- Benefits of business credit cards for LLCs
- What LLCs should look for in a business credit card
- Top business credit cards for LLCs
- How to apply for a business credit card as an LLC
- Alternatives to business credit cards for LLCs
- Why more LLCs are choosing Ramp’s business credit card
Business credit cards give your LLC dedicated spending power that's separate from your personal finances. They simplify purchases, help you manage cash flow better, and build financial credibility with vendors and lenders.
These cards work for LLCs of all sizes. Startups can use them to cover early expenses while preserving cash. Small, established LLCs can track spending by category and streamline monthly accounting. Larger LLCs can provide company cards for employees, giving them spending power while maintaining control over expenses.
This guide covers everything business owners need to know about LLC credit cards. You'll learn about key benefits like building business credit, the application process, how to pick the right card, and get answers to common questions.
Benefits of business credit cards for LLCs
Business credit cards offer LLC owners tools—and credit limits—that personal cards can't match. They include expense management, reporting, and spend control features designed specifically for running a company.
Some key benefits include:
- Streamlined accounting operations: Many business credit cards integrate directly with accounting software like QuickBooks and Xero. Some cards automatically categorize expenses, making account reconciliation and tax compliance significantly easier.
- Clear separation of business and personal expenses: Keeping your expenses separate helps protect your limited liability status. This makes tax preparation easier and helps protect your personal assets if your business faces financial issues or an audit.
- Employee expense management: Some business credit cards let you issue employee credit cards to team members who need purchasing power. These cards usually offer customizable spend limits and controls, helping you manage expenses more effectively.
- Rewards and perks: A dedicated credit card for your LLC gives you access to valuable rewards and perks that are tailored to business spending. Some cards offer elevated points or cashback on categories like travel, and some offer premium perks like airport lounge access.
- Building business credit history: Regularly using your card and paying your balance on time helps you build credit with major business credit bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet. A strong business credit profile can help you qualify for higher credit limits, larger loans, better vendor terms, and lower insurance rates later on.
These advantages help you run your LLC more efficiently and set it up for growth. By simplifying your financial operations, you can focus more of your time on growing revenue and less on administrative tasks.
What LLCs should look for in a business credit card
The best business credit card for your LLC depends on how you run your business, where you spend money, and what financial goals you have. A card that works perfectly for a retail business might not be right for a consulting firm or manufacturer. Taking a personalized approach helps you get the most value of your card.
Analyze your spending patterns
Start by looking at where you spend money. Review several months of bank statements to identify your biggest expense categories. If you spend heavily on travel, office supplies, telecommunications, or advertising, look for cards that give bonus rewards in those areas.
Project your cash flow needs
Next, think about your monthly business expenses and whether you expect any major purchases or investments over the upcoming year. A card with a higher credit limit will allow you to make larger purchases more frequently without tapping into your working capital. Additionally, some cards offer tiered rewards or bonuses when you hit a certain annual spending milestone.
Evaluate rewards and perks
Consider what type of rewards would benefit your LLC most. Cashback is simple and always useful. Travel rewards or airline miles can give you more value if your business requires frequent travel. Some cards also offer discounts or credits for services your business already uses, like software subscriptions or shipping.
Research fees and interest rates
Compare interest rates and fees based on your cash flow patterns. If your LLC often carries balances from month to month, prioritize cards with lower APRs. If you pay in full every month, focus more on reward potential and benefits than on annual fees.
Assess integrations and expense tracking features
Look for financial tools and features that could make your operations smoother. Modern business credit cards can integrate directly with accounting software, and some offer built-in expense management, receipt scanning, and customizable spend controls that can save you time and money.
To make your final choice, narrow your options to 2–3 cards that best match your spending profile. Compare their rewards potential based on your actual expenses, and consider any additional features that would benefit your operations.
Top business credit cards for LLCs
We've selected these top business credit cards based on fees, rewards, business features, and their suitability for different types of LLCs. Each card offers unique value depending on your spending patterns and business needs:
Ramp Business Credit Card
- Credit limits up to 30x higher than traditional LLC credit cards
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
- Built-in expense tracking and management tools
- Designed to optimize financial processes like expense categorization
- Apply with your EIN only—no personal credit check or personal guarantee
- Cashback rewards on purchases
- Up to $350,000 in exclusive partner rewards, credits, and discounts
- Requires a minimum cash balance to qualify
- Requires full balance payments each month
- Only available for businesses with most of their spending and operations in the US
The Ramp Business Credit Card is a smart pick for LLCs that want to stay on top of spending while earning cashback on everyday purchases. Built with modern businesses in mind, Ramp helps you track expenses, control budgets, and get real-time insights into spending without the hassle of spreadsheets.
Ramp can offer credit limits up to 30x higher than competitors—up to $100,000 or more for some businesses—because it takes a different approach to determining your limit. Ramp doesn’t require a personal credit check or personal guarantee. Instead, Ramp determines your eligibility based on factors like your business revenue and cash on hand.
Plus, Ramp’s built-in expense management tools make it easier to manage your cash flow, whether you’re a solo founder or running a team. On top of higher purchasing power, Ramp cardholders get a best-in-class financial operations platform that includes integrated expense management and tracking, bill pay, and accounting automation features.
Key features:
- Available to LLCs, S corps, C corps, and nonprofits
- Credit limits up to $100,000 or more
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
- Cashback on purchases
- Advanced expense management tools
- Integrations with popular accounting software and ERPs
- Unlimited physical and virtual employee cards
American Express Business Gold Card
- High rewards rate in top spending categories
- Flexible points system with numerous redemption options
- No international transaction fees
- High annual fee
- Rewards capped for 4x earnings
- Requires good to excellent credit
The American Express Business Gold Card offers a flexible rewards structure tailored to businesses with diverse spending needs. It earns Membership Rewards points at an accelerated rate, providing 4x points in the two categories where your business spends the most each billing cycle, from a list of eligible categories. With no foreign transaction fees, it’s particularly appealing for businesses with international operations.
However, the card comes with a $375 annual fee, which may be a consideration for smaller businesses. The 4x points on business purchases are also capped at $150,000 in combined spending per calendar year, after which the rate drops to 1x. Additionally, its variable APR can be high depending on your creditworthiness.
Key features:
- $375 annual fee
- 4x points on the two highest spending categories (up to $150,000 per year)
- 1x points on other purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR supports large upfront expenses
- Simple rewards program with 1.5% cashback on all purchases
- Foreign transaction fees apply
- Rewards structure may not suit category-specific spending
The Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card provides a straightforward cashback program, offering cashback on purchases with no annual fee. With a 0% introductory APR for 12 months from account opening, this card is a helpful option for businesses planning larger expenses or looking to manage their cash flow more effectively during the first year.
However, the card does have a 3% foreign transaction fee, which can make it less appealing for businesses with international spending needs. While the rewards structure is simple, it may not maximize returns for businesses that spend heavily in specific categories where other cards could offer higher rewards.
Key features:
- No annual fee
- 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months
- Intro bonus offer of $750 cashback if you meet minimum spending requirements
- 1.5% cashback on purchases
- Free employee cards with spending controls
U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Credit Card
- High cashback potential on qualifying purchases
- No annual fee
- Statement credit for software subscriptions
- Foreign transaction fees apply
- Bonus categories may not suit all businesses
The U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Credit Card is a solid option for LLCs that spend consistently in a few key categories, like gas, dining, or office supplies. You’ll earn 3% cashback in those areas and benefit from a 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 billing cycles, which can be helpful if you're covering some upfront costs.
However, the card’s rewards are limited to specific spending categories, which may not fit every LLC’s day-to-day expenses. And with a 3% foreign transaction fee, it’s not ideal if you work with international vendors or travel often for business.
Key features:
- No annual fee
- 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 12 billing cycles
- Elevated cashback rewards on eligible purchases in specific categories
- $100 annual credit for eligible software subscriptions
Capital One Spark Cash Select
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR supports large purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
- No category-specific rewards bonuses
- Limited overall rewards potential for specific spenders
The Capital One Spark Cash Select is a straightforward option for LLCs that want flat-rate cashback without an annual fee. It offers 1.5% cashback on all purchases with no foreign transaction fees, which is a plus for international purchases. It also offers $500 bonus cashback if you spend $4,500 on purchases in your first three months.
That said, the card doesn’t offer much beyond basic cashback. There are no category bonuses or advanced tools for managing business finances, which could limit its value as your LLC grows. If you’re looking for more than just rewards—like built-in expense controls, team spending limits, or insights to help cut costs—other cards are a stronger choice.
Key features:
- Small business credit card with no annual fee
- Welcome bonus of $500 cashback if you meet spend requirements
- Flat-rate 1.5% cashback on purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
How to apply for a business credit card as an LLC
When you apply for a business credit card as an LLC, you'll need to provide both business and personal information. Most card issuers require a personal guarantee from at least one member or manager, so they'll likely check your personal credit, even if your LLC has been around for a while.
For standard business credit card applications, follow these steps:
- Gather business documentation: Get your LLC's legal name, employer identification number (EIN), business address, formation date, annual revenue, and estimated monthly spending
- Prepare personal information: Your guarantor will need to provide their Social Security number, personal income, and contact details. The primary applicant is usually an owner with significant equity or management authority.
- Research and select a card: Choose the card that best matches your LLC's spending patterns and needs, using the criteria we discussed above
- Complete the application: You can typically apply online through the card issuer's website, or call their business services line if you need help with a paper application
- Submit additional documentation if requested: Be ready to provide articles of organization, operating agreements, or business bank statements. Newer LLCs may face more scrutiny than established businesses.
Some business credit cards allow you to apply with an EIN only, but the process tends to be more restrictive. These cards typically require:
- Established credit history and a strong business credit score
- Significant annual revenue (often $1 million+) or substantial venture funding
- Business bank account with significant balances ($25,000–$100,000+)
- Longer operational history (typically 2+ years)
If your LLC doesn’t meet these strict requirements, the Ramp Business Credit Card offers some unique ways to qualify. Ramp offers sales-based underwriting that lets you qualify by showing proof of ecommerce sales through platforms like Stripe and Shopify.
Alternatives to business credit cards for LLCs
Business lines of credit are an alternative to credit cards if your LLC needs more substantial or flexible financing. Unlike credit cards, lines of credit typically give you access to larger amounts of capital—often with lower interest rates, especially if you have an established business with strong credit.
With a business line of credit, your LLC can draw funds as needed up to a set limit, similar to a credit card. However, lines of credit often have better terms for larger purchases or longer repayment periods. You only pay interest on the amount you borrow, not the entire credit line, making it cost-effective for occasional large expenses or seasonal cash flow needs.
Getting a line of credit as an LLC usually requires more documentation than a credit card application. Lenders often ask for business financial statements, tax returns, bank statements, and a detailed business plan. Many also require at least two years of operational history for unsecured lines of credit.
Why more LLCs are choosing Ramp’s business credit card
Ramp’s high spending limits, cashback rewards, unique qualification options, and all-in-one spend management platform make it the ideal choice for an LLC business credit card.
With Ramp, you can:
- Access a higher credit limit: Ramp’s sales-based underwriting leads to higher credit limits (up to $100,000 or more) and makes approval easier for new LLCs
- Simplify your business spending: Manage all your vendors, simplify invoice processing, and automate bill pay via card, check, ACH, or international wire
- Automate tedious accounting tasks: Close your books up to 8x faster with Ramp’s accounting automation features and direct integrations
- Earn unlimited cashback: You’ll earn cashback on all purchases when you or an employee swipes a Ramp card
Learn more about how LLCs save an average of 5% a year across all spending with Ramp’s all-in-one financial operations platform.
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