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Best Business Travel Credit Cards of June 2024

Whether you travel to industry events once a month or visit multiple clients every week, opening a business travel rewards credit card is a great way to earn points, miles or other benefits based on your travel habits.

With so many credit cards on the market, it can be difficult to keep track of them all. We compiled a list of the best business credit cards for travel, taking the guesswork out of finding a card that fits your needs.

We’ll cover:

  • How to compare business travel credit cards
  • Pros and cons of using the best business travel credit cards
  • How to find the best credit card for business travel based on your unique needs

Our top picks for business credit cards for travel

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Best for general business expenses + low annual fee

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in select categories each year, and earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

Annual Fee
$95
Welcome Offer
100,000 points
Regular APR
21.24% to 26.24% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
Cardholders can earn points on more than just travel with the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. With 3X points (on up to $150,000 per year, then 1X) on purchases in select business categories — travel, shipping purchases, internet, phone, and cable services, and advertising purchases made with social media and search engines— it’s easy to earn points on travel and everyday expenses. Plus, the points earned on this card are through Chase Ultimate Rewards so they’re flexible to redeem and worth 25% more through Chase Travel.

Best for rewards on flights

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

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Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels through American Express Travel, 1.5 points per dollar on eligible business expenses and purchases of $5,000+ (up to $2 million yearly), and 1 point per dollar on other eligible purchases.

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Annual Fee
$695
Welcome Offer
150,000 points
Regular APR
19.49% to 28.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
For frequent flyers, the 5X Membership Rewards points earned on flights booked through Amex Travel and up to $200 in airline fee statement credits per year make this card a winner. It also comes with a host of other valuable benefits.
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Card Details

More Card Info

  • Unlock over $1,000 in statement credits on select purchases, including tech, recruiting and wireless in the first year of membership with the Business Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
  • $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card issuer on the market as of 03/2023.
  • Terms Apply.
Pros
  • Excellent welcome offer
  • Easy to earn points
  • Great travel benefits
Cons
  • No intro APR offer
  • Hefty $695 annual fee
  • High spending requirement for welcome offer

Best for flexible redemption

Capital One Venture X Business

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Up to 10X Reward Rate

Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel, earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases.

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Annual Fee
$395
Welcome Offer
150,000 miles
Regular APR
N/A
Recommended Credit
Excellent (740 - 850)
Why we like it
The easy-to-earn rewards, flexible redemption options, and valuable perks of the Capital One Venture X Business make it an ideal companion for frequent travelers.
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Card Details

More Card Info

  • This card has no preset spending limit, so you get purchasing power that adapts to your spending needs.
  • Redeem your miles on flights, hotels and more. Plus, transfer your miles to any of the 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Every year, you’ll get 10,000 bonus miles after your account anniversary date. Plus, receive an annual $300 credit for bookings through Capital One Travel
  • Empower your teams to make business purchases while earning rewards on their transactions, with free employee and virtual cards. Plus, automatically sync your transaction data with your accounting software and pay your vendors with ease
  • Skip the lines with up to a $100 statement credit on TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry. Then enjoy unlimited complimentary access to Capital One Lounges and a network of 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Priority Pass™ and Plaza Premium Group lounges
  • This is a pay-in-full card, so your balance is due in full every month
  • Elevate your stay at luxury hotels and resorts from the Premier Collection with a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits on every booking
Pros
  • Can qualify for hundreds of dollars in credits each year
  • Unlimited access to Capital One Lounges
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
Cons
  • High annual fee
  • Can’t carry a balance from month to month
  • Excellent credit required

Best for international travel + low annual fee

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

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Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5X miles on all hotel and car rental purchases through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on all other purchases.

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Annual Fee
$0 for the first year, then $95
Welcome Offer
50,000 miles
Regular APR
26.24% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
It’s easy to earn miles on the Capital One Spark Miles for Business with its simple reward structure — 5X miles on hotels and rental cars through Capital One Travel and 2X miles on everything else. This card also has a lower annual fee than many business travel cards and comes with a statement credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.
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Card Details

More Card info

  • Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
  • Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
  • Skip the lines with up to a $100 statement credit on TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry
  • Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
Pros
  • High rewards rate
  • Free employee cards
  • Two complimentary visits each year to Capital One Lounges or Plaza Premium Lounges
Cons
  • Has an annual fee after the first year
  • High APR
  • No intro APR

Best for flexible earning categories

American Express® Business Gold Card

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Up to 4X Reward Rate

Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points (up to the first $150,000 in purchases per year, then 1X points) on 2 categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle and 1X points on other eligible purchases.

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Annual Fee
$375
Welcome Offer
70,000 points
Regular APR
19.49% to 28.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
The automatically adjusting bonus categories of the Amex Business Gold means that your business can earn 4X points in 2 eligible categories each month without needing to track or activate them.
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Card Details

More Card Info

  • 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.
Pros
  • Earns Membership Rewards points for flexible redemption options
  • 4X points categories adapt to your spending automatically each billing cycle
  • Generous welcome offer
Cons
  • High annual fee
  • Spending cap of $150,000 annually for 4X rate
  • High spending requirement for welcome offer

Best for simplicity + no annual fee

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

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Up to 2X Reward Rate

Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business expenses up to $50,000 per year (then 1X points).

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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
15,000 points
Regular APR
18.49% to 26.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
If your business doesn’t spend a lot in specific categories per month, the flat rate 2X Membership Rewards points earned by the Amex Blue Business Plus make it easy to still earn solid rewards.
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Card Details

More Card info

  • 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 as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
  • You’ve got the power to spend beyond your 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.
  • Terms Apply.
Pros
  • No annual fee
  • High rewards rate
  • Earns Membership Rewards points for more flexible redemption options
Cons
  • Spending cap for 2X rewards
  • Requires good to excellent credit
  • Large spending requirement for welcome bonus

Best for Delta loyalists

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card®

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Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn 3X miles on all Delta purchases and 1X miles on everything else. If you spend $150,000 in a calendar year, you’ll earn 1.5X miles per dollar on non-Delta purchases for the rest of the year.

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Annual Fee
$650
Welcome Offer
LTO: 110,000 miles
Regular APR
20.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
If you fly a lot for business and prefer to fly on Delta Air Lines, the Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business Card can reward you handsomely for those travels. Plus, you’ll get complimentary airport lounge access to help make your travels more comfortable.
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Card Details

More Card Info

  • Enjoy a Companion Certificate each year after renewal of your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card. The Companion Ticket requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and no more than $250 for roundtrip international flights (both for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Get closer to elevated Status next Medallion® Year with MQD Headstart and MQD Boost: receive $2,500 Medallion Qualification Dollars each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $20 of purchases with your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card.
  • Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card Members save 15% when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • With the $120 Resy Credit, earn up to $10 per month in statement credits on eligible Resy purchases using your enrolled Card.
  • Earn up to $10 back each month after using your enrolled Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers.
  • Not a Medallion Member? Card Members with an eligible ticket will be added to the Complimentary Upgrade list, after Delta SkyMiles Medallion Members and Reserve Card Members.
  • Receive Zone 5 Priority Boarding on Delta flights; board early, stow your carry-on bag and settle in sooner.
  • Elevate your travel experience with an annual statement credit of up to $200 after using your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card to book prepaid hotels or vacation rentals through Delta Stays on delta.com.
  • Terms Apply.
Pros
  • Complimentary access to Delta Sky Clubs & Amex Centurion Lounges
  • Annual Companion Certificate, good for one ticket in the same class you’re in
  • Very generous welcome offer
Cons
  • High annual fee ($650)
  • Low rewards rate on non-Delta spending categories
  • Requires good to excellent credit

Best for Hilton loyalists

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

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Up to 12X Reward Rate

Earn 12X points on eligible Hilton purchases, 6X points on eligible business spending at U.S. gas stations and U.S. restaurants, on U.S. purchases for shipping, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, on flights booked directly with airlines or with Amex Travel, on car rentals booked directly from select car rental companies, 5X points on other eligible purchases on the first 100K spent per year, then 3X points.

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Annual Fee
$195
Welcome Offer
130,000 points
Regular APR
20.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
If you like to stay at Hilton hotels when taking business trips, the Hilton Business Card offers an easy way to earn a ton of points on your stay (plus complimentary Gold status and Hilton statement credits).
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Card Details

More Card info

  • Enjoy up to $240 back each year for eligible purchases made directly with Hilton.
  • Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status with your Hilton Honors Business Card. With Hilton Honors Gold status, you can enjoy benefits at hotels and resorts within the Hilton Portfolio. As a Gold member, earn an 80% Bonus on all Base Points you earn on every stay getting you to free nights faster.
  • You may receive an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the calendar year if the total eligible purchases on your Card Account during a calendar year reach $40,000 or more.
  • Enjoy complimentary National Car Rental® Emerald Club Executive® status. Enrollment in the complimentary Emerald Club® program is required. Terms apply.
  • Terms apply.
Pros
  • Automatic Hilton Gold status
  • 10 airport lounge visits each year with Priority Pass (enrollment required)
  • Ability to earn a free night with enough spending
Cons
  • Can only redeem points at Hilton hotels
  • Need good or excellent credit to qualify
  • No complimentary free night

Best for Marriott loyalists

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

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Up to 6X Reward Rate

Earn 6X points per dollar on eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program, 4X points at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on U.S. wireless telephone services purchased directly, and on U.S. shipping purchases, and 2X points on all other eligible purchases.

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Annual Fee
$125
Welcome Offer
LTO: 5 Free Night Awards
Regular APR
20.99% to 29.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
For Marriott loyalists, the Marriott Bonvoy Business card is a no-brainer. With a great reward rate on Marriott purchases, a Free Night Award every year, and Gold Elite status, this card is full of valuable benefits for a reasonable annual fee.
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Card Details

More Card Info

  • Receive a 7% discount on eligible bookings as a benefit of being both a Marriott Bonvoy® member & a Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Member when you book directly with Marriott through an eligible channel for a participating property under the Amex Business Card Rate.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.
  • Terms apply.
Pros
  • Earn a free night award annually
  • Automatic elite status
  • Generous welcome offer
Cons
  • Has an annual fee
  • Limited redemption options

Best for Southwest loyalists

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

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Up to 4X Reward Rate

Earn 4X points on Southwest purchases, 3X points on purchases with Southwest hotel and rental car partners, 2X points on rideshare and social media advertising, internet, cable, and phone services, and 1X points on other purchases.

Annual Fee
$199
Welcome Offer
Up to 120,000 points
Regular APR
21.49% to 28.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
For business travelers loyal to Southwest Airlines, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card could be incredibly valuable. With a rate of 4X points on Southwest purchases, 3X points on purchases with Southwest hotel and rental car partners, and solid rewards on other purchases, it’s easy to earn a ton of points on this card. You can also get 10,000 Companion Pass® qualifying points and 4 upgraded boardings each year you have this card. Plus, you can enjoy perks like a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit, a generous welcome offer, inflight wifi credits, and more.

Best for IHG loyalists + low annual fee

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

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Up to 26X Reward Rate

Earn up to 26 total points per $1 spent when you stay at IHG Hotels and Resorts, earn 5 points per $1 spent on purchases on travel, at gas stations, select advertising, and restaurants, and earn 3 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Annual Fee
$99
Welcome Offer
140,000 bonus points
Regular APR
21.49% - 28.49% Variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
IHG hotels include options like InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Kimpton, EVEN Hotels, Indigo, and Holiday Inn, so there are eligible locations everywhere. If you or your employees like to stay at any of IHG’s hotels, the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card can reward you well. With up to 26X points on IHG hotel purchases, a complimentary free night every year, Platinum Elite Status, and more, this card can help give your business a taste of luxury during their stay. It also has a very manageable annual fee that the perks can easily offset.

Best for Hyatt loyalists

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

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Up to 9X Reward Rate

Earn up to 9X points spent at Hyatt — 4X points when you use your card at Hyatt hotels plus 5X base points as a World of Hyatt member. Earn 2X points on your top 3 spend categories each quarter (through 12/31/24, then your top 2 categories each quarter), earn 2X points on fitness club and gym memberships, and earn 1X points on all other purchases.

Annual Fee
$199
Welcome Offer
60,000 points
Regular APR
21.49% to 28.49% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (670 - 850)
Why we like it
With valuable perks like a complimentary Free Night Award on your account anniversary, complimentary Discoverist status for you and additional cardholders, and more, the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card is an easy option for Hyatt loyalists. Discoverist status entitles cardholders to perks like room upgrades and late checkouts, to easily enhance their experience. It does have a moderately high annual fee, but the benefits can outweigh that cost if you’re dedicated to maximizing them.

Comparing the best business travel cards

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Card name
Best for
Reward rate
Welcome offer
Learn more
Best for general business expenses + low annual fee
1X-3X points
100,000 points

Best business travel credit cards: Editorial reviews

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Unlike other travel credit cards, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers tons of non-travel benefits, making it ideal for companies that spend a significant amount on digital advertising, telecommunications and shipping.

We love the Ink Business Preferred® card because your points are worth 25% more when you redeem them for travel through Chase Travel. That said, other cards offer higher earning rates for travel purchases, so this card may not be right for you if travel rewards are your top priority.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express lets you earn 5X points on all flights and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel, making it ideal for companies with employees who fly frequently for business purposes. Users also qualify for up to a $200 airline fee credit each year and a $189 CLEAR® Plus credit.

We love that the Business Platinum Card® comes with statement credits for Indeed, Dell Technologies, Adobe Creative Solutions and wireless telephone service. Although you can earn 5X points on certain travel expenses, it only offers 1X to 1.5X rewards on all other categories.

▶︎ Read more: Amex Business Platinum card review

Capital One Venture X Business

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With the Capital One Venture X Business card, you earn 2X miles on every purchase. As an added bonus, you get 5X miles on flights and 10X miles on hotels and rental cars whenever you book through the Capital One Travel portal.

We love that the Venture X Business card has no preset spending limit, making it ideal for startups that need extra flexibility as they find their footing. The biggest drawback of this card is that it has an annual fee of $395. If you’re just starting out, it’s tough to justify such a high fee.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

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The Capital One Spark Miles for Business is one of the best credit cards for travel, as it gives you 5X miles on all hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One Travel portal. Users also receive a credit of up to $100 for TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry, making this card ideal for companies that do a lot of business internationally.

We love that the Spark Miles for Business card has a $0 annual fee for the first year and a low annual fee ($95) every year thereafter. However, you only earn 2X on non-travel purchases, so it may not be the best fit if you spend a lot of money in other categories.

▶︎ Read more: Capital One Spark Miles Business card review

American Express® Business Gold Card

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The American Express® Business Gold Card gives you 4X points on your top two eligible spending categories each month (up to the first $150,000 in combined purchases per year, then 1X points), making it ideal for businesses with inconsistent spending patterns.

We love that the Business Gold Card comes with flexible business credit, enabling you to save money on purchases at FedEx, Grubhub and other eligible vendors. This card only gives you 1X points on most purchases, so it may not be the right fit for your business if you spend a significant amount of money in multiple categories each month.

▶︎ Read more: Amex Business Gold card review

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

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The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express doesn’t have multiple spending categories. Instead, you earn 2X points on your first $50,000 in purchases each calendar year and 1X points on all eligible purchases after you hit the spending cap.

We love that the Blue Business® Plus card has no membership fee. However, if your business spends a lot of money every month, the lack of bonus spending categories may cause you to miss out on valuable rewards.

▶︎ Read more: Amex Blue Business Plus card review

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express Card®

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The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card gives you 3X miles for every purchase made directly with Delta, making it ideal for companies that choose Delta as their preferred airline. Users also earn 1.5X miles on eligible transit, office supplies and shipping purchases.

We love that the SkyMiles® Reserve Business card comes with multiple statement credits. However, if you don’t use Delta frequently, you can earn more rewards on your purchases with a different business credit card.

▶︎ Read more: Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business card review

The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card

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The Hilton Honors American Express Business Card gives you 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on all purchases made directly with participating Hilton hotels, making it a great fit for companies that frequently book stays at Hilton properties. Users earn 5X back on the first $100,000 in other eligible purchases each calendar year. Once you reach the limit, you earn 3X on every eligible purchase.

We love that it’s easy to earn free nights and other rewards with this card. However, Hilton Honors Bonus Points have a limited number of uses, so you may want to look for a general credit card if you don’t stay at Hilton properties often enough to maximize your earnings.

▶︎ Read more: Hilton Honors Business card review

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

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Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card users earn 6X points on all purchases made at participating Marriott properties, making this card ideal for companies that count Marriott among its preferred travel vendors.

We love that the Marriott Bonvoy Business® card gives you 4X points at U.S. gas stations and restaurants, plus 4X back on wireless telephone service. However, it may not be the right card for your company if you don’t stay at Marriott hotels often enough to redeem your Marriott Bonvoy points.

▶︎ Read more: Marriott Bonvoy Business card review

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

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The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is ideal for companies that use Southwest as their preferred airline, as it gives you 4X points per dollar spent on all Southwest flights. Users also receive four upgraded boardings each year, in-flight internet credits and other perks.

We love that the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card allows you to use your points at hotels, restaurants and retail stores. However, most of the card benefits relate to Southwest travel, so it may not be the right fit if you or your employees don’t use Southwest very often.

IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

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The IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is one of the best business credit cards for frequent travelers. Users receive up to 26X points on all qualifying IHG stays, making it easy to earn free nights.

We also love that the IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card comes with a generous welcome bonus. However, the card comes with limited redemption options, so it may not be the right fit for business owners who value flexibility.

World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

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Chase issues the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card, which gives you up to 9 points for every dollar spent on participating Hyatt hotels. To get the maximum number of points, you need to sign up for the World of Hyatt program. You also earn 2 points per dollar spent in your top two spending categories every quarter.

We love that this card makes it easy to earn free stays at Hyatt properties. However, it may not be the right fit for you if you want to use your rewards on non-Hyatt purchases.

What is a business travel credit card?

A business travel credit card is a type of credit card that allows you to earn points, miles or other rewards on your business travel expenses. These cards differ from personal travel credit cards because they’re reserved for business owners and employees.

The best travel business credit cards offer points or miles that you can redeem for flights, hotel stays, rental cars and other travel-related benefits, similar to the rewards you can redeem from airline credit cards. For example, your travel credit card may make you eligible for membership in exclusive rewards programs or credit card airport lounge access.

Pros and cons of business credit cards for travel

Pros
  • Free or discounted travel
  • Complimentary upgrades available with some cards
  • Status matching available with some loyalty programs
Cons
  • May offer limited rewards on non-travel purchases
  • High annual fees on some cards
  • Strict approval requirements for many cards

How to choose the best business credit card for travel

To find the best business credit card for travel rewards, consider the tips below.

Rewards

Think about which travel rewards make the most sense for your business. For example, if your employees fly frequently, you may benefit from a rewards card that gives you free airline miles. Otherwise, you may want to look for a card offering points or cash back.

It’s also important to think about how you spend your money. Matching credit card rewards with your business spending habits makes it easier to maximize your earnings. If you spend significantly more in one category than you do in others, it makes sense to look for a card with a high rewards rate for that category.

Co-branded vs. general

Co-branded credit cards make it easy to earn rewards when you spend money with specific brands. For example, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card gives you 3X miles on purchases made directly with Delta.

General travel cards give you points that you can redeem for flights, hotels and rental cars, making them more flexible than branded cards. For example, the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card earns 3X points on all travel purchases, regardless of which brands you use.

Fees

Most business credit cards have annual fees ranging from $95 to $650. To find the right card for your needs, weigh the annual fee against the rewards you’ll use to determine if the cost is worth it. If you travel internationally, it’s also important to look for a card with no foreign transaction fees.

Travel perks

Many cards come with additional perks, such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, waived baggage fees, and statement credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck. Before you apply for a card, review several offers to determine which card offers the best perks for your business.

Should you get a business credit card for travel?

You may benefit from a business travel credit card if you travel frequently and own a small business or manage the finances of a company and want to earn rewards on flights, rental cars and hotel stays.

Note that most cards require good or excellent credit, so a travel card may not be a good fit if you’re rebuilding your credit after a financial emergency or building credit for the first time.

How to apply for a business credit card for travel

To apply for a business credit card, follow these steps:

  1. Decide which card you want.
  2. Click the “Learn More” button next to the card at the top of this page.
  3. After learning more, click the “Apply Now” button.
  4. View the credit card website.
  5. Open the application page.
  6. Fill out the application. You may be required to provide an employer identification number (EIN) or your Social Security number, along with your name, business name and contact information.
  7. Submit the application and wait for a decision.

Alternatives to business travel credit cards

If a travel credit card isn’t right for you, consider these options.

Business travel rewards cards vs. cash-back business cards

Cash-back business cards give you cash back on every purchase instead of points or miles, making them more versatile. A cash-back business card may be right for you if you want to earn more rewards on non-travel purchases or access additional redemption methods.

Business travel rewards cards vs. personal travel rewards cards

Instead of getting a business credit card for travel, you may want to get a personal travel rewards credit card. A personal card gives you more flexibility, as you don’t need an EIN or a certain number of employees. Personal cards also come with perks that aren’t available to business card users, such as Instacart and DoorDash memberships.

FAQ: Best business credit cards for travel

What is the best business credit card for airline miles?

It depends on which airline you use. United, Southwest, Delta and American Airlines all offer branded credit cards.

What business travel credit cards have no foreign transaction fees?

Which no annual fee credit card is good for business travel?

It depends on your needs. Before choosing a card, weigh the annual fee against the benefits available to determine if it’s right for your needs.

Can I use my business credit card for travel expenses?

Yes, you can use your business credit card for travel expenses.

How do travel points work on a business credit card?

Generally, you can redeem your points for hotels, rental cars, hotel stays and airfare. However, if you have a branded credit card, you may have to spend your points within a specific loyalty program.

How many business credit cards should I have?

It depends on how often you travel and how much you spend. If you don’t spend much, one card is plenty. Alternatively, you may need multiple cards to get around spending caps.

About the Author

Leigh Morgan
Leigh Morgan Personal Finance

Leigh Morgan is a seasoned personal finance contributor with over 15 years of experience writing on a diverse range of professional legal and financial topics. She specializes in subjects like navigating the complexities of insurance, savings, zero-based budgeting and emergency fund development.

In the last five years, she’s authored over 300 articles for credit unions, digital banks, and financial professionals. Morgan is also the author of “77 Tips for Preventing Elder Financial Abuse,” a book focused on helping caregivers protect the elderly from financial scams.

In addition to her writing skills, she brings real-world financial acumen thanks to her previous experience managing rental properties as part of a $34 million real estate portfolio.

About the Reviewer

Blake Esken
Blake Esken Los Angeles Times

Blake Esken has over 15 years of experience in product management and has been a member of the Los Angeles Times staff for over five years.

As part of his role at the Los Angeles Times Commerce Team, Blake acts as the in-house reviewer and fact checker for LA Times Compare. He supervises all content for compliance and accuracy and puts to use skills he has honed through years of experience managing high-stakes projects for a range of industry-leading companies.

He has a strong background in data analysis, compliance, and communication, which allows him to support LA Times Compare through fact-checking in an effort to provide up-to-date and factual information across our content.

* Opinions expressed here are those of the LA Times Compare Cards Team and have not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser or entities included within this content. See our editorial policy for more details.

All products or services are presented in this content without warranty. The information, including card details such as rates and fees, is accurate at the time of publish. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.

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