Published By Janet Gershen-Siegel at November 28th, 2018
The best travel rewards business credit card can be yours – and you can keep your business going with it!
Per the SBA, small business credit card limits are a whopping 10 – 100 times that of personal cards!
This reveals you can get a lot more money with small business credit. And it also shows you can have personal credit cards at stores. So you would now have an additional card at the same stores for your business.
And you will not need collateral, cash flow, or financial data in order to get company credit.
Benefits vary, so make sure to choose the benefit you prefer from this array of choices.
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card has no annual fee and comes with a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the initial nine months. Afterwards, the card has a 13.24 – 23.24% variable APR
Earn 3 points/dollar spent when you book travel via the Bank of America Travel Center and 1.5 points/dollar on all other purchases. You can get unlimited points and points never expire.
There is a 25,000-point sign-up bonus when you spend $1,000 in the initial 60 days of opening up the account. Cardholders get travel accident insurance, and lost luggage reimbursement.
They also get trip cancellation coverage, trip delay reimbursement and other benefits.
There is no introductory rate for balance transfers. Also, bonus categories are limited.
Get it here: https://www.bankofamerica.com/smallbusiness/credit-cards/products/travel-rewards-business-credit-card/
Take a look at the Capital One® Quicksilver® Card. It offers flat-rate rewards of 1.5% on all purchases. There are no limits to the amount of cash back rewards which cardholders can earn. Also, the card has a $0 annual fee.
New cardholders have a 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months after opening the account. Then afterwards they have a 14.74 – 24.74% (variable) APR after that.
A cash bonus of $150 is available for those who make a minimum of $500 in purchases within 3 months of account opening.
Also, cash back rewards do not expire for the life of the account. And there is no limit to how much you can earn.
This credit card also offers travel accident insurance. And you get an auto rental collision damage waiver. There are no foreign transaction fees. And there is extended warranty coverage.
Downsides are the flat reward rate, not allowing for any more than that. And the higher APR after the first 15 months.
Get it here: https://www.capitalone.com/credit-cards/quicksilver/
For average credit, we like the Capital One Spark Classic for Business. It has no annual fee. There are cash-back rewards. The card earns an unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases. There is an annual fee of $0.
With this card, you will get benefits including an auto rental collision damage waiver, and purchase security. And you also get extended warranty coverage. And you get travel and emergency assistance services.
But KEEP IN MIND: the ongoing APR is 24.74% variable APR. And the penalty APR is even higher, 31.15%. Also, there is no sign-up bonus.
Get it here: https://www.capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/spark-classic/
Be sure to check out the Capital One® Spark® Miles for Business card. With this card, you can earn 2 miles per dollar on all purchases. When you spend $4,500 within the first 3 months of opening an account, you can earn 50,000 miles. So, that is worth $500 in travel.
Benefits for cardholders include an auto rental collision damage waiver, and purchase security. And they also include extended warranty coverage. And you get travel and emergency assistance services.
Cardholders will pay $0 introductory for first year. But they will pay $95 after that for the annual fee.
There is no 0% APR for purchases or balance transfers with this card. The APR is 18.74% (variable).
Get it here: https://www.capitalone.com/small-business/credit-cards/spark-miles/
Take a look at the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for travel points.
You can get two points per dollar spent on travel and dining at restaurants. And you can earn one point per dollar on all other purchases. Points can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, or travel.
The card’s benefits include trip cancellation insurance, travel and emergency assistance services. They also include an auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection and extended warranty protection.
When you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months from account opening, you will earn 50,000 bonus points. These points are worth $625 if you redeem them for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
You can earn an unlimited two points per dollar for travel and dining at restaurants. And then earn one point per dollar for all other purchases. Points will transfer equally to 13 leading frequent travel programs with partners. So these include British Airways, Southwest Airlines, United, and Marriott.
There is no 0% introductory APR on purchases or balance transfers. The card’s standard APR is 17.74 – 24.74% variable. Also, the card has an annual fee of $0 introductory for the first year. And then it skyrockets to $95.
Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/rewards-credit-cards/chase-sapphire-preferred
For travel points, take a look at the Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card. You can earn 3 points/dollar on travel and dining at restaurants and 1 point/dollar on other purchases.
Spend $4,000 in the initial 3 months, and you will get 50,000 bonus points. This card provides a $300 annual travel credit. And you get airport lounge access, perks at luxury hotels and resorts including upgrades.
It also offers a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck, early check-in and late checkout. And it provides trip cancellation and interruption insurance, an auto rental collision damage waiver.
Plus lost luggage reimbursement, trip delay reimbursement, and purchase protection. Finally, it also has return protection and extended warranty protection.
This card also offers cardholders a 25% higher points value when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards. With this card, points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
The biggest issues are the yearly fee of $450 and $75 for each authorized user. Another point to consider should be that the card has a 17.99 – 24.99% variable APR.
So, consider this one carefully and be sure to read the fine print. Given the enormous annual fee, this is probably not the best travel rewards business credit card for most people.
Get it here: https://www.chase.com/card-benefits/sapphirereserve/travel
Take a look at the Hilton Honors American Express Ascend Card, which earns hotel rewards points. Get up to 12 points per dollar of eligible purchases at participating Hilton hotels or resorts.
Automatically get Hilton Honors Gold status. And this includes room upgrades when available. And get a 5th night free when you reserve a rewards stay of 5 nights or more, free internet access, and late checkout.
It also includes a 25% bonus on base points earned with Hilton Honors.
This card has a variable purchase APR of 17.74 – 26.74%. There is an annual fee of $95. Cardholders can earn a 125,000-point welcome offer after making $2,000 in eligible purchases in 3 months from account opening.
Earn a free weekend night award after making $15,000 in eligible purchases on your card in a calendar year. Benefits include purchase protection. And you get extended warranty coverage.
They also include car rental loss and damage insurance and travel accident insurance.
If you spend $40,000 on eligible purchases with the card within a calendar year, you can earn Hilton Honors Diamond status. So this is through the end of the next calendar year. This status includes all of the benefits of Gold status.
It also includes a 50% bonus on base points earned with Hilton Honors and exclusive floor lounge access at select properties. But that is awfully high spending needed for elite status. Only you can decide if that’s worth it.
Get it here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card/hilton-honors-ascend/
Check out the IHG ® Rewards Club Premier Credit Card. it earns hotel rewards worldwide. For every dollar spent at participating IHG hotels, earn 10 points. Get two points per dollar spent at gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants.
And all other purchases earn one point. New cardholders can earn an 80,000-point sign-up bonus when they spend $2,000 in the first three months of account opening.
This card provides a free one-night hotel stay each year. Plus there is a range of benefits like travel and purchase coverage and an upgrade to Platinum Elite status with the IHG Rewards Club. The club offers complimentary room upgrades when available and guaranteed room availability.
The most significant issue is that the card does not have a zero percent APR introductory rate. And the standard APR is 17.99 – 24.99% variable. And the yearly fee is $89.
Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/a1/ihg/premiernaep
Have a look at the Ink Business Cash ℠ Credit Card. Small businesses can earn cash back with every purchase. Spend $3,000 in the initial three months from account opening. And you’ll earn a $500 bonus cash back.
There is a $0 yearly fee with a 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers. Afterwards, the APR is a 15.24 – 21.24% variable.
The card features travel and purchase coverage benefits. So, this includes an auto rental collision damage waiver and extended warranty protection.
Earn bonus cash back on business categories. So, these include office supply stores, telecommunications, gas stations and restaurants.
Note: this credit card has a balance transfer fee. Pay 5% of the amount transferred or $5, whichever is more. Also, there is a foreign transaction fee of 3%.
Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/small-business-credit-cards/ink-cash
Get a look at the Ink Business Preferred Credit Card from Chase. Cardholders earn 3 points for every dollar spent on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone and qualifying advertising with the card. So, this is up to $150,000 each year. And all other purchases earn an unlimited one point per dollar spent.
This is a Visa credit card.
Cardholders get benefits like purchase protection, trip cancellation or interruption insurance. They also get cellphone protection. And they get extended warranty coverage. And they get an auto rental collision damage waiver.
Get 80,000 bonus points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months from account opening. There is an annual fee of $95. You can add employee cards at no additional cost.
This credit card only offers 3 points per dollar to a limit of $150,000 a year. So, this is for travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone and qualifying advertising. All other purchases get an unlimited flat rate of one point per dollar. And there is no introductory APR.
Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/small-business-credit-cards/ink-business-preferred
Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines. Get the best travel rewards business credit card!
Have a look at the JetBlue Plus Card for an additional offer of a 0% introductory APR.
Get six points/dollar on JetBlue purchases, two points/dollar at eating establishments and grocery stores. And get one point/dollar on all other purchases.
Spend $1,000 in the initial 90 days and pay the yearly fee, and earn 40,000 bonus points. New cardholders get a 12 month, 0% introductory APR on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening.
After that, the variable APR on purchases and balance transfers is 17.99%, 21.99% or 26.99%, based upon creditworthiness. Benefits include a free first checked bag and 50% savings on in-flight purchases.
There is a $99 annual fee for this card.
Get it here: https://cards.barclaycardus.com/cards/jetblue-card/
This card earns six points/dollar spent at participating Marriott and SPG hotels. And get two points/dollar on all other purchases.
Spend $3,000 in the initial three months from account opening and get two free night awards (each worth up to 35,000 points).
Cardholders get access to perks including a free one-night stay each year after account anniversary. Also get travel and purchase protection. So, this includes free standard in-room Wi-Fi and priority late checkout.
Perks include baggage delay reimbursement, and lost luggage reimbursement. There is also trip delay reimbursement. And there is purchase protection. Plus there are concierge service and automatic Silver Elite status, which includes a 20% bonus on points.
Spend $35,000 each account year, and get an upgrade to Gold Elite status. So, that includes a complimentary room upgrade, free daily breakfast and 4 PM late checkout.
There is an annual fee of $95. The APR is a 17.99– 24.99% variable.
Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/marriott/apply
Another option is the Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card from American Express.
This credit card is for those who stay at Starwood Preferred Guest and Marriott hotels often. Get six points per dollar of eligible purchases at participating SPG and Marriott Rewards hotels.
And earn four points per dollar at American restaurants, US filling stations, and on US purchases for shipping.
Also, earn four points to the dollar on wireless telephone services purchased directly from US service providers. For all other eligible purchases, get two points per dollar.
Earn 75,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the initial three months of account opening. Benefits include free in-room premium internet access, Sheraton Club lounge access, and purchase protection.
Plus you get car rental loss and damage insurance. And you get baggage insurance. There is also a global assistance hotline. And there is a roadside assistance hotline. And get travel accident insurance and extended warranty coverage.
The most significant issue is the annual fee. There is a $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then it’s $95 thereafter. Plus there is no 0% introductory APR. Instead, there is a 17.74 – 26.74% variable APR
Get it here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/business/business-credit-cards/spg-amex-starwood-credit-card
Check out the Business Platinum® Card from American Express OPEN if you’re comfortable with an exorbitant yearly fee. This card earns 5 points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on the American Express Travel website.
It also earns 2 points per dollar on travel purchases booked on the American Express Travel website.
Furthermore, it gets 1.5 points per dollar on purchases of $5,000 or more. So, this is with up to one million additional points per calendar year. All other eligible purchases earn one point per dollar.
With this card’s welcome offer, you can get 50,000 bonus points when you spend $10,000. And get another 25,000 points when you spend an additional $10,000 in that same period.
Cardholder benefits include global lounge access and a $200 airline fee credit. And you get a fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Precheck.
Benefits also include complimentary Wi-Fi hotspot internet access, privileges including early check-in and daily breakfast at participating hotels and resorts. Plus, the card offers travel accident insurance and roadside assistance.
This card does not offer bonus point earnings in other categories such as gas, office supplies or advertising. Additionally, all of these benefits do not come cheap. Note: the card has an annual fee of $450!
Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines. Get the best travel rewards business credit card!
Take a look at the SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card from American Express. There is a $0 annual fee. And there is a 0% APR on purchases So this is for the initial 15 months an account is open.
But when the introductory period ends, the APR for purchases is 14.24 to 21.24%. So, this is variable and based on creditworthiness.
This card has several benefits. These include purchase protection, car rental loss and damage insurance. And they also include a baggage insurance plan, extended warranty coverage and a global assist hotline.
Also, get 5% cash back at US office supply stores and on wireless telephone services. So, these must be purchased from United States providers. But this pertains to the initial $50,000 of yearly spending. Then, you earn 1% cash back.
You also get 3% cash back on spending category of your choice. So, this is from eight distinct categories. They include airfare, gas, advertising and computer purchases. But it applies to the first $50,000 of annual spending. Then, you earn 1% cash back.
Cash-back bonuses are automatically credited to the customer’s billing statement.
Note: you cannot use this credit card for balance transfers. There is a foreign transaction fee of 2.7%. The credit card charges up to $38 in late fees. And the returned check fee is also $38. The penalty APR is 29.99%.
And, it applies if you have two or more late payments within 12 months. It can also apply if you fail to make the minimum payment on time or have a returned payment.
Get it here: https://www.americanexpress.com/us/small-business/credit-cards/simply-cash-plus-business-credit-card/44279
Check out the Uber Visa Card. Uber is the first ride-sharing service to offer a credit card, in a partnership with Visa and Barclays.
This credit card offers 4% back per dollar spent at restaurants, takeout and bars, including UberEATS. Also, earn 3% back on hotel, airfare and vacation home rentals. And get 2% back on online purchases. So, this includes retailers and subscription services like Uber and Netflix.
And get 1% back on all other purchases. Each percent/point has a value of 1 cent. Redeem points for cash back, gift cards or Uber credits directly within the app.
There is no yearly fee. By spending a minimum of $500 in the first 90 days, users can earn a $100 sign-up bonus.
Cardholders spending a minimum of $5,000 every year are eligible to receive a $50 credit toward online subscription services.
If you pay your cellular phone bill with this card, you are insured up to $600 for cellphone damage or theft.
Cardholders are eligible for exclusive access to certain events and offers. Uber anticipates most of these offers will be available in major cities like New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago and DC. There is no foreign transaction fee.
However, there is no introductory rate. The APR is a variable 16.99%, 22.74% or 25.74%, based on your creditworthiness. Cardholders with less than stellar credit will be on the higher end of the range.
Also, there are restrictions on Uber credits. To redeem points as credits within the Uber app, accrue at the very least 500 points, or $5. Cardholders can convert a maximum of 50,000 points, or $500, in a given day.
This rather unique card could turn out to be the best travel rewards business credit card for entrepreneurs who don’t fly much, or even those who don’t drive.
Get it here: https://www.uber.com/c/uber-credit-card/
Not taking Uber? Then you’ll need to fill your gas tank somehow. Why not do so with the Costco Anywhere Visa ® Business Card by Citi?
This card gets cash back with every purchase. Earn 4% cash back on the first $7,000 spent on eligible gas purchases annually (1% after that). Get 3% cash back at restaurants and on eligible travel purchases.
Also, earn 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com. And earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
There is an annual fee of $0, but only for Costco members. Cardholders will get access to damage and theft purchase protection, extended warranty coverage and travel accident insurance.
Note: an active Costco membership is a requirement. Also, there is no sign-up bonus available with this card.
Get it here: https://www.citi.com/credit-cards/credit-card-details/citi.action?ID=Citi-costco-anywhere-visa-business-credit-card
Get a good look at the United MileagePlus Explorer Business Card.
Earn 2 miles/dollar with United and at restaurants, gas stations and office supply stores. All other purchases earn 1 mile/dollar.
Get a 50,000-mile sign-up bonus after spending $3,000 in the initial three months from account opening. Benefits include priority boarding, a free first checked bag for you and a companion on the same reservation.
Also, get two United Club passes annually. And you get hotel and resort perks including upgrades. In addition, get early check-in and late checkout. And you get an auto rental collision damage waiver.
Plus, get baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Finally, get trip delay reimbursement, purchase protection, price protection and concierge service.
The card has an annual fee of $95. There is no yearly fee in the first year. APR of 17.99% – 24.99%, based on creditworthiness.
Get it here: https://creditcards.chase.com/small-business-credit-cards/united-mileageplus-explorer-business
Establish business credit fast with our research-backed guide to 12 business credit cards and lines. Get the best travel rewards business credit card!
The best travel rewards business credit card for you will hinge on your credit history and scores.
Only you can pick which features you want and need. So be sure to do your homework. What is outstanding for you could be disastrous for someone else.
And, as always, be sure to build credit in the recommended order for the best, fastest benefits.