The best business travel credit cards can be worth their weight in gold, both on the road and back at home.
The right business credit card for travel can save you money and time on travel delays, cancellations, interruptions, and lost baggage issues. Rewards earned from company expenses can also help you pay for future trips.
Business Insider's personal finance team reviewed dozens of business credit cards to compile this list of our top recommendations. We considered annual fees, earning rates, unique benefits, and potential drawbacks when making our selection.
These are the best credit cards for business travel you can get right now, as chosen by Business Insider's credit card experts.
Best Travel Business Credit Cards
| Best for | Card | Annual Fee |
| No annual fee | Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card | $0 |
| Travel rewards | Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | $95 (rates and fees) |
| Global Entry/TSA PreCheck | Capital One Spark Miles for Business | $95, waived the first year |
| Hotel stays | Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card | $125 (rates and fees) |
| Frequent flyers | The New United℠ Business Card | $0 intro for the first year, then $150 (rates and fees) |
| Working on the plane | Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card | $199 (rates and fees) |
| Business road trips | American Express® Business Gold Card | $375 (rates and fees) |
| Lounge access | Capital One Venture X Business Card | $395 |
| International travel | The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | $695 (rates and fees) |
Best for No Annual Fee
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles
18.49% - 28.49% Variable
Earn a $300 online statement credit
Excellent
Pros
Cons
The no-annual-fee Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card is great for small-business owners who want to control how they earn rewards and maximize every dollar spent. The card has a solid welcome bonus, good redemption options, and a fair intro APR deal. But if you don't spend big in the select bonus categories, you should consider a different no-annual-fee business rewards card.
Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards MastercardThe Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card is one of the best business credit cards with no annual fee for custom bonus categories — and travel expenses are one of your options.
Bonus categories earn 3% cash back up to an annual limit in conjunction with 2% cash back on dining on the first $50,000 per calendar year in combined purchases, then 1%; and 1% on all other purchases. If you alternate between driving and flying, you could choose travel for your 3% bonus category one month and gas/EV charging another month.
You can also earn bonus cash back through the Bank of America Preferred Rewards loyalty program by meeting certain banking requirements. This isn't a good credit card to use for international business expenses, however — you'll pay a 3% foreign transaction fee on non-U.S. purchases.
Annual fee: $0
Foreign transaction fees: 3%
Credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®: None
Travel benefits:
- Up to $100,000 in travel accident insurance for eligible incidents
- Complimentary car rental insurance, emergency ticket replacement, and lost luggage assistance
Earning rate: 3% cash back in your chosen category (from an approved list) and 2% cash back on dining on the first $50,000 per calendar year in combined purchases, then 1%; and 1% unlimited cash back on all other purchases
Welcome offer: $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening
Learn more in our Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards credit card review.
Best for Travel Rewards
$95
N/A
20.24% - 26.24% Variable
Earn 90,000 bonus points
Good to Excellent
Pros
Cons
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card offers a huge welcome bonus and solid earning and benefits for a moderate annual fee. If your small-business expenses line up with the card's bonus categories and you like redeeming Chase Ultimate Rewards® points for travel, this is one of the best small-business credit cards to consider.
Ink Business Preferred Card- Earn 90k bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 cash back or $1,125 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.
- Member FDIC
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a fantastic business credit card for earning travel rewards on all small business expenses.
Cardholders earn Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, which are one of the most valuable travel reward "currencies," worth an average of 1.8 cents apiece by Business Insider's assessment of what points and miles are worth.
This card's benefits include a wide array of trip protection and travel insurance perks, and cardholders earn 3 points per dollar on many common business expenses including all travel purchases, up to a high annual limit.
Annual fee: $95
Foreign transaction fees: None
Credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®: None
Travel benefits:
- Points are worth 25% more (1.25 cents apiece) on travel booked through Chase
- Rewards also transfer to Chase partner airlines and hotels including Southwest, United, Marriott, and Hyatt
Credit card travel insurance includes:
- Baggage delay
- Lost luggage reimbursement
- Travel interruption/cancellation insurance
- Trip delay reimbursement
- Travel accident insurance
Earning rate: 3 points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business categories each account anniversary year, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
Welcome offer: 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Learn more in our Chase Ink Business Preferred card review.
Best for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business is the lowest-cost business travel credit card that reimburses your fees for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® enrollment.
These two Trusted Traveler programs allow approved low-risk travelers to take the fast lane through airport screening lines. It typically costs up to $85 to enroll in TSA PreCheck® and up to $120 for Global Entry registration, but the best Global Entry and TSA PreCheck credit cards reimburse you for the cost of enrolling in these expedited airport screening memberships.
Beyond speedier security benefits, this card earn flat-rate Capital One miles that are easy to earn and redeem, especially if you book eligible hotels through the Capital One Travel portal for bonus credits.
Annual fee: $95, waived the first year
Foreign transaction fees: None
Credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®: Up to $120 every four years
Travel benefits:
- Expense management solutions for employee spending
- Redeem miles for travel expenses within 90 days of purchase
- Rewards are transferable to Capital One transfer partners like Air Canada, British Airways, Choice Hotels, and Wyndham
- $50 experience credit per stay on hotels and vacation rentals booked through the Capital One Lifestyle Collection
Earning rate: 5 miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site and 2 miles on every other purchase
Welcome offer: 50,000 miles once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first three months from account opening
Learn more in our Capital One Spark Miles for Business card review.
Best for Hotel Stays
$125
N/A
20.24% - 29.24% Variable
Earn 3 Free Night Awards
Good to Excellent
Pros
Cons
Small-business owners with a credit card strategy of free hotel stays will get a lot of value from this card. Even if you own a part-time business or have a side hustle, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is a great pick.
Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex Card- WELCOME OFFER: Earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
- Receive a 7% discount on eligible bookings as a benefit of being both a Marriott Bonvoy® member & a Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Member when you book directly with Marriott through an eligible channel for a participating property under the Amex Business Card Rate.
- 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
- 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
- 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
- Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
- Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.
- Terms apply.
The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card is the best business travel credit card for hotel stays. With a global footprint of more than 9,000 properties worldwide, it's extremely likely you'll be able to find a Marriott hotel to suit your needs.
Cardholders get automatic Gold elite status and a free night award worth up to 35,000 Bonvoy points each year when they renew the card. They can also earn a second annual free night award of the same value after spending $60,000 in eligible purchases on the card in a calendar year.
Annual fee: Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
Foreign transaction fees: None
Credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®: None
Travel benefits:
- Complimentary Gold elite status with 2 p.m. late check-out when available (terms apply)
- Automatic 7% discount on eligible bookings
- Annual free night award (up to 35,000 points) with opportunity to earn a second free night from credit card spending
- 15 annual elite night credits toward higher status
Earning rate: 6 Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program, 4 points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping and 2 points on all other eligible purchases
Welcome offer: 3 Free Night Awards, each with a redemption level of up to 50,000 points at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®, after you use your new card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership
Learn more in our Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex card review.
Best for Frequent Flyers
$0 intro for the first year, then $150
N/A
20.49% - 28.99% Variable
Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 Premier Qualifying Points
Good to Excellent
Pros
Cons
Although it joins a crowded field of excellent United Airlines credit cards, the United℠ Business Card from Chase has several standout benefits that make it well worth considering for both frequent and occasional United flyers.
United℠ Business Card- Earn 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.
- $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, then $150.
- 2x miles on United® purchases, dining including eligible delivery services, at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting.
- 1x mile on all other purchases. Plus, employee cards at no additional cost - miles earned from their purchases accrue in your account so you can earn rewards faster.
- Receive a 5,000-mile "better together" bonus each anniversary when you have both the UnitedSM Business Card and a personal Chase United® credit card.
- Enjoy a free first checked bag - a savings of up to $160 per roundtrip (terms apply), 2 United Club℠ one-time passes per year, and priority boarding privileges.
- Receive a $125 United travel credit after making 5 United® flight purchases of $100 or more each calendar year with your United℠ Business Card.
- Member FDIC
There are few global destinations that United Airlines doesn't serve, making The New United℠ Business Card one of the best business travel credit cards for frequent flyers.
Cardholders get more than $500 in annual credits for various eligible purchases, plus two one-time passes to United Clubs each year. They also get preferred benefits with the airline, including priority boarding and the first checked bag free for themselves and a travel companion.
Annual fee: $0 intro for the first year, then $150
Foreign transaction fees: None
Credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®: None
Travel benefits:
- Two one-time passes to United Club lounges
- Free first checked bag, priority boarding, and 25% back on inflight food and premium drink purchases
- Earn 2 continental U.S. Economy Plus® seat upgrades after spending $25,000 per calendar year
- $125 United travel credit after booking five United flights of $100 or more per calendar year with the United℠ Business Card
Earning rate: 2 miles per dollar on United® purchases, dining (including eligible delivery services), at gas stations, office supply stores, and on local transit and commuting, and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases
Welcome offer: 75,000 bonus miles and 2,000 PQP after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open
Learn more in our United Business credit card review.
Pro tip: The United℠ Business Card is one of the few business credit cards with airline miles in this guide. You can transfer points from Chase and Bilt Rewards to top off your United MileagePlus accounts if you need more air miles.
Best for Working on the Plane
$199
N/A
20.49% - 27.49% Variable
Earn 80,000 bonus points
Good to Excellent
Pros
Cons
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a great fit for small business owners who frequently fly Southwest, especially if you often purchase inflight WiFi.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card- Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
- 9,000 bonus points after your Cardmember anniversary.
- Earn 4X pts on Southwest® purchases.
- Earn 3X points on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners.
- Earn 2X points on rideshare.
- Earn 2X points on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services and 1X points on all other purchases.
- 4 Upgraded Boardings per year when available.
- Member FDIC
The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is the best business travel credit card for Southwest keyboard warriors.
Cardholders get 365 WiFi credits each year when they pay for WiFi onboard a Southwest flight using their Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card. They also get one checked bag free — a relevant benefit now that Southwest charges for checked bags.
Cardholders also get a slew of airline perks including four upgraded boardings each year when available; credit toward Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® registration; and opportunities to earn elite status through credit card spending. Finally, the generous earning rates make it easy to earn business credit card airline miles from company expenses.
Annual fee: $199
Foreign transaction fees: None
Credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®: None
Travel benefits:
- Up to 365 WiFi credits annually when paying for Southwest Internet with this credit card
- Four complimentary upgraded boardings each year when available
- Up to $120 toward Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck® enrollment fees once every four years
- Opportunity to earn A-List elite status from spending on this card
- Up to $500 annual credit toward Rapid Rewards point transfer fees
Earning rate: 4 points per dollar on Southwest® purchases, 3 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners, 2 points per dollar on rideshare, social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
Welcome offer: 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
Learn more in our Southwest Performance business credit card review.
Best for Business Road Trips
$375
0% intro APR for six months from the date of account opening on purchases eligible for Pay Over Time
18.49% - 27.49% Variable
Earn 100,000 Membership Rewards® points
Good to Excellent
Pros
Cons
The American Express® Business Gold Card is a good choice if your business spends a lot in certain categories and you want to earn Membership Rewards points for travel or other redemptions. It's got a high annual fee, but if you can use the card's benefits to your advantage, it can be well worth it.
Amex 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 18.49% to 27.49% 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 comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and White Gold. Make your selection when you apply on Americanexpress.com.
- *Terms Apply
- See Rates & Fees
The American Express® Business Gold Card is the best business travel credit card for business owners who frequently drive to deliver goods and provide services in person due to its bonus earning categories.
This card earns 4 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on your top two expense categories each month from a short list (up to $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1 point), which includes common business purchases such as gas and transit. It also earns 3 Membership Rewards® points per dollar on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel®.
Annual fee: $375 (rates and fees; terms apply)
Foreign transaction fees: None
Credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®: None
Travel benefits:
- Transfer rewards to Amex points transfer partners such as Delta, Hilton, and Marriott
- Complimentary travel coverage including trip delay insurance, baggage insurance plan, and car rental loss and damage insurance
- Up to $100 experience credit on eligible hotel bookings through The Hotel Collection with Amex Travel, plus complimentary room upgrades when available
Earning rate: 4 Membership Rewards® points on the top two eligible categories of spends each month (up to $150,000 in combined purchases each calendar year, then 1 point), 3 points on flights and prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com, and 1 point on all other purchases
Welcome offer: 100,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases with the card within the first three months of card membership
Learn more in our Amex Business Gold card review.
Best for Lounge Access
The Capital One Venture X Business Card is the most affordable business travel card with airport lounge access.
Its $395 annual fee is hundreds of dollars lower than its closest competitor, and cardholders get a $300 annual travel credit that almost completely covers the card's yearly cost.
Annual fee: $395
Foreign transaction fees: None
Credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®: Up to $120 every 4 years
Travel benefits:
- $300 annual credit for travel booked through Capital One
- Access to Capital One Lounges plus Priority Pass Select membership after enrollment
- Complimentary travel insurance
- Miles transfer to airlines and hotel chains like Air Canada, British Airways, Choice Hotels, and Wyndham
- 10,000 bonus miles each year when you renew your card
Earning rate: 10 miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One's travel booking site, 5 miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One's travel booking site, and 2 miles on all other purchases
Welcome offer: 150,000 bonus miles once you spend $30,000 in the first three months from account opening and an additional 200,000 miles once you spend $200,000 in the first six months
Learn more in our Capital One Venture X business card review.
Best for International Travel
$695
N/A
18.49% - 27.49% Variable
Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points and a $500 statement credit
Good to Excellent
Pros
Cons
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the best small-business cards with an elevated bonus and top-notch benefits (and a premium annual fee to match). It's an excellent offer if you like earning Membership Rewards® points and you can maximize the bonus spending categories and perks — but be sure to assess whether the annual fee is worth it for you before you commit.
Amex Business Platinum Card- Limited Time Travel Offer: Earn 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership. You can earn one or both of these offers. Offer ends 6/30/25.
- 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 10/2024.
- 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.
- Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
- NEW! Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points for flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight + hotel packages booked at AmexTravel.com. 1X points on other 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, on up to $2 million per Card Account per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
- $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Use your card and get up to $199 in statement credits per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use the Business Platinum Card®.
- $695 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is the best business travel card for international travel, thanks to its access to half a dozen of the world's best lounges, including well over two dozen elite Amex Centurion Lounges worldwide, the Plaza Premium network, Lufthansa Lounges with qualifying travel, and Priority Pass after enrollment.
Cardholders can also enroll for valuable benefits such as annual credits toward business and travel services like Hilton transactions and airline fees; CLEAR® Plus expedited airport screening; complimentary Gold elite status with both Hilton and Marriott; and special privileges at the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts global collection of boutique properties.
Annual fee: $695 (rates and fees; terms apply)
Foreign transaction fees: None
Credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck®: Up to $120 for Global Entry once every four years or up to $85 for TSA PreCheck® once every 4.5 years
Travel benefits:
- Up to $199 annual CLEAR® Plus membership credit (enrollment required)
- Up to $200 annual credit (up to $50/quarter) on eligible Hilton purchases
- Up to $200 annual credit toward airline incidentals such as seat upgrades and checked bag fees
- Access to airport lounges including Amex Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs under qualifying conditions, and Priority Pass Select membership after enrollment
- Complimentary Gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott
- Transfer points to Amex partner airlines and hotels such as Delta, Hilton, and Marriott
Earning rate: 5 points for flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals and prepaid flight and hotel packages booked at AmexTravel.com; 1.5 points 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 (on up to $2 million per card account per calendar year); 1 point for each dollar you spend on eligible purchases
Welcome offer: 150,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the card within the first three months of card membership, plus, earn a $500 statement credit after you spend $2,500 on qualifying flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel with your card within the first three months of card membership (offer ends 6/30/25)
Read our full Amex Business Platinum card review to learn more about this business card.
Why Use Business Credit Cards with Travel Benefits?
Small business owners know the importance of keeping personal and business finances separate by using a business credit card for company expenses. Entrepreneurs who travel often will get a lot of value by choosing a business credit card that offers travel rewards and benefits.
The best business credit cards for travel reward you for paying company expenses. They often come with benefits that make travel more convenient and comfortable, like providing credits that pay for expedited airport screening or offering access to luxurious airport lounges with complimentary food and drinks.
If you frequently travel to meet with clients or suppliers, a business travel credit card can make your work life a lot more enjoyable.
The best business credit cards for travel offer generous rewards on travel-related purchases such as flights and hotels, and most do not charge foreign transaction fees. They may also come with luxury benefits such as airport lounge access, free WiFi credits, and complimentary travel insurance.
How to Compare Business Credit Cards for Travel
When evaluating business credit cards for travel, it's important to match up your company travel habits with your spending needs.
Rewards
Premium credit cards usually offer top-tier benefits worth far more than their high annual fees, especially for frequent travelers who can utilize perks such as annual free night awards and travel insurance. But if you rarely leave your office, these perks are a waste of money.
Each of the business credit cards on this list provides a minimum of 1 cent per dollar spent, and some do so without charging an annual fee. These build your business credit score and history while rewarding you for everyday expenses related to your company.
Travel Benefits
Every card on this list of best business credit cards for travel comes with soft benefits that improve the quality of your work life.
Business owners who travel often may find benefits like premium lounge access worth the hefty annual fee, while solo entrepreneurs who work from home may find basic perks sufficient for their needs.
Value
The cards in this list run the gamut from free to hundreds of dollars per year in annual fees.
Other entrepreneurs prefer cards that don't take additional money out of their wallets. Each of the cards on this list gives back more than it takes, regardless of the annual fee.
To decide if a card's benefits are worth the cost to you, tally up the monetary value of the benefits you'll actually use, then subtract the card's annual fee from that number. The final number will represent the value of that card for your spending needs.
Protection
Experiencing a delayed or canceled work trip isn't just frustrating — it can be costly for your business. The best business credit cards for travel offer trip protection benefits that can help you rebook alternate transportation, replace lost or delayed luggage, and pay for last-minute emergencies when things go awry.
Why You Should Trust Us: How We Reviewed the Best Business Credit Cards for Travel
Business Insider's credit card reviewers are experts when it comes to business expenses. Not only do many of us own and operate our own small businesses, we also evaluate and compare every credit card on the market.
We chose the business credit cards highlighted in this particular guide for the following reasons:
Benefits — If the business credit card is co-branded with a company like Marriott or United, does this card offer exclusive protections, rewards, or benefits you can't easily get elsewhere? If the business credit card is designed for generalized travel rewards, does it earn transferable rewards or cash back you can easily use in several different ways, including for travel?
Value — Is the total value of the card's rewards and benefits worth more than its annual fee, if there is one?
Versatility — Can this card be used for many different types of business expenses? Does it charge foreign transaction fees? Will it enhance your company image when you use it in front of clients and business partners?
Interested in our evaluations? Learn about Business Insider's methodology for how we rate credit cards.
FAQs
What is the best business credit card for travel rewards?
The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is one of the best business credit cards for travel rewards and benefits at a reasonable $95 annual fee. On the higher end of the spectrum, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express earns big rewards on flights and prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel® and comes with luxurious benefits such as premium airport lounge access.
Are business credit card cash rewards taxable?
As a general rule, points and miles rewards earned on business credit cards are not considered taxable income. However, cash back rewards may trigger tax liabilities if you earn beyond a certain dollar amount. Check with your accountant or CPA regarding specific regulations in your state.
Can I earn miles when traveling for work?
Yes, there are several ways you can earn miles when traveling for work. Sign up for airline and hotel loyalty programs, and make sure you always include your member number when booking travel. You can accelerate your earnings by paying for travel with a business travel credit card that earns bonus rewards on trip-related expenses.
Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Trip Delay Insurance, Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance, and Cell Phone Protection Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company. Global Assist Hotline Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. 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. Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, and Baggage Insurance Plan Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
