Business Credit Cards
Cards for business owners — including small-business and corporate cards — to manage business spending.
Business credit cards are designed for business owners and managers to handle company expenses and cash flow. These cards function similarly to personal credit cards but are structured around business spending patterns, such as purchasing inventory, paying vendors, or covering operational costs. They may be issued to a sole proprietor, a small-business owner, or an employee of a larger corporation. Business cards typically come with various features and terms that differ from consumer cards. Since offerings and conditions vary significantly between card issuers, it's important to review and compare specific terms before applying.
Who it's for
Business owners, including sole proprietors and small businesses, who want to separate business and personal spending, track expenses, and sometimes earn rewards on business purchases. Approval often considers both the business and the owner's personal credit.
How it works
A business card is opened in the business's name (the owner is often personally responsible) and is used for business expenses. Many offer expense-tracking tools, employee cards, and rewards geared toward business categories. Keeping business spending on a dedicated card simplifies bookkeeping and tax preparation.
What to compare
Compare rewards in your business's spending categories, the annual fee, employee-card and expense-management features, and the regular APR. Understand whether you're personally liable, and confirm how the account reports. Read the terms carefully.
Key terms at a glance
| Card type | Specialty (business) |
| For | Small-business and corporate spending |
| Liability | Often the owner is personally responsible — confirm |
| Features | Employee cards, expense tracking, business-category rewards |
| Best for | Separating and managing business expenses |
Pros and cons
Potential advantages
- Separates business from personal spending for cleaner bookkeeping.
- Often includes expense-tracking tools and employee cards.
- Rewards may be tailored to common business spending categories.
Things to watch
- Owners are frequently personally liable for the debt.
- Approval may consider both business and personal credit.
- Consumer credit-card protections that apply to personal cards may differ for business cards.
Sources: CFPB — Credit Cards; Federal Reserve — Credit Cards. Credit-card information follows the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the Federal Reserve; always confirm current rates, fees, and terms with the issuer before applying.
Compare business credit cards offers
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Compare card offers / get matched →Frequently asked questions
Do I need a registered business to get a business card?
Not always — many issuers consider sole proprietors and side businesses, using your name and Social Security number when there's no separate business tax ID. Requirements vary by issuer, so check the specific application terms.
Does a business card affect my personal credit?
It can. Because owners are often personally liable, the application may involve a personal credit check, and some issuers report business-card activity to personal credit bureaus. Confirm how a given card reports before applying.