Which Business Credit Card Companies Have the Best Customer Satisfaction?

Business owners often make use of credit cards in managing company finances. Owners, executives and many employees may have a business credit card for the exclusive handling of business expenses. Because corporate credit cards are used differently than personal cards, cardholders often have very specific concerns that impact their satisfaction, or dissatisfaction, with their credit cards.

What's Important to Business Credit Card Holders?

There are many factors that make a business credit card a good one. There are, however, some that stand out:

Business-specific services: Corporate and small business credit card holders appreciate credit cards that can reduce work for a company's accounting department. Cards that provide enhanced reporting on expenditures, such as classifying by expense type, can make it easier for a business to reconcile its accounts and track spending. Some business credit card companies also allow employers to send individual spending limits for employee cards.

Credit limit flexibility: Some business credit card companies will temporarily extend credit limits. This can be incredibly helpful during times of business stress or if an opportunity arises and cash flow or standard business loans are not available. Some business credit cards offer the option of making charges above the card's credit limit when necessary. This can be incredibly helpful during times of business stress or if an opportunity arises and cash flow or standard business loans are not available.

Favorable interest rates and financial terms: Business card holders want low interest rates, favorable introductory rate options, and low or no fees.

Special introductory rates: Many of the best business cards offer 0% APR for the first 12 months. This can help business owners control costs.

Purchase protection and extended warranty programs: Malfunctioning equipment can hamper business operations. Cards that offer purchase protection and extended warranties can give business owners peace of mind.

Strong rewards programs: In many cases, businesses rely on mileage earned by using a corporate credit card as a way to subsidize business travel. Other points systems, that offer cashback or various business-related perks are also appreciated.

Transparent terms and advice: Business owners appreciate fully understanding the terms of a business credit card, how to make the most of its rewards programs, and assistance with payment options if making regular payments becomes difficult due to a business downturn.

Integration with your current bank: Many business owners find it advantageous to get a business credit card with their business bank.

Top Business Credit Cards

Below are some of the top business cards in terms of overall customer satisfaction. As always, you'll need to assess your own business needs and practices before determining which is the best for your company and team.

American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card

This card by American Express offers the following:

• 0% APR during your first 12 months of card membership.
• $250 statement credit if you spend at least $3,000 during your first three months of card membership.
• Cashback program: 2% cashback on first $50,000 of spending per calendar year. After you reach the spending threshold, cashback drops to 1% until the end of the calendar year.
• This card offers Expanded Buying Power which provides you with the ability to exceed your credit limit if necessary. The program does depend on your credit and spending history, however, and is not an unlimited credit line.
• Travel benefits include car rental damage and loss coverage, plus access to the Global Assist Hotline.
• Business benefits include the ability to designate account managers, the availability of employee cards, and seamless connection to various billing, invoicing, accounting and payment tools.
• Extended warranty and purchase protection.

Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard®

A Mastercard from Bank of America that offers the following:

• 0% APR for first nine billing cycles.
• Cashback programs that can provide significantly increased cashback in selected categories (up to 5.25%).
• Cashback redemption options include statement credits, direct deposits to Bank of America accounts, or a check mailed to the cardholder.
• $300 statement credit for those who spend at least $3,000 with the card during the first three months.

Ink Business Unlimited(R)

A Visa card from Chase that offers the following:

• No annual fee, 0% APR on first 12 months with the card.
• Cashback program offers 1.5% on all purchases with no exclusive categories. Employee cards earn cashback for your business.
• $750 cashback when you spend at least $7,500 with the card during your first three months.
• Card can be integrated with accounting, vendor management, and expense apps.
• Travel benefits include collision damage waiver on rental cars, roadside assistance, and a travel emergency service.
• Extended warranties and purchase protection.

Discover IT(TM) Business Credit Card

A business card from Discover that offers the following:

• No annual fee, 0% APR for the first 12 months.
• Up to 50 cards for your employees.
• Full integration with major accounting and invoicing apps, including Quicken, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Office Excel.
• 1.5% cashback plus a cashback match from Discover at the end of each year. Your business will also earn cash back on your employee card purchases.

American Express® Business Gold Card

This is a charge card (balance must be paid off each month) and not a credit card. American Express cards are known for being particularly business-friendly, with very strong travel support. Here are some of the benefits of this card:

• Strong loyalty points program with a quadruple bonus in a category of your choosing.
• If you use your bonus points to purchase an airline ticket, you'll earn 25% of those points back.
• Pay over time option: This program allows you to carry a balance on your card, though this option does come with high interest rates.
• Other travel benefits include access to the Global Assist Hotline, travel delay coverage, travel accident insurance, secondary insurance for rental cars, and baggage insurance. You can also receive an on-property credit of $75 at hotels that are part of the Amex Hotel Collection.
• Purchase protection and extended warranties.

Capital One Spark 1.5% Cash Select

The Capital One Spark 1.5% Cash Select card is for business owners with good credit. Here are some of the features of this card:

• No annual fee.
• 0% APR for first 12 months
• Cash back rewards never expire and you can claim them at any time you like
• Seamlessly integrate cards with invoicing, accounting, and expensing apps
• Designate an account manager to manage your card and payments
• Travel perks include additional rewards for booking travel with the card, Global Entry or PreCheck fee reimbursement credit, two free passes to Capital One lounges at select airports.
• Access to Capital One Spring, which offers corporate discounts to cardholders.

Final Word

Choosing the right card for your business can be a challenge. Talk to your accountant or business manager to determine the needs of your company before making a decision regarding a credit card product. It is also wise to periodically review your current cards and their terms: You may be able to upgrade to a different card offered by your current provider if your business needs have changed. If that doesn't happen, you may opt to take your business to a different card issuer.