The Best Small Business Credit Cards of 2012

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Credit cards have come a long way in just a few short years.  Less than 24 months ago, small business credit cards were dropping like flies.  Issuers like Advanta, that had been well known for loaning thousands of business the credit needed to survive disappeared and with lending standards as tight as ever it was difficult for any small business to find capital.   You’ll now see on the list below, a wide variety of credit card issuers and rewards opportunities.  Whether it’s American Express, Chase or Capital One, every small business card on this list is a great option for small business owners.

If you currently own a small business credit card that is deserving of our review, leave a comment and we’ll add it.

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Ink Cash℠ Business Card – Any small business owner that could use a quick $250 can consider the Ink Cash Business Card from Chase. This card includes a $250 statement credit after making $5,000 in purchases in the first three months. Also provided is 5% cash back on office supplies, landlines, wireless and cable service purchases (all for the first $25,000 spent annually), 2% cash back on gas and dining purchases (again, for $25,000 spent annually) and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. Cardholders also earn a 0% intro rate on purchases for six months and the Ink Cash Business Card has no annual fee.

The Plum Card® from American Express OPEN – The Plum Card from American Express OPEN offers small business owners the best cash back rate you’ll find on a credit card today at 1.5%.  The cash back you receive comes in the form of a discount when you pay your monthly bill, but you must make sure to pay your purchases off within 10 days, otherwise you’ll forfeit the 1.5% discount.  It’s important to note that this is a charge card, so you must pay your entire balance within 60 days of your statement.  The Plum Card from American Express OPEN includes all of the benefits you come to expect with American Express including extended warranties and roadside assistance but this all comes with a hefty $185 annual fee, which is kindly waived for all first year cardholders.

New Business Gold Rewards Card from American Express OPEN – Three points are earned on airfare, two points on advertising, gas and shipping and one point is earned for everything else purchased on the New Business Gold Rewards Card from American Express OPEN. The annual fee for the New Business Gold Rewards Card from American Express OPEN  is $175 but that fee is waived for all first year members. Get unlimited Additional Gold Cards for an additional annual fee of $50, but this fee is also waived for the first year.

Ink℠ Classic – The second of three Chase small business cards to make our list, the Ink Classic is a travel card that rewards cardholders with 25,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months and a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first six months.  There is no annual fee to own this card and if you roll over a balance from month to month, the variable APR is 13.24%.  This card is similar to other Chase Ink products.

Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express OPEN – The Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card from American Express OPEN starts off by giving 10,000 bonus Starpoints after the first purchase is made and another 15,000 points when you spend $5,000 in the first 6 months. One Starpoint is earned for every dollar spent and up to 4 Starpoints can be earned for every $1 spent at Starwood hotels. The Starwood Preferred Guest Business Credit Card from American Express OPEN card carries no annual fee for the first year and $65 thereafter.  A purchase APR of 15.24% accompanies this card after a six month promotional rate of 2.9%.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express OPEN – If you don’t mind a large annual fee for top notch rewards, The Business Platinum Card from American Express OPEN is for you.  $450 is the cost year in and year out but in addition to a great rewards program, cardholders will earn perks like discounts on shipping with UPS and Fed Ex and free airport concierge services for you and two business partners or friends.  The Business Platinum Card from American Express OPEN is a status symbol like no other.

Ink Bold℠ with Ultimate Rewards – Similar to the Plum Card, the Ink Bold with Ultimate Rewards is a charge card, so all of your purchases must be paid off each and every month.  50,000 bonus points can be earned if you spend at least $5,000 in the first 3 months, that’s $500 in rewards of your choice or $625 towards airfare when you redeem online through our Ultimate Rewards booking tool. Also earn 5 points for every dollar spent on everyday business purchases, up to $50,000 in purchases. The Ink Bold with Ultimate Rewards has no annual fee for the first year ($95 value).

Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are authors alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.

Published or updated February 1, 2012.