Best Credit Cards for Self-Employed Individuals for 2025
Review
Updated
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A good business credit card can be a powerful tool for a business of any size. And this goes for self-employed freelancers and contractors, too. Having the right credit cards can make life -- and accounting -- much easier. The best credit cards for self-employed sole proprietors also provide valuable purchase rewards and charge no annual fees. You work for yourself, and your business credit card should work for you, too. Find the right fit with our picks for best credit cards for self-employed business owners below.
Our aim is to maintain a balanced best-of list featuring top-scoring credit cards from reputable brands. 'Best for' category selections on this page are determined by our editors, and a single card may be recognized in multiple categories.
On American Express's Secure Website.
Great for: All-around cash back
On American Express's Secure Website.
On American Express's Secure Website.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: 0% on purchases, 12 months from date of account opening
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
17.49% - 27.49% Variable
Rewards 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back earned is automatically credited to your statement.
1% - 2% cash back
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Welcome Offer Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
$250
For businesses that prefer cash back over points, this card offers a straightforward way to earn rewards. You’ll get 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each year, then 1% after that—with no annual fee. This makes it a great fit for businesses looking for easy-to-manage rewards without tracking spending categories. Plus, with intro APR on purchases, it provides added flexibility for managing cash flow. Read Full Review
Great for: Flexible rewards points
On American Express's Secure Website.
On American Express's Secure Website.
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR
Purchases: 0% on purchases, 12 months from date of account opening
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
17.49% - 27.49% Variable
Rewards 2X points on the first $50,000 spent in purchases each year, 1X points on purchases thereafter
1x - 2x points
Annual Fee
No annual fee
Welcome Offer Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
15,000 Membership Rewards® points
This card is an excellent no-annual-fee option designed for small businesses that want simple, high-earning rewards. You’ll earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on the first $50,000 spent each year, then 1X after that—making it one of the best flat-rate rewards cards available. With flexible spending power that adjusts to your business needs, this card is a strong choice for business owners looking to earn valuable points without worrying about bonus categories or annual fees. Read Full Review
Great for: Internet, cellphone, and office supply rewards
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases
Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 12 months
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
17.49% - 25.49% Variable
Rewards Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year. Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year. Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.
Earn 5% cash back in select business categories
Annual Fee N/A
$0
Welcome Offer Earn $350 when you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first six months after account opening.
Earn up to $750 bonus cash back
We think this card is a great option for savvy business owners looking to maximize rewards without the added cost of an annual fee. You’ll earn 5% cash back on office supplies, internet, cable, and phone services (up to $25,000 annually), making it ideal for businesses with regular expenses in these categories. With a generous $750 welcome bonus after meeting the spending threshold, along with valuable travel and purchase protections, this card offers great value for smaller businesses with high recurring expenses. Read Full Review
Great for: Unlimited travel rewards
Excellent (740-850)
Intro APR Save on interest with 0% intro APR on purchases for 9 months; 17.99% - 23.99% variable APR after that.
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
18.49% - 24.49%, variable
Rewards 1.5x miles on purchases, 5x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
1.5x - 5x miles
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer Earn a one-time bonus of 50,000 miles – equal to $500 in travel – once you spend $4,500 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening
50,000 miles
A competitive business travel card that's a fit for a one-card wallet. The unlimited rewards program, sign-up bonus, and 0% intro APR offer are a rare combination of valuable perks in this category.
Great for: Unlimited cash back
Good/Excellent (670-850)
Intro APR 0% Intro APR on Purchases
Purchases: 0% Intro APR on Purchases, 12 months
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
17.49% - 23.49% Variable
Rewards Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer Earn $750 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Earn $750 bonus cash back
This card is a cost-effective option for businesses of all sizes. There is no annual fee, yet offers an attractive $750 welcome bonus & unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase — that is a straightforward way to earn cash back on everyday business expenses. Plus, you can add employees cards for no extra cost. No wonder it's one of the most popular business cards we've reviewed. Read Full Review
Great for: Fair/average credit
Fair/New to Credit Under(669)
Intro APR
Purchases: N/A
Balance Transfers: N/A
Regular APR
29.99%, variable
Rewards
1% cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Welcome Offer
N/A
For businesses or borrowers with fair credit, this card is a winner. Purchases earn unlimited 1% cash back, plus it includes a $0 annual fee. These perks are rare for cards in this credit score range.
You can apply for a business credit card if you're self-employed. If you're self-employed, you're a business owner. That's the way the IRS sees it -- and so do the credit card companies.
If you are a freelancer or independent contractor, you're likely a sole proprietor. Your official business title is that of "owner." If you've registered your business as a distinct entity, you may have a different structure. Some self-employed folks have a registered LLC, LLP, or corporation. But in all of these configurations, you are eligible for a business credit card.
Keep in mind we're talking about a small business credit card. If you have a large corporation, you may need a corporate credit card.
LEARN MORE: The best business credit cards
Most of the questions on the application are straightforward, and very similar to those on a personal credit card application. Here's the information you may need to apply for a business credit card:
The question that may confuse self-employed applicants is the Tax ID number. The type of Tax ID number depends on your business structure. If you have an LLC, you need an ETIN (employer tax ID number). When you have a sole proprietorship, however, you typically file taxes using your personal Social Security number.
TIP
The Tax ID number on a credit card application is whatever number you use to file taxes. If you're self-employed, you may use your Social Security number to file taxes. In this case, use your Social Security number as your Tax ID on a business credit card application.
A final part of the application is deciding if you need an employee card. Obviously, if you don't have employees, you don't need one.
As a self-employed worker, you may wonder why you need a business credit card. After all, you likely file taxes using your personal Social Security number, so why not just use your personal credit cards?
There are several good reasons to get a business credit card. And while there are some cons, they're definitely outweighed by the pros.
Even if you're self-employed as a sole proprietor, the government considers your small business its own entity. As such, it deserves its own credit card. Here are a few reasons why:
There are some drawbacks to business credit cards. But many of those drawbacks also apply to a personal credit card. Here are some potential issues to keep in mind:
Every business is as unique as its owner. There's no one-size-fits-all business credit card for every self-employed individual. There are as many types of credit cards in the business card world as there are regular credit cards.
Choosing the best credit card for your business depends on several factors:
A lot of the best tips for using your business credit card also apply to your personal credit cards:
Another solid bit of advice specifically for people with business credit cards: Open a business bank account. One of the great things about business credit cards is they help keep your business and personal expenses separate. With a business bank account, this process becomes even easier.
LEARN MORE: Best business checking accounts
Having your client invoices or payments deposited to your business account makes it easier to track your income. You can also pay your business credit card with your checking account. That way, you're not paying business expenses from your personal accounts.
If you want to take it a step further, open a business savings account, too. When you're self-employed, you're responsible for paying your own taxes every quarter. Having a separate account for taxes ensures you have the money you need when taxes come due.
| Card | Rating | Great For |
|---|---|---|
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Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Great For: All-around cash back |
|
|
Rating image, 3.50 out of 5 stars.
3.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Great For: Flexible rewards points |
|
|
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Great For: Internet, cellphone, and office supply rewards |
|
|
Rating image, 4.75 out of 5 stars.
4.75/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Great For: Unlimited travel rewards |
|
|
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Great For: Unlimited cash back |
|
|
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
= Best
= Excellent
= Good
= Fair = Poor |
Great For: Fair/average credit |
At Motley Fool Money, we rate credit cards on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). Our rating criteria includes rewards rates, welcome bonuses, fees, and perks like travel credits and 0% intro APR offers to evaluate our ratings.
Our highest-rated credit cards have:
We combine these factors with an evaluation of brand reputation and customer satisfaction to ensure you're getting the best card recommendations. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates credit cards.
There are two requirements to get a business credit score:
The best card for your business depends on your specific needs. Choose a business card that rewards you for what you purchase most. For example, if you're an independent rideshare driver, you may want a card with bonus rewards for gas purchases.
Most of the information on a business credit card application is straightforward. This includes your personal information and basic business information such as the business name and annual revenue. The Tax ID you use depends on your business structure. Sole proprietors can use a personal Social Security number. If you have an LLC or corporation, use your ETIN.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Motley Fool Money is 100% owned and operated by The Motley Fool. Our knowledgeable team of personal finance editors and analysts are employed by The Motley Fool and held to the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page.
The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Mastercard and Visa. The Motley Fool recommends Amex.
