Are you on the hunt for a corporate card? Chances are you’ve seen countless offers for 0% APR. Some offer lucrative cashback rewards, others boast no annual fees, and still, others try to lure you in with enticing welcome offers. Of course, while all of these rewards programs seem exciting, what do they really have to offer your business?
At Ramp, we know a thing or two about business credit cards. We'll go over the best 0% APR business credit cards on the market today. We’ll also cover how to pick the right business credit card for your business and what you can do to increase your chances of qualifying for a 0% APR business credit card.
What is 0% introductory APR?
APR stands for annual percentage rate or interest rate. Credit card issuers apply this rate to transactions, purchases, or balance transfers made with your credit card.
Many credit cards will offer a promotion of a 0% intro APR period. This introductory offer allows new cardholders to make payments on their balance for a period of time without paying interest. The minimum time for an intro APR offer is six months, but some can last up to 21 months.
When the introductory APR period ends, the card issuer will apply your regular APR rate to your card.
Why choose a business credit card with 0% APR?
Small businesses with limited initial capital may choose a business credit card with 0% introductory APR to finance large purchases. For example, making a $7,000 purchase on a card that has a 15-month introductory APR period means you’ll have 15 months to pay it off without paying additional interest.
Some companies apply for a credit card with 0% APR to pay down debt faster. Many of these cards offer the intro APR period to balance transfers. Transferring a higher balance from a card with a regular APR to one with 0% APR could result in you paying off your balance faster.
Introducing Ramp: the best 0% APR business card in 2022
At Ramp, we are here to help businesses simplify spending while maximizing savings. Our Visa charge card comes equipped with integrated finance automation software. This built-in spend management platform saves you time and money through expense management, accounting automation and reporting, and AI-powered savings insights.
Our business budgeting software gives companies of all ages control over their finances so they can focus on what really matters — growing their business.
- Annual fee:$0
- APR: Always 0%
- Welcome offer: $250 upon approval with no minimum spend required
- Rewards: 1.5% cashback on all purchases
Pros:
- Welcome offer doesn’t require any minimum spend
- No foreign transaction fees
- Cashback rewards are never capped
Cons:
- Balance doesn’t carry over from month to month
- Currently not available to freelancers or sole proprietors
Take a closer look at some of our card's best features:
- Digitalize spend management with virtual credit cards for employees with recurring spend limits
- Actionable AI savings insights to help your business eliminate unneccessary spending Negotiation services ensure you don’t overpay for software
- Create custom spend workflows to streamline the management of big expenses
- Tap into AI-powered invoice processing to easily pay vendors by check, ACH, or card
- Gain access to Ramp’s expense tracker tool to keep track of business expenses contributing towards metrics like operating profit, gross profit, net profit, etc
- Integration with over 100 platforms, ranging from accounting software to HRIS platforms
Ramp works for any company looking to maximize their dollars and create a sustainable business. Businesses looking to increase their lifespan through intelligence and automation will find that Ramp helps them spend smart and save more.
6 other low and no-interest business credit card options in 2022
There aren’t many providers that offer 0% APR business credit card options longer than 9 months. But they do exist.
Let’s break them down.
1. American Express Blue Business Cash Card
The American Express Blue Business Cash Card initially shines in the world of 0% APR business credit cards. It offers a 0% APR period of 12 months from your account opening, no annual fee, and 2% cash back on all eligible purchases. However, younger startups looking for no interest capital might find it hard to acquire as this card requires good to excellent credit. In addition, American Express places spending caps on bonus rewards, limiting the amount of cash back you can enjoy in a calendar year.
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 0% APR for 12 months
- Welcome offer: Earn up to $500 cashback in statement credits. (Earn $250 after spending $5,000 in qualifying purchases within 6 months and an additional $250 after spending an additional $10,000 within your first year.)
Rewards:
- 2% cashback on eligible business purchases up to $50,000
- 1% cashback on eligible business purchases after $50,000
Why people opt for it: Popular for its high rewards rate, ability to spend beyond credit limit with Expanded Buying Power, and expense management tools. Good for business owners who spend less than $50,000 a year.
Pros:
- Offers extra perks like car rental insurance overseas
- Flexible credit limit with Expanded Buying Power
- Management accounts with Quickbooks Integration
Cons:
- Foreign transaction fees can eclipse cash back rewards
- Cash back reward capped at $50,000
- Lacks low introductory APR for balance transfers
AMEX offers additional features to cardholders, such as:
- Employee cards help you earn additional rewards on employee eligible purchases
- Connect to Quickbooks with auto-expense categorization
- Extended warranty on purchases made with AMEX card for one additional year
- Purchase protection of up to 90 days up to $50,000 a calendar year
- Dispute resolution center to rectify fraudulent or incorrect charges
- Cardholders enjoy special AMEX offers to earn rewards on purchases
2. U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard
U.S Bank’s Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard draws customers in with its namesake. Looked at as a triple threat, this card offers a 0$ annual fee, 0% APR for 15 billing cycles, and 3% cash back on select purchases. However, when stacked up against other 0% APR business cards, it leaves a lot to be desired in rewards.
Annual fee: $0
APR: 0% APR for 15 billing cycles, then variable APR between 16.99% - 25.99%
Welcome bonus: Earn $500 in cash back after spending $4,500 in the first 150 days after account opening.
Rewards:
- Earn 3% cashback on eligible purchases at gas stations/EV charging stations, restaurants, cell phone service providers, and office supply stores
- 1% cashback on all other business purchases
Why people opt for it: This card is popular for its generous 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, EV charging stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers and restaurants. Cardholders also enjoy 5% cash back on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked through the Travel Rewards Center.
Pros:
- No limit on cash back earned
- Intro APR applied to purchases and balance transfers
Cons:
- Lacks benefits outside of cashback rewards
- Requires high credit score for lackluster rewards
Other important notes:
- Card offers $0 fraud liability
- $100 software credit for software subscriptions (ex. Freshbooks/Quickbooks)
- Split up eligible purchases of $100+ into equal monthly payments with U.S Bank Extend Pay plan
3. Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
Chase’s Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card is a good fit for business owners looking for a no-frills 0% APR credit card. With a flat rate of 1.5% cashback on every business purchase, you earn cash whether you’re spending money on office supplies, gas, or business outings. However, if the majority of your business takes place overseas, this isn’t the card for you. High foreign transaction fees make it a pain to travel internationally.
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 0% APR for 12 months on purchases after account opening, then variable APR of 15.49% - 21.49% for purchases and balance transfers.
- Welcome bonus: $750 cash back after spending $7,500 on purchases within 3 months of account opening.
- Rewards: 1.5% cashback rewards on business purchases
Why people opt for it: Businesses opt for this card due to its $0 annual fee and welcome bonus. Rewards earned within Chase Ultimate Rewards never expire, and Chase offers free employee cards to businesses.
Pros:
- Unlimited 1.5% cashback on all business purchases
- Rewards never expire
- Employee cards allow businesses to earn faster
Cons:
- No bonus reward categories
- Not the best card for balance transfers
Other important notes:
- Account management and integration with bookkeeping software
- Fraud Protection through monitoring your account with real-time fraud monitoring
- Zero Liability Protection means you aren’t responsible for unauthorized charges
- Purchase Protection covers your new purchases for 120 days against damage or theft
- Extended Warranty gives you an additional year of warranty for products with eligible warranties of three years or less
- Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver covers your rental vehicle against theft and collision damage
- Roadside Dispatch helps during roadside emergencies such as tire changes, lockout service or winching
4. Capital One Spark Cash Select
What the Capital One Spark Cash Select card lacks in bonus categories, it makes up for in simplicity. Businesses that spend lots of time in the air will enjoy the travel cashback opportunities, not to mention zero foreign transaction fees. While the 0% APR intro period is 12 months, you might find yourself struggling to keep up with payments once the higher regular APR kicks in each month.
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 0% APR on purchases for 12 months, then regular APR of 18.99 - 26.99% on purchases and balance transfers
- Welcome bonus: Earn a $500 cash bonus if you spend $4,500 on purchases in the first three months from your account opening
Rewards:
- 1.5% cashback rewards on all business purchases
- 5% cashback on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
Why people opt for it: Businesses choose the Captial One Spark Cash Select card for its straightforward cashback rewards system, free employee cards with spending control, and lack of foreign transaction fees. You can set your rewards points to redeem as cashback, put them towards your account balance, or use them as airline travel rewards.
Pros:
- Free employee cards
- Ability to set up spend control limits for employee cards
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Lacks variety of bonus rewards categories
- 0% intro APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
Other important notes:
- Access and download yearly purchase records into multiple formats including Quicken, Excel and Quickbooks
- Enjoy free employee cards with customized spend limits
- Roadside assistance for emergencies like jump-starting or towing
- Use Capital One Travel portal to view dozens of trip options
- Extended warranty on items purchases with your Capital One card
- Card Lock for misplaced, lost, or stolen cards
- Capital One’s Eno smart assistant automates spend control and sends notifications about account activity
5. Blue Business Plus Credit Card - American Express
If credit cards could be related, the Blue Business Plus Credit Card would be fraternal twins with the Blue Business Cash Card from American Express. Both cards offer similar perks and rewards to their cardholders, the main difference being that this card allows you to earn points instead of cashback rewards. Between its welcome bonus and Expanded Buying Power offering, it seems that this card encourages businesses to spend beyond their means. However, spending more than your credit limit will hurt your business when your higher balance results in higher interest payments and could deal a blow to your credit score.
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 0% APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then variable APR of 16.24% - 24.24% based on your creditworthiness
- Intro bonuses: Earn 15,000 Membership points after spending $3,000 in eligible purchases on your card within 3 months of card membership
Rewards:
- 2x Membership points per dollar on eligible business purchases up to $50,000
- 1x Membership point per dollar on eligible business purchases after $50,000
Why people opt for it: Businesses opt for the Blue Business Plus Credit Card if they would like to earn American Express Rewards Membership points instead of cashback and want to gain access to the many partners affiliated the AmEx rewards center. These points can be transferred at 1:1 at several airline and hotel partners.
Pros:
- Several transfer partners to redeem points
- Expanded Buying Power makes it possible to use your card beyond credit limit
Cons:
- Rewards spending capped at $50,000
- Requires excellent credit to qualify
Other important notes:
- AMEX does offer some spend control capabilities for businesses, such as spending limits for employee cards and pre-approved spending, account alerts, and an Account Manager to oversee the business card account.
- Car Rental Loss and Damage Waiver for coverage to rental vehicles in covered locations
- Extended Warranty on purchases made with your AmEx credit card
- Purchase Protection on products damaged or stolen within 90 days of purchase date
- Access to pay bills through Vendor Pay via bill.com
- QuickBooks integration for auto-expense categorization
6. Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard
If you like to sit in the driver's seat when it comes to rewards, the Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard is the card for you. Business owners who understand where the majority of their operating budget goes will find that this card gives them the most value for their money. Once you get past this perk, the rest of the card is fairly standard. The lack of bonus features and rewards spending cap don’t make this card a standout option for big spenders.
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 0% Introductory APR for 9 billing cycles, then a variable APR of 15.24% to 25.24%.
- Welcome bonus: $300 statement credit online bonus after making at least $3,000 in net purchases during the first 90 days of your account opening
Rewards:
- 3% cashback in the rewards category of your choice (choose from gas stations, office supply stores, travel, TV, telecom, wireless, computer services and business consulting services) default category is gas stations
- 2% cashback on dining purchases (Earn 3% and 2% cashback in the combined choice category and dining purchases up to $50,000)
- Unlimited 1% cashback on all other purchases
Why people opt for it: People opt for this card for its ability to choose 3% cashback in the category of your choice. Cardholders with a checking account with Bank of America can also stand to earn more through the issuer’s Preferred Rewards for Business program.
Pros:
- 3% cashback rewards can be in the category of cardholder’s choosing
- Cardholders with a Bank of America checking account can earn up to 75% more rewards
Cons:
- Foreign transaction fee makes it difficult to take this card overseas
- 9 months 0% intro APR period is shorter than competing cards
- 0% Intro APR doesn’t apply to balance transfers
Other important notes:
- Contactless cards to pay by tapping
- Card rewards never expire
- Access to Business Advantage 360 to monitor business spending
Low interest business credit cards vs 0% APR business credit cards
At times, it may seem that a low-interest business credit card serves your company better than one with 0% APR. While most cards that offer low-interest rates begin with 0% APR, the period of introductory APR will vary.
A business credit card with 0% intro APR may save you money in the short term. However, if your business plans to carry a balance for several months, a low-interest business credit card is more advantageous for the long term. You can try requesting a lower APR from your current issuer, or look for low-interest cards that offer balance transfers to continue building positive credit while saving money.
How to select the best 0% APR business credit card for your needs
No two companies are alike. Startups might focus on cards that offer cash back to earn cash back for future purchases, while companies with international clientele may be more interested in travel miles. Other businesses may find that they stand to gain more from low-interest business credit cards than those with 0% APR.
For example, let’s say Startup Z is a company of 50 people and wants to finance several large purchases over the year without paying interest. They should look for a corporate card that has a longer 0% APR period, allowing them to roll over balances without paying interest.
On the other hand, Startup X is in the technology industry and will spend most of its money on travel. To get the most rewards, they choose a card that offers more travel benefits and a higher percentage of cashback on travel purchases.
In yet another scenario, let’s say your business may have unpredictable monthly spending. In this case, a card with a preset limit may result in financial problems and fees for spending past the limit. This company should look for a 0% APR card without a spending limit that adapts to your spending and payment history.
What to consider when selecting a 0% APR business credit card
To pick the best 0% APR business credit card for your company, consider these seven factors:
- Your business expenses: What category do the majority of your business expenses fall in? Will you be spending most of your budget at office supply stores? Or do your employees spend lots of time on the road visiting clients? The card you choose should have spending categories that align with your business spending habits.
- The 0% APR period length: Decide how long you need the 0% APR introductory period to be. Compare this time period with the perks offered by each card. It may be that a card with a shorter APR period has better benefits for your business.
- Balance transfer option: Does the card apply the 0% introductory APR to balance transfers? If not, how much is the balance transfer fee?
- Additional fees: Look at both the fixed and annual costs of the card. Some cards have annual fees, but these may come with impressive rewards programs. Cards lacking travel rewards may have high foreign transaction fees. Most cards have late fees and fees for exceeding the limit, so examine these carefully to avoid overpaying.
- Rewards: Check out the rewards that each business
- Variable APR: The 0% APR period will eventually turn into a standard APR. Although you may try to avoid carrying a balance, you’ll want to try and secure a low APR. Should you need to carry a balance or forget to pay, you won’t be stuck making hefty interest payments each month.
- Welcome offer: What is the welcome offer given by the card issuer? Does it come in the form of point or rewards? If a card offers a generous welcome bonus but requires you to spend big to get it, it might not be the best fit for younger businesses lacking capital.
Tips for maximizing your chances of obtaining a 0% APR business credit card
Obtaining a 0% APR business credit card can be a crucial part of your business success. While smaller companies may feel they lack the financial history or credit score needed to obtain a 0% APR corporate card, you can take steps to maximize your chances.
- Check and maintain your credit score. When applying for a business credit card, your personal credit score is also looked at, especially for newer businesses. Check your credit before applying to understand where you fall.If you realize that your business credit score needs improvement, work on building positive business credit. Once you improve your score, maintain it by making regular payments and keeping your credit balance low.
- See if your current provider runs a retention offer by letting them know you’re considering a replacement. If a card issuer has spent several hundred dollars in cashback or points to get you to open a card, they want to see a return on their investment. If you close your card or cease to use it soon after opening your account, the card issuer will lose money on you. To avoid this, issuers may extend retention offers to get you to keep your card open longer. Ask if your current card issuer would consider giving you a card with 0% APR for a period.
- Research options before you fill out applications so as not to negatively impact your credit score. Remember that no matter the amount of APR on the card, applying for new credit cards will result in a hard pull of your credit. Multiple pulls could result in a short-term negative impact on your business credit score.
- Keep existing credit utilization rate low. Most businesses like to charge large businesses a 0% APR credit card to pay back the debt without interest. However, keeping your credit utilization rate under 30% is best to avoid negatively impacting your credit score.
Get 0% APR with Ramp’s business card
While many 0% APR cards can give you exciting perks and rewards, the right corporate card should go further. Along with a generous rewards program, your business card should equip your company with tools to improve your yearly financial performance.
Ramp supplies small business entrepreneurs with the business budgeting software they need to get control of their finances and manage their spending. Instead of encouraging spending to qualify for rewards points, you may never use, Ramp looks for ways your business can save big.
Fast-growing startup WizeHire saw firsthand how beneficial Ramp could be for young businesses. Before implementing Ramp’s spend management platform, WizeHire had employees sharing a single AmEx card. This made it difficult to empower its employees with decision-making and slowed company growth. After setting up Ramp, they could distribute employee credit cards and set spending limits on individual cards to control spending efficiently. Ramp was also able to help them save money on expensive Saas products through negotiating additional discounts to enjoy savings of 100k in seven months.
We believe your business card needs to support your company’s growth—not work against it. That’s why all our corporate cards come with integration capabilities for over 100 programs, all with no strings attached.
Ready to scale your business without interest? Get Ramp today.
Image sources:
American Express Blue Business Cash Card
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards World Elite Mastercard
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