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You don't need to worry about paying a high annual fee to open a small-business credit card that's worthwhile. There's a wide selection of no-annual-fee business cards to choose from, from options that earn cash back to flexible rewards points, and some even offer substantial benefits and an introductory 0% APR that can help you save money. 


Compare our top picks for the best no annual fee business cards









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Best for maximizing Chase points













$750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening













Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business.
















Best for business expenses like office supplies and internet













$750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening













Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
















Best for rewards plus a generous intro 0% APR













$500 cash back after spending $4,500 on purchases on the account holder's card in the first 150 days of opening your account













Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants. 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases. Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center.
















Best ultra-long introductory APR offer













0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles


















We're focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won't be worth it if you're paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it's important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
Best for earning travel points: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express










Regular APR




15.49% - 23.49% Variable





Recommended Credit Score




Good to Excellent
















Regular APR




15.49% - 23.49% Variable





Recommended Credit Score




Good to Excellent












More Information

Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.

Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.

You've got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.

*The amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors.

0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 15.49% - 23.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening.

No Annual Fee

Terms Apply

See Rates Fees












Best for earning cash back: American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card










Regular APR




15.49% - 23.49% Variable





Recommended Credit Score




Good to Excellent
















Regular APR




15.49% - 23.49% Variable





Recommended Credit Score




Good to Excellent













Pros

Good choice for earning 2% cash back on all your eligible purchases up to $50,000 a year

Intro APR offer

No annual fee








Cons

If your business spends more than $50,000 a year, you'll want to use a different card to earn bonus cash back once you meet that threshold







Read Our Review

Read Our Review
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More Information

Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.

Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.

From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That's why you've got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.

Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.

0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 15.49% - 23.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening.

No Annual Fee

Terms Apply

See Rates Fees












Best for maximizing Chase points: Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card










Regular APR




15.49% - 21.49% Variable





Recommended Credit Score




Good to Excellent
















Regular APR




15.49% - 21.49% Variable





Recommended Credit Score




Good to Excellent












More Information

Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business

No Annual Fee

Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®

Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control

With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring

With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information

0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases












Best for business expenses like office supplies and internet: Ink Business Cash® Credit Card










Regular APR




15.49% - 21.49% Variable





Recommended Credit Score




Good to Excellent
















Regular APR




15.49% - 21.49% Variable





Recommended Credit Score




Good to Excellent













Pros

Broad 5% and 2% cash-back categories (you can earn bonus cash back at office supply stores and at gas stations and restaurants)

Intro APR offer for purchases

No annual fee

You can pair this card with a card that earns Ultimate Rewards to redeem your cash back for travel








Cons

Annual cap on bonus categories







Read Our Review

Read Our Review
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More Information

Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year

Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases

With Fraud Protection your card transactions will be monitored for possible signs of fraudulent activity using real-time fraud monitoring

With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information

No Annual Fee

Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®

0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases












Best for rewards plus a generous intro 0% APR: U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®










Regular APR




16.24% - 25.24% (Variable)





Recommended Credit Score




Excellent/Good
















Regular APR




16.24% - 25.24% (Variable)





Recommended Credit Score




Excellent/Good













Pros

Strong welcome bonus and bonus categories for a no-annual-fee card

Introductory 0% APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles, then 16.24% - 25.24% (Variable)

World Elite Mastercard benefits including cell phone protection








Cons

Foreign transaction fees

Relatively high minimum spending requirement to unlock bonus

Authorized user purchases don’t count toward minimum spending requirement



















More Information

Limited Time Offer: Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening your account.

Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.

Earn 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants.

1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.

Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center.

No limit on total cash back earned.

Rewards never expire.

Earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or quickbooks

0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 16.24% - 25.24%.

No annual fee.

Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay⟨™⟩ Plan.

Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022

Terms and conditions apply












Best ultra-long introductory APR offer: U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card










Regular APR




14.24% - 23.24% (Variable)





Recommended Credit Score




Good to Excellent
















Regular APR




14.24% - 23.24% (Variable)





Recommended Credit Score




Good to Excellent













Pros

Extra-long 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers

No annual fee








Cons

No rewards or welcome bonus

Few benefits compared to other small-business cards

Foreign transaction fees



















More Information

Limited time offer: 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 20 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 14.24% - 23.24%.

U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card

Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay⟨™⟩ Plan.

Expense management tool VISA Spend Clarity is free to access and sync expenses, set employee card controls, generate reports, and more.

Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World's Most Ethical Company® - Ethisphere Institute, February 2022

Terms and conditions apply












Best for customizing rewards: Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card









Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card







Regular APR




14.49% - 24.49% Variable





Recommended Credit Score




Excellent














Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card







Regular APR




14.49% - 24.49% Variable





Recommended Credit Score




Excellent













Pros

Good welcome bonus for a no-annual-fee business card

Cardholders can choose their own 3% cash-back category from a list

Bank of America Preferred Rewards for Business customers can earn up to 75% more rewards








Cons

3% and 2% cash back categories are capped at $50,000 in combined purchases per year (then 1%)

Card only earns 1% back in non-bonus categories

Foreign transaction fees



















More Information

The information related to the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card has been collected by Business Insider and has not been reviewed by the issuer.

Earn a $300 statement credit online bonus after making $3,000 in net purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening

No annual fee

3% cash back in the category of your choice (gas stations is the default category) and 2% cash back on dining purchases on the first $50,000 spent in both categories combined each calendar year

Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases

0% intro APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles, then 12.99% to 22.99% variable APR

Earn up to 75% more cash back on every purchase if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for the highest Preferred Rewards for Business tier












Best for fair credit: Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business











Recommended Credit Score




Fair
















Recommended Credit Score




Fair













Pros

No annual fee

Travel and purchase protection








Cons

Some other business cards offer better rewards

No welcome bonus



















More Information

Unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase for your business

Free employee cards

Pick your own monthly due date. Your business has the control to pay when you want

Get an itemized report of your spending to simplify budgeting and tax time












Compare the best no-annual-fee business credit cards
Why the Amex Blue Business Plus card is worth it: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express currently offers a solid welcome bonus offer and earns valuable Amex Membership Rewards points, which you can redeem for flights, hotels, and more through the Amex travel portal or transfer to airline and hotel partners.
Welcome bonus offer: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the card within your first 3 months of card membership. 
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express allows you to earn 2x points on the first $50,000 you spend each calendar year (1x points after). The card also comes with a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months from account opening (then a 15.49% - 23.49% Variable APR). 
You'll typically get the most value when you transfer points to Amex transfer partners (like Delta SkyMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan, British Airways Executive Club, Marriot Bonvoy, and Hilton Honors). You can also redeem points through American Express Travel to book airfare, hotels, and rental cars. Other redemption options include gift cards, statement credits, merchandise, and food delivery.  
You'll receive additional card benefits such as purchase protection, extended warranty, car rental loss and damage insurance, dispute resolution, expanded buying power, access to the Global Assist Hotline, and Amex Offers**. 
Review: Amex Blue Business Plus card review
Why the Amex Blue Business Cash card is worth it: The American Express Blue Business Cash Card earns cardholders straightforward cash-back on all eligible purchases. Plus, you can earn a solid welcome bonus offer and take advantage of a good introductory 0% APR. 
If you're looking to redeem your rewards as statement credits to lower your monthly expenses, you should definitely consider the American Express Blue Business Cash Card. If not, there are plenty of other no-annual-fee cards out there that have more flexible redemption options. 
Welcome bonus offer: Earn $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your card in your first 3 months 
The American Express Blue Business Cash Card earns 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per year, then 1% cash back (cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars). What makes the American Express Blue Business Cash Card unique is that it automatically redeems cash back as statement credits. Statement credits should appear in your next billing cycle and lower the overall cost of your bill, as long as you pay your monthly minimum payment. 
The card offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening (then a 15.49% - 23.49% Variable APR). You'll also receive other benefits such as car rental loss and damage insurance, access to the Global Assist Hotline, extended warranty, purchase protection, and Amex Offers**.
Review: Amex Blue Business Cash review
Why the Chase Ink Business Unlimited is worth it: The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card earns cash back (in the form of points) on all purchases with no cap, comes with an impressive welcome bonus offer, and has flexible redemption options. You'll also receive free employee cards, as well as travel and purchase protection benefits.
However, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card isn't the only card out there offering these perks. The Ink Business Cash® credit card offers the same benefits with the potential to earn more rewards, but only in certain categories.
Welcome bonus offer: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card earns a straightforward 1.5% cash back (1.5 Chase Ultimate Rewards® points per dollar) on all purchases, with no cap. It has one of the most generous welcome bonus offers of any no-annual-fee card, and you'll receive a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months (then a 15.49% - 21.49% Variable APR).
You can redeem Chase Ultimate Rewards points for cash, gift cards, statement credits, or travel booked through Chase. Plus, if you have other annual-fee Chase cards (like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve®, Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card), you can combine your points in one of those accounts and unlock more redemption options, including transferring points to Chase's airline and hotel partners.
The card comes with solid benefits like car rental insurance, travel and emergency assistance services, roadside dispatch, purchase protection, and extended warranty. 
Review: Chase Ink Business Unlimited card review
Why the Chase Ink Business Cash card is worth it: The Ink Business Cash® credit card is a great option for businesses looking to maximize their spending at office supply stores, internet, cable, restaurants, and more. It has a great welcome bonus offer and a decent intro APR deal. The Ink Business Cash® credit card also has flexible redemption options and travel and purchase benefits.
If your highest expenses aren't at office supply stores — or on any of the other select spending categories — then you're better off with a different no-annual-fee business card. Also, if your yearly business expenses easily exceed a $25,000 cap on select spending categories, then you should definitely consider a card with a higher limit (or no limit). 
Welcome bonus offer: Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $7,500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Although the Ink Business Cash® credit card is marketed as a cash-back card, it's actually a points card — Chase Ultimate Rewards points are worth 1 cent each towards cash back, travel (booked through Chase), or gift cards. 
Cardholders earn:
5% cash back (5 points per dollar spent) on the first $25,000 (then 1x) in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet cable, and phone services each year
2% cash back (2 points per dollar spent) on the first $25,000 (then 1x) in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each year
1% unlimited cash back (1 point per dollar spent) on all other purchases

As with the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card, you can combine your points with other annual-fee Chase cards to increase your reward value, or redeem for cash, statement credits, gift cards, or travel booked through Chase.
The Ink Business Cash® credit card comes with a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from account opening (then a 15.49% - 21.49% Variable APR). This is great if you need to pay off larger expenses over time without incurring interest. You'll also receive fraud protection, car rental insurance, extended warranty, and travel and emergency assistance services.
Review: Ink Business Cash card review
Why the Triple Cash Rewards Mastercard is worth it: The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards Card is ideal if you're looking for a card with a generous bonus and intro APR. Plus, it earns decent rewards with no cap, and you'll receive annual software credit. 
Unfortunately, you won't earn the welcome bonus unless you've met the high spending requirement. Therefore, it may not be attainable for some businesses, especially smaller businesses or folks with side gigs.
Welcome bonus offer: Earn $500 cash back after spending $4,500 on purchases on the account holder's card in the first 150 days of opening your account. 
Cardholders earn:
5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the Travel Rewards Center
3% cash back at gas stations and EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants 
1% cash back on all other eligible purchases

You can redeem rewards as statement credits, Real-Time Rewards (to cover eligible purchases as you spend), or a direct deposit (a minimum of $25 to redeem). Plus, the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards Card gets you $100 software credit every year towards subscriptions like FreshBooks or Quickbooks. 
The card has a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 billing cycles (then a 16.24% - 25.24% (Variable) APR), which is great for folks paying off debt or wanting to pay off large purchases over time.
The U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards Card provides cardholders with World Elite Mastercard benefits, as well as access to the Rewards Center Earn Mall. 
Review: US Bank Triple Cash Rewards card review
Why the Business Platinum Card is worth it: The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card doesn't earn rewards or come with a welcome bonus offer. But it does have an extra-long 0% intro APR, which is especially appealing to businesses looking to avoid incurring high interest on their debt — or those needing to pay off large purchases over multiple billing cycles.
Unless you need a significantly long intro APR, there are lots of better cards on the market also with 0% APR deals (not nearly as long) that also earn rewards and welcome bonus offers for no annual fee. 
Welcome bonus offer: N/A
The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card has a 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 20 billing cycles (then a 14.24% - 23.24% (Variable) APR). 
Cardholders also get $0 fraud liability, 24/7 fraud monitoring, the US Bank ExtendedPay plan, and management over employee credit cards. 
Why the Business Advantage Customized Cash Reward card is worth it: The Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card earns 3% cash back in a category of your choosing (from six predetermined categories) and comes with a solid welcome bonus offer and intro APR.
This is a great card for businesses looking for customizable cash rewards. But if you're not interested in choosing your own rewards categories, you should consider a different no-annual-fee business card. 
Welcome bonus offer: Earn a $300 statement credit after making $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening. 
The Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card is unique as it allows cardholders to choose which spending category they'd like to earn 3% cash back in (gas stations, office supply stores, travel, TV/telecom and wireless, computer services, or business consulting services). It also earns you 2% cash back on dining. But keep in mind that 3% and 2% earnings are capped at a combined $50,000 per year (then 1% cash back).
You'll get a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles (then a 14.49% - 24.49% Variable APR). 
You can redeem rewards as statement credits, a direct deposit, or credit to a qualifying Merrill (Bank of America's wealth management division) account. Bank of America Preferred Rewards customers can also earn up to 75% more rewards (amounts depend on deposit/investment with Bank of America or Merill). 
The card offers additional benefits like cash flow management tools, travel accident insurance, and car rental insurance. It does charge a foreign transaction fee, so it's not ideal for traveling. 
Why the Spark Classic for Business is worth it: The Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business is significant because those with fair credit scores can get it, and it earns 1% flat-rate cash back on all purchases, with no cap.
However, there's no welcome bonus offer or intro APR deal and it only includes a few additional perks. But if you have limited credit history and need a starter card to help grow your business, the Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business is defiantly worth considering. 
Welcome bonus offer: N/A
The Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business earns unlimited 1% cash back on all purchases. Although other no-annual-fee business cards have higher rewards rates, more benefits, and include a welcome bonus offer (all things that the Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business doesn't have), what makes this card special is that folks with fair credit are eligible. Most small-business credit cards require you to have at least good credit, so if you're someone with limited credit, this card could be a great starting point.
You can redeem your rewards as a statement credit or check, as credits towards previous purchases, or for gift cards. You can also set up automatic redemption preferences through your Capital One account. 
The regular APR is a 26.99%. The Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business also has benefits like no foreign transaction fees, extended warranty, and roadside assistance. 
No-annual-fee business cards frequently asked questions (FAQ)





First, you should figure out how your business wants to use a credit card — whether that's earning cash back rewards, taking advantage of low APR rates, using travel and purchase protection, or unlocking a hefty welcome bonus — in order to narrow the search. For example, if you're not planning on paying off larger purchases over multiple billing cycles or paying down credit card debt, then the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card isn't a good fit. 

Another factor to consider is credit. If you have fair credit, then a card like the Capital One®️ Spark®️ Classic for Business would be a good choice. Otherwise, if you have good to excellent credit, it's worth looking into other no-annual-fee business cards with higher rewards rates and better benefits. 











An Employee Identification Number (EIN) is a number issued by the IRS to businesses. You can use an EIN and SSN to apply for business credit cards. Sole proprietors (like online business owners, freelancers, and other side gigs) are eligible to apply for business cards with just their SSN — no EIN necessary. 











Even if you apply with an EIN, the card issuer will still ask for your SSN to check your personal credit history and factor that into their decision to approve you. If you have a low credit score, you may not qualify for the best small-business credit cards, but you might still be eligible for business cards geared towards those with limited or fair credit.

And if you have bad credit, you may be eligible for a secured credit card, which can also help you boost your credit score with responsible use. 
















Tessa Campbell


Personal Finance Reviews Fellow











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