Editor’s note: This is a recurring post with regularly updated card details.
The best sole proprietorship business credit cards let you save money through rewards based on your spending habits, low fees, and 0% APRs Annual Percentage Rates . Depending on your funding needs, you might want to consider a card that comes with a high credit limit. As a sole proprietor, you can benefit from a card that can help build business credit, allowing you to access a wide variety of business financing options in the future.
Here are the seven best sole proprietor business credit cards:
- Chase Ink Business Unlimited®: Best overall business credit card for sole proprietors with no business credit history
- U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World EliteTM Mastercard®: Best for long 0% APR and premium cash back
- American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for no preset credit limit and earning rewards on your top categories
- U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for large purchases and balance transfers
- American Express® Blue Business® Plus: Best for everyday expenses and expanded buying power
- Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best for earning travel rewards
- Capital One® Spark 1% Classic: Best for sole proprietors with fair credit
To see how these credit cards stack up against others we reviewed on our site, click Add to Compare on a credit card below and select up to two additional credit cards for comparison.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited®: Overall Best Business Credit Card for Sole Proprietors With No Business Credit History
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Fit Small Business’s ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card’s rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Those who want fixed-rate 1.5% cash back on all purchases
on Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card’s secure website.
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
18.49% – 24.49% Variable
Credit Needed
Good – Excellent
- Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 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.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- 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
- Member FDIC
Pros
- With interest-free financing option on purchases
- Fixed unlimited cash back on all purchases
Cons
- Does not have interest-free financing option on balance transfers
- Charges high foreign transaction fees
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You can decline the company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to this card.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance.
- Purchase protection: You can ensure that your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Zero liability protection: Chase will not hold you responsible for unauthorized transactions made with both your card and your account information.
- Cellphone protection: Receive up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees included in your monthly cellphone bills when using your card to pay for it. This applies for a maximum of three claims within a 12-month period and will charge a $100 deductible per claim.
Intro APR
0% Intro APR on Purchases
Regular APR
18.49% – 24.49% Variable
Credit Needed
Good – Excellent
- Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 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.
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- 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
- Member FDIC
Pros
- With interest-free financing option on purchases
- Fixed unlimited cash back on all purchases
Cons
- Does not have interest-free financing option on balance transfers
- Charges high foreign transaction fees
- Auto rental collision damage waiver: You can decline the company’s collision insurance and charge the entire rental cost to this card.
- Travel and emergency assistance services: Call the Benefit Administrator for legal and medical referrals or other travel and emergency assistance.
- Purchase protection: You can ensure that your new purchases are covered for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Zero liability protection: Chase will not hold you responsible for unauthorized transactions made with both your card and your account information.
- Cellphone protection: Receive up to $1,000 per claim in cellphone protection against covered theft or damage for you and your employees included in your monthly cellphone bills when using your card to pay for it. This applies for a maximum of three claims within a 12-month period and will charge a $100 deductible per claim.
Why we like it: It’s our overall best business credit card for sole proprietors because even new business owners with no business credit history can qualify for the card if they meet the other requirements. It lets you earn unlimited cash back that won’t expire, which you can redeem for cash back, gift cards, travel, and merchandise through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
- 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- 5% cash back on Lyft rides through March 2025
- $750 cash back when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months after account opening
- $0 annual fee
- 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months
Consider the Chase Ink Business Unlimited® if you:
- Are a startup or new business owner with no business credit history
- Want a straightforward rewards program without having to keep track of expense categories
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®: Best for Long 0% APR & Premium Cash Back
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard®
Fit Small Business’s ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card’s rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
0% APR for 15 billing cycles
On US Bank’s Secure Website
Regular APR
19.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 on the Account Owner’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 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 19.24% – 28.24%.
- No annual fee.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World’s Most Ethical Company® – Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- $0 annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
Regular APR
19.24% – 28.24% (Variable)
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good
- Introducing the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard® the card that gives back on all your eligible business needs.
- Earn $500 in cash back. Just spend $4500 on the Account Owner’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 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 19.24% – 28.24%.
- No annual fee.
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2022 World’s Most Ethical Company® – Ethisphere Institute, February 2022
- Terms and conditions apply
- Pay over time by splitting eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan.
Pros
- 0% APR applies to both purchases and balance transfers
- Unlimited cash back rewards
- $0 annual fee
Cons
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Intro APR doesn’t apply to cash advances
- MasterRental car rental collision damage waiver: When you rent a car using your U.S. Bank credit card, you’re covered in case of accident or theft on all rentals made worldwide. Coverage is primary, which means you won’t need to use your personal auto insurance or accept the insurance offered by the rental agency. Coverage is capped at $50,000.
- Purchase assurance: U.S. Bank may repair or reimburse for items purchased with your U.S. Bank business credit card that are damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per loss, up to $25,000 per year, per account. Lost items and items left out of reach that others can see are not covered.
- Extended warranty protection: U.S. Bank will double the manufacturer’s warranty up to an additional one year from the expiration of warranties of five years or less. An item with a six-month warranty would be backed for an additional six months, for example. The issuer will replace the item or reimburse you up to the amount charged on your U.S. Bank card up to $10,000.
Why we like it: The card comes with a 15-month long 0% introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers, making it a great choice if you need to consolidate your credit card debts or make a substantial purchase. It also provides premium cash back on purchases made at gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants.
- 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center
- 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas and EV charging stations, restaurants, office supply stores, and cell phone service providers
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- $500 cash back when you spend $4,500 within the first 150 days of opening your account
- $100 annual statement credit for recurring software purchases
- ExtendPay program lets you divide your eligible balance into equal monthly installments without interest—just pay a small monthly fee
- $0 annual fee
Consider the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard if you:
- Need to transfer a balance from another card or make a large purchase
- Pay for software subscriptions like QuickBooks or FreshBooks
American Express® Business Gold Card: Best for No Preset Credit Limit & Earning Rewards on Your Top Categories
American Express® Business Gold Card
Fit Small Business’s ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card’s rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Maximizing rewards in the two categories where you spend the most
on American Express® Business Gold Card’s secure website.
Regular APR
19.49% – 28.49% Variable
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
- Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
- Get $12.95 back in statement credits each month when you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. $12.95 plus applicable taxes.
- Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
- *Terms Apply
Pros
- Earn 4x points in two categories every month
- Pay eligible charges over time with interest, or pay your balance in full monthly
Cons
- You’ll pay a high annual fee
- No interest-free financing opportunities
- Premium roadside assistance: Free of charge up to four times a year. You can receive towing up to 10 miles, winching, jump-starts, flat tire changes, lockout service when the key is in the vehicle, and delivery of up to two gallons of gas
- Return protection: American Express will refund you for eligible purchases when the store doesn’t accept returns of undamaged items. Coverage is limited to 90 days from purchase, up to $300 per item, and up to a maximum of $1,000 per year.
- Baggage insurance: If your baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, you’re eligible for coverage of up to $1,250 for carry-on luggage and $500 for checked bags
- Extended warranty: Receive one additional year of coverage on purchases with eligible warranties of five years or less
- Purchase protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per incident.
Regular APR
19.49% – 28.49% Variable
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- Welcome Offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $10,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.
- Earn up to $20 in statement credits monthly after you use the Business Gold Card for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores. This can be an annual savings of up to $240. Enrollment required.
- Get $12.95 back in statement credits each month when you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. $12.95 plus applicable taxes.
- Your Card – Your Choice. Choose from Gold or Rose Gold.
- *Terms Apply
Pros
- Earn 4x points in two categories every month
- Pay eligible charges over time with interest, or pay your balance in full monthly
Cons
- You’ll pay a high annual fee
- No interest-free financing opportunities
- Premium roadside assistance: Free of charge up to four times a year. You can receive towing up to 10 miles, winching, jump-starts, flat tire changes, lockout service when the key is in the vehicle, and delivery of up to two gallons of gas
- Return protection: American Express will refund you for eligible purchases when the store doesn’t accept returns of undamaged items. Coverage is limited to 90 days from purchase, up to $300 per item, and up to a maximum of $1,000 per year.
- Baggage insurance: If your baggage is lost, damaged, or stolen, you’re eligible for coverage of up to $1,250 for carry-on luggage and $500 for checked bags
- Extended warranty: Receive one additional year of coverage on purchases with eligible warranties of five years or less
- Purchase protection: Covers new purchases against damage or theft within 90 days of purchase. Coverage is limited to $1,000 per incident.
Why we like it: It lets you earn premium reward points on your top two spending categories, making it a great option if you don’t want to keep track of where you spend the most. On top of that, it comes with no preset spending limit, which means your credit limit is flexible based on your card usage, payment behavior, and credit history.
- 4x points on your top 2 categories, including purchases at:
- U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)
- U.S. electronic goods retailers and software and cloud system providers
- U.S. restaurants, including takeout and delivery
- U.S. gas stations
- Transit including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
- U.S. wireless telephone service service providers
- 3x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com
- 1x point on all eligible purchases
- 70,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $10,000 in the first three months of card membership
- $20 in statement credits each month for eligible U.S. purchases at FedEx, Grubhub, and Office Supply Stores
- $155 Walmart+ Credit to cover your membership cost
- $0 foreign transaction fees
Consider the American Express® Business Gold Card if you:
- Need a high credit limit and are willing to pay a $375 annual fee
- Can spend at least $10,000 in the first three months to take advantage of the welcome offer
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card: Best for Large Purchases & Balance Transfers
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
Fit Small Business’s ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card’s rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Extended 0% APR period on purchases and balance transfers
On US Bank’s Secure Website
Regular APR
17.24% – 26.24% (Variable)
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good Credit
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 17.24%-26.24%.
- 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
Pros
- With a long 0% introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers
- Does not charge annual fees
- Offers ExtendPay® Plan
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Needs Excellent/Good credit score to qualify
- SinglePoint® Essentials: SinglePoint® Essentials is U.S. Bank’s one-stop tool for viewing account balances and transaction details, transferring funds between existing U.S. Bank accounts, downloading statements, and making payments.
- Fraud protection: U.S. Bank offers fraud protection to ensure the safety and security of all cardholders. To learn more about U.S. Bank’s fraud protection services, you can set up a virtual appointment, call U.S. Bank, or go to the nearest U.S. Bank branch.
- ExtendPay® plan: This allows you to pay off balances over time by dividing eligible credit card purchases into affordable monthly payments with no interest—you only need to pay a fixed monthly fee.
Visa Spend Clarity: Another tool that cardholders can use to track spending and manage finances is Visa Spend Clarity.
Regular APR
17.24% – 26.24% (Variable)
Credit Needed
Excellent/Good Credit
- 0% Intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 17.24%-26.24%.
- 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
Pros
- With a long 0% introductory APR period on purchases and balance transfers
- Does not charge annual fees
- Offers ExtendPay® Plan
Cons
- No introductory and ongoing rewards
- Balance transfer fee is charged even during the introductory period
- Needs Excellent/Good credit score to qualify
- SinglePoint® Essentials: SinglePoint® Essentials is U.S. Bank’s one-stop tool for viewing account balances and transaction details, transferring funds between existing U.S. Bank accounts, downloading statements, and making payments.
- Fraud protection: U.S. Bank offers fraud protection to ensure the safety and security of all cardholders. To learn more about U.S. Bank’s fraud protection services, you can set up a virtual appointment, call U.S. Bank, or go to the nearest U.S. Bank branch.
- ExtendPay® plan: This allows you to pay off balances over time by dividing eligible credit card purchases into affordable monthly payments with no interest—you only need to pay a fixed monthly fee.
Visa Spend Clarity: Another tool that cardholders can use to track spending and manage finances is Visa Spend Clarity.
Why we like it: Among all the business credit cards on this guide, this card has the longest 0% APR on both balance transfers and purchases. You can enjoy interest-free financing for 18 billing cycles—this is the primary benefit of using this card. However, it doesn’t offer introductory and ongoing rewards on purchases.
No ongoing and introductory rewards
- Low ongoing APR compared to most other business credit cards
- $0 annual fee
Consider the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card if you:
- Need to transfer a balance or make a large purchase
- Prefer a low ongoing APR and don’t mind not earning rewards
American Express® Blue Business® Plus: Best for Everyday Expenses & Expanded Buying Power
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Fit Small Business’s ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card’s rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Pocketing 2x points per $1 and 0% introductory APR for 12 months
on The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express’s secure website.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
18.49% – 26.49% Variable
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- 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.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% – 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- 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.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- $0 annual fee
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Welcome offer bonus points
- Expanded buying power
- Fixed-rate rewards
Cons
- Cash advances aren’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2x points rewards are capped at $50,000 in spending
- Expanded buying power: The card lets you spend beyond your credit limit through this feature. The amount you can spend above your credit limit adjusts with your card usage, payment history, credit record, financial resources, and other factors.
- Purchase protection: Items purchased using this card are covered in case they’re damaged or stolen within 90 days of the date of purchase. American Express will reimburse you for the amount charged to your eligible card, up to $1,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardmember, per year.
- Extended warranty protection: American Express provides cardholders with an extended warranty for one additional year, which applies to items with original manufacturer warranties of five years or less.
Intro APR
0% on purchases
Regular APR
18.49% – 26.49% Variable
Credit Needed
Good, Excellent
- 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.
- 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% – 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
- 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.
- No Annual Fee
- Terms Apply
Pros
- $0 annual fee
- 0% APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfer
- Welcome offer bonus points
- Expanded buying power
- Fixed-rate rewards
Cons
- Cash advances aren’t allowed
- Charges foreign transaction fees
- 2x points rewards are capped at $50,000 in spending
- Expanded buying power: The card lets you spend beyond your credit limit through this feature. The amount you can spend above your credit limit adjusts with your card usage, payment history, credit record, financial resources, and other factors.
- Purchase protection: Items purchased using this card are covered in case they’re damaged or stolen within 90 days of the date of purchase. American Express will reimburse you for the amount charged to your eligible card, up to $1,000 per claim and $50,000 per cardmember, per year.
- Extended warranty protection: American Express provides cardholders with an extended warranty for one additional year, which applies to items with original manufacturer warranties of five years or less.
Why we like it: It’s a great sole proprietor business credit card because it features Expanded Buying Power, which allows you to spend over your credit limit whenever you need to. The amount you can spend will vary depending on your card usage, payment behavior, credit history, and other financial factors. Besides that, it offers unlimited points-based rewards on your day-to-day business expenses with flexible redemption options.
- 2x points per dollar on the first $50,000 worth of purchases per year
- 1x point per dollar after the cap is reached
- 15,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months of card ownership
- $0 annual fee
- 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months after opening an account
- Flexible redemption options let you redeem your points for:
- Travel
- Gift cards
- Purchases at partner merchants
- Statement credit
Consider the American Express® Blue Business® Plus if you:
- Need to spend over your credit limit sometimes
- Prefer to earn point-based rewards that can be redeemed for a variety of options
Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard®: Best for Earning Travel Rewards
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card
Fit Small Business’s ratings are calculated by industry experts of our editorial team. Our grading rubric considers the type of credit card (such as cash back or travel), and the card’s rates, fees, rewards, and additional features like insurance.
BEST FOR:
Earning top rewards on travel purchases booked through Bank of America Travel Center
on Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card’s secure website.
Intro APR
0%
9 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.49% – 28.49% Variable APR on purchases
- Earn 30,000 online bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent, or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee, and earn up to an unlimited 2.62 points for every $1 spent on all purchases if you have a Bank of America® business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier.
- No limit to the amount of points you can earn and points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee and no international transaction fees.
- Choose how to redeem points for a statement credit to offset travel and dining purchases, travel with no blackout dates at the Bank of America® Travel Center, for cash back or gift cards.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
- Charges $0 annual and foreign transaction fees
- Offers fixed-rate cash back rewards
- Has no blackout dates
Cons
- Does not offer a 0% introductory period on balance transfers
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- Bank of America doesn’t disclose details of its additional card features. To find out more about these additional features, review your guide to benefits when you receive your card in the mail.
Intro APR
0%
9 billing cycles
Regular APR
18.49% – 28.49% Variable APR on purchases
- Earn 30,000 online bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening which can be redeemed for a $300 statement credit towards travel or dining purchases.
- Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 spent, or join Preferred Rewards for Business for no fee, and earn up to an unlimited 2.62 points for every $1 spent on all purchases if you have a Bank of America® business checking account and qualify for Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier.
- No limit to the amount of points you can earn and points don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- No annual fee and no international transaction fees.
- Choose how to redeem points for a statement credit to offset travel and dining purchases, travel with no blackout dates at the Bank of America® Travel Center, for cash back or gift cards.
- 0% Introductory APR on purchases for your first 9 billing cycles. After the intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.49% to 28.49% will apply.
- Contactless Cards – The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
- This offer may not be available if you leave this page or visit our website. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Pros
- Charges $0 annual and foreign transaction fees
- Offers fixed-rate cash back rewards
- Has no blackout dates
Cons
- Does not offer a 0% introductory period on balance transfers
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
- Bank of America doesn’t disclose details of its additional card features. To find out more about these additional features, review your guide to benefits when you receive your card in the mail.
Why we like it: The card offers unlimited travel rewards, making it ideal for sole proprietors with frequent travel expenses. You can redeem your rewards for a statement credit to cover your recent travel and dining purchases, or for travel with no blackout dates in the Bank of America Travel Center. You also have the option to redeem for cash back or for gift cards.
- 3x points per dollar on purchases made at the Travel Center
- 1.5x points per dollar on all other purchases
- $0 annual and foreign transaction fees
- Up to 75% more rewards if you have a business checking account with Bank of America and qualify for the Preferred Rewards for Business program
- 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles
- 30,000 online bonus points when you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days of card ownership
Consider the Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® if you:
- Have an existing Bank of America business checking account
- Travel frequently for business
Capital One® Spark 1% Classic: Best for Sole Proprietors with Fair Credit
on Spark 1% Classic’s secure website.
Regular APR
30.74% variable
- 1% cash back every time you swipe
- Build your business credit through responsible usage
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- Opportunity to build business credit
- Only requires fair credit to qualify
- Doesn’t charge annual and balance transfer fees
Cons
- Charges high ongoing APR
- Has no 0% introductory APR
- No welcome offer
- Automatic payments: Setting up AutoPay in the Capital One mobile app will save you from having to worry about signing in to your account every month
- $0 fraud liability: If your card is either lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and cash advance.
- Purchase records: You can download all purchase records quickly and securely in multiple formats, including Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®.
- Extended warranty: Get free additional warranty and protection on eligible items purchased with your business credit card.
- Free employee cards: You can create multiple employee cards, track employee spending, and customize spending limits while earning all the rewards from their purchases.
Regular APR
30.74% variable
- 1% cash back every time you swipe
- Build your business credit through responsible usage
- Issue employee cards for free
Pros
- Opportunity to build business credit
- Only requires fair credit to qualify
- Doesn’t charge annual and balance transfer fees
Cons
- Charges high ongoing APR
- Has no 0% introductory APR
- No welcome offer
- Automatic payments: Setting up AutoPay in the Capital One mobile app will save you from having to worry about signing in to your account every month
- $0 fraud liability: If your card is either lost or stolen, you can get an emergency replacement and cash advance.
- Purchase records: You can download all purchase records quickly and securely in multiple formats, including Quicken®, QuickBooks®, and Excel®.
- Extended warranty: Get free additional warranty and protection on eligible items purchased with your business credit card.
- Free employee cards: You can create multiple employee cards, track employee spending, and customize spending limits while earning all the rewards from their purchases.
Why we like it: For sole proprietors with fair credit, this card is a great choice. It offers unlimited cash back on your purchases while helping you rebuild your credit score with consistent, responsible use. However, it’s recommended to pay your balance in full each billing cycle so that you can save on credit costs, as the card comes with a high ongoing APR.
- 5% cash back on car rentals and hotel stays booked directly with Capital One Travel
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- $0 annual fee
- $0 foreign transaction fees
- Credit building when you make consistent on-time payments
Consider the Capital One® Spark 1% Classic if you:
- Have a fair credit score (580 to 669) and could not qualify for another business credit card with higher credit score requirements
- Can pay your balance in full each month—while you may carry a balance to the next billing cycle, you’ll need to pay a high APR which will unnecessarily increase your credit costs
How We Selected Sole Proprietor Business Credit Cards
We chose the best business sole proprietorship credit cards based on factors like ongoing rewards on a variety of purchase categories that are useful for sole proprietors, as well as other features that are valuable for the business. We took into account the annual fees, 0% APR offers, ongoing APRs and other fees, and the ability to build or improve business credit.
Best Practices for Applying for a Sole Proprietor Business Credit Card
- Know your credit score in advance: Most business credit cards are geared toward business owners with good to excellent credit, but there are a few that are designed for business owners with fair and bad credit. For options, see our lists of the:
- Find out the card issuer’s requirements: Usually, requirements vary from one issuer to another. In most cases, you don’t need to be a doing-business-as (DBA) to qualify for a business credit card. When applying for a sole proprietor business card, it’s best to prepare the following:
- Social Security number
- Tax identification number (TIN)
- Personal identification documents
- Business documents
- Financial documents
- Determine if the issuer requires a personal guarantee: Most business credit cards require a personal guarantee. If you don’t want to provide one, choose one of our best business cards with no personal guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, but this practice is highly discouraged. As soon as you open a business, it’s essential to have a dedicated credit card that’s intended solely for business use. This prevents the commingling of your business and personal finances and ensures that your accounting remains organized, making tax season so much easier.
The requirements for a business credit card application vary depending on the card issuer. In most cases, you will need to present your personal identification documents, proof of income, and business documents. Most issuers will typically check your personal credit and require a personal guarantee as part of the approval process.
Most business credit cards report your transactions to personal credit bureaus. If you use your card responsibly and make consistent on-time payments, you can improve or maintain your personal credit score. In contrast, late or missed payments will have a negative effect on your credit score.
Bottom Line
The best sole proprietorship business credit card varies based on your spending habits, reward preferences, and needed features. Find a card with a 0% APR period and $0 annual fees to save on credit costs. Also, choose a card that can help build your business credit, as this will be useful when you need to qualify for other business financing options in the future.
