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A guide to business credit cards

By Mozo Editorial ·
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Advertiser disclosure

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Whether to get a small business credit card - and which one to apply for - is a matter of balancing features against interest and fees, and securing the best business credit card offer.

Ready to start looking? Check out our top cards below. 

Business Credit Cards Comparison Table - last updated 9 December 2023

Search promoted credit cards below or do a full Mozo database search . Advertiser disclosure
  • NAB Low Rate Card - Balance Transfer Offer

    Spend with confidence with a low 12.49% p.a. variable purchase rate and 0% p.a. interest on balance transfers for the first 28 months (T&Cs apply). 2% balance transfer fee applies. There’s also up to 55 interest free days on purchases to help you manage your budget better when you make minimum repayments. Minimum credit limit $1,000. No annual fee for the first year (usually $59).

    Purchase rate
    12.49% p.a.
    Balance transfer rate
    0% p.a. for 28 months and then 21.74% p.a. (2.00% balance transfer fee)
    Annual fee
    $59 $0 in the first year
    Rewards program
    -
    Go to site
    Details
  • American Express Qantas Ultimate Card

    Receive 60,000 bonus Qantas Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Qantas American Express Ultimate Card within the first 3 months of your approval date. T&Cs apply. Available to new American Express Card Members only.

    Purchase rate
    23.99% p.a.
    Balance transfer rate
    No current offer
    Annual fee
    $450
    Rewards program
    Qantas Frequent Flyer
    Go to site
    Details
  • American Express Velocity Platinum Card

    Receive 60,000 bonus Velocity Points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $3,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 3 months. T&Cs apply. Available to new Card Members only.

    Purchase rate
    23.99% p.a.
    Balance transfer rate
    No current offer
    Annual fee
    $375
    Rewards program
    Velocity Frequent Flyer
    Go to site
    Details
  • American Express Qantas Discovery Card

    Earn 1.75 Qantas Points on eligible Qantas products and services per $1 spent (T&Cs apply). Enjoy $0 Annual Card Fee. Get the security of Card Refund and Purchase Cover. Up to four additional Cards at no extra fee. Redeem your points for Classic Flight Rewards (T&Cs apply).

    Purchase rate
    23.99% p.a.
    Balance transfer rate
    No current offer
    Annual fee
    $0
    Rewards program
    Qantas Frequent Flyer
    Go to site
    Details
  • American Express Explorer® Credit Card

    Receive 50,000 bonus membership rewards points when you apply online, are approved, and spend $4,000 on eligible purchases on your new card within the first 3 months (T&Cs apply). New Card Members only. Complimentary domestic & international Travel Insurance (T&Cs apply). Up to 55 days interest free on purchases. $395 annual fee.

    Purchase rate
    23.99% p.a.
    Balance transfer rate
    No current offer
    Annual fee
    $395
    Rewards program
    Membership Rewards
    Go to site
    Details

Credit card features and benefits

  • Accounting: credit cards can consolidate business expenses into one monthly payment, it's simple to monitor expenses - via multiple cards - with monthly and online statements.
  • Cash flow: if you're constantly juggling immediate expenses and uncertain payments, small business credit cards can tide you over - so long as the debt isn't only increasing.
  • Credit card rewards: paying for small business expenses via credit can add up to a valuable amount of rewards - especially handy for company travel.

Credit card interest and fees

  • Most business credit cards charge higher fees than personal accounts, although they're tax deductible.
  • Corporate credit cards typically have higher interest rates than the best low rate personal credit cards, so you'll want to keep ongoing debt to a minimum (or look at some small business loans).
  • Business credit card rewards typically involve large annual fees, so you'll want to get rewards value for fees.

Business credit card - or personal?

Many small business owners start out by using their personal credit card for business expenses. But is that the right call?

Advantages include:

  • Minimising fees (eg, annual fees) through fewer accounts
  • Better interest rates
  • Avoiding the pitfalls of multiple accounts - such as fees for missed payments
  • Maximising rewards
  • Avoiding the hassle of applications and credit checks

Disadvantages include:

  • Hassle of separating personal from business expenses
  • Difficulty of proving business expenses to tax office
  • Personal credit ratings can be damaged (if you miss payments or exceed your limit)

While it may be easier and more cost effective to use a personal credit card for business expenses when you're setting up - for ease, cheap interest rates and fewer fees - the accounting difficulties in the longer term will probably make a small business credit card desirable once you're up and running.

Ready to compare business credit cards for yourself? Make life easy by using Mozo's dedicated business credit card comparison table, or for an alternative funding source, why not check out some of the hottest business loan deals on the market. 

Mozo Editorial
Mozo Editorial

Mozo’s team of experienced journalists and money experts provide news, insights, practical guides and expert analysis to help you master your personal finances. We follow editorial guidelines that focus on accuracy, reliability and timeliness; helping you make informed financial decisions with confidence and the most of your hard-earned money.

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