The Best Business Credit Cards of 2022

Gerri Detweiler

Choosing the right business credit card isn’t so different from picking the right personal credit card. However, business owners need to thoroughly research their options to understand exactly how this financial tool can be used to help their business and to make sure it doesn’t backfire on their personal finances. In the 2019 Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey, the majority of business owners in the U.S. — regardless of size — used their own personal credit to access capital for their business. Whether you’re a new business or an established one, business credit cards can be a vital tool for funding your business.

Portable, flexible, and leveraging a tool most business owners have established already (a personal credit score), business credit cards are a must-have for business owners. But with dozens of options, how do you pick the right one for your business?

No single business credit card will be the best choice for all business owners across the board. Just like the business financing options available to your business, the best credit card for your business will depend on the benefits crucial to your business, what you are likely to qualify for based on your income and personal credit score, and how much cost you’re willing to incur to access capital. In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover all of the essentials to choosing the right business credit card for your business, with insights and advice from our unbiased business and credit experts.

Why Get a Business Credit Card

Business credit cards offer your business numerous benefits, including:

• Access to a line of credit for short-term financing needs. A line of credit is available on most cards, except those that require payment in full each month. 

• Financing for startups. As we discuss in this article, most cards don’t require any specific time in business to qualify. Brand new businesses may be able to get a business credit card if they meet the minimum credit score and income requirements, and other qualifications. 

• The ability to build business credit if you pay on time. Most cards report account activity to business credit bureaus. 

• The ability to separate your personal credit. Most cards don’t report to personal credit unless you default. 

• Cards for employees, often with spending controls. 

If your business operates under a formal business structure, such as an LLC, S Corporation or C Corporation, it’s essential you use a business credit card, rather than a personal credit card, for business expenses. Commingling business and personal finances may jeopardize the asset protection benefits of your entity at risk.