Best business credit cards for gyms

Running a successful gym requires more than just modern equipment and a dedicated staff—it needs effective financial management. Choosing the right business credit card for your gym can offer valuable rewards, streamline expenses, and provide the financial flexibility needed to grow your fitness center.

What are the best business credit cards for gyms?

Selecting a business credit card that meets your gym’s needs can enhance your financial management. Here are the top five options, with Ramp standing out as a comprehensive solution for your gym's financial health:

Ramp Business Credit Card

Ramp offers a comprehensive financial management solution designed to meet the unique needs of gyms and fitness centers. With advanced expense tracking and real-time insights, Ramp streamlines your financial processes, making it the obvious choice for gym owners seeking efficiency and growth.
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• Cashback on purchases: Earn cashback with no category restrictions, maximizing rewards on all expenses.
• No annual fee: Avoid unnecessary fees, keeping more money in your budget.
• Automated expense management: Simplify your accounting with automated receipt matching and expense categorization.
• Real-time reporting: Access up-to-date spending analytics for informed financial decisions.
• Spending controls: Set custom limits for employee cards to manage budgets effectively.
• Seamless integrations: Sync transactions effortlessly with your existing accounting software.

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card provides:
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• 2% cash back on eligible purchases up to $50,000 per year, then 1% thereafter.
• 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months.
• Tools for expense tracking and categorization.
• Access to rewards and no annual fee.
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Some users have noted that the spending limit may not automatically adjust with business growth, potentially limiting purchasing power as a business expands.

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

The Capital One Spark Cash Plus offers:
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• 2% cash back on every purchase without spending caps.
• No preset spending limit.
• $150 annual fee is waived when spending $150,000 or more annually.
• Cost-free employee cards.
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This card does not offer a 0% introductory APR period, which may be a consideration for those planning to finance large purchases.

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card features:
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• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
• 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months.
• Additional cards for employees are available at no extra cost.
• No annual fee.
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The rewards rate of 1.5% cash back is lower compared to some other business credit cards that offer higher cash back percentages.

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card

The U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card provides:
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• 3% cash back on eligible purchases at gas stations, office supply stores, cell phone service providers, and restaurants.
• No annual fee for this card.
• Promotional 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 15 billing cycles.
• Access to detailed reports and management features.
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Some users have reported that the credit limits assigned may be lower than expected, which could affect businesses with higher spending needs.
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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.

How to choose the best credit card for gyms?

Choosing the right credit card is important for managing your gym's finances. Here’s what you have to know:

How can my gym maximize rewards on equipment and supply purchases?

To maximize rewards on equipment and supply purchases, select a credit card that offers higher cash back or points in categories that match your spending, such as office supplies, equipment, or general business expenses. 
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Some cards offer flat-rate rewards on all purchases, which can be beneficial if your spending is spread across various categories. By identifying your primary expenses—like fitness equipment, maintenance, and supplies—you can choose a card that offers the most rewards where it matters.

Is it beneficial for my gym to choose a card with an annual fee?

Paying an annual fee can be worthwhile if the card offers substantial rewards, perks, or benefits that offset the fee. Evaluate whether the rewards and benefits align with your gym's spending patterns and financial needs. For example, if a card with an annual fee provides higher cash back on equipment purchases or offers exclusive discounts with suppliers, it might save your gym money in the long run. On the other hand, if your gym is focusing on minimizing costs, a no annual fee card may be more appropriate.

How can my gym take advantage of sign-up bonuses for upcoming expenses?

Introductory offers can provide significant value to your gym. If you have major upcoming expenses—such as purchasing new fitness equipment or renovating your facility—timing these expenses to coincide with a card's sign-up bonus period can help you meet spending requirements and earn substantial rewards. This strategy can effectively reduce the overall cost of your investments and enhance your gym's financial position.

Are there credit cards offering perks with fitness equipment or service providers?

Look for cards that offer partnerships or special perks with fitness brands, equipment suppliers, or service providers. While not all credit cards have direct partnerships with fitness companies, some may offer higher rewards or discounts in categories relevant to your gym, such as business supplies or technology services. Exploring these opportunities can lead to savings on essential purchases and strengthen relationships with key vendors.

Why is strong customer service important for my gym's credit card needs?

Effective customer service and robust management tools can streamline your gym's financial operations. Excellent customer support ensures that any issues with your account are resolved promptly, minimizing disruptions. Additionally, features like integrated expense management, fraud protection, and the ability to issue employee cards with customizable spending limits are crucial for maintaining control over your gym's finances and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.

How to maximize rewards

Effectively using your business credit card can help your gym save money and earn valuable rewards. Here are strategies to optimize your benefits:

Analyze your spending

Understand where your gym spends the most:
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• Equipment and facility upgrades
• Utility bills and operational costs
• Marketing and advertising efforts
• Office supplies and technology
• Staff training and development travel
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Identify these categories to choose a card that offers higher rewards for your significant expenses.

Select the right card

Choose a credit card that matches your spending habits:
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• Rewards structure: Decide between cash back, points, or miles.
• Bonus categories: Look for higher rewards in your primary spending areas.
• Annual fees: Weigh the costs against the benefits and rewards.
• Additional benefits: Consider perks like purchase protection or extended warranties.

Use the card for business expenses

Charge all eligible business expenses to your credit card to maximize rewards while keeping personal and business finances separate.

Take advantage of sign-up bonuses

Plan large upcoming purchases to align with sign-up bonus periods, meeting spending requirements efficiently.

Redeem rewards strategically

Use the rewards to enhance your business:
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• Cash back: Reinvest in your gym or offset operational costs.
• Travel rewards: Save on expenses for conferences or business trips.
• Points and miles: Redeem for equipment, supplies, or staff incentives.

Monitor and manage expenses

Use your credit card's expense tracking tools to:
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• Monitor spending patterns
• Identify cost-saving opportunities
• Simplify bookkeeping and tax preparation

Pay balances in full

Maintain financial health by paying off your credit card balance each month, avoiding interest charges that can reduce your rewards.

Review and adjust regularly

Regularly reassess your credit card's fit with your business needs. As your gym grows, ensure your card continues to align with your financial goals.

Improve your gym's finances with Ramp

Selecting the right business credit card is crucial for optimizing your gym's financial health and growth. By choosing a card that aligns with your spending and offers valuable rewards and tools, you can enhance efficiency and focus on expanding your business. Take the next step toward financial excellence—request a demo or sign up with Ramp today.