Earn 5% cash back in select business categories (on up to $25,000 per account anniversary year) and earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants (on up to $25,000 per account anniversary year). Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases.
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Best Business Credit Cards With No Annual Fee
Reviewed By
Blake Esken - Los Angeles Times
Various business credit cards don’t require cardholders to pay an annual fee for card ownership. Many are cash-back business cards, but some may provide flexible rewards. They tend to have fewer perks than paid-fee cards, but they can be a good option for smaller businesses, startups, and business owners who don’t want to worry about an annual cost.
These are the best no-fee business credit cards of 2024.
Our top picks for the best business cards with no annual fee
Advertiser Disclosure
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Up to 5% Reward Rate
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
Up to $750
Regular APR
17.99% to 23.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
If your business spends a lot in traditional categories like office supplies and telecommunications, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card may make a perfect addition to your wallet. With 5% back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases per year at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services, this card can reward you handsomely for business expenses you’d already be making. Plus, the welcome offer on this card is generous, with up to $750 in value. On top of that, cardholders can take advantage of a 12-month intro APR offer on purchases, giving you an extra year to pay off a large purchase.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
1.5% Reward Rate
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases made for your business.
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
Last Call! LTO: $900
Regular APR
17.99% to 23.99% variable
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
If you can’t utilize the cash-back categories of the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card takes out the guesswork. With unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make, there’s no need to keep track of complicated categories or worry about spending caps. This card also comes with a nice welcome offer worth $900 and an intro APR offer for 12 months on purchases. And if you already have a card that earns Chase Ultimate Rewards points, you can pool together rewards for additional value. Altogether, the Ink Business Unlimited is a solid option for a no-annual-fee business card.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
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
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express offers cardholders Membership Rewards® points instead of cash back, so they can be redeemed for statement credits or travel. It also comes with an intro APR offer and a decent welcome bonus.
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Card Details
More card info
- Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months from account opening. After that, a variable APR of 17.99% - 25.99% applies, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
- Spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. (*The amount available for spending above your credit limit varies and is determined by your card usage, payment history, credit profile, known financial resources, and other factors. It is not unlimited.)
- 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
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Up to 2% Reward Rate
Earn 2% cash back on up to $50,000 in combined eligible purchases each year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
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Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
$250
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Recommended Credit
Good/Excellent (690 - 850)
Why we like it
If earning points and redeeming rewards for travel doesn’t appeal to you, The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card offers all of the same benefits as The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express but it earns flat-rate cash back instead of Membership Rewards points.
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Card Details
More card info
- Enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months from account opening. After that, a variable APR of 17.99% - 25.99% applies, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%.
- Spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. (*The amount available for spending above your credit limit varies and is determined by your card usage, payment history, credit profile, known financial resources, and other factors. It is not unlimited.)
- Terms Apply.
Pros
- No annual fee
- High rewards rate
- Simple cash back structure
Cons
- Spending cap for 2% rewards
- Requires good to excellent credit
- Limited redemption options
What is a no-annual-fee business credit card?
A no-annual-fee business credit card doesn’t require you to pay a yearly fee to keep your account open. While these cards don’t have annual fees, they may have other associated fees like foreign transaction fees, interest charges, and balance transfer fees.
Should you get a business credit card with no annual fee?
If you don’t want the hassle of managing a credit card’s annual fee, one without a yearly cost may be a good option. However, these cards come with fewer additional benefits than their paid-fee counterparts.
If you travel frequently for business, a business travel credit card may provide more value, as they often come with benefits like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry fee credits, travel credits, and even airport lounge access. These perks can easily offset the yearly cost if they fit into your lifestyle.
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For rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, please visit this page.
For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, please visit this page.
Best business cards with no annual fee: FAQ
Do all business credit cards have an annual fee?
No, some business credit cards don’t require cardholders to pay an annual fee. However, these cards tend to have fewer benefits than paid-fee cards.
Who has the best business card?
No issuer has the best business card, as the best choice is consumer-specific, but American Express, Capital One, and Chase Bank all offer excellent options.
What credit score do I need for a business credit card?
Most business credit cards require good to excellent credit (670 to 850 FICO) to qualify for.
What is the best no-annual-fee business credit card?
The best business credit card with no annual fee varies depending on your spending habits. We think the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card are two of the best options.
About the Author
Jaiden Hart serves as a credit card writer and content manager at LA Times Compare. Beginning her career as an intern on the Compare team, she has since amassed considerable expertise and passion in the credit card industry.
Jaiden’s primary objective is to simplify the process of choosing and managing a credit card through engaging and honest content so individuals can more effectively maximize their benefits and meet their financial goals.
* Opinions expressed here are those of LA Times Compare 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 publication. Please visit each bank's website directly for the most current information.