What are Cash Back Business Credit Cards?
Cash-back business credit cards are tailored explicitly for business owners. They offer a smart and straightforward rewards-earning solution for all your business basics. These cards give cash back on eligible business purchases, helping business owners save money and reinvest in their businesses. Cash-back rewards are different from traditional rewards cards. Most importantly, they keep it simple, delivering businesses a clear-cut return in real cash dollars.
Generally, cash-back rates average between 1% and 5% on various spending categories. For instance, purchases like office supplies, dining, or gas may earn more cash back through quarterly rotating bonus categories. These bonus rates are typically subject to annual spending limits. This means the increased reward rate only applies up to a certain amount. After that, the regular cash-back rate applies. These cards can offer significant value for businesses with predictable spending patterns, especially if the categories align with regular expenses.
One of these cards’ most significant advantages is their affordability. Most have no annual or very low annual fees, so they’re attainable for even the smallest businesses. Other cards come with intro APR promotions on new purchases. This offers a significant advantage to companies seeking to more effectively manage cash flow when budgeting for major expenditures, like new equipment or bulk inventory purchases. This feature is ideal for startups and small businesses. It allows them to expand without paying the full financial cost upfront.
Business owners who travel often can take advantage of the travel-focused perks many cash-back cards offer. These business credit card perks can include everything from discounted travel, like airfare, to enhanced rewards for hotel stays. For example, a business owner who often flies for work would want a credit card with 3% cash back on airline tickets. This redemption can double their travel budget. Plus, you’ll earn rewards on things you buy daily, from office supplies to utility bills. This ensures that all your everyday spending works to save you even more in the long run.
How do Cash-Back Business Credit Cards work?
Cash-back credit cards reward you for spending, but how they do it can vary significantly. Some offer flat-rate rewards on all purchases (e.g., 1.5% unlimited cash back), while others provide higher rates in select categories like office supply stores, cell phone service providers, or dining.
Redeeming your rewards is usually easy. Most credit card issuers allow you to use your cash back as a statement credit, transfer it to a business checking or savings account, or occasionally even opt for gift cards or other options via a rewards center.
While these rewards are enticing, it’s essential to understand the costs involved. Some business credit cards have an annual fee, and carrying a balance can lead to high interest charges that negate cash-back benefits. Some also charge foreign transaction fees or a balance transfer fee. Responsible use, such as paying your full balance monthly, is key to maximizing value.
What are the Best Cash-Back Business Credit Cards?
Choosing the right cash-back business credit card can significantly improve your business expenses management while earning valuable rewards. The best options include features like 0% introductory APR periods, no annual fees, and even perks like cellphone insurance. Different cards made for various types of spenders allow for easy earning and flexible rewards built for your business.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card (Chase)
- Cash Back: 1.5% unlimited on all purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $750
- Highlights: Flat-rate rewards, no categories to track.
Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. It’s the ideal option for small business owners who want a straightforward, easy-to-use rewards program that gets the job done. Plus, no annual fee and 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months. This arrangement lets you easily track your spending and get more value by always earning the best rewards. This makes it particularly valuable for businesses with varied spending requirements.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card (Chase)
- Cash Back: 5% on office supplies and internet/cable/phone services (up to $25,000/year), 2% on gas and restaurants, 1% on other purchases
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $750
- Highlights: High rewards in common business categories.
This is a great card to get if you want to earn more cash back in select categories. You will earn 5% cash back on your first $25,000 spent annually in office supply stores. Bonus: This works on your internet, cable, and phone bill! You’ll earn 2% cash back on purchases at restaurants and gas stations and 1% on other purchases. Its no annual fee adds to its cost-effectiveness. The Ink Business Cash earns 5x bonus points on popular spending categories.
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
- Cash Back: 2% on all purchases.
- Annual Fee: $150
- Welcome Bonus: $1,200
- Highlights: No preset spending limit, ideal for high spenders.
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is a top choice for cash-back business credit cards. It offers unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere. This flat-rate structure makes it ideal for businesses that spend in various places. However, it does have a $150 annual fee. Frequent, high-volume spenders will more than make up for this cost by continuously earning these unlimited rewards.
U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card
- Cash Back: 3% on gas, office supplies, cell phone services, and restaurants; 1% on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $750
- Highlights: $100 annual software credit, ideal for typical business expenses.
This is the most flexible and valuable card on this list. Usually, you can get 3% cash back at gas stations, office supply stores, cellphone service, and restaurants! That’s because it comes with a 0% intro APR for 15 billing cycles. The card has no annual fee, providing an appealing option for cost-conscious businesses.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
- Cash Back: 2% on first $50,000 in purchases per year, then 1% thereafter.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $250
- Highlights: Straightforward rewards structure, suitable for moderate spenders.
The simple option, this card doles out 2% cash back on all eligible purchases, but only up to an annual spending cap of $50,000 (after that, it’s 1%). Since there’s no annual fee, it’s an inexpensive way to earn rewards without adding a ton of complexity to your business’s finances.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard®
- Cash Back: 3% in a category of your choice, 2% on dining, 1% on other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $300
- Highlights: Customizable rewards categories.
Earn 3% cash back in a category of your choice (including gas, office supplies, or consulting services), 2% on dining, and 1% on other purchases. Bank of America Business Platinum Honors tier members get 75% more rewards.
Ink Business Premier® Credit Card (Chase)
- Cash Back: 2.5% on purchases over $5,000, 2% on other purchases
- Annual Fee: $195
- Welcome Bonus: $1,000
- Highlights: Designed for large purchases
Built for high-spending businesses, this card earns 2.5% cash back on purchases over $5,000 and 2% on everything else. It includes account controls, expense reporting, and a competitive rewards program.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® Credit Card
- Cash Back: 1.5% unlimited on all purchases
- Annual Fee: $0
- Welcome Bonus: $300 statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days
- Highlights: Simple unlimited cash back, enhanced rewards for Business Advantage Relationship Rewards members, no category restrictions
Earn a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase with no limits or category restrictions—perfect for small business owners who want simplicity and predictability in their rewards. With no annual fee and a generous $300 welcome bonus, this card offers value from day one.
If you are enrolled in the Business Advantage Relationship Rewards program, you could boost your cash back by up to 75%, effectively earning up to 2.62% on every dollar spent. The card also includes free employee cards, fraud protection, and access to cash flow management tools—a strong pick for businesses with varied spending or those already banking with Bank of America.
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
- Cash Back: 5% on Amazon.com, AWS, Amazon Business, and Whole Foods with eligible Prime membership; 1% elsewhere.
- Annual Fee: $0 (with Amazon Prime membership)
- Welcome Bonus: $125 Amazon gift card upon approval
- Highlights: High rewards at Amazon, interest-free terms option, tailored for frequent Amazon users.
Earn 5% back on eligible Amazon purchases with an Amazon Prime membership, or opt for 90-day interest-free payment terms instead. Ideal for small businesses that make frequent purchases from Amazon for office supplies, inventory, or equipment. There’s no annual fee beyond the cost of Prime, and the card comes with flexible account management tools, purchase protection, and free employee cards. A strong choice for eCommerce or digitally savvy businesses that rely on Amazon as a key vendor.
How do I get a Business Credit Card with Cash Back?
It’s a reasonably straightforward application process. Many providers have online applications that make it a breeze. These cards are designed with businesses in mind, incentivizing everyday spending with multiple cash-back tiered rates, many of which are customizable to fit different businesses’ spending habits.
You need to take a systematic approach to ensure you get the right card. Here’s our step-by-step process to help you through it.
Step 1: Choose the Best Option
Begin by narrowing down cards based on your business’s typical spending. Then, look at cash-back percentages, spending limits, and other benefits.
Step 2: Check Eligibility Requirements
Business credit cards typically have a good to excellent credit score requirement. Enter your business legal name and tax ID as your EIN (or SSN if you are a sole proprietor). On top of that, provide your annual revenue and what you think your monthly expenses will be.
Step 3: Submit an Application
After selecting a card and verifying eligibility, complete the application through their website. Watch for details when completing your application to prevent any back-and-forth that could cause processing delays.
Step 4: Wait for Approval
Some cards offer instant approval, while others may take a few business days. Be ready to verify business income or submit additional documentation if requested.
Step 5: Use the Card Strategically
Get the most out of cash-back rewards by matching your spending to the card’s cash-back categories. Earn unlimited 2% cash back on all purchases with the U.S. Bank Business Cash Rewards Visa. For travel-related expenditures, take a look at the Triple Cash Rewards Visa.
What are the advantages of Cash-Back Business Credit Cards?
Cash-back business cards offer direct, tangible value for business spending. They’re simple to use, help track business purchases, and allow you to earn valuable rewards without the complexity of points programs. Cards with high rewards rates on combined purchases or recurring expenses can translate into significant annual savings. They also contribute to building your business credit, opening more financing opportunities.
What are the disadvantages of Cash-Back Business Credit Cards?
While the rewards are appealing, not all spending earns the same rates. Some businesses may struggle to maximize rewards if their expenses fall beyond high-reward categories. Additionally, high APRs, late fees, and annual fees can diminish value if balances aren’t paid in full. Some cards charge a foreign transaction fee, and businesses with unusual credit card purchases may face flagged transactions or credit limits. Relying solely on cash-back cards may limit access to more significant funding sources.
Cash Back Business Credit Card Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Earn rewards on business purchases.
- Separate business and personal expenses.
- Simple redemption (e.g., statement credit or bank transfer).
- Free employee cards.
- Builds business credit.
Cons:
- May include annual fees.
- High APR if not paid in full.
- Foreign transaction fees on some cards.
- Limited rewards on non-category purchases.
- May require strong credit history.
How do I choose the best Business Credit Card for Cash Back?
Selecting the right business credit card for cash-back rewards involves evaluating the best features for your business needs. Focusing on specific factors allows you to choose a card that maximizes rewards and simplifies your financial management. Consider cards that offer bonus rewards for other eligible purchases.
Consider Your Spending Habits
Look at where you spend most—office supply stores, travel, advertising, etc.—and find a card that rewards those categories. If your business frequently makes recurring software subscription expenses or purchases from specific vendors like Amazon or fuel stations, choosing a card that offers elevated rewards in those areas can maximize your returns. Matching the card’s bonus categories to your everyday business expenses ensures you’re not leaving money on the table.
Evaluate Annual Fees
Some cards with annual fees offer better rewards. Compare the value of rewards to the cost, especially if the card provides perks like higher cash-back rates, welcome bonuses, or travel benefits. If your business spends enough in high-reward categories, the value you earn can easily outweigh the fee—but for lower spenders, a no-annual-fee card may be more cost-effective.
Look for Intro Bonuses
Many business credit cards offer cash bonuses after meeting spending thresholds within the first few months. These welcome bonuses can be a great way to jump-start your rewards, especially if you have significant upfront expenses planned. Just be sure the minimum spending requirement aligns with your typical cash flow and business purchases to avoid overspending to earn a bonus.
Examine Credit Requirements
Some cards require excellent credit, while others accept applicants with limited or average business credit. Before applying, check your personal and business credit history to understand which cards you will likely qualify for. Applying for a card you’re not eligible for can result in a hard inquiry without approval, so consider pre-qualification tools when available.
Assess Additional Perks
Some cards include cell phone protection, rental car insurance, or tools to manage employee cards. Others may offer free employee cards, access to spending analytics, extended warranty coverage, or account alerts to monitor purchases. These extras can add real value beyond cash back, especially if they help streamline your operations or protect your business assets.
Best Cash-Back Business Credit Cards FAQs
Here are the most common questions about the best cash-back business cards.
Is a Cash-back Business Credit Card worth it?
A cash-back business credit card can be well worth it, but the key lies in how you manage it. When used responsibly, these cards can significantly offset your business expenses by returning a percentage of your spending in cash rewards, statement credits, or direct deposits. They also offer added value through expense tracking, free employee cards, and occasional bonus categories that align with typical business purchases like office supplies, fuel, and software subscriptions.
However, the actual value of a cash-back card depends on your ability to manage balances wisely. You’ll avoid interest charges and maximize your rewards if you consistently pay your full statement balance each month. On the other hand, if you’re prone to carrying a balance or using the card to cover cash flow gaps without a repayment strategy, the interest charges and potential fees—like balance transfer fees or foreign transaction fees—can quickly outweigh any rewards earned.
In short, these cards are an excellent tool for small business owners who plan their spending, pay off balances in full, and take advantage of the rewards structure. A cash-back business credit card can be worth it if it is thoughtfully used and the right card is tailored to your business needs.
Which Business Credit Card has the highest Cash-Back rewards?
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus stands out with unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase. You can also earn an additional 2.5% cash back on transactions over $5,000. As a result, it’s one of the best business credit cards for high or fluctuating spenders.
Additionally, it has no preset spending limit, which gives appropriate flexibility to businesses experiencing periods of variable operational costs. This capability can prove particularly useful for businesses processing large orders or seasonal increases in spending. For example, if your business routinely invests in bulk inventory or large equipment purchases, this card ensures you’re maximizing returns on those significant transactions.
How do I redeem Cash rewards on a Business Card?
Redeeming cash rewards on a business credit card is typically straightforward, but the process and options can vary depending on the card issuer. In most cases, the easiest and most common method is to apply the cashback as a statement credit, which directly reduces your outstanding balance. This option is especially popular among small business owners because it simplifies bookkeeping and instantly offsets business expenses.
Another popular option is to transfer your cash rewards to a linked business checking account, giving you more flexibility with how the funds are used. This is ideal if you prefer to reinvest rewards into your business operations, such as purchasing equipment, stocking inventory, or covering payroll.
Many issuers also offer access to a rewards center or portal where you can choose alternative redemption options. These might include:
- Gift cards to popular retailers or service providers
- Travel bookings, such as flights, hotels, or rental cars
- Charitable donations
- Shopping portals for using points directly at checkout (e.g., Amazon Pay with Points)
Keep in mind that redemption minimums may apply, and not all options offer the same value. For example, some cards may require you to accumulate at least $25 before you can redeem them, and certain redemptions (like travel or gift cards) may give slightly less value than a straight cash transfer or statement credit.
Some business cash-back cards also offer automated redemption features, allowing you to set thresholds for automatic statement credits or transfers. This is especially useful for busy business owners who want a “set it and forget it” approach to earning and using rewards.
Before choosing a card, it’s worth reviewing the redemption terms to ensure they align with how you plan to use your rewards. The easier and more flexible the redemption process, the more value you’ll ultimately gain from your cash-back business credit card.
Can I get a Cash-Back Business Card with Bad Credit?
Yes, getting a cash-back business credit card with bad credit is possible, but your options will be more limited, and the terms may not be as favorable. Most top-tier cash-back business cards require a good to excellent personal credit score. Still, a few issuers offer options for business owners with fair or poor credit histories.
Business owners with bad credit should be prepared for higher interest rates, lower starting credit limits, and fewer bonus categories or welcome offers. These cards may not include valuable perks like introductory 0% APR, account anniversary year bonuses, or cash bonuses for account opening and eligible purchases.
Secured business credit cards can also be an option, though they typically require a cash deposit as collateral. These often don’t come with rewards, but they can serve as a stepping stone to qualifying for better cards in the future.
If your credit is less than ideal, it’s essential to use your card responsibly, make on-time payments, and keep your balance low relative to your credit limit. Over time, responsible usage can help improve your credit score and make you eligible for more rewarding business credit card offers down the road.
What other Business Credit Card rewards programs should I consider?
While cash back is one of the most popular and straightforward types of business credit card rewards, it’s not the only option. Depending on your business’s needs and spending habits, other rewards programs may offer more value or align better with your goals. Here are some alternative business credit card rewards programs to consider:
- Travel Rewards: These cards let you earn points or miles that can be redeemed for flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel-related expenses. Ideal for businesses with frequent travel needs, some cards also offer perks like airport lounge access, TSA PreCheck credits, and no foreign transaction fees.
- Fuel and Gas Discounts: Designed for businesses with vehicle fleets or significant car travel, these cards offer elevated rewards or direct discounts at gas stations. Some also provide detailed reporting for managing fuel expenses across multiple employee cards.
- Points-Based Rewards: Many business credit cards use a flexible points system where points can be redeemed for various rewards, including gift cards, merchandise, statement credits, or travel. These programs offer bonus points for specific spending categories like dining, advertising, or software subscriptions.
- Vendor-Specific Rewards: Some cards are co-branded with popular business suppliers or platforms, such as Amazon, Dell, or office supply stores. When shopping with the partner brand, these cards may offer enhanced rewards, purchase protections, or exclusive financing options.
- Business Services Rewards: Certain cards offer extra rewards on spending categories like business consulting services, recurring software subscription expenses, and phone services—perfect for service-oriented companies or digital businesses.
Choosing the right rewards program ultimately depends on how your business spends money. If travel or industry-specific purchases represent a significant portion of your expenses, a specialized rewards card may deliver more value than a cash-back card alone.
What are the alternatives to Cash-Back Business Cards?
Cash-back business credit cards can be a valuable financial tool, but they aren’t the only option for managing business expenses or accessing short-term funding. Depending on your needs, other financing solutions may offer more flexibility, more significant funding amounts, or better terms. Here are some common alternatives to consider:
- Vendor Trade Credit: Allows businesses to purchase goods or services from suppliers with deferred payment terms (e.g., Net-30 or Net-60). This helps preserve cash flow and build business credit with vendors.
- Business Lines of Credit: These offer flexible access to funds up to a set limit. You can draw money as needed and only pay interest on what you use. This type of credit is ideal for managing cash flow fluctuations or covering unexpected expenses.
- Small Business Loans: These provide a lump sum of funding for working capital, equipment, or expansion. They typically have fixed repayment terms and may offer lower interest rates than credit cards.
- Personal Credit Cards: While not recommended for ongoing business use due to the mixing of personal and business expenses, personal credit cards can serve as a short-term option if your business is new or lacks a sufficient credit history.
- Business Charge Cards: Unlike credit cards, these require you to pay the balance in full each month but often come with high-tier rewards and no preset spending limits. It is best for disciplined spenders who can manage full monthly payments.
- Equipment Financing or Leasing: Equipment financing allows you to spread out the cost over time, often with lower rates and flexible terms, if you need specific machinery or technology.
Choosing the right alternative depends on your specific financial situation, how much capital you need, and whether you want to build business credit or access working capital with fewer restrictions.
Best Cash Back Business Credit Cards – Final Thoughts
Choosing the right cash-back business credit card depends on your business’s unique spending habits and financial goals. Whether you want flat-rate rewards, category bonuses, or no annual fee, a card exists to fit your needs. Just be sure to weigh the benefits against the costs, use your card responsibly, and watch your business earn rewards for the spending you’re already doing.
Contact us if you have more questions or are ready to apply for a small business loan. Our alternative financing experts can help you find the best funding options for your business goals.
