eCommerce is a fast-paced industry – On top of managing your inventory and making sales, you have to handle logistics, maintain relationships with suppliers, and keep your customer service on point while you maintain momentum. In the meantime, you need the right financial tools. Business credit cards and corporate cards can streamline your money operations.
So, what are the best credit cards for eCommerce?
You’ve landed on a deep dive here, which you can use to determine exactly what card is right for you and your online store. If you don’t already know, you’ll learn the difference between business credit cards and corporate cards, find out what to look for in a card, and browse a list of the best cards for business owners in the online sales niche.
(Quick note: we’re not talking about consumer credit cards for online shopping.)
Here’s what’s in store:
- Navigating the Plastic Jungle: Business Credit vs. Corporate Cards
- Best Business Credit Cards for eCommerce
- Best Corporate Cards for eCommerce
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Swipe: Master Your Business Finances
Now, let’s jump in!
Navigating the Plastic Jungle: Business Credit vs. Corporate Cards
Alright, buckle up — it’s decision time. You’ve got your eye on that shiny piece of plastic, but should it scream “business” or “corporate”? Let’s break down the rumble between these heavyweights.
Business credit cards are designed for companies who need a line of credit that can carry a balance each month. You would choose a business credit card over a consumer credit card because of the tailored rewards and features and the ability to obtain larger lines of credit…The transition to business credit can change your life.
Meanwhile, corporate cards typically have to be paid in full each month and tend to come with a range of advanced features like real-time expense tracking, budget controls, and integration with your business tools and software.
In a nutshell, both types of cards may offer rewards like cash back or discounts with technology partners (though this is a fairly new offering from contemporary corporate cards). So, you might get a business credit card when you need a cash flow boost for your company and a corporate card when you need better financial management – And, many businesses use both.
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Best Business Credit Cards for eCommerce
Opting for a business credit card is a savvy move, especially for eCommerce ventures. It provides the flexibility needed to navigate the dynamic landscape of online businesses.
Look for a business credit card tailored to eCommerce that offers rewards and benefits specifically relevant to your industry.
Focus on features like:
- Bonus points for online advertising
- Shipping perks
- Cash-back options for your predominant business expenses
Generally, a good business credit card for eCommerce should align with your spending patterns and provide valuable rewards that can be reinvested or used to enhance your online operations.
Now, let’s take a look at the best eCommerce best credit cards.
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1. Amazon Business Prime Card from Amex
The Amazon Business Prime American Express Card is a fantastic choice for Amazon sellers looking to maximize their business expenses. With this card, you enjoy flexible payment terms, allowing you to carry a balance if needed.
The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is competitive, offering financial convenience.
What makes this card stand out are the rewards – you earn 5% back or 90 days interest-free on U.S. purchases at:
- Amazon Business
- AWS
- Amazon.com
- Whole Foods Market
Additionally, you earn 2% back at:
- Restaurants
- Gas stations
- Wireless telephone services
For the online seller crowd, this card is a boon, especially for those heavily invested in the Amazon ecosystem. The 5% back on Amazon Business purchases can significantly boost your bottom line, making it a go-to choice for Amazon sellers looking to make the most out of their business spending (it might be the best card for those with an Amazon seller account).
You might also like: Amazon Corporate Credit Line – The Ultimate Guide
2. Amex Business Gold Card
The American Express® Business Gold Card is a solid choice for online sellers, offering flexibility and rewards tailored to business needs. While it’s no Centurion (the credit card the Kardashians use), with this card, you enjoy a dynamic payment structure, allowing you to carry a balance when necessary.
The APR is competitive, ensuring financial convenience. What sets this card apart are the rewards – you earn 4X Membership Rewards® points on two select categories where your business spent the most each billing cycle, up to the first $150,000 in combined purchases from these two categories each calendar year.
The U.S. reward categories include:
- Airfare purchased directly from airlines
- Purchases for advertising in select media
- Purchases at gas stations
- Purchases at restaurants
- Purchases for shipping
- Computer hardware
- Software
- Cloud computing purchases
These perks make it a great fit for a variety of online sellers, including those invested in advertising, travel, and technology. The flexibility in reward categories makes it adaptable for a range of business expenses, making it an attractive option for Etsy sellers, Shopify sellers, and those using various online platforms.
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3. Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card from Chase Bank is a stellar choice for online sellers, particularly those with diverse business expenses. With this card, you enjoy favorable payment terms and a competitive APR for financial flexibility.
The standout feature is the generous rewards program – you earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent on combined purchases in categories like:
- Travel
- Shipping
- Advertising
The points are worth 25% more when you redeem for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® program. For online sellers, this card is especially appealing because of its broad reward categories, making it suitable for various business expenditures.
Whether you’re into advertising on social media, frequently shipping products, or managing travel for business purposes, the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card caters to a wide range of online sellers, including those using payment platforms like Shopify and Stripe.
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4. Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
The Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is a straightforward and rewarding choice for online sellers seeking simplicity and flexibility. This card comes with uncomplicated payment terms and a competitive APR, offering financial ease.
What makes it appealing is the straightforward rewards structure – you earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase with no limit.
This flat-rate cash back is particularly beneficial for online sellers who want a hassle-free way to earn rewards on all their business expenses. Whether you’re selling on Amazon, Etsy, or running your own Shopify store, the simplicity of earning a consistent 1.5% cash back on everything can be a real advantage.
It’s an excellent fit for those who prefer a no-frills approach to rewards and want to maximize their earnings across the board without worrying about category restrictions.
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5. The Amex Blue Business® Plus Credit Card
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a fantastic choice for online sellers looking for flexibility and rewards. With this card, you enjoy a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months, providing a cushion for business expenses.
After the introductory period, a competitive APR comes into play.
The standout feature is the Membership Rewards® program, where you earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on the first $50,000 spent annually, and 1X points thereafter.
This makes it an excellent option for online sellers with moderate to high business expenses, offering a solid return on everyday purchases. Whether you’re an Etsy seller, a Shopify entrepreneur, or use various online platforms, the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card is versatile.
With this card, you can earn points on a broad spectrum of business expenditures (it’s a valuable addition to any online seller’s toolkit).
You might also like: How to Get a Business Credit Card – The Ultimate Guide
Best Corporate Cards for eCommerce
Now, a corporate credit card is a strategic choice for larger eCommerce enterprises dealing with more substantial budgets and intricate financial needs.
If you’re going to go this route, you should opt for a corporate card that integrates seamlessly with eCommerce platforms, which facilitates efficient transactions.
Look for advanced features like:
- Real-time expense tracking
- Customizable spending limits
- Integration capabilities with your eCommerce tools
Overall, a good corporate credit card for eCommerce should empower your business with tools for precise financial control, ensuring smooth transactions, and streamlining overall financial management.
Okay, time to level up your game…Let’s look at the top eCommerce corporate cards.
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1. Stripe Corporate Card
The Stripe Corporate Card is tailor-made for businesses, particularly those engaged in online transactions using the Stripe platform. With this card, online sellers benefit from a streamlined payment experience, as it’s directly integrated with the Stripe payment system.
The Stripe Corporate Card doesn’t charge annual fees, and it offers a straightforward cash back system — You earn 2% cash back on your top two spending categories each month, providing flexibility for different business needs.
This card is especially appealing to sellers using Stripe for payment processing, such as those with eCommerce stores, subscription services, or online marketplaces. The seamless integration with Stripe simplifies financial management, making it a practical choice for businesses heavily reliant on this payment gateway.
Whether you’re selling on Shopify, WooCommerce, or managing a subscription-based business, the Stripe Corporate Card can enhance your financial efficiency and provide rewards tailored to your spending habits.
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2. Brex Corporate Card
The Brex Corporate Card is a standout choice for modern businesses, particularly those with a tech-savvy and entrepreneurial spirit. One of its most notable features is that it doesn’t require a personal guarantee, making it an attractive option for startups and online sellers with fluctuating income.
With Brex, you get a 60-day interest-free period, allowing some breathing room for cash flow management.
The rewards program is geared towards business expenses, offering:
- 8x points on rideshare
- 5x points on travel booked through Brex
- 4x points on Brex Travel
- 3x points on restaurants
- 1x points on everything else
This makes it an appealing option for online sellers who frequently travel, use rideshare services, or entertain clients. The tech-friendly nature of the card and its rewards structure align well with the needs of online businesses, particularly those utilizing platforms like Shopify.
In all, it caters to a range of expenses often associated with eCommerce and modern business operations.
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3. Divvy Corporate Card
The Divvy Corporate Card is a game-changer for businesses looking to streamline expense management. This card offers a unique approach, with no annual fees and a 0% APR.
Divvy’s standout feature is its real-time expense tracking and budgeting tools, allowing businesses to stay on top of spending effortlessly – Users can allocate budgets to different teams or projects, making it a great fit for online sellers with diverse expenditure areas.
While it doesn’t offer traditional rewards points, the value lies in its smart financial tools, providing a comprehensive overview of expenses.
This card is particularly attractive to online sellers who value transparency and want to efficiently manage their budgets across various categories. Whether you’re selling on Amazon, Etsy, or running a business on Shopify, the Divvy Corporate Card can be a practical choice for those who prioritize real-time expense tracking and want to optimize their budget allocation.
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4. Shopify Credit
While it’s called Shopify “Credit,” this offer is actually more akin to a corporate card. Shopify Credit is a straightforward and accessible financing option tailored for businesses operating on the Shopify platform.
With no interest or fixed payments, it’s an attractive choice for online sellers looking for flexibility. Shopify Credit is automatically available to eligible businesses, and the credit limit is based on the merchant’s sales history and account health.
This makes it a convenient option for Shopify sellers who may need extra capital to invest in inventory, marketing, or other business needs. The absence of traditional interest charges and fixed payments allows sellers to align repayments with their sales cycles.
Whether you’re a small boutique or a growing eCommerce enterprise, Shopify Credit provides a hassle-free way to access funds and invest in the growth of your online business.
You might also like: Shopify Capital Review: What are the Benefits & is it Worth it?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card is best for eCommerce?
It depends on your style. Amazon Business Prime Amex or Chase Ink Preferred offer perks for online sellers. If you prefer simplicity, Chase Ink Unlimited gives a solid 1.5% cash back on everything. Stripe or Shopify corporate cards are great if you’re deep into those platforms.
Which credit card do most millionaires use?
Millionaires dig premium perks. Think Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve for travel benefits and VIP treatment.
What is the role of credit cards in eCommerce?
Credit cards make online shopping smooth and secure for customers. For businesses, they’re the go-to for flexible spending, earning rewards, and managing cash flow. Stripe and Shopify corporate cards add extra perks for online sellers.
How do I use credit cards for eCommerce?
Pick a card that fits your vibe. Use it for online buys, ads, shipping – the works. Track spending, set budgets, and if you’re on Stripe or Shopify, their corporate cards make life easier. Just keep it responsible to avoid any money headaches.
Final Swipe: Master Your Business Finances
In the dynamic world of eCommerce, where every click counts, having the right financial tools can be a game-changer. At this point, you should have an understanding of the intricate landscape of business and corporate credit cards.
Whether you’re diving into the flexibility of business credit cards tailored for eCommerce like Amazon Business Prime Amex or Chase Ink Business Preferred, or taking on the advanced features of corporate cards like Stripe or Brex, you’re now armed with the knowledge to make informed decisions.
Remember, it’s not about the flashiest card; it’s about the one that aligns with your business rhythm. So, choose wisely, swipe confidently, and let the perks roll in. Your financial adventure awaits!
If you’re interested in learning how to obtain up to $100K in business credit in as few as 30 days, join Business Credit Workshop today!