The best business travel credit card for entrepreneurs

Our Methodology: How We Selected the Best Business Credit Cards for Travel

Choosing the best business credit cards for travel requires a comprehensive evaluation of features that matter most to business owners. We analyzed each card based on key factors like rewards structures, travel-related benefits, welcome bonuses, ongoing rewards, and foreign transaction fees. Additionally, we considered how each card supports business-specific needs such as free employee cards, expense tracking tools, and protection for business purchases.

By focusing on value for frequent travelers, including perks like airport lounge access, rental car insurance, and airline and hotel partnerships, we narrowed our choices to those offering the greatest convenience and savings for travel-related business expenses. Our goal was to spotlight options that provide small business owners with maximum flexibility, rewards, and financial tools to streamline all business trips effectively.

Business Travel Cards Explained

Business travel cards are tailored credit cards designed to simplify and enhance the travel experience for small business owners and frequent travelers. These cards typically offer rewards on business expenses such as airfare, hotel stays, rental cars, and dining, making them a valuable tool for managing business trips. Features like no foreign transaction fees, multiple additional point bonuses on eligible purchases, and complimentary airport lounge access are common benefits.

Some cards even offer rewards on unusual credit card purchases like office supply stores or eligible delivery services. Unlike personal credit cards, business travel cards cater specifically to business categories, ensuring that your business travel is more rewarding. Additionally, some cards provide perks like a companion ticket requires payment, making them an essential choice for business owners looking to earn rewards and streamline expenses.

Maximizing Your Business Credit Card for Travel

To make the most of a business travel card, focus on utilizing its rewards and benefits strategically. Charge business purchases such as flights, prepaid hotels, rental cars, and eligible delivery services to your card to maximize rewards. Many cards offer tiered rewards for specific business categories, so consider using a card that aligns with your spending habits.

Take advantage of additional perks such as statement credits, purchase protection, and travel insurance. For international business trips, choose a card with no foreign transaction fees. Redeem accumulated points for travel rewards like airline tickets, hotel stays, or upgrades to reduce business travel costs.

How to Choose the Right Business Credit Card for Travel

Finding the best business travel credit card requires careful evaluation of your spending patterns and travel needs. Here’s how to make the right choice:

1. Evaluate Rewards Programs

Identify cards offering rewards in the categories where your business spends the most. For instance, if your business travel frequently involves flights, look for cards offering multiple points per dollar spent on airfare. If you often book hotel stays or rental cars, prioritize cards with higher rewards in those categories.

2. Consider Annual Fees

Some cards, like the American Express® Business Platinum Card, have high annual fees but offer unmatched benefits such as complimentary lounge access and flexible rewards. Conversely, no-fee cards like the Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards Mastercard® provide rewards without an added cost, making them ideal for cost-conscious small business owners.

3. Assess Additional Perks

Perks like airport lounge access, no foreign transaction fees, and annual statement credits can add significant value. If these align with your travel habits, they may offset higher fees or be the deciding factor in choosing one card over another.

4. Look at Welcome Bonuses

A generous sign-up bonus can provide an excellent head start in earning rewards. For example, some cards offer bonus points worth hundreds of dollars in travel credits when certain spending thresholds are met after account opening.

5. Check Flexibility and Redemption Options

Choose a card with flexible rewards that suit your travel needs. Options like redeeming points for flights, hotel stays, or transferring points to airline and hotel partners allow you to maximize value. Ensure that the card’s program aligns with your preferred travel providers.

6. Evaluate Spending Limits and Eligibility

Review the card’s terms, including preset spending limits and eligibility criteria. Some cards require higher credit scores or more substantial business spending, while others cater to businesses with moderate expenses.

Should You Use a Personal Credit Card for Business Travel?

While it may seem convenient to use personal credit cards for business travel, it is generally not recommended. Business credit cards are explicitly designed for business-related expenses and offer benefits that personal cards do not. For example, business cards provide rewards for select business categories like office supply stores, eligible delivery services, and marketing expenses, making them more aligned with professional needs.

Using a personal card can blur the line between personal and business expenses, leading to complications during tax season and inaccurate expense tracking. Additionally, business credit cards often come with higher limits, better tools for managing employee spending, and features like free employee cards, which are not available with personal credit cards.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Using a Travel Card

Using a travel credit card for business offers many benefits, but it also comes with potential drawbacks. Below, we’ve broken them down into two tables to help you weigh the pros and cons.

Advantages of Using a Travel Card

Disadvantages of Using a Travel Card

Business Credit Cards: Travel or Cash Back?

Choosing between a business travel card and a cash-back card depends on your business’s spending patterns and priorities.

If your business involves frequent travel, a travel-focused card offering rewards for hotel stays, rental cars, and airline purchases is the better choice. These cards typically provide additional perks like airport lounge access, no foreign transaction fees, and complimentary insurance, making them ideal for business trips.

On the other hand, cash-back cards are better suited for businesses with diverse spending across categories like utilities, marketing, or phone services. They offer straightforward rewards that can be applied to reduce business expenses, with no need to navigate redemption portals or loyalty programs.

For businesses with moderate travel needs, a hybrid card offering both travel rewards and cash-back options provides flexibility and ensures all business expenses earn valuable rewards.

What Are Foreign Transaction Fees?

Foreign transaction fees are charges applied by credit card issuers whenever you make a purchase in a foreign currency or when the transaction is processed through a foreign bank. These fees typically range from 1% to 3% of the transaction amount and are added on top of the cost of your purchase.

When you travel internationally or make online purchases from foreign merchants, foreign transaction fees can quickly add up. These fees are meant to cover the cost of converting the currency and processing international payments. While some business credit cards, especially travel-focused ones, offer no foreign transaction fees, many standard personal credit cards still charge these additional costs.

For business owners who frequently travel abroad or make international purchases, selecting a credit card with no foreign transaction fees can significantly reduce expenses and maximize the value of the rewards or cash back. It’s an important factor to consider when evaluating business credit cards for travel.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What sets business travel cards apart from personal credit cards?
Business travel cards are tailored to business-related expenses, offering enhanced rewards on flights, hotels, and office supply stores. They also include benefits like purchase protection, preset spending limits, and tools for managing employee cards.

Do business credit cards charge foreign transaction fees?
Many top business travel credit cards waive foreign transaction fees, making them a cost-effective choice for international business trips.

What is an account anniversary year, and how does it affect my business credit card? The account anniversary year is the 12 months starting when you open your business credit card. It’s important because many cards offer perks, like bonus points or annual credits, based on this period. Be sure to track your anniversary year to take full advantage of these rewards before it resets.

Should I choose a card with an annual fee?
Cards with annual fees often offer higher rewards and premium benefits like airport lounge access and insurance. If these perks align with your business needs, the fee may be worthwhile.

Can I combine points from a business credit card with a personal account?
Some loyalty programs allow point transfers between personal and business cards from the same issuer, providing added flexibility for redeeming rewards. Always check the terms of your credit card issuer to confirm this feature.

The Best Business Credit Cards for Your Business

Choosing the best business credit card comes down to identifying your unique business needs and understanding the rewards program that aligns with those goals. Whether you’re looking for cash back, airport lounge access, or flexible rewards that can be redeemed through airline and hotel partners, there is a card that suits your business expenses. Many cards, such as the Ink Business Preferred, offer bonus points on eligible purchases, while others, like the Business Platinum Card, offer perks like priority pass access and free employee cards. For entrepreneurs ready to take the next step, understanding tips on opening a business credit card can streamline your application process. Quick approval strategies and essential requirements will help you secure a card that complements your business finances and accelerates your rewards journey.

It’s essential to factor in the annual fee, foreign transaction fees, and purchase protection when selecting the right card for your business. With the right card, small business owners can earn rewards for business trips, hotel and vacation rental bookings, and rental cars—whether it’s covering eligible delivery services or unusual credit card purchases. Ultimately, the best business credit cards offer the right balance of rewards points, purchase protection, and account anniversary bonuses to help you grow your business while maximizing your benefits. If you have less-than-perfect credit, don9t worry. There are options specially designed to help you rebuild credit while managing your business expenses. Exploring business credit cards for bad credit can provide flexible solutions tailored to your financial situation, enabling you to establish a strong credit profile and access valuable rewards for your business.