Key takeaways:
- A business credit card helps you clearly distinguish between personal and business expenses, which streamlines accounting and simplifies tax preparation. By keeping these expenses separate, you create cleaner financial records and avoid potential tax complications.
- When selecting a business credit card, focus on your company's specific spending patterns and priorities, comparing factors like rewards rates, annual fees, and credit limits. The goal is to find a card that provides practical benefits tailored to your business.
- Using a business credit card responsibly can help you establish and improve your business credit profile, potentially leading to better loan opportunities and credit terms in the future. To help with this, pay bills on time, keep credit utilization low, and regularly check your credit report.
Top business credit cards for LLCs
Rho
Best for: Businesses aiming to accelerate month-end close with automated accounting tools
Rewards rate: Up to 1.25% cash back on all purchases1
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% (as it is a charge card)
Key benefits:
- Customizable corporate card experience
- Seamless controls (e.g., set spend limits, merchant restrictions, and approvals)
- Easy reconciliation with automated accounting
- Scalable credit limit
Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Best for: Businesses seeking rewards on all purchases and no annual fee
Rewards rate: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0.0% intro for first 12 months, then 17.74% to 23.74%
Key benefits:
- Simple card with rewards on all purchases
- No APR for the first year
- $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months
- Automatically checked for a credit line increase every 6 months
- Purchase protection and some travel benefits
Capital One Spark 1.5% Cash Select
Best for: Businesses seeking a card without an annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Rewards rate: 1.5% cash back on all purchases, 5% for travel booked through Capital One Travel
Annual fee: $0
APR: 17.99% to 23.99%
Key benefits:
- $500 bonus cash back after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months
- No foreign transaction fees
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- 5% cash back for travel booked through Capital One Travel
American Express Blue Business Plus
Best for: Businesses looking for a card with high cash back rewards
Rewards rate: 2% cash back up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0.0% intro for first 12 months, then 17.49% to 25.49%
Key benefits:
- 2% cash back up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%
- No APR for first year
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- No over-limit fees
- No category restrictions for earning points
Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash Card
Best for: Businesses seeking cash rewards
Rewards rate: Unlimited 2% cash rewards
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0.0% intro for first 12 months, then 17.49% to 25.49%
Key benefits:
- $500 cash rewards bonus when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months
- No APR for first year
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- Complimentary priority pass membership, but per-visit fee applies
Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Best for: Businesses looking for high rewards on travel and business purchases
Rewards rate: Up to 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 per calendar year, then 1x
Annual fee: $95
APR: 20.49% to 26.49%
Key benefits:
- Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel
- Employee cards at no additional cost
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel and purchase coverage included
What makes a great business credit card
When searching for the best credit card, start by identifying your company’s priorities and spending patterns. Then, with those in mind, compare and contrast cards that are most suitable.
Check the card’s fees, rewards, credit score required, and Annual Percentage Rate (APR).
If your main concern is avoiding interest charges, you can narrow down your search and focus on cards with 0% intro APR and a low APR after the introductory period.
So, identify your priority first and then choose the right card for you.
Fees
Some credit cards charge an annual fee, which can range from $99 to a whopping $5,000. Cards with no annual fee typically offer fewer perks but can be more economical. Cards with an annual fee typically offer rewards tailored for specific uses, such as travel, dining, marketing, etc.
Consider other fees, as well. If you’re planning to travel overseas often, you may benefit from a card without foreign transaction fees. Or, if you want cash advances, look into the related fees for taking out money.
Rewards
Credit cards generally offer rewards such as points, hotel stays, or miles that can be redeemed for cash or expenses.
Now, understanding how to earn rewards is key so you can maximize your rewards. For instance, travel cards offer higher rewards but you must book through the credit card company’s website to earn more points. Some cards have specific categories with which you can earn more points.
To maximize points, choose a card that aligns with your business’ spending habits.
Credit score
As a general rule of thumb, having a higher credit score allows your business to qualify for better rates and rewards.
Credit scores also influence the credit limit, meaning how much you can spend, assigned. A higher credit limit can give you more financial flexibility as you have more credit to tap into. A higher limit can also help to keep your credit utilization low, thereby increasing your credit rating.
APR (Annual Percentage Rate)
The APR reflects the interest rate charged on balances carried from month to month. Ideally, you want to pay off the credit card in full every month. But, if you might carry a balance, having a card with a lower APR can result in less interest charges over time.
Many cards offer introductory 0% APR periods on purchases or balance transfers, which can be helpful if your goal is to decrease debt. Using a card with a 0% intro APR can be a great strategy to consolidate and lower your debt, as you pay off the balance during the introductory period while you are not charged an interest. Plan for transfer fees.
The bottom line is that when searching for a business credit card, consider the fees, rewards structure, credit score implications, and APR to ensure it aligns with your business’ financial goals and spending habits.
How to apply
To apply for a business credit card, you'll need to gather specific documents and follow a few key steps.
Here's a quick rundown.
- Research and choose the right card for your business needs. (You’re doing that now by reading this article!)
- Gather all required documents and information. (See the list below.)
- Complete the online application with the financial institution you choose.
- Submit the application and wait for approval.
- Once approved, activate your card. You’re all set.
Note that approval often depends on both your personal and business credit scores. Most issuers require a good to excellent personal credit score (typically 690 or higher) for business credit card approval.
Required documents
Gather your documents and information.
Here’s a breakdown of what you will need.
Business information:
- Legal business name
- Business address and phone number
- Type of business and industry
- Federal tax ID (EIN) or Social Security Number
- Annual business revenue
- Years in business
- Number of employees
Personal information:
- Name, date of birth, and Social Security Number
- Home address, phone number, and email
- Annual personal income
Additional documents (may be required):
- Business tax returns or profit/loss statements
- Recent business bank account statements
- Business formation/registration documents
- Valid government-issued ID
How to improve your credit score for your small business
To improve your credit score and increase your chances of opening a credit card for your small business, follow these steps:
Improve your personal credit score by paying all bills on time, including personal and business expenses. Keep your credit utilization ratio low. Aim for using less than 30% of your available credit. Regularly check your personal credit report for errors and dispute any inaccuracies.
Then, establish the business’ credit. Separate your business and personal finances by opening a business checking account. Apply for a DUNS number from Dun & Bradstreet to establish your business credit profile. Once you’ve done that, set up trade lines with vendors and suppliers who report to business credit bureaus. This will help you increase your business credit score over time.
Maximize rewards and avoid pitfalls
The main thing is to choose a card that aligns with your spending patterns and business needs.
Stay level-headed as you make your selection. Choosing a card just for fancy perks may not be the right call for your business. Instead, focus on a card that has tools and benefits that will move the needle for you and your business in the long run.
In other words, consider choosing a card that will make life easier for you and your team. Some business credit cards offer expense tracking and create automated expense reports. Some cards have built-in controls and spending limits for specific teams, which could simplify expense tracking and spending habits for everyone. Some cards are even customizable.
Keep your credit utilization low. Here’s a tip: Pay the credit card in full twice per month to keep utilization low. Pay off your credit card in full each month so you don’t carry a balance and end up paying interest charges or late fees.
Be cautious of mixing personal and business expenses on the same card. Keeping them separate will help you keep clear financial records and avoid tax complications.
Wrap up: Rho can save you time and help you simplify bookkeeping
Using a business credit card for your LLC will help you separate your personal and business expenses. It will simplify your bookkeeping—which will be especially helpful during tax season and will free up your time each month (and avoid a headache!).
As you weigh the pros and cons of each card, consider the Rho corporate card. It’s designed to accelerate month-end close and set customizable pre-spend rules. In other words, you can make it fit your own needs. It offers up to 1.25% cash back on all purchases1 and has a scalable credit limit.
Apply now to start enjoying the benefits of Rho Corporate Credit Cards today.
Isabel Peña Alfaro is a guest contributor. The views expressed are hers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Rho.
Rho is a fintech company, not a bank or an FDIC-insured depository institution. Checking account and card services provided by Webster Bank N.A., member FDIC. Savings account services provided by American Deposit Management Co. and its partner banks. International and foreign currency payments services are provided by Wise US Inc. FDIC deposit insurance coverage is available only to protect you against the failure of an FDIC-insured bank that holds your deposits and subject to FDIC limitations and requirements. It does not protect you against the failure of Rho or other third party. Products and services offered through the Rho platform are subject to approval.
The Rho Corporate Card is issued by Webster Bank N.A., member FDIC pursuant to a license from Mastercard, subject to approval.
1Earn up to 1.25% cash back on purchases, subject to our Rewards Terms. Our 30-day card offers 1% cash back, and our 1-day card offers 1.25% cash back. Cash back rates, terms, and eligibility are subject to change at our sole discretion. Please refer to the full Rewards Terms for details.
Note: This content is for informational purposes only. It doesn't necessarily reflect the views of Rho and should not be construed as legal, tax, benefits, financial, accounting, or other advice. If you need specific advice for your business, please consult with an expert, as rules and regulations change regularly.