7 Best Business Credit Cards for Travel
For business travelers, the benefits of having the right credit card on hand can make all the difference to getting where you need to go, maximizing comfort, and feeling well-rested for work.
Whether it’s earning cash back for purchases or points redeemable for free travel fares, having a good selection of business credit cards can be an asset to your bottom line.
We’ll look at 7 of the best business credit cards designed for frequent fliers.
Table of Contents
Best Business Credit Cards for Travel
1.) Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
The Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card has the highest sign up bonus of 100,000 points, and 3x points on select business expense purchases, such as travel and advertising, help you earn rewards faster.
Plus, it offers travel and purchase protection and exclusive access to events and experiences through Chase’s Ultimate Rewards program.
Whether you’re just starting out or an established business, the Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card is a great asset for your business purchases.
Features/ Benefits
- 100,000 bonus points offer after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening
- 100,000 points = $1,000 in cash back
- 25% more on travel rewards when redeeming. If redeem 100,000 points on travel = $1,250 on travel rewards
Card Membership Points:
- 3x points for every $1 spent up to $150,000 in combined purchases of categories per card anniversary year:
- Shipping purchases
- Advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines
- Internet, cable and phone services
- Travel
- 1x points for other eligible purchases
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel, and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards
Other Benefits:
- Free employee cards, you earn points on their purchases and details on what they spent
- No foreign transaction fees
*Annual Fee: $95 per year
2.) American Express Business Platinum Card
If you’re a business owner looking for a powerful business travel credit card to use on your trips, you will want to consider the Business Platinum Card from American Express.
This business credit card offers plenty of travel benefits, including 5x Membership Rewards points on eligible flights and hotels booked through Amex Travel, airport lounge access, and a $200 airline fee credit each year used towards incidental fees, checked bags, and in-flight refreshments.
Beyond these perks, the card boasts a global assist hotline for urgent medical and legal referrals and access to premium travel programs like The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels & Resorts.
The American Express Business Platinum Card is full of perks that can help make business travel smoother and more enjoyable.
Features/ Benefits
- 120,000 membership rewards points offer after spending $15,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening
Card Membership Points:
- 5x points for every $1 spent on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com/ American Express Travel
- 1.5x points on eligible purchases in business categories:
- Construction suppliers
- Electronic retailers
- Software providers
- Shipping providers
- 1.5x points on eligible purchases of $5,000 or more
- 1x points on other eligible purchases
Travel Benefits:
- Access to American Express Global Lounges across 1,400 airports in over 140 countries
- $200 airline fee credit after selecting a qualifying airline that can be used for baggage fees, in-flight purchases, and more
- $189 Clear airport screening credit – Use to move faster through an airport security line
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck – Another system to move faster in airport security lines.
- Global Entry ($100) every 4 years after applying
- TSA PreCheck (up to $85) every 4.5 years after applying
- Receive 35% back on membership reward points when using your reward points on eligible booked flights through American Express Travel
Hotel and Resort Benefits:
- Instant upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Business Gold Elite Status, no requirements
- Instant upgrade to Hilton Honors Business Card Gold Status, no requirements
- Fine Hotels + Resorts program offers more complimentary benefits when booking prepaid hotels through American Express Travel
Other Benefits:
- Free employee cards, you earn points on their purchases and details on what they spent
- No foreign transaction fees
*Annual Fee: $695 per year
3.) Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Are you a small business owner looking for a credit card that rewards you for your travel spending?
Look no further than the Capital One Spark Miles for Business card. With this card, earning miles has never been easier – you’ll earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day.
Plus, there’s no minimum spend required to earn your rewards. You’ll also receive a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles (equal to $500 in travel) after you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.
Whether you’re flying across the country for business or taking a family vacation, the Capital One Spark Miles for Business card can help you get there faster.
Features/ Benefits
- 50,000 membership rewards points offer after spending $4,500 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening
Card Membership Points:
- 5x points for every $1 spent on prepaid hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- 2x points per dollar spent on everyday business purchases
- Redeem miles for travel, hotels, cash back, gift cards and more.
Travel Benefits:
- Free Capital One Lounge access for up to two times per year
- $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
Other Benefits:
- Free employee cards, you earn points on their purchases and details on what they spent
- No foreign transaction fees
*Annual Fee: $0 annual fee for the first year, then $95 after
4.) Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card
If you’re a frequent traveler who loves to stay in Marriott hotels, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is the perfect credit card for you.
You’ll earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible purchases at participating Marriott hotels, 4x points at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and U.S. shipping purchases.
In addition, you’ll earn 2x points on all other eligible purchases. As a new card member, you’ll also receive a welcome sign up bonus offer of 75,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
With travel perks, including free Wi-Fi and Elite Night Credit, as well as access to exclusive travel experiences, the Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card is a must-have for anyone who loves to travel in style.
Features/ Benefits
- 75,000 membership rewards points offer after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening
Card Membership Points:
- 6x points for every $1 spent at participating Marriott Hotels within the Marriott Bonvoy program
- 4x points per dollar spent at categories:
- Restaurants worldwide
- U.S gas stations
- Wireless telephone services from U.S service providers
- U.S shipping purchases
- 2x points per dollar spent on other purchases
Hotel Benefits:
- 7% Room Rate Discount at Marriott Bonvoy Hotels
- One Free Night Reward every year and another Free Night Reward after spending $60,000 in purchases within one year of the card anniversary
- Receive 15 Elite Night Credits each year to boost your Marriott Bonvoy Elite status to the next level for more exclusive benefits
- Complimentary upgrade to Marriott Bonvoy Business Gold Elite Status, no requirements
- Air + Car Transfer Program to redeem points on flights and rental cars from airline and hotel partners
Other Benefits:
- Free employee cards, you earn points on their purchases and details on what they spent
- No foreign transaction fees
*Annual Fee: $125 per year
5.) Hilton Honors American Express Business Card
If you’re a frequent traveler at the Hilton Hotels, then the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card is what you need. Earn rewards with every purchase and redeem them for free nights at Hilton hotels and resorts worldwide.
Plus, you’ll enjoy perks like complimentary Gold status, free upgrades, and the ability to earn even more rewards through Hilton’s loyalty program.
Take advantage of all the benefits the Hilton Honors American Express Business Card has to offer and take your business to the next level.
Features/ Benefits
- 130,000 Hilton Honors bonus points offer after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening
Card Membership Points:
- 12x points for every $1 spent at participating Hilton Hotels and Resorts
- 6x points per dollar spent on business purchases in categories:
- U.S gas stations
- U.S shipping purchases
- Wireless telephone services from U.S service providers
- 6x points per dollar spent on select travel purchases:
- U.S Restaurants
- Flights (Booked directly with airlines or Amex Travel)
- Rental Cars (Booked directly from select car rental companies)
- 3x points per dollar spent on other purchases
Hotel Benefits:
- One Free Night Reward every year after spending $15,000 on other eligible purchases and another Free Night Reward after spending $60,000 in purchases within one year of the card anniversary
- Complimentary upgrade to Hilton Honors Gold Status, no requirements
Other Benefits:
- 10 Complimentary Priority Pass to 1,200 airport lounges each year
- Free employee cards, you earn points on their purchases and details on what they spent
- No foreign transaction fees
*Annual Fee: $95 per year
6.) United Business Card
The United Business Card is a fantastic option for anyone who fly with United Airlines regularly.
With this card, you can earn a sign up bonus of 75,000 miles, enjoy priority boarding, and get access to United Club locations around the world.
You’ll get 2 miles per dollar spent on eligible purchases, so you can rack up travel rewards quickly. Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, the United Business Card is a must-have for any United Airlines loyalist.
Features/ Benefits
- 75,000 bonus mile points offer after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening
- Each card anniversary receive a bonus of 5,000 mile points
Card Membership Points:
- 2x mile points for every $1 spent:
- United Airline purchases
- Gas stations
- Dining (Includes eligible delivery services)
- Office supply stores
- Local transit:
- Rideshare services, Taxi cabs, Train tickets, Tolls, Mass transit
- 1x miles points on other purchases
Travel Benefits:
- 2 times free access to United Club airport lounge per year
- Complimentary benefits at Luxury Hotels and Resorts
- Free first-checked bag
- Priority boarding
- $100 United travel credit after 7 purchases of United Airlines flights worth $100 or more before card anniversary
- 25% credit on United inflight and club premium drinks
Other Benefits:
- One Year complimentary DoorDash Dash Pass – Unlimited $0 delivery fees and lower services fees on eligible delivery service (Activate before 12/31/24)
- Free employee cards, you earn points on their purchases and details on what they spent
- No foreign transaction fees
*Annual Fee: $0 annual fee for the first year, then $99 after
7.) Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card
You will want to sign up for the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card if you fly Delta as your most frequent airline travels.
Not only does it offer rewards points for Delta flights, but it also gives you access to Delta Sky Club lounges and complimentary upgrades on eligible flights.
It’s a great way to earn perks and benefits that will make your business travels more comfortable and rewarding with the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card.
Features/ Benefits
- 70,000 bonus mile points offer after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening
Card Membership Points:
- 3x mile points for every $1 spent on Delta Airlines purchases
- 1.5x mile points after spending $150,000 on eligible purchases within one year
- 1x mile points for every $1 spent on other purchases
Travel Benefits:
- Access to Delta Sky Club airport lounge, plus two guest passes made available each year
- 15% discount off when booking with Award Travel on Delta Airlines “Shop with Miles”
- Main Cabin priority 1 boarding
- First checked bag free
- Global Entry ($100) every 4 years after applying
- TSA PreCheck (up to $85) every 4.5 years after applying
Other Benefits:
- Free employee cards you earn points on their purchases and details on what they spent
- No foreign transaction fees
*Annual Fee: $550 per year
FAQ
Can you use an EIN to get a credit card?
Yes, you can apply for a credit card using an Employer Identification Number (EIN). An EIN is a nine-digit number issued by the IRS to businesses for tax purposes.
Many credit card issuers that offer business credit cards will require an EIN instead of using your personal social security number. Also, they will review the business’s credit history and creditworthiness too.
Overall, using an EIN to get a credit card is a great option for big or small business owners looking to separate their personal and business finances.
Should I tell my credit card company when I travel?
Yes, you should inform your credit card company when you are traveling.
Banks are aware of the spending patterns on your credit cards, so if you suddenly start using it in a different location and make unusual credit card purchases it could be flagged as fraud, and payment will not go through.
Some credit cards may not require you to inform the bank and will send notifications to your phone to confirm you are making this purchase.
Give your bank a heads-up beforehand to avoid unnecessary roadblocks and enjoy a stress-free vacation.
Which is better a personal or business credit card?
When it comes to personal vs. business credit cards, the answer depends on your individual needs.
Personal credit cards are great for everyday purchases and building your credit history. Business credit cards are designed for tracking and managing business expenses and offer rewards and perks specifically to business expenses, and may require annual fee payments.
Always separate between personal and business purchases by having one credit card for personal and another credit card exclusively for business.
What not to do with a business credit card?
Here is a list of things to avoid with your business credit card:
- Never mix it with personal purchases to keep an accurate record of your business purchases and for tax purposes
- Avoid spending beyond what you can pay back with your business credit card
- Missing late payments will affect your credit score and incur costly fees
- Always review the terms and conditions on your business credit card on what is the interest rates, fees, rewards, and benefits, to avoid any surprises
- If you are an employee using an employee card from your employer, confirm or read your firm’s policy on what can be purchased
Closing Thoughts
Traveling for business can open up the opportunity for rewards and bonuses that can pay off in a big way – if you have the right credit card.
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite cards for business people who regularly travel – from cash back benefits to low annual fees to flexible points redemption options; there is something for everyone here.
All of these business credit cards offer benefits and perks that can maximize your business travel while awarding you well-earned rewards. Apply now and enjoy the perks and redemption rewards on your travels.
