Nonprofits have to juggle a lot of expenses. Day-to-day operating costs, larger projects, and fundraising events can make it tough to manage cash flow and track spending.

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One way to stay on budget is using a credit card designed for your organization's needs. Nonprofit credit cards offer unique benefits, including specialized rewards programs and waived fees.

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If you're wondering whether a nonprofit credit card is right for you, here's a look at the top 8 cards for nonprofits and the pros and cons for each.

What is a nonprofit credit card?

A nonprofit credit card is a business credit card designed specifically for nonprofit organizations. These cards usually offer benefits for nonprofits, such as waived fees or unique rewards.

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These credit cards can be used for any of your organization's purchases, which makes them a helpful tool for managing your finances. Like other businesses, nonprofits have expenses like office supplies, special events, and marketing materials. Using a credit card lets you keep track of your spending and make sure you're staying within your budget.

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You'll also have access to statements and can easily track your activity online. This can help you catch any potential errors or unauthorized charges before they become a problem.

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Because nonprofits are often subject to more stringent spending rules than for-profit businesses, using a credit card can give you more flexibility with your finances. Understanding and making use of your credit card's features is crucial to getting the most out of your account.

Are nonprofits exempt from credit card fees?

Nonprofits are not automatically exempt from credit card fees. However, some credit card providers offer special pricing or waived fees for nonprofit organizations to show their support for their causes.

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This also applies to the donations nonprofits receive. Whenever a donation is made to a nonprofit using a credit card, the transaction typically incurs fees charged by credit card processors. These fees are a percentage of the donation amount and may include additional fixed charges per transaction.

What are the benefits of nonprofit credit cards?

It's not always easy for nonprofits to secure funding. This can make it challenging to cover expenses, especially when you're just starting‌ out. Startup costs can be a huge barrier to entry for new organizations.

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Traditional funding sources, like grants or donations, can take time. A nonprofit credit card, on the other hand, gives you the flexibility to make purchases and pay your bills on time, even if funding is delayed. This will help you avoid late fees and interest charges which can further strain your budget.

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Unlike business loans and other lines of credit, nonprofit credit cards are often easier to qualify for. The application process is simple, and you may not need to provide as much documentation. Plus, you won't be required to pay a down payment or origination fees.

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There are several other advantages that come with using a nonprofit credit card. Here are some of the top benefits:

• Waived fees: Waived fees can reduce the cost of using a credit card for your nonprofit.
• Lower APR: A lower interest rate can save your nonprofit significant money over time.
• Signup bonuses: Signup bonuses, such as cashback or rewards points, can help you earn rewards on everyday purchases.
• Mobile access: Mobile access allows you to check your balance, make payments, and track your spending on the go.
• Fraud protection: Fraud protection gives you peace of mind knowing that your nonprofit's finances are protected.
• Specialized rewards programs: Rewards programs give you cashback for things like office supplies or travel. This can help you get more value out of your credit card.
• Virtual cards: Virtual credit cards can be used for online purchases. They help protect you from fraud and allow you to track your organization's spending.

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These cards can help you save money on expenses and make it easier to track your spending. This makes nonprofit credit cards a valuable tool in the management of your organization.

The best nonprofit credit cards in 2024

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The Ramp Business Credit Card is a charge card designed to simplify expense management for businesses. It offers cashback on purchases and provides free employee cards with customizable spending limits. The card includes robust fraud protection, helping businesses secure their finances while managing expenses efficiently. Ramp’s integrated analytics identify cost-saving opportunities, allowing businesses to optimize spending.

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With no annual fees, Ramp is a cost-effective solution for businesses seeking streamlined expense management. Additionally, the card integrates seamlessly with popular accounting software, saving time on financial tracking and reporting.

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Key features:

• $0 annual fee
• Cashback on purchases
• Free employee cards with spending limits
• Expense management and analytics tools

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The Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card is tailored for businesses that frequently spend on office supplies and telecom services. It offers 5% cashback in these categories, up to $25,000 annually, as well as 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants within the same spending cap. All other purchases earn 1% cashback, providing businesses with a versatile rewards structure. New cardholders can earn a $900 welcome bonus after spending $6,000 within the first three months of account opening.

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The card also features a 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases, making it ideal for businesses planning large upfront expenses. However, the rewards structure caps earnings in some categories, and the card’s 3% foreign transaction fee may limit its appeal for international spending.

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Key features:

• $0 annual fee
• 5% cashback on office supplies and telecom services (up to $25,000 annually)
• 2% cashback at gas stations and restaurants (up to $25,000 annually)
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months

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The Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card offers businesses simplicity with a flat-rate 1.5% cashback on all purchases. This rewards structure ensures consistent savings, regardless of spending category. The card also includes a $750 welcome bonus for new cardholders who spend $6,000 in the first three months. Free employee cards are provided, allowing businesses to extend benefits to their teams.

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While the card is easy to use, it includes a 3% foreign transaction fee, which may not suit businesses with international operations. Additionally, it lacks bonus categories, making it less appealing to businesses with significant spending in specific areas.

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Key features:

• $0 annual fee
• 1.5% cashback on all purchases
• Free employee cards

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The Charity Charge Nonprofit Business Card is tailored for nonprofit organizations, offering automatic rebates on recurring expenses from over 200 partner vendors. Nonprofits can benefit from savings on essential services like hotels, dining, and gas. The card does not require a personal guarantee, making it a low-risk option for organizations seeking to manage expenses effectively.

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Eligibility requirements include a minimum of $100,000 in annual revenue or a longer operational history, which may limit access for smaller or newer nonprofits. However, for established organizations, the card provides meaningful benefits that align with nonprofit financial needs.

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Key features:

• $0 annual fee
• Automatic rebates on recurring costs
• No personal guarantee required

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The Capital One Spark 2X Miles card is designed for frequent travelers, offering two miles for every dollar spent on purchases. Businesses can redeem miles for travel or transfer them to various airline and hotel loyalty programs. Additional perks include a credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck and access to airport lounges, enhancing the travel experience.

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Although the annual fee is waived for the first year, it applies thereafter, which may not appeal to cost-conscious businesses. The card’s travel-focused rewards structure is less suited for businesses that prioritize cashback or non-travel-related expenses.

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Key features:

• $0 annual fee for the first year, then $95
• 2x miles on all purchases
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck credit
• Access to travel partners for mile transfers

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The Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard offers a straightforward 1.5% cashback on all purchases. Bank of America clients can boost their cashback by up to 75% through the Preferred Rewards program, adding significant value for loyal customers. New cardholders can also take advantage of a $300 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first three months.

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The card includes a 0% introductory APR for nine billing cycles, which is beneficial for businesses planning large expenses. However, businesses not already banking with Bank of America may find the rewards less compelling compared to other cards offering bonus categories.

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Key features:

• $0 annual fee
• 1.5% cashback on all purchases
• Up to 75% more cashback for Bank of America Preferred Rewards clients
• 0% intro APR for nine billing cycles

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The PNC Points Visa Business Credit Card allows businesses to earn five points per dollar spent, with no limits on how much they can earn. Points can be redeemed for cashback, statement credits, or merchandise, offering flexible rewards. Additionally, the card includes a 0% introductory APR for nine billing cycles, making it a good option for managing upfront expenses or balance transfers.

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The value of points may not be as competitive as direct cashback, potentially reducing the appeal for businesses focused on maximizing financial returns. Additionally, the card lacks bonus categories, which limits earning opportunities for specific types of spending.

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Key features:

• $0 annual fee
• 5 points per dollar spent
• Unlimited rewards points
• 0% intro APR for nine billing cycles

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The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card offers 2% cashback on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 annually. After reaching the annual limit, cashback drops to 1% for additional spending. The card also provides a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months, offering flexibility for managing expenses.

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The annual spending cap on full cashback rewards may not meet the needs of businesses with higher expenditures. Additionally, the card does not offer bonus categories, which could make it less appealing for businesses looking to maximize returns in specific areas.

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Key features:

• $0 annual fee
• 2% cashback on purchases up to $50,000 annually
• 1% cashback after the $50,000 limit
• 0% intro APR for 12 months

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Summary of the best nonprofit credit cards in 2024

The best credit card for a nonprofit offers a versatile mix of value and usability. Ramp offers its own corporate business credit card, so we’re a little biased about the pros and cons of different cards. But to help you make the best decision for your nonprofit, we'll provide you with as much information as we can on the most popular credit cards for nonprofits.

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How credit cards for nonprofits can help your organization

Using a credit card allows nonprofit organizations to build business credit. While nonprofits are required to receive at least one-third of their revenue from public donations, sometimes fundraising isn't enough to finance certain projects.

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In those cases, nonprofits look to grants and loans, like nonprofit lines of credit, to fund their expenses. Since nonprofits are considered a high lending risk to traditional banks, due to their unsteady revenue and lack of collateral, it's especially important to have a strong business credit profile to secure proper funding.

Consider Ramp's business credit card for nonprofits

Whether you're a small or large nonprofit, Ramp is committed to helping you find the right financial solution with products—including corporate business credit cards—to help you manage expenses and stretch your budget. 

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Unlike most business credit cards, Ramp’s corporate cards come with no annual fees and no interest. Our repayment terms mean that you’ll never carry a balance on your card. It’s a good fit if your organization is looking for cashback rewards without any worries about overspending and racking up credit card interest.

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Ramp also comes with built-in expense management software. You can be proactive about spending with spend controls at the point of sale and configurable approval workflows to help you enforce your organization’s policies.