Best business credit cards for pharmacies and drugstores
- What are the best business credit cards for pharmacies?
- Summary of the best credit cards for pharmacies and drugstores
- How to choose the best credit card for pharmacies
- How to maximize rewards
- Start optimizing your pharmacy's finances with Ramp
As a pharmacy owner, optimizing your financial management isn't just about covering costs—it's about growing your business and improving customer service.
During slower months, how will you cover your business costs? Especially for independent pharmacies, managing your cash flow is crucial, and a business credit card can help.
The right business credit card can change how you manage expenses, control spending, and earn rewards. In this guide, we'll explore top credit card options that offer benefits like expense tracking, spending controls, and rewards on pharmaceutical purchases to support your pharmacy.
What are the best business credit cards for pharmacies?
Here are the top five business credit cards that can help your pharmacy manage expenses more effectively, earn rewards, and streamline financial operations:
Ramp Business Credit Card
Ramp Business Credit Card
- Automated expense management saves time
- Real-time insights boost spending control
- High credit limits for major purchases
- Must be a corporation, LLC, or LP to qualify
- Must have most of your operations and corporate spend in the US (though international purchases are supported with no foreign transaction fees)
- Doesn’t support balance transfers
Ramp is more than a business credit card—it's an all-around financial solution that simplifies your pharmacy's financial management. With Ramp's card, you can streamline expense processes and have better control over spending.
- Cashback on purchases: Earn cashback on purchases, reducing essential expenses
- Automated expense management: Ramp provides automated receipt matching and expense categorization, saving you time
- Real-time spending controls: Customize spending limits and policies to ensure money is spent wisely
- Seamless integrations: Sync Ramp with your pharmacy's accounting software for streamlined financial tracking
- No fees: Pay zero annual fees, foreign transaction fees, or interest charges
By automating financial tasks and providing precise control, Ramp makes managing your pharmacy's finances more efficient, allowing you to focus more on your customers and operations.
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
- Unlimited 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Annual fee of $150 is refunded every year you spend at least $150,000
- No foreign transaction fees
- The balance must be paid in full each month which may not be ideal for businesses that need to carry a balance
- The 2.99% late fee on the outstanding statement balance can add up quickly if payments are not made on time
- Lack of introductory 0% APR offer on purchases
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus card offers:
- 2% cashback on every purchase
- Flexible spending for larger inventory purchases without a fixed limit
- Up to a $4,000 cash bonus when meeting spending thresholds
Some users have reported challenges with customer service responsiveness and account management tools.
American Express Blue Business Cash Card
American Express Blue Business Cash Card
- Straightforward rewards structure
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR for purchases
- Annual spending cap on full cashback rewards
- No bonus categories for specific spending
The American Express Blue Business Cash Card offers cash back rewards on your daily expenses.
- 2% cashback on eligible purchases up to $50,000 per year, then 1% thereafter
- No annual fee
- Flexibility to spend above your credit limit when necessary
- Issue cards to employees with customizable spending limits to control expenses
It's important to note that the 2% cashback rate applies only to the first $50,000 in purchases each year. Additionally, acceptance of American Express may be less widespread in certain locations.
Chase Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card
- Automatic credit limit increases
- High cashback rewards for some categories
- 0% intro APR for the first 12 months
- Only unlimited 1% cashback for non-qualifying categories
- 5% balance transfer fee
- 3% foreign transaction fee
The Chase Ink Business Cash card provides cash back rates in specific categories relevant to businesses.
- 5% cashback on the first $25,000 spent each year at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services
- 2% cashback on the first $25,000 spent each year at gas stations and restaurants
- No annual fee for the card
- $750 bonus cash back after meeting initial spending requirements
Some users have experienced challenges with reward redemption and limitations in bonus categories.
Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard
Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard
- Customizable cash rewards categories
- No annual fee
- Enhanced expense management tools
- Limited bonus category options
- High variable interest rates
- Strict credit requirements apply
This card allows customization of rewards to align with your pharmacy's spending patterns.
- 3% cashback on your preferred category, such as office supplies or gas stations
- 2% cashback on dining purchases
- No annual fee for the card
- 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles
Customers have reported difficulties with the reward customization process and limited customer support.
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.
Summary of the best credit cards for pharmacies and drugstores
Card comparison
- Save an average of 5% by spending less time and money across your entire business
- Automatically prompt, collect, and match receipts after each transaction through SMS, mobile app, and integrations
- Set granular controls down to the merchant, category, and transaction level for every card to prevent out-of-policy spend
- Requires no personal guarantee and bases credit limits on the company's financial health indicators
- Integrate directly with accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, NetSuite, and Sage Intacct to automate bookkeeping
Annual Fee
$0
APR
N/A
Capital One Spark Cash Plus- Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, everywhere, with no limits or category restrictions
- Earn a one-time $1,200 cash bonus after spending $30,000 in the first 3 months
- Pay-in-full charge card, meaning your balance must be paid in full every month
- No preset spending limit, adapting to your needs based on spending behavior, payment history, and credit profile
Annual Fee
$150
APR
N/A
Best for American Express- Cashback rewards card with no annual fees and 0% introductory APR
- Flat-rate cashback rewards rate of 2% across categories
- Annual $50,000 spending limit before cashback rewards halve from 2% to 1%
Annual Fee
$0
APR
18.49% (variable)
Best for Chase bank- Bonus cashback intro offer
- 5% cash back on office supplies and telecom services (up to $25,000 annually)
- 2% back at gas stations and restaurants (up to $25,000 annually)
- 1% on all other purchases
- Offers 0% intro APR for 12 months
- 3% foreign transaction fees
Annual Fee
$0
APR
18.49% (variable)
Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard- Customized cash rewards for everyday spending
- Choose bonus category for extra rewards
- No annual fee
- Online account management and expense tracking
- Employee cards available with spending controls
Annual Fee
$0
APR
0% for 9 billing cycles, then 17.49%-27.49% (variable)
To choose the best business credit card for your business, first determine which rewards and perks will benefit you the most.
Drugstore and pharmacy expenses generally cover payroll; medical costs, like lab fees, medications, and supplies; office supplies, utilities, and rent; insurance; plus advertising and marketing.
While most of these expense types aren’t typically bonus categories on business credit cards, selecting a card that rewards office supplies and advertising spending can earn you extra rewards.
Alternatively, you can opt for a straightforward cashback card that rewards all spending or choose one focused on savings rather than rewards.
How to choose the best credit card for pharmacies
Selecting the right business credit card is important for managing your pharmacy's finances effectively. Here are some questions specific to pharmacies and the answers that will help you make an informed decision:
Which credit cards offer the best rewards for pharmaceutical purchases and medical supplies?
Look for cards that offer rewards where you spend the most. By choosing options that provide higher cash back or points on pharmaceutical and healthcare-related purchases, you can save more on everyday expenses.
Pharmacies often spend a significant portion of their budget on inventory such as prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, and medical supplies. Cards like the Ramp corporate card, which offers unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases, can be highly beneficial as they provide consistent rewards without category restrictions.
How do interest rates and fees impact a pharmacy's cash flow management?
High interest rates and fees can eat into your pharmacy's profits. For pharmacies that carry a balance or make international purchases, interest charges and foreign transaction fees can add up quickly. Selecting a card like Ramp, which charges no interest or fees, helps maintain a healthier cash flow. This allows you to invest more back into your business, such as upgrading equipment or expanding your product offerings.
What should pharmacies consider regarding credit limits for inventory purchases?
Pharmacies often need to make large purchases to maintain adequate inventory levels. A credit card with a higher spending limit or no preset spending limit allows you to procure necessary supplies without financial constraints. Additionally, cards that offer expanded buying power or flexible payment options can help manage periods of high expenditure without impacting your ability to meet operational needs.
Why is customer service crucial for pharmacies when selecting a credit card?
Pharmacies handle sensitive customer information and financial transactions. Efficient and responsive customer service ensures that any issues, such as fraudulent charges or account discrepancies, are resolved promptly to prevent disruptions in service. Reliable support also aids in navigating any challenges with account management tools, which is essential for maintaining accurate financial records.
How can expense tracking and employee cards benefit a pharmacy's operations?
Pharmacies often have multiple employees handling purchases. Providing employee cards with spending limits helps manage and monitor business expenses effectively. Advanced expense tracking tools, like those offered by Ramp, automatically categorize expenses and integrate with your accounting software. This reduces administrative workload, minimizes errors, and ensures compliance with financial policies, allowing you to focus on patient care and business growth.
How to maximize rewards
Maximizing rewards involves strategic use of your business credit card to benefit your pharmacy:
- Match your card selection with your spending habits. If you spend heavily on inventory or equipment, pick a card that offers higher rewards in those categories.
- Use cards strategically to take advantage of bonus reward categories. Allocate specific expenses to the cards that provide the most benefits for those purchases.
- Plan large purchases to meet initial spending requirements and unlock sign-up bonuses.
- Provide your staff with employee cards to increase reward earnings while maintaining control through spending limits.
- Choose redemption options that offer the best value, whether that's cash back, travel, or gift cards.
- Make use of additional benefits like purchase protection, extended warranties, or discounts on business services.
- Regularly review your spending patterns using your card's tracking tools to find opportunities to improve rewards.
- Schedule significant expenses during promotional periods or introductory APR offers to maximize rewards and manage cash flow.
Start optimizing your pharmacy's finances with Ramp
Choosing the right business credit card is important for the financial health of your pharmacy. With options like Ramp offering tailored solutions and financial tools, you can simplify your operations and focus on serving your customers. Take the next step toward better financial management and request a demo or sign up with Ramp today.
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