Best business credit cards for startups & small business

It can be hard to choose the right credit card as there is lots of choice on the market. We’ve compiled a list of the top cards available to help you make the best decision for your business.

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A business credit card provides another source of funds, which can help with cashflow as most come with around 50 days of interest free credit. They can also provide a number of incentives for using them.

Thirteen of the best business credit cards

NatWest Business credit cards

• From 24.3% to 29% representative APR (variable)
• Annual fee £30 to £70
• Interest-free credit period of 56 days
• Max-limit subject to status
• Manage your spending with ClearSpend app
• Set up reports to help you check and analyse business spending
• Additional cards available – £30 to £70 annual fee for each additional card

Eligibility

• Only available to existing NatWest business customers
• UK resident aged 18 or over

With the business plus card you can earn up to £400 cashback a year. If you’re travelling abroad, or buying from abroad, they won’t charge you a fee for purchases made in a foreign currency. These are good cards if you are doing business abroad.

Metro Bank business credit card

• 14.9% representative APR (variable)
• No annual fee
• Interest-free credit period of 56 days
• Max-limit subject to status
• Link up to 25 nominated cardholders to the account

Eligibility

• Aged 18 or over
• Only available to existing Metro Bank business customers

There is no charge from Metro Bank on foreign transactions in Europe, this makes it a good card if you do business in Europe. Simplicity is the rule of the day with this card, everything is clearly stated and it is great value.

Clydesdale Bank Business credit card

• 22.4% representative APR (variable)
• Annual fee £28 – first year free
• Interest-free credit period of 59 days
• Max-limit subject to status

Eligibility

• Aged 18 or over
• Only available to existing Clydesdale Bank business customers

There is no annual fee for the first year, which rises to £28. There is a 2.95% fee on all non-Sterling transactions. This is not ideal if you wish to use your card abroad.

Santander business credit card

• 23.7% representative APR (variable)
• Annual fee £30
• Interest-free credit period of 56 days
• Max-limit subject to status
• 1% cashback on all business expenditure

Eligibility

• UK resident aged 18 or over
• Your business is based/registered in the UK

There are no foreign transaction fees on purchases abroad. 1% cashback on all business spend with no cap, which offers great value. Additional cards available at no extra cost to your £30 annual account fee.

Capital on Tap business credit cards

• Interest rates from 9.9% APR (39.9% representative APR)
• Up to 56 days interest free on card purchases
• Credit facility of up to £50K
• Up to 10 free supplementary cards

Eligibility

• UK registered company with more than 3 months trading history
• Annual turnover of at least £24,000
• No County Court Judgments (CCJs) against you or your business in the last 12 months

Capital on Tap have some very low rates at the moment. They have a quick application process, there are no ATM fees or foreign exchange fees. You can get up 20 free supplementary cards.

HSBC commercial credit card

• 22% representative APR (variable)
• Annual fee £32 – first year free
• Up to 56 days interest free on card purchases
• Max-limit subject to status
• Additional cards available for employees

Eligibility

• You’ll need to have an HSBC business current account
• Must be a UK resident over the age of 18
• The business must be registered in the UK

This card is a solid offering from HSBC with few frills. It offers 56 days interest free credit to help you with short-term cash flow. There are non-sterling transaction fees, which is not ideal if you wish to do business abroad.

Barclaycard credit cards

• From 24.9% to 49.4% representative APR (variable)
• Annual fee from 0 – £150
• Up to 56 days interest free on card purchases
• Max-limit subject to status
• Additional cards available for employees

Eligibility

• Your business turnover or new business plan exceeds £10,000 per year
• Must be a UK resident over the age of 18
• The business must be registered in the UK

The premium plus credit card allows you to earn cashback on purchases and travel costs. You get a discounted rate on foreign exchange fees and 0.5% cashback on all eligible spend, but only up to £400 max per year.

Lloyds business credit card

• 22.4% representative APR (variable)
• Annual fee £32
• Up to 45 days interest free on card purchases
• Max-limit £10,000
• Up to 20 additional cards

Eligibility

• Must be a UK resident
• Must be 18 or over and be one of the following: a sole trader, partner or director with authority to borrow

Up to a £10,000 credit limit can be attained along with the possibility of withdrawing £500 per day. You need to have had a business current account with Lloyds for 12 or more months when applying for a £3 million+ turnover credit card. There are several ways to manage your dealings (online, telephone and mobile app).

Bank of Scotland Business credit card

• 22.4% representative APR (variable)
• Annual fee £32
• Up to 45 days interest free on card purchases
• Max-limit £10,000
• Up to 20 additional cards

Eligibility

• Must be a UK resident
• Must be 18 or over and be one of the following: a sole trader, partner or director with authority to borrow
• If your business turns over £2 million+ per year, you must contact the relationship manager before making an application

You can set individual spending limits per card, although there is £32 annual charge for each card. It only offers 45 days interest free credit which is quite a bit less than most other lenders.