Our best UK business credit cards for 2026

The basic requirement is that you should be a sole trader, partner, or director of a registered company. Also, be aware that lenders may evaluate both your business and personal credit scores, especially for new or small enterprises. ​

Obtain and examine your business and personal credit reports to identify areas for improvement. A strong credit history can significantly boost your approval prospects.

Research a number of business credit cards to find one that aligns with your company's spending habits and financial needs. Consider factors such as interest rates, fees, rewards programs, and credit limits.

Before submitting a formal application, use online eligibility checkers to assess your likelihood of approval without impacting your credit score. This can help you avoid unnecessary ‘hard’ checks.

Prepare the required information for your application:

• Personal details: Full name, home address, and date of birth.​

• Business details: Company name, address, start date, and a brief description of your business activities. ​

Submit your application online, over the phone, or in person. Be prepared for a credit check and to provide a personal guarantee, especially if your business is new. Once approved, some issuers may provide immediate access to virtual card details so you can start spending right away, while others will dispatch your physical card shortly thereafter.

Yes, many business credit card providers allow you to check your eligibility online before submitting a full application.

This process usually involves a soft credit check, which won’t affect your credit score. A soft check gives you an idea of your chances of approval.

By checking your eligibility first, you can avoid unnecessary hard credit checks, which could impact your personal credit score and your business’s financial standing.

No, you do not necessarily need a business current account to apply for a business credit card. 

However, having a dedicated business bank account can significantly simplify your financial management, allowing you to separate your business finances from personal transactions, making it easier to track business expenses and manage your cash flow. 

A business current account can help you stay organised, streamline bill payments, and ensure smoother financial operations for your company. Many business credit card providers may even prefer applicants with a business account, as it shows more structured financial management.

Yes, when you apply for a business credit card, credit card providers will typically assess both your business's credit record and your company’s overall financial health.

If your business has limited or no credit history, the card issuer may also check your personal credit score to evaluate your creditworthiness. 

Yes, startups and new businesses in the UK can apply for a business credit card. A business credit card can be an essential tool for optimising cash flow and covering initial business expenses in the early stages. 

However, as a new company, you may be required to provide additional information to demonstrate your ability to meet repayment obligations.

To assess your eligibility, the provider may conduct a personal credit check (especially if you're a sole trader or have personal liability), request company financial statements, and ask for details about your business assets. This will help the provider determine your credit limit and the terms of your card.

Keep in mind that approval may be more challenging for new businesses without an established credit history, but offering a personal guarantee or showing strong personal credit can help increase your chances of approval.

Approval times vary by provider. Some offer instant decisions, and you may even receive a digital card the same day. If additional verification is needed, approval can take a few days, and the physical card typically arrives within 5–10 working days.

To speed up the process, have the following information ready:

• Business name and trading details

• Company registration number (if applicable)

• Financial figures (e.g., annual turnover)

• Personal details for directors or partners

Your credit limit will depend on factors such as your business’s turnover, credit history, and how long you’ve been trading. In the UK, some providers, including many high street banks, offer limits of around £25,000, while some digital-first providers go as high as £250,000.

APR (Annual Percentage Rate) shows the total cost of borrowing on a business credit card over a year. It includes both the interest charged on any balance you carry, as well as any additional fees (such as annual fees). Essentially, you can think of it as the "price" of using the card if you don’t pay off the balance in full each month.

Your APR will depend on factors, such as your personal and business credit history, your business's finances, and the card provider's policies. It's also worth nothing that it can change over time, so it's important to check your card agreement for any updates. The exact APR you're offered will vary depending on your circumstances and the card you apply for.

Business credit cards in the UK typically aren’t fully interest-free, but many offer an interest-free period on purchases — usually between 20 and 56 days — as long as you pay the balance in full each month.

If you carry a balance beyond the due date, interest will apply, so it's important to clear the full amount to avoid charges. Always check the card’s terms to understand the interest-free period and any fees.

Choosing a card with a generous interest-free window can help free up working capital, especially when spreading the cost of large purchases.

Yes, employees can have their own company credit cards for business expenses. This allows them to make purchases without using personal funds and eliminates delays in reimbursement, making day-to-day operations smoother.

Many business credit card providers also offer spending controls, so you can:

• Set individual spending limits for each employee

• Monitor expenses in real time

• Easily track and manage company spending

Introducing employee credit cards can streamline expense management, improve financial oversight, and give you better visibility into how your business budget is being used.

To make the most of this, it’s crucial to implement a clear company credit card policy. This should cover:

• Spending limits for different types of expenses

• Prohibited purchases

• Receipt and reporting requirements

• Consequences for misuse

A well-managed company card program ensures your employees can spend efficiently while keeping your business finances secure and under control.

The number of business credit cards you need depends on your business’s spending habits and financial goals.

Having more than one card can help organise expenses by category, such as travel, office supplies, or client entertainment, and could allow you to maximise rewards like cashback or travel points.

Multiple cards can also improve cash flow by spreading out payment due dates.

However, it’s vital to monitor credit limits carefully, as high credit utilisation can affect your business credit score. Managing several accounts requires discipline to avoid missed payments or overspending.

Ultimately, the best approach is to choose the number of cards that fits your business needs and financial management capabilities.

Yes – using a business credit card can affect your personal credit, especially if you're the primary account holder or have personally guaranteed the account.

Many issuers check your personal credit when you apply, and your payment history can influence your score if you're liable for the debt.

To avoid negative impacts, use your business card responsibly: pay on time, keep your balance low, and avoid maxing out your limit.

If you’re worried about managing repayments, contact your card provider early – they may offer flexible options or help restructure your debt.

A business credit card allows companies to make purchases on credit and pay the balance later. You'll receive monthly statements and can choose to pay the full amount, a set sum, or the minimum – though only paying the minimum will lead to higher interest charges.

Many business credit cards charge an annual fee, so factor this into your decision. Alternatively, business charge cards have no preset credit limit but require the full balance to be cleared each month, making them ideal for businesses with larger, predictable expenses.

When choosing a card, always check the terms and conditions. Compare interest rates, fees, rewards, and credit limits to find one that suits your business's needs and spending habits.

Using a business credit card for legitimate business expenses — like office supplies, travel, or client entertainment — can help you claim tax deductions.

These purchases are typically considered tax-deductible business expenses when filing your self-assessment or corporate tax return.

To make the process easier, keep detailed records of all transactions. Credit card statements can be a useful tool for tracking and categorising expenses.

Be aware that interest on outstanding balances is generally not tax-deductible, so it’s important to pay off your credit card on time to avoid unnecessary costs.

For personalised advice and to maximise your deductions while staying compliant, consult a qualified accountant or tax adviser.