, the airline incidental credits, plus the statement credits for Clear, our cellphone plan and restocking my home printer with ink and paper from Dell, I get more value out of the card than it costs to keep it. Plus, it earns my favorite points — American Express Membership Enrollment is required for select benefits. Rewards — earning 5 points per dollar spent on flights and hotels booked with Amex Travel.” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you have a business banking relationship with Capital One, consider the Capital One Venture X Business card. It comes with a lower annual fee (see rates and fees ) and access to Priority Pass lounges and Capital One Lounges. Additionally, it earns at least 2 Capital One miles per dollar spent on all purchases.

The Capital One Venture X Business credit card features a $395 annual fee (see rates and fees ) that more than pays for itself when you account for the considerable rewards and perks that come with the card. We love that the Venture X Business card earns an unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase when you book via Capital One Travel. We especially love the generous earning structure that gives you 5 miles per dollar spent on flights and the whopping 10 miles per dollar spent on hotels and rental cars (when booked through Capital One Travel).

Fans of Capital One who frequently book travel via the Capital One portal and want a card the offers no foreign transaction fees.

In addition to a solid earning structure, the Venture X Business card provides you with a $300 annual credit for bookings made through Capital One Travel in addition to 10,000 bonus miles every year on your account anniversary — starting with your first anniversary.

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great option for those who want to take advantage of a solid earning structure that provides them with easy to redeem miles. The Venture Rewards card earns an unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase plus an unlimited 5 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel. You get similar benefits that come with the more premium Capital One Venture cards with a smaller annual fee of $95 (see rates and fees ).

With just a $95 annual fee, you’ll unlock several valuable perks on the Ink Business Preferred . These include a strong earning structure, valuable insurance benefits and access to Chase’s full range of airline and hotel transfer partners, such as World of Hyatt and United Airlines MileagePlus. Using these partners is the key to getting huge value from your Chase Ultimate Rewards points. Additionally, you can earn a welcome bonus of 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.

Small business owners who spend heavily on travel, shipping, advertising or internet, cable and phone services will benefit from earning 3 points per dollar spent on these purchases (on up to $150,000 of purchases per account year, then 1 point per dollar). Plus, they can take advantage of the card’s primary rental car insurance, excellent  purchase protection , extended warranty and  cellphone protection  (when you pay your monthly bill with your card) — valuable benefits if something goes wrong.

“I originally signed up for the Ink Business Preferred primarily for its sign-up bonus. But, over the last year, I’ve found myself making it my go-to card when booking travel. After all, the Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar spent on travel and provides excellent travel protections, including trip delay protection and rental car insurance.”  —  Katie Genter , senior writer

Consider the  Capital One Spark Miles for Business , which has a $0 introductory annual fee the first year, then $95 (see  rates and fees ). It earns 5 miles per dollar spent on hotel and rental car reservations made with Capital One Travel and unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on other purchases. You’ll also enjoy reimbursement for your Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee — a benefit worth up to $100 once every four years.

We love earning 2% cash back on all purchases with the Spark Cash Plus, meaning there are no bonus categories to track or complex transfer partners to understand when it’s time to redeem your rewards. Plus, the card has two user-friendly elements: Rewards don’t expire as long as your account is open, and you can redeem your cash back in any increment, starting from just a cent. The annual fee is a reasonable $150 (see rates and fees ).

Business owners whose spending habits fluctuate will love the fact that this card has no preset spending limits. It adapts to you, which can be great when you need to spend more around busy periods or to restock inventory. If you can pay your bill in full each month (which is required on this card), you’ll love this spending flexibility.

High-spending businesses can take home a ton of cash-back without worrying about complicated travel rewards.

If you’d prefer to earn transferable rewards points or get higher earnings in your most common spending categories, the American Express® Business Gold Card might fit well in your wallet. You’ll earn 4 points per dollar (an 8% return on spending based on TPG’s valuations ) in your top two spending categories each month on up to $150,000 of these purchases annually, then 1 point per dollar.

The Blue Business Plus Card from American Express offers a solid earning rate of 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on the first $50,000 in purchases each calendar year, then 1 point per dollar. If your small business spends less than $50,000 each year in purchases, the Blue Business Plus can be a good no-annual-fee option (see rates and fees ) that provides an effective 4% return on spending, based on TPG’s valuations of Amex points. For those with spending that falls outside other cards’ bonus categories, this is an excellent option.

Freelancers, those with a side hustle, newcomers to points and miles and those with varying expenses will love this card and the fact that it doesn’t require tracking any bonus categories to maximize earnings . Instead, its flat earning rate provides value on all purchases without an annual fee required to unlock its full potential.

“ There are very few no-annual-fee cards that award fully transferable points, but the Amex Blue Business Plus is one of them. Not only that, but you'll earn 2 Membership Rewards points for every dollar you spend (on up to $50,000 each year). That's a fantastic return of 4% back based on TPG's valuations, making this a great option for your small-business needs.” — Nick Ewen , director of content

If you want a card without an annual fee that doesn’t have the earning limits of the Blue Business Plus, look at the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card . You’ll earn 1.5% back on all purchases (and can convert these into transferable Chase Ultimate Rewards points if you have other eligible Chase credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card). Doing so would yield a 3% return on all spending based on TPG’s valuations.

There are few perks more rewarding than earning a large number of points automatically — but that’s just the attraction of the Amex Business Gold. You’ll earn 4  Membership Rewards points per dollar in your top two spending categories monthly (on up to $150,000 of these purchases annually, then 1 point per dollar). Categories include popular business expenses like U.S. restaurants, U.S. advertising in select media and U.S. computer software, to name a few. Plus, you can add up to 99 employee cards, paying just a $95 annual fee for the first five cards, and then a $95 annual fee for each card after (see rates and fees ). The card currently has a welcome bonus of 70,000 bonus points after spending $10,000 on purchases in the first three months of card membership.

Business owners who spend in the card’s bonus categories will love its up-to-8% return (based on TPG’s valuations ). Bonus categories where you can earn up to 4 points per dollar include transit purchases; U.S. purchases for online, TV and radio advertising; monthly wireless phone service charges made directly from U.S. service providers; U.S. purchases at gas stations; U.S. purchases at restaurants; and U.S. purchases from electronic goods retailers and cloud system providers. You’ll also enjoy perks like Amex Offers . 

“ No other card provides the earning potential and adaptability this card has. Sure, its annual fee isn’t cheap, but I love the fact that I don’t need to think about what purchases I put on this card. It will automatically adapt and provide 4 points per dollar in my top two spending categories monthly (up to $150,000 of these purchases yearly).” — Ryan Smith , former credit cards writer

If you’re looking for a lower annual fee or a card that earns bonus points on more purchase categories (not just your top two per month), consider the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card . You’ll earn 3 Chase Ultimate Rewards points per dollar spent on travel, shipping, select advertising purchases and internet, cable and phone services (on up to $150,000 in annual purchases, then 1 point per dollar). Its annual fee is just $95.

If you’re looking for ease of earning on all your purchases — or a card that earns well on purchases that don’t fall into bonus categories with other credit cards — the Ink Unlimited card is a clear winner. Freelancers and independent contractors love the ability to earn 1.5% back on all purchases, pay no annual fee and even combine the points they earn with Chase Ultimate Rewards from other eligible Chase credit cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. Plus, there are no earning limits on this card.

There are two types of business owners who will benefit from this card. The first is the person looking for a card with a lucrative earning structure but no annual fee. The second is someone who needs a card for those “other” expenses that fall outside the bonus categories offered by other rewards cards in their wallet. This is an ideal card for everyday business expenses.

“I have the Chase Ink Business trilogy — the Ink Business Cash Credit Card, Ink Business Preferred Credit Card and Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card. The first two cards maximize my points-earning on things like office supply, internet and phone purchases, while the Ink Unlimited covers everything else with a flat 1.5% earn rate. The fact that I have the Ink Preferred means I can convert my cash back from the Ink Unlimited into more valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points. This no-annual-fee card will stay in my wallet for years to come.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

If you’re looking for a card that rewards you based on your banking relationship, the Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card earns 1.5% back on all purchases. Those with banking and investment accounts at Bank of America can bump their earning rate up to 2.625% on all purchases thanks to Bank of America Preferred Rewards for Business .

The Capital One Spark Miles for Business card has an intro offer of 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months from account opening. Based on TPG’s valuations , this bonus is worth $925. You can transfer Capital One miles to 15+ airline and hotel transfer partners, including Air Canada Aeroplan and Wyndham Rewards, and you’ll earn at least 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases. Plus, the card has an introductory annual fee of $0 the first year, then $95 (see rates and fees ).

Business owners who want to earn a transferable currency will love Capital One miles, which have grown in value and redemption options over the past few years. You’ll also enjoy a  Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit (up to $100) and the flexibility to use your miles to cover travel expenses at a fixed value of 1 cent apiece. If you’re looking for a card that earns valuable miles without needing to track bonus categories, this is it.

You’ll earn transferable points on every purchase without worrying about bonus categories, all for a low annual fee.

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card has the same $95 annual fee but earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points instead of Capital One miles. You’ll earn 3 points per dollar spent on travel, shipping, select advertising purchases and internet, cable and phone services (on up to $150,000 in annual purchases, then 1 point per dollar); you’ll earn 1 point per dollar on other purchases.

No card can match the Ink Business Cash for earning on office supplies. You’ll love accruing 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year, plus 2% back on the first $25,000 in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. New applicants can earn up to $750 back: $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 after spending $6,000 on purchases within six months of account opening. However, you can turn your cash back into Chase Ultimate Rewards points if you have other eligible Chase credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

This is an ideal card for business owners whose primary expenses are at office supply stores, telecommunications providers, gas stations or restaurants thanks to those bonus categories. You can earn handsomely in these categories without paying an annual fee to keep the card in your wallet.

“I love this card for awarding 5% back on my telecommunication services and office supply purchases, all with no annual fee. But my favorite perk is taking those cash-back rewards and combining them with my earnings from the Chase Sapphire Reserve. This means I’m effectively earning 5 fully-transferable Ultimate Rewards points for every dollar I spend in these categories — which I then can transfer to valuable partners like World of Hyatt and Air Canada Aeroplan.” — Nick Ewen , director of content

If your expenses are spread across many categories, you may prefer a card that earns a flat rate on all purchases. Consider The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express , which earns 2  American Express Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on all purchases (on up to $50,000 of purchases annually, then 1 point per dollar) and has no annual fee (see rates and fees ).

The Alaska Airlines Visa Business card offers great airline-specific perks like priority boarding, a $100 annual Alaska Lounge+ credit, elevated earnings on Alaska Airlines flight purchases and more. In addition, the card is currently offering 50,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) when new cardholders make purchases totaling $3,000 or more within the first 90 days of opening their account.

Businesses who frequently fly Alaska Airlines could benefit from the packed airline-specific perks on this card. Flyers will enjoy priority boarding, a free checked bag and earn 3 points per dollar spent on Alaska Airlines flights.

"I opened the Alaska Airlines Visa Business card when it was offering an elevated welcome bonus, but I keep it to earn 2 miles per dollar on gas and for the annual Companion Fare I get after spending $6,000 in a year. And because I have a Bank of America checking account, I get a 10% bonus on all the miles I earn using the card." — Nick Ewen , director of content

If your business frequently travels but is not an Alaska Airlines loyalist, consider the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card . The Ink Business Preferred earns 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent on travel and other business categories each year. The card is also currently offering an incredible 100,000-point sign-up bonus after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. The card does not offer many airline-specific perks but allows you greater flexibility when it comes to bonus earning and redemption options.

This card has few travel perks but no annual fee, so it can be worthwhile for business owners looking to earn cash back easily. The Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash offers a terrific 1.5% earning rate on all purchases, but Bank of America Preferred Rewards for Business customers can earn even higher rates — from 1.875% to 2.625%, depending on their tier within the program.

Business owners who can qualify for Preferred Rewards status should consider this card thanks to its accelerated earning rates that are based on your banking and investment accounts. Additionally, this card is a solid option for business owners looking for a quality cash-back rate on a card without an annual fee and without annual earning limits.

For no annual fee, earning up to 2.625% back on your business expenses is a solid return.

Consider the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card if you don’t have qualifying accounts with Bank of America or prefer to earn points in the Chase Ultimate Rewards ecosystem. The Ink Unlimited earns 1.5% back on all purchases, but you can redeem these as transferable Ultimate Rewards points if you have other eligible Chase credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

With the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash, you can maximize your ever-changing business purchases with up to 3% cash back. You can choose your top spending category monthly for 3% earnings, plus receive 2% on dining purchases (for the first $50,000 spent in combined category and dining purchases per year, then 1% back). If you have qualifying accounts for the Bank of America Preferred Rewards for Business program , you could boost your earning rate to 5.25% back in your chosen category — impressive earnings for a card with no annual fee.

Two types of business owners should consider this card. First, it works well for those who can maximize the 3% categories — which include gas and EV charging stations, office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom and wireless, computer services and business consulting services — and are looking for a card without an annual fee. Second, those who can qualify for Preferred Rewards tiers will love the accelerated earnings rates that far outpace earnings on other cards without annual fees.

Picking your top spending category each month allows you to maximize rewards, even when your purchases vary across the year.

Those who need different bonus categories or who won’t qualify for Preferred Rewards should consider the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card . It has no annual fee and earns 5% back on the first $25,000 of purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each cardmember year. You’ll also earn 2% back on the first $25,000 of combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each cardmember year and 1% back on other purchases.

The Southwest Performance Business credit card is ideal for Southwest fans, as it’s packed with perks that will make business trips on the airline more comfortable than ever, especially for those who don’t yet have A-List or A-List Preferred status. You’ll earn extra points in popular business categories, enjoy four priority boarding positions each year, receive up to 365 inflight Wi-Fi credits annually and have the ability to accelerate your path to the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass .

Business owners who can both take advantage of those day-of-travel perks and maximize this card’s earning structure. It accrues 4 points per dollar spent on Southwest purchases; 3 points per dollar spent on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases; 2 points per dollar spent on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, phone services, local transit and commuting; and 1 point per dollar spent on other eligible purchases.

“It made sense for me to get this as my first Southwest card given that I live in Austin, where almost 40% of flights are operated by Southwest. I get the most value out of this card by taking advantage of the upgraded boardings, inflight Wi-Fi credits and 9,000 anniversary bonus points, which help offset the significant annual fee.” — Matt Moffitt , senior credit cards editor

If you only fly Southwest a handful of times per year or want a lower annual fee, you should consider the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card instead. You'll enjoy a 25% discount on inflight drinks and Wi-Fi purchases, have the chance to spend your way toward A-List status, get a shortcut toward the Companion Pass and receive two EarlyBird check-ins each year.

The United Business Card is an affordable option for business travelers who tend to fly with United and its partners. This is a great card to pair with your personal United credit card, too, because it will not only help you keep personal and business expenses separate, but you’ll also receive 5,000 bonus miles each year on your United Business Card account anniversary for carrying both cards. Plus, you can spend your way toward United elite status and gain access to expanded award availability when it comes time to redeem those MileagePlus miles.

Those who want elite-like benefits with United — such as priority boarding and free checked bags — but aren’t willing to shell out for premium cards with lounge access will love this card. Its earning rates, perks and moderate annual fee ($0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $99) are a powerful combination for those who fly United a few times a year.

“As a frequent United traveler, I actually have a couple of United credit cards that unlock different perks and benefits. While I initially got the United Business Card for the bonus and to keep business expenses separate, I keep it for the discount on inflight purchases, the 5,000 annual mile bonus for having both a business and personal United card and the $100 statement credit for charging at least seven annual United flights to the card.” — Summer Hull , director of content

If you’re looking for points you can use with United and in other ways, see if the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a better fit for your wallet. For a $95 annual fee, this card earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points that you can transfer to more than a dozen airline and hotel partners, including United, though you do miss out on the airline-specific perks.

Maximizing business credit cards

Use it as often as possible.

The more you use your card, the more points and rewards you’ll earn. It can be strange to switch up spending habits but try to switch to using your business credit card as your go-to option rather than cash, debit, bank transfers, or other payment methods.

Use it for all business expenses and pay it off every month

You can maximize your business credit cards by charging all business purchases to your credit card. This is a great way to keep your business expenses separate from personal expenses as well as maximize the return on your spending. Most credit cards geared toward small businesses offer at least 1% cash back or 1 point per dollar spent. The right credit card for your business will likely offer even higher returns. By putting all of your expenses on a business credit card, you will earn more rewards! 

But this does not mean you should spend money you wouldn’t have otherwise spent. Charging everything on your business credit card is a means to earn rewards on spending that would’ve occurred anyways. 

Finally, be sure to pay off your balance in full every month to avoid interest and fees that could cancel out any rewards you earn.

Consider multiple cards for different expenses

If you’re a small business, it is likely that your spending is not concentrated on one category. Luckily, many business cards offer various bonus categories. In order to receive the most return on your spending, consider having multiple cards that earn an elevated return on your business’s various main spending categories. Then, cover your bases with a solid flat-rate card for every purchase you make that doesn’t fall into an eligible category.

However, if that’s too much for you to manage, aim for that sweet spot of a card with a lucrative rewards structure and affordable annual fee.

What TPG readers have to say about their favorite business credit cards

We surveyed our readers to see which business credit cards they favored the most. With several great options to choose from, these cards are the standouts TPG readers love.

Note: Responses have not been edited.

“We use our Business Gold card for as many purchases as possible.” — MaryAnn D via Facebook

“ Easy 2x on everything.*” — Tarik M via X

*2 points per dollar up to $50,000 annually, then 1 point per dollar thereafter.

“Unlimited 2x back on everything , no gimmicks.” — Jeremy C via Facebook

Helpful Tools

• Awards vs cash calculator Compare the cost in points or miles to cash.
• CardMatch™ Get prequalified offers in less than 60 seconds.

How we rate cards

What is a business credit card.

Many travelers are familiar with personal credit cards, but business credit cards are an entirely different segment of the market. These products are generally geared toward those who run small businesses , and as such, they frequently include perks that are valuable to a business owner — including features like no preset spending limit, bonus rewards on shipping or technology purchases, and even statement credits toward software purchases.

Note that you don’t necessarily need a formal business to apply (and get approved) for a business credit card. Many freelancers or sole proprietors can use a business card to separate business-related expenses from their personal ones.

Types of business credit cards

Having a business credit card is important for both small businesses and larger corporations. The primary difference between a small business card and a corporate business card is who is liable for the debt and fees.

Small Business

Small businesses hold the primary cardholder liable for debts and fees and the primary cardholder earns the rewards for small business cards.

Corporate cards hold the company liable for debts and fees and the company generally keeps the rewards for corporate cards.

How to apply for a business credit card

If you own a small business or just do freelance gigs , you could be eligible for a business credit card. You don’t necessarily need a tax ID or an Employer Identification Number (EIN) to qualify for a business credit card ; if you’re a sole proprietor with a small business or side gig, you can usually enter your Social Security number (SSN) instead.

How do Business cards work?

When you’re approved for a business credit card, your company is essentially taking out a loan with the issuing bank. You can then use the card to make purchases, but you need to pay off the loan according to the terms. And each time you swipe it, you’re earning rewards that can be used in a variety of ways — including reinvesting them right back into your business.

Information you’ll need to provide

When filling out an application form for a business credit card, there are some extra pieces of information required in addition to what you might provide for a personal credit card application.

This is likely to include:

The name of your business

When you start your application, you might not be sure what name to put on a business card application . If you’re the sole owner of your small business, you might not even have a designated name for it. If this is the case, don’t worry, you’re allowed to use your own name instead.

Contact information

Similarly, if you don’t have a separate business contact number and mailing address, you can also use your own here too.

A Taxpayer Identification Number

There are two numbers you could use for this, depending on how your business is set up. If you’re the sole business owner, you can use your Social Security number. Or, in the instance that you employ staff or have a more formal business structure, then you should use your business’s Employer Identification Number . You can easily get an EIN on the IRS website .

Your industry

It’s up to you how you want to describe your business; you can either use more rigid categories like travel, food and drink, or retail, or you can describe the exact service you provide should your business type not fall into those categories.

How long you’ve been in business

This one’s pretty self-explanatory.

Revenue and expenses

This is the part where you enter how much money your business makes and how much your outgoings were to run your business.

What you do not need

A specific business type.

Whether you have a structured company, LLC or partnership, or you operate without a formal or legal business structure, you’re still perfectly eligible to apply.

Business credit history

In most cases, your small business credit card would be guaranteed by you personally and not the business itself. This means that you won’t be required to include an existing credit history for your business.

While business credit history is not a requirement for approval, building your business credit could provide better access to a host of benefits, including lower interest rates and cheaper business insurance premiums. 

Check out the following guides to applying for small-business cards for issuer-specific strategies:

• How to fill out an Amex business card application
• How to complete a Chase business credit card application
• How to complete a Capital One business credit card application

Related: 5 ways you might be eligible for a business credit card without realizing it

How to choose the best business credit card

• 1 Sign-up bonus Find a card that your business can readily meet the minimum spend for its sign-up bonus. A welcome bonus plays a large part in a card’s value as it typically offers more points than can be earned through general business spending.
• 2 Annual fee If your card features an annual fee, it is important to consider if the card’s perks and benefits outweigh the card’s annual fee.
• 3 Bonus categories Choose a business card that features elevated earning rates on your regular business spending.

Ask our experts

What's your favorite business credit card — and why.

Pros + cons of business credit cards

• Using business credit cards responsibly can help you build your business credit score.
• Business credit cards can earn cash back, points or miles on every dollar you spend.
• Business credit cards provide purchase, theft and fraud protection.
• Business credit cards provide business-friendly perks like travel insurance, complimentary hotel stays and bonus points on expenses like shipping or software.
• Opening a business credit card can separate personal and business expenses.
• Credit cards can encourage overspending.
• Carrying a balance and using your card irresponsibly can damage your business credit score.
• The cost of borrowing on business credit cards is higher than traditional loans.
• You’re still personally responsible for business credit card debt.
• Having too many card applications can negatively affect your credit score.

Frequently asked questions

Business and personal credit cards have similar functionalities. Many card issuers allow for personal referrals for business cards . In both cases, you’re extended a line of credit to make purchases, and you agree to pay for those purchases over time based on the cardholder agreement.

However, business credit cards are geared toward small businesses, and depending on the issuer (or specific card product), you may need to produce formal documentation in order to be approved. In addition, business cards typically include bonus categories or benefits that may hold less appeal to the general consumer. This can include bonus rewards on shipping purchases, statement credits for business-related service providers or embedded technology to help with accounting.

Additionally, many personal credit cards pair well with business credit cards. Complementary personal/business card combinations can help you diversify your points earning and bonus categories and can play a part in a responsible spending strategy. 

There’s no single card that would be considered the “best” for every, single small business . Instead, it’s important to consider the type of rewards and selection of benefits that make the most sense for your company. If your company travels internationally often, you would want a business credit card with no foreign transaction fee . If you’re not interested in travel rewards, then a cash-back business card could make the most sense. If your small business spends a bunch of money on client dinners, then a business card with a dining bonus could be the best fit.

While it’s not technically “illegal” to use a business card for personal use , it’s generally against the terms and conditions of most business credit cards. In addition, combining personal and business purchases on a credit card can make it harder to separate legitimate, business-related transactions when tax season rolls around. Finally, business credit cards tend to have fewer protections for cardholders, so using one for personal reasons could backfire.

Sometimes. It all depends on the given issuer , since some will consistently report business card account information to both consumer and commercial credit bureaus, while others won’t. Instead of worrying about this question, though, focus your energy on paying your balance in full and on time each month. This will ensure that any business cards reported to a credit bureau will only impact your score in a positive way.

Plus, your business credit card could provide multiple benefits to your personal score. This could be done by managing your business credit card account responsibly, which demonstrates you’re a reliable borrower, or lowering your personal credit utilization, for instance. 

You certainly can , though each issuer reserves the right to review your application and determine whether you qualify for a business line of credit. In many instances, you can use your Social Security number as a sole proprietor and get approved for a card. Even if you have no business credit history, an issuer will look at your personal credit score and history to determine your eligibility.

It is possible to refer someone to a business card even if you only have personal cards. Every issuer has their own policy regarding rewarding referrals so you will have to check with your specific card issuer to see if you are eligible for a referral bonus. Check out our in-depth guide on earning referral bonuses on both personal and business credit cards .

The best small business credit card will depend on your small business. See what perks and benefits your business is looking for and if the card you're looking at is the best fit for your business spending. You can use our guide above to help you see which card is the best for your business.

There is no limit to the amount of business cards you can have. It is important to know your business and what cards align most with your spending.

While it’s easy and free to check your personal credit score, the process with a business credit report requires jumping through a few more hoops. You can check your business credit score through free services that send alerts when your score or report changes. However, you often have to pay additional fees to view unlimited full reports. 

Tracking your business credit score may be a bit harder, but it’s not any less important than your personal credit report

The wording of these two may be similar, but the features of a business credit card and a business line of credit are very different. 

A business credit card is like a personal credit card because it allows borrowers to spend with a predetermined credit limit at an annual percentage rate (APR). Most business cards are unsecured, and borrowers can be approved for one without proof of assets or collateral. 

A business line of credit is a revolving business loan with a preset credit limit. To be approved for a business LOC, your business’s financial picture and creditworthiness are considered. Sometimes, approval is based on collateral. LOCs are meant to cover day-to-day operative expenses that may exceed a credit limit on a credit card, such as payroll.

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16 Best Travel Credit Cards of July 2024

ALSO CONSIDER: Best credit cards of 2024 || Best rewards credit cards || Best airline credit cards || Best hotel credit cards

The best travel credit card is one that brings your next trip a little closer every time you use it. Purchases earn points or miles you can use to pay for travel. If you're loyal to a specific airline or hotel chain, consider one of that company's branded travel credit cards. Otherwise, check out our picks for general-purpose travel cards that give you flexible travel rewards without the restrictions and blackout dates of branded cards.

250+ credit cards reviewed and rated by our team of experts

80+ years of combined experience covering credit cards and personal finance

100+ categories of best credit card selections ( See our top picks )

Objective comprehensive ratings rubrics ( Methodology )

NerdWallet's credit cards content, including ratings and recommendations, is overseen by a team of writers and editors who specialize in credit cards. Their work has appeared in The Associated Press, USA Today, The New York Times, MarketWatch, MSN, NBC's "Today," ABC's "Good Morning America" and many other national, regional and local media outlets. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet's strict guidelines for editorial integrity .

Show summary

NerdWallet's Best Travel Credit Cards of July 2024

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for Max flexibility + big bonus

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Best for Flat-rate rewards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best for Travel portal benefits

Chase Freedom Unlimited® : Best for Cash back for travel bookings

American Express® Gold Card : Best for Big rewards on everyday spending

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card : Best for Bonus rewards + no annual fee

The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for Luxury travel perks

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card : Best for Business travelers

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card : Best for Triple points on multiple categories

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card : Best for Flat-rate rewards + no annual fee

Chase Sapphire Reserve® : Best for Bonus rewards + high-end perks

World of Hyatt Credit Card : Best for Best hotel card

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card : Best for Travel rewards for rent payments

United℠ Explorer Card : Best for Best airline card

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card : Best for Credit union benefits

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card : Best for Booking directly with airlines/hotels

Best Travel Credit Cards

Find the right credit card for you..

Whether you want to pay less interest or earn more rewards, the right card's out there. Just answer a few questions and we'll narrow the search for you.

Max flexibility + big bonus

Flat-rate rewards, travel portal benefits, cash back for travel bookings, big rewards on everyday spending, bonus rewards + no annual fee, luxury travel perks, business travelers, triple points on multiple categories, flat-rate rewards + no annual fee, bonus rewards + high-end perks, best hotel card, travel rewards for rent payments, best airline card, credit union benefits, booking directly with airlines/hotels, full list of editorial picks: best travel credit cards.

Before applying, confirm details on the issuer’s website.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is probably the best-known general-purpose travel credit card, thanks to its ubiquitous advertising. You earn 5 miles per dollar on hotels and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar on all other purchases. Miles can be redeemed at a value of 1 cent apiece for any travel purchase, without the blackout dates and other restrictions of branded hotel and airline cards. The card offers a great sign-up bonus and other worthwhile perks ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Our pick for: Flat-rate rewards + no annual fee

One of the best no-annual-fee travel cards available, the Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card gives you a solid rewards rate on every purchase, with points that can be redeemed for any travel purchase, without the restrictions of branded airline and hotel cards. Bank of America® has an expansive definition of "travel," too, giving you additional flexibility in how you use your rewards. Read our review.

Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Our pick for: Bonus rewards + high-end perks

The high annual fee on the Chase Sapphire Reserve® gives many potential applicants pause, but frequent travelers should be able to wring enough value out of this card to more than make up for the cost. Cardholders get bonus rewards (up to 10X) on dining and travel, a fat bonus offer, annual travel credits, airport lounge access, and a 50% boost in point value when redeeming points for travel booked through Chase. Points can also be transferred to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Read our review. 

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

Our pick for: Max flexibility + big bonus

For a reasonable annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card earns bonus rewards (up to 5X) on travel, dining, select streaming services, and select online grocery purchases. Points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. The sign-up bonus is stellar, too. Read our review. 

Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card

Our pick for: Booking directly with airlines/hotels

The Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card stands out among general-purpose travel cards because it pays its highest rewards rates on travel bookings made directly with airlines and hotels, rather than requiring you to go through the issuer's travel agency, where prices might not be competitive. The points are flexible, you get a good bonus offer, and the card comes with a few other nice perks. Read our review.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Our pick for: Bonus rewards + no annual fee

The Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card offers so much value, it's hard to believe there's no annual fee. Start with a great bonus offer, then earn extra rewards in a host of common spending categories — restaurants, gas stations, transit, travel, streaming and more. Read our review.

Citi Strata Premier℠ Card

Our pick for: Triple points on everyday categories

The Citi Strata Premier℠ Card earns bonus points on select travel, supermarkets, dining, gas stations and EV stations. There's a solid sign-up bonus as well. Read our review.

U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Road trips

The U.S. Bank Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card is one of the most generous cards on the market if you're taking to the skies or the road, thanks to the quadruple points it earns on travel and purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations. It's also a solid card for everyday expenses like groceries, dining and streaming, and it comes with ongoing credits that can offset its annual fee:  $0 intro for the first year, then $95 .  Read our review .

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

Our pick for: Travel portal benefits

Capital One's premium travel credit card can deliver terrific benefits — provided you're willing to do your travel spending through the issuer's online booking portal. That's where you'll earn the highest rewards rates plus credits that can make back the bulk of your annual fee ( see rates and fees ). Read our review.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

Our pick for: Cash back for travel bookings

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® was already a fine card when it offered 1.5% cash back on all purchases. Now it's even better, with bonus rewards on travel booked through Chase, as well as at restaurants and drugstores. On top of all that, new cardholders get a 0% introductory APR period and the opportunity to earn a sweet bonus. Read our review.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

Our pick for: Luxury travel perks

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee, but travelers who like to go in style (and aren't afraid to pay for comfort) can more than get their money's worth. Enjoy extensive airport lounge access, hundreds of dollars a year in travel and shopping credits, hotel benefits and more. That's not even getting into the high rewards rate on eligible travel purchases and the rich welcome offer for new cardholders. Read our review.

American Express® Gold Card

Our pick for: Big rewards on everyday spending

The American Express® Gold Card can earn you a pile of points from everyday spending, with generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, at restaurants and on certain flights booked through amextravel.com. Other benefits include hundreds of dollars a year in available dining and travel credits and a solid welcome offer for new cardholders. There's an annual fee, though, and a pretty substantial one, so it's not for smaller spenders. Read our review.

Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card

Our pick for: Travel rewards on rent payments

The Bilt World Elite Mastercard® Credit Card stands out by offering credit card rewards on rent payments without incurring an additional transaction fee. The ability to earn rewards on what for many people is their single biggest monthly expense makes this card worth a look for any renter. You also get bonus points on dining and travel when you make at least five transactions on the card each statement period, and redemption options include point transfers to partner hotel and loyalty programs. Read our review.

PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card

Our pick for: Credit union rewards

With premium perks for a $95 annual fee (which can be waived in some cases), jet-setters will get a lot of value from the PenFed Pathfinder® Rewards Visa Signature® Card . It also offers a generous rewards rate on travel purchases and a decent flat rate on everything else. Plus, you’ll get travel credits and a Priority Pass membership that offers airport lounge access for $32 per visit. Read our review.

United℠ Explorer Card

Our pick for: B est airline card

The United℠ Explorer Card earns bonus rewards not only on spending with United Airlines but also at restaurants and on eligible hotel stays. And the perks are outstanding for a basic airline card — a free checked bag, priority boarding, lounge passes and more. Read our review.

» Not a United frequent flyer? See our best airline cards for other options

World of Hyatt Credit Card

Our pick for: Best hotel card

Hyatt isn't as big as its competitors, but World of Hyatt Credit Card is worth a look for anyone who spends a lot of time on the road. You can earn a lot of points even on non-Hyatt spending, and those points have a high value compared with rival programs. There's a great sign-up bonus, free nights, automatic elite status and more. Read our review.

» Not a Hyatt customer? See our best hotel cards for other options.

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Our pick for: Business travelers

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card starts you off with one of the biggest sign-up bonuses of any credit card anywhere: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,000 cash back or $1,250 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠. You also get bonus rewards on travel expenses and common business spending categories, like advertising, shipping and internet, cable and phone service. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel booked through Chase, or you can transfer them to about a dozen airline and hotel partners. Learn more and apply .

Are you in Canada?

See NerdWallet's best travel cards for Canada.

OTHER RESOURCES

How travel rewards work.

Modern-day adventurers and once-a-year vacationers alike love the idea of earning rewards toward their next big trip. According to a NerdWallet study , 68% of American adults say they have a credit card that earns travel rewards.

With a travel rewards credit card, you earn points or miles every time you use the card, but you can often earn more points per dollar in select categories. Some top travel credit cards, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , offer bonus points on any travel spending, while the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card grants bonus points when you use the card at Marriott hotels, grocery stores, restaurants or gas stations.

Not all points and miles earned on travel rewards credit cards are the same:

General-purpose travel credit cards — including the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , the American Express® Gold Card and the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card — give you rewards that can be used like cash to pay for travel or that can be exchanged for points in airline or hotel loyalty programs. With their flexible rewards, general-purpose options are usually the best travel credit cards for those who don't stick to a single airline or hotel chain.

Airline- and hotel-specific cards — such as the United℠ Explorer Card and the Hilton Honors American Express Card — give points and miles that can be used only with the brand on the card. (Although it's possible in some cases to transfer hotel points to airlines, we recommend against it because you get a poor value.) These so-called co-branded cards are usually the best travel credit cards for those who always fly one particular airline or stay with one hotel group.

How do we value points and miles? With the rewards earned on general travel cards, it's simple: They have a fixed value, usually between 1 and 1.5 cents per point, and you can spend them like cash. With airline miles and hotel points, finding the true value is more difficult. How much value you get depends on how you redeem them.

To better understand what miles are worth, NerdWallet researched the cash prices and reward-redemption values for hundreds of flights. Our results:

Keep in mind that the airline values are based on main cabin economy tickets and exclude premium cabin redemptions. See our valuations page for business class valuations and details about our methodology.

Our valuations are different from many others you may find. That’s because we looked at the average value of a point based on reasonable price searches that anyone can perform, not a maximized value that only travel rewards experts can expect to reach.

You should therefore use these values as a baseline for your own redemptions. If you can redeem your points for the values listed on our valuations page, you are doing well. Of course, if you are able to get higher value out of your miles, that’s even better.

HOW TO CHOOSE A TRAVEL CREDIT CARD

There are scores of travel rewards cards to choose from. The best travel credit card for you has as much to do with you as with the card. How often you travel, how much flexibility you want, how much you value airline or hotel perks — these are all things to take into account when deciding on a travel card. Our article on how to choose a travel credit card recommends that you prioritize:

Rewards you will actually use (points and miles are only as good as your ability to redeem them for travel).

A high earning rate (how much value you get in rewards for every dollar spent on the card).

A sign-up bonus (a windfall of points for meeting a spending requirement in your first few months).

Even with these goals in mind, there are all kinds of considerations that will influence your decision on a travel rewards credit card.

Travel cards are for travelers

Travel cards vs. cash-back cards.

The very first question to ask yourself when choosing a travel credit card is: Should I get a travel card at all? Travel credit cards are best for frequent travelers, who are more likely to get enough value from rewards and perks to make up for the annual fees that the best travel credit cards charge. (Some travel cards charge no annual fee, but they tend to offer lesser rewards than full-fee cards.) A NerdWallet study found that those who travel only occasionally — say, once a year — will probably get greater overall rewards from cash-back credit cards , most of which charge no annual fee, than from a travel card.

Flexibility and perks: A trade-off

Co-branded cards vs. general travel cards.

Travel credit cards fall into two basic categories: co-branded cards and general travel cards.

Co-branded cards carry the name of an airline or hotel group, such as the United℠ Explorer Card or the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card . The rewards you earn are redeemable only with that particular brand, which can limit your flexibility, sometimes sharply. For example, if your credit card's co-branded airline partner doesn't have any award seats available on the flight you want on the day you want, you're out of luck. On the other hand, co-branded cards commonly offer airline- or hotel-specific perks that general travel cards can't match.

General travel cards aren't tied to a specific airline or hotel, so they offer much greater flexibility. Well-known general travel cards include the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card . Rewards on general travel cards come as points (sometimes called "miles" but they're really points) that you can redeem for any travel expense. You're not locked into using a single airline or hotel, but you also won't enjoy the perks of a co-branded card.

Evaluating general travel credit cards

What you get with a general travel card.

The credit cards featured at the top of this page are general travel cards. They're issued by a bank (such as Chase or Capital One), carry only that bank's name, and aren't tied to any single airline or hotel group. With these cards, you earn points on every purchase — usually 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, sometimes with additional points in certain categories.

Issuers of general travel cards typically entice new applicants with big sign-up bonuses (also known as "welcome offers") — tens of thousands of miles that you can earn by spending a certain amount of money on the card in your first few months.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best credit card sign-up offers

What do you do with those points? Depending on the card, you may have several ways to redeem them:

Booking travel. With this option, your points pay for travel booked through the issuer's website, using a utility similar to Orbitz or Expedia. For example, if points were worth 1 cent apiece when redeemed this way, you could book a $400 flight on the issuer's portal and pay for it with 40,000 points

Statement credit. This lets you essentially erase travel purchases by using your points for credit on your statement. You make travel arrangements however you want (directly with an airline or hotel, through a travel agency, etc.) and charge it to your card. Once the charge shows up on your account, you apply the necessary points and eliminate the cost.

Transferring to partners. The card issuer may allow you to transfer your points to loyalty programs for airlines or hotel chains, turning your general card into something like a co-branded card (although you don't get the perks of a co-brand).

Cash back, gift cards or merchandise. If you don't plan to travel, you can burn off your rewards with these options, although you'll often get a lower value per point.

Airline and hotel cards sharply limit your choice, but they make up for it with perks that only they can offer, like free checked bags or room upgrades. General travel cards, on the other hand, offer maximum flexibility but can't provide the same kinds of perks, because the banks that issue them don't operate the airlines or hotels. Still, there are some noteworthy perks on general travel cards, including:

Travel credit. This is automatic reimbursement for travel-related spending. Some top travel credit cards offer hundreds of dollars a year in travel credit.

Trusted traveler reimbursement. More and more travel credit cards are covering the application fee for TSA Precheck and Global Entry, programs that allow you to move through airport security and customs more quickly.

Airport lounge access. Hundreds of lounges worldwide operate separately from airlines under such networks as Priority Pass and Airspace, and several general travel cards offer access to these lounges.

Points programs

Every major card issuer has at least one travel card with a points program. American Express calls its program Membership Rewards, while Chase has Ultimate Rewards® and Citi pays in ThankYou points. Wells Fargo has Wells Fargo Rewards, and U.S. Bank has FlexPerks. Bank of America® travel cards offer points without a fancy name. Travel cards from Capital One, Barclays and Discover all call their points "miles."

These programs differ in how much their points are worth and how you can use them. Some offer the full range of redemption options, including transfers to loyalty programs. Others let you use them only to book travel or get statement credit.

» MORE: Travel loyalty program reviews

Evaluating airline credit cards

What you get with an airline credit card.

Airline credit cards earn "miles" with each purchase. You typically get 1 mile per dollar spent, with a higher rate (2 or more miles per dollar) on purchases with the airline itself. (Some airline cards have also begun offering extra miles for purchases in additional categories, such as restaurants or car rental agencies.) These miles go into the same frequent-flyer account as the ones you earn by flying the airline, and you can redeem them for free flights with the airline or its alliance partners.

Co-branded airline cards typically offer sign-up bonuses (or welcome offers). But what really sets them apart are the perks they give you. With some cards, for example, the checked-bag benefit alone can make up for the annual fee after a single roundtrip by a couple. Common perks of airline cards include:

Free checked bags. This commonly applies to the first checked bag for you and at least one companion on your reservation. Some cards extend this perk to more people, and higher-end cards (with higher annual fees) may even let you check two bags apiece for free.

Priority boarding. Holders of co-branded airline credit cards often get to board the plane early — after the airline's elite-status frequent flyers but before the general population. This gives you time to settle in and gives you a leg up on claiming that coveted overhead bin space.

In-flight discounts or freebies. You might get, say, 25% off the cost of food and beverages during the flight, or free Wi-Fi.

Airport lounge access. High-end cards often include a membership to the airline's airport lounges, where you can get away from the frenzy in the terminal and enjoy a complimentary snack. Some less-expensive airline cards give you only limited or discounted lounge access; others give you none at all.

Companion fares. This perk lets you bring someone with you for a lower cost when you buy a ticket at full price.

A boost toward elite status. Miles earned with a credit card, as opposed to those earned from actually flying on the airline, usually do not count toward earning elite status in an airline's frequent-flyer program. However, carrying an airline's high-end card might automatically qualify you for a higher tier within the program.

The biggest U.S. airlines — American, United and Delta — offer an array of credit cards. Each airline has a no-annual-fee card that earns miles on purchases but provides little in the way of perks (no free bags or priority boarding). Each has a high-end card with an annual fee in the neighborhood of $450 that offers lounge access and sumptuous perks. And each has a "middle-class" card with a fee of around $100 and solid ongoing perks. Southwest offers three credit cards with varying fees; smaller carriers may just have a single card.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best airline credit cards

Choosing an airline

Which airline card you get depends in large part on what airline you fly, and that's heavily influenced by where you live. Alaska Airlines, for example, has an outstanding credit card, but the airline's routes are concentrated primarily on the West Coast. So it's not a great option for those who live in, say, Buffalo, New York, or Montgomery, Alabama.

If your local airport is dominated by a single airline, then you're probably flying that carrier most (or all) of the time by default. Delta, for example, is the 800-pound gorilla at Minneapolis-St. Paul and Salt Lake City. United has the bulk of the traffic at Newark and Washington Dulles. American calls the shots at Charlotte and Dallas-Fort Worth. That airline's credit card may be your only realistic option. If you're in a large or midsize market with frequent service from multiple airlines, you have more choice.

» MORE: How to choose an airline credit card

Evaluating hotel credit cards

What you get with a hotel card.

Hotel credit cards earn points with each purchase. As with airline cards, you typically get more points per dollar for purchases from the co-brand partner, and some cards also give bonus points in additional categories. (Hotel cards tend to give you a greater number of points overall than airline cards, but each individual point is generally worth less than a typical airline mile.) Similar to the airline model, the points you earn with the card go into the same loyalty account as the points you earn from actually staying at a hotel. You redeem your points for free stays.

Hotel cards usually offer a sign-up bonus, but like airline cards, they really make their bones with the ongoing perks. Common perks on hotel cards include:

Free nights. Several cards offer this perk, which can make up for the card's annual fee. You may get a free night automatically every year, or you may unlock it by spending a certain amount within a year. In the latter case, it comes on top of the points you earn for your spending.

Upgrades and freebies. Cardholders may qualify for automatic room upgrades when available, or free or discounted amenities such as meals or spa packages.

Early check-in/late check-out. No one likes having to cool their heels in the hotel lobby waiting for 3 o'clock to check in. And no one likes have to vacate their room by 11 a.m. when their flight doesn't leave till evening.

Accelerated elite status. Some hotel cards automatically bump you up a level in their loyalty program just for being a cardholder.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best hotel credit cards

Choosing a hotel group

If you decide to go the hotel-card route, you'll need to decide which hotel group gets your business. Hotels aren't as market-concentrated as airlines, so if your travels take you mostly to metropolitan areas, you'll have a decent amount of choice. Keep in mind that even though there are dozens of nationally recognizable hotel brands, ranging from budget inns to luxury resorts, many of them are just units in a larger hotel company, and that company's card can unlock benefits across the group.

Marriott, for example, includes not only its namesake properties but nearly 30 other brands, including Courtyard, Fairfield, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Ritz-Carlton, Sheraton and Westin. The Hilton family includes DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn and Waldorf-Astoria. InterContinental includes Holiday Inn, Candlewood, Staybridge and Crowne Plaza. Wyndham and Choice have more than 15 mid-tier and budget-oriented brands between them.

HOW TO COMPARE TRAVEL CREDIT CARDS

No travel rewards credit card is going to have everything you want. You're going to be disappointed if you expect to find a high rewards rate, a generous sign-up bonus, top-notch perks and no annual fee. Each card delivers value through a different combination of features; it's up to you to compare cards based on the following features and choose the best travel credit card for your needs and preferences.

Most of the best travel cards charge an annual fee. Fees in the range of $90 to $100 are standard for travel cards. Premium cards with extensive perks will have fees of $450 or more. Weigh the value of the rewards and perks you'll get to make sure they'll make up for the fee.

Can you find good cards without an annual fee? Absolutely! There are no-fee options on our list of the best travel credit cards, and we've rounded up more here . Just be aware that if you go with a no-fee travel card, you'll earn rewards at a lower rate, your sign-up bonus will be smaller, and you won't get as many (if any) perks.

Rewards rate

Rewards can be thought of in terms of "earn rate" and "burn rate".

The earn rate is how many points or miles you receive per dollar spent. Some general travel cards offer flat-rate rewards, meaning you get the same rate on all purchases, all the time — 2 miles per dollar, for example, or 1.5 points per dollar. Others, including most co-branded cards, offer a base rate of maybe 1 point per dollar and then pay a higher rate in certain categories, such as airline tickets, hotel stays, general travel expenses or restaurant meals.

The burn rate is the value you get for those points or miles when you redeem them. The industry average is about 1 cent per point or mile. Some cards, particularly hotel cards, have lower value per point on the "burn" side but give you more points per dollar on the earning side.

When comparing rewards rates, don't just look at the numbers. Look at the categories to which those numbers apply, and find a card that matches your spending patterns. Getting 5 points per dollar seems great — but if those 5X points come only on purchases at, say, office supply stores, and you don't spend money on office supplies, then you're getting lousy value.

Sign-up bonus

Travel cards tend to have the biggest sign-up bonuses — tens of thousands of points that you earn by hitting a certain amount of spending. But there's more to consider when comparing sign-up bonuses than just how many points or miles you earn. You must also take into account how much you have to spend to earn the bonus. While cash-back credit cards often require just $500 to $1,000 in spending over three months to unlock a bonus, travel cards commonly have thresholds of $3,000 to $5,000.

Never spend money you don't have just to earn a sign-up bonus. Carrying $3,000 in debt for a year in order to earn a $500 bonus doesn't make economic sense — the interest you'll pay could easily wipe out the value of the bonus.

Finally, keep in mind that the biggest bonuses will come on cards with annual fees.

Foreign transaction fees

A good travel card will not charge a foreign transaction fee. These fees are surcharges on purchases made outside the U.S. The industry standard is about 3%, which is enough to wipe out most if not all of the rewards you earn on a purchase. If you never leave the U.S., then this isn't much of a concern, but anyone who travels abroad should bring a no-foreign-transaction-fee card with them.

Some issuers don't charge foreign transaction fees on any of their cards. Others charge them on some cards but not all.

International acceptance

Not all travel credit cards are great companions for international travel. While Visa and Mastercard are good pretty much worldwide, you may encounter limited acceptance for American Express and, especially, Discover, depending on the destination. This doesn't mean world travelers should dismiss AmEx and Discover. Just know that if you take one of these cards with you overseas, you'd be smart to bring along a backup in case you run into acceptance problems. (Having a backup card is good advice within the U.S., too, really.)

Travel protections

Consider which travel protections — car rental insurance , trip cancellation coverage , lost baggage protection — are important to you.

"Rewards" are what you get for using a credit card — the points earned with each transaction and the bonuses you unlock with your spending. "Perks" are goodies that you get just for carrying the card. There's a very close correlation between the annual fee on a card and the perks you get for carrying it. Cards with no annual fee are all about rewards and go very light on perks. Premium cards with annual fees of $450 or more are laden with perks (although sometimes their rewards aren't too special). Midtier cards (in the $100 range) tend to have solid rewards and a handful of high-value perks.

Assuming you take advantage of them, the perks often make up for the annual fee on a card quite easily. This is especially true with co-branded cards. Free checked bags can pay for an airline card several times over, and a free night is usually worth more than the fee on a hotel card. When comparing the perks of various cards, be realistic about which ones you will and won't use. Sure, that card may entitle you to a free spa package the next time you're at a five-star hotel, but how often do you stay at five-star hotels?

SHOULD YOU GET A TRAVEL CARD? PROS AND CONS

Pros: why it's worth getting a travel card.

The sign-up bonus gives you a big head-start on travel. Bonuses on the best travel credit cards typically run $500 or more — enough for a roundtrip ticket in many instances.

Perks make travel less expensive and more relaxing. You won't have to worry about cramming a week's worth of clothes into a carry-on if your travel credit card gives you a free checked bag (or automatically reimburses you for the bag fee). Hate the crush of travelers in the terminal? Escape to the airport lounge. Renting a car? Use a travel card that provides primary rental car insurance.

Rewards get you closer to your next trip with every purchase. Spending money on the mundane activities of daily life has a silver lining when you know that every $1,000 you spend will knock $10 or $20 off the cost of that future beach vacation or trip home to see Mom and Dad.

No foreign transaction fee can mean big savings. Take just any old credit card with you on vacation outside the U.S., and $1,000 worth of purchases can cost you $30 off the top due to the foreign transaction surcharge. Good travel cards don't charge this fee.

"Double dipping" gives you more points on travel purchases. Buy a plane ticket or book a hotel room, and you'll earn loyalty points or miles regardless of how you pay. Use the right credit card, though, and you'll earn even more points and miles on top of those.

Strategic redemption can multiply your value. With cash-back credit cards, 1 cent is worth 1 cent, and that's just how it goes. The points and miles on many travel credit cards have variable value based on how you redeem them — booking travel with them vs. transferring them to a partner, booking domestic vs. international flights and economy vs. business class, staying at budget hotels vs. high-end resorts, and so on.

Cons: Why a travel card might not be for you

The best cards charge annual fees. In many cases, the value you get from a credit card more than makes up for the annual fee. But some people are dead set against paying a fee under any circumstances. If that's you, your options in travel cards will be sharply limited, and you won't get the perks that provide a big portion of the value on many cards.

Sign-up bonus spending requirements can be steep. A bonus worth $500, $600 or $700 is attractive, but only if you can afford to earn it with spending you were going to do anyway. If you have to amass thousands of dollars in debt and then pay interest on it, it's not worth it.

Travel cards aren't ideal for infrequent travelers. In the first year with a travel card, you're probably going to come out ahead: You can earn a big sign-up bonus, and several popular cards waive the first year's annual fee, too. In subsequent years, though, you'll break even on that fee only if you use the card enough to make up for it (with the rewards you earn and redeem and the perks you use). Infrequent travelers are more likely to get more total rewards from a cash-back card with no annual fee.

Cash back is simpler and more flexible. Some travel cards allow you to redeem your rewards only for travel. Others give you poor value unless you redeem for travel. Still others have complicated redemption options, making it hard to get the most out of your rewards. With cash-back credit cards, you can use your rewards on anything, you know exactly how much your rewards are worth, and redemption is usually simple.

Rewards cards tend to charge higher interest rates. If you regularly carry a balance from month to month, a travel credit card — or any rewards credit card — probably isn't your best choice. The interest you pay is eating up the value of your rewards. You're better off with a low-interest card that reduces the cost of carrying debt.

MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR TRAVEL CARD

Maximize your rewards with the following tips:

Plan your credit card application around a big purchase to earn the sign-up bonus.

Seize every opportunity to pick up the tab, especially if your travel credit card pays bonus rewards on dining; your friends can pay you back while you collect rewards.

Redeem rewards for travel instead of gift cards, merchandise or (in most cases) cash back to get the best value.

Join the loyalty program associated with a co-branded card — a frequent-flyer or frequent-guest program.

Shop for essentials in your card’s online bonus mall or through its exclusive offers, if available, to get extra rewards.

OTHER CARDS TO CONSIDER

It’s worth considering whether a travel credit card is even right for you in the first place. A NerdWallet study found that cash-back credit cards often earn more money — even for many travelers.

If you carry a balance from month to month, the higher interest rates typically charged by rewards cards can cancel out any rewards earned. If you have a good credit score, you're better off with a low-interest credit card that can save you money on interest.

A good travel credit card shouldn't charge foreign transaction fees, but there are good non-travel cards that also don't charge them. See our best cards with no foreign transaction fee .

If you value transparency and flexibility in your rewards, you can't go wrong with a cash-back card — and you can still use the rewards for travel, if you want.

Finally, if you're still not sure what's right for you, take a look at our best rewards credit cards for options beyond travel and cash back.

NerdWallet's Sam Kemmis contributed to this article.

To view rates and fees of the American Express® Gold Card , see this page . To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express , see this page .

Last updated on July 2 , 2024

Methodology

NerdWallet's Credit Cards team selects the best travel rewards credit cards based on overall consumer value, as evidenced by star ratings, as well as their suitability for specific kinds of travelers. Factors in our evaluation include each card's annual fee, foreign transaction fees, rewards earnings rates, ease of use, redemption options, domestic and international acceptance, promotional APR period, bonus offers, and cardholder perks such as automatic statement credits and airport lounge access. Learn how NerdWallet rates credit cards.

Frequently asked questions

Travel credit cards earn points (sometimes called miles) each time you buy something. The standard earning rate is 1 to 2 points per dollar spent, and many cards give you extra points for certain purchases, particularly travel expenses. The value of a point depends on the card that earned it and how you redeem it, but a good rule of thumb is to assume each point is worth an average of about 1 cent.

Your points accumulate in a rewards account, where you can use them to pay for travel. Most cards let you book travel directly using a portal similar to those at online travel agencies or on airline and hotel websites, but instead of paying cash, you pay with your points. Depending on the card, you may also have the option of booking travel any way you want, paying for it with the card and then cashing in your points for a credit against those expenses.

Points and miles are just different names for the same thing: the currency used in a travel rewards program. Some travel credit cards call them points, some call them miles.

Airline frequent flyer programs have long used the term “miles” to refer to the rewards you earn for flying. That’s because at one time, you really did earn rewards according to how many miles you flew — the longer the flight, the more miles you earned. Nowadays, most domestic airlines give out “miles” based on how much you spend, not how far you fly, so they’re really just points. (There are a few exceptions, though, notably Alaska Airlines.)

Especially when it comes to redeeming your rewards, there’s no difference between points and miles. The number of points or miles you need is based mostly on the cost of what you’re redeeming them for. It takes more than 500 miles (value about: $5) to get a free 500-mile flight!

The value of a point or mile depends on the card you earned it with and how you redeem it. A common rule of thumb is to assume that each point or mile is worth an average of 1 cent, although you can certainly get a much higher (or lower) redemption value. See our travel loyalty roundup page for NerdWallet’s current valuations for airline miles and hotel points.

Travel credit cards fall into two main categories: co-branded and general-purpose.

• Co-branded travel cards carry the name of an airline or hotel chain. The rewards you earn on the card can typically be redeemed only with that brand (or maybe its partners). Co-branded cards limit your flexibility, but because they are issued in partnership with an airline or hotel, they can give you special perks, like free checked bags or room upgrades.

• General-purpose travel cards are issued by a credit card company and are not directly tied to any particular airline or hotel. They earn points in the issuer's own program, such as American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards® or Citi ThankYou. These points are a lot more flexible, as you can use them to pay for a range of travel expenses, including flights on any airline or stays at any hotel. However, they don’t offer the airline- or hotel-specific perks of co-branded cards.

Travel cards — like rewards cards in general — typically require good to excellent credit for approval. Good credit is generally defined as a credit score of 690 or better. However, credit scores alone do not guarantee approval. Every issuer has its own criteria for evaluating applications.

Business travel can earn credit card rewards just like leisure travel. Credit cards that earn rewards for travel purchases don't distinguish between one or the other — meaning, if a card pays 3X points on airfare, for example, it's going to pay it no matter why you're buying the ticket. There are also travel credit cards specifically designed for business operators, with benefits and perks better aligned with their needs.

Where things get complicated is when you're not arranging the travel yourself. With credit card points, the rewards go to the cardholder. So if you arrange travel through your employer and the cost goes on the "company card," then the company card gets the points. Put it on your own card and get reimbursed later, and you get the points. (And if you have a company card with your name on it? That may come down to company policy.)

When redeeming travel rewards, you want to get as much value as possible. If you can get more value by using your rewards than by using cash, then it's smart to do so. (And of course, the reverse also applies.) NerdWallet has calculated the baseline values of most major credit card points, airline miles and hotel points. When you get a value that exceeds these baselines, go ahead and use your rewards. If not, consider using cash.

For example, say you could book a trip by paying $400 cash for a ticket or by redeeming 50,000 points or miles. In that case, your points would be getting you a value of 0.8 cents apiece (50,000 x 0.8 cents = $400). If the baseline value of each point is 1 cent, then you're better off paying cash and saving the points for when you can redeem them for 1 cent or better.

That said, you don't want to be overthinking it and hoarding points indefinitely in search of the deal to end all deals. Like any other currency, travel rewards lose value over time. That flight that costs 50,000 points today might cost 55,000 next year. Do you have enough points to get you where you want to go, when you want to go, in the way you want to get there? If so, don't let fractions of a penny stop you from booking your trip. It's your money, and you get to decide how to spend it.

A number of travel credit cards come with "travel credits," which reimburse you for specific expenses. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® , for example, has a $300 annual travel credit; several cards offer credits toward things like airline fees or hotel bookings; and a bunch of cards have a credit for the application fee for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry .

The less restrictive a credit is, the easier it is to redeem. The easiest travel credit to redeem is one that:

Applies to a broad range of expenses. Some credits are very fickle. You may get $200 a year in "airline credit," but it applies only to incidental fees (not airfare) on a single airline that you have to choose ahead of time. A card may offer hundreds of dollars in credit toward travel, but you have to go through the issuer's booking portal, where rates may be more expensive and options more limited. Other credits, however, are broad and open-ended: $300 on any travel expense, $100 toward any airline booking, and so on.

Shows up automatically on your statement. Your issuer's system should be able to recognize qualifying expenses and then apply the credit to them without you having to do anything. If the only way to receive the credit is by calling a phone number or submitting receipts or other documentation, that makes it harder to redeem, which in turn makes it less likely that you'll redeem (and that may be the point).

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Best business credit cards for July 2024

The best business credit cards on the market can help you earn valuable rewards and take advantage of useful benefits, such as purchase protection or travel redemptions. Even better, there’s a suitable card for almost any business owner, whether you’re running a brick-and-mortar store or doing freelance work on the side.

Some of our favorite small business cards include the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express because they’re easy to use and offer generous rewards rates.

Let’s explore our complete list of recommendations so you can find the best credit card for your business.

In this article:

Best for everyday business spending: Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

Best for straightforward cash back: Signify Business Cash℠ Card by Wells Fargo

Best for simple travel rewards: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

Best for boosted travel redemptions: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Best for hotel benefits: IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

Best for airline benefits: United℠ Business Card

Best for elevated earning: U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card

Best for customized earning: Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card

Best for premium travel benefits: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

More top small business credit cards to consider

Types of business credit cards.

Pros and cons of business credit cards

Who qualifies for a business credit card?

How to choose a business credit card, how to apply for a business credit card, our methodology.

Consider these credit cards to help reach your business goals:

Ink Business Cash Credit Card : Best for everyday business spending

Annual fee: $0

Welcome offer: Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases (then 18.49% - 24.49% variable APR)

5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each account anniversary year

2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year

1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn

Recommended credit score: Good to excellent

More business benefits: Chase credit cards are known for their protection perks, and the Ink Business Cash is no exception. You can take advantage of purchase protection and extended warranty protection benefits on eligible purchases you make with your card.

Why we like this card for everyday business spending: The Ink Business Cash is one of our favorite business cards because of its high rewards rate. Earning 5% cash back on common business expenses is a huge deal, blowing away most other business card rewards rates.

Note that the 5% rate is limited to $25,000 in eligible spending each account anniversary year. But if your business spends that much, you’ll pocket a cool $1,250 in cash-back rewards that you can redeem as statement credits, travel, gift cards, and more.

Signify Business Cash Card by Wells Fargo : Best for straightforward cash back

Welcome offer: Earn a $500 cash rewards bonus when you spend $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months

Intro APR: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases (then 18.49% to 26.49% variable APR)

2% cash back on purchases made for your business

Recommended credit score: N/A

More business benefits: The Signify Business Cash Card includes a complimentary annual Priority Pass membership. You still have to pay for individual lounge entry fees (typically around $35 per visit), but you don’t have to pay for the Priority Pass membership (worth around $100).

Why we like this card for simple cash rewards: Wells Fargo’s Signify Business Cash is an excellent cash-back credit card if you want to earn a flat rewards rate on all your eligible purchases. With unlimited 2% cash rewards, you don’t have to worry about different spending categories or spending caps. Simply use your card to make purchases and reap the rewards.

Your cash rewards can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, and account credits.

The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express : Best for simple travel rewards

Annual fee: $0 (see rates and fees )

Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases within your first 3 months of account opening

Intro APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening (then 18.49% to 26.49% variable APR)

2x points on eligible purchases (up to $50,000 spent per year, then 1x points)

1x points on all other eligible purchases

More business benefits: The Amex Blue Business Plus includes both purchase protection and extended warranty coverage* for your eligible purchases. You can also transfer your points to over a dozen Amex travel partners for increased redemption flexibility.

Why we like this card for simple travel rewards: If you prefer earning travel rewards, it doesn’t get much easier than the Amex Blue Business Plus . With this card, you can earn 2x points on up to $50,000 per year in eligible purchases (then 1x points; terms apply) with no spending categories to worry about.

If your business spends $50,000 annually on the card, that’s 100,000 Membership Rewards points you can redeem toward travel, statement credits, gift cards, and more. Conservatively, we’d say that’s worth at least $1,000 (less with certain redemptions), but we’ve found you can typically get more value from your points if you transfer them to travel partners like Air France KLM, Iberia, or Virgin Atlantic.

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Ink Business Preferred Credit Card : Best for boosted travel redemptions

Annual fee: $95

Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months

APR: 21.24% to 26.24% variable APR

3x points on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year

More business benefits: In addition to purchase protection and extended warranty protection, the Ink Business Preferred also offers cell phone protection, which isn’t a common card benefit. There are also no foreign transaction fees and you can transfer points to Chase travel partners.

Why we like this card for boosted travel redemptions: The Chase Ink Business Preferred is a popular travel card for small business owners because it earns valuable Ultimate Rewards points, worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠.

That means 100,000 points could get you a $1,000 statement credit or $1,250 toward travel booked through Chase.

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card : Best for hotel benefits

Annual fee: $99

Welcome offer: Earn 140,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months

APR: 21.49% - 28.49% variable APR

Up to 26x points at IHG Hotels and Resorts

5x points on travel, at gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants

3x points on all other eligible purchases

More business benefits: The IHG One Premier Business includes purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and no foreign transaction fees. You can also earn a $100 statement credit and 10,000 bonus points after spending $20,000 each calendar year.

Why we like this card for hotel benefits: The IHG One Premier Business offers up to 26x points per dollar spent at IHG Hotels and Resorts, making it a lucrative opportunity for IHG loyalists. You can also earn a free anniversary night each year, with a point redemption cap of 40,000 points.

The anniversary free night may be the most compelling reason to apply for this card, as it’s an easy way to offset the $99 annual fee immediately. In our experience, we typically get more than $99 worth of value from the free night benefit alone, making other benefits count as pure profit in our eyes.

Other notable benefits on this hotel credit card include automatic IHG One Rewards Platinum Elite status and a fourth night free when redeeming points for a consecutive four-night IHG hotel stay.

United Business Card : Best for airline benefits

Annual fee: $0 for the first year, then $99

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months

APR: 21.99% - 28.99% variable APR

2x miles on United purchases, dining, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting

1x miles on all other eligible purchases

More business benefits: The United Business Card offers both purchase protection and extended warranty protection.

Some of the specific United benefits include:

Free first checked bag for you and a companion on the same reservation

$100 United travel credit after eligible flight purchases

5,000 anniversary bonus miles if you also have a personal United credit card

Two United Club one-time passes each year

25% back on United inflight and United Club premium drink purchases

Priority boarding on United-operated flights

Why we like this card for airline benefits: As part of its overall rewards rate, the United Business Card offers 2x miles per $1 spent on purchases with the airline, making it a top choice for United business travelers.

It’s a decent rewards rate, but we think much of the value of this airline credit card lies in its United benefits, especially the free checked bag. Considering a prepaid checked bag costs $35 per one-way domestic flight, you could save $70 roundtrip. Add in a companion and that’s another $70 saved, or $140 total.

If you take at least one solo roundtrip flight per year, the free checked bag benefit alone could almost entirely offset the annual fee. If you’re traveling with someone else, the annual cost would be more than offset.

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card : Best for elevated earning

Welcome offer: Earn $500 in cash back after you spend $4,500 on purchases in the first five months

APR: 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months (then 19.24% to 28.24% variable APR)

3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants

1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

More business benefits: With the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business, you can receive a $100 credit per 12-month period for recurring software subscriptions. That could include services like FreshBooks or QuickBooks.

Why we like this card for elevated earning: We like the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business because you can earn an above-average rewards rate (3%) if your business expenses align with the offered categories: gas and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants.

It’s worth noting that this is a 0% intro APR card that provides a generous introductory offer on purchases and balance transfers, which you don’t always see on small business credit cards.

Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Card : Best for customized earning

Welcome offer: Get a $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days

APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles following the opening of your account (then 18.49% to 28.49% variable APR).

3% cash back in the category of your choice*, including gas stations and EV charging stations (default); office supply stores; travel; TV, telecom, and wireless; computer services; or business consulting services

2% cash back on dining*

1% cash back on all other purchases

*Earn 3% and 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in combined spending each calendar year, then 1%

Recommended credit score: Excellent

More business benefits: You can earn up to 75% more cash back if you have a Bank of America business checking account and qualify for the Preferred Rewards for Business program.

Why we like this card for customized earning: You rarely get to choose how you earn rewards, but that’s exactly what you get with the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash.

For the 3% earning rate, you can choose from six different rewards categories each calendar month. Whether the categories are useful to you largely depends on your business. Still, there are everyday options to choose from, including gas stations and EV charging, office supply stores, and travel.

Keep in mind that the default category is gas stations and EV charging stations. In addition, there’s a $50,000 cap on combined 3% choice category and 2% dining purchases.

Read our full review of the Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards card

The Business Platinum Card from American Express : Best for premium travel benefits

Annual fee: $695 (see rates and fees )

Welcome offer: Earn 150,000 points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases within the first three months

APR: 19.49% - 28.49% variable APR

5x points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com

1.5x on eligible purchases at U.S. construction and hardware suppliers; electronic goods retailers; software and cloud system providers; shipping providers; and on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (on up to $2 million in combined spending per calendar year, then 1x)

1x points for each dollar you spend on all other eligible purchases

More business benefits: The Amex Business Platinum doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees and provides purchase protection and extended warranty coverage on eligible purchases. You can also use cell phone protection if you pay your phone bill with your card.*

In addition, there are loads of credits and perks you might find helpful as a small business owner, including:

Up to $400 ($200 semi-annually) Dell Technologies credit per year

Up to $360 ($90 quarterly) Indeed credit per year

Up to $150 back annually on select Adobe subscription services

Up to $120 ($10 per month) credit for U.S. wireless telephone service provider purchases per year

Up to $200 airline fee credit per year

Up to $189 CLEAR Plus credit per year

$100 Global Entry statement credit every four years or up to $85 TSA PreCheck credit every 4.5 years for application fees

Terms apply, enrollment required for some benefits

Why we like this card for premium travel benefits: You can potentially receive over $1,000 in value from the Amex Business Platinum’s many credits, which is more than enough to offset the annual fee. And that’s not including the value you could get from other card perks, such as airport lounge access.

The Amex Business Platinum offers complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide. This includes more airport lounge networks than you can find on just about any other travel credit card, making it a good fit for frequent business travelers.

If our main recommendations don’t seem like the right fit, consider these excellent alternatives that could better suit your business needs.

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited has a $0 annual fee and offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on purchases. We like how simple and easy it is to use, making it a prime choice if you’re new to rewards credit cards or don’t want the hassle of memorizing confusing bonus categories.

Read our full review of the Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

In addition to the rewards rate, new cardmembers can also earn $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months. There’s also a 0% intro APR offer for 12 months on purchases (then 18.49% - 24.49% variable APR) if needed.

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

We recommend this card if you frequently fly Southwest because you can earn Rapid Rewards points on your business purchases while also benefiting from Southwest perks, such as two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year and 25% back on inflight purchases.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business has a $99 annual fee and offers 3x points on Southwest purchases, 2x points on Rapid Rewards partners for hotels and car rentals, 2x points on local transit and commuting, and 1x points on all other purchases.

As a new cardmember, you can earn 60,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months.

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

It’s hard to beat the Amex Blue Business Cash for simple cash-back rewards. It has a $0 annual fee (see rates and fees ) and offers 2% cash back on eligible purchases up to $50,000 per year (then 1%). The main drawback of this card is the $50,000 spending cap, but that’s not an issue if you tend to spend less than that.

You can also earn a $250 statement credit after making $3,000 in purchases in your first three months as a new cardmember.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

For small business owners who are Marriott loyalists, the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex Card is worthy of consideration. It has a $125 annual fee (see rates and fees ), but this can be easily offset each year with the one Free Night Award you receive after card renewal.

You also receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year for simply being a cardholder. That could help you achieve a higher elite status each year while also contributing to hitting lifetime Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Note that if you prefer to stay at Hilton properties, The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is where you should be looking.

Capital One Venture X Business

The Capital One Venture X Business makes sense if you want top travel benefits with an annual fee ($395) that’s lower than many other premium travel cards. With its $300 annual travel credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, you’re already well on your way to recouping the annual cost each year.

The Venture X Business also offers complimentary Priority Pass membership and free access to Capital One Lounges. Even better, you can bring two guests at no additional cost.

More business credit card offers

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card

American Express® Business Gold Card

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Travel credit cards : These cards make sense if you want to earn travel rewards, such as points or miles, on your business purchases. Rewards can be used for travel-related redemptions, including flights, hotel stays, and car rentals.

Cash-back credit cards : You can typically redeem cash-back rewards for statement credits and gift cards. In some cases, you could also receive deposits into an eligible checking or savings account.

Secured credit cards: Whether secured vs. unsecured cards are best depends on your credit history. The typical credit card is unsecured, which means your credit limit isn’t tied to any collateral; instead, it’s determined by your credit report. Secured credit cards tend to have less strict eligibility requirements because you must offer collateral to open one. Secured cards generally have a security deposit requirement, which often acts as your credit limit. For example, you might put down $1,000 as your deposit and then have a $1,000 credit limit.

Corporate cards: A corporate card is a specific type of business card typically only available to incorporated businesses, such as corporations and some limited liability companies (LLCs). These cards tend to have stricter eligibility requirements based on company size and available assets.

Pros and cons of business credit card

Just about anyone with a business, even a new business, can apply for a business credit card. That includes anyone who operates a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC.

Sole proprietors could include any number of people who earn money independently, such as freelancers and people who work side hustles.

If you don’t have some sort of income-earning venture or side gig, you might not qualify for a business credit card. But remember that it’s probably easier than you think to meet the qualifications to apply for a business card, especially if you have a good personal credit history.

The best credit card for business depends on your preferences and personal finance goals. Consider these factors to help find a card that suits your business needs:

Credit requirements: Most business credit cards require a personal guarantee, meaning you need at least a good personal credit score to qualify. Certain cards could require an excellent credit score, so it’s worth doing some research to find a card that aligns with your current financial situation. If your score is lower than you’d like, you can use credit cards to boost your credit score .

Fees: Annual fees and foreign transaction fees are common but avoidable, depending on your needs. In general, cards with premium benefits have annual fees, and credit cards with no foreign transaction fees tend to be travel-oriented.

Benefits: Card perks vary by card and issuer. Benefits could include airport lounge access, cell phone protection, travel insurance, and more.

Rewards: Rewards credit cards generally earn points, miles, or cash back. Points and miles are associated with travel redemptions, while cash back can be redeemed for things like statement credits, gift cards, and (sometimes) bank deposits. Many rewards cards offer welcome bonuses, which are great ways to earn a lot of points as a new card member.

APR: Ongoing APR rates on credit cards are often high, so it’s rarely a good idea to carry a balance. However, some business cards provide 0% intro APR offers on purchases, allowing you to avoid interest during the introductory period. This could come in handy if you have a large purchase coming up and want some extra time to pay it off without added interest.

Business credit card applications are similar to personal credit card applications in that you have to provide some personal information. You can also easily fill out and submit an application online. The main difference when applying for a business card is that you must also provide information about your business.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the different items you might see on a business card application:

Authorizing officer title: For sole proprietors, you’re the owner. If it’s a different business setup, you might be a member, partner, president, or another type of officer.

Business structure: Choose between corporation, LLC, nonprofit, partnership, or sole proprietorship. You're likely a sole proprietor if you work for yourself, such as freelancing or doing a side gig.

Legal business name: Your company’s name is typically your own if you’re a sole proprietor.

Business mailing address: Unless you have a specific business address, this is your home address.

Business phone number: If you don’t have a business phone number, you can use your personal number.

Tax ID type: If you're a sole proprietor, you might not have an employer identification number (EIN), so you can use your Social Security number (SSN).

Number of employees: For sole proprietors, you only have one employee (yourself).

Business established date: This is when your business was created. This doesn’t necessarily mean the date you started making money, as the start of your business is when you began setting it up.

Annual business revenue: This is your last year of business revenue. If your business is new, you can put “$0” or an amount you’re projected to earn.

Business category: Select the categories most aligned with your business from the available options.

Estimated monthly spend: How much you expect to spend on your business credit card each month.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) for business credit cards

Can you use an ein to get a credit card.

It’s possible to apply for and get approved for a business credit card with just an EIN, but it likely won’t be feasible for most small business owners. This is because many EIN-only cards are corporate cards with strict eligibility requirements, such as having a high minimum cash balance of $50,000 or more.

What should your personal credit score be to get a business credit card?

To qualify for a business credit card, you typically need a good to excellent personal credit score (at least a 670 FICO score). Many small business owners don’t have much or any business credit history, so business card issuers often do a hard credit check into your personal credit history to assess your creditworthiness.

Does applying for a business card hurt credit?

Most credit card issuers do a hard credit inquiry to check your personal credit report when you apply for a new business credit card. Hard inquiries could initially drop your credit score by a few points but typically won’t impact your credit score for more than 12 months.

Which is the easiest business credit card to get?

Qualifying for secured business credit cards is often easier because of more relaxed eligibility requirements. However, you generally have to put down a security deposit that acts as your credit limit. Also, many secured credit cards have fewer benefits than their unsecured counterparts.

We researched nearly all available options from major card issuers to find the best business credit cards. We did not research all the products available from every credit card company.

Using our research, we compiled a list of dozens of different business credit cards and created a rubric to rate each card based on various criteria. Some factors we considered include ongoing APR, annual fee, welcome offer, rewards rate, security features, mobile app ratings, and additional benefits.

Our final list includes cards that scored well on our rubric and ones that, based on our experience, research, and expert opinion, could make sense for a wide variety of small business owners.

This article was edited by Alicia Hahn

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. All opinions belong solely to Yahoo Finance and are not those of any other entity. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers. Credit score alone does not guarantee or imply approval for any financial product.

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How to pick the best business credit card for travel.

Travel can be an important aspect of a business. By using business credit cards, you may be able to save on some of the costs associated with it. Not every travel card is the same, so it's important to understand the differences when looking at options for the best business credit cards for travel for your company.

What are business credit cards?

Business credit cards are cards created to meet the specific needs of businesses. This may include things like tools to make managing finances easier or rewards for business-related purchases.

There are a few reasons why a business might seek out a business card:

• Credit limit: Business credit cards generally have higher credit limits than personal credit cards. This allows a business owner to have more spending power when it comes to growing or maintaining their business.
• Business credit: Like individuals, businesses also have a credit score. Responsibly using a business credit card may help improve or maintain that score. This could open a business up to better financing opportunities in the future.
• Rewards and benefits: Business credit cards may offer businesses certain protections, such as rental car insurance, travel insurance, cell phone protection and more. They may also offer rewards programs for spending, such as travel rewards.

If you're looking for a business credit card with travel rewards, there are a few considerations to help you choose the one that's best for you.

How to choose the best business travel card for you

Business travel doesn't look the same for every business. For some, you may regularly fly cross-country or overseas. For others, you may just be driving to nearby states. Assessing your business' travel habits and needs will likely be key to choosing the best credit card for business travel.

Some factors you may want to take into consideration include:

Spending habits: Look back at your business' travel-related expenses and see where you're spending the most money. Is it flights? Restaurants? Hotels? Using this information, you can choose a card that rewards your spending with the most useful redemption options. Additionally, many business credit cards provide an accelerated earn on purchases in certain categories, such as office supplies.

Interest: Make sure to understand the interest rates for the travel rewards credit card that you're considering. If you end up carrying a balance on the card, you may want to know how much interest you will accrue.

Credit limit: Some cards may offer higher credit limits than others, so you may want to evaluate what an ideal credit limit for your business may look like. This could help narrow down your card options.

Once you've narrowed down your search and have a better idea of what would be your best business travel rewards credit card, you may want to explore the different ways to save on business travel.

Ways to save on business travel

Traveling can incur a range of different expenses. Which area of business travel you decide to prioritize when it comes to saving money and redeeming travel rewards will vary based on your own preferences and circumstances.

One way to save on hotels is by using a business credit card affiliated with a hotel chain. For instance, some hotel credit cards may offer an accelerated earn and statement credits when you stay at an affiliated hotel. A card like this may be especially appealing if you're partial to a certain hotel chain.

Other non-affiliated cards may allow you to redeem your earned points on hotel accommodations. If you've earned enough points through spending, you may even be able to pay for the entirety of a hotel stay using those points.

If you're looking to save on flights, there are a few ways to do that. A business credit card, such as the Chase Ink Business Preferred ® , allows you to redeem earned points to pay for flights.

Another option is by applying for a business travel rewards credit card that offers a companion fare. This may be a good choice if you have multiple employees traveling together. With this type of reward, you may be able to receive a second airline ticket for a discounted price. Some cards have a set companion fare price, while others may offer the second ticket for only the price of taxes.

Some credit cards may also offer reimbursement for programs like TSA PreCheck and Global Entry if that card is used to pay the application fee.

While these programs are not a requirement for traveling, having access to expedited security can help save time.

Restaurants

If you find that dining out while on business trips makes up a big chunk of your expenses, you may want to look into a cash-back card, such as Chase Ink Business Cash ® . Some cash-back business cards award extra points for dining out. You can also redeem rewards for gift cards with some credit cards. You may be able to use these gift cards for payment at restaurants. It's important to note that not all cash-back business cards are the same, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the exact terms of the card you're interested in.

Rental cars

If you or your employees rent cars when you travel, there are also card options available there with cards that have travel redemption options. Some business travel cards offer cardholders the opportunity to redeem points for rental cars. Plus, many business cards also provide rental car insurance as one of their business benefits.

How to apply for a business credit card

Once you choose which business credit card with travel rewards is right for you, there is some information you'll want to have on hand before applying.

• Business information such as name, address and contact information
• Age of business
• Number of employees
• Annual revenue
• Estimated monthly spending
• Employee identification number (EIN) if you have one

You'll also need to provide your personal information, such as your name, home address, email, phone number, social security number and income.

Ultimately, there is no singular “best" business credit card for travel rewards — just the best card for you. By evaluating your business' spending and travel habits, you can find a card that fits your needs.

• business cards
• credit card benefits

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Prepaid Cards

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The Business Platinum Card ®

Annual Fee: $695 ¤

Scroll Down to Learn More

How You Earn

5x points on flights & prepaid hotels on flights & prepaid hotels, 1.5x points on eligible purchases on eligible purchases, 1x points on other eligible purchases ‡ on other eligible purchases ‡, 5x points on flights & prepaid hotels 5x points on flights & prepaid hotels, 1.5x points on eligible purchases 1.5x points on eligible purchases, 1x points on other eligible purchases ‡ 1x points on other eligible purchases ‡, unlock over $1,000 in business & travel value annually.

Enroll in each of the below and get statement credits of up to:

$200 back semi-annually for U.S. purchases with

See Details

Shop Dell Technologies

Upgrade your tech, enhance your business. Enroll and get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually on U.S. purchases with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card through 12/31/24. That's up to $400 back. ‡

$90 back per quarter for purchases with

Build Your Team with Indeed

Build your team, grow your business. Enroll and get up to $360 in statement credits(up to $90 back per quarter) for purchases with Indeed on the Card through 12/31/24. ‡

$150 back per year for select business subscription purchases with

Adobe Creative Solutions

Get the creative solutions your business needs. Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits for eligible annual prepaid business plan purchases of Adobe Creative Cloud for teams or Adobe Acrobat Pro for teams on the Business Platinum Card through 12/31/24. 1 ‡

1 Annual prepaid business plans automatically renew each year on your annual subscription date until cancelled.

$10 back monthly for select purchases with U.S. wireless phone service providers

Wireless Credit

Enroll and get up to $120 in statement credits per year for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $10 back per month. ‡

$200 back per year for baggage fees and other incidentals with one qualifying airline

$200 Airline Fee Credit

Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to your Business Platinum Card Account. 1‡

1 American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.

$189 back per year for your CLEAR ® Plus Membership

$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit

CLEAR ® uses unique attributes, such as eyes or fingerprints, to digitally verify identity to help its members move faster through security at select airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership 1 with up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with your Business Platinum Card. ‡

1 Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.

$400 Statement Credit

Up to $400 back (up to $200 semi-annually) on U.S. purchases with Dell Technologies through 12/31/24. Enrollment required. ‡

$360 Statement Credit

Get up to $360 back (up to $90 quarterly) for purchases with Indeed on the Card through 12/31/24. Enrollment required. ‡

$150 Statement Credit

Enroll and get up to $150 back for select auto-renewing annual business subscription purchases with Adobe on the Business Platinum ® Card through 12/31/24. ‡

$120 Statement Credit

Get up to $120 back per year for purchases with U.S. wireless telephone service providers on the Business Platinum Card. Enrollment required. ‡

$200 Statement Credit

Select one qualifying airline and receive up to $200 in credits per year for baggage fees and more. ‡

$189 Statement Credit

Breeze through security with CLEAR ® Plus. CLEAR lanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership when you use the Business Platinum Card. Learn More. ‡

Featured Benefits

The Global Lounge Collection ®

The American Express Global Lounge Collection ® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market ‡ 1 . 1 As of 3/2023

American Express Global Lounge Collection ®

Enjoy complimentary access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion ® Lounge, Escape Lounges - The Centurion ® Studio Partner, Delta Sky Club ® when flying Delta, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass ™ Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges. Lounges may have their own rules, like age restrictions and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express ® App ‡ or visit americanexpress.com/findalounge . ‡

Marriott Bonvoy ® Gold Elite Status

As a Business Platinum Card Member, you can upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy ™ Gold Elite status without meeting any stay requirements. Terms and limitations apply. ‡

Business Platinum Card Members and Additional Business Platinum Card Members may enroll (or upgrade an existing membership) directly into Marriott Bonvoy ® Gold Elite Status, bypassing the usual annual minimum night/stay requirements. Once enrollment is completed, the Card Member may take advantage of the Gold Elite benefits at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy and booked with a Qualifying Rate. ‡ With Gold Elite status, members enjoy: 1. 25% bonus points on eligible hotel purchases 2. A Welcome Gift of Points and Complimentary In-room Wi-Fi Access 3. Enhanced Room Upgrades at select properties (when available) 4. 2pm Late Checkout (when available)

Fine Hotels + Resorts ® Program

For every type of traveler and every type of trip, find your stay with American Express Travel. For hotels that are destinations unto themselves, there’s Fine Hotels + Resorts ® . ‡

Fine Hotels + Resorts Program

When you're ready to relax and need an escape, enjoy an unforgettable experience with Fine Hotels + Resorts ® . When you book through American Express Travel, you'll receive an average total value of $600 1 in perks, like daily breakfast for two, 4pm check-out, and more. Plus, book on AmexTravel.com and you can earn 5X Membership Rewards ® points ® , or use Pay with Points ® , on prepaid stays with a minimum 2-night stay required to be eligible for the benefit. 1 Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2022 for stays of two nights. Benefits include daily breakfast for two, room upgrade upon arrival when available, $100 amenity, guaranteed 4PM late checkout, and noon check-in when available. Certain room categories not eligible for upgrade. $100 amenity varies by property. Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

All Benefits & Features

5x membership rewards ® points, the global lounge collection ®, $189 clear plus credit, fine hotels + resorts ® program ‡, fee credit for global entry or tsa precheck ®, no foreign transaction fees ¤, marriott bonvoy ® gold elite status, hilton honors ™ gold status, premium car rental privileges, business platinum travel service, trip delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

• Cash Flow Flexibility
• Expense Management
• Additional Services

Business Platinum Card ®

Annual fee: $695 ¤, get a decision in as little as 30 seconds.

• ♦︎ ‡†Offer & Benefit Terms
• ¤Rates & Fees

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Travel Rewards Business Credit Cards

Get more mileage out of your business expenses., earn travel rewards each time you spend with a travel rewards small business credit card..

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Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard ® credit card No annual fee †

Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card

Online offer: $300 statement credit bonus, interest rates & fees summary †, introductory apr, standard aprs for purchases and balance transfers, balance transfer fee.

of each transaction (minimum $0) †

• Earn  unlimited 1.5% cash back , or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee , and earn up to an unlimited 2.62% cash back  on all purchases if you have a Bank of America ® business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier. Learn more about  Preferred Rewards for Business  tiers and bonus rewards. Calculate rewards .
• Choose how to redeem your cash rewards – as a deposit into your Bank of America ® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you.
• 0% † introductory APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% - 28.49% will apply.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page, if you visit a Bank of America financial center or call the bank. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

† Terms & Conditions for Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard ® credit card

Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard ® credit card No annual fee †

Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards credit card

• Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice*, 2% cash back on dining purchases (for first $50,000 in those combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year and 1% thereafter), and  1% cash back on all other purchases. OR Join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee and earn up to 5.25% cash back in the category of your choice*, up to 3.5% cash back on dining purchases (for the first $50,000 in those combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year), and up to an unlimited 1.75% cash back on all other purchases if you have a Bank of America ®  business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier. Learn more about  Preferred Rewards for Business  tiers and rewards. Calculate rewards . *Select categories include gas stations and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services.
• Choose how to redeem your cash rewards – as a deposit into your Bank of America ® checking or savings account, as a card statement credit or as a check mailed to you. Cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• 0% †  Introductory APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 18.49% - 28.49% will apply.

† Terms & Conditions for Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard ® credit card

Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard ® credit card No annual fee and no international transaction fees †

Business Advantage Travel Rewards credit card

Online offer: 30,000 bonus points, standard apr.

• Earn  unlimited 1.5 points , or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee , and earn up to an unlimited 2.62 points for every $1 spent  on all purchases if you have a Bank of America® business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier. Learn more about  Preferred Rewards for Business  tiers and bonus rewards. Calculate rewards .
• Redeem points for a statement credit to offset travel and dining purchases, travel with no blackout dates at the Bank of America ®  Travel Center, cash back or gift cards.

† Terms & Conditions for Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard ® credit card

Alaska Airlines Visa ® Business Card No international transaction fees and a low annual fee of $70 for the company and $25 per card †

Alaska Airlines Business credit card

50,000 bonus mile +  alaska's famous companion fare™ offer.

• Get 50,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™  ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Free checked bag for any cardholder and up to 6 guests on the same reservation when you pay for your flight with your card – that's a savings of $70 per person roundtrip ! Plus, Priority Boarding for any cardholder when paying for the flight with an Alaska Airlines Business card.
• Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, shipping and local transit (including rideshare) purchases, and 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases. Plus, earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if your company has an eligible Bank of America ® small business account.
• Flexibility with no blackout dates on Alaska Airlines flights when booking with miles or companion fare. 
• This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page . You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

† Terms & Conditions for Alaska Airlines Visa ® Business Card

Platinum Plus ® Mastercard ®  Business card No annual fee †

Platinum Plus ® Mastercard ®  Business card

• Save on interest with a competitive APR
• 0% †  Introductory APR on purchases for the first 7 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that's currently 16.49% - 27.49% will apply.
• Separate your business and personal expenses
• Get employee cards at no additional cost to you and with credit limits you set
• Mastercard Easy Saving® Program – No coupons. No codes. Just automatic rebates when you pay with your card at tens of thousands of locations across the U.S. To learn more about the Mastercard Easy Savings® rewards program and participating merchants visit: http://www.priceless.com/easysavings

† Terms & Conditions for Platinum Plus ® Mastercard ®  Business card

Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard ® Secured credit card No annual fee †

Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard ® Secured credit card

Help strengthen your business credit while earning unlimited cash back.

• Open your account with a security deposit (minimum $1,000). Upon approval your credit line will be equal to your deposit amount.
• Build up your credit history – with consistent, on-time payments, you could improve your business credit over time.
• Seamless transition – we'll periodically review your account and if your overall credit history improves, you could transition to an unsecured card. Not all customers will qualify.
• Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every time. No annual cap and rewards don't expire as long as your account remains open.

† Terms & Conditions for Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard ® Secured credit card

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Find the best credit card for you

The 6 best chase travel credit cards of 2024, chase issues some of the top travel credit cards that earn airline miles, hotel points and flexible travel rewards..

If you're looking for a travel credit card , one of the top card issuers to consider is Chase. The best Chase credit cards offer valuable travel perks and earn flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. For brand loyalists, Chase also issues co-branded credit cards for airlines and hotels such as Marriott and United.

To help you choose the best Chase travel credit card for your situation, CNBC Select analyzed travel cards issued by Chase, weighing each card's perks and costs (see our methodology for more information on how we choose the best Chase travel credit cards).

Best Chase travel credit cards

• Best for beginners:   Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for no annual fee: Chase Freedom Unlimited®
• Best for business owners: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
• Best for premium benefits: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for IHG stays: IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• Best for Southwest flyers: Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Best for beginners

Chase sapphire preferred® card.

Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers

Balance transfer fee

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Excellent/Good

Terms apply.

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review .

• Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Travel℠
• Transfer points to leading frequent travel programs at a 1:1 rate, including: IHG® Rewards Club, Marriott Bonvoy™ and World of Hyatt®
• Travel protections include: auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance and trip delay reimbursement
• No fee charged on purchases made outside the U.S.
• $95 annual fee
• No introductory 0% APR

Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a reasonable annual fee, a versatile rewards program and a generous welcome bonus . This makes it a beginner-friendly option if you're looking for your first travel card.

Standout benefits:  The Chase Sapphire Preferred card earns Ultimate Rewards points. You can redeem them for one cent each for things like cash back or gift cards. If you use Ultimate Rewards points to pay for travel you book through Chase Travel℠ , the value bumps up to 1.25 cents per point. You can also transfer Chase points at a 1:1 ratio to over a dozen partner travel programs, including United MileagePlus, Southwest Rapid Rewards and World of Hyatt.

[ Jump to more details ]

Best for no annual fee

Chase freedom unlimited®.

Enjoy 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; and 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

0% for the first 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers

20.49% - 29.24% variable

Intro fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, on transfers made within 60 days of account opening. After that, either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Member FDIC. Terms apply.

Read our Chase Freedom Unlimited® review.

• No annual fee
• Rewards can be transferred to a Chase Ultimate Rewards card
• Generous welcome bonus
• 3% fee charged on foreign transactions

Who's this for? The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is ideal if you want a card with no annual fee and a high rewards rate for everyday purchases. It's also excellent to pair with another Ultimate Rewards® card, like the Chase Sapphire Preferred , as you can convert your cashback into fully transferrable Ultimate Rewards® points.

Standout benefits : The Freedom Unlimited is technically a cash-back credit card , but it can be much more if you pair it with a Chase card that enables transfers, such as the Sapphire Preferred . This allows you to transfer the rewards you earn with your Freedom Unlimited to all of Chase's transfer partners, which can greatly boost the value you receive with this no-annual-fee card .

Best for business owners

Ink business preferred® credit card.

Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in select categories each account anniversary year (travel; shipping purchases; internet, cable and phone services; and advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines), 1X point per $1 on all other purchases

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

21.24% - 26.24% variable

Good/Excellent

Read our Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card review.

• Free employee cards
• Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase TravelSM
• 1:1 point transfer to leading frequent travel programs
• Generous welcome bonus worth up to $1,000
• No introductory 0% financing offers for purchases or balance transfers

Who's this for? The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is great if you're a business owner who wants to earn flexible travel rewards thanks to its generous bonus spending categories.

Standout benefits: The Ink Business Preferred earns 3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 in combined purchases you spend each account anniversary year on shipping, advertising (social media and search engines), travel and internet, cable and phone services. That's a large number of useful bonus categories for businesses that can help you amass a hoard of Chase Ultimate Rewards points quickly.

Best for premium benefits

Chase sapphire reserve®.

Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

22.49% - 29.49% variable

5%, minimum $5

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.

• $300 annual travel credit for travel purchases
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit up to $100 every four years
• Priority Pass™ Select lounge access at 1,000+ VIP lounges in over 500 cities worldwide
• Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel via Chase Travel℠
• Special benefits at The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection
• Complimentary year of Lyft Pink membership
• High annual fee, but it can be offset by taking advantage of all the card’s perks
• No introductory APR
• Estimated rewards earned after 1 year: $1,469
• Estimated rewards earned after 5 years: $3,346

Rewards totals incorporate the points earned from the welcome bonus

Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Reserve is ideal if you have a strong credit score and want premium perks like airport lounge access and built-in travel protections.

Standout benefits:  With the Chase Sapphire Reserve , you'll get an up to $300 annual travel credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card. This credit automatically applies to eligible travel purchases, from airfare and lodging to public transit and parking fees, so it's incredibly easy to use. You can also enroll for unlimited access to 1,300+ Priority Pass™ airport lounges .

Best for IHG stays

Ihg one rewards premier credit card.

Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts, 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, and restaurants, 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases

Earn 140,000 Bonus Points

21.49% - 28.49% variable

• Automatic Platinum Elite status as long as you remain a Premier card member
• One reward night after each account anniversary year at eligible IHG hotels worldwide
• Fourth reward night when you redeem points for a consecutive four-night IHG® hotel stay.
• Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS Statement Credit of up to $100 every 4 years
• No annual travel credits
• Estimated points earned after 1 year: 173,089
• Estimated points earned after 5 years: 365,446

Who's this for? The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card is a perfect fit if you frequent IHG hotels because of its brand-specific perks. However, it also provides enough value that even the occasional guest can benefit from having this hotel credit card .

Standout hotel benefits: For every account anniversary, you'll receive a free night award valid at IHG hotels that cost up to 40,000 points. You can also top off this award if the night costs more than 40,000 points. If you want to book a room that costs 55,000 points, you could still use your award and pay the 15,000-point difference. This benefit alone can be valuable enough to justify paying the card's annual fee.

Best for Southwest flyers

Southwest rapid rewards® priority credit card.

Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases, 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare; 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming. 1X points on all other purchases

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Foreign transaction fees

• Southwest upgraded boarding on up to 4 tickets per year
• 7,500 bonus points on each account anniversary
• $75 Southwest annual travel credit
• 4 upgraded boardings per year when available
• $149 annual fee
• No special financing offers

Who's this for?  If you love Southwest's consumer-friendly policies such as free checked bags and no change or cancellation fees, you'll appreciate the additional perks that come with the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card .

Standout benefits: Having the Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card makes earning the Southwest Companion Pass easier because the points you earn (including the welcome bonus) count toward qualifying and you get a 10,000 qualifying-point boost every year. The Companion Pass is incredibly valuable because it allows you to bring a guest on any Southwest flight for the cost of taxes and fees.

More on our top travel credit cards

It can be easy to justify paying the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card's annual fee if you consider the value of the points you'll earn and its ongoing benefits.

• 5X points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 5X points per dollar on Lyft rides through Mar. 31, 2025
• 3X points per dollar on dining
• 3X points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
• 3X points per dollar on select streaming services
• 2X points per dollar on all other travel purchases
• 1X points per dollar on all other purchases

Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

Notable perks

Many of the Sapphire Preferred's benefits offer a fixed value that in total, more than offsets its annual fee. These perks include:

• Up to $50 in annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel℠
• 10% points boost every card anniversary
• Complimentary DoorDash DashPass membership for at least one year when you activate by Dec. 31, 2024 (normally costs $9.99 a month or $96 for an annual plan)

This card also has an extensive list of insurance benefits. Eligible purchases qualify for:

• Trip delay reimbursement
• Primary rental car collision coverage
• Trip cancellation and interruption insurance
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Roadside dispatch
• Travel accident insurance
• Travel and emergency assistance services
• Purchase protection
• Extended warranty protection

You'll also have a range of redemption options for the rewards you earn. You can use Chase points to receive cash back at a rate of one cent per point and to pay for travel you book through Chase Travel℠ at a rate of 1.25 cents per point. If you want to unlock further value, the Sapphire Preferred also allows you to transfer Chase points to airline and hotel loyalty programs such as  Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards , Air Canada Aeroplan, IHG One Rewards,  Marriott Bonvoy and more.

[ Return to card summary ]

The Chase Freedom Unlimited is a great card to pair with other Chase cards because it earns a minimum of 1.5% cash back on all purchases and has no annual fee.

• 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel
• 5% back on Lyft rides (through March 2025)
• 3% back at drugstores
• 3% back on dining at restaurants (including takeout and eligible delivery services)
• 1.5% back on all other purchases

Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on all purchases up to $20,000 spent in the first year.

When you open a new Freedom Unlimited account, you'll receive a 0% intro APR for the first 15 months from account opening on new purchases and balance transfers. After that, a variable 20.49% to 29.24% APR applies. The intro balance transfer fee is 3% of the amount of each transfer with a $5 minimum (applies to transfers you make in the first 60 days of opening the account). Once the intro balance transfer fee expires, the fee increases to 5% of the amount you transfer or $5, whichever is greater.

You can also take advantage of the following built-in coverages:

• Rental car collision insurance (secondary in the U.S.)

The Freedom Unlimited is a cash-back card, but if you have another Chase card that allows points transfers, you can move your rewards to that card and transfer them. That makes this card a great partner with cards like:

• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

Having the option to convert your rewards into airline miles or hotel points, gives you a wider range of options to maximize the value you receive.

The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a versatile business card with an unusually generous intro bonus offer.

• 5X points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025)
• 3X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases in these categories each account anniversary year: shipping, advertising (with select social media sites and search engines), travel, internet, cable and phone services
• 1X points on all other purchases

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

There is no additional fee for adding employee cards and there are no foreign transaction fees . You and the employees you add to your account can take advantage of a range of insurance benefits, including:

• Rental car insurance (primary when renting for business purposes)
• Cell phone protection

The Ink Business Preferred earns Ultimate Rewards points, which you can redeem for cash back, travel gift cards and more. These points are worth one cent each for redemptions like cash back or gift cards . The value increases by 25% (1.25 cents per point) if you use your points to book and pay for travel through Chase Travel℠. With this card, you also have the option to transfer points to any Chase travel partner at a 1:1 ratio. These partners include Marriott Bonvoy, Emirates Skywards , Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) and more.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve has everything you should look for in a luxury travel card including generous statement credit benefits, airport lounge access and a robust list of shopping and travel protections.

• 10X total points per dollar on hotels and car rentals purchased through Chase Travel℠*
• 10X points per dollar on Lyft purchases through March 2025
• 10X total points on Peloton equipment and accessory purchases over $150 (earn a maximum of 50,000 total points through March 2025)
• 5X total points per dollar on flights purchased through Chase Travel℠*
• 3X points per dollar on other travel*

*After the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually

The Sapphire Reserve has a significant $550 annual fee, but it also has lots of benefits that provide more than enough value to make the annual fee worth it. You can take advantage of:

• Up to $300 in annual travel credits
• Unlimited Priority Pass lounge access for you and up to two guests (normally costs $469 for free visits with a $35 guest fee)
• Up to $100 in Global Entry, TSA PreCheck or Nexus fee credit once every four years
• Two years of complimentary Lyft Pink All Access membership (worth $199 a year) when activated by Dec. 31, 2024
• At least one year of complimentary DashPass membership when activated by Dec. 31, 2024
• $5 in DoorDash credit each month through Dec. 31, 2024

If you're fed up with paying extra to insure a trip or receive additional warranty coverage for big purchases, the Sapphire Reserve provides many of these benefits automatically. Eligible purchases are covered by:

• Return protection
• Trip interruption/cancellation insurance
• Baggage delay protection
• Emergency medical and dental insurance

The Sapphire Reserve gives you access to the same travel partners as other Chase cards, but it comes with an increased redemption value when you use points to pay for travel booked through Chase Travel℠. With these redemptions, your points are worth 50% more or 1.5 cents per point. Of course, it's always possible you can receive a higher value per point by transferring your rewards to programs such as Air Canada Aeroplan or Flying Blue (Air France/KLM) and booking costly flights.

This card has no foreign transaction fees.

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card will make your next IHG stay more rewarding and comfortable because of its bonus points on IHG purchases and IHG Platinum elite status perk.

• 10X points at IHG hotels and resorts
• 5X points on travel
• 5X points at gas stations
• 5X points at restaurants
• 3X points on all other purchases

Earn 140,000 points after spending $3,000 on the card in the first three months from account opening.

If you value IHG One status, you'll appreciate the automatic Platinum status you'll receive just for having the card. You also have a path to earning IHG Diamond status after spending $40,000 on the card in a calendar year. On top of that, every year you keep the card you'll receive a free night award valid for rooms that cost up to 40,000 points, and you can top off the award with extra points to book a more expensive room.

By having this card, you can indirectly boost the value of your IHG points because of its fourth-night free benefit. When you use points to book an IHG stay of at least four consecutive nights, the fourth night is free. There is no limit to how often you can use this benefit, so the savings can be massive.

The card also comes with statement credit offers and other perks, including:

• A 20% discount on IHG points purchases
• Up to $50 in United TravelBank Cash each year ($25 deposit twice per year)
• Up to $100 every four years in application fee credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck® or NEXUS
• Earn a $100 statement credit and 10,000 IHG points after spending $20,000 on your card in a calendar year

It also has no foreign transaction fees and insurance benefits such as purchase protection and trip cancellation/interruption coverage.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card can help you fast-track your journey to earning Southwest A-List elite status.

• 3X points on Southwest purchases
• 2X points on hotel and rental cars booked through Southwest
• 2X points on local transit
• 2X points on internet, cable and phone services

Earn 85,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority card has the highest annual fee of any Southwest consumer credit card but has the most valuable benefits. Every year, you'll receive a $75 Southwest travel credit and 7,500 bonus points (worth roughly $97). If you can fully utilize both offers, you'll more than offset this card's annual fee.

Having a Southwest card is one of the best ways to fast-track your way to earning a Southwest Companion Pass. The points you earn from spending with this card and from its welcome offer both qualify toward earning a Companion Pass. You also receive a 10,000 qualifying-point boost every calendar year.

Earning Southwest status is also easier with this card. You will earn 1,500 tier qualifying points (TQPs) for every $5,000 you spend annually, and there is no limit on the number of TQPs you can earn. You can also take advantage of 25% back on inflight purchases and four upgraded boardings every year (when available).

This card comes with travel and purchase protections such as roadside dispatch, rental car damage waiver, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance and travel accident insurance.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Chase travel credit card application rules

Chase has several additional application restrictions, some of which are card-specific. The first rule typically applies to any Chase credit card you apply for and is known as the Chase 5/24 rule . The way it works is that you're unlikely to be approved for a Chase card if you've opened five or more cards from any bank in the past 24 months.

There are also specific restrictions for these cards:

IHG One Rewards credit cards

You aren't eligible for a personal IHG One Rewards card if you currently have any personal IHG One Rewards card. You also aren't eligible for a personal IHG One Rewards card if you've earned an intro bonus offer from any personal IHG One Rewards card in the previous 24 months.

The same limitation applies to the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card . You aren't eligible for an IHG One Rewards business card if you currently have and IHG One Rewards business card or if you've earned an intro bonus from and IHG One Rewards business card in the previous 24 months.

That said, if you open an IHG business card, you can still qualify for a personal IHG card and vice versa.

Southwest credit card application rules

Chase currently issues three personal Southwest credit cards and two Southwest business credit cards. You can have one personal Southwest card and one business Southwest card at a time. However, you aren't eligible for a new personal Southwest card if you currently have a personal Southwest card or have earned a new card member intro bonus from a Southwest personal card in the previous 24 months. The same rule applies to Southwest business cards, you aren't eligible for a Southwest business card if you currently have one or have earned a Southwest business card intro bonus in the previous 24 months.

Marriott Bonvoy credit card application rules

Both Chase and American Express issue Marriott Bonvoy co-branded credit cards . These hotel credit cards have complicated restrictions and waiting periods based on what cards you have, have had and when you earned previous Marriott Bonvoy card welcome bonuses. This makes it important to carefully review each card's specific terms before applying because even having an Amex Marriott card could impact whether you're eligible for a new cardmember bonus

Chase Sapphire credit card application rules

If you want to apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® , the rules are more restrictive compared to other Chase cards. If you currently have or have had any Sapphire card in the last 48 months, you aren't eligible for any version of the Sapphire card.

It is possible to call and product change between the cards if you already have an account. So you could upgrade to the Sapphire Reserve to take advantage of its increased perks or downgrade to the Sapphire Preferred if you want to pay a smaller annual fee.

World of Hyatt credit card application rules

You won't qualify for the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card or World of Hyatt Credit Card if you currently have that card or have earned a welcome bonus from that card in the past 24 months. However, having a personal Hyatt card won't restrict you from opening a Hyatt Business card and vice versa.

United credit card application rules

Chase and United Airlines have partnered to issue several personal and business credit cards. The additional application guidelines are the same for all Chase United credit cards. For most United cards (personal or business), you aren't eligible for a specific card product if you currently have that exact card or have earned an intro bonus from that card in the past 24 months.

One exception is the United Club℠ Infinite Card , which you won't qualify for if you currently have any United Club card or if you have earned an intro bonus from any United Club card in the previous 24 months.

Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our  credit card marketplace  or get personalized offers via  CardMatch™ .

Pros and cons of Chase travel credit cards

Chase travel credit cards rank among the top credit cards for all sorts of travel. It issues several co-branded airline and hotel credit cards. Chase Ultimate Rewards points are also some of the most valuable and useful travel points you can earn.

However, you typically need a higher credit score to qualify for the best Chase travel cards. As valuable as the rewards may be, the miles and points you earn can be complicated to redeem to maximum value.

Pros of Chase travel credit cards

• The miles and points you earn can be used to book high-value travel like business-class tickets or luxury hotels
• Some premium Chase cards offer luxury perks like airport lounge access or automatic elite status
• Many of these cards have exceptionally valuable welcome bonuses, with the best offers worth more than $1,000

Cons of Chase travel credit cards$

• Redeeming travel rewards for the highest value can sometimes be a complicated endeavor
• Most of these travel cards have annual fees and the cards with the best perks have the highest annual fees
• To qualify for the best Chase travel card, you'll typically need a higher good to excellent credit score

What does Chase count as a travel purchase?

Whether a transaction falls under the travel category depends on how Visa and Mastercard classify that merchant. However, Chase lists a large range of category classifications as travel, including airlines, hotels, timeshares, car rental agencies, cruise lines, travel agencies, campgrounds, trains, buses, taxis, ferries, tolls, parking and discount travel sites.

Do Chase credit cards have travel protections?

Many Chase credit cards have travel insurance benefits including trip delay reimbursement, rental car coverage, trip cancellation/interruption insurance and more. However, the specific protections vary by card. Check your card's benefits guide to confirm what specific coverages you have and the fine print.

What hotels are partners with Chase?

You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to the following hotel loyalty programs: Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards and World of Hyatt. Chase also issues co-branded hotel credit cards for all three brands.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See our methodology for more information on how we choose the best Chase travel credit cards.

Our methodology

To determine which Chase travel credit cards offer the best value, CNBC Select analyzed Chase's travel card offerings based on a range of features. We considered rewards (e.g., cash back, points and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APR and balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees. We also considered additional perks (e.g., ongoing travel or merchant statement credits), cardholder protections (e.g., purchase protection, $0 liability protection and travel insurance), the application process when available (e.g., is there a credit pull or required credit score) and how easy it is to redeem points (e.g., are rewards are tied to a specific brand; if transferable, to how many/which partners, can you redeem for straight cash back).    We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.  

When choosing the best Chase travel cards, we focused on relevant features, such as cards that are widely accepted internationally and provide consumers with bonus rewards on travel spending. We prioritized additional perks that may be useful when traveling, such as travel protections and elite status benefits. 

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

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• Key takeaways

Our top picks for the best no-annual-fee travel credit cards

Comparing the best travel credit cards with no annual fee, more info on our top picks for no-annual-fee travel credit cards: editorial reviews, what is a travel credit card with no annual fee, who should get a no-annual-fee travel credit card, pros and cons of travel credit cards with no annual fee, how to choose the best travel credit card with no annual fee, how to apply for a travel credit card with no annual fee  , are no-annual-fee travel credit cards worth it, faqs: best travel credit cards with no annual fee.

Best Travel Credit Cards With No Annual Fee for 2024

• Travel credit cards make it easy to earn points, miles or cash back on your most common travel expenses.
• Several travel credit cards have no annual fees, making them even more valuable.
• Our top picks for the best no-annual-fee travel credit cards include the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card , Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card , Hilton Honors American Express Card , and Chase Freedom Unlimited® among others.
• A travel credit card with no annual fee may not be a great fit for your needs if you only travel once or twice a year.
• Cards with no annual fees may have foreign transaction fees, so check the terms of each card carefully if you plan to travel internationally.

Travel credit cards help you earn free hotel stays, airline discounts and other valuable benefits. Add in no annual fee on top of this and you can maximize the value of your travel credit card and enjoy even more benefits on your next vacation. 

Before you apply for a travel card with no annual fee, it’s important to compare your options. To make the process easier, we reviewed seven no-annual-fee travel credit cards to determine which ones pack the biggest punch in terms of interest rates, fees and other considerations.

Join us as we look at the best travel credit card with no annual fee based on the following criteria:

• Earning rates on popular travel categories
• Status matching with hotel and airline loyalty programs
• Reward redemption methods

Our top picks for the best travel credit cards with no annual fee

• Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card: Best for simple rewards
• Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card: Best for Delta SkyMiles® loyalists
• Hilton Honors American Express Card: Best for loyal Hilton customers
• IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card: Best for loyal IHG customers
• Chase Freedom Unlimited®: Best for extra benefits
• Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express: Best for road trips in the U.S.
• United Gateway℠ Card: Best for United Airlines loyalists

Best for simple rewards

Capital one ventureone rewards credit card.

Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on all purchases and 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Card Details

More card info

• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months, then 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR.
• Balance transfer fee of 3% for the first 15 months; 4% at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time
• Miles won’t expire for the life of the account and there’s no limit to how many you can earn
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• No annual fee
• Intro APR offer
• Low spending requirement for welcome offer
• Good or excellent credit recommended
• Few travel perks

Best for Delta SkyMiles® loyalists

Delta skymiles® blue american express card.

Earn 2X miles on Delta purchases, 2X miles at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.), and 1X miles on all other eligible purchases.

• Pay with Miles: take up to $50 off the cost of your flight for every 5,000 miles you redeem with Pay with Miles when you book on delta.com.
• Receive a 20% savings in the form of a statement credit after you use your Card on eligible Delta in-flight purchases of food and beverages.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Terms Apply.
• 20% in-flight savings
• Easy-to-earn welcome bonus
• Low earning rate
• No free checked bags
• No priority boarding

Best for loyal Hilton customers

Hilton honors american express card.

Earn 7X Hilton Honors Points on eligible Hilton purchases, 5X points on eligible U.S. restaurant, U.S. supermarket, and U.S. gas station purchases, and 3X on all other eligible purchases.

• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Silver status with your Card. Plus, spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors™ Gold status through the end of the next calendar year.
• Automatic Hilton Silver status
• 20% bonus points on eligible stays
• Low point redemption value
• Need good or excellent credit to qualify
• Fewer perks than some travel cards

Best for loyal IHG customers

Ihg one rewards traveler credit card.

Earn up to 17x total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels & Resorts, 3x points on purchases on monthly bills, at gas stations, and restaurants, and 2x points on all other purchases.

Best for extra benefits

Chase freedom unlimited®.

Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Best for road trips in the U.S.

Blue cash everyday® card from american express.

Earn 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year spent at U.S. supermarkets (then 1%), 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year at U.S. gas stations (then 1%), 3% cash back on up to $6,000/year on online retail purchases (then 1%), and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

• 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months after account opening, then 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
• Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
• Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
• Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
• 0% APR on eligible purchases for 15 months
• Generous rewards at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations & online shopping
• Rewards cap on spending at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases
• 2.7% foreign transaction fee
• Low rewards rate outside of bonus categories

Best for United Airlines loyalists

United gateway℠ card.

Earn 2X miles on United purchases, at gas stations and on local transit and commuting. Earn 1X miles on all other purchases.

The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card has everything you need to start any journey off on the right foot. New cardholders can get 20,000 bonus miles simply for spending $500 within three months of opening an account, a great deal for a no-annual-fee card. VentureOne Rewards also gives you 1.25x miles for every dollar spent and 5x miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel.

Although VentureOne Rewards has a generous welcome offer, it has a low reward rate on non-travel purchases, so there’s no opportunity to earn extra based on your other spending habits. It’s also reserved for consumers with excellent credit, so it can be difficult to get approved.

▶︎ Read more: Capital One VentureOne review

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card is the best no-annual-fee travel credit card for loyal Delta Air Lines customers, as you get to rack up SkyMiles every time you make a purchase. You can use those miles to get free or discounted airfare, cover your checked bag fees, book with Delta Vacations or make in-flight purchases. We also love that the SkyMiles® Blue card has no foreign transaction fees, making it a great fit for international travelers.

If you don’t fly frequently, or you prefer to book the cheapest tickets instead of staying loyal to one airline, the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card probably isn’t the best fit. Most of the redemption options are Delta-focused, so you won’t be able to use many of your perks if you don’t take at least a few Delta flights per year.

▶︎ Read more: Delta SkyMiles Blue review

The Hilton Honors American Express Card is one of the best no-annual-fee travel credit cards because it helps you earn free nights and other perks at participating Hilton properties. This makes it a great fit for anyone loyal to Hilton over other hotel chains. You earn 7 points per dollar spent on all purchases made with participating Hilton hotels and resorts, 5 miles per dollar spent on dining and 5 miles per dollar spent at U.S. supermarkets.

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Hilton Honors American Express Card is that many of the benefits relate to Hilton stays. If you take a lot of day trips rather than overnight ones, you may not be able to use your Hilton Honors Points often enough to justify having the card.

▶︎ Read more: Hilton Honors Amex review

IHG owns more than a dozen hotel brands, so the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card from Chase may be a good fit if you love to stay at IHG properties when you travel. This card gives you 80,000 bonus points if you spend at least $2,000 on purchases within three months of opening an account. You also earn up to 17 points for every dollar spent at IHG hotels and resorts.

Although this card has plenty of perks, it may not be the best fit for your needs if you don’t travel often, or if you prefer to book with non-IHG hotel brands. You also have to spend at least $20,000 on the card each year to qualify for Gold Status with IHG’s loyalty program.

Chase Freedom Unlimited® is one of the best travel cards with no annual fee because it gives you 5% back on all travel booked through the Chase Travel portal and 3% on purchases made at restaurants and drugstores. We love that this card comes with tons of extra benefits, such as a three-month DashPass subscription, 5% cash back on Lyft rides and a three-month Instacart+ membership.

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® card may not be the best fit if you prefer to book directly with travel vendors rather than using a dedicated travel portal. You also need good or excellent credit to qualify to get approved for this card.

▶︎ Read more: Chase Freedom Unlimited review

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express comes with access to the Global Assist® Hotline and complimentary car rental loss and damage insurance. Global Assist® connects you with trained professionals who can help you make travel plans. You also earn 3% back on your first $6,000 in purchases at U.S. gas stations each year (then 1%), making this card ideal for users who prefer to drive to their destinations instead of flying or taking public transportation.

Blue Cash Everyday makes it easy to earn cash back, but it has a limited number of travel benefits, so it may not be the right fit if you want to maximize your earnings on flights, hotel stays and other travel expenses. It also has a foreign transaction fee, so it’s not ideal for overseas travel.

▶︎ Read more: Amex Blue Cash Everyday review

Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/​benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

The United Gateway℠ Card from Chase gives you 2 miles per dollar spent on all United Airlines purchases, making it ideal for users who always fly with United rather than using multiple airlines. Cardholders also get 2X miles on gas station purchases and local transit/commuting expenses.

Many card benefits, such as 25% cash back on in-flight food and drinks, only apply to United purchases. If you don’t book with United very often, you may benefit more from getting a different travel credit card with no annual fee.

No annual fee means you don’t pay a fee each year just to keep your account open. You may have to meet other account requirements, but there’s no cost to maintain your card. 

Travel credit cards give you points, miles and other rewards on common travel expenses, including airfare, hotel stays and train tickets. A no-annual-fee travel credit card gives you the best of both worlds. You can earn rewards based on your travel habits without paying money to keep your account active.

How do travel credit cards with no annual fee work?

When you have a credit card with an annual fee, you have to pay the same amount of money every year no matter how much you use the card. If you have a no-annual-fee credit card , you don’t have to pay a fee to keep your account open.

This is a major benefit for budget-conscious travelers who want to earn rewards without forking over cold, hard cash. If there’s no annual fee, there’s also no need to worry about using the card often enough to break even.

The best travel credit cards with no annual fee are ideal for casual travelers, as there’s no charge to keep your account active. If you don’t travel for a year or two, you don’t have to worry about getting charged for a dormant account.

These cards may also be a good fit for students studying abroad or users who don’t have a ton of experience managing credit. If you plan to study abroad, look for a student credit card with no annual fee that also doesn’t charge any foreign transaction fees.

• Opportunities to earn points, miles or cash back on your travel expenses
• Access to partner benefits, such as status upgrades within hotel and rental car loyalty programs
• Ability to transfer rewards to partner companies
• May have limited benefits due to the lack of an annual fee
• General-purpose credit cards usually offer more redemption options
• Some companies require you to book through a branded portal to take advantage of your travel benefits

Keep these factors in mind as you search for the best credit card for travel with no annual fee.

Rewards credit cards for travel typically offer points, miles or cash back on each eligible purchase. You can use these rewards to pay for hotel stays, airfare, transit expenses and other travel costs.

Flexible travel options

Some cards have no blackout dates or other restrictions when using your rewards to make travel plans. Others require you to book through a third-party website or a dedicated portal, so you may not be able to cancel your plans without forfeiting your rewards.

The higher the APR on your credit card, the more interest you’ll pay if you don’t pay your balance by the end of your billing cycle. You can get cards with 0% APR , which allows you to make purchases and/or balance transfers at a rate that’s lower than the regular APR.

When comparing travel credit cards, watch out for steep fees such as balance transfer fees, cash advance fees or fees for late payments. Opt for cards with no foreign transaction fees when traveling abroad.

It’s common for travel credit cards to come with additional benefits, such as travel insurance, rental car coverage, shopping protections and extended warranty coverage. You may even qualify for complimentary memberships or statement credits.

Compare no-annual-fee cards with annual-fee cards

If you travel frequently, you may benefit more from having a credit card with an annual fee instead of a card with no annual fee. Annual fees typically offer higher earning rates and more benefits, like a fee credit for global entry or a card with airport lounge access .

Many travel credit cards require good or excellent credit scores . When you’re ready to apply, be prepared to provide your name, address, telephone number, annual income and monthly mortgage or rent payment. You’ll also need to enter your Social Security number on the application.

To apply for a card, visit the issuer’s website and follow the instructions on the form.

How to improve your chances of getting approved for a travel credit card with no annual fee

To improve your chances of approval, apply for a card that matches your credit profile. If your score is in the good range, you’re likely to be denied if you apply for a card that requires excellent scores. 

You can also try prequalifying or applying with a cosigner. If you prequalify for a card, the issuer has already reviewed some of the information on your credit reports and determined that you may fit their approval criteria. Note that prequalification doesn’t guarantee approval; it just makes it more likely.

A cosigner promises to pay back what you borrow if you can’t afford to make your payments. If you decide to apply with a cosigner, make sure the person you choose has a strong credit profile and a steady source of income. Applying with a cosigner with poor credit won’t help you and may even hurt your credit.

No-annual-fee travel credit cards are worth it if you want to earn rewards without worrying about how much you’re earning compared to how much you’re spending to keep the card active. 

You may benefit more from a travel credit card with an annual fee if you travel frequently and want access to even more benefits. If you only travel once or twice per year, consider getting a traditional credit card. You may benefit from earning cash back or points at restaurants, grocery stores and other everyday purchases.

▶︎  Read more: Best credit cards for grocery shopping & best credit cards for restaurants

Are there travel cards with no annual fee?

Yes. Our list of the best travel credit cards with no annual fee has seven entries, so you have plenty of options when it comes to earning travel rewards without having to pay a fee every year.

Which airline credit card does not have an annual fee?

The airline credit cards with no annual fee include the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, American Airlines Aadvantage® MileUp® and JetBlue Card.

Is a travel card with annual fee worth it?

A travel card with no annual fee may be worth it if you want to earn travel rewards but don’t want to worry about how much you are spending to match the rewards to the price of an annual fee.

What is the best credit card to use while traveling?

If you always stay at the same hotel chain, the best card for your needs may be a co-branded card such as a Delta credit card , that helps you earn free nights and other hotel-related perks. 

If you’re loyal to one airline, look for a travel credit card that gives you miles or points to use on airfare and in-flight purchases.

What is the most accepted credit card for international travel?

Many overseas merchants accept Visa and Mastercard. It’s less common for merchants to accept Discover or American Express cards when you’re traveling in a foreign country. When choosing a credit card for international travel, remember to look for a card with no foreign transaction fees.

Which is the best no annual fee travel credit card?

The best travel credit card with no annual fee depends on your travel preferences and overall shopping habits. If you like to buy from the same brands, look for a card that maximizes your earnings on purchases from those brands. Otherwise, look for a card with low fees and plenty of perks.

About the Author

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last five years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

About the Reviewer

Blake Esken has over 15 years of experience in product management and has been a member of the Los Angeles Times staff for over five years.

As part of his role at the Los Angeles Times Commerce Team, Blake acts as the in-house reviewer and fact checker for LA Times Compare. He supervises all content for compliance and accuracy and puts to use skills he has honed through years of experience managing high-stakes projects for a range of industry-leading companies.

He has a strong background in data analysis, compliance, and communication, which allows him to support LA Times Compare through fact-checking in an effort to provide up-to-date and factual information across our content.

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All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publish. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.

Policy Details

LA Times Compare is committed to helping you compare products and services in a safe and helpful manner. Our goal is to help you make sound financial decisions and confidently choose your next credit card.

We work to ensure that the information and advice we offer on our website is objective, unbiased, verifiable, easy to understand for all audiences, and free of charge to our users. We don’t feature all products and services available on the market but provide a wide range of options from top providers offered through Bankrate. Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover.

View Bankrate’s privacy policy .

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I Teach People How to Plan Their Credit Card Strategies. This is What I Tell Them

I know how to help you get the most value from your travel credit card.

Jason Steele

Credit card expert and founder of CardCon

As a freelance personal finance writer since 2008, Jason has contributed to over 100 outlets including Forbes, USA Today, Newsweek, Time, U.S. News, Money.com and NerdWallet. As an industry leader, Jason has spoken at dozens of conferences and is the founder and producer of CardCon, an annual conference for credit card media. Jason also consults with individuals and small business owners to create customized plans to help them earn and spend travel rewards. He can be reached via his website, JasonSteele.com and on LinkedIn.

Evan Zimmer

Staff Writer

Evan Zimmer has been writing about finance for years. After graduating with a journalism degree from SUNY Oswego, he wrote credit card content for Credit Card Insider (now Money Tips) before moving to ZDNET Finance to cover credit card, banking and blockchain news. He currently works with CNET Money to bring readers the most accurate and up-to-date financial information. Otherwise, you can find him reading, rock climbing, snowboarding and enjoying the outdoors.

The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.

I’ve been obsessed with credit cards and award flights for nearly 20 years, and I’ve made a career writing about it. 

Not surprisingly, people began reaching out to me to ask how they too can travel for free, and I started offering individual award travel consultations . After spending time talking to dozens of people from all walks of life about their credit cards and travel rewards , here’s the advice that I find myself giving out the most.

1. Be careful how you spend your reward points and miles

My consultations always start with a list of the credit cards my clients have, and a list of their points and miles. 

My clients frequently tell me that they’ve been using one card for their purchases for many years, but don’t currently have many points. 

When I ask how they used them, the response I often hear is that they redeemed them all for an airline ticket by calling up the card issuer and redeeming their points directly through their travel agency. 

It pains me to break it to my clients, but this is a big mistake.

This will usually provide just 1 cent in value per point redeemed. For example, American Express Travel offers 1 cent in value per Membership Rewards point redeemed, so a $2,000 ticket will cost 200,000 points.

But you can receive far greater value by transferring your points to a travel partner. 

For example, 200,000 Membership Rewards points could have been redeemed for two round-trip business class tickets to Europe on any Star Alliance partner such as United, Air Canada, LOT Polish and Turkish, among others. Certainly, two round-trip business class tickets to Europe are worth far more than $2,000.

2. Earn flexible rewards points

Flexible reward points can be extremely valuable when transferred to travel partners. Transfer programs include: 

• American Express Membership Rewards
• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• Citi ThankYou points
• Capital One Miles
• Bilt Rewards
• Wells Fargo Rewards

But if you earn travel rewards points with Bank of America, U.S. Bank or Discover, you won’t have these options. 

You also miss out on these valuable options when you earn cash back . Only flexible travel points allow you to receive several cents in value per point redeemed when you transfer your points to travel partners. 

3. Don’t stand still

Are you still using the same smartphone that you got 10 years ago? Probably not, because you know that there are much better phones available now. 

The same is true of credit cards. When your travel and spending needs change, it may also be time to change the cards you use. 

The credit card industry is so dynamic. New cards are coming out all of the time, and card issuers frequently offer valuable welcome bonuses to encourage people to try them. 

If you haven’t reevaluated the credit cards in your wallet, you should do so regularly. Look for new offers with generous welcome bonuses, but also ones that can provide continued value.

4. Use the right card for the job

You don’t use a sports car to help your friends move or take your minivan to the racetrack. But that’s what you’re doing when you use your travel rewards credit card to buy groceries, where it only earns 1 point per dollar (with some exceptions -- like the Citi Strata Premier℠ Card or American Express® Gold Card ). 

And when you do find a card that gives you a large bonus for groceries, don’t check into a hotel with it, where you’ll get the minimum number of rewards points or miles. Instead, switch to a card that offers higher rewards for hotel stays like the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card.

You should always use the card that gives you the most points for each purchase. Sure, there are apps that will tell you how to do that, but you can also just put a piece of masking tape on your cards with labels like “gas,” “groceries,” “travel” and “everyday expenses.”

5. Don’t be afraid of annual fees

One of my clients recently asked me if it was worth it to pay a $375 annual fee ( see rates and fees ) to get an American Express®️ Business Gold Card, which, at the time, had a 150,000-point bonus for spending $10,000 in the first three months of card membership. 

I showed him how he could redeem those points for thousands of dollars of travel, making the annual fee worth pennies on the dollar compared to this card’s value. And if he later decides the card doesn’t offer lasting value, he can always cancel it before the annual fee is billed next year. 

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

6. Never cancel your card right away

When I recommend my clients apply for a new card to earn a large bonus, many ask if they should immediately cancel the card afterward. 

I always answer with an emphatic “No.” 

First, there’s no point in canceling the card until the next annual fee is billed. But also, many card issuers frown on those who immediately cancel their cards after receiving a bonus. 

In fact, American Express specifically says that it may take back your bonus if you do. And finally, it’s worth giving the card a good-faith try. You may eventually discover that it’s worth keeping for at least another year or two. You could always use it for small purchases or a subscription to avoid closing out the card.

For rates and fees of American Express Business Gold Card,  click here .

CNET editors independently choose every product and service we cover. Though we can’t review every available financial company or offer, we strive to make comprehensive, rigorous comparisons in order to highlight the best of them. For many of these products and services, we earn a commission. The compensation we receive may impact how products and links appear on our site.

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Blueprint is an independent, advertising-supported comparison service focused on helping readers make smarter decisions. We receive compensation from the companies that advertise on Blueprint which may impact how and where products appear on this site. The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Blueprint. Blueprint does not include all companies, products or offers that may be available to you within the market. A list of selected affiliate partners is available here .

Credit cards

Our credit cards ratings methodology

Robin Saks Frankel

Grace Pilling

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

Published 6:01 p.m. UTC June 27, 2024

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How we rate credit cards

We spent thousands of hours reviewing the attributes of over 350 different credit cards. We know that credit cards serve a range of different purposes, depending on the card type and cardholder’s needs. To that end, we considered how well each card delivers on its primary function compared to other cards in the same category.

We divided all credit cards into one of five primary categories: 

• Rewards . 
• Travel . 
• 0% intro APR transfer cards . 
• Credit-builder . 

Each category has a unique set of factors with different weightings based on the most important features for people looking for this kind of credit card.

There are many cards that overlap two or more categories — in these cases, we rated the card based on its primary intent. For example, a travel card with a 0% APR offer was rated in the travel category, while a business card that earns travel rewards was grouped with other business credit cards.

We ranked every product on a one-to-five scale and gave it a star rating based on its performance on each ranking factor. We then used star ratings to rank the top-performing cards and determine the best credit cards in each category.

Methodology for best rewards credit cards

How we chose the products we ranked.

Credit card rewards can allow you to access things you wouldn’t be willing or able to pay for out of pocket. We considered a wide range of factors since, as a whole, rewards cards are so varied in both their structure and who they target. Typically a rewards card will earn points, miles or some other “currency” named by the issuer. We chose cards that offered some form of rewards on every purchase and then took a deeper dive into the potential values and redemption options available on each card to determine our rankings.

Credit card ranking factors

• Estimated annual earnings: 50%.
• Flexibility of rewards earned on the card: 15%.
• Annual fee: 10%.
• Sign-up bonus: 10%.
• Rewards value: 5%.
• Intro 0% APR offer: 3%.
• Potential credits: 1%.
• Cellphone insurance: 1%.
• Return protection: 1%.
• Purchase protection: 1%.
• Extended warranty: 1%.
• Foreign transaction fees: 1%.
• Membership/location requirements: 1%.

Estimated annual earnings (50%)

What good is a rewards card that hardly earns rewards? We rated the rewards-earning potential of a card above all other factors. Cards that earn elevated rewards in common everyday spending categories like entertainment or groceries were rated more favorably than cards with higher rewards in less common areas of spending. 

Flexibility of rewards earned on the card (15%)

Another key consideration was the flexibility of the rewards earned. Transferable rewards were rated more favorably than rewards that can only be used in one way. That’s because there’s more utility in, say, a Membership Rewards® point that can be transferred to multiple airline and hotel partners, than you might find with a Best Western point that’s worth the most when used for Best Western hotel redemptions.

Annual fee (10%)

Sometimes it’s worth paying an annual fee to access premium benefits, but it’s often easier to maximize rewards when you don’t have a fee to offset. So we ranked annual fee cards lower, although some still made our list as they still deliver significant value.

Welcome bonus (10%)

When you’re collecting rewards, earning a big stash from a welcome offer can be part of the appeal for a particular card, and in some cases be worth well above the first year’s annual fee. We considered the welcome bonuses as a factor when rating various rewards cards.

Rewards value (5%)

Not all points are created equal — a mile with one program might be worth significantly more or less than a mile with another program. Additionally the value of a mile can fluctuate depending on how it’s used. We used a proprietary data collection system to determine the average values across various rewards programs to develop our points valuations.

Intro 0% APR offer (3%)

Although the main reason to choose a particular rewards card should be to earn the points or miles in your desired program, an intro APR offer is always a plus. There’s no downside to having extra time to pay off your spending without accruing interest. Rewards cards that offer a low intro APR on purchases were noted in our rankings.

Statement credits (1%)

Some rewards cards, particularly premium ones with high annual fees, offer various statement credits towards specific purchase types. They can be as general as a travel statement credit or as specific as a credit for a particular range of products from a brand. We weighed the potential value of statement credits as part of our card rankings.

Cellphone insurance (1%)

Cellphone insurance is an increasingly popular perk on credit cards and if you use the insurance that comes as a credit card perk rather than paying supplemental insurance to your mobile service provider, it can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.

Return protection (1%)

Return protection is a perk that's nice to have. You should never pick a card solely for this feature but if you run into a scenario where you’re having difficulty returning an item through the vendor you bought it from, you’ll be glad to have this benefit. We included this niche perk in our rankings for that reason.

Purchase protection (1%)

If a card offers purchase protection, that’s a worthwhile benefit as it can provide peace of mind when making a big buy. Although purchase protection shouldn’t be top-of-mind when choosing a rewards card, it’s a worthwhile benefit to have should something go wrong with an item you bought.

Extended warranty (1%)

A card that offers extended warranty coverage means that you’ll be covered against eligible damage for an extra year or more depending on the specific card’s policy. Extra coverage at no additional cost is always good, and we considered this attribute in our rankings.

Foreign transaction fees (1%)

Whether they’re referred to as foreign transaction fees, foreign exchange fees or foreign currency conversion fees, it all means the same thing — the issuer will charge you a fee each time the card is used to make an international transaction. Rewards cards that charge these fees were rated lower than those that don’t.

Membership/location requirements (1%)

Some rewards credit cards require you to live in a specific geographic area or have credit union membership criteria to apply. We viewed cards like these that had an extra hoop to jump through to apply less favorably than those that did not have these potential barriers.

It’s better to receive than give when it comes to credit cards. Get more for your money with our list of the best rewards credit cards

Methodology for best travel credit cards

Those who long to see the world can find their stretch goals a little bit closer with travel rewards. We identified a card to be a travel credit card if it earns rewards specifically designed to be redeemed for free nights, free flights or some other form of travel. The best travel credit cards also offer attributes that can enhance the cardholder’s travel experience, whether it’s through elite hotel status, application fee reimbursement credits for a trusted traveler program or a free checked bag perk with an airline.

• Estimated annual earnings: 33%.
• Flexibility of rewards earned on the card: 10%.
• Booking flexibility with the card: 10%.
• Hotel earnings: 8%.
• Airline earnings: 8%.
• Annual fee: 5%.
• Free checked bag perk: 3%.
• Lounge access: 3%.
• Annual credits: 2%.
• Potential credits: 2%.
• Global Entry application fee reimbursement: 2%.
• TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement: 2%.
• CLEAR ® Plus application fee reimbursement: 2%.
• Trip delay coverage: 2%.
• Trip cancellation coverage: 2%.
• Baggage delay coverage: 2%.
• Hotel elite status: 2%.
• Number of travel companions eligible for primary cardholder’s checked bag perk: 1%.
• Flight companion certificate with card ownership: 1%.

Estimated annual earnings (33%)

Some of the most perk-laden travel cards also have the highest annual fees. We took pains to balance the benefits of an expensive card with any valuable benefits that could offset that price, along with comparing them to cards with low to no annual fees. In other words, a high annual fee didn’t necessarily discount a card from being a strong contender if it came with the benefits to back up the price. 

Flexibility of rewards earned on the card (10%)

We considered cards with multiple options to redeem travel rewards more favorably than cards locked into one redemption option. 

Booking flexibility with the card (10%)

Rewards are only good if you can use them in a way that you want. The ease and practicality of how you can use your rewards was a weighted factor. We gave higher ranking to cards that offered multiple ways to use your rewards, rather than limiting your usage. For example, a card that offered rewards that could be taken as cash back fared better than a card that only allowed you to redeem your rewards with a certain store. And, cards that earned travel rewards that could be used with more than one brand of hotel or airline also were rated more favorably than ones that had more restrictive redemption options.

Hotel earnings (8%)

We considered how much a card could earn in hotel rewards as well as what the estimated value of those hotel rewards might be.

Airline earnings (8%)

We considered what a card might earn in airline miles as well as what the estimated average value of those airline miles might be.

Annual fees (5%)

While not everyone wants or needs a premium travel card with a sky-high annual fee, most people looking for a travel card will get the best value (and perks) by paying an annual fee. So while we still ranked more favorably high annual fees vs. those with lower fees, most of our picks deliver outsize value in other important areas that can more than offset their cost.

Free checked bag perk (3%)

Travel rewards cards that offer a free checked bag perk or a credit for airline incidental fees were given a higher rating than cards without this benefit.

Lounge access (3%)

Airport lounge access is a meaningful extra for many frequent travelers. Some cards offer access to multiple lounge networks, while others offer limited access or a handful of day passes. We considered the lounge access a card had to offer relative to other cards at similar price points. The better the access, the better the rating.

Annual credits (2%)

Some travel cards offer annual bonuses just for renewing your card membership. These can be in the form of points, hotel credits, general travel credits or other extras that can help offset a card’s annual fee. Cards offering annual credits also scored better in our rankings. 

Potential credits (2%)

Some cards offer statement credits for certain types of purchase. These can be tricky to value as not every type of credit is useful to every cardholder. We gave a more favorable rating to cards with more general purpose credits — like a travel credit — over potential credits with a specific brand or program that may not be as widely applicable.

Global Entry application fee reimbursement (2%)

Anyone who flies regularly can appreciate the convenience of a Global Entry membership. Ownership can help expedite the airport screening process and with Global Entry comes TSA PreCheck membership too. Cards that offer an application fee reimbursement for this trusted traveler program were generally viewed more favorably than those who did not.

TSA PreCheck application fee reimbursement (2%)

Many airports in the United States offer an expedited TSA PreCheck security screening line. For those who only travel domestically, it might make more sense for them to seek this type of trusted traveler access. Most cards that offer an application fee reimbursement for TSA PreCheck offer a choice between this and Global Entry membership. Getting reimbursed for the application fee for paying with your credit card is a perk that we viewed favorably.

CLEAR Plus application fee reimbursement (2%)

Although CLEAR Plus is only in a handful of domestic airports, it can often be an even faster security screening line than TSA PreCheck. It may depend on your airport and/or the time of day you’re flying but if your credit card reimburses you for the cost of applying, it’s a nice benefit to have and we considered that benefit in our ratings.

Trip delay coverage (2%)

Trip delay coverage provides some financial recompense when your trip is delayed for a certain number of hours. This can be extremely helpful if you’re stuck at an airport, train station or elsewhere for hours and need to purchase food or other essentials. Cards that offer this benefit can provide peace of mind to travelers in an otherwise frustrating situation. We gave extra weighting to cards that offer this coverage. 

Trip cancellation coverage (2%)

A canceled trip inevitably comes with major disappointment. But there can be a big financial component at stake too. A credit card that offers trip cancellation coverage can help ease the strain that comes with changing travel plans last minute and we gave extra weighting to cards that offer this coverage.

Baggage delay coverage (2%)

Anyone who has ever traveled a distance only to find out their bag hasn’t made the same journey can appreciate baggage delay coverage. The cards that offer it allow you to file a claim for financial reimbursement up to the issuer’s limit so you can buy the essentials you need while you wait to be reunited with your bag. This benefit factored into our rankings.

Hotel elite status (2%)

Hotel elite status isn’t just about getting a higher floor or a bigger room. It's often an outright money saver, offering better Wi-Fi access, free breakfast or food and beverage credits. Those who stay often in hotels may place a premium on having upgraded room potential too. A travel card that offers elite hotel status was rated more positively than a travel card without this perk.

Number of travel companions eligible for primary cardholder’s checked bag perk (1%)

A free checked bag perk is a boon for anyone who flies with luggage and some cards extend that benefit to as many as eight additional travel companions. The more people it covered for fee-free bags, the better the card was rated in this category.

Flight companion certificate with card ownership (1%)

Typically a travel credit card will only offer a flight companion certificate if the card itself costs a few hundred dollars or you meet a high annual minimum spending threshold. However, this can be a highly valuable perk if used strategically, and can even be worth more than the cost of owning a particular card. This benefit received favorable weighting in our analysis.

Get out of town faster with travel rewards. See more things with our picks for the best travel credit cards

Methodology for best business credit cards

We evaluated all the small business credit cards on the market to determine which are the most beneficial to business owners. We gave extra weighting to cards that offered meaningful benefits to small business owners such as earning rewards back on spending, since that can help reduce the costs associated with running a business, or an introductory APR offer that gives business owners extra time to pay off a big purchase.

• Annual earnings: 50%.
• Rewards flexibility: 10%.
• Rewards rates: 10%.
• Welcome bonus: 10%.
• Intro APR offers: 6%.
• Purchase protections and insurances: 5%.
• Credits for services business owners might find helpful: 2%.
• Anniversary bonuses: 1%.

Annual earnings (50%)

Rewards value was the single most important factor for business credit cards because getting a return on your spending can help offset the cost of running your business. Cards that offer lucrative rewards on common business spending categories can benefit your bottom line. 

Rewards flexibility (10%)

Cards that earn flexible rewards, meaning they can be redeemed in more than one way, were given a higher rating than those that could only be used for one thing, like a statement credit or future purchases within a brand. An example of a flexible rewards currency is Chase Ultimate Rewards®, which can be redeemed as cash back, gift cards or merchandise, used to book travel or transferred to travel transfer partners. 

Rewards rates (10%)

We considered the earning rates on small business cards that earn rewards, giving higher weighting to cards with higher rewards potential. For example, a card that earns 5 points per dollar on some types of expenses and 1 point on all other spending was ranked more favorably than a card that earns just a flat 1 point on every dollar spent.

Having a lucrative welcome offer isn’t the biggest factor we considered for business credit cards since it’s a one-time bonus and doesn’t guarantee ongoing value. But it’s a great way to kickstart your rewards balance, so cards with better offers earned a higher spot on our list. 

Intro APR offers (6%)

An intro APR offer can be a boon for a business as the extra time to pay down purchases without accruing interest can free up capital for other expenses. Although there are multiple business credit cards that come with introductory APR offers on purchases, few come with balance transfer offers.

Annual fee (5%)

Paying a fee to hold a business card means a greater strain on your bottom line, so cards with an annual fee were rated lower. That said, many great business cards offer more than enough value to offset the cost of carrying the card, so many of our top picks are still annual-fee cards.

Purchase protections and insurances (5%)

Automatic purchase protection or extended warranty when you pay with a card means additional peace of mind for no additional cost. We gave an edge to cards that offer extra coverage on purchases as well as those with cellphone protection and primary rental car coverage.

Credits for services business owners might find helpful (2%)

From credits on new computers or software to reimbursements for trusted traveler programs like CLEAR or PreCheck, business-related statement credits are a benefit that can be well worth the extra work to enroll and utilize. We considered how much value cardholders can reap from complimentary credits and cards with ample credits climbed higher on our list.

Anniversary bonuses (1%)

An anniversary bonus based on account renewal or having spent a certain amount in the preceding year is a cherry on top of a great business credit card, so cards that rewarded loyalty with a little something extra also got a sweet boost in our rankings.

For business owners that travel internationally or work with vendors overseas, foreign transaction fees are a no-go for business spending as that small percentage will add up over time. While not a dealbreaker for all business cards as many small business owners may conduct their business solely stateside, we did rank cards with foreign transaction fees lower on our list.

Running a business is hard, but picking the right card for it shouldn’t be. We made it easier for you withour list of the best business credit cards

Methodology for best 0% intro APR credit cards

We based our rankings on what is generally most important to people seeking a card with a 0% intro APR offer: The ability to knock out debt in the most cost-efficient manner. We gave some additional weighting to cards that earn rewards as these offer ongoing value long after the intro period ends.

• Length of the promotional APR period on purchases and/or balance transfers: 75%.
• Rewards: 10%.
• Introductory balance transfer fees: 5%.

Length of the promotional APR (75%)

The most important factor in our ratings was the length of the promotional period. Cards with longer APR periods scored higher in our methodology.

Cards with annual fees were rated lower as there are plenty of cards on the market offering 0% APRs on balance transfers without any additional ownership costs.

Rewards (10%)

We gave weight to intro APR cards that also earned rewards. Although it’s not a major factor in determining the best cards to help pay off debt, a card that also earns rewards can be helpful after the intro APR period ends. Otherwise, you’ll likely find that your 0% intro APR card no longer holds much appeal.

Introductory balance transfer fees (5%)

Balance transfer fees are part and parcel of just about every balance transfer card offer, with cards typically charging 3% to 5% of the amount you’re transferring. Cards with lower fees scored higher as the lower the fees, the less you’re adding on to your debt.

We dove deep into the research so you don’t have to. Here’s our list of the best 0% intro APR credit cards

Methodology for credit-builder credit cards

How we choose the products we ranked.

Credit-builder cards come in a variety of forms. Some cards are aimed at those just starting out, like students or those with no credit history. Other cards help build credit back up after credit missteps. We ranked more favorably the cards that were low on fees and reported to all three credit bureaus, two attributes that can make it easier to establish good payment behavior and build up a strong credit report. 

Since secured cards can’t easily be compared to unsecured cards, we separated both types of credit-builder cards to rank them separately.

Secured credit-builder credit card ranking factors

• Minimum required security deposit: 40%.
• Credit check requirement: 10%.
• Rewards earning and the potential value: 15%.
• Ability to graduate to an unsecured version: 10%.
• Ability to receive a higher credit limit over time: 10%.
• Reports to all three major credit bureaus: 15%.

Minimum required security deposit (40%)

Secured cards require that you front some money in order to open an account. However, some cards require higher amounts than others. We rated cards with a lower opening deposit requirement more favorably than those with higher deposit requirements as the less money you have to keep locked up, the better.

Credit check requirement (10%)

When your credit isn’t great, you need all the help you can get. When a credit card issuer performs a credit check, it can negatively impact your score, making it even harder to see improvement. We gave a better rating to secured cards without a credit check requirement.

Rewards earning and the potential value (15%)

It’s always beneficial to save on your spending. For this reason, secured cards that earn rewards were ranked more favorably than secured cards that didn’t.

Ability to graduate to an unsecured version (10%)

A secured card that lets you eventually convert the account into an unsecured account is the best kind of secured card as it allows you to keep the card even after your credit improves, rather than having to close the account and apply for a new card. Cards that allowed you to graduate received better ratings than those that did not.

Ability to receive a higher credit limit over time (10%)

Your credit utilization ratio, which is how much of your credit you’re using up relative to the amount of credit you have available, is a major factor in your credit score. When you have a low credit limit it can be hard to have low credit utilization. Cards that offer a chance to increase your limit over time received better ratings than those with a static credit limit.

Reports to all three major credit bureaus: 15%

If you’re working to improve your credit, you’ll need a card that reports your on-time payments to the three major credit bureaus. Cards that only reported to one or two bureaus didn’t receive as good of a rating as those that reported to all three.

A secured credit card is one of the best ways to rebuild your credit. Here’s our list of the best secured cards

Unsecured credit-builder credit card ranking factors

• Annual fee: 40%.
• Credit check requirement: 15%.
• Rewards earning and the potential value: 20%.

Annual fee (40%)

When you’re trying to rebuild or build credit, you don’t need to pay an exorbitant price to do so. Credit cards that had little or no annual fees ranked better in our analysis than those charged expensive annual fees, account opening fees or other fees just as part of owning the card.

Credit check requirement (15%)

When a credit card issuer performs a credit check, it can cause your score to drop several points, making it even harder to see improvement. We gave a better rating to unsecured cards without a credit check requirement.

Rewards earning and the potential value (20%)

There’s no downside to earning money back on your spending. Cards that earn rewards were ranked more favorably than those that didn’t.

The amount of credit you’re using relative to the amount of credit you have available, known as credit utilization, is a major factor in your credit score. When you have a low credit limit it can be hard to avoid bumping up against that limit. Cards that offer a chance to increase your limit over time received better ratings than those with a static credit limit.

If you’re working to improve your credit, you’ll need a card that reports your on-time payments to the three major credit bureaus. Cards that only reported to one or two of the bureaus didn’t receive as high of a rating as those that reported to all three.

When you don’t have great credit, you may think your credit card options aren’t great. You’re wrong. Here’s our list of the best credit cards for rebuilding your credit

How we collect data

Our editorial team, in conjunction with our data team, collects and sorts the data on an ongoing basis. We confirm our credit card data using a multi-step fact-checking process. First, the data is sourced from our data team. Our editors then perform a first round of verification by cross-referencing the data with the issuer’s information. After a rigorous review, we then send the information on to our legal compliance team where they then conduct their own review to confirm all information is correct. After that, we conduct an additional round of editorial review to ensure accuracy.

We keep tabs on card data on an ongoing basis and do a full review of all data at least every six months . We make updates and additions to our database when a new card comes to market or when a card changes its attributes.

USA TODAY Blueprint’s editorial standards

USA TODAY Blueprint strives to be the leading provider of advice, reviews, news and tools for readers. We review and rank credit cards using a data-driven methodology that accounts for a wide variety of factors tailored to the products being rated. Our writers, editors and ratings are not influenced by outside partners, advertisers or business relationships.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

Grace Pilling is a deputy editor for credit cards at USA TODAY Blueprint. She believes credit cards are the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure tools of the financial world and gets excited about helping people discover the best credit card strategy for their unique goals. Prior to joining Blueprint, Grace worked on and led personal finance teams at Bankrate, CreditCards.com, MoneyUnder30 and MoneyGeek. She has a bachelor’s degree in English and writing and a diploma in editing and publishing.

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