Business credit cards
Compare the best business credit cards
Compare 12 business credit cards available for UK companies with low or no annual fees, reward points, low interest rates and high credit limits.
Updated: 26th October 2026.
Reviewed by Andrew Parry
Written by Michelle Dymond
Edited by Andrew Parry
Best cashback rewards card with no annual fee
- No annual fee
- 2% cashback for the first 6 months
- Uncapped 1% cashback thereafter
- Rates from 14.9% (variable)
- Min turnover required: £30k per year
Best overall card with no annual fee
- No annual fee
- Uncapped 1% cashback on all spend
- Convert points to Avios for free
- Rates from 13.86% APR (variable)
- No minimum turnover
A business credit card, in your company’s name rather than your personal name, can be one of the best sources of business financing if you pay the balance in full each month (62% of business credit cards always clear the balance). Credit cards are now the most widely used form of business finance because they offer fast approval, generous rewards, and easy expense tracking. In Q2 2026, 20% of SMEs reported having used a business credit card.
What is the best business credit card in the UK?
For most UK limited companies, the best business credit card is the Capital on Tap Free card: no annual fee and uncapped 1% cashback.
The best cashback card is the Funding Circle Cashback card, which pays 2% for the first six months (up to £2,000), then 1% uncapped.
For travel rewards, compare Capital on Tap Pro (£299 a year) with the American Express Business Gold Card (£195 a year, free in the first year).
Bank-issued cards from Lloyds, Santander and NatWest need an existing business account with that bank, so check those first if you already bank with them. Most business cards give up to 42 to 56 days interest-free if you pay the balance in full each month.
Jump to:
The best business credit cards for SMEs
We evaluated over 20 business credit cards to find the best options for UK companies. We assessed the APRs, rewards value, perks, eligibility requirements, approval rates, credit limits, FX fees, spend management features, and accounting integrations.
We regularly review UK business credit providers to find the best deals for various business types and requirements, such as the highest cashback rates, the lowest upfront fees and interest rates, or the best perks for business travel. You may also be interested in the best cards for:
Rewards | Start ups | Bad credit | Air miles | Limited companies | Balance transfers
Rates, fees and eligibility were checked for each credit card provider on 26th October 2026. We sourced this information from their website or from their marketing departments directly via email.
What’s changed:
- American Express Business Gold: now only open to limited companies and LLPs; intro bonus increased to 30,000 points.
- Capital on Tap: added representative APRs, Avios conversion rate (10 points = 8 Avios), and updated lounge access on the Pro card.
- Updated credit card usage statistics with the latest WQ2 2206 data.
- New section on secured business credit cards and new answers to common questions.
We may receive commission from some credit card providers if you sign up to use their services after clicking a link to them. This does not affect our editorial ratings or recommendations. For business credit cards, we include cards based on our assessment of over a dozen factors, including annual fees, APR, rewards, discounts, eligibility, credit limits, business suitability, and overall value. We do not receive any compensation from the majority of providers listed on this page or the website as a whole.
Card Name | Annual Fee | Best for | Rewards & Features | APR | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Capital on Tap Free Rewards Card | £0 | Companies wanting a no-fee all-rounder with strong cashback and good spend management controls |
| Rates as low as 13.86% APR (variable) | |
| Funding Circle Cashback Credit Card | £0 | Companies looking to maximise cashback rewards without paying an annual card fee |
| Rates as low as 14.9% APR (variable) | |
| Capital on Tap Pro | £299 | Companies / Directors that can spend £30k+ on cards annually and want premium travel rewards |
| Rates as low as 13.86% APR (variable) | |
 | Moss Business Credit Card | Custom | Scaling SMEs and finance teams managing company-wide spend |
| 0% (Charge card with balance paid in full monthly) | |
 | The American Express Business Gold Card | £195 pa (free 1st year) | Company directors looking to boost their travel rewards for one year before annual fees are due. |
| N/A (Charge Card) | |
Card Name | Annual Fee | Rewards & Features | APR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Capital on Tap Free Rewards Card | £0 |
| Rates as low as 13.86% APR (variable) | |
Funding Circle Cashback Credit Card | £0 |
| Rates as low as 14.9% APR (variable) | |
Capital on Tap Pro | £299 |
| Rates as low as 13.86% APR (variable) |
Rates last checked 26th Oct 2026
We may receive commission from some credit card providers if you sign up to use their services after clicking a link to them. This does not affect our editorial ratings or recommendations. For business credit cards, we include cards based on our assessment of over a dozen factors, including annual fees, APR, rewards, discounts, eligibility, credit limits, business suitability, and overall value. We do not receive any compensation from the majority of providers listed on this page or the website as a whole.
We score each business credit card out of 5 using four weighted factors: Value (40%), Perks (20%), Spend Management (20%) and Customer Experience (20%).
Our scores provide a consistent starting point, while our editors also consider eligibility, specialist use cases and how well each card suits the businesses covered by the page. Commercial relationships never influence a card’s score.
| Factor | Weight | What it measures |
|---|---|---|
| Value | 40% | Direct financial return compared with direct card costs, including ongoing rewards, qualifying bonuses, annual fees and break-even efficiency. APR and interest-free borrowing terms are assessed separately where they are central to the purpose of a comparison page. Value is assessed using different annual card-spend scenarios considering ongoing rewards after fees, first-year bonuses, and the amount of spending required to offset any annual fee. These figures are editorial assumptions used to compare cards consistently, not estimates of average business spending. For standard comparisons, we assume the balance is paid in full each month. |
| Perks | 20% | Useful non-core extras, such as software discounts, advertising credits, travel benefits, insurance and partner offers. |
| Spend Management | 20% | Tools that help a business control, approve, track and reconcile spending, including employee and virtual cards, controls, reporting, receipt capture and accounting integrations. |
| Customer Experience | 20% | The practical experience of applying, onboarding, using the account, getting help and redeeming benefits. |
Business credit card scores & reviews
Use the drop-down filters below to find business credit cards that have the features you require and that your business is eligible for. You can also sort by our scores out of 5.
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You may also be interested in our round up of the best business credit cards for specific businesses or with particular features:
What is a business credit card?
A business credit card operates similarly to a personal credit card, providing a revolving line of credit up to a pre-agreed limit. Business credit cards enable companies to manage their cash flow and track employee spending, whilst also providing the opportunity to earn rewards. They can be used to cover a broad range of business expenses, including:
- Purchasing office supplies
- Travel and hotel accommodation
- Marketing and advertising
- Fuel and vehicle expenses
- Inventory purchases
- Client entertainment
Business credit cards help businesses separate personal and business expenses, making bookkeeping and expense management easier, with many cards offering integration with accounting platforms.
What are the differences between a business credit card and a personal credit card?
The main difference between business and personal credit cards is that business credit cards are issued to businesses and report to business credit bureaus, whilst personal cards are issued to individuals and report to personal credit bureaus.
While both cards provide flexible borrowing, the rules regarding their use differ. In the UK, it is legal to make business purchases on a personal card, but you cannot use a business credit card for personal expenses.
| Feature | Business Credit Cards | Personal Credit Cards |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Strictly business expenses only. | Every day personal use. |
| Credit Limits | Typically, much higher as they are based on the business’s revenue. | Standard limits based on individual income. |
| Rewards and perks | Typically offer better rewards and perks tailored to business use cases. | Typically related to the general consumer use (i.e. shopping, entertainment, travel) and not business. |
| Tax Deductibility | Card fees and interest are generally tax-deductible business expenses. | Fees and interest are not tax-deductible. |
| Credit profile | Impact the business’s credit profile as they report to commercial credit bureaus. | Impact the individual’s credit profile as they report to personal credit bureaus. |
| Employee Cards | Available for staff members, often with custom individual spending limits. | Usually limited to joint accounts or authorised users sharing the main limit. |
| Software Integration | Integration with accounting tools (e.g., Xero, QuickBooks) is sometimes available for fast reconciliation. | Basic expense categorisation rarely links to business software. |
| Expense tracking | More sophisticated expense tracking and management tools are available. | Limited automated expense categorisation. |
While business and personal credit lines are legally distinct, providers will almost always run a personal credit check when you apply for a business card. If your business is unincorporated (e.g. a sole trader), the card’s activity will directly impact your personal credit score. For limited companies and LLPs, the activity typically affects only the business’s credit profile.
Do business credit cards need a personal guarantee?
Most do. Lenders usually require one because the cards are unsecured, especially for newer or smaller businesses. Capital on Tap requires one, and Funding Circle usually does. If your limited company defaults and you have signed a guarantee, you can be personally liable for the balance. Without one, the company is liable, not you.
What features are available with business credit cards?
Understanding each card type’s key features can help your business choose the most appropriate option for your circumstances.
Cashback
Business credit cards with cashback offer cardholders a percentage of their spending back as cash, making them an attractive option for companies looking to generate value from routine expenses. They suit businesses with recurring operational expenses that value simplicity and flexibility and want immediate bottom-line payback over travel perks or complex point systems.
Cards with travel rewards
Some business cards offer rewards and perks that benefit company directors or employees who travel for work or pleasure. Instead of cashback, you can earn points on card spending and exchange them for air miles with a range of airlines. Additional perks include hotel reward points or upgrades, airport lounge access and travel insurance.
Low-interest rates
Low-interest business credit cards are designed to minimise borrowing costs, making them a practical option for businesses that need short-term access to credit beyond the standard interest-free period. However, low-interest business credit cards are still likely to have an APR of at least 13.86%, making them more expensive than other forms of business finance.
Balance transfer cards
Best suited to: Businesses looking to consolidate existing credit card debt.
Balance transfer cards allow outstanding balances from one or more credit cards to be transferred to a new credit card. At present, there are no business credit cards currently offering promotional interest rates on balance transfers.
Are there secured business credit cards in the UK?
A secured business credit card works like a normal card, but you pay a cash deposit first and that deposit becomes your credit limit. Because the lender’s risk is covered, it can suit a new business or one with weak credit, and using it well can help build a business credit history.
In the UK, secured business cards are rare. Most business credit cards, including those from Capital on Tap and Funding Circle, are unsecured, and lenders usually manage the risk with a personal guarantee instead.
What to look at instead:
• An unsecured card with a personal guarantee. Easier to get approved for, but you become personally liable for the balance if the business cannot pay.
• A card from your business bank. Cards such as the Lloyds, Santander and NatWest business cards require an account with that bank, which can help if you already bank there.
• A charge or spend-management card. Ramp is underwritten on the business and does not require a personal guarantee.
• A different type of finance. If you need to borrow rather than spend, an unsecured business loan, invoice finance or a merchant cash advance may suit better. See our guides to business loans, invoice finance and merchant cash advances.
For a card aimed at businesses with weaker credit, see our guide to business credit cards for bad credit.
What are the eligibility criteria for a UK business credit card?
While business credit card eligibility requirements will vary by provider, standard criteria for a UK business credit card applicant include:
- Must be aged 18 or over at the time of application.
- Currently a UK resident.
- Be operating a UK-registered business.
- Hold a good business and personal credit history that is free of recent bankruptcies or CCJs.
While some providers cater to startups, most mainstream card issuers require a minimum trading period and a minimum monthly turnover.
What businesses use credit cards?
Larger SMEs are more likely to utilise corporate credit cards, driven by established revenue track records, stronger credit profiles, and existing banking relationships.
The table below outlines the finance types utilised by UK SMEs across different business sizes:
| Type of Finance | Total SMEs | Sole Traders | 1–9 Employees | 10–49 Employees | 50–249 Employees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Cards | 18% | 16% | 21% | 34% | 20% |
| Bank Overdraft | 14% | 13% | 17% | 19% | 12% |
| Bank Loan | 8% | 7% | 12% | 16% | 14% |
Data: SME Finance Monitor Q4 2025 Report
The chart below also shows that credit cards are the most popular type of finance used by UK SMEs. In 2025, they were used by 18% of SMEs, up from 13% in 2020.
What are the pros and cons of business credit cards?
While business credit cards offer a range of benefits, from flexible financing to simplified expense management, they are not without drawbacks. The following advantages and disadvantages highlight the key factors businesses should consider before choosing a card.
Advantages
- Flexible cash flow: Credit cards provide businesses with access to short-term financing for everyday expenses, typically offering up to 2 months of interest-free financing on purchases if the outstanding balance is paid in full by the due date.
- Streamlined accounting: Using a business credit card helps to keep company expenses separate from personal expenditure, enabling more accurate bookkeeping, simpler reconciliations, and integration with many accounting platforms.
- Tailored rewards: Business credit cards enable companies to maximise returns through cashback offers on operational spending, while also providing additional rewards such as air miles, airport lounge access, and business insurance.
- Expense control: Business credit cards can be issued to employees with individual spending limits, helping organisations monitor expenditure, enforce spending policies, and streamline expense management processes.
- Improve business credit profiles: Using a business credit card can help to establish or improve a business’s credit history, opening the door to other business financing options.
Disadvantages
- Higher interest rates: Business credit cards usually carry higher APRs than standard business loans, making them more expensive for long-term borrowing.
- Lower credit limits: Compared with dedicated business lending products, such as unsecured loans and commercial credit lines, business credit cards generally offer more modest borrowing limits.
- Increased debt: There is a risk of accumulating high-cost debt if the credit cards are not managed properly.
- Reduced purchase protection: Unlike personal credit cards, business credit cards are not covered by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act. Businesses will not benefit from the same legal protection on purchases between £100 and £30,000 if goods or services are faulty, not delivered, or misrepresented. While some providers offer voluntary purchase protection or insurance benefits, these are not equivalent to the statutory safeguards available to consumers.
How to choose the best credit card for your business
To find the right card, you need to balance the overall costs against the tangible value of the rewards it offers. Consider the following:
- Eligibility criteria: Check the eligibility criteria of the business credit card provider, which may include minimum turnover, trading duration, company type, industry and credit history. Many business card providers will not accept sole traders, charities, trusts, or businesses in industries they deem high-risk (e.g. gambling or crypto).
- Core costs: Evaluate the purchase APR and the annual fee to estimate your baseline cost of using a credit card as a line of credit.
- Interest-free periods: Check the length of the interest-free grace period. If you pay your balance in full every month, a high APR becomes less relevant.
- Hidden fees: Review non-standard costs, such as foreign exchange (FX) fees for international travel and cash withdrawal charges.
- Deal-breaker features: Ensure the card integrates with your specific accounting software (such as Xero) and supports the exact number of employee cards you require. If it doesn’t meet these core operational requirements, it’s worth considering alternative providers.
- Relevance of rewards: Look for rewards that align with your existing spending habits. If you rarely travel, an Avios card is less valuable than an uncapped cashback card.
- Attainability of benefits: Before applying, calculate whether your business’s projected spending levels are sufficient to maximise rewards and deliver value beyond any annual fees.
What are the alternatives to business credit cards?
If a credit card isn’t the right fit for your business’s funding needs, consider these alternative financing options:
- Bank overdraft: ideal for covering short-term, emergency cash-flow fluctuations.
- Unsecured business loan: best for lump sum borrowing with predictable fixed-term repayments at fixed rates.
- Asset finance: used specifically to spread the cost of purchasing physical equipment or vehicles.
- Invoice finance: allows you to borrow against your outstanding client invoices to unlock cash instantly.
- Merchant cash advance: a flexible loan repaid as a percentage of your daily credit and debit card sales.
- Business prepaid card: provides companies with a controlled and efficient way to manage expenses. Similar to a debit card, it allows transactions only up to the amount preloaded on the card.
How to apply for a business credit card
When you have determined the best business credit card(s) for your business and checked that your business meets the eligibility criteria, you will typically need to provide the following information when applying:
- Your full name, home address, date of birth, and contact information
- Your business’s legal name, registered address, and company registration number
- Your average monthly business turnover
- Business bank account details for paying monthly card payments
Some providers let you check your eligibility with a soft search that only you can see, and that doesn’t affect your credit score. A full application can involve a hard search on you, your business or both, and a hard search stays on your file.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can sole traders get a business credit card?
Yes, some business credit card providers accept applications from sole traders. Lloyds accepts sole traders, partners and directors, and Santander accepts sole traders and partnerships, but both require you to hold a business current account with them first.
Can I use my business credit card for personal use?
No, you cannot use business credit cards for personal use. Business credit card terms limit the card to business spending. Mixing personal and business spending also complicates your bookkeeping. If personal spending ends up on a company card, it is usually treated as a director’s loan and needs to be repaid or recorded.
Are business credit cards a sensible form of business finance?
If you pay the balance in full each month, they can be a wise choice. You can get cashback of up to 1% on several cards, and up to 42 to 56 days interest-free. The downsides are costs outside the interest-free period and limited protection. Representative APRs on the cards we list start at 15.95% (Lloyds) and exceed 30% on several, and Section 75 protection does not apply to business cards. A credit card (business or personal) is a poor way to fund long-term borrowing, so consider a business loan instead.
Can a start-up or new business get a business credit card?
Yes, there are several credit card providers that do not have a minimum trading history, including Capital on Tap, RBS and Santander.
To see the best cards for start-ups, select ‘Not trading yet’ in the ‘Your Trading History’ filter above or read our guide to business credit cards for start-ups.
Does a business credit card affect your personal credit score?
A business credit card can affect your personal credit score, but the extent depends on the card issuer, how the account is structured, and how you use the card. If you’re self-employed, a business credit card will impact your personal credit file.
For registered businesses, a business credit card can affect your personal credit score if (1) you are required to sign a personal guarantee, (2) the card provider runs a hard inquiry on your personal credit file on application, or (3) you make late payments or default on payments.
When you apply for a business credit card, the card provider will check your business’s credit file, but on some occasions, they may also ask for personal guarantees. If this is required, the business credit card can affect your personal credit score.
Late payments on your business credit card can also affect your personal credit report, as the provider may report them to the credit bureaus.
Can you get 0% interest business credit cards?
Not in the way personal cards offer them. Business credit cards give interest-free periods on purchases of up to 56 days if you pay your balance in full. They don’t offer multi-month 0% periods like personal credit cards do on sign-up or balance transfers.
Can I get approved for a business credit card with bad credit?
Yes, but it will depend on how bad your or your business’s credit score is and the issuer’s eligibility criteria. A poor credit score is likely to result in a higher APR.
What’s the difference between a corporate card and a business card?
Business credit cards are designed for small to medium-sized businesses (some providers also accept sole traders). The cardholder can pay off their balance over time (i.e., carry a balance), and the primary cardmember can redeem the rewards they earn from spending on their credit card. Corporate credit cards are designed for established businesses with large annual revenues (typically in £3m+) and require the balance to be paid in full each billing cycle. Their main purpose is advanced employee spend tracking and management.
What's the difference between business charge cards and business credit cards?
Charge cards typically require payment of the balance in full by the end of each month, have no preset spending limits, and charge no interest (as the balance is paid off in full each month). Business credit cards charge interest, have preset spending limits, and require a minimum monthly payment that is a small percentage of the total outstanding balance.
Can I get more than one business credit card?
Yes, you can get more than one business credit card. This could yield more rewards, but it may negate the benefits of streamlining your company’s cash flow.
Are business credit cards more expensive than personal ones?
Typically, yes. This is due to the higher perceived risk, as there is commonly no personal liability for the account holder at a limited company.
Do business credit cards offer rewards?
Yes, rewards are one of the main benefits of many business credit cards. The most common rewards are reward points, such as air miles (gained through spending) and cashback.
Can I use a personal credit card for business expenses?
In the UK, you can legally use a personal credit card for business expenses, although keeping business and personal spending separate is generally recommended for accounting and tax purposes. However, business credit cards are intended solely for business-related expenditure, and using them for personal purchases may breach the card issuer’s terms and conditions.
How do I find the best business credit card for my company?
Before applying, ensure you meet the provider’s eligibility criteria and compare key costs, including the APR, annual fee, interest-free period, and any additional charges. Also consider whether the card’s features, rewards, and integrations align with your business’s spending habits and offer enough value to justify any fees.
How do I open a business credit card?
Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, gather the necessary documentation, and then apply.
Do I need a business bank account to get a credit card?
A business bank account isn’t always a prerequisite for a business credit card, but many providers require one. Some specialist providers and fintechs allow eligible businesses to apply without opening a separate business bank account. Always check the lender’s eligibility criteria before applying.
How quickly can I get a business credit card?
The time it takes to get a UK business credit card varies by provider. Still, many businesses can be approved within minutes and receive a virtual card almost immediately, while a physical card typically arrives within 3 to 10 working days.
What is the best business credit card to build business credit?
There is no single best card. What matters is getting approved, using the card regularly and paying on time, every time. If your business is new, Capital on Tap has no minimum trading period, while Funding Circle requires 12 months of trading. Late payments on a business card can also affect your personal credit file if you have given a personal guarantee.
Which business credit cards have no annual fee?
The Capital on Tap Free card, the Funding Circle Cashback card, the Barclaycard Select Cashback card and the Metro Bank card have no annual fee. Lloyds and NatWest waive their business credit card fee if you spend £6,000 a year.