The best business credit cards for LLCs
Still using your personal credit card for business expenses? That stack of receipts, mixed-up finances, and missed rewards could be holding back your LLC. The best business credit card helps you stay organized, build credit, and earn perks that align with how your company actually spends.
The right LLC credit card does all this heavy lifting for you while earning rewards tailored to how your business actually spends money. Yet most business owners choose cards based on flashy welcome bonuses or generic recommendations, only to end up with a poor fit for their specific needs.
In this guide, we’ll cut through the marketing noise to reveal which cards actually deliver for small business LLC operations. Whether you're applying for your first business credit card for a new LLC or upgrading to a card that better matches your established spending patterns, in 2025, the best business credit card for your new (or established) LLC should work as hard as you do.
The top business credit cards for LLCs in 2025
Finding the best LLC credit card means understanding which features deliver the most value for your specific situation. Whether you're researching business credit card requirements for LLC applications, looking for the best credit card for new LLC entities, or simply need a credit card for LLC expenses, these top options provide tailored solutions for different business needs.
#1 The Expensify Visa® Commercial Card
Overview: A modern, integrated expense management solution designed explicitly for LLC needs.
Key features:
Realtime expense visibility with automated receipt capture
Smart Limits that can be instantly adjusted for different employees
Up to 2% cash back on all USD purchases, with potential to offset subscription costs
No annual fees, no personal credit check, and no interest
Automatic daily or monthly settlement options
Seamless integration with Expensify's expense management platform
Pros:
Complete visibility into spending the moment purchases happen
Automated expense categorization with SmartScan technology
No preset spending limit – only the cash balance in your account
Ability to create unlimited virtual cards for subscriptions and online purchases
No foreign transaction fees for global business operations
Trade-offs:
Must be or become an Expensify member to be eligible
Relies on a linked (verified) business bank account balance
Cash back structure is simpler than some competitors' bonus categories
Who it's for: Any LLC looking to simplify expense management while earning rewards – particularly well-suited for businesses with multiple employees who need realtime spending controls.
#2 Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Overview: A versatile no-annual-fee card with straightforward cash back rewards
Key features:
1.5% unlimited cash back on all purchases
$0 annual fee
$750 welcome bonus after spending $6,000 in the first three months
0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases; then variable APR of 17.49% - 23.49%
Pros:
Simple, flat-rate rewards structure with no categories to track
No annual fee to offset
Strong welcome bonus for a no-fee card
Good for everyday business expenses across categories
Employee cards at no additional cost, fraud protection, purchase protection, and personalized account alerts
Trade-offs:
No bonus categories for higher rewards
Not ideal for businesses with heavy spending in specific categories
Who it's for: New LLC business credit card seekers looking for simplicity and established businesses wanting a supplementary card for everyday expenses
#3 Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Overview: A premium cash back card for high-spending LLCs
Key features:
Unlimited 2% cash back rewards on all purchases
$150 annual fee (refundable if you spend $150,000 annually)
$2,000 welcome bonus after spending $30,000 in the first three months; additional $2,000 for every $500,000 spent in the first year
No preset spending limit
Pros:
High cash back rate on all purchases
Substantial welcome bonus
No foreign transaction fees
5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
$200 annual bonus when you spend $200,000+ annually
Trade-offs:
Annual fee may not be worth it for low-spending businesses
No 0% intro APR period
This is a charge card requiring full payment each month
Who it's for: Established LLCs with substantial monthly expenses looking to maximize cash back rewards
#4 The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Overview: A no-annual-fee card with generous rewards for smaller spenders
Key features:
2X points on first $50,000 spent annually, then 1X
$0 annual fee
15,000 points welcome bonus after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months
0% intro APR period for 12 months; then variable APR of 17.49% - 27.49%
Pros:
Excellent rewards rate for no annual fee
Membership Rewards points are flexible and valuable
Extended warranty and purchase protection benefits
Good intro APR offer for new businesses
Trade-offs:
2X points limited to first $50,000 in purchases
Foreign transaction fees apply (2.7%)
Points system may be less straightforward than cash back
Who it's for: Small to medium LLCs looking for a balance of rewards and benefits without an annual fee
#5 Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards
Overview: A straightforward cash back card with relationship bonuses
Key features:
1.5% cash back on all purchases
$0 annual fee
$300 welcome bonus after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days
Preferred Rewards business program for higher rewards
Pros:
Simple, unlimited cash back structure
No annual fee
Up to 75% more rewards for Business Advantage relationship clients
Seamless integration with Bank of America business accounts
Trade-offs:
Base rewards rate isn't competitive without relationship bonus
Less compelling welcome offer than competitors
No intro APR period for purchases
Who it's for: LLCs that already bank with Bank of America or plan to establish a banking relationship
#6 U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card
Overview: A no-annual-fee card with category bonuses for common business expenses
Key features:
5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Travel Rewards Center
3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, EV charging stations (transactions of $200 or less), office supply stores, cell phone providers, and restaurants
1% cash back on all other purchases
$0 annual fee
$750 welcome bonus after spending $6,000 in the first 180 days
Pros:
Strong rewards in common business spending categories
No annual fee
0% intro APR period for 12 billing cycles; then variable APR of 17.99% - 26.99%
Annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscriptions
Trade-offs:
Category restrictions may limit value for some businesses
Requires good to excellent credit
Foreign transaction fee applies
Who it's for: LLCs with significant spending in the bonus categories, particularly service-based businesses looking for the best credit card for small business LLC operations
Why your LLC needs a dedicated business credit card
Not sure if you need a business credit card for your LLC? While it’s not legally required, it’s one of the smartest moves you can make early on. A dedicated business credit card can simplify your life and support your LLC’s growth in five major ways:
Separate business and personal finances: Reinforces your limited liability and simplifies tax prep.
Build business credit: Helps establish a financial profile tied to your EIN.
Maximize deductions: Year-end summaries make sure you don’t leave money on the table.
Unlock business-specific perks: Higher limits, employee controls, and rewards tailored to how you operate.
Gain expense visibility: Track expenses in realtime and generate smarter reports.
Read more: 5 credit card hacks to maximize your business rewards (+ 5 hacks to avoid)
How to choose the best credit card for your LLC
If you're researching how to get a business card for LLC expenses, the selection process requires strategic thinking. Finding the perfect business credit card for an LLC needs doesn't happen by chance. Here's how to approach selecting the best credit card for LLC operations:
Assess your spending patterns: Review your monthly expenses. Do you spend evenly across business categories, or heavily in specific areas like travel, advertising, or office supplies? Cards with bonus categories aligned with your top spending areas will maximize your returns.
Consider your credit history requirements: Newer LLCs or those with limited credit history may need to start with cards that have less stringent approval requirements, while established businesses can qualify for premium offerings.
Evaluate reward structures: Cash back is straightforward and flexible, while points or miles systems can offer higher value when redeemed strategically – especially for businesses with significant travel expenses.
Analyze annual fees vs. benefits: A higher annual fee can be worthwhile if the card's benefits, rewards, and welcome bonus deliver value exceeding the cost. Calculate the break-even point based on your typical annual spending.
Look at additional perks: Beyond the headline rewards rate, consider benefits like purchase protection, extended warranties, travel insurance, cell phone protection, and rental car coverage.
Consider integration capabilities: Cards that seamlessly connect with your accounting software and expense management tools (like Expensify) can save hours of admin work each month.
Building business credit with your LLC credit card
For those wondering about business credit card LLC requirements, it's important to understand that a LLC credit card isn't just a payment tool. It's a powerful instrument for establishing your business's creditworthiness:
How business credit differs from personal credit
Unlike personal credit, business credit is tied to your LLC's EIN rather than your SSN. It's evaluated on different criteria and reported to specialized business credit bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business.
Reporting practices of different card issuers
Not all business cards report to business credit bureaus. Capital One, U.S. Bank, and Wells Fargo typically report to business bureaus, while Chase and Bank of America generally don't. American Express reports only when accounts are delinquent.
Tips for establishing strong business credit
Make all payments on time or early
Keep your credit utilization below 30%
Maintain regular, consistent account activity
Start with cards that report to business credit bureaus
Use your card for essential business expenses, not incidental purchases
Common mistakes to avoid
Mixing personal and business expenses
Maxing out your credit limit regularly
Making minimum payments only
Applying for multiple cards in a short timeframe
Closing your oldest business credit accounts
Business credit cards vs. business charge cards for LLCs
When researching the best LLC business credit card options, you'll encounter both credit cards and charge cards. Understanding the fundamental differences between these two financial tools can help you make the right choice for your credit card LLC strategy:
| Feature | Business credit cards | Business charge cards |
|---|---|---|
| Payment terms | Can carry a balance month-to-month | Must be paid in full monthly |
| Spending limits | Fixed credit limit | No preset spending limit |
| Interest charges | Applies if balance is carried | No interest (but late fees apply) |
| Rewards | Often offer cash back or points | Typically offer premium rewards |
| Annual fees | Range from $0 to $500+ | Usually have annual fees |
| Credit score impact | Utilization affects credit score | No utilization impact on credit |
When credit cards make more sense
For business credit card for new LLC entities with uneven cash flow
When you need financing flexibility
If you want a credit card for LLC expenses with no annual fee
If you prefer straightforward rewards
When charge cards make more sense
For established businesses with consistent cash flow
When you need higher spending capacity
If you always pay balances in full
If you're focused on maximizing premium rewards and benefits
How to apply for a business credit card with an LLC
If you're wondering how to apply for business credit card LLC accounts, the process is straightforward but requires specific documentation. Understanding the typical requirements for LLC credit card applications is helpful.
Documentation needed:
EIN (Employer Identification Number)
LLC formation documents (Articles of Organization)
Business bank account information
Annual revenue figures and years in business
Personal information as guarantor (SSN, income, credit score)
Application process walkthrough:
Research and select a card that matches your LLC's needs
Gather all required business and personal documentation
Complete the online application or call the issuer directly
Expect personal credit checks as part of the approval process
Be prepared to provide additional information if requested
What to expect in terms of personal guarantees: Most small business credit cards require a personal guarantee, meaning you're personally liable for the debt if your LLC cannot pay. This is standard practice, even with an established LLC.
Timeline: Approval decisions often come within minutes to a few days. Once approved, most cards arrive within seven to ten business days, with some issuers offering expedited shipping options.
Managing employee spending with LLC business cards
For companies with multiple team members, having a strong LLC corporate card program offers significant advantages for expense management. Here's how to maximize your business credit card LLC benefits:
Options for issuing employee cards:
Most major issuers offer free additional employee cards
Premium cards may charge for additional cards
Some cards allow setting individual spending limits by employee
Virtual card options provide enhanced security for online purchases
Setting spending limits and controls:
Daily, weekly, or monthly spending caps
Category restrictions (limiting purchases to specific merchant types)
Geographic restrictions
Automatic approval workflows for purchases above certain thresholds
Realtime notifications for all employee card transactions
Tracking and categorizing expenses:
Automated receipt capture through mobile apps
Integration with expense management software
Automatic categorization of transactions
Digital receipt storage for audit purposes
Custom reporting by employee, department, or project
Best practices for card policies:
Create clear written guidelines for acceptable card use
Require timely submission of receipts and expense reports
Establish approval workflows for unusual expenses
Conduct regular reviews of employee spending patterns
Provide training on proper card usage and security
The Expensify Visa® Commercial Card: Simplify expense management for your LLC
The Expensify Card doesn't just stand as our top recommendation. It represents a fundamental shift in how LLCs can manage their expenses. As part of Expensify's comprehensive expense management ecosystem, this card eliminates the traditional separation between spending, tracking, and reporting.
How the Expensify Card transforms LLC expense management:
Complete automation from purchase to books: When an employee makes a purchase, the transaction appears instantly in your Expensify account with automatic categorization and a digital receipt – all IRS-ready.
Dynamic spending controls: Unlike traditional cards, where limits are fixed until your next billing cycle, Expensify's Smart Limits can be adjusted in seconds to accommodate unexpected expenses or control spending on-the-fly.
Streamlined employee onboarding: Employees can activate their cards instantly through the mobile app – no waiting for approval from a distant corporate card program.
Zero management overhead: With daily or monthly automatic settlement to your business bank account, reconciliation happens automatically without manual intervention.
Eliminate expense reports entirely: The traditional expense reporting process becomes obsolete as expenses flow directly from card to books, removing the delay between employee spending and financial visibility.
For LLCs that already use other business credit cards, the Expensify Card can complement your existing setup by providing enhanced controls and automation that traditional cards simply can't match.
Getting started is simple: verify your business bank account in your Expensify workspace, set SmartLimits for your team members, and physical cards will be automatically sent to each employee, while virtual cards become immediately available. It's one of the easiest credit cards for new LLC businesses to implement.
FAQs about LLC credit cards
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Not legally, but it’s highly recommended. It separates personal and business expenses, preserves liability protection, simplifies taxes, and helps build business credit.
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Yes. Most issuers require your EIN, business info, and a personal credit check. Approval is based on both your LLC and your personal credit profile.
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Apply online using your LLC’s legal name, EIN, and financial details. Be ready to provide personal info as a guarantor. It’s a standard part of the process.
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No. Sole proprietors and other entities qualify too. But having an LLC strengthens your application and helps build separate business credit.
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You can, but you shouldn’t. It complicates accounting, muddies your tax records, and can blur the line between personal and business finances, which could undermine your LLC’s liability protection in certain legal situations. Having a dedicated LLC credit card is a smarter move.
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Not required, but highly beneficial. Starting early helps separate personal and business finances, makes tax time easier, and builds your business credit profile from day one.
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Cards like the Ink Business Unlimited and Capital One Spark Classic are known for easier approvals and solid starter benefits.
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LLCs don’t have a credit score at formation. You build it over time by opening accounts, using credit responsibly, and making on-time payments.
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Yes, but most issuers still require your SSN and a personal credit check. An EIN is helpful for building business credit, but it doesn’t replace the need for personal credit in most cases.
