Small Business Credit Card Options for LLCs, Sole Proprietors, and Corporations

Examples of Top 5 Small Business Credit Card Options

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes only. Biz2Credit is not affiliated with these card issuers and receives no material benefit from these recommendations; final terms depend on individual creditworthiness. Please consult with each individual card issuer for full terms and conditions.

Every business has different spending habits, so the best small business credit card to consider for one owner may not suit another. Below are five credit card options for small business owners:

1. Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

This no-annual fee card may be suitable for LLCs and sole proprietors with strong credit. Some of the key features include:

• Earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase.*
• Comes with a 0% intro APR period on purchases. After that, a 16.74%–24.74% variable of APR based on issuer terms and qualifications.
• Includes purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
• Requires a good personal credit score for approval.
• Offers a sign-up bonus for new cardholders who meet minimum spending requirements.
• Integrates with Chase's expense management tools for easier bookkeeping.

2. American Express Blue Business Cash Card

This card suits corporations and growing LLCs that want automatic cash back without an annual fee.

• Earns 2% cash back automatically on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each year.
• Offers expanded buying power that adjusts based on spending patterns.
• Provides free employee cards at no extra cost. It also connects to QuickBooks.
• Backed by American Express customer service and purchase protections.
• Cash back is applied automatically as a statement credit, with no categories to activate.

3. Capital One Spark Cash Plus

This charge card fits established corporations and sole proprietors with strong cash flow who want unlimited spending power.

• Earns unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase.
• May offer a welcome bonus of $1,000 cash bonus when you spend $10,000 in the first 3 months as a welcome offer.
• Charges an annual fee but refunds it if you spend enough.
• Offers a large one-time cash bonus for new cardholders who meet spending requirements.
• Provides free employee cards with individual spending limits.
• Delivers year-end summaries that simplify tax preparation.

4. Capital One Venture X Business

This premium travel card works well for LLCs and corporations with frequent business travel needs.

• Earns 2X miles on every purchase, with higher rates on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
• This is a no-preset-spending-limit card
• Includes airport lounge access and an annual travel credit.
• Comes with a higher annual fee offset by travel perks.
• It can be suited to businesses with consistent monthly spending above a few thousand dollars.
• Miles never expire as long as the account stays open.
• Includes trip cancellation and travel accident insurance for cardholders.

5. Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured

This secured card is considered one of the best business credit cards for small businesses with bad credit or no credit history yet.

• Requires a refundable security deposit to open the account.
• Earns unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
• Reports payment activity to help build a stronger business credit file.
• Works well as a small business credit card for new businesses with bad credit or thin credit files.
• Deposit amounts typically range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, based on the credit line you want.
• Many issuers review the account after several months of on-time payments to consider an upgrade to an unsecured card.

Small Business Credit Cards Options at a Glance  

What to Consider When Choosing a Small Business Credit Card

Your business structure, credit history, and spending habits all affect which small business credit card makes sense for your company. LLCs also look for preferred rewards for businesses on their credit card.

• Business structure: LLCs and corporations often qualify for higher credit limits than sole proprietors, since lenders can review separate business financials.

• Personal credit score: Most issuers still check personal credit for new applicants, especially sole proprietors without an established business credit file.

• Credit-building: Sole proprietors and LLCs with a limited credit history should prioritize secured or starter cards that report to business credit bureaus.

• Spending categories: Match the card’s bonus categories to where your business actually spends money, such as software, shipping, or travel.

• Employee card access: Corporations with multiple employees should look for free employee cards with spending controls.

• Reporting to bureaus: Confirm whether the issuer reports to business credit bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet, since not all cards do.

• Introductory offers: Compare sign-up bonuses and 0% intro APR periods, but don't let a short-term offer outweigh long-term fees or rewards value.

Reviewing these factors before applying helps you avoid a hard credit inquiry for a card that doesn't fit your business.

How to Apply for a Small Business Credit Card

Applying takes about 10-15 minutes online. Follow these steps to keep the process smooth:

1. Check your personal credit score, since most applications rely on it in the early stages of a business.
2. Gather your business details, including legal name, EIN or Social Security number, and estimated annual revenue.
3. Compare two or three cards that match your credit profile instead of applying to several at once.
4. Submit the application and wait for an instant decision, though some applications require manual review.
5. Set up automatic payments once approved to avoid late fees and protect your credit standing.

Bottom Line

There is no single best small business credit card for every company. LLCs, sole proprietors, and corporations each have different needs, credit profiles, and spending patterns, so the right small business credit card depends on your specific situation.

If your credit is still developing, a secured option works better than a premium travel card. If you already have strong revenue and excellent credit, a flat-rate or travel rewards card can deliver more value.

Comparing a small business credit card for new businesses with bad credit against a rewards-focused card is a good way to find the right fit for your company.

*Rates, fees, and rewards on business credit products change regularly, so confirm the latest terms directly on each issuer's website before you submit an application.