3 Best Business Credit Cards for a First-Time User

Are your business expenses becoming more difficult to manage? You might have avoided credit cards in the past, but it could be time to consider applying for your first business credit card.

Whether you’re the sole proprietor of a small business or the owner of a large company, a business credit card can make handling expenses easier. You’ll also get some great deals and rewards along the way.

Benefits of Using a Business Credit Card

Business credit cards differ from personal credit cards in a few ways. Most significantly, the credit limit on a business credit card is generally much higher.

So, you can make the same purchases you already would at your company using a business credit card for added rewards. Businesses can distribute credit cards to employees as expense accounts, too. Your business credit card also comes with better rewards when you spend.

Finding the Right Business Credit Card

There are so many different business credit cards to choose from, and finding the perfect one for you may seem daunting. That’s why we gathered the top three business credit cards that are best for a first-time credit card user. Read through the pros and cons of each of these three business credit cards below.

1. Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ Card

Do you travel frequently for business? If so, then, this business credit card is the one for you. After filling out the application and getting approved, the Chase Ink Business Preferred℠ Card can be yours for only $95 annually. With this business credit card, you’re maximizing your earnings in cash, travel, or gift cards every time you spend money on a business-related cost.

Sign-up bonus: Receive 80,000 bonus points for cash, travel, or gift card redemption when you spend $5,000 in the first three months.

Rewards: Earn 3x the points for travel, hotels, shipping purchases, internet, and expenses from advertising on social media sites and search engines on up to $150,000 in spending annually. Earn 1x points for all other purchases with no limit.

Pros: Travel points are worth 25% more. That sign-up bonus? It’s worth $1,000 toward travel when you opt for this over cash back. If your company advertises frequently, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to receive earnings for your expenses spent on advertising. Don’t overlook the fact that this card has no foreign transaction fees, either.

Cons: Some might feel like the annual fee is a drawback to this business credit card. Also, depending on how much traveling and advertising you do, the $150,000 annual spending limit for 3x points could cut back on some potential rewards.

2. Bank of America Business Advantage Cash Rewards Mastercard

This business credit card is ideal for those first-time users who want to gradually warm up to the idea of using a credit card. There’s no annual fee, so you won’t pay anything upfront to acquaint yourself with the best ways to take advantage of your new credit card.

Sign-up bonus: Receive a $200 statement credit after spending $500 in the first two months.

Rewards: For every $1 spent on gas stations and office supply stores, receive 3% cash back. Earn 2% cash back at restaurants and 1% on all other purchases. There are no limits for how much you can earn.

Pros: If your business requires a lot of office supplies, this card is ideal for you. Also, there are no limits on how much you can earn. As you become more comfortable using the business credit card, you can earn more and more throughout the year. Plus, there’s no annual fee to worry about.

Cons: The rewards are not as high for this business credit card as they are for others. For frequent travelers, a business credit card that offers more rewards toward flights and hotels might be better suited for your company.

3. Amex SimplyCash Plus Business Card

Need a business credit card that has no annual fee and plenty of opportunities for rewards? Whether you advertise frequently, travel often, or shop for a lot of office supplies, this business credit card helps you earn more.

Sign-up bonus: Receive up to a $400 statement credit in the first year. Spend $5,000 in the first six months for a $200 statement credit, and spend $10,000 in the first year to receive an additional $200 statement credit.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on office supply stores purchases and phone services. Earn 3% cash back on a variety of purchases including airfare, to hotel rooms, to gas stations, to restaurants, to advertising. Earn 1% cash back on any other purchase. The spending limit is $50,000 for cash back earned in the 3% and 5% categories. After that, card holders earn 1% on those purchases.

Pros: A business credit card with no annual fee is always a great option for the first-time credit card user. That way, there is no pressure to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. Instead, you can take your time learning about how to maximize your credit card use efficiently. Additionally, the options for earning are ideal for almost any company.

Note that with this card, you can also go over your credit limit. You must pay the amount over the limit off in full each month, though.

Cons: The biggest drawback to this business credit card is the limit on cash back. If your employees tend to travel frequently, the offers on this card may not be as beneficial due to the limits on cash back.

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Now that you’ve received an introduction to the benefits of using business credit cards, hopefully one of these three meets your company’s needs. There’s no reason not to earn rewards and cash back on purchases your business will make with or without a credit card. So, apply now to start receiving benefits for your business-related expenses.  

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