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We looked at your welcome survey answers, and we are picking up what you're putting down. You run a business. You travel a few times a year. And you'd like those trips to count for more than a line on the expense report.Good news: you don't need a big company or big spending to get started. Most people reading this qualify for a business card today.
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Business credit cards earn points on the same purchases you're already making: travel, advertising, shipping, software, meals. The difference is that business cards earn at higher rates on those categories, and the welcome offers are wayyyy larger than personal cards.
The best part? You don't need a corporation or an LLC to get a biz card. Freelancing, consulting, selling on Etsy, driving for a rideshare app, renting out a property? That counts. Sole proprietors qualify, and your Social Security number works as your business ID.
Newer to business cards, or your monthly spend is on the lower end? Start here. These two have the most achievable minimums on the page, and they work even better together.
This is the card that turns everyday business spending into real travel. You earn 3x points on travel, shipping, advertising, and internet/cable (on the first $150,000 in combined purchases in those categories each year, then 1x). Your points transfer to Chase's travel partners, including United, Hyatt, Aeroplan, and Flying Blue.It skips the fancy lounge perks, and honestly, for a $95 fee, that's the point. It's all about earning power.
What it takes: $8,000 in 3 months, or about $2,700 a month.
Cell phone protection, primary rental car coverage, no foreign transaction fees
You earn a flat 1.5% back on everything with no annual fee. No categories to track, no fee to justify. Easy-peasy.Here's the part most people miss: that "cash back" is actually earned as Chase Ultimate Rewards points. On its own, you cash them out. Pair it with a card like the Ink Business Preferred and you can move those points to Chase's travel partners like Hyatt and United.
What it takes: $6,000 in 3 months, or about $2,000 a month. If you pay for software, supplies, phone, and internet on this card, you're probably most of the way there already.
Purchase protection, extended warranty, no annual fee
Your business spending is real and consistent. These cards have bigger bonuses and bigger fees, so they're worth it only if you'll actually use the perks. Read the "who it's really for" line on each one before you click.
This card figures out where your business spends the most and rewards you for it. You earn 4x points on your top two (out of six) categories each billing cycle, on the first $150,000 in combined purchases in those categories each calendar year (then 1x). If your spending shifts month to month, the card shifts with you.
Who it's really for: Businesses with a couple of big recurring spend categories, like advertising or software, that change over time.
What it takes: $15,000 in 3 months, or about $5,000 a month.
Up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year on U.S. purchases of ChatGPT Business (subject to auto-renewal), up to $155 Walmart+ credit (when used to pay the $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership fee, excluding Plus Ups, subject to auto-renewal)
Big spend requirement, big payoff. You get lounge access, Global Entry or PreCheck coverage, a $300 annual travel credit that's about as easy to use as it gets, and Chase's strong transfer partners.
Who it's really for: Someone who's on the road enough to use the lounges and credits every year. If you travel two or three times a year, the Ink Preferred will probably get you further for a lot less.
What it takes: $30,000 in 6 months, or about $5,000 a month.
Complimentary access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge® by The Club network and Priority PassTM Select membership, up to $120 statement credit for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck®, or NEXUS (every four years), $300 annual travel credit*, $500 annual hotel credit through The Edit by Chase Travel (up to $250 biannual, 2-night minimum required), primary rental car insurance, trip delay/cancellation coverage, business-focused statement credits
*note: you do not earn points on travel purchases until this credit is exhausted
This is the luxury pick. Lounge access through the Global Lounge Collection, airline credits, hotel credits, CLEAR+, and a long list of business credits.
Who it's really for: Frequent travelers who will actually use the credits. If you're adding them up to justify the $895 fee and coming up short, this isn't your card (yet).
What it takes: $20,000 in 3 months, or about $6,700 a month.
Access to the Global Lounge Collection, up to $200 airline credit per calendar year, $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection1 bookings through American Express Travel (minimum of two-night stay), up to $219 CLEAR+ credit, either a $120 statement credit for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee every 4 years, and many more luxury and business credits
You're putting serious money through your business every month. At this level, you want simple, flexible earning on every single dollar.
2x miles on every purchase, no categories required. When you're spending this much, flat earning on everything adds up fast. The $395 annual fee drops to $95 with the $300 annual travel credit (through Capital One Business Travel), and starting on your first anniversary, 10,000 bonus miles a year (worth $100 in travel) cover the rest.
What it takes: $120,000 in 4 months, or about $30,000 a month.
$300 annual travel credit, 10,000 anniversary miles, Lounge access at Capital One Lounges and Landings, plus 1,300+ Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Our recommended business cards earn transferable points — such as Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, or Capital One miles — that you can send to airline and hotel partners. That means more flexibility, not less. A hotel upgrade on a work trip. A flight upgrade on a personal one. Or a free ticket somewhere you've been putting off.
The strategy doesn't need to be complicated. Earn the points on spending that's already happening. Redeem them for travel you were going to book anyway.
Not ready to apply yet? Totally fine. Keep an eye on your inbox. We'll walk you through how this works, one email at a time, and flag it when a business card offer gets better than usual.
Before you apply:
The application is easier than it looks. Here's what to put in the fields that trip people up:
- Business name: If you don't have a formal business name, use your own legal name.
- Business type: Sole proprietor.
- Tax ID: Your Social Security number works.
- Annual business revenue: Your honest estimate. Small numbers are OK.
- Years in business: How long you've been doing the work, even if it started as a side gig.
DISCLOSURE TEXT
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Daily Drop may earn a commission if you apply for and are approved for a card through links on this page. Our editorial recommendations are based on independent analysis, not issuer direction. Welcome offer amounts, minimum spend requirements, and terms are subject to change; verify all details on the card issuer’s website before applying. Points valuations are estimates and will vary based on how you redeem. Card details are current as of 8/3/2026. Terms apply.
