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Some of the biggest benefits of being an independent contractor include being your own boss, setting your own schedule, building a business from the ground up, and even a higher earning potential in some cases. Another benefit: the ability to get a business credit card.
According to the IRS, a person, business, or corporation is an independent contractor if it provides goods or services under a written contract or a verbal agreement — this is also known as freelancing.
So let’s say you’re an independent contractor. One of the first things you need to do is organize your finances.
As an independent contractor, you might just mix your personal and business finances. But this isn’t an organized way to conduct business.
To avoid massive headaches with your accountant and/or bookkeeper, you should consider getting a separate credit card for your business. That’s what this guide is for — to show you the best credit cards for independent contractors.
What To Look For in a Credit Card for Independent Contractors
First and foremost, a credit card for independent contractors must separate business expenses from personal ones.
It should also allow you to add employee cards, set credit limits, and transfer data to accounting programs (such as QuickBooks).
Another must is being able to view and analyze expense reports seamlessly.
Almost all of the business credit cards from major banks have all of these features built in — so what’s left to differentiate between the choices? The answer: rewards and benefits.
You’ll want to use a business credit card that earns the most rewards for your specific expenses. Remember, every independent contractor will make different business purchases, so be sure to choose one that aligns with your spending.
Additionally, if you’d like to earn travel benefits from your credit card, you’ll need to specifically look for one that offers travel benefits, as opposed to shopping benefits, for example.
With all that being said, we’ve done the homework and identified the best business cards for independent contractors. We’ve focused mostly on travel rewards and benefits, though as you’ll find out, many of these choices are superb even for those seeking cash-back.
Let’s dive right into it.
The 8 Best Business Cards for Independent Contractors
5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked via AmexTravel.com
1.5x points on eligible purchases in key business categories and on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (up to $2 million in purchases per calendar year)
No preset spending limit
Amazing luxury travel benefits including hotel elite status, and rental car privileges
2x points on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year)
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 at account opening. APRs will not exceed 29.99%
2% cash-back on all business purchases (up to $50,000 every calendar year)
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%
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.
Our absolute staff-favorite business card for independent contractors is the Amex Business Platinum card, which, as you can imagine, is fully loaded with travel perks and the ability to earn some of the most amazing rewards out there.
Rewards start with an incredible welcome bonus, worth more than $2,000+ by itself. You’ll also earn 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked via AmexTravel.com.
Cardholders get unrivaled lounge access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection. This includes over 1,400 locations around the world at the following lounges:
In addition, the Amex Business Platinum card earns 1.5x points on eligible purchases in key business categories (U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, software and cloud system providers, and shipping providers), as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (up to $2 million in these purchases per calendar year).
To finish off the travel benefits, you will get state-of-the-art travel insurance that covers trip cancellation and interruption, trip delays, and lost/damaged baggage, along with secondary car rental coverage and emergency medical transportation.
And you can bet that you’ll also get top-of-the-line benefits not related to travel, including QuickBooks integrations, purchase protection, return protection, extended warranty coverage, and no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees).
Why We Like Earning Amex Membership Rewards Points
Let’s take a few moments to talk about the power of Amex Membership Rewards. First of all, not all points are created equal. Amex Membership Rewards points are the most valuable at approximately 2.2 cents per point, according to our valuations.
That means if you earn 5x points, you’d get a return on spend of 11%! So, how can you get outsized value from Amex points?
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.
Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).
Get 4x points in 2 select categories where your business spends the most each month (on your first $150,000 spent each year).
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.*
100,000 Points
$2,200
$375
19.49% - 28.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 months from date of account opening
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.
The card earns a whopping 4x points per $1 in the 2 categories (from a list of 6) that your business spends the most money on each month. With no need to opt-in or preselect your categories, so you can focus on what matters most — running your business.
Pros
4x points per dollar spent on your 2 highest purchase categories each month up to $150,000 each calendar year in purchases; categories include:
NEW! Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
NEW! U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
NEW! Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
U.S. purchases at gas stations
U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online such as Google Ads, Facebook Ads, plus TV and radio)
3x points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com using your 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 19.49% to 28.49% 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 now comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and Limited Edition White Gold. White Gold design is only available while supplies last. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
*Terms Apply
Financial Snapshot
APR: 19.49% - 28.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 6 months from date of account opening
The Amex Business Gold card is the little sister of the Amex Business Platinum card for a few reasons. Ultimately, it’s difficult to compare the 2 cards, but here’s what we can tell you about the Amex Business Gold card.
You’ll get a huge welcome bonus, which could be worth more than $1,500 by itself.
This card earns 4x Membership Rewards points on the top 2 categories in which your business spends the most every month (up to $150,000 in combined purchases every calendar year):
Transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways
U.S. purchases made from electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers
Monthly wireless telephone service charges made directly from a wireless telephone service provider in the U.S.
U.S. purchases at gas stations
U.S. purchases at restaurants, including takeout and delivery
Purchases at U.S. media providers for advertising in select media (online, TV, radio)
As an independent contractor, you might have different expenses from one month to another — the Amex Business Gold card is one of the few cards that automatically adjusts your bonus categories for you based on where you’d earn the most points every month. That way, you can just focus on growing your business!
If you max out the $150,000 in purchases earning 4x points every calendar year, you’ll get 600,000 Amex points, which is worth a whopping $13,000+! With 4x Amex points, your return on spend is equal to about 8.8%!
The Amex Business Gold card’s rewards structure is second-to-none — but it doesn’t offer anywhere near the same travel benefits the Amex Business Platinum card does, including lounge access or a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit.
Nonetheless, it does offer valuable benefits including purchase protection, extended warranty, secondary rental car coverage, travel insurance, and business integrations with QuickBooks.
You can add up to 99 employee cards with no annual fee (rates & fees) after the first employee card ($50 annual fee).
Also, this card doesn’t have a preset spending limit, and it doesn’t have any foreign transaction fees (rates & fees). With no preset spending limit, your spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history.
Hot Tip: Trying to figure out if the Amex Business Platinum card or Amex Business Gold card is a better fit for your business? We weigh the pros and cons of each card in our helpful head-to-head comparison.
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.
The king of business credit cards has officially made an appearance! The Ink Business Preferred card offers incredible well-rounded benefits, starting with the massive welcome bonus worth $2,000+ alone!
On top of that, this credit card allows you to earn the amazing Chase Ultimate Rewards points at a rate of 3x points on the first $150,000 (1x points after that) in combined purchases across these categories:
Advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines
Internet, cable, and phone services
Shipping purchases
Travel
Maxing out these bonus categories would net you 450,000 Ultimate Rewards points every year — that’s worth up to $9,000!
You’ll also earn 1x points on all other purchases. For a limited time through March 31, 2025, you’ll also earn 5x points on Lyft purchases.
Another underrated benefit is the ability to redeem your Ultimate Rewards points for 25% more value at a rate of 1.25 cents per point for any travel booked through the Chase travel portal or via Pay Yourself Back.
The Ink Business Preferred card offers purchase protection, extended warranty, top-notch cell phone protection insurance, travel insurance (including primary car rental insurance), and more.
There are no foreign transaction fees or employee card fees.
Bottom Line: The Ink Business Preferred card offers exceptional rewards and travel protections with an extremely reasonable annual fee, plus a huge welcome bonus to boot.
Why We Like Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
Chase Ultimate Rewards points are among the most valuable available, second only to Amex Membership Rewards. Worth around 2 cents each, earning 3x points is approximately equal to getting a 6% return on spend.
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 Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.
Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
15,000 points
$330
No annual fee
18.49% - 26.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
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.
With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, you’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases throughout the year (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter) and receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards all for no annual fee (see rates and fees).
The simple and straightforward earning structure makes it a great fit for those looking to earn flexible rewards, without having to fixate on which purchases earn the most points.
Let’s take look at all that the Amex Blue Business Plus card has to offer.
Pros
2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter)
Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
No annual fee and employee cards at no additional cost
Cons
No unique bonus categories and 2x earnings are capped at $50,000 in annual spend
No elite travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
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 at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
You’ve got the power to use your Card beyond its credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power.
*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: 18.49% - 26.49% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
The Amex Blue Business Plus card is our favorite business credit card for everyday purchases. You can earn 2x points on everyday business purchases, up to $50,000 per calendar year (1x thereafter). Plus, there’s an awesome 0% introductory APR offer as shown in the table above. This card is a favorite because 2x Amex points are equal to a return on spend of around 4.4%. Not too shabby, right?
This card is one of the rare no-annual-fee cards that allows you access to a transferable rewards system and earnings of 2x transferable points per dollar. Other crucial perks include no additional fees for employee cards, Expanded Buying Power, purchase protection, extended warranty, and access to Amex Offers (rates & fees).
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 Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.
The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.
Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$750
$750
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% 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)
As a business owner, you likely keep pretty busy and probably prefer a credit card that just keeps things simple.
If so, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card might be just the card for you. From zero annual fee to a flat cash-back rate, the card is a no-frills option that you don’t have to think twice about.
Don’t forget too, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Pros
1.5% cash-back on all purchases
No annual fee
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 18.49% - 24.49% thereafter
Both of these labels are partially correct in the sense that this credit card offers awesome rewards on everyday business purchases.
Specifically, you’ll earn 1.5% cash-back on all of your purchases with no caps! You’ll also enjoy a 0% introductory APR benefit for the first 12 months.
Although this card doesn’t earn Ultimate Rewards points by itself, the 1.5% cash-back rewards you earn can be converted to 1.5x Ultimate Rewards points if you also hold an Ultimate Rewards credit card such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card. That’s equivalent to a return on spend of 3%!
This no-annual-fee credit card has unlimited employee cards for no additional fee, zero liability fraud protection, primary car rental insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty, and many more 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 Capital One Spark Miles card is a low-annual-fee business card that earns 2x transferable miles on every $1 you spend. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)
The Capital One Spark Miles card is a low-annual-fee business card that earns 2x transferable miles on every $1 you spend. (Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One.)
Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
50,000 miles
$900
$0 intro for the first year, $95 after that
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 Capital One Spark Miles for Business is a great option for business owners looking for an uncomplicated rewards card that earns double miles on every purchase they make and offers access to transfer partners, all for a low annual fee.
Pros
Unlimited 2x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
5x miles per $1 spent on hotel and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
2 complimentary visits to a Capital One Lounge per year
Cons
Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, $95 after that
Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
Earn unlimited 2X miles per dollar on every purchase, everywhere, no limits or category restrictions, and miles won’t expire for the life of the account
Unlimited 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Transfer your miles to 15+ travel loyalty programs
Redeem your miles instantly for any travel-related purchases, from flights and hotels to ride-sharing services
Skip the lines with up to a $100 statement credit on TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry
$0 intro annual fee for the first year; $95 after that
Free employee cards which also earn unlimited 2X miles from their purchases
Our first and only Capital One entry in this list, the Capital One Spark Miles card is Capital One’s flagship business credit card, and you’ll see why.
Starting off, you’ll usually find a great welcome bonus to jumpstart the earning opportunities you have on the card.
Business owners holding the Capital One Spark Miles card will earn an unlimited 2x Capital One miles on every purchase with no blackouts, minimum amount to redeem, or seat restrictions.
Additionally, you will earn 5x miles on hotel and rental car bookings made through Capital One Travel.
This premium credit card offers cardmembers a $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, no-fee employee cards, roadside assistance, zero fraud liability, purchase protection, extended warranty, and no foreign transaction fees.
Why We Like Earning Capital One Miles
Capital One Miles is a terrific rewards program that has access to some amazing transfer partners, both airlines and hotels. Capital One miles are worth around 1.8 cents each, which translates to a 9% or 3.6% return on spending when earning 5x or 2x miles.
You can use your points for statement credits, gift cards, Amazon purchases, and more.
But the undisputed winning redemption is transferring your Capital One miles to transfer partners and redeeming them for a tremendous value.
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
The Ink Business Cash card gives you some incredible potential for solid cash savings, thanks to its thoughtful business bonus categories.
You’ll almost always find a fantastic welcome bonus on the card. It is also a 0 APR business credit card, which could save you thousands of dollars on interest accrual.
After that, you’ll earn up to 5% cash-back per the following structure:
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
5% cash-back on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
2% cash-back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year
1% cash-back everywhere else
Earning 5% cash-back on a no-annual-fee card is amazing, even if it has a cap of $25,000 every account anniversary year.
Also, this credit card comes with primary rental car coverage, roadside dispatch, purchase protection, extended warranty, and employee cards for no additional annual fees.
Your cash-back can also be converted to Ultimate Rewards points if you have a credit card such as the Ink Business Preferred card. That means 5%, 2%, and 1% cash-back is equal to 5x, 2x, and 1x Ultimate Rewards Points. If you maxed out the 5% cash-back and converted it to Ultimate Rewards points, you could get a 10% return on spend!
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
Our very last credit card pick is a superb choice if you’re looking for straightforward cash-back to reinvest into your business as an independent contractor.
The Amex Blue Business Cash card will earn you 2% cash-back on all eligible purchases (up to $50,000 per calendar year), then 1% cash-back.
This card is awesome because the cash-back rewards you earn are automatically credited to your statement, which means you don’t need to worry about using your rewards!
Also, you’ll find a 0% intro APR perk to help you avoid interest fees in the first 12 months of your account opening. Regular APR, as shown in the table above, will apply after the introductory period.
There is no annual fee, and the Amex Blue Business Cash card gives cardholders Expanded Buying Power, extended warranty coverage, purchase protection, secondary car rental coverage, access to Amex Offers, and no additional fees for employee cards (rates & fees).
Final Thoughts
Without a doubt, you have lots of choices when picking the best credit card for your independent contractor business.
Even though the universe of suitable business credit cards is diverse, there are clear winners and losers. The winners will offer the best rewards, benefits, and of course, typical business credit card perks including expense management and transaction separation.
In this guide, we’ve listed our top picks of the best credit cards for independent contractors. Study the information carefully, make the decision that’s best for your needs, and put your spending on your shiny new card!
For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance and trip delay insurance benefits of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the baggage insurance plan benefit of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefit of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the Cell Phone Protection benefit of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. For the Return Protection benefit of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. For the Premium Global Assist Hotline benefit of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. 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.
For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of the American Express® Business Gold Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car rental loss or damage coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefit of the American Express® Business Gold Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefit of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.
For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefit of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. For the car rental collision damage coverage benefit of The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
Information regarding the Capital One Spark Miles for Business was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of the American Express® Business Gold Card, click here. For rates and fees of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, click here. Information regarding the Capital One Spark Miles for Business 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.
Featured Image Credit: Ollyy via Shutterstock
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a business credit card if you’re self-employed?
It’s always best to use a business credit card to separate your personal and business expenses. If you’re self-employed, you’re probably running a business. Therefore, we always recommend having a business credit card so you can keep track of what’s a personal expense and what’s a business one.
What is the best credit card for contractors?
The best cards for contractors, in our opinion, are the Amex Business Platinum card, Amex Business Gold card, Ink Business Preferred card, Amex Blue Business Plus card, Ink Business Unlimited card, Capital One Spark Miles card, and Amex Blue Business Cash card.
Can you use a personal credit card if you’re a contractor?
You should consult your bookkeeping/accounting professional for advice, but we recommend that you keep a personal credit card for personal expenses and a business credit card for business/contractor expenses.
What is the best bank for self-employed workers?
The best banks for self-employed workers are American Express and Chase, which offer the biggest benefits. Capital One is solid, too, but the 2 best banks for rewards and perks are American Express and Chase.
Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.
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.
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