Compare business credit cards

A business credit card is designed to help UK companies manage everyday expenses, smooth out cash flow, and separate personal and professional spending.

Whether you’re a sole trader or running a growing company, a business credit card offers flexibility, often with higher credit limits, and tailored rewards (like cashback or Avios points). It offers business-friendly features such as expense tracking, employee cards, and accounting integrations, too.

A business credit card can also be a useful tool for unexpected costs while helping to build your company’s credit profile, making future financing easier to access. As with any credit, all applications are subject to credit checks.

Eligibility depends on the provider’s criteria and your company’s financial profile. While some business credit cards are designed for startups or sole traders, others may require a minimum turnover or business history.

To apply for a business credit card in the UK, you need to:

  • Be aged 18 or over

  • Be a UK resident

  • Run a UK-registered business (sole trader, partner, or limited company director)

Some will also ask you to pass a personal credit check as well as a business one, or request proof of steady cash flow.

To improve your approval chances, check the provider’s specific criteria and consider using an eligibility checker to avoid impacting your credit score.

With so many options, it’s important to compare key factors to find the right business credit card for your needs:

  • Interest rate: If carrying a balance, look for cards with lower APRs to reduce borrowing costs.

  • Credit limits: Ensure the card’s limit aligns with your company’s spending needs.

  • Rewards: Choose cards offering points, cashback, or travel perks that suit your business.

  • Introductory offers: Take advantage of 0% APR periods, bonus points, or waived fees in the first year.

  • Expense management: Check if the card includes tracking tools or integration with accounting software.

  • International usage: If you need to spend while working abroad, a card with no or low foreign transaction fees can help cut down costs.

4 key steps to apply for a business credit card

Business credit cards often come with rewards that help your company get more value from everyday spending. Popular rewards include:

  • Cashback

  • Air miles

  • Travel points

  • Shopping vouchers

Some cards offer higher rewards in specific business categories, such as fuel or software subscriptions. Other providers even offer bonus points for hitting a minimum spend within the first few months.

For businesses that travel frequently, cards offering air miles or hotel points can provide significant value. Many providers also allow you to pool rewards across multiple employee cards, helping your business accumulate points faster.

Costs to consider before you apply

Before applying for your business credit card, it’s important to think about:

  • Annual fees – make sure the value of the rewards outweighs any fees.

  • Interest rates – carrying a balance can quickly negate your rewards.

  • Reward terms – check for expiry dates, restrictions, or tax implications.

By managing your card responsibly, your company can turn everyday expenses into meaningful rewards, helping to boost cash flow, save on travel, and unlock valuable perks.

About the author

Joe joined the money.co.uk team in 2024, where he helps small business owners navigate the often confusing world of business finance. His role is to cut through the jargon and create clear, actionable content that empowers entrepreneurs to make confident financial decisions.

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*Based on average application data from trackable providers (22/09/25-03/02/26). Accurate as of 03/02/26.