best business travel credit card
In the fast-paced world of business travel, having the right credit card can make all the difference.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a road warrior, or someone who occasionally travels for work,
the right business travel credit card can provide significant rewards, exclusive perks, and essential benefits. From lounge access to cashback on travel purchases,
the right card can turn your business trip from mundane to luxurious,
all while saving you money. With so many options on the market, figuring out which is best for you can be challenging.
That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you choose the best business travel credit card for your needs in 2024.
### Why You Need a Business Travel Credit Card
Before we dive into the best cards, let’s look at why you should have a dedicated business travel credit card in the first place:
– **Maximized Rewards**: Many business travel cards offer generous rewards programs,
letting you earn points or miles on every dollar you spend on travel and business expenses.
These can be redeemed for flights, hotels, or even statement credits.
– **Travel Perks**: The right credit card can provide exclusive perks such as access to airport lounges,
priority boarding, and free checked bags. Some cards even offer travel insurance,
saving you from purchasing additional coverage.
– **Expense Management**: A business card helps you keep personal and business expenses separate,
making bookkeeping much more accessible. Many also come with tools for tracking spending and managing employee cards.
best business travel credit card
– **Cash Flow**: Business travel cards often come with high credit limits and flexible payment options, making them ideal for managing your business’s cash flow.
Now, look at the best business travel credit cards available in 2024.
### 1. **American Express Business Platinum Card**
**Why It’s Great:**
The American Express Business Platinum Card is a top-tier option for business travelers seeking premium perks.
This card offers unparalleled luxury and flexibility, especially for frequent flyers and those looking to make the most
of their travel.
**Key Benefits:**
– **Generous Welcome Bonus**: Earn up to 120,000 Membership Rewards® points after meeting the spending
requirements within the first few months.
– **5X Membership Rewards on Flights and Prepaid Hotels**:
Earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel and on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel.
– **Airport Lounge Access**: Access the American Express Global Lounge Collection, including Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass Select, and more.
– **Elite Hotel Status**: Enjoy complimentary Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors,
giving you perks like room upgrades and late checkout.
– **Comprehensive Travel Insurance**: The card offers trip delay, cancellation, and lost baggage insurance, ensuring you’re covered if your travel plans go awry.
**Drawbacks**:
– The **high annual fee** ($695) may deter small business owners who aren’t frequent travelers.
– Some benefits, such as lounge access, are most valuable for air travelers, so if your travel is more car-based, you
might not take full advantage of what this card offers.
### 2. **Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card**
**Wh
best business travel credit card
y It’s Great:**
The Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is popular for small to medium-sized businesses due to its
exceptional rewards program and flexible redemption options through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.
**Key Benefits:**
– **Huge Welcome Bonus**: Earn 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 in the first three months,
which can be worth up to $1,250 in travel when redeemed through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
best business travel credit card
– **3X Points on Business Categories**: Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in travel and select business categories annually.
This includes shipping, internet, cable, phone services, and advertising purchases on social media and search engines.
– **Flexible Redemption**: Chase Ultimate Rewards® points can be redeemed for travel, cashback, gift cards,
and more. Points are worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through the Chase portal.
– **Primary Car Rental Insurance**: This card offers primary car rental insurance for frequent travelers who rent cars
for business, covering theft and collision damage.
– **Affordable Annual Fee**: At $95 per year, it’s one of the more affordable premium business cards available.
*Drawbacks**:
– There are no luxury perks like airport lounge access or elite hotel status,
which makes this card less appealing for frequent air travelers seeking high-end benefits.
### 3. **Capital One Spark Miles for Business**
**Why It’s Great:**
The Capital One Spark Miles for Business card is an excellent option if you’re looking for a simple rewards structure.
Flat-rate rewards on every purchase are great for those who want to earn travel rewards without worrying about bonus categories.
**Key Benefits:**
– **Unlimited 2X Miles**: Earn 2 miles per $1 on every purchase, making it easy to rack up rewards quickly without considering bonus categories.
– **One-Time Bonus**: Earn 50,000 miles after spending $4,500 in the first three months, equivalent to $500 in travel.
best business travel credit card
– **Flexible Travel Redemption**: Redeem your miles for travel purchases, including flights, hotels,
and car rentals, or transfer your miles to Capital One’s airline and hotel partners for even more value.
– **No Foreign Transaction Fees**: If you frequently travel internationally for business, this card won’t charge extra fees when purchasing abroad.
– **Free Employee Cards**: You can add employee cards at no additional cost and earn rewards on their purchases.
**Drawbacks**:
– The **annual fee of $95** (waived the first year) might seem steep for a card without premium perks like lounge access or travel insurance.
best business travel credit card
### 4. **CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®**
**Why It’s Great:**
The CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard® is an excellent choice for business travelers loyal to American Airlines.
With perks designed to enhance your travel experience with AA, this card is best suited for frequent airline flyers.
*Key Benefits:**
– **Earn AAdvantage Miles**: Earn 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases,
along with 2 miles per $1 spent on telecommunications, car rentals, and gas stations.
– **First Checked Bag Free**: You and up to four companions traveling on the same reservation can check your first bag for free on domestic American Airlines flights.
– **Preferred Boarding**: Enjoy priority boarding on American Airlines flights, allowing you to board early and settle in without hassle.
– **25% Off In-Flight Purchases**: Save on in-flight food and beverages when flying American Airlines.
– **Reduced Mileage Awards**: Use fewer miles to book flights with AA’s Reduced Mileage Awards program.
**Drawbacks**:
– While this card is excellent for American Airlines loyalists, it doesn’t offer much value for those who fly with other carriers.
– The **$99 annual fee** is waived for the first year,
but after that, the card doesn’t offer the same luxury perks as some of the other premium cards.
### Conclusion
Choosing the best business travel credit card depends on your travel habits and business needs.
best business travel credit card
The **American Express Business Platinum Card** is hard to beat if you’re after luxury and high-end travel perks.
The **Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card** and **Capital One Spark Miles for Business**
e excellent options for more straightforward rewards without the hefty annual fee.
And if you’re loyal to American Airlines, the **CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®** might be the best fit.
Ultimately, the best card for you is the one that aligns with your business’s spending patterns, travel habits,
the perks you value most. Whichever you choose, a great business travel card can significantly enhance your
travel experience and provide valuable rewards to help grow your business. Safe travels!