The best cashback credit cards of 2025

What are the best cash back business credit cards for 2025?

Rho

Best for: Companies looking to save time on cash management and access critical tools

Rewards rate: Up to 2% cash back¹ 

Annual fee: $0

APR: 0% (as it is a charge card)

Key benefits for startups: 

• Integrated spend and cash management
• Monitor and control spend with robust approvals and controls tools
• Seamless expense reconciliation to save time
• High and scalable credit limit as you grow
• Does not require a personal guarantee, consumer credit report (personal credit check), or personal credit score pull
• Savings on critical tools like Perplexity, AWS, and Google Cloud
• No hidden fees or account minimums

Additional benefits:

• Easy reconciliation with automated accounting to save you time
• Real-time integrated budget and expense reporting
• Ability to send fee-free ACH and wire transfers
• Free employee cards (for additional cardholders)
• Ability to issue corporate charge cards

Key drawbacks:

• It is a charge card, so you must have cash available
• No intro offer

Startup key takeaway: Rho is designed to save you time with expense reconciliation. It allows you to control spend with customization, in addition to getting up to 2% cash back¹ and access to up to $1M in savings on tools. 

Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Best for: Companies looking for 0% intro APR, cash back, and a generous intro offer

Rewards rate: 5% and 2% on select categories, 1% unlimited on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0

APR: 0% intro for 12 months, then 17.49% to 25.49%

Key benefits for startups: 

• $750 welcome offer when spending $6,000 on eligible purchases in first 6 months after account opening
• High cash back rewards on select categories
• Credit line increase check every 6 months
• High cash back in select bonus categories

Additional benefits:

• 0% intro APR for 12 months
• Flexible redemption options
• Free employee cards

Key drawbacks:

• To maximize cash back, must spend in select categories
• Must pay balance transfer fee
• Not customizable

Startup key takeaway: Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card is ideal for companies that seek a 0% intro APR, want a generous welcome offer, and spend heavily in one select area to redeem 5% cash back rewards.

Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards

Best for: Companies looking to maximize cash back in one select spend category

Rewards rate: 3% in choice category, 2% on dining, and 1% on all other purchases

Annual fee: $0

APR: 0% intro for first 9 months, then 17.49% to 27.49%

Key benefits for startups: 

• 0% intro for first 9 months
• Cash flow management tools
• Travel and emergency insurance

Additional benefits:

• $300 online statement credit when spending $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
• Up to 5.25% cash back with BofA bank account and qualifying for premier tier
• Free employee cards

Key drawbacks:

• High variable APR after first 9 months 0% intro offer
• Keeping track of spend categories can be distracting
• Not fully customizable
• Must pay balance transfer fee
• Limited account management tools

Startup key takeaway: The Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards card is ideal for companies that spend heavily in one category, in addition to dining. It offers travel and emergency insurance as well. 

American Express Blue Business Cash

Best for: Companies planning to spend above their credit limit

Rewards rate: 2% cash back (up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%)

Annual fee: $0

APR: 0% intro for first 12 months, then 17.49% to 27.49%

Key benefits for startups: 

• Ability to spend above your credit limit (amount adapts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, etc.)
• No over-limit fees, no enrollment steps to spend above credit limit

Additional benefits:

• $250 when spending $3,000 on purchases in first three months
• No APR for first year
• Cash back versus complicated Amex points system
• Free employee cards

Key drawbacks:

• High variable APR after first year 0% intro offer
• Not customizable
• Must pay balance transfer fee
• Cannot set spending limits 

Startup key takeaway: American Express Blue Business Cash card is suitable for businesses that are seeking a high limit credit card and planning to spend above their credit limit as it does not charge over-limit fees.

Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash Card

Best for: Companies looking for straightforward business travel perks

Rewards rate: 2% cash back

Annual fee: $0

APR: 0% intro for first 12 months, then 17.49% to 25.49%

Key benefits for startups: 

• Basic travel perks, e.g., complimentary Priority Pass airport lounge membership, redeem cash back for travel, included travel accident and rental insurance for card members
• 0% intro for first 12 months

Additional benefits:

• $500 cash rewards bonus when you spend $5,000 in purchases in the first 3 months
• Redeem cash back to account, for travel, or gift cards
• Complimentary Priority Pass lounge membership, but you pay per visit
• Travel accident and rental insurance
• Free employee cards

‍Key drawbacks:

• Not customizable
• Cannot set spending limits 
• Must pay balance transfer fee
• Limited account management tools

Startup key takeaway: Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash Card is best for companies looking for basic travel perks, cash back, and a no-annual-fee card.

American Express Plum Card

Best for: Companies looking for cash flow flexibility with short-term payment extensions

Rewards rate: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on eligible charges when you pay within 10 days of your statement closing date

Annual fee: $250

APR: $0 (as it is a charge card)

Key benefits for startups: 

• Cash flow flexibility: Up to 60 days to pay without interest, only pay your minimum payment due by your payment due date
• Flexible spending limit
• Pay vendors through Bill.com (fees may apply for additional users)

Additional benefits:

• No foreign transaction fees
• Car rental and damage insurance included
• 24/7 hotline to be used during travel
• Free employee cards (up to 99 employees)

Key drawbacks:

• $250 annual fee
• Fees for additional to pay vendors through Bill.com could add up
• Does not allow for long-term financing
• Balances cannot be carried over beyond the payment period

Startup key takeaway: The Amex Plum card is best for companies that want to have flexibility with their cash flow as you can wait up to 60 days to pay without interest, as long as you make the minimum payment by the due date.

Ramp

Best for: Companies looking for a straightforward spend management platform

Rewards rate: N/A (unspecified cash back rewards rate on the company’s website or support pages)

Annual fee: $0

APR: 0% (as it is a charge card)

Key benefits for startups: 

• Ability to set preset controls for specific vendors and categories
• Ability to submit expenses through SMS, mobile app, and integrations
• Real-time expense reports
• No personal credit checks or personal guarantee
• Free employee cards

Additional benefits:

• An easy to navigate platform
• Virtual employee cards

Key drawbacks:

• Ramp Plus costs could add up (marquee features)
• No live phone support
• Unspecified rewards rate on the company’s website or support pages
• No intro offer
• It is a charge card, so you must have cash available

Startup key takeaway: Ramp is ideal for companies that want a straightforward management platform. The card allows you to set preset controls for specific vendors and categories.

Maximizing cash back for your startup

Now, there are ways to make the most of your cash back cards. 

The first step is to choose the right card as this will determine what features you can access. 

Then, consolidate as many business expenses as possible onto your corporate card, including travel bookings, advertising, utilities, and office supplies. This not only simplifies accounting but also maximizes the rewards earned by increasing total spend on the card.

Now, if your card offers elevated cash-back rates in specific categories or rotating bonus categories, plan your spending around these categories to take advantage of these opportunities. The downside is that you might spend too much time tracking rewards and categories, time that could be better spent on running your business; so, be careful. 

Monitor your spending patterns to identify areas where you can set controls or earn more rewards.

Many corporate cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses if you meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months. Plan large purchases or consolidate expenses during this period to unlock these bonuses and boost your cash back. But, beware of getting lured by a sign-up bonus. Choose a card that will work for you way past the introductory offer period.

Lastly, redeem cash back as statement credits or direct deposits to reduce business costs directly. Some issuers also offer additional redemption options such as gift cards or discounts with partner vendors. Make a grounded evaluation to decide which option provides the most value for your business needs. 

With these strategies, you can maximize your cash-back earnings while streamlining financial operations and reinvesting savings into your business.

Choosing the best business credit card for cash back

Out of all of these cards, which is the top business credit card for startups? 

Well, that depends on what you want. These cards offer perks that allow startups to maximize their spend with cash back. 

If your company is seasonal, perhaps the Amex Plum is best to help you stabilize cash flow as you can wait up to 60 days to pay without interest, as long as you make the minimum payment due by the due date. This card might be ideal for companies that operate heavily during the summer seasons, for instance, and have slower winter months. 

Now, if you’re looking to consolidate debt, the Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card is best for startups looking for 0% intro APR, and a generous intro offer. Cash back rewards are worth more when spent on select spend categories. 

If you want to save time on month-end close, keep a close eye on your expenses, have control of your team’s spend, and get up to 2% cash back¹, the Rho card is best for you. 

With Rho Platinum, its premium tier, you also get access to more than $1M in savings on critical tools that are ideal for startups. We’re talking about Perplexity, AWS, and Google Cloud. Rho also has a high and scalable credit limit that can grow as you grow. And, it does not have hidden fees, making it easier to plan your monthly spend.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do cash back business credit cards work for companies?

Cash back business credit cards offer cash back for your business expenses. 

Let’s break it down. 

Let’s say you utilize your business card for all your business purchases. Every time you swipe or tap the card, you earn a percentage of the purchase back as cash rewards. 

The percentage on the amount spent that you get back varies based on the card's specific rewards structure. (That’s why we compiled a list of cards for you!) 

Some cards offer a consistent flat rate on all purchases. Others have categories with higher cash back rewards when you spend on those categories. These cards typically have a lower rate on purchases that are outside the select categories.

For example, if a card has a marketing category and you use it to spend money on social media ads, you get a higher percentage of cash back rewards for spending in the marketing category, as the social media spend is in the marketing category. 

Rewards structures and how to redeem your cash back

When it comes to redeeming your cash back, cards typically offer multiple redemption options. Most rewards can be redeemed as statement credits, which reduce the balance owed on the card. 

Some cards also allow rewards to be deposited directly into a business bank account, providing flexibility in how you use your earned rewards. In other words, the cash is deposited into the checking account. 

Both of these redemption options are great cost-saving perks for your startup. 

Some card issuers offer redemption options for gift cards or other rewards, giving you more choices on how to utilize your cash back. 

The key benefit is that you typically get to choose how you use your earned rewards, allowing you to align them with your business needs.

Cards with categories versus flat-rate cards

If you choose a card with categories, your best strategy is to use the card for expenses in those select categories to maximize cash back rewards. 

Cards with categories

Cards with categories often have tiered and rotating rewards structures. For instance, you might earn higher travel rewards during one quarter, then earn more when spending at gas stations, then when spending at office supply stores, and then when spending on rideshare services – the categories rotate per month or quarter.

The downside to cards with rotating categories is the need to keep track of the current category to make the most of your card. When you have so much going on as a startup founder, business owner, or key startup team member, keeping track of the categories can be a real distraction to important business needs.

Common categories include gas, marketing, dining, and specific popular retailers. Gas stations are a staple category, particularly for businesses with vehicle fleets or frequent travel needs. This category often appears during travel-heavy quarters, such as summer, when road trips and transportation costs peak.

Dining is frequently included as a bonus category, ideal for businesses that regularly entertain clients or hold team meals. This category is often featured during quarters that align with increased social activity, such as summer or end-of-year holiday celebrations.

Also, retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target appear as bonus categories during the holiday shopping season. This is ideal for businesses purchasing gifts, office supplies, or other essentials during this time.

Flat rate cards

If your business regularly spends in one area, it's often best to stick with a card that offers a consistent cash back rate. For example, if your business spends heavily on external software tools, it may benefit from a card without rotating categories. This will give you added peace of mind that you’re earning rewards without having to keep track of when and where and how.

Flat-rate cards provide consistent rewards across all purchases, eliminating the need to track categories and ensuring predictable earnings. On the other hand, cards with rotating categories offer higher rewards but require more management to keep track of the categories that are on rotation.

A benefit is that, unlike rotating category cards, flat-rate cards don’t require you to activate bonus categories or track which spending areas are eligible for higher rewards each quarter. With a fixed rate, you and your finance team can easily calculate your annual cash-back earnings based on your total spending.

While rotating category cards can be lucrative for businesses that align spending with active categories, these types of cards may not be ideal for startups with consistent expenses outside the categories, or for those that don’t want to lose time tracking categories.

For businesses with consistent expenses in areas not typically covered by bonus categories—such as software subscriptions or utility payments—a flat-rate card ensures steady returns without additional effort.

Selecting the type of card

By getting a good grasp on the different rewards structures and redemption options, you can choose a card that aligns with your startup’s spending habits so you can make the most out of your card.

Two questions: 

1. First question: What is your biggest headache when it comes to your startup’s finances? For example, if you find that you’re spending a lot of time on expense reconciliation, there might be a card, like Rho, that could solve that issue for you. If your business card and its offerings can help you get rid of at least one of those headaches, choose that card. 
2. Second question: Where do you spend the most? If there’s one select category, then compare and contrast cash back rewards to see if there’s a card that might be beneficial for you. Also consider the card’s rewards and see if those align with your goals and objectives.

Which cash back business credit cards offer the best perks for startups?

Rho 

The Rho card is designed for startups, so all of its features are geared towards business owners, specifically for those who want to speed up their month-end close.

Additionally, Rho’s key benefits lie in its integrated spend and cash management software. You can monitor and control spend with robust approvals and controls tools that can be customized per team or individual. It also has seamless expense reconciliation tools to save time. 

Another benefit is that you can scale your credit limit as you grow. Also, the card does not require a personal guarantee, consumer credit report (personal credit check), or personal credit score pull. 

With Platinum (Rho’s premier tier), you also get access to savings on critical tools like Perplexity, AWS, and Google Cloud, useful for startups. One last thing to recognize about Rho is that it does not have hidden fees or account minimums, which is ideal for businesses that are starting. 

Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card is great for startups that want to maximize their rewards in select spend categories. The 5% cash back rewards rate is generous and can be useful for businesses that spend a lot in select spend categories, up to $25,000 in combined purchases each account anniversary year. 

The 5% category includes office supply stores. So, if you spend a lot on purchases at Office Depot, for instance, you could benefit from the 5% cash back rewards. 

Another benefit is the 0% intro APR for a year. This is especially useful if you are planning on having irregular cash flow during the first twelve months from the time you open the card or if you’re consolidating debt and transferring debt from another business card. 

The card’s $750 welcome offer when you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases in the first 6 months after account opening is also attractive for startups. This offer may be in addition to the cash back rewards. So, if you spend $6,000 at Office Depot in the first six months after opening the card, you would be making $750 plus 5% cash back. Make sure you check to make sure the spend category is correct as some spend categories may change with time.

The card’s flexible redemption options is another attractive offering, as you can redeem your cash back for cash, gift cards, travel, and pay with points for products or services through Chase or their specified third-party merchants.

American Express Plum Card

Now, the Amex Plum Card is ideal for companies looking to stabilize their cash flow with short-term payment extensions. With Amex Plum, you can pay up to 60 days without interest, as long as you make your minimum payment by your payment due date. 

In terms of getting cash back rewards, if you pay within 10 days of your statement closing date, you get an unlimited 1.5% cash back on eligible charges. This is ideal if you expect some months to be tighter than others. 

The card is a charge card, so you must pay your bills after the 60 days or your account can be closed. But, with the Plum card, you do not pay foreign transaction fees, car rental or damage insurance, and you can use Amex’s 24/7 travel hotline to help you book additional flights. 

The drawback of this card is that it has an annual fee of $250 and does not include long-term financing options. This card is ideal if you want short term cash flow flexibility, but it may not be for you if you want long-term financing or if you expect to be unable to pay your balance within the allotted time of sixty days.

What are the pros and cons of cash back business credit cards?

Pros of cash back business credit cards

Cash back cards offer a straightforward way to earn rewards; you spend and earn cash back. Flat-rate cash back business cards are even more simple and easy to track than those with rotating categories. But, both of these cash back cards – whether flat-rate or rotating category cards – offer cash back for expenses.

The benefit is that these cards offer immediate financial benefits as you get cash back for purchases and expenses. You can use the cash back rewards as statement credits or direct deposits into a business bank account.

Some card issuers allow you to use the cash back for gift cards and other types of redemption options.

Another benefit of cash back cards is that, unlike points-based systems where you have to track rewards points and conversion rates, cash back rewards don't require strategic planning for redemption. You spend and earn.

Cons of cash back business credit cards

One drawback to cash back cards is that some cards limit the amount of rewards that can be earned in specific categories. This maximum cash back earn limitation can restrict overall earnings. 

If your business spends heavily in the category areas, you may hit a cap. That may be frustrating because you’re spending and yet leaving potential cash back on the table if another card doesn’t have a spend limit. Now, not all cash-back cards have these types of thresholds, so it’s best to check. Or, you may be in a situation where you will not hit a threshold. 

Another drawback is that cash back rewards typically offer a fixed value, meaning there's no opportunity to increase their value through strategic redemption like with points-based systems or when cash back is used through a travel portal, for instance, which could otherwise get you bonus points or travel credit.

Lastly, cash back cards often come with fewer additional premium perks compared to travel or points-based cards. While some cash back cards do offer perks, these may not be as premium as other cards.

The bottom line is that cash back business credit cards are beneficial for startups because of their simplicity, flexibility, and cost-saving potential. But, consider potential drawbacks like spending caps and redemption restrictions when choosing your startup’s card. 

How do cash back business credit cards compare to points-based rewards cards?

Cash back business credit cards and points-based rewards cards each offer unique benefits.

Cash back cards provide a straightforward percentage of your spending back as cash, typically ranging from 1% to 2% on all purchases or higher rates (e.g., 5%) in specific categories like gas or office supplies. The simplicity of cash back ensures predictable value, making it easy to calculate and redeem rewards.

Rewards are typically redeemed as statement credits, direct deposits, or checks. Some issuers also allow you to redeem the cash as gift cards or purchases.

Points cards allow you to earn points per dollar spent, often with bonus rates in specific categories like travel or dining. The value of points varies depending on redemption methods, with travel redemptions often yielding higher value (e.g., up to 2 cents per point).

Points can be redeemed for travel, merchandise, gift cards, or even cash. But, the value of points is usually highest when redeemed for travel through portals or transferred to airline and hotel loyalty programs. In other words, it’s best to book travel through the credit card issuer’s portal and also redeem the points through the portal as well. 

The main areas to look at when comparing cash back credit cards to points-based rewards cards is the flexibility, value, and its ideal use cases. 

Let’s take a look at each of these areas — flexibility, value, and its ideal use cases — for cash back business credit cards and points-based cards.

Ultimately, the choice between cash back and points-based cards depends on your business's spending habits and financial goals. 

To summarize it, if you can strategically maximize points through travel or other high-value redemptions, points-based cards could offer greater rewards potential. If you prioritize simplicity and predictable rewards, however, cash back is likely the better option for your new business.

Maximizing cash back while streamlining business finances

What if every dollar spent could make money for you? Cash back business credit cards make every dollar you spend count towards money that you get back. 

Check out this cash back conversion calculator to see how much you could get back for your yearly spend. Say you spend $350,282 yearly on eligible purchases, you could get up to $7,006 in cash back with Rho Platinum. With other cards, like Amex Business Platinum, you would get only $1,407 back for the same amount of spend.

In addition to cash back, with Rho, you also get access to $1M+ worth of savings on critical tools like Perplexity, AWS, and Google Cloud, which are ideal for running your business. 

The best part about using Rho is that you customize the card to fit your goals and objectives, get cash back, get 24/7 support from a live human, and you don’t have to worry about hidden fees.

Wrap up

Rho’s corporate card is more than just a payment tool—it’s a powerful financial management solution designed to help you maximize rewards, control, and efficiency. With Rho Platinum, you can earn up to 2% cash back¹ on your spending while leveraging advanced features that keep your business finances on track.

The card’s customizable spending controls and limits ensure that every dollar is allocated where it matters most. You can set precise spending limits to prevent overspending and keep your team focused on critical priorities. You can set spending limits for specific vendors, categories, or projects to streamline procurement and accounts payable processes, eliminating unnecessary complexity.

Rho also provides visibility into your spending habits. Track expenses by category, vendor, job code, or client to uncover patterns and make informed decisions about resource allocation. For startups with travel needs, you can preset spending limits for trips and monitor expenses in real time, ensuring budgets are adhered to without surprises.

Rho combines robust financial controls with meaningful rewards. Unlike traditional corporate cards, Rho empowers you with tools that simplify operations while offering significant cash-back potential. 

With Rho, you’re not just managing finances; you’re optimizing them for growth. Rho’s intuitive platform frees up your time and headspace so you can focus on scaling your business. Apply for Rho today and experience a smarter way to manage spend while earning unmatched rewards.