Whether you're running a small business, managing a side hustle, or freelancing full-time, the right business credit card can help you streamline expenses, earn high-value rewards, and build a financial foundation for your enterprise. In 2025, U.S. entrepreneurs and freelancers have more credit card options than ever—with many offering generous cash back, travel points, 0% intro APR, and no annual fees. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the top business credit cards tailored to solo entrepreneurs, LLCs, and gig economy professionals, comparing rewards, fees, eligibility, and value for different business models.
📖 Table of Contents｜Best Business Credit Cards for Entrepreneurs & Freelancers
- Why Entrepreneurs and Freelancers Need a Business Credit Card
- What to Look for in a Business Credit Card
- Top 9 Business Credit Cards for 2025
- Detailed Card Reviews & Comparison
- Best Cards by Business Type
- Rewards vs. 0% APR vs. Low Fees
- How to Qualify Without an LLC
- Tips for Maximizing Business Credit Cards
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Entrepreneurs and Freelancers Need a Business Credit Card
Using a dedicated business credit card offers major advantages. It separates personal and business finances, simplifies tax prep, earns rewards for every purchase, and helps build business credit. Even freelancers or sole proprietors without formal business entities can qualify using their SSN and estimated income.
What to Look for in a Business Credit Card
The right card depends on your goals and spending patterns. Key features to consider include:
- Rewards: Cash back, points, or miles for purchases in common categories like advertising, dining, office supplies, or gas.
- Fees: Consider annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and whether the rewards outweigh the cost.
- Intro APR: Many cards offer 0% interest on purchases or balance transfers for 9–18 months.
- Credit requirements: Most cards require good to excellent credit (670+), but some secured options exist.
- Additional tools: Employee cards, expense tracking, account integrations with QuickBooks or Xero.
Top 9 Business Credit Cards for 2025
- Chase Ink Business Unlimited®
- American Express Blue Business® Cash Card
- Capital One Spark 1.5% Cash Select for Excellent Credit
- Brex Card for Startups
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite™
- Ramp Corporate Card
- Chase Ink Business Cash®
- American Express® Business Gold Card
Detailed Card Reviews & Comparison
1. Chase Ink Business Unlimited®
Rewards: 1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases
Pros: No annual fee, generous intro offer ($750), 0% APR for 12 months
Cons: No category bonuses; limited international travel perks
2. Amex Blue Business® Cash
Rewards: 2% cash back on first $50,000/year, then 1%
Pros: Ideal for small businesses with consistent expenses; no annual fee
Cons: Rewards cap may not suit high spenders
3. Capital One Spark 1.5% Cash Select
Rewards: 1.5% flat cash back
Pros: Simple rewards structure, no annual fee
Cons: No bonus categories
4. Brex Card for Startups
Rewards: Up to 7x points on rideshare, 4x on Brex travel, 3x on restaurants
Pros: No personal guarantee, high multipliers, built for startups
Cons: Requires business bank account and specific structure (LLC/C-corp)
5. Ink Business Preferred®
Rewards: 3x on travel, shipping, ads, and telecom (up to $150,000)
Pros: High-value point system, massive 100K point intro bonus
Cons: $95 annual fee; best if you redeem via Chase Travel or transfer
6. U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards
Rewards: 3% cash back on gas, office supplies, utilities, cell services
Pros: 0% APR for 15 months, $500 bonus, no annual fee
Cons: Limited premium perks
7. Ramp Corporate Card
Rewards: 1.5% cash back on all purchases
Pros: No fees, built-in expense automation, no credit check
Cons: Only for incorporated businesses; no personal liability
8. Chase Ink Business Cash®
Rewards: 5% on office supply stores and telecom; 2% on gas and restaurants
Pros: No annual fee, excellent intro bonus, great for low-overhead businesses
Cons: 5%/2% categories capped at $25,000 per year
9. Amex Business Gold Card
Rewards: 4x on your top two categories (from a list like ads, dining, travel)
Pros: Dynamic rewards model; premium service
Cons: $375 annual fee; only valuable with heavy business spend
Best Cards by Business Type
Sole Proprietors & Freelancers
Top Picks: Chase Ink Business Unlimited®, Amex Blue Business® Cash, Capital One Spark
LLCs & Registered Businesses
Top Picks: Ink Preferred®, Brex, Ramp, Amex Gold
Online Businesses & Ecommerce
Top Picks: Ink Cash® (5% on telecom), Amex Business Gold (4x on ads), Brex
Gig Economy Workers (Uber, DoorDash, etc.)
Top Picks: Citi® Double Cash (personal use OK), Amex Blue Business®
Rewards vs. 0% APR vs. Low Fees
Depending on your priorities, you might prefer:
- Max Rewards: Amex Business Gold, Ink Preferred
- Low Fees: Amex Blue Business®, Spark 1.5%, Ink Cash
- 0% APR: Chase Ink Unlimited, U.S. Bank Triple Cash
How to Qualify Without an LLC
You don’t need a registered company to apply. Most business cards accept:
- Sole proprietorships (use your SSN and estimated income)
- Freelancers (graphic design, consulting, tutoring, etc.)
- Side hustles (Etsy, eBay, Uber, YouTube, etc.)
Use your legal name as the business name, and describe your business activity truthfully.
Tips for Maximizing Business Credit Cards
- Put recurring expenses (ads, hosting, phone bills) on the card
- Leverage category bonuses by matching card to business type
- Redeem points for travel or statement credit based on best value
- Track expenses via card dashboard or link to accounting software
- Request employee cards (free with most issuers) to earn more
Frequently Asked Questions
Can freelancers get a business credit card?
Yes. You can apply using your SSN as a sole proprietor. Just describe your freelance service type during application.
Will a business card affect my personal credit?
Most issuers check your personal credit at application, but won’t report activity unless you default. However, Chase and Capital One report usage monthly.
What’s the difference between a business and personal credit card?
Business cards often offer tools for managing employee spending, category bonuses aligned with business spending (e.g., ads, office supplies), and help establish business credit profiles.
Are there any secured business cards for bad credit?
Yes. For example, the Wells Fargo Business Secured or First National Bank Business Secured may be options for limited or damaged credit profiles.
Can I use business cards for personal purchases?
Legally, it’s discouraged. Commingling business and personal spending could affect liability protections and accounting clarity.
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