Best Business Credit Cards for Smart Spending in 2025

From the desk of Michael Seaman, CEO of Swipesum:

If you’re still running your business on a debit card… we need to talk.

Whether you're scaling a fast-growing startup, managing the family small business, managing a franchise network, or just trying to squeeze every dollar of ROI out of your expenses... the right business credit card in 2025 isn’t just a tool, it’s a strategy.

I've helped thousands of business owners optimize payments, uncover hidden costs, and turn overlooked card perks into profit. And let me tell you: not all business credit cards are created equal. Some give you unlimited virtual cards and 8x points on travel. Others trap you in annual fees and weak cash back.

This guide breaks down the best business credit cards for 2025, with a sharp focus on what actually matters:

• Which cards automate your expense tracking (so you don’t have to babysit receipts)
• Which ones unlock serious cash back or rewards tailored to your business
• Which cards come with hidden benefits like travel protection, virtual cards, or seamless accounting integrations

Whether you're a founder, CFO, or just someone trying to manage cash flow smarter, this guide will help you pick a business credit card that does more than just swipe.

So let’s dive into the top business credit cards of 2025 and find the one that’ll work as hard as you do.

Overview of the Best Business Credit Cards for 2025

There’s a business credit card out there for every need. Here’s a quick overview of our top picks for 2025, including the best business credit card options:

• Best for Startups and High Rewards on Travel: Brex Corporate Card
• Best for Expense Management and Automation: Ramp Corporate Card
• Best for Customizable Cash Back Categories: Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
• Best for High Initial Cash Back Rate: PNC Cash Rewards Visa Signature Business Credit Card
• Best for Flexible Spending Options: PNC BusinessOptions Visa Signature Credit Card

Brex Corporate Card - Best for Startups and High Rewards on Travel

Price: No fees

Pros:

• Up to 8x points on ridesharing
• 5x points on Brex travel
• 4x points on restaurants
• No fees
• Flexible payment options

Cons:

• Requires a minimum bank balance of $50,000 to $500,000
• Approval can be challenging

Review: The Brex Corporate Card is ideal for startups and modern enterprises. Its features include:

• A rewards structure that maximizes points on ridesharing, travel, and dining, making it perfect for businesses with frequent travel needs.
• No annual fees.
• Flexible payment options that enhance practicality for managing expenses without extra costs.

The Brex card stands out for its robust financial management tools, such as:

• Unlimited virtual cards for teams
• SaaS subscriptions
• Auto-reconciliation
• Real-time spend visibility

These features simplify expense management, though high approval requirements may be a barrier for some businesses.

Rating:

• Rewards: 5/5
• Fees: 5/5
• Usability: 4/5

Ramp Corporate Card - Best for Expense Management and Automation

Price: 1.5% cash back on all transactions for merchants

Pros:

• Automatic receipt capture
• Individual limits on employee cards
• 1.5% cash back on all transactions
• Enhanced visibility and control over spending

For more news and insights on payment processing, visit our resource center.

Cons:

• No category-specific rewards
• Lacks advanced travel benefits

Review: The Ramp Corporate Card is excellent for businesses aiming to streamline financial operations. Features like automatic receipt capture and individual limits on employee cards simplify expense management. Offering a straightforward 1.5% cash back on all transactions, it’s a reliable choice for optimizing business expenses.

Ramp’s focus on automation and integration with accounting tools sets it apart. It simplifies bookkeeping and provides instant cash back, benefiting businesses. However, the lack of category-specific rewards and advanced travel benefits might be a drawback for travel-heavy companies.

Rating:

• Rewards: 4/5
• Fees: 5/5
• Usability: 5/5

Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card - Best for Customizable Cash Back Categories

Price: $0 annual fee

Pros:

• No annual fee
• High rewards rate in bonus categories
• New cardholder bonus offer
• Bonus rewards for qualifying Preferred Rewards for Business members

Cons:

• Requires excellent credit
• Complicated rewards
• Spending caps on bonus rewards
• Multiple accounts, high combined balance required to get Preferred Rewards bonus

The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® is versatile for small business owners seeking flexible rewards. Key features include:

• Earning 3% cash back in a category of choice
• Earning 2% cash back on dining
• Earning 1% cash back on other purchases
• No annual fee These features allow users to maximize rewards based on spending habits and add to the card’s appeal, making it an excellent option for managing business cash.

However, the card has drawbacks such as:

• The need for excellent credit for approval
• A somewhat complicated rewards structure
• Spending caps on bonus rewards
• The requirement to maintain multiple accounts with high balances for the Preferred Rewards bonus.

Rating:

• Rewards: 4/5
• Fees: 4/5
• Usability: 3/5

PNC Cash Rewards Visa Signature Business Credit Card - Best for High Initial Cash Back Rate

Price: $0 annual fee

Pros:

• Earn 3% cash back during the first 12 months
• No category restrictions on cash back
• Introductory 0% APR for the first 9 billing cycles
• Online account management tools
• Travel and purchase protection benefits

Cons:

• Cash back rate drops to 1.5% after the first year
• No virtual card support

Review: The PNC Cash Rewards Visa Signature Business Credit Card stands out with the following features:

• A high initial cash back rate of 3% on all purchases during the first 12 months, with no category restrictions.
• Ideal for businesses aiming to maximize cash back earnings initially.
• A 0% introductory APR for the first 9 billing cycles, aiding cash flow management.

After the first year, the cash back rate drops to a respectable 1.5% on all purchases. While the lack of virtual card support might limit some businesses, the travel and purchase protection benefits, coupled with robust online account management tools, make it a solid choice overall.

Rating:

• Rewards: 4/5
• Fees: 5/5
• Usability: 4/5

PNC BusinessOptions Visa Signature Credit Card - Best for Flexible Spending Options

Price: No annual fee for the first year, then $95

Pros:

• Flexible spending options
• Customizable rewards program
• No annual fee for the first year
• Travel and emergency assistance services

Cons:

• Annual fee after the first year
• Rewards structure can be complex for some users

The PNC BusinessOptions Visa Signature Credit Card offers small business credit card owners:

• Flexible spending options
• A customizable rewards program with three distinct rewards programs tailored to spending habits
• Credit limits up to $250,000
• No annual fee for the first year, which is a significant plus

However, the card comes with an annual fee after the first year, and its rewards structure might be complex for some users. Despite these drawbacks, the travel and emergency assistance services, along with detailed expense management tools, make it a valuable asset for businesses.

Rating:

• Rewards: 4/5
• Fees: 3/5
• Usability: 4/5

Key Considerations When Choosing a Business Credit Card

Selecting the right business credit card can be more complex than selecting a personal credit card. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:

First, align the rewards program with your business spending habits. If your company spends a lot on travel, for example, a card that offers high rewards on travel expenses will provide the most value. Conversely, if office supplies are your biggest expense, look for a card that rewards purchases in that spending categories.

Fees are another critical factor. Be aware of annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and late payment penalties. While some cards offer high rewards, they might also come with high fees that could offset the benefits. It’s essential to read the fine print and calculate if the rewards outweigh the costs.

Finally, consider the credit limits and integration with accounting tools. A card with a lower credit limit may not be sufficient for your needs, and effective management of credit limits is crucial for maintaining a good credit scores. Additionally, cards that integrate with your existing accounting software can streamline expense tracking and financial reporting.

Understanding these factors allows you to select a business credit card that aligns with your financial goals and aids in managing your company’s business finances more effectively.

Understanding Rewards Programs and Fees

Understanding rewards programs and fees is crucial for maximizing benefits and minimizing costs. Rewards programs generally offer:

• Points: For example, the Brex Corporate Card offers up to 8x points on ridesharing and 5x points on Brex travel, ideal for travel-heavy businesses.
• Cash back: Cash back cards like the PNC Cash Rewards Visa Signature Business Credit Card offer straightforward cash back on purchases, making them simpler to manage.
• Business rewards: Often linked with points, these rewards cater to frequent travelers.

Each type of rewards program has its own benefits and considerations.

Fees are another crucial aspect. Consider the following when evaluating credit cards:

• Some cards, like the Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard®, come with no annual fees.
• Others might have high fees but offer significant rewards.
• Foreign transaction fees, late fees, and cash advance fees can add up.

Therefore, selecting a card that matches your spending habits and financial needs is important.

Certain rewards and fees can change after an introductory period. For example, some cards offer a 0% introductory APR for the first few billing cycles but revert to a higher variable APR afterward. Monitoring these changes helps avoid unexpected costs and maximizes your rewards.

Knowing these elements enables you to select business categories that offer the most value for your business.

Evaluating Additional Benefits and Services

Evaluating additional benefits and services can significantly enhance your experience with a business credit card, offering valuable protections and conveniences. Many cards provide travel insurance, which can be crucial during business trips. For instance, the PNC Cash Rewards Visa Signature Business Credit Card offers travel protection and purchase security, covering your business during unforeseen travel issues.

Purchase protection safeguards against financial loss due to damage or theft of items purchased with the card, particularly useful for businesses making significant investments in equipment or inventory.

Identity theft protection is another critical service offered by many business credit cards. For example, Mastercard ID Theft Protection monitors potential compromises of personal information and alerts cardholders to suspicious activity, providing added security and peace of mind for business owners.

Some cards offer unique benefits like:

• Unlimited virtual credit cards, as seen with the Ramp Corporate Card
• Controlled spending
• Better expense management, particularly for companies with multiple departments or remote teams.

Considering these additional benefits and services helps you choose a business credit card that meets your business needs while providing valuable protections and conveniences for your business.

Summary

Choosing the right business credit card can significantly impact your company’s financial health and efficiency. From high travel rewards to robust expense management tools, the best business credit cards for 2025 offer a range of benefits tailored to different business needs.

By understanding your spending habits, evaluating the rewards programs and fees, and considering additional benefits and services, you can select a card that aligns with your business goals. Whether you’re a startup or an established company, the right business credit card can help you maximize rewards, manage expenses, and achieve financial success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key factors to consider when choosing a business credit card?

When picking a business credit card, make sure the rewards match your spending habits, the fees don’t sneak up on you, and the credit limits are as ambitious as your business plans!

How can I maximize the rewards on my business credit card?

To rack up rewards like a pro, pick a card that showers you with benefits in categories where your business actually spends money. Customizable categories are a cherry on top to ensure you’re always cashing in on the best deals!

Are there business credit cards with no annual fees?

Absolutely, there are business credit cards without annual fees—like the Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® and the PNC Cash Rewards Visa Signature Business Credit Card. Your wallet will thank you!

What additional benefits should I look for in a business credit card?

When shopping for a business credit card, don't just settle for basic perks; hunt for travel insurance, purchase protection, and even virtual card options. These added benefits can save your bacon and make running your business a breeze!

How do foreign transaction fees impact my business credit card usage?

Foreign transaction fees can be a sneaky little financial gremlin that eats into your profits when making international purchases. Choose a card without these pesky charges to keep your business expenses under control!