The 3 Best Options for Your First Business Credit Card

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.

Here’s what to consider before getting your first 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.

Now, which card is the best option for your first business credit card?

Don’t have enough time to read through the entire article? Not to worry. You can check out these 3 cards to get the gist.

• If you’re a frequent flyer, the Chase Ink Business Preferred has one of the best travel rewards programs on the market.
• With one of the longest 0% Intro APR periods that we’ve ever seen, the Amex Blue Business Plus is great if you need to carry a balance.
• Need a great cash back rewards card and 0% intro APR? The Amex Blue Business Cash offers the same intro APR as the Blue Business Plus, along with an easy-to-use cash back rewards program.

Keep reading to see which is the right first business credit card for you.

There are so many different business credit cards to choose from, and finding the perfect one may seem daunting—especially if it’s your first business credit card. 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.

Do you travel frequently for business? If so, then, the Chase Ink Business Preferred Card could be the best first business credit card 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 a generous amount of bonus points for cash, travel, or gift card redemption when you spend enough in the first three months to unlock it.

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.

The American Express Blue Business Plus would be an ideal first business credit card for those 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: For a limited time, 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. Additionally, the Blue Business Plus card also offers a long 12-month 0% intro APR period. After these 12 months, your APR will set in at a rate that will vary with the market prime rate, so be sure to see the issuer’s terms and conditions for the latest APR information.

Rewards: Earn 2X points on every $1 spent on everyday business purchases up to $50,000, then you’ll get 1 point per every dollar thereafter.

Pros: This is the ideal card if you know you need to make a big purchase that you know you’ll be able to pay off in under 12 months—it’s like taking out an interest-free loan. 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. If you’re absolutely sure that you won’t carry a balance month-over-month than there are more lucrative business credit cards for you to explore.

Need a first business credit card that has no annual fee and plenty of opportunities for cash back rewards? The Blue Business Cash Credit Card helps you earn more wherever you spend.

Sign-up bonus: For a limited time, you can earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months. Additionally, this card does offer a long 12-month 0% intro APR period.

Rewards: Earn 2% back on all eligible purchases on the first $50,000 each calendar year, then 1% back on all purchases after.

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. So if you’re looking for no limits on cash back, this might not be the best first business credit card for you.

***

Now that you’ve received an introduction to the benefits of using business credit cards, hopefully, one of these three options will be the right first business credit card for you. 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.