How to choose the best business credit card for construction companies

Running a construction business comes with unique financial demands—irregular cash flow, high upfront costs for materials and equipment, complex expense tracking across multiple job sites, and equipment rentals that often come due before any client payment is received.

This mismatch between when expenses occur and when revenue is collected can lead to cash flow gaps that delay projects or strain day-to-day operations for your construction company.

Whether you manage a general contracting firm or oversee multiple crews, the right construction business credit card can help smooth out these challenges. It can cover key purchases when cash is tight, earn rewards on frequent expenses, and help manage spending on fuel, materials, and equipment—all while building your business credit profile.

Let’s break down what to look for in a business credit card for construction contractors and companies, the best options to consider, and how Ramp successfully helped construction companies like SAM Construction Group LLC.

What to look for in a construction business credit card

Why do these features matter for construction companies?

Construction contractors and businesses need a credit card that aligns with how they operate. Here are some common use cases where these specific business credit card features support how construction companies work.

1. Earning rewards on high-volume recurring expenses

Construction companies often spend thousands each month on gas, vehicle maintenance, cell phone plans, and office supplies. Cards with category-based rewards—such as 3% on gas or office expenses—can return meaningful value if those align with your regular spend.

For companies with broader or unpredictable categories (like renting dumpsters one week and buying safety gear the next), a flat-rate cash back card may deliver more consistent rewards. If you're just starting out or rebuilding credit, choosing a card with flexible approval requirements helps ensure access even without perfect credit or long credit history.

2. Covering upfront costs before getting paid

Construction contractors and companies often need to purchase lumber, drywall, concrete, or rent equipment like skid steers or scissor lifts before a single invoice is sent. A card with a 0% intro APR can help you buy what you need without interest piling up during the delay in payment.

Flat-rate cash back on those large-ticket purchases also offers added savings, and choosing a card with no or low annual fees keeps overhead in check—especially if you're not using premium travel or perks.

3. Managing employee and crew purchases

Job sites often need last-minute supply runs—gas for equipment, hardware store pickups, or meals for long shifts. With employee cards and spending controls, you can authorize purchases without giving blanket access to your full credit line.

Some cards also offer virtual cards, which are great for ordering materials online or paying software subscriptions. Combine that with expense management tools (like receipt capture and transaction categorization), and you’ll keep job-specific spending organized and easy to reconcile.

5 of the best business credit cards for construction companies

While business owners have many choices, these are some of the best business credit cards for construction companies and contractors:

Card comparison

Ramp Business Credit Card

The fastest, easiest way to manage expenses.

Email

Get started for free

Best overall card for contractors and construction

Annual Fee

$0

APR

N/A

Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card

Best for office and gas rewards

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.49%–24.49% (variable)

Recommended Credit Score

700–850 (good to excellent)

Rewards Rate

1%–5%

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Best for simple cashback

Annual Fee

$150

APR

N/A

FX Fees

$0

Rewards

Cashback

American Express Blue Business Cash Card

APR

APR 0% intro APR for 12 months, then 18.49%-26.49% (variable)

Fees

$0

US Bank Business Platinum Card

Best for low interest

Annual Fee

$0

APR

17.24%–6.24% (variable)

At Ramp, transparency and integrity are core values guiding our content. We believe in the exceptional value of our products, which may shape our perspective. Our methodical approach involves competitor analysis, comparison of credit cards, and frequent reviews to maintain reliability. Review our full methodology for choosing the best business credit cards.

1. Ramp Business Credit Card

For construction companies that prioritize control, visibility, and simplicity, the Ramp Business Credit Card is a flexible option. It’s not your typical business credit card—it’s a corporate charge card designed for growing businesses that want to manage spending efficiently across teams and projects.

In more detail:

• Cash back and rewards: Ramp offers cash back on a variety of purchases. Companies can save on average 5% by spending less time and money across your entire business. Ideal for businesses with varied spending and there’s no need to worry about rotating categories or caps.
• Category-based rewards: Ramp doesn’t offer elevated cashback rewards for specific categories like gas or office supplies, but it does provide access to partner perks and discounts on business tools, software, and services. These can offer meaningful savings, especially if your company uses platforms like QuickBooks, Slack, or AWS.
• Flexibility and spend controls: Ramp excels in expense management by allowing you to issue unlimited physical or virtual employee cards, set per-user or per-project spending limits, and monitor purchases in real time. Great for managing job-site purchases and foreman-led expenses.
• Introductory APR: Ramp is a charge card, so there’s no intro APR or option to carry a balance—your full balance is due each month. But if your priority is efficiency, control, and simple rewards across broad spending, it’s one of the most construction-friendly cards available.
• Annual fee and credit requirements: There’s no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and no card replacement fees—making it easy to keep costs predictable.
• Credit requirements: Ramp doesn’t require a personal credit check or guarantee. Instead, it reviews your business’s financials. Generally, you’ll need at least $50,000 in your business bank account to qualify.
• Expense management tools: Ramp includes built-in tools like real-time spend tracking, automated receipt capture, and integrations with QuickBooks, Xero, and more—ideal for project-based accounting and clean bookkeeping.

2. Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

For construction businesses with recurring office-related and fuel expenses, the Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card offers a structured rewards program and straightforward account management. It’s a traditional credit card that may appeal to companies looking for bonus categories, an intro APR offer, and no annual fee.

• Cash back and rewards: Offers 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services. Also earns 2% back on gas and restaurant purchases (up to $25,000 combined annually), and 1% on all other spending.
• Category-based rewards: Has bonus categories like gas, office supplies, and telecom services—though it may be less ideal for construction-specific costs like building materials or equipment rentals
• Flexibility and spend controls: Includes free employee cards with the ability to set individual spending limits
• Introductory APR: Offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months, followed by a variable APR between 17.49% and 25.49%
• Annual fee: No annual fee
• Credit requirements: Recommended for applicants with good to excellent credit, typically a score of 700 or higher
• Expense management tools: While not as advanced as dedicated platforms, Chase allows you to track spending and access reports to help with budgeting and tax prep

3. Capital One Spark Cash Plus

For construction businesses with broad and consistent spending across many expense categories, the Capital One Spark Cash Plus offers a simple reward structure. As a charge card, it's also designed for companies that can pay their balance in full each month and want to maximize flat-rate cash back without tracking categories.

This simplicity can be highly beneficial for businesses with spending patterns across a lot of categories that don’t typically see bonus rewards—such as on heavy machinery (excavators, bulldozers, cranes), smaller tools (saws, drills, hammers), vehicle maintenance and fuel, building materials (lumber, concrete, steel, drywall, etc.), roofing materials, plumbing and electrical supplies, windows and doors, insulation, and more.

In more detail:

• Cash back and rewards: Earns unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase—whether on materials, equipment, fuel, or subcontractor services.
• Category-based rewards: Does not offer elevated rewards for specific categories, but the flat 2% cash back rate provides strong value across all spending types.
• Flexibility and spend controls: This card has no preset spending limit. Instead, your limit adjusts based on factors like your business’s spending behavior, payment history, and overall credit profile.
• Introductory APR: Not applicable. As a charge card, the balance must be paid in full each month, and there is no introductory APR.Annual fee: $150 annual fee. However, the fee can be offset with a $150 annual statement credit if you spend at least $150,000 per year.
• Credit requirements: Typically requires excellent credit for approval, generally meaning a credit score of 700 or higher—though a score of 740+ may improve your chances.
• Expense management tools: Offers basic account management features such as itemized spending reports, autopay options, and the ability to choose your monthly due date.

4. American Express Blue Business Cash Card

The American Express Blue Business Cash Card is a simple, no-annual-fee option that may suit construction businesses with moderate, recurring expenses—especially those that value upfront savings, a 0% intro APR, and straightforward cash back on a range of eligible purchases.

Qualifying categories vary from travel to office supplies to restaurant meals, with eligible purchases including shipping and delivery costs—potentially useful for companies frequently ordering materials like lumber, steel, or concrete.

In more detail:

• Cash back and rewards: Earns 2% cash back on eligible purchases, up to $50,000 per calendar year (then 1% thereafter). Eligible spend includes common business needs like materials, shipping, travel, and more.
• Category-based rewards: Does not have rotating or tiered categories; the flat 2% rate applies across a wide range of purchases, including construction-related costs like delivery of heavy materials
• Flexibility and spend controls: Offers a flexible spending limit that can exceed your assigned credit limit, based on factors like payment history and business profile
• Introductory APR: Includes a 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 12 months, then a variable APR between 17.49% and 27.49%
• Annual fee: No annual fee
• Credit requirements: Typically requires excellent credit for approval, generally meaning a credit score of 690 or higher
• Expense management tools: Offers features like employee cards with spend tracking, account alerts, detailed year-end summaries, and more

5. U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card®

The U.S. Bank Business Platinum® Card is a no-frills option best suited for construction businesses focused on managing cash flow. We all know that projects can end up costing more—and taking longer—than budgeted for at the initial onset.

Its 0% introductory APR for 12 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers can help cover upfront supply costs, unexpected project overruns, or consolidate existing high-interest balances.

In more detail:

• Cash back and rewards: This card does not offer a rewards or cash back program
• Category-based rewards: Not applicable, as the card has no rewards structure
• Flexibility and spend controls: Allows you to set detailed controls on employee card usage, including restrictions based on time, location, or spending limits
• Introductory APR: Offers a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 billing cycles. After the intro period, a variable APR of 16.99%–25.99% applies.
• Annual fee: No annual fee
• Credit requirements: Typically suited for business owners with excellent credit, generally a score of 690 or higher
• Expense management tools: Includes access to U.S. Bank Spend Management, which offers features like receipt capture, real-time analytics, card controls, and integration with accounting systems

So, what is the best construction business credit card?

The best business credit card for your construction company depends largely on your size, spending habits, and cash flow needs.

• Small construction businesses or solo contractors: You may benefit most from low-cost, flexible options that offer cash back and introductory APRs without annual fees.
• Mid-size companies: If you're managing multiple projects and employees, Ramp can offer strong value with its built-in spend controls, flat-rate cash back, and expense tracking tools—especially if you don’t need to carry a balance.
• Larger construction firms: For those with high monthly spending, cards with unlimited cash back and no preset spending limits may be more suitable—ideal for making large purchases across a wide range of categories.

Ultimately, choose a card that matches your company’s spending patterns, cash flow timing, and growth stage. You can always pair multiple cards to cover different needs.

Other honorable mentions for construction credit cards include:

• U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Credit Card
• TD Business Solutions Credit Card
• Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
• Capital One Spark 1% Classic
• American Express Blue Business Plus

How to apply for a construction business credit card

Applying for a business credit card is similar to applying for a personal one, but there are a few things construction businesses should keep in mind:

• Check your credit and eligibility: Most cards require good to excellent credit, though some corporate cards (like Ramp) evaluate business financials instead of personal credit scores. If you're building credit, you may want to start with a secured card.
• Compare features carefully: Consider your needs—do you want cash back on materials and fuel, tools to manage employee spending, or a 0% intro APR to finance purchases? Evaluate rewards, fees, credit limits, and business tools.
• Gather your business info: You’ll typically need to provide details like your EIN, business structure, annual revenue, and number of employees. Some cards also ask for years in business and estimated monthly expenses.

Once you’ve found a card that aligns with your needs and qualifications, the application process is straightforward and usually takes just a few minutes online for many credit card issuers.

5 other financing options for construction companies

A business credit card isn’t the only way to finance your business. Here are five different alternatives to consider for your construction company.

1. Term loans

Business term loans have fixed monthly payments and don't use any collateral. While you can get a personal loan with a good FICO score, business loans have higher loan amounts, especially if you qualify for an SBA 7(a) loan. Term loans can range from three months to 25 years.

2. Business lines of credit

Business lines of credit let you access capital equal to a predetermined credit limit. You can borrow money against the credit line and make interest-only payments during the draw period. The remaining balance after the draw period either gets converted into a term loan or is subject to a balloon payment.

3. Equipment loans

These loans are term loans with fixed interest rates. They use the equipment as collateral and typically have terms ranging from 3-7 years. Lenders will look at your creditworthiness and the equipment’s condition when determining interest rates. Equipment loans usually have lower rates since the equipment becomes collateral.

4. Invoice factoring

Invoice factoring involves selling unpaid invoices to a factoring company. You receive capital equal to a percentage of the invoice’s face value, and the factoring company collects the payments. Invoice factoring companies look at the invoice recipient’s creditworthiness when assessing how much they will pay for your invoice. Invoice factoring doesn't involve any debt accumulation.

5. Invoice financing

Some companies let you keep your invoices and collect payments from clients which can preserve a good customer relationship. Invoice financing involves using your unpaid invoices as collateral and repaying the loan when you receive the invoice payments.

How construction companies successfully scale with Ramp

SAM Construction Group LLC experienced rapid growth—from 20 to over 200 employees in under two years—and needed more control over purchasing and payments. Before switching to Ramp, they relied on their corporate banking partner, but the process was manual and lacked visibility.

Ramp’s all-in-one platform, which includes corporate cards, bill pay, and procurement software, helped change that. Purchases that were once handled loosely through emails and verbal approvals are now managed with a clear procurement workflow. SAM now issues Ramp cards to team members like project managers and equipment leads, with spending tied directly to purchase orders and site activity.

By using Ramp to streamline payments, SAM gained real-time visibility and cut approval times significantly. Most notably, the company now pays vendors on time—and often early—unlocking 1–2% invoice discounts in the process.

“More vendors are allowing for discounts now, because they’re seeing the quick payment. That started with Ramp—getting everyone paid on time…Ramp is probably one of the best programs I’ve ever used in my business career. ” – James Hardy, CFO, SAM Construction Group

For construction firms managing multiple teams and vendors, Ramp’s card and procurement features can offer time savings, compliance, and cost benefits at scale.

Grow your construction company with the Ramp corporate card

Construction companies need good cash flow. The industry has relatively low profit margins, but the right business card can make a difference. We believe the Ramp Corporate Card stands out for construction contractors and companies that want better visibility, faster workflows, and simple, cash back rewards.

Our charge card doesn't accrue interest and lets you borrow more money than traditional business credit cards. You’ll also save an average of 5% on card spend, while also accessing discounts for top business tools and the opportunity to build business credit.

Healthier businesses run on Ramp, and you can too. Get started with Ramp.