How card providers evaluate SMBs & startups

Before discussing specific card comparisons, it's important to understand how different providers approach startup businesses regarding credit approval and limits.

Legacy Providers (Chase, Wells Fargo, American Express, etc.)

Traditional banks typically require:

• Multiple years of revenue data and financial statements
• Personal guarantees from founders
• Excellent business credit history
• Substantial cash reserves
• Collateral in many cases

This approach creates significant barriers for startups without years of financial history or those reinvesting capital into growth rather than maintaining large cash balances.

Modern Fintech Providers (Rho, Brex, Ramp)

Newer fintech companies have revolutionized business credit card underwriting:

• More holistic evaluation of business health
• Consideration of funding rounds and growth trajectory
• Less emphasis on lengthy business history
• Alternative data points beyond just cash balance
• Often no personal guarantee requirement

For startups, this difference in approach is crucial. While traditional banks may offer attractive rewards, their approval criteria can be challenging for early-stage companies to meet. 

Modern fintech providers better understand the unique financial patterns of high-growth businesses, typically resulting in higher credit limits that accommodate growth investments.

When reviewing the card options below, consider how each provider's underwriting philosophy aligns with your business stage and financial profile. 

Early-stage startups or those reinvesting heavily in growth may find the most success with fintech options, while more established businesses might qualify across the board.

Now, let's examine the best no-annual-fee business credit cards for 2025.

Best no-annual-fee business credit cards for 2025

Rho

Best for: Companies looking to maximize cash back and save time on management process

Rewards rate: Up to 2% cash back¹ with Rho Platinum

Annual fee: $0

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

Intro offer: None available at the time of publishing this article

Benefits for startups: 

• Monitor and control spend with robust approvals and controls 
• Access seamless expense reconciliation to save time
• Rho takes a more holistic view of your company to support extended credit limits.
• Savings on critical tools
• No hidden fees

Travel rewards: Ability to set customizable pre-spend travel rules that keep non-compliant swipes from processing; easy travel expense reimbursements and reconciliation process; Navan Connect for travel booking

Bonus categories: No bonus categories 

‍Key benefits:

• Ability to set your own spend controls (e.g., spend limits, merchant restrictions, and approvals)
• Easy reconciliation with automated accounting to save you time
• Real-time integrated budget and expense reporting
• High and scalable credit limit
• Access to $1M+ worth of savings on critical tools like Perplexity, AWS, and Google Cloud
• Fee-free ACH and wire transfers
• No personal credit checks or personal guarantee
• Free employee cards
• Ability to issue corporate charge cards
• No hidden fees or account minimums
• Unlock Platinum (2% cash back¹ + perks) when you use Rho as your primary bank account and corporate cards

Key drawbacks:

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

Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

Best for: Businesses looking for a straightforward card with 0% intro APR

Rewards rate: Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases

Annual fee: $0

APR: 0% intro for first 12 months, then 17.49% to 23.49%

Intro offer: 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on eligible purchases; $750 bonus cash back for new card members after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening

Benefits for startups: $750 cash bonus when spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months

Travel rewards: Car rental coverage, travel and emergency assistance, roadside assistance, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection

Bonus categories: No bonus categories

Key benefits:

• No APR for the first year
• $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months
• Purchase protection and travel assistance protection benefits
• Free employee cards
• Straightforward card

Key drawbacks:

• Limited customization
• Limited budgeting and accounting tools

Ramp

Best for: Businesses looking to automate spend management

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)

Intro offer: None available at time of publishing this article

Benefits for startups: Ability to automate spend management and easily submit expenses

Travel rewards: No foreign transaction fees

Bonus categories: No bonus categories

Key benefits:

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

Key drawbacks:

• Ramp Pay payment processing costs could add up, depending on your payment and invoice volume (e.g., paying for specific features like accounting integrations and multi-entity support subscriptions)
• Does not provide live phone support
• Unspecified rewards rate on the company’s website or support pages
• No intro offer

Brex

Best for: Businesses operating globally that want to cut down foreign transaction fees

Rewards rate: Rewards points up to 7x

Annual fee: $0

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

Intro offer: None available at time of publishing this article

Benefits for startups: 

• Ability to get digital credit cards for immediate use
• Discounts on professional services 

Travel rewards: Robust multi-currency support to help cut down foreign transaction fees

Bonus categories: No bonus categories

Key benefits:

• Ability to set localized expense policies across the globe
• Ability to get higher credit limit 
• No personal credit checks or personal guarantee
• Automated expense management reports
• Free employee cards

Key drawbacks:

• Not built for smaller businesses (e.g., LLCs)
• Must keep track of points-based system while spending to maximize rewards 
• No intro offer

American Express Blue Business Cash

Best for: Businesses planning to spend over their spending 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%

Intro offer: 0% introductory on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening; earn $250 as statement credit when you spend $3,000 in purchases in first three months

Benefits for startups: Ability to spend above your credit limit (amount adapts with your use of the card, your payment history, credit record, etc.)

Travel rewards: No travel-specific rewards

Bonus categories: No bonus categories

Key benefits:

• 2% cash back up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%
• Can spend above your credit limit
• No APR for first year
• $250 intro offer when you spend $3,000 in first three months
• Cash back versus complicated Amex points system
• Free employee cards

Key drawbacks:

• High APR after first year 0% intro offer
• Not customizable
• Cannot set spending limits 

Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash Card

Best for: Businesses seeking a simple card with high cash back rewards

Rewards rate: Unlimited 2% cash rewards

Annual fee: $0

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

Intro offer: 0% introductory on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening; $500 cash rewards bonus when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months

Benefits for startups: 0% intro APR; simple travel perks; high cash rewards

Travel rewards: Complimentary Priority Pass membership (per-visit fee applies, though), Travel Accident Insurance protection, and MasterRental Insurance Coverage

Bonus categories: No bonus categories

Key benefits:

• $500 cash rewards bonus when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months
• No APR for first year
• Free employee cards
• Complimentary Priority Pass membership (per-visit fee applies, though)

Key drawbacks:

• Not customizable
• Cannot set spending limits

Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard Credit Card

Best for: Businesses looking to maximize cash back in select categories

Rewards rate: 3% cash back in select categories

Annual fee: $0

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

Intro offer: 0% intro APR for first nine months from account opening on eligible purchases; $300 bonus cash back for new card members after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening

Benefits for startups: Spend categories may maximize cash rewards

Travel rewards: 3% cash back for travel and 2% cash back for dining

Bonus categories: Gas stations & EV charging stations (default), office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom & wireless, computer services or business consulting services; dining

Key benefits:

• No APR for the first nine months
• $300 bonus cash back after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
• Spend categories may help maximize cash back rewards
• Potential to earn even more cash back if you are in BofA Preferred Rewards for Business tier

Key drawbacks:

• 0% intro APR is only for 9 months 
• High APR after first nine months 0% intro offer
• May charge for additional employee cards
• Must keep track of spend categories to maximize points

Amazon Business Prime Card

Best for: Businesses looking to maximize their spend on Amazon purchases

Rewards rate: 5% on Amazon, 2% on select categories, 1% on other business purchases

Annual fee: $0

APR: 18.49% to 26.49%

‍Intro offer: $125 Amazon gift card upon account opening

Benefits for startups: Ability to maximize spend on Amazon purchases

Travel rewards: No foreign transaction fees

Bonus categories: Restaurants, gas stations, and wireless phone services purchased directly from service providers (2% cash back)

‍Key benefits:

• 5% back for spend on Amazon.com, Amazon Business, AWS, and Whole Foods Market
• $125 Amazon gift card upon account opening
• No foreign transaction fees
• Free employee cards

Key drawbacks:

• Limited customization
• Not ideal when spending mostly outside of Amazon stores or select categories

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How do no-annual-fee business credit cards help save money?

Using a fee-free business credit card strategically can be a great way to manage your startup’s cash flow as you can access cash back rewards, travel bonus points, or other benefits that can enhance business operations and profitability.

At no annual cost, these cards offer cash back rewards, travel points, or other benefits that can help you manage your cash flow. 

Some cards, like Rho, are designed specifically for startups and have management tools to simplify accounting and other tasks that take up a considerable amount of time.

No-annual-fee business credit cards also provide competitive rewards programs, e.g., cash back and perks for business travel. Some cards offer introductory bonuses (for example, you get $500 after spending a set amount of money in the first three months after opening the card) or low introductory APRs. 

What are the pros and cons of no-annual-fee business credit cards?

A huge benefit of no-annual-fee business credit cards is getting access to perks without paying an annual fee. A main drawback is that these cards typically offer fewer premium benefits compared to cards with annual fees.

Pros

One of the most significant benefits of fee-free credit cards is the cost savings achieved by not paying annual fees, which can improve cash flow and allow businesses to allocate more resources to core operations. Note: these fees can range from $99 to $5,000. So, skipping these fees and still getting access to perks and rewards is a strategic move.

As you can see from this list, no-annual-fee business credit cards offer competitive rewards programs. And, key for startups, these types of cards provide financial flexibility, which can be crucial for businesses that spend more during certain times of the year.

Another benefit is that no-annual-fee cards can help businesses build a positive credit profile when used wisely.

Cons

One of the primary disadvantages is that cards with no annual fees typically offer fewer premium benefits compared to cards with annual fees. For instance, if you love luxury or premium travel perks, insurance options, or exclusive rewards, these cards may not be for you.

Additionally, while no-annual-fee cards offer rewards, the rates might be lower than those on cards with annual fees, meaning businesses may earn fewer rewards overall. With no-annual-fee cards, there will likely be other types of typical fees. Some of these fees include foreign transaction fees, late payment fees, or balance transfer fees. 

Now, when it comes to credit, many (not all) cards without an annual fee require good to excellent credit to qualify, which can be a barrier for businesses with poor credit history. 

Some no-annual-fee cards may have less generous introductory bonuses compared to cards with annual fees, potentially reducing the initial value proposition. 

It’s important to not get carried away by introductory bonuses and focus on what matters most to you as the business owner to effectively run your business.

How do no-annual-fee business credit cards compare to premium fee cards?

No-annual-fee cards are ideal for small businesses or those with limited budgets, while premium cards are better suited for larger companies with more business expenses or seeking high-end benefits.

Let’s break it down. 

No-annual-fee business credit cards and premium fee cards cater to different business needs. 

No-annual-fee cards

No-annual-fee cards are ideal for businesses looking to save money by eliminating recurring annual fees, which can improve cash flow and allow for more resources to be allocated to core operations. 

These cards often offer competitive rewards programs, such as cash back or travel points, although the rates might be lower than those on premium cards. Additionally, some no-annual-fee cards offer expense tracking and management features, helping businesses streamline financial operations. 

Another benefit is that without the fee, startup owners and finance managers may feel less pressure to justify an annual fee through rewards earnings.

Premium cards

These offer enhanced rewards and benefits that can be more beneficial for businesses with high spending in specific categories. 

These cards typically include higher rewards rates, stronger sign-up bonuses, and higher category spending caps. 

Premium cards also come with additional perks such as lounge access, travel credits, concierge services, and comprehensive insurance coverage, making them appealing to businesses seeking high-end benefits. 

Furthermore, premium cards may offer higher credit limits, which can be advantageous for businesses with large expenditures. 

The key differences between these two types of cards lie in their cost and benefits structure. ‍

Can you still get premium perks with no-annual-fee business cards?

Yes. Although no-annual-fee business credit cards typically offer fewer premium perks compared to cards with annual fees, they still provide several valuable features.

No-annual-fee business credit cards offer useful perks for businesses. One of the notable benefits is the ability to add multiple employee cards without additional fees. 

In addition to free employee cards, many no-annual-fee cards have cash back points that can be redeemed for other business operations costs. Cardholders can also redeem points for gift cards. 

Some cards also do not charge foreign transaction fees. Some no-annual-fee cards charge  0.0% intro APR for the first twelve months or don’t charge an APR at all as they are a charge card, meaning they must be paid in full each month from available balance. 

Many no-annual-fee cards offer basic expense tracking and management features. Some even offer customizable options so you can set pre-set spending limits. 

While no-annual-fee business credit cards may not offer the full range of premium perks available on cards with annual fees (like access to airport lounges or extra cash back points on select categories), they still provide valuable features like free employee cards, purchase protections, and extended warranties.

Some cards even go the extra mile and provide rewards that can save you cash. Rho’s corporate cards grant you access to $1M+ worth of savings on critical tools like Perplexity, AWS, and Google Cloud.

Does business credit affect personal credit or your credit score?

In short, it may. We wrote a full guide on the topic here for further reading. 

Conclusion: Choosing the Best No Annual Fee Business Credit Card for Your Startup

When selecting the ideal no-annual-fee business credit card for your startup, it's essential to prioritize features that align with your specific business needs and spending patterns. Here's how to make the right choice:

Consider your spending patterns

Analyze where your business spends the most money. If you make significant purchases on Amazon, the Amazon Business Prime Card's 5% cash back might be valuable. For businesses with diverse spending needs, cards offering flat-rate rewards like the Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash Card or Rho's cards provide consistent returns regardless of category.

Evaluate management features

For startups focused on streamlining operations, cards with robust expense management tools can save considerable time and resources. Rho's seamless expense reporting and reconciliation features are specifically designed with startups in mind, helping reduce month-end closing times and simplifying financial operations.

Assess growth potential

Choose a card that can grow with your business. Cards offering scalable credit limits, like Rho, adapt to your company's evolving needs without requiring frequent applications for limit increases.

Balance intro offers with long-term value

While introductory bonuses can be appealing, evaluate the card's long-term value beyond these temporary benefits. Cards offering consistent rewards rates, valuable integrations with accounting software, and ongoing perks typically provide better value than those with flashy sign-up bonuses but fewer permanent features.

Consider additional ecosystem benefits

Some cards offer benefits beyond the card itself. Rho's platform provides access to over $1M in savings on essential business tools like AWS, Google Cloud, and Perplexity, creating value that extends far beyond typical card rewards.

For startups seeking a comprehensive solution that combines powerful expense management tools, scalable credit limits, and valuable rewards without annual fees, Rho offers a distinct advantage. 

The platform is specifically designed to address the unique challenges faced by growing businesses, with features that save time on reconciliation while providing up to 2% cash back¹ with Rho Platinum. Apply today!