Sobat Hitunggaji, welcome to a comprehensive guide on the best business credit cards for travel. As businesses are now expanding globally, the need for business cards that cater to traveling needs is increasing. Therefore, it is crucial to find a credit card that provides rewards, perks, and security while traveling.
Introduction
Traveling is an integral part of the business world today, and just like a passport, a credit card also plays a critical role. Business credit cards serve a unique purpose, fulfilling a set of needs that are not often met with personal credit cards. While personal credit cards offer miles and points, business credit cards offer business-specific rewards, such as office supplies and shipping. Additionally, travel business credit cards can provide travel-specific rewards such as free checked bags and upgrades.
Choosing the right business credit card for travel can be daunting, given the plethora of options available. However, this guide will help you navigate this dynamic market and make an informed decision.
How We Chose the Best Business Credit Cards for Travel
We reviewed various business travel credit cards in the market and evaluated each based on their rewards program, annual fees, foreign transaction fees, sign-up bonuses, special feature offerings, and customer reviews. Our research methodology factored in value and benefits from miles, points, and other rewards programs of the credit cards.
The 7 Best Business Credit Cards for Travel
Here are the 7 best business credit cards for travel:
1. American Express Business Platinum Card
Emojis: ✈️🌎🏨
The American Express Business Platinum Card offers one of the best travel rewards programs and an array of travel-specific features. The card provides five membership rewards points for every $1 spent on flights and-prepaid hotels reserved through Amex Travel. Additionally, the cardholders’ travel experience is enhanced with complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide. The card also allows cardholders to transfer points to 19 airline and three hotel loyalty programs. However, this card comes with a hefty annual fee of $595.
2. Capital One Spark Miles for Business
Emojis: ✈️💳💰
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business card offers unlimited double miles on every purchase, with no annual fee for the first year ($95 thereafter). The card also has a lucrative sign-up bonus of 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 within the first three months of account opening. The points can be used for travel or converted to other rewards programs, and the card includes travel purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
3. Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card
Emojis: 🏨💳👥
The Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card offers triple points on select business categories and one point for each dollar spent elsewhere. The card also has a sign-up bonus of 100,000 points after spending $15,000 within the first 3 months of opening an account. The cardholders can also earn an additional 25% rewards points when redeemed through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. Another key feature is the card’s flexibility to have employee cards under the same account; thereby, streamlining expenses.
4. CitiBusiness AAdvantage Card
Emojis: ✈️🤝💳
The CitiBusiness AAdvantage Card is an excellent choice for those who frequently fly with American Airlines. The card offers double miles for every dollar spent on American Airlines and one point per dollar on all other purchases. The card also has numerous added features such as TSA pre-Check and priority boarding; these features prioritize benefits for the cardholder over elite status.
5. American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card
Emojis: 💳💸🎉
The American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card is ideal for a new business. This card has no annual fee and offers double rewards points on every purchase, up to the first $50,000 spent on purchases per year (1 point per dollar spent after that). The points offer flexible redemption options and can also be transferred to other loyalty programs.
6. Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard
Emojis: ✈️💸🛂
The Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard offers unlimited 1.5X points on all purchases with no blackout dates and no restrictions on the rewards earned. The points can be redeemed as statement credits towards travel purchases or as cash rewards with no annual fee.
7. Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card
Emojis: 🛫🏨💺
The Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card is specifically curated for businesses with a high volume of Delta flights. It has benefits such as airport lounge access, free checked bags, priority boarding, and in-flight discounts. The card also provides Delta Sky Club access for the primary cardholders and two guests.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Best Business Credit Cards for Travel
Strengths of the Best Business Credit Cards for Travel
1. Specialized Travel Rewards
Business credit cards provide exclusive travel rewards that cater specifically to business travel needs. These rewards include airline tickets, rental cars, and hotel stays.
2. Sign-up Bonuses
Most business travel credit cards come with lucrative sign-up bonuses such as a package of points, miles, or cashback after meeting some spending requirements. These bonuses can be redeemed for travel or other business expenses.
3. Business Expenses Tracking
Business credit cards offer a simple way to track expenses related to business travel. This feature allows businesses to easily and quickly determine all expenses incurred on business travel, without the need for manual calculation.
4. Complimentary Travel Perks
Business travel credit cards offer their cardholders free perks such as airline lounge access, hotel room upgrades, and free checked bags. These benefits make the business travel experience more comfortable for the cardholder.
5. Flexibility in Redeeming Rewards
Most business credit cards provide their cardholders with multiple redemption options. Points and miles can often be transferred to other loyalty programs or used for other rewards such as statement credits or cashback. This flexibility allows cardholders to personalize their reward redemption as per their preference.
6. Insurance and Security
Business credit cards offer protection from travel-related risks such as luggage loss, trip cancellations, and medical emergencies. Some cards even offer zero liability protection in case of unauthorized purchases. This security feature ensures that businesses can protect their finances when employees travel.
Weaknesses of the Best Business Credit Cards for Travel
1. High Annual Fees
Business credit cards usually have an annual fee, with some cards costing as much as $595. This fee may offset the benefits accrued from the rewards program, making the card less attractive to smaller businesses.
2. High Interest Rates
Business credit cards usually have higher interest rates compared to personal credit cards. Therefore, it is vital to use this type of credit card only for business needs to avoid accumulating high interest rates.
3. Limited Acceptance
Some business credit cards are restricted to specific airlines or hotels, meaning that the opportunities to use the rewards gained from the card may be limited.
4. Foreign Transaction Fees
Business credit cards often have foreign transaction fees when used to pay for purchases overseas. These fees typically range from 2% to 5% of the purchase price, making international business trips more expensive.
5. Credit Damage Risk
If the credit card balance is not managed properly, it can negatively impact the credit score of both the employee and the company.
6. Employee Misuse Risk
The risk of employee misuse of business credit cards can create financial losses to the company. One solution to mitigate this risk is to set monthly limits for employee business expenses and regularly review credit card statements.
The Best Business Travel Credit Card Comparison Table
To provide a more thorough understanding of the best business travel credit cards, this table presents a comparison of their key features:
| Credit Card | Annual Fee | Reward Points | Sign-Up Bonus Points | Travel Perks | Introductory APR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Business Platinum Card | $595 | 5X rewards points on flights and prepaid hotels through amextravel.com | 75,000 points after spending $15,000 within three months | Complimentary airport lounge access, elite status with car rentals and hotels, travel insurance | N/A |
| Capital One Spark Miles for Business | $95 (waived first year) | 2X miles on every purchase | 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 within three months | No foreign transaction fees, purchase protection, extended warranty, | N/A |
| Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card | $95 | 3X points on first $150,000 annually on travel, shipping, advertising on social media, and search engines | 100,000 points after spending $15,000 within three months | Travel and purchase coverage, employee cards, flexible redemption options | N/A |
| CitiBusiness AAdvantage Card | $99 | 2X miles on American Airlines purchases and on telecommunications, gas stations, and car rental service | 70,000 miles after spending $4,000 within four months | Priority boarding, free first checked bag, TSA PreCheck credit, in-flight discounts | N/A |
| American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card | N/A | 2X points for the first $50,000 each year | 10,000 points after spending $3,000 within three months | Purchase protection, extended warranty, foreign transaction fees | 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months |
| Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard | N/A | 1.5X points on every purchase | 20,000 points after spending $1,000 within 60 days of account opening | No international transaction fees, trip cancellation insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver | 0% APR on purchases for the first nine billing cycles |
| Delta Reserve for Business Credit Card | $450 | 3X miles per dollar spent with Delta airlines and all other eligible purchases | 80,000 miles and 20,000 MQMs (Medallion Qualification Miles) after your first purchase | Airline lounge access, priority boarding, complimentary upgrades on domestic Delta flights | N/A |
Frequently Asked Questions About Business Credit Cards for Travel
Here are 13 frequently asked questions about the best business credit cards for travel:
1. What is the best business credit card for travel?
The best credit card for travel depends on individual business needs. The American Express Business Platinum Card may be the best for businesses that want to maximize their rewards points.
2. Why are business travel credit cards different from personal travel credit cards?
Business travel credit cards cater to specialized needs that are unique to business travels like transaction tracking and employee expense reporting, while personal travel credit cards offer rewards for personal travel spending.
3. What are some benefits of business travel credit cards?
Business travel credit cards offer exclusive perks such as lounge access, free checked bags, and other travel-related benefits that personal credit cards typically do not offer.
4. How can I redeem my travel rewards points?
Most business credit cards offer a variety of ways to redeem your rewards points, such as converting points to cashback, statement credits, or airline miles.
5. Do all business travel credit cards have annual fees?
No, not all business travel credit cards have annual fees. Some credit cards, such as the American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card, do not have an annual fee.
6. Are there any foreign transaction fees when using a business travel credit card?
Some business travel credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee when used for purchases overseas. However, several credit cards such as the Bank of America Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard do not charge a foreign transaction fee.
7. Can business owners build credit with a business travel credit card?
Yes, business owners can build credit with a business travel credit card. These credit cards can help establish a business credit history, which can be vital for securing loans and other financial services in the future.
8. Can businesses have multiple credit cards?
Yes, businesses can have multiple credit cards. Many companies have cards for specific types of purchases, and others have multiple employees with their own card under the same account.
9. What are APR and interest rates and how do they work?
APR stands for Annual Percentage Rate and refers to the amount of interest charged on a credit card. Interest is the fee charged on the amount borrowed, which is usually a percentage of the amount owed. The interest rate on a credit card varies with different credit cards.
10. Can employees use business credit cards for personal expenses?
It is usually discouraged, but some companies allow employees to use business credit cards for personal expenses with proper tracking and approval.
11. How can businesses reduce the risk of employee misuse of business credit cards?
Companies can mitigate the risk of employee misuse of business credit cards by imposing spending limits, regularly reviewing credit card statements of employees, and instituting a code of conduct.
12. How often is my point balance updated?
Your point balance is generally updated at the end of every billing cycle.
13. Can points and miles be transferred to other loyalty programs?
Yes, points and miles earned from credit cards can be transferred to various loyalty programs, depending on the credit card terms and conditions.
Conclusion
Choosing the best business credit card for travel can be challenging, given the vast array of options. However, this guide provides a detailed overview of the best business credit cards and their key features, their benefits and weaknesses, and their comparison table, and frequently asked questions. By knowing your business’s travel needs and analyzing the best options, you can maximize the value of your travel credit card.
Sobat Hitunggaji, we hope that this guide helps you make an informed decision and select the best credit card for your business travel needs. Remember, choose wisely, and enjoy your business travels!
Disclaimer
The information provided here is thoroughly researched, but keep in mind that offers and credit card details can change anytime. Therefore, it is crucial to verify the latest information on the issuer’s website or by contacting their customer service. We do not provide professional financial advice, so be sure to consult with your financial advisor before making any financial decisions.
Looking for the best travel credit cards for your business? Check out this article on American Express Business Travel to find out how to maximize your rewards and benefits.