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The right business credit card serves as a tool to help you keep track of your business purchases, manage your finances, and even fund major purchases.
Credit card issuer Citibank does not issue a lot of business credit cards, but there are 2 that could potentially add value to specific businesses.
If your business shops a lot at Costco warehouse stores (and Costco.com) or if American Airlines is your choice of air carriers, your business might benefit from one of the cards we’re going to discuss today.
Let’s look more closely at Citi’s business card offerings and see if your business could find value in either of these cards.
The Best Citi Business Credit Cards for Cash-Back & Rewards — Overview
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Earn 4% cash-back on gas/EV charging purchases, 3% cash-back at restaurants and travel, 2% cash-back at Costco, and 1% on all other purchases.
Discover the only business credit card designed exclusively for Costco members
4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
1% cash back on all other purchases
No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico
Financial Snapshot
APR: 20.49% Variable
Foreign Transaction Fees: None
If you find yourself making a lot of business purchases at Costco, you may benefit from the Costco Anywhere Business card.
The card supports your Costco membership by allowing you to stack rewards and take advantage of special offers and delivers cash-back that can help your business’s bottom line.
Top Reasons to Get the Card
4% cash-back at gas stations worldwide and EV charging purchases, including Costco (up to $7,000 in purchases/year; 1% thereafter)
3% cash-back on travel purchases and at restaurants
2% cash-back at Costco and Costco.com
1% cash-back on all other purchases
No annual fee for Costco members
Why We Like the Card for Businesses
We like that the Costco Anywhere Business card earns rewards on every purchase your business makes, including non-Costco purchases.
If your business has a Business Executive Membership with Costco ($120/year), you can receive 2% rewards on eligible purchases in addition to the 2% cash-back on purchases made with your Costco Anywhere Business card. That’s a total of 4% of your purchases in rewards.
You can use your cash-back annual rewards certificate towards additional purchases at Costco or receive cash.
The Costco Anywhere Business card can be used to leverage your Costco business membership to get the best deals possible on your purchases and also get cash-back.
Additional Benefits
Damage and Theft Purchase Protection — If the eligible purchase made with your Costco Anywhere Business card is stolen or damaged, you could receive up to $10,000 per incident, $50,000 maximum per calendar year. Coverage is good for 120 days (90 days for New York residents) from the date of purchase.
No Foreign Transaction Fees — Use your card anywhere Visa is accepted worldwide with no foreign transaction fees.
Bottom Line: If your business has a Costco membership and spends at the warehouse store or Costco online, the Costco Anywhere Business card makes a perfect companion to your membership with no additional cost to your business. However, you may need to supplement the card with a travel rewards credit card to secure any desired travel-related benefits.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
A low annual fee, a free checked bag, and tons of perks and discounts make this card valuable for business owners who travel.
A low annual fee, a free checked bag, and tons of perks and discounts make this card valuable for business owners who travel.
For a limited time, earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within the first 5 months of account opening.
75,000 miles
$1,050
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99
21.24% - 29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Excellent (740-850)
With the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®, you get a card that gives you perks like boarding privileges, free checked bags, and discounts on inflight purchases, while also earning more miles for your next award redemption.
Pros
2x miles per $1 spent on American Airlines purchases
2x miles per $1 spent on cable and satellite providers, at gas stations, on car rentals, and on select telecommunications merchants
For a limited time, earn 75,000 American Airlines AAdvantage® bonus miles after $5,000 in purchases within the first 5 months of account opening.
First checked bag is free on domestic American Airlines itineraries to reduce travel costs and boost your bottom line.
25% savings on American Airlines inflight Wi-Fi when you use your card
Enjoy preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
Earn 2 AAdvantage® miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, and on purchases at telecommunications merchants, cable and satellite providers, car rental merchants and at gas stations
Earn 1 AAdvantage® mile per $1 spent on other purchases
Earn 1 Loyalty Point for every 1 eligible AAdvantage® mile earned from purchases
Earn 2x miles on American Airlines, telecommunications, satellite and cable providers, car rentals, and at gas stations
Preferred boarding on American Airlines flights
First checked bag free on domestic itineraries to reduce travel costs
25% statement credit for inflight Wi-Fi purchases
Why We Like the Card for Businesses
Although the CitiBusiness Platinum Select card is designed to reward loyal American Airlines flyers, the card also earns elevated rewards on common business expenses such as telecommunication and cable. Additionally, if your business spends a lot on gas and car rentals, you’ll find those purchases will earn double miles.
No Foreign Transaction Fees — Use anywhere Mastercard is accepted without foreign transaction fees.
Downsides
Redeeming American AAdvantage frequent flyer miles is limited to American Airlines and partner airline flights
No travel-related benefits such as rental car insurance, trip cancellation or interruption, or trip delay insurance
Bottom Line: There may be value for your business in one of the aforementioned cards if your business shops frequently at Costco or chooses American Airlines as its primary carrier. You might also choose to supplement your Citi business card with another rewards-earning card that offers travel benefits and additional earning potential.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
Take control of your cash-back with the Amex Blue Business Cash card, and earn 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in purchases each year.
Take control of your cash-back with the Amex Blue Business Cash card, and earn 2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in purchases each year.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
$250
$0
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Looking for a way to keep tabs on your office supply costs and business travel expenses while earning cash-back? Then The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card could be a good fit.
This card offers expense management solutions that are designed to give companies more control, along with a much clearer picture of their business spending. In doing so, the more you spend, the more cash-back you can earn.
Pros
2% cash-back on up to $50,000 in spend, then 1% back thereafter
No annual fee
Travel and purchase protection
Cons
Not ideal for those who spend a lot on a specific category like groceries or gas
Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% – 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
From workflow to inventory to floor plans, your business is constantly changing. That’s why you’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power.
Just remember, the amount you can spend above your credit limit is not unlimited. It adjusts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us and other factors.
No Annual Fee
Terms Apply
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 18.49% - 26.49%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors as determined at the time of account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to U.S. dollars
If you’re looking for earnings on every purchase your business makes, the Amex Blue Business Cash card could be an appropriate choice. The card earns 2% cash-back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement – it’s that simple.
If you’re looking for a 0% APR business credit card, then the Amex Blue Business Cash is a solid option that allows you to spread repayment out over time without incurring high-interest charges.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.
This card offers great rewards and no annual fee. Any new business owner that needs to get going will enjoy this card.
Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.
Up to $750
Up to $750
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 18.49% - 24.49% variable thereafter.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card has a lot going for it that makes it a compelling choice for small business owners. The card features a very lucrative 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year.
When you factor in that the card has no annual fee, and 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter, you could be adding big value back into your business for no cost out of pocket.
Pros
Earn 5% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet, and cable TV services each account anniversary year
Earn 2% back on up to $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% back on all other purchases
10% Business Relationship Bonus if you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening
Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year
Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
10% Business Relationship Bonus If you have the Ink Business Cash card plus a Chase Business Checking account on your first card anniversary
With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
No Annual Fee
Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; 18.49% - 24.49% variable thereafter.
Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
If your business involves travel and you’d like a travel rewards card without an annual fee, the Ink Business Cash card is worthy of consideration considering the benefits that come with the card.
Alternative Premium Travel Rewards Cards
A premium travel rewards card earns flexible rewards that can be redeemed for travel, has travel-related benefits, and normally includes other cost-saving features. These features can include perks such as statement credits, complimentary elite status, or even cell phone coverage.
Here’s a look at 2 alternative premium travel rewards cards we recommend:
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
150,000 points
$3,300
$695
19.49% - 28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,400 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.
Pros
5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels at Amex Travel
Access to over 1,400 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
Get 50% more Membership Rewards points (1.5 points per $1) on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (cap applies)
Welcome Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com, and 1X points for each dollar you spend on 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 everywhere else, on up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year.
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. See how you can unlock over $1,000 annually in credits on select purchases with the Business Platinum Card®, here.
$200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to the Card.
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $189 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
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 03/2023.
35% airline bonus rebate when using Pay-With-Points for flights on your pre-selected airline book through AmexTravel.com (up to 1,000,000 bonus points per year)
1.5x points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (up to $2 million in purchases per calendar year)
Be sure to note that terms apply and enrollment may be required so explore your American Express account to ensure you’re getting the most out of your Amex Business Platinum card benefits.
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.
The Ink Business Preferred card is hard to beat, with a huge welcome bonus offer and 3x points per $1 on the first $150,000 in so many business categories.
Earn 120k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,200 cash back or $1,500 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel℠
120,000 Points
$2,400
$95
21.24%-26.24% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a powerhouse for earning lots of points from your business purchases, especially for business owners that spend regularly on ads.
Plus the card offers flexible redemption options, including access to Chase airline and hotel transfer partners where you can achieve outsized value.
Business owners will also love the protections the card provides like excellent cell phone insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, and more.
Pros
3x Ultimate Rewards points per $1 on up to $150,000 in combined purchases on internet, cable and phone services, shipping expenses, travel, and ads purchased with search engines or social media sites
Cell phone protection
Purchase protection
Cons
No elite travel benefits like airport lounge access
Earn 120k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,200 cash back or $1,500 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.
3x points on travel purchases and common business categories such as shipping, advertising with social media/search engines, internet, cable, and phone
Transfer points to hotel and airline partners or redeem for travel at 1.25 cents per point when redeemed through the Chase Rewards portal
Additionally, you’ll find a long list of travel-related benefits such as primary car rental insurance, trip cancellation, interruption, and delay coverage, roadside dispatch, and baggage insurance.
To learn more about Chase business credit cards, check out our overview of the top Chase business cards.
Bottom Line: The best business credit card for your business will be the one that rewards your highest expenses, has redemption options that fit your goals, and offers benefits that your business can use. In many cases, you may need more than a single business credit card.
Final Thoughts
Both of Citi’s business credit cards recommend excellent credit to be approved. With excellent credit, you’ll have your choice of some of the best available business travel rewards cards.
However, if your largest business expenses are Costco purchases or you value American Airlines perks and miles, one of the Citi business cards could certainly add value to your business.
The information regarding the Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, click here. For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
Featured Image Credit: Free-Photos via Pixabay
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Citi Business credit cards worth it?
Citi doesn’t issue a lot of business cards but the Costco Anywhere Business card and the CitiBusiness Platinum Select card can add value to specific businesses.
If your business shops a lot at Costco, having the Costco Anywhere Business card can compliment your membership. You’ll be able to get the best deals on your purchases, earn rewards with a premium membership, and earn additional cash-back rewards for charges made on the card.
If your business travel involves loyalty to American Airlines, you’ll benefit from the CitiBusiness Platinum Select card. Airline perks like a free checked bag, priority boarding, and earning double miles can all be beneficial for traveling with the airline.
Do Costco Cash Rewards expire?
Cash Rewards are issued each year on the February billing statement. If you do not use your Cash Rewards certificate by December 31 of the year the certificate is issued, the rewards will be forfeited.
If your Costco Anywhere card account is closed prior to the February statement, any rewards not issued in a certificate will be forfeited.
What's the annual fee on the Costco business credit card?
The Costco Anywhere Business card does not charge an annual fee but you must be a member at Costco to get the card.
A business membership at Costco costs $60 or upgrade to a Business Executive Membership for $120. The Executive Membership allows you to receive 2% rewards on certain purchases and pairs well with the Costco Anywhere Business card.
If it difficult to get a Citi business credit card?
You will need excellent credit to secure either of the Citi business credit cards.
Christine ran her own business developing and managing insurance and financial services. This stoked a passion for points and miles and she now has over 2 dozen credit cards and creates in-depth, detailed content for UP.
This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.