The best business travel credit cards can be worth their weight in gold, both on the road and back at home.
The right business credit card for travel can save you money and time on travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, and lost baggage issues. Rewards earned from company expenses can also help you pay for future trips.
Business Insider's personal finance team reviewed dozens of business credit cards to compile this list of our top recommendations. We considered annual fees, earning rates, unique benefits, and potential drawbacks when making our selection.
These are the best credit cards for business travel you can get right now, as chosen by Business Insider's credit card experts.
Best Travel Business Credit Cards
| Best for | Card | Annual Fee |
| No annual fee | Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card | $0 |
| Global Entry/TSA PreCheck | Capital One Spark Miles for Business | $95, waived the first year |
| Lounge access | Capital One Venture X Business Card | $395 |
| International travel | The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | $695 (rates and fees) |
Best for No Annual Fee
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles
18.49% - 28.49% Variable
Earn a $300 online statement credit
Excellent
- Good welcome bonus for a no-annual-fee business card
- Cardholders can choose their own 3% cash-back category from a list
- Bank of America Preferred Rewards for Business customers can earn up to 75% more rewards
- 3% and 2% cash back categories are capped at $50,000 in combined purchases per year (then 1%)
- Card only earns 1% back in non-bonus categories
- Foreign transaction fees
The no-annual-fee Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card is great for small-business owners who want to control how they earn rewards and maximize every dollar spent. The card has a solid welcome bonus, good redemption options, and a fair intro APR deal. But if you don't spend big in the select bonus categories, you should consider a different no-annual-fee business rewards card.
Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards MastercardThe Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card is one of the Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards credit card review.
Best for Travel Rewards
$95
N/A
20.24% - 26.24% Variable
Earn 90,000 bonus points
Good to Excellent
- High sign-up bonus
- Offers 3 bonus points on several spending categories, including travel and advertising purchases
- Includes comprehensive travel coverage
- Welcome bonus has a very high minimum spending requirement
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers a huge welcome bonus and solid earning and benefits for a moderate annual fee. If your small-business expenses line up with the card's bonus categories and you like redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for travel, this is one of the best small-business credit cards to consider.
Ink Business Preferred Card- Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
- Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases
- Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
- With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
- Redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel and more - your points don't expire as long as your account is open
- Points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through Chase Travel℠
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft up to $10,000 per claim and $50,000 per account.
- Member FDIC
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a fantastic business credit card for earning travel rewards on all small business expenses.
Cardholders earn Rewards are transferable to Capital One Spark Miles for Business card review.
Best for Hotel Stays
$125
N/A
20.24% - 29.24% Variable
Earn 3 Free Night Awards
Good to Excellent
- Comes with a free night reward every year after your card renewal month
- Earns 4 points on several bonus spending categories, including U.S. purchases for shipping and restaurants worldwide
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold elite status
- Not the best option for earning rewards on non-bonus category purchases
- $125 annual fee may not be worth it for less frequent Marriott guests
Small-business owners with a credit card strategy of free hotel stays will get a lot of value from this card. Even if you own a part-time business or have a side hustle, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is a great pick.
Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex Card- WELCOME OFFER: Earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
- 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.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- 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.
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is the best business travel credit card for hotel stays. With a global footprint of more than 9,000 properties worldwide, it's extremely likely you'll be able to find a Marriott hotel to suit your needs.
Cardholders get automatic Gold elite status and a free night award worth up to 35,000 Bonvoy points each year when they renew the card. They can also earn a second annual free night award of the same value after spending $60,000 in eligible purchases on the card in a calendar year.
Annual fee: Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Foreign transaction fees: None
Credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®: None
Travel benefits:
- Complimentary Gold elite status with 2 p.m. late check-out when available (terms apply)
- Automatic 7% discount on eligible bookings
- Annual free night award (up to 35,000 points) with opportunity to earn a second free night from credit card spending
- 15 annual elite night credits toward higher status
Earning rate: 6 Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program, 4 points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome offer: 3 Free Night Awards, each with a redemption level of up to 50,000 points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®, after you use your new card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership
Learn more in our Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex card review.
Best for Frequent Flyers
$0 intro for the first year, then $150
N/A
20.49% - 28.99% Variable
Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 Premier Qualifying Points
Good to Excellent
- Solid travel benefits with United, including a free checked bag and priority boarding
- $125 annual United travel credit is relatively easy to earn
- Beyond the intro bonus offer, it will take a while to earn a lot of miles through everyday spending on this card
Although it joins a crowded field of excellent United Airlines credit cards, the United℠ Business Card from Chase has several standout benefits that make it well worth considering for both frequent and occasional United flyers.
United℠ Business Card- Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting.
- 1x mile on all other purchases. Plus, employee cards at no additional cost - miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster.
- Receive a 5,000-mile "better together" bonus each anniversary when you have both the UnitedSM Business Card and a personal Chase United® credit card.
- Enjoy a free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United Club℠ one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
- Receive a $125 United travel credit after making 5 United® flight purchases of $100 or more each calendar year with your United℠ Business Card.
- Member FDIC
There are few global destinations that United Airlines doesn't serve, making The New United℠ Business Card one of the best business travel credit cards for frequent flyers.
Cardholders get more than $500 in annual credits for various eligible purchases, plus two one-time passes to United Clubs each year. They also get preferred benefits with the airline, including priority boarding and the first checked bag free for themselves and a travel companion.
Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150
Foreign transaction fees: None
Credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®: None
Travel benefits:
- Two one-time passes to United Club lounges
- Free first checked bag, priority boarding, and 25% back on inflight food and premium drink purchases
- Earn 2 continental U.S. Economy Plus® seat upgrades after spending $25,000 per calendar year
- $125 United travel credit after booking five United flights of $100 or more per calendar year with the United℠ Business Card
Earning rate: 2 miles per dollar on United® purchases, dining (including eligible delivery services), at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases
Welcome offer: 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open
Learn more in our Bilt Rewards to top off your United MileagePlus accounts if you need more air miles.
Best for Working on the Plane
$199
N/A
20.49% - 27.49% Variable
Earn 80,000 bonus points
Good to Excellent
- 4 bonus points per dollar on Southwest purchases
- Valuable Southwest perks including four upgraded boardings per year, in-flight Wi-Fi credits, and 9,000 points each year on your anniversary
- $199 annual fee is on the high side
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a great fit for small business owners who frequently fly Southwest, especially if you often purchase inflight WiFi.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card- Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- 9,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
- Earn 4X pts on Southwest® purchases.
- Earn 3X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
- Earn 2X points on rideshare.
- Earn 2X points on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services and 1X points on all other purchases.
- 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available.
- Member FDIC
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is the best business travel credit card for Southwest keyboard warriors.
Cardholders get 365 WiFi credits each year when they pay for WiFi onboard a Southwest flight using their Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card. They also get one checked bag free — a relevant benefit now that Southwest charges for checked bags.
Cardholders also get a slew of airline perks including four upgraded boardings each year when available; credit toward Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® registration; and opportunities to earn elite status through credit card spending. Finally, the generous earning rates make it easy to earn business credit card airline miles from company expenses.
Annual fee: $199
Foreign transaction fees: None
Credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®: None
Travel benefits:
- Up to 365 WiFi credits annually when paying for Southwest Internet with this credit card
- Four complimentary upgraded boardings each year when available
- Up to $120 toward Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® enrollment fees once every four years
- Opportunity to earn A-List elite status from spending on this card
- Up to $500 annual credit toward Rapid Rewards point transfer fees
Earning rate: 4 points per dollar on Southwest® purchases, 3 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners, 2 points per dollar on rideshare, social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
Welcome offer: 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Learn more in our Southwest Performance business credit card review.
Best for Business Road Trips
$375
0% intro APR for six months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time
18.49% - 27.49% Variable
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points
Good to Excellent
- You can earn bonus points on the categories where you make the most purchases (from a list of options)
- High annual fee
The American Express® Business Gold Card is a good choice if your business spends a lot in certain categories and you want to earn Membership Rewards points for travel or other redemptions. It's got a high annual fee, but if you can use the card's benefits to your advantage, it can be well worth it.
Amex Business Gold Card- Welcome Offer: Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the Business Gold Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.*
- 0% Intro APR ¤ for 6 months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time, then a 18.49% to 27.49% variable APR.*
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories where your business spends the most each month from 6 eligible categories. While your top 2 categories may change, you will earn 4X points on the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these categories each calendar year (then 1X thereafter). Only the top 2 categories each billing cycle will count towards the $150,000 cap.*
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your Business Gold Card.*
- 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 up to a $12.95** statement credit back each month after you pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your Business Gold Card. **Up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes on one membership fee.*
- The Business Gold Card comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and White Gold. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
- *Terms Apply
- See Rates & Fees
The American Express® Business Gold Card is the best business travel credit card for business owners who frequently drive to deliver goods and provide services in person due to its bonus earning categories.
This card earns 4 Capital One Venture X business card review.
Best for International Travel
$695
N/A
18.49% - 27.49% Variable
Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points and a $500 statement credit
Good to Excellent
- More travel benefits than you'll find on any other business credit card
- Generous airport lounge access options, from American Express Centurion Lounges to Priority Pass (enrollment required)
- Complimentary hotel elite status (enrollment required)
- Access to Amex concierge services
- Very high annual fee
- Limited opportunities to earn bonus points
- Annual statement credits won't be useful for everyone
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the best small-business cards with an elevated bonus and top-notch benefits (and a premium annual fee to match). It's an excellent offer if you like earning Membership Rewards® points and you can maximize the bonus spending categories and perks — but be sure to assess whether the annual fee is worth it for you before you commit.
Amex Business Platinum Card- Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.
- 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 10/2024.
- 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.
- Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
- NEW! Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight + hotel packages booked at AmexTravel.com. 1X points on other eligible purchases.
- Earn 1.5X points (that’s an extra half point per dollar) on each eligible purchase at US construction material, hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is the best business travel card for international travel, thanks to its access to half a dozen of the world's best lounges, including well over two dozen elite how we rate credit cards.
FAQs
What is the best business credit card for travel rewards?
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is one of the best business credit cards for travel rewards and benefits at a reasonable $95 annual fee. On the higher end of the spectrum, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express earns big rewards on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel® and comes with luxurious benefits such as premium airport lounge access.
Are business credit card cash rewards taxable?
As a general rule, points and miles rewards earned on business credit cards are not considered taxable income. However, cash back rewards may trigger tax liabilities if you earn beyond a certain dollar amount. Check with your accountant or CPA regarding specific regulations in your state.
Can I earn miles when traveling for work?
Yes, there are several ways you can earn miles when traveling for work. Sign up for airline and hotel loyalty programs, and make sure you always include your member number when booking travel. You can accelerate your earnings by paying for travel with a business travel credit card that earns bonus rewards on trip-related expenses.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. If approved and coordinated by Premium Global Assist Hotline, emergency medical transportation assistance may be provided at no cost. In any other circumstance, Card Members may be responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
