The best business credit card for travel really depends on your needs. International travel varies from domestic, and you may prefer hotel perks or airline perks…some cards even offer the best of both worlds.
Here, I’ll share what factors you should consider before you apply for any travel business credit cards. Then, I’ll give you my top five picks to consider and share tips recommendations along the way.
This is what’s in store:
- Before You Apply, Check Your Priorities
- The Best Business Credit Cards for Travel
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Takeaway
Now, let’s roll!
Before You Apply, Check Your Priorities
When it comes to business credit cards for travel, you can check out the lists from Forbes and CNN, but just because you get a recommendation from an expert doesn’t mean a card is going to be right for you.
So, before you even start your research, you gotta ask yourself some questions:
- Will you be traveling internationally?
- Will you spend enough to make it worth paying an annual fee?
- Do you want a card that gives you airport lounge access?
- Are there any airlines that you want to boycott? (Especially if you’re traveling economy, some airlines’ seating can be brutal for old backs!)
- Would you prefer air travel perks or accommodation perks?
If you’ll be traveling internationally, look at cards that don’t charge foreign transaction fees. Many of them do not, but you need to be sure because these can eat away at your funds quickly with a lot of overseas spending.
Some travel rewards cards come with hefty annual fees. For example, it costs $695 per year to use the Amex Business Platinum card. With enough spending, annual fees can certainly be worthwhile. But, if you won’t be spending enough to outweigh an annual fee, you should avoid it.
Several credit cards offer airport lounge access – this is something you might want to take advantage of, particularly if you tend to get stuck with layovers. Shop around and make sure that you’re getting airport lounge access if this is what you want.
There might be an airline or two that you don’t want to travel with – maybe its because you don’t like their food, they could be overpriced, or their seating might be unpleasant. No matter the reason, if you don’t want to travel with a certain airline, don’t get their business credit card (even if the rewards are stellar).
Finally, think about whether you’re more interested in hotel or airfare rewards – if you’re looking to earn United Airlines miles, the Hilton Honors Business credit card isn’t going to be the best fit.
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The Best Business Credit Cards for Travel
With the above considerations in mind, and in the spirit of sharing a variety of options to suit various needs, here’s the list I came up with. These are some of the best business credit cards for travel and travel-related expenses.
Chase Ink Business Preferred® | Amex Business Platinum® | Marriott Bonvoy Business™ by Amex | Capital One Spark Miles for Business | CitiBusiness® AAdvantage® Platinum Select® |
Chase | American Express | American Express | Capital One | Citi |
Visa | American Express | American Express | Visa | Mastercard |
$95 | $695 | $125 | $0 intro for 1st year, then $95 | $99 (waived for 1st 12 months) |
15.99% – 20.99% | N/A (Charge Card) | 15.74% – 24.74% | 20.99% (variable) | 15.99% – 24.99% |
Learn more about the perks of each card below.
1. Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
The Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is one of the best small business credit cards for travel rewards. It’s issued by Chase on the Visa network and carries an annual fee of $95. It offers a variable APR ranging from 15.99% to 20.99%. This card is ideal for businesses with significant travel and advertising expenses.
It earns 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases each year on:
- Travel
- Shipping purchases
- Internet, cable, & phone services
- Advertising purchases on social media and search engines
Plus, points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards, and the card also includes cell phone protection.
Recommended: Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: A Deep Dive Analysis
2. American Express Business Platinum Card®
The American Express Business Platinum Card® from American Express comes with a hefty annual fee of $695 and runs on the American Express network. As a charge card, it requires full payment each month.
However, for this cost, businesses gain access to premium travel benefits, including:
- Centurion Lounges
- Priority Pass lounges
- Delta Sky Club access (when flying Delta)
Cardholders also receive a $200 airline fee credit and earn 5x Membership Rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com. This card is best suited for businesses seeking top-tier travel perks and are willing to invest in a higher annual fee.
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3. Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card
The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card issued by American Express has an annual fee of $125 and a variable APR ranging from 15.74% to 24.74%. It runs on the American Express network and is tailored for businesses frequently staying at Marriott properties.
Cardholders earn 6x points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, receive an annual free night award, and enjoy automatic Silver Elite Status. Plus, it offers travel-related assurances and more.
Recommended: Marriott Bonvoy Business Credit Card Review & Comparison
4. Capital One Spark Miles™ for Business
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business, issued by Capital One on the Visa network, has a $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 thereafter. It carries a variable APR starting from 20.99%. This card is suitable for businesses seeking simple rewards with flexibility in redemption options.
Cardholders earn unlimited 2x miles per dollar on every purchase, with no foreign transaction fees and the ability to transfer miles to several airline partners. Miles can be redeemed across a range of hotel chains and airlines.
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5. CitiBusiness® AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Card
The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® is issued by Citi on the Mastercard network and comes with an annual fee of $99, waived for the first 12 months. It offers a variable APR ranging from 15.99% to 24.99%.
This card is ideal for businesses loyal to American Airlines, as it earns 2x miles on eligible American Airlines purchases and provides perks such as the first checked bag free on domestic American Airlines flights and preferred boarding.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card has the best travel benefits?
The best credit card for travel perks depends on your specific preferences and travel habits. Cards like the Chase Ink Business Preferred, American Express Business Platinum, and Capital One Spark Miles offer a range of benefits like lounge access, travel insurance, and bonus points on travel purchases. Look for the card that aligns with your needs and preferences.
Is it better to travel with a Visa or Mastercard?
Both Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted globally, so you can’t go wrong with either. They offer similar acceptance rates and security features. However, some Visa and Mastercard products may have different travel perks like rental car insurance or travel assistance services. Check the card benefits and consider carrying both for more chance of acceptance.
Which card is best for international travel?
For international travel, look for cards with perks like no foreign transaction fees, travel insurance coverage, and access to airport lounges to pass the time during long layovers. Be sure to choose a card that fits your spending habits and travel preferences.
Do business credit cards have better benefits?
Business credit cards tend to come with perks tailored to business needs, like higher rewards on business purchases and employee spending controls. While some offer great travel benefits and rewards, it depends on the card and your business operations.
What is the best credit card for business class travel?
The best credit card for business class travel depends on factors like airline preferences and desired perks. Cards such as the American Express Business Platinum, Chase Ink Business Preferred, and CitiBusiness AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard offer various benefits like priority boarding and rewards tailored to business travel. Consider what matters most to you when making your choice.
Final Takeaway
Finding the best business credit card for travel boils down to your unique needs and preferences – with the surplus of options available, consider factors like:
- International versus domestic travel
- Preferred perks such as hotel or airline benefits
- Your spending habits
Before diving into the ocean of business credit cards for travel, take a moment to assess your priorities and ask yourself the right questions. Whether you’re seeking lounge access, rewards on travel purchases, or specific airline perks, there’s a card out there to suit your needs.
From the Chase Ink Business Preferred to the American Express Business Platinum and beyond, each card offers its own set of benefits designed to enhance your travel experience. So, keep your priorities in check, explore your options, and get ready to jet set with confidence!
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