Business Credit Cards Rewards Compared

Small business credit cards allow entrepreneurs and side hustlers to earn points, miles or cashback on their business spending. But with so many options, how do you choose the right card?

In this guide, we’ll compare popular business card rewards programs side-by-side. We’ll look at bonus category structures, signup bonuses, redemption values, and other perks across top issuers like American Express, Chase, Capital One and more.

Read on to find the ideal business card aligned with your spending and goals.

Overview of Business Credit Cards

Business credit cards work similarly to personal cards but offer features tailored to companies, such as:

• Earning rewards on purchases like advertising, shipping, office supplies, etc
• Dedicated account management and controls
• Employee cards to set and monitor separate spending limits
• High signup bonuses to offset large purchases
• Detailed reporting on employee charges

Now let’s explore some of the top options for earning rewards.

Chase Ink Business Cards

Ink Business Unlimited

• 1.5% cashback on every purchase
• $750 bonus cashback after spending $7,500 in 3 months
• No annual fee

Ink Business Cash

• 5% cashback on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores and on internet/phone/cable bills
• 2% back on the first $25,000 spent annually at gas stations and restaurants
• 1% back on all other purchases
• $900 bonus cashback after spending $6,000 in 3 months
• No annual fee

Ink Business Preferred

• 3X points on the first $150,000 annually on travel, shipping, internet/cable/phone, and advertising with social media sites and search engines
• 1X point per $1 on other purchases
• 100,000 point signup bonus after spending $15,000 in 3 months
• $95 annual fee

With rich rewards and signup bonuses, Chase Ink cards are packed with value.

American Express Business Cards

Blue Business Plus

• 2X Membership Rewards points on all purchases up to $50,000 annually
• 15,000 point signup bonus after $3,000 spend in 3 months
• No annual fee

Business Gold Rewards Card

• 4X points in the top two spend categories each month
• 1X points on other purchases
• 70,000 point signup bonus after $10,000 spend in 3 months
• $295 annual fee

Business Platinum Card

• 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on AmexTravel.com
• 1.5X points on purchases of $5,000 or more
• 120,000 point signup bonus after $15,000 spend in 3 months
• $695 annual fee

Amex business cards earn flexible Membership Rewards points and valuable statement credits.

Capital One Spark Business Cards

Spark Cash Select

• 1.5% cashback on all purchases
• $200 bonus after $3,000 spend in 3 months
• No annual fee

Spark Miles Select

• 5X miles on hotel and rental car bookings via Capital One
• 2X miles on all other purchases
• 75,000 mile signup bonus after $5,000 spend in 3 months
• $95 annual fee waived first year

Spark Miles Premium

• 4X miles on hotel and rental car bookings made via Capital One Travel
• 2X miles on all other purchases
• Up to $100 credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck
• 100,000 mile signup bonus after $10,000 spend in 3 months
• $150 annual fee

Capital One Spark cards match robust rewards with valuable travel perks.

Wells Fargo Business Cards

Wells Fargo Business Platinum

• 20,000 points signup bonus after $3,000 spend in 3 months
• 5X points on eligible cell phone, landline, internet and cable TV services
• 1 point per $1 on other purchases
• $0 annual fee

Business Elite Card

• 3X points on eligible travel, transit, wholesale, production, advertising and gas station purchases
• 1X point on other purchases
• $600 cashback after $5,000 spend in 6 months
• $0 intro annual fee first year, $100 after that

Wells Fargo’s 5X categories help creative professionals maximize rewards.

Factors to Consider When Comparing Business Cards

To choose the best business credit card for your company, consider factors like:

• Annual fees – make sure perks offset costs
• Bonus category alignment with your largest business expenses
• Signup bonus value – aim for $500+ in rewards
• Employee card management features and limits
• Redemption value – points worth 1-2 cents ideally
• Foreign transaction fees – avoid them if selling internationally
• Tools like accounting integrations and spending reports

Finding the card that earns the most on your biggest expense lines provides maximum return.

Maximizing Business Card Rewards

Follow these tips to maximize value from your card:

• Put as much business spending as possible on the card to earn rewards quickly
• Pay off balances each month to avoid interest negating rewards
• Take advantage of bonuses for big-ticket purchases like advertising and shipping
• Set employee card limits aligned to expected role spending
• Redeem points for high-value options like business class flights
• Check online portals for bonus rewards from vendors like office suppliers
• Use for both short-term flexibility and long-term rewards

Who Do Business Cards Benefit Most?

Maximizing business credit cards makes sense for companies that:

• Spend $10,000+ annually on travel, shipping, personnel costs, software, etc
• Want to earn rewards from card spending to offset other expenses
• Currently pay vendors by check, ACH, etc instead of a rewards card
• Have employees who make purchases on behalf of the company
• Appreciate detailed analytics on employee spending

If your business spends very little or relies heavily on cash flow, a non-rewards business card may suit your finances better.

Final Thoughts on Small Business Rewards Cards

The right small business credit card tailored to your top expense categories provides an opportunity to let your spending habits earn back significant value each year.

Be sure to consider annual fees and optimize spending across bonus categories that align with recurring costs. Employee management features also ensure proper use of corporate cards.

With rewards accelerating everywhere from digital advertising to shipping and inventory orders, a business card that matches your purchasing habits delivers maximum return through points, miles or cash back.