If you want to make the most of your rewards, then make sure you understand exactly how to qualify for them. If you’ve picked a card that already aligns with your spending, you can naturally pick up rewards without having to change your habits.
A business rewards credit card is a credit card that offers rewards for spending. It comes with everything you might expect from a normal business credit card, like the ability to streamline expenses and track spending, but you can also earn cashback, travel points and other extras.
It works like a standard business credit card, as it will come with a credit limit and businesses can make purchases up to this amount. You’ll then receive a statement each month with the balance and how much needs to be paid. It’s a good idea to pay the full balance as then you’ll avoid paying interest.
A business credit card with rewards works slightly differently as it will generate rewards based on your spending. These rewards can then be turned into cashback, air miles or points for gift cards.
A business rewards credit card can come with different rewards, so it’s worth doing your research to see which business credit card is best for your business.
Cashback on business expenses is a common reward. For example, the business credit card might offer a flat rate on cashback, like 2% on all purchases or it could be a tiered system for different spending. This means you might get 1% on travel expenses but 2% on office supplies.
Good for: businesses looking to make some extra cash on their expenses
There are some business credit cards that offer travel rewards and perks on spending, like airport lounge access or travel insurance. There is also the option to earn Avios points on purchases which can then be turned into free flights or holidays.
Good for: companies with teams that travel often or those who would like to maximise travel perks to offer as an incentive for employees
If you would like more flexibility with your rewards, then a points-based system is worth exploring. This means the business will earn points on spending and then this can be redeemed for a range of perks. For example, you could earn enough points to transfer them into gift cards or travel perks like holiday stays.
Good for: businesses that want flexible rewards and can use them for clients and employees
Our editors have picked out this top business credit card with a great deal on cashback.
For the first six months you can earn up to £2,000 with 2% cashback, which could give your small business a welcome boost on your regular expenses. It also offers 1% uncapped cashback after this offer period, so the rewards can keep growing. ”
Representative example: The standard interest rate on purchases is 34.9% pa. (variable), so if you borrow £1,200 the Representative APR will be 34.9% APR (variable)
Our editors have picked out this top business credit because you can earn Avios.
This credit card is the premium offering from Capital on Tap and comes with an array of rewards. You'll need to pay £299 annually, but it comes with unlimited access to 1,600+ airport lounges and the opportunity to convert points to Avios. There's also 10,000 bonus points when £5,000 is spent within three months.”
Representative example: Representative rate is 111.39% APR (variable).
Our editors have picked out this top business credit as there isn't an annual fee.
Representative example: Representative rate is 35.28% APR (variable).
Rewards on business credit cards are only worth the fee if you spend enough money to cover the fee with the reward. This is easy to calculate if the reward is cashback, but remember to work out non-monetary rewards too.
For example, airport lounge access can be pricey so if you are getting this free it can all add up towards covering the fee. However if your spending is low on the credit card or you aren’t using the perks, this makes it more difficult to offset the fee.
Find out more about the benefits of business credits cards by reading our guide.
Every application will be slightly different, but here’s an idea of what you’ll need to apply for this type of credit card.
Always do your research before making a decision as you’ll want to be confident that this is the right business credit card for your business. Remember to align the reward with your business expenses.
You can normally apply for a business credit card online and you’ll be asked to fill out a form with your details
Make sure you have your business and personal information ready. This can include: legal business name, business structure, business address, industry type, years in business and monthly business spend.
You’ll usually get a decision in minutes, but some providers can take a bit longer. If you’re approved you’ll then be told when to expect the credit card in the post.
Business credit cards for rewards do have eligibility requirements and these can vary depending on the provider.
For example, you’ll need to have a legitimate business and be able to provide proof of this. Providers will also check your credit score - which can include your business and personal credit score - to determine whether you are eligible for the credit limit.
Sole traders and limited companies can normally apply for a business credit card but you’ll need to showcase your annual revenue or at least estimate, for eligibility purposes.
If you want to make the most of your rewards, then make sure you understand exactly how to qualify for them. If you’ve picked a card that already aligns with your spending, you can naturally pick up rewards without having to change your habits.
A savvy way to use your business rewards credit card is to use the rewards to support business spending. For example, when you earn cashback, put this back into the business by covering a regular business expense.
Some business credit cards will come with introductory offers, for example higher cashback for the first three months. If this is the case, plan ahead and get the card during a time when you might experience higher expenses.
The key with any credit card is to try and pay off the balance in full each month so you avoid paying any interest. If you don’t do this, your business might end up paying more in interest rather than benefiting from the rewards.
If you want to make the most of your rewards, then make sure you understand exactly how to qualify for them. If you’ve picked a card that already aligns with your spending, you can naturally pick up rewards without having to change your habits.
A savvy way to use your business rewards credit card is to use the rewards to support business spending. For example, when you earn cashback, put this back into the business by covering a regular business expense.
Some business credit cards will come with introductory offers, for example higher cashback for the first three months. If this is the case, plan ahead and get the card during a time when you might experience higher expenses.
The key with any credit card is to try and pay off the balance in full each month so you avoid paying any interest. If you don’t do this, your business might end up paying more in interest rather than benefiting from the rewards.
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The reward programmes on business credit cards are in place to benefit businesses, so it’s normal for business purchases to be rewarded. However, every credit card will be different and may have some restrictions on spending. That’s why it’s always important to read the terms and conditions.
Generally, most business credit card rewards are not taxable. This means air miles or travel points don't need to be reported to HMRC. But, if you receive cash rewards or cash bonuses, these can be taxable so it's important to flag these when you do your tax return.
There isn't a limit to how many business credit cards you can have and having more than one can help to maximise rewards. However it's important to only apply for the credit cards that you can use responsibly, as otherwise it could harm your credit score. Smaller businesses might have a couple of credit cards to suit their cashflow needs or for employees to use them for expenses.
It's important to note that if you get a refund for a purchase made with a business rewards credit card, the rewards you initially earned will be deducted from your balance.
Yes, business credit card rewards can expire but it will depend on your provider. For example, some rewards won't expire as long as you have the account open and active, but others might have a specific timeframe for use.
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