Top Business Credit Cards for LLCs

As an LLC owner, maintaining a clear boundary between personal and business expenses is crucial for preserving your company’s limited liability protections. Discover how leveraging a dedicated LLC business credit card not only streamlines expense tracking but also aids in establishing and enhancing your business credit profile. Join us as we explore the benefits, perks, and considerations of these essential financial tools tailored for LLCs. Our experts have curated a list of the best business credit cards for LLCs in 2024

Factors to Consider Before Opting for a Credit Card for an LLC

An LLC often faces unexpected costs when starting. Business credit cards can help handle money issues without using up working funds. When picking a business credit card for your LLC, you should look at these key things:

• 0% Introductory APR:

An attractive feature of some business credit cards is the 0% introductory interest rate, also known as 0% APR (annual percentage rate). This means no interest is charged on borrowed funds for a period of typically six to 21 months. This introductory offer may apply to purchases, balance transfers, or both.

Business owners can benefit from these cards by purchasing inventory, equipment, and other expenses without incurring interest charges during the promotional period.

• Rewards that Align with Your Interest:

Business credit card rewards come in two main categories – cashback and travel points. If your company involves lots of travel, a travel rewards card may be helpful, though these cards often have yearly fees. Rewards might differ for different cards, so choose the card that offers rewards that suit your needs. An ash-back business credit card, particularly one with no annual fee, maybe the more suitable option if you prefer to minimize expenses.

When evaluating a card’s rewards structure, it is essential to weigh the benefits of bonus tiers versus flat-rate rewards across various spending categories. Depending on the card’s terms, opt for tiered bonuses if your expenditures align with specific categories like gas stations, office supplies, or travel. If your purchases span a wide range of categories, a flat-rate card may be more suitable, ensuring consistent benefits regardless of what you buy.

• Complimentary Employee Card:

If your business involves employees making purchases or incurring expenses for your business, it’s wise to select a credit card that offers complimentary employee cards. This perk ensures that all rewards earned from these cards contribute directly to the business’s account, maximizing benefits for the entire team.

You can also establish spending limits to maintain control over expenses. Additionally, take advantage of features like card lock and unlock, which offer added security in case an employee misplaces their credit card and requires a replacement.

• High Welcome Bonus:

Go for a business credit card with a high introductory bonus. Many cards offer enticing welcome bonuses for new cardholders. These bonuses typically include extra rewards such as cashback, points, or miles upon initial card usage.

To qualify for the bonus, you must meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months of opening your account. If you plan to make significant purchases for your business, opting for a business credit card with a generous welcome bonus offer can be advantageous.

• Minimal Document Requirements:

When applying for most business credit cards, you’ll typically need to provide both a Social Security number and an Employer Identification Number (EIN). However, there are exceptions to this rule. Certain corporate cards may allow you to apply solely with an EIN. Nevertheless, eligibility for a corporate card usually requires substantial criteria, such as angel investment, venture funding, or generating significant annual revenue amounting to millions of dollars for your LLC.

Best Business Credit Cards for LLCs in 2024

Here are the best business credit cards for LLCs in 2024

1. Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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The Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is ideal for LLCs that often travel or spend significantly in essential business areas. It offers an impressive welcome bonus and rewards on everyday business expenditures, all at a reasonable annual fee. Small business owners can derive significant reward value from this card, both in terms of earning and redeeming points. Notably, the card provides a generous welcome bonus of 100,000 points after spending $8,000 within three months of card activation.

Cardholders also benefit from a high rewards rate across various business expense categories, including select advertising, shipping, cable, internet, travel, and phone services. However, it’s worth noting that the spending cap on rewards may pose limitations for larger businesses.

Redeeming rewards is convenient and lucrative, with cardholders enjoying 25% more value when booking travel through Chase. Additionally, there’s flexibility to transfer points to different airline and hotel loyalty programs or opt for non-travel redemptions without significant loss in value.

Features:

• The Ink Business Preferred Card allows you to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points at favorable rates, including 3X points on advertising, travel, and shipping expenses.
• The card includes travel protections to cover trip delays and other unforeseen incidents, providing added peace of mind during travel.
• Cardholders can earn 5X points on Lyft rides, enhancing the rewards potential.
• Regarding purchase protection, the card covers new purchases for up to 120 days in the event of damage or theft, with a per-claim limit of $10,000 and a per-account limit of $50,000.
• Cardholders can redeem rewards as cashback via statement credits or direct deposits or opt for 1-cent per point gift cards.
• An added benefit is the provision of free employee cards, enabling business owners to extend card benefits to their employees at no extra cost.

Charges at Glance:

• Yearly fees: $95
• APR: 21.24% to 26.24% variable

2. Business Platinum Credit Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is tailored for small business owners who frequently travel for business purposes. It offers a comprehensive range of travel-related benefits and various types of travel insurance to cater to their needs. With this card, you can earn 5x Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotel and flight purchases made through the American Express travel portal, 1.5x points on purchases in qualifying business categories or eligible purchases over $5,000, and 1x points on all other eligible purchases.

This card is particularly beneficial if you frequently use AMEX Travel to book trips, as its rewards make using the portal financially advantageous. Additionally, new cardholders can earn 120,000 reward points after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of Card Membership.

Features:

• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers access to over 1,400 airport lounges from various providers and complimentary benefits at select hotels and resorts.
• This particular card is designed to offer its users an enriching experience. As a cardholder, you earn 5X points on flights and hotel bookings through AMEX Travel. Additionally, you will earn 1x points on all other eligible purchases, allowing you to maximize the benefits of using the card for your everyday expenses. These points can be redeemed for various rewards, including travel, merchandise, and statement credits.
• This credit card protects a range of travel-related and everyday events, including purchase protection of up to $10,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per calendar year, as well as repair or replacement costs following damage or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim, with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period.
• It’s worth noting that individuals who possess credit cards are eligible to receive credit for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry.
• Cardholders also enjoy up to $200 per year in credits for baggage fees.

 

Charges at Glance:

• Yearly fees: $695
• APR: 19.49% to 27.49% variable

3. Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Credit Card

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The Wyndham Rewards Earner Business Card suits small-business owners who travel often for work. Its rewards for business expenses, low annual fees, and access to over 9,000 international locations enhance its overall value.

Additionally, there’s a decent welcome bonus of 50,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days, plus an extra 50,000 points after spending $15,000 on purchases within the first 12 months of account opening. This bonus could kickstart a vacation for cardholders.

Choosing between a travel credit card and a business credit card can be challenging for business owners. The Wyndham Rewards Business Card strikes a fair balance between both. It earns:

• Eight points for each dollar spent on Wyndham hotel stays.
• Five points for each dollar spent on advertising, utilities, and marketing.
• One point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.

These bonus categories may only suit some small-business owners but could benefit some.

Features:

• Cardholders can enjoy unlimited 1.5X miles on every purchase, ensuring you earn rewards no matter where you shop.
• With a Wyndham credit card, participating hotels greet you with a complimentary snack or welcome beverage, adding a touch of hospitality to your stay.
• You can take advantage of early check-in or extend your stay with late checkout, giving you more flexibility during your travels.
• With this credit card, you can access perks such as preferred rooms and suite upgrades, which enhance the comfort and luxury of your accommodation.
• This credit card allows you to earn a 20% points bonus on paid stays, accumulating rewards faster and unlocking more benefits.
• On your Wyndham card anniversary, you’ll receive a generous 15,000 bonus points, equivalent to two free nights at select properties. This will add extra value to your membership.
• Enjoy automatic Diamond status, providing exclusive perks like suite upgrades and welcome amenities upon check-in, elevating your hotel experience.
• Stay worry-free while using your wireless phone by getting supplemental coverage for any eligible theft or damage. This additional coverage protects against unforeseen incidents that may damage or steal your phone.

Charges at Glance:

• Yearly fees: $95
• APR: 21.24% to 29.99% variable

4. Amazon Business Prime AMEX Credit Card

While Amazon might not be your initial go-to for LLCs and other types of businesses, it offers several benefits. Amazon caters to business requirements and offers wholesale supplies. One of Amazon’s standout perks is its business cards, such as the Amazon Business Prime AMEX Credit Card.

With this card, you earn a generous 5% back in rewards or 90-day terms on eligible US purchases at AWS, Amazon Business, Whole Foods, and Amazon.com, up to $120,000 annually with a Prime membership. After that, it’s 1%. Plus, get 2% back at US restaurants, gas stations, wireless services, and 1% on other purchases.

This card can be a smart choice for managing tight cash flow, offering relief from interest payments. Earning 5% back on Amazon purchases is a significant advantage, surpassing rates of other business cards. To apply, you’ll need a personal or Business Prime membership. Business Prime plans range from $179 to $10,099 annually, but Duo level is free for one user and available as an add-on to personal Prime.

Features:

• Upon approval, receive a generous $125 Amazon.com gift card, providing instant value to kickstart your rewards journey and enjoy shopping on Amazon’s extensive marketplace.
• With an eligible Prime membership, you can earn 5% back or enjoy 90-day terms on US purchases at Amazon Business, AWS, Amazon.com, and Whole Foods Market, up to $120,000 annually. Even after reaching the cap, you can continue earning 1% back, ensuring ongoing rewards on your spending.
• Cardholders can earn 2% back on US purchases at restaurants, gas stations, and wireless phone services purchased directly from service providers. These everyday expenses can now contribute to your rewards balance, adding value to your purchases.
• Every eligible purchase earns you 1% back, providing consistent rewards on all your spending, whether for business supplies or personal needs.
• Utilize comprehensive expense management tools to track and organize your expenses efficiently. This will help you stay on top of your finances and ensure better control and oversight of your business expenditures.
• Enjoy the card’s benefits without worrying about an annual fee, allowing you to maximize your rewards and savings without any additional cost.

Charges at Glance:

• Yearly fees: $0
• APR: 19.49% to 27.49% variable

5. US Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®

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The Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® offers a well-rounded package for businesses. It features a solid welcome offer, an extended intro APR period covering balance transfers, and high rewards on business-related categories. Enjoy perks like a $100 statement credit for software subscriptions and up to 5% back on select travel expenses via U.S. Bank’s travel portal.

If your business frequently spends on gas, office supplies, cell phone service, and dining, this card is a great fit, especially with no annual fee. However, if these categories don’t match your spending habits or prefer a travel-focused card, you might find better options elsewhere. The Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® offers a $500 cashback welcome bonus after spending $4,500 in the first 150 days. Earn 5% cashback on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly, 3% cashback at gas stations, office supply stores, cell phone providers, and restaurants, and 1% cashback on other purchases.

One standout feature is the 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, appealing to many business owners seeking financial flexibility.

Features:

• Enjoy a range of cashback rewards with the Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® Business Card. Earn a generous 5% cashback on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center. Get 3% cashback on eligible purchases at gas stations, EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants. For all other eligible net purchases, earn 1% cashback, maximizing your rewards potential across various spending categories.
• You will receive a substantial welcome bonus of $500 in cashback if you spend $4,500 on the account owner’s card within the first 150 days of opening your account.
• Benefit from a $0 annual fee, allowing you to enjoy the rewards and benefits of the card without any additional cost. This feature enhances the card’s affordability and makes it a practical choice for businesses looking to maximize savings and rewards.
• Take advantage of a 0% introductory APR for 15 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers.
• You can quickly redeem the cashback earned with your Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® Business Card by accessing your online account. Keep in mind that there’s a minimum redemption value of $25. You can redeem your cashback as a statement credit or deposit it into your U.S. Bank checking, savings, or money market account for added convenience.
• Take advantage of the ExtendPay® Plan feature. This plan allows you to split large purchases into zero-interest fixed monthly payments for a monthly fee, providing flexibility in managing your cash flow and expenses.
• Receive a $100 annual statement credit for software services, which adds extra value to your card membership and effectively offsets yearly expenses.

Charges at Glance:

• Yearly fees: $0
• APR: 19.24% to 28.24% variable

6. Capital One Venture X Business Credit Card

The Venture X Business Card is an excellent option for LLCs seeking flexibility, rewards, and travel perks. You can earn up to 10X miles on Capital One Travel bookings, perfect for companies that travel frequently. Plus, you get 2X miles on all other purchases, helping you build up miles with every expense.

Despite its $395 annual fee, the card offers good value. You get perks like a $300 Capital One Travel credit, 10,000 bonus miles each card anniversary, and airport lounge access.

What sets this card apart is how you can use your rewards. You can redeem miles for statement credits to cover expenses or transfer them to airline and hotel loyalty programs for premium travel. The Venture X Business Card is a top choice for business owners who want a premium card without breaking the bank.

Features:

• The Capital One Venture X Business Card provides ample benefits for its users. Cardholders enjoy a $300 annual travel credit, applicable to bookings made via Capital One Travel. On each card anniversary, members receive a bonus of 10,000 miles, boosting their rewards accumulation.
• The card offers up to $100 credit to cover application fees for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®, expediting the security process for frequent travelers. Access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide is granted to the cardholder and up to two guests, enhancing the travel experience with comfort and convenience.
• The card’s flexibility extends to its rewards program, allowing users to transfer miles to over 15 airline and hotel partners. This opens up many options for redeeming rewards, catering to diverse travel preferences, and maximizing value.
• The absence of foreign transaction fees makes international travel more affordable and hassle-free, saving users money on each transaction abroad. Lastly, cardholders can access the Premier collection of luxury hotels and resorts with a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits, enhancing their travel experiences with exclusive perks and privileges.

Charges at Glance:

• Yearly fees: $395
• APR: With this card, you must pay off your balance each month, eliminating the concept of APR. However, if you fail to do so, a late fee of 2.99% will be applied to the outstanding balance.

7. Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

The Ink Business Cash® Card offers solid cash-back rewards, mainly if you frequently spend on office supplies and communication services. Its 5% cashback in these categories and a $0 annual fee make it an attractive business option.

While there’s no harm in keeping the card for its benefits and sign-up bonus, note that the 5% cashback is limited to $25,000 in spending. Similarly, the 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants also has a cap. Depending on your spending habits, you might benefit more from additional cards, possibly from Chase’s business card lineup, to maximize rewards.

Consider other options if your spending doesn’t align with the card’s bonus categories. Travel-heavy businesses find better value in dedicated travel business credit cards, even with an annual fee, offering rewards tailored to expenses like hotels and rental cars.

Features:

• The credit card covers equipment or supplies purchases against damage or theft for 120 days. Each claim is covered up to $10,000 and $50,000 per account.
• You can quickly request additional cards for your employees without any extra cost. You can also set spending limits on each card to ensure your employees stay within budget. This feature can help you manage your expenses better and provide your employees with the necessary resources to work efficiently.
• Redeem points at checkout at retailers like Amazon or Apple to pay for purchases, though each point is valued at $0.008, resulting in 80 cents for every 100 points redeemed.
• Earn $350 after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months, plus an additional $400 after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.
• When you make purchases at office supply stores, cable, internet, and phone services, you can receive 5% cashback on up to $25,000 annually. Additionally, you can benefit from 2% cashback on up to $25,000 annually at gas stations and restaurants. For all other purchases, you will receive 1% cashback.

Charges at Glance:

• Yearly fees: $0
• APR: 18.49% to 24.49% variable

8. American Express Business Gold Credit Card

The AMEX Business Gold Card is crafted for LLCs seeking flexibility in spending and redeeming points. This credit card caters to diverse business spending patterns with its flexible rewards system. You can get four times as many Membership Rewards points in the top two categories—gas, advertising, technology, and dining—where businesses spend the most each billing cycle. This flexibility offers substantial earning potential, enabling companies to align points with their spending habits to optimize benefits. Notably, the 4X points earning is capped at $150,000 in total yearly purchases in these categories.

Cardholders access the Membership Rewards program, redeeming points for travel bookings, merchandise, gift cards, and statement credits. Transferring points to airline and hotel partners enhances their value, enabling lucrative redemption options.

In addition to rewards, the AMEX Business Gold Card offers benefits for small businesses, including a $240 annual flexible business credit and a $155 Walmart+ credit. Cardholders enjoy travel perks like waived foreign transaction fees, trip delay protection, secondary rental car insurance, baggage insurance, cell phone protection, and benefits at The Hotel Collection bookings.

Features:

• Out of the six eligible categories, earn four times as many Membership Rewards® points on the two your business spends the most in each billing cycle. For every $150,000 in total purchases made in these areas over a calendar year, you will receive 4X points (and then 1X points after that). It should be noted that the $150,000 cap will only be applied to the top two categories of each billing cycle.
• You can earn three times as many Membership Rewards® points with your Business Gold Card on flights and prepaid hotel reservations made on amextravel.com.
• When you get the AMEX Gold Credit Card, you instantly receive 70,000 reward points after spending $10,000 on eligible purchases within the first three months of card membership.
• Utilize the Pay Over Time feature, allowing businesses to carry a balance with interest on eligible purchases.
• With the option of no preset credit limit, you can spend as much as you need without any predetermined cap. This offers flexibility in managing your finances and enables you to make purchases without worrying about exceeding a predetermined limit.
• You can obtain employee cards without incurring any additional charges.
• The American Express Business Gold credit card offers the advantage of having QuickBooks integrations.
• It is valid if you plan to use your card for international purchases, as no foreign charges are involved with this credit card. This can help you save money and make your international transactions more cost-effective.

Charges at Glance:

• Yearly fees: $375
• APR: 19.49% to 27.49% variable

9. Capital One Spark 1% Classic Credit Card

The Capital One Spark 1% Classic Credit Card is tailored for LLCs aiming to establish or improve their credit score. It offers a simple yet valuable proposition: unlimited 1% cashback on all purchases. This feature ensures that you’re earning rewards regardless of where your business spends.

This card is especially beneficial for businesses with low to average credit scores, providing a path toward a healthier credit profile while still enjoying rewards. Plus, with no annual fee, it’s a smart financial choice for LLCs who manage expenses. The cashback earned can offset everyday purchases or be saved for more significant investments, making it a straightforward and effective tool for businesses seeking simplicity in credit management.

Capital One understands that building business credit takes time, and the Spark 1% Classic Credit Card is designed to support this journey. It aligns with your business’s growth by offering rewards without complexity and promotes responsible financial behavior that can benefit your LLC long-term.

Features:

• With the Spark Classic card, you’re protected by zero fraud liability, meaning you won’t be liable for unauthorized transactions if your card is lost or stolen. You can also set up fraud alerts to stay informed about suspicious activity. Enjoy complimentary employee cards with customizable spending limits, allowing you to manage spending effectively.
• This card is perfect for improving your credit score, especially if it’s fair. Unlike many other business cards that require an excellent credit rating, this one is tailored for those with fair credit.
• Enjoy the benefits of no foreign transaction fees and an AutoPay feature for added convenience.
• Cardholders can earn unlimited 1% cashback on general purchases, including those made with employee cards. This rate is decent for credit-building and comparable to the flat rates offered by other business cards. Additionally, earn 5% back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
• The Capital One Spark Classic for Business comes with no annual fee, ensuring it won’t strain your budget. With free employee cards, managing employee spending and setting limits is hassle-free.

Charges at Glance:

• Yearly fees: $0
• APR: 30.74% variable

10. Brex Credit Card

The Brex Card is tailored for business owners who can pay off their card balance monthly. It offers a high credit limit and no hidden fees, catering to big spenders seeking maximum rewards. Earn 30,000 points after spending $3,500 in the first 30 days or 50,000 points after spending $9,000 in the same period.

If you are a Brex user, you may qualify for the Brex Exclusive program. This status offers the highest reward potential and is available for those who use Brex as their exclusive corporate card. It’s an excellent opportunity for users to maximize their rewards and enjoy exclusive perks.

The card offers the potential for a high credit limit based on your company’s equity and spending patterns. Users also enjoy discounts with partners like Google Ads, QuickBooks, and Slack. Brex targets emerging or early-stage companies and accepts applications from venture-backed and mid-market firms.

Features:

• With Brex, you can receive a substantial boost with 10,000 points when you spend $3,000 within your first three months on the Brex Card, kickstarting your rewards journey.
• You don’t need any personal guarantee while applying as they don’t require a personal security deposit or credit check, providing hassle-free access to credit.
• Brex offers exceptional credit limits; you can enjoy credit limits 10x to 20x higher than traditional small business cards, providing ample purchasing power for your business needs.
• You can unlock exclusive signup offers from top business tools like AWS, Google Ads, and Salesforce, valued at up to $150,000, which will enhance your business capabilities.
• Brex lets you earn points effortlessly with industry-leading multipliers, including 7x on rideshare and 4x on Brex Travel, maximizing rewards on every dollar spent.
• Seamlessly transfer points to 7 major airlines and their loyalty programs, granting access to book travel across all major global airline alliances.

Charges at Glance:

• Yearly fees: $0
• APR: 18.49% to 24.49% variable

Conclusion

Choosing the right business credit card for your LLC involves careful consideration of your business’s spending habits and financial needs. The options available cater to various preferences, from earning rewards on travel and everyday business expenses to cards designed to improve or establish credit history. Whether you prioritize rewards like cash back and travel points, need a card with a 0% introductory APR, or seek benefits like complimentary employee cards and minimal documentation requirements, there’s a card that fits your business model.

For example, the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is ideal for LLCs with frequent travel or significant spending in select categories, offering a substantial welcome bonus and versatile rewards. On the other hand, the Amazon Business Prime AMEX Credit Card suits businesses looking to maximize purchases on Amazon and affiliated services, providing impressive cashback rewards without an annual fee. Meanwhile, the Capital One Spark 1% Classic Credit Card offers an accessible option for businesses aiming to build credit.

Selecting a business credit card that aligns with your LLC’s financial strategy can significantly enhance your cash flow management, reward earnings, and overall business growth. By focusing on the card features that match your business’s specific needs—travel perks, cashback, or credit building—you can leverage these financial tools to support and advance your business objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions