Best business travel credit cards

Business travel credit cards help your company earn rewards, reduce travel costs, and control spending across flights, hotels, and rental cars. The right card can deliver meaningful savings when its rewards and perks match your company’s actual travel habits.

Because employees travel for different reasons and with different preferences, choosing the right card starts with understanding where you spend the most and which benefits matter most to your team.

What is a business travel credit card?

A business travel credit card is designed for company spending on flights, hotels, rental cars, and other trips, helping your team earn rewards while keeping travel costs visible and manageable. These cards support higher credit limits than personal travel cards and offer built-in expense tracking that connects with your accounting tools.

They also allow you to issue employee cards with custom spending controls, making them a strong fit for businesses that send employees on regular trips or want clearer oversight of travel spending.

Benefits of business travel credit cards

Business travel credit cards offer rewards and cost-saving features tailored to company travel, helping you get more value from flights, hotels, and other trip expenses. These cards also provide tools for monitoring and managing employee spending as it happens.

• Travel rewards and points multipliers: Earn elevated rewards on flights, hotels, and rental cars compared with standard purchases
• Travel insurance and protections: Access coverage for trip cancellations, delays, and rental car damage
• Expense management tools: Capture receipts, view detailed spending reports, and sync data with your accounting software
• Employee card management: Issue cards with individual limits and category restrictions for better control over team spending
• No foreign transaction fees: Avoid added costs on international purchases

Best business travel credit cards for 2026

The cards below offer strong rewards, practical travel perks, and features that work well for businesses with recurring travel needs. Fees, bonus offers, and APRs change frequently, so verify current details with each issuer before applying.

Capital One Venture X Business: Best overall

The Capital One Venture X Business card offers strong rewards and premium travel perks at a price point that works for many growing companies. It combines high earning rates on travel bookings with flat-rate rewards on everyday spending.

• Annual fee: $395
• Rewards: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Business Travel; 2X miles on every other purchase
• Sign-up bonus: Up to 400,000 bonus miles based on meeting spending thresholds
• APR: None; a 2.99% late fee applies to any outstanding statement balance
• Key features: No foreign transaction fees and transferable miles to airline and hotel partners
• Best for: Businesses wanting premium travel benefits at a more accessible annual fee
• Pros: High rewards rates, lounge access, and travel credits
• Cons: Requires excellent credit and full monthly repayment

Chase Ink Business Preferred: Best for small businesses

The Chase Ink Business Preferred card delivers strong travel rewards and flexible redemption options that suit a wide range of small business spending patterns. Its bonus categories cover many common expenses beyond travel.

• Annual fee: $95
• Rewards: 3X points on the first $150,000 spent on travel and select business purchases per year; 1X on other spending
• Sign-up bonus: 100,000 points after $8,000 spent in the first 3 months
• APR: 19.74%–25.74% variable
• Key features: Broad bonus categories and access to airline and hotel transfer partners
• Best for: Small businesses with varied travel and operational expenses
• Pros: Strong earning structure and high-value transfer partners
• Cons: No lounge access or travel credits

Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards: Best no annual fee option

The Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards card provides simple, predictable rewards without an annual fee, making it an attractive fit for teams that want value without added cost.

• Annual fee: $0
• Rewards: 1.5X points on all purchases
• Sign-up bonus: 30,000 points after $3,000 spent in the first 3 months
• APR: 0% for 7 billing cycles, then 16.99%–26.99% variable
• Key features: Simple earning structure and no annual fee
• Best for: Businesses seeking straightforward rewards without added costs
• Pros: No annual fee and predictable earning rates
• Cons: No lounge access or elevated travel multipliers

Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express: Best hotel-branded option

The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express card rewards frequent Marriott travelers with high earning rates at participating hotels and built-in status benefits that add value during business trips.

• Annual fee: $125
• Rewards: 6X points at Marriott properties; 4X on select categories; 2X on other purchases
• Sign-up bonus: Up to 125,000 total Bonvoy points based on meeting spending thresholds
• APR: 19.49%–28.49% variable
• Key features: Automatic elite status and discounted room rates
• Best for: Businesses that consistently book Marriott hotels
• Pros: Strong hotel rewards and status benefits
• Cons: Limited flexibility outside the Marriott ecosystem

Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express: Best airline-branded option

The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express card provides strong value for teams that frequently fly Delta and want access to premium travel perks.

• Annual fee: $650
• Rewards: 3X miles on Delta purchases; 1.5X miles on other eligible spending after meeting annual thresholds
• Sign-up bonus: 80,000 miles after $12,000 spent in the first 6 months
• APR: 19.49%–28.49% variable
• Key features: Delta Sky Club access and an annual companion certificate
• Best for: Businesses that rely on Delta for regular travel
• Pros: Strong airline perks and premium lounge access
• Cons: High annual fee and airline-specific redemption value

American Express Business Platinum: Best premium option

The American Express Business Platinum card delivers extensive premium travel perks, strong earning rates through Amex Travel, and access to a wide network of lounges.

• Annual fee: $895
• Rewards: 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel; 2X points on eligible business purchases or purchases of $5,000 or more; 1X on other spending
• Sign-up bonus: Up to 300,000 Membership Rewards points after meeting spending requirements
• APR: 17.74%–28.49% variable with Pay Over Time
• Key features: Extensive lounge access, elite status benefits, and flexible redemption options
• Best for: Frequent travelers who want premium service and broad travel partnerships
• Pros: Robust travel perks and flexible point transfers
• Cons: High annual fee and lower earning rates outside Amex Travel

Tax implications of credit card rewards

Business credit card rewards earned through regular spending are generally treated as purchase rebates rather than taxable income. This applies to most sign-up bonuses that require you to meet a spending threshold.

Tax treatment becomes more complex when redeeming rewards. Points used for business travel typically remain non-taxable, while cashback deposited into your business account may be handled differently depending on your accounting approach. Keep clear records of how you earn and redeem rewards, and consult a tax professional if you’re unsure about how to report them.

How to choose the right business travel credit card

Selecting the right business travel credit card starts with understanding how your company spends on travel and which benefits matter most. The goal is to find a card whose rewards and perks deliver more value than its annual fee based on your typical spending.

• Analyze your company’s travel spending patterns: Look at where your travel dollars go—airlines, hotels, car rentals, or rideshares—to choose a card that rewards your biggest categories
• Consider annual fees vs. rewards value: Compare the card’s perks and rewards potential with its fee to estimate your net return
• Evaluate sign-up bonuses and spending requirements: Favor welcome offers you can meet naturally without increasing your costs

Key features to compare

Different business travel cards emphasize different benefits, so comparing these features can help you find the best fit for your team.

• Points and miles earning rates: Check how many points you earn on flights, hotels, and everyday business purchases
• Redemption options and transfer partners: Look at whether points can transfer to airline and hotel programs or must be redeemed through the issuer’s portal
• Travel insurance coverage: Review what’s included for trip cancellation, delays, baggage, and rental car protection
• Airport lounge access: Confirm whether the card offers access through Priority Pass, airline lounges, or its own network
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credits: Many cards reimburse application fees for expedited airport screening
• Foreign transaction fees: If your team travels internationally, verify whether the card charges extra fees on overseas purchases

Questions to ask before applying

Answering a few key questions can help you narrow down which business travel card best fits your spending habits and travel needs.

• What’s your annual travel budget
• Do you prefer cashback or travel rewards
• Will you use employee cards
• Do you travel internationally

Annual rewards calculation example

Here's an example calculation showing potential annual rewards value for a 2X points card with a $95 annual fee. Assume your small business spends the following on travel annually:

• Flights: $25,000
• Hotels: $15,000
• Car rentals: $8,000
• Other business expenses: $12,000
• Total annual spending: $60,000

Points earned:

$60,000 * 2 points per dollar = 120,000 points annually

Redemption value: Most travel rewards points are worth approximately 1–1.5 cents per point when redeemed for travel:

• Conservative estimate (1 cent per point): 120,000 points = $1,200 value
• Moderate estimate (1.25 cents per point): 120,000 points = $1,500 value
• Optimized estimate (1.5 cents per point): 120,000 points = $1,800 value

Net value after annual fee: The card has a $95 annual fee.

• Conservative: $1,200 – $95 = $1,105 net value
• Moderate: $1,500 – $95 = $1,405 net value
• Optimized: $1,800 – $95 = $1,705 net value

Result: You would earn between $1,105 and $1,705 in net rewards value annually, representing a 1.8% to 2.8% return on spending.

Types of business travel credit cards

Business travel cards vary in how they reward spending and the kinds of perks they provide. The right type depends on your travel patterns and how much flexibility your team needs.

General travel rewards cards

These cards work across airlines and hotel chains and offer flexible redemption options through a travel portal or transfer partners. They’re well suited for businesses with unpredictable travel schedules or teams that want broad choice when booking. The trade-off is that you may miss out on carrier- or brand-specific perks.

Example: The Capital One Venture X Business card offers flexible redemption options and transferable points.

Airline-branded cards

Airline cards reward loyalty to a specific carrier by offering enhanced earning rates and travel perks such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and lounge access. They’re best for companies that consistently fly the same airline due to hub locations or negotiated rates. The downside is reduced value when booking outside the airline’s network.

Example: The Delta SkyMiles Reserve Business American Express card is built around Delta-specific perks and earning opportunities.

Hotel-branded cards

Hotel cards deliver elevated earning rates and perks when booking with a specific hotel chain and often include built-in elite status. They work well for businesses that travel to the same markets repeatedly and rely on a consistent hotel brand. The trade-off is limited flexibility when booking outside the chain.

Example: The Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express card offers strong hotel rewards and automatic status benefits.

Simple cashback cards

Cashback cards emphasize predictability, offering straightforward rewards and easy redemption without managing transfer partners or point valuations. They’re ideal for businesses that prioritize simplicity in expense tracking and card management. The downside is that you may miss out on higher-value travel redemptions available through points-based cards.

Example: Ramp offers simple cashback across categories along with automated expense controls.

Maximizing your business travel credit card rewards

Getting the most value from your business travel card depends on how you use it day to day. Consistent, intentional spending habits can significantly increase the rewards your company earns.

• Use the card for all eligible travel expenses to maximize point accumulation
• Categorize expenses correctly so you capture elevated earning rates for flights, hotels, and other high-value categories
• Coordinate personal and business loyalty memberships to make the most of point transfers and redemptions

Advanced rewards strategies

These tactics can help you extract more value from your business travel rewards, especially if your team travels frequently.

• Stack credit card rewards with airline and hotel loyalty programs by booking directly with travel providers
• Time large travel purchases to align with sign-up bonus requirements so you meet thresholds naturally
• Issue employee cards to expand earning potential while keeping spending limits in place
• Transfer points during promotional periods to increase the value of your redemptions

Business travel credit cards vs. corporate cards

Business travel credit cards and corporate cards both cover travel expenses, but they differ in who carries liability and how spending is controlled. Business travel cards typically require a personal guarantee and offer straightforward rewards, while corporate cards place liability on the company and provide deeper spend management features for larger teams.

Application tips and requirements

Most business travel credit cards require at least good personal credit and a clear picture of your business’s financial health. Issuers often review both your credit score and your business’s revenue when determining approval.

Typical credit score ranges are:

• Excellent: 800–850
• Very good: 740–799
• Good: 670–739
• Fair: 580–669
• Poor: 300–579

You’ll usually need your business tax ID or Social Security number, annual revenue, and basic business details such as legal structure and establishment date. Some issuers may request bank statements or tax returns for newer businesses. Having this information ready can speed up the application process.

You can improve your approval odds by paying down existing credit card balances, correcting errors on your credit report, and waiting several months between applications. Applying when your business revenue is steady or improving can also strengthen your profile.

Common application mistakes to avoid

Avoiding these frequent errors increases your chances of approval and helps you start with the right card.

• Applying for too many cards at once: Multiple applications within a short timeframe damage your credit score and signal financial desperation to issuers, often resulting in denials across the board
• Underestimating revenue projections: Lowballing your business income reduces your approval odds and credit limit, so report realistic revenue figures that reflect your actual business performance
• Not having proper business documentation: Missing tax IDs, incomplete business registration, or outdated financial records create unnecessary delays and can lead to application denials
• Ignoring pre-qualification tools: Most issuers offer soft credit checks that show approval likelihood without affecting your credit score, helping you target cards you'll actually qualify for

Take time to prepare your application properly rather than rushing through the process and risking a denial.

How companies are saving on travel with Ramp

Companies using Ramp for travel management are seeing significant cost savings and operational improvements. Here's how real businesses have transformed their travel expense process.

Sana Benefits: From ‘no rules’ to controlled spending

Sana Benefits, a healthcare company with 115 employees, was facing uncontrolled travel spending. Like many businesses, employees had full autonomy to book travel however they wanted, with finance dealing with the aftermath later. This approach led to wildly inconsistent spending on flights and hotels, with no guidelines to keep costs in check.

After implementing Ramp Travel, Sana achieved:

• 10% reduction in out-of-policy travel spend
• Automated expense tracking that reduced receipt collection from weeks to moments
• Effortless policy setup with flexible parameters

"The ability to create flexible parameters, such as allowing bookings up to 25% above market rate versus rigid guidelines, has been really good for us," says Caroline Hill, Assistant Controller. "Plus, having all the information within the same platform is really amazing."

JDC Power Systems: Eliminating manual expense management

JDC Power Systems, with 41 field service technicians who travel frequently, was bogged down by manual expense reports and multiple credit cards. Their CFO Rocco D'Andraia explains: "We had multiple accounts, and everyone would send mail envelopes with paper copies to our corporate office, where we'd match them up with paper statements one by one."

The results after switching to Ramp

• Cut 1–2 days per month of manual expense management
• Eliminated expense reports entirely
• Expedited month-end close by 1–5 days

"It's hard to manage various travel policies without a platform in place. Now with Ramp Travel, we can manage by exception rather than have to review every single person traveling," notes Rocco.

Simplify business travel with Ramp’s all-in-one business credit card

Instead of a business credit card that offers rewards for travel only, consider a card that meets all your business's spending needs. While traditional credit cards encourage spending to earn rewards, Ramp's corporate card offers cashback on purchases and comes with spend management software designed to help your business save.

Ramp cards also come with travel management features such as real-time trip expense monitoring, custom trip budgets and spending categories on employee cards, and easily accessible travel itineraries. All these features add up to save Ramp customers an average of 5% a year.