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There are many reasons it pays to have a dedicated business credit card, and the benefits can extend far beyond the rewards you earn. Having a business credit card in your wallet makes it easier to keep your business expenses separate from personal expenses for tax purposes, and the best business cards even come with unique cardholder perks, like travel protections or accounting integrations.
There are plenty of no-annual-fee credit cards for businesses that can help you reap rewards on business expenses without having to pay for the privilege. Here are a few of our favorites.
Comparing the best no-annual-fee business cards
| Card name | APR | Rewards rate | Bankrate score |
|---|---|---|---|
| The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card | 17.99% – 25.99% Variable | 2 percent cash back on all eligible purchases (up to $50,000 per year, then 1 percent) | 4.3 |
| The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | 17.99% – 25.99% Variable | 2X points on up to $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1X points thereafter 2X points on prepaid rental cars booked through AmexTravel.com 1X points on all other purchases | 4.1 |
| Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card | 17.99% – 23.99% Variable | Unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases5 percent cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025 | 4.2 |
| Ink Business Cash® Credit Card | 17.99% – 23.99% Variable | 5 percent cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores, internet, cable and phone services per year 2 percent cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants per year1 percent on all other purchases | 4.1 |
| Capital on Tap Business Credit Card | 17.99% – 35.99% variable APR | 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases | 3.5 |
Top no-annual-fee business cards
How to choose the best no-annual-fee business card
While no annual fee business credit cards can offer generous rewards rates and bonus offers, these rates and bonuses are generally lower than you’ll find on an annual fee card.
With that being said, there are plenty of valuable factors you should compare before you settle on a business card, including the following:
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If you want to earn rewards on your business purchases, rewards rates and categories for everyday business spending should be on your radar. If your business spends more at gas stations and office supply stores than restaurants or home improvement stores, you should compare cards that offer boosted rewards rates in those categories. If your business spending is spread out uniformly, then a business credit card with a flat rate of rewards could prove more valuable.
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Ideally, you want a business credit card that offers a generous bonus with a minimum spending requirement you can easily meet. These offers can bring significant value alongside an intro APR offer, and are worth factoring in when choosing a card, especially if you have upcoming large purchases for your business.
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The best business credit cards with no annual fee also tend to offer a 0 percent intro APR on purchases or balance transfers for a limited time. You should compare these offers based on how long they last, whether or not you’ll carry a balance for the first year and the variable APR you’ll have to pay on the remaining balances once the intro APR offer is over.
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Business cards may come with an assortment of additional perks and benefits, including auto rental insurance, extended warranties, roadside dispatch or purchase protection. No-annual-fee business cards tend to come with fewer perks than their annual fee counterparts, but even the common benefits can add value to your business.
Frequently asked questions
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You can build business credit the same way you build personal credit: borrowing and repaying lines of credit or loans. Secure a business credit card, keep utilization low and always pay on time or early. You can also open trade lines with vendors that report to credit agencies and consistently make timely payments. Regularly check your business credit reports for accuracy and to track your progress.
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The Capital One Spark Classic for Business* is often the easiest business card to obtain, especially for those with fair credit or a less-than-perfect credit history. It offers the opportunity to earn unlimited cash rewards while also helping to build credit.
Bottom Line
A dedicated no-annual-fee business credit card can help you keep your business expenses separate for tax purposes, cover expenses during cash flow fluctuations, earn rewards, and provide additional perks and protections.
But don’t settle for a card without fully exploring your options, including annual fee business cards. Depending on your needs, you may find an annual fee business card is also a valuable choice.
*The information about the Capital One Spark Classic for Business has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
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