Business credit cards

Can I apply?

• Most business credit cards are available to companies of all sizes, so you can apply as a sole trader, a partnership or a limited company.

• When deciding what to apply for, it’s best to choose a card that suits your company and profile.

Am I Eligible?

• To get a business credit card, you typically need to be a UK-registered business, over 18 years old and have a good credit score.

• Some providers offer soft eligibility checks to show your chances of approval before you apply (which won't impact your credit score).

How long will it take?

• Approval can range from an instant decision to a few days, depending on how quickly the provider completes your credit checks.

• Once you're approved, your card will generally arrive within 7-10 days, but virtual cards can be available immediately.

A business credit card is designed to help UK companies manage expenses while separating personal and professional spending.

It can be a useful tool to:

• Manage your cash flow

• Build your company’s credit profile

• Track your business expenses

It works in the same way as a personal credit card, but is tied to your company, with perks often including rewards (e.g. cashback, travel points and insurance), and accounting software integration.

1. Compare and choose a card

Compare credit cards and find the right card that suits your business needs.

2. Apply for your card

Applying for a credit card can take just minutes with some applications.

3. Spend and repay

Once your provider approves your application, you can start your business spending with your card, but be sure to keep up with the monthly repayments.

Eligibility depends on the provider’s criteria and your company’s financial profile. While some business credit cards are designed for startups or sole traders, others may require a minimum turnover or business history.

To apply for a business credit card in the UK, you need to:

• Be aged 18 or over

• Be a UK resident

• Run a UK-registered business (sole trader, partner, or limited company director)

Some will also ask you to pass a personal credit check as well as a business one, or request proof of steady cash flow.

To improve your approval chances, check the provider’s specific criteria and consider using an eligibility checker to avoid impacting your credit score.

With so many options, it’s important to compare key factors to find the right business credit card for your needs:

• Interest rate: If carrying a balance, look for cards with lower APRs to reduce borrowing costs.

• Credit limits: Ensure the card’s limit aligns with your company’s spending needs.

• Rewards: Choose cards offering points, cashback, or travel perks that suit your business.

• Introductory offers: Take advantage of 0% APR periods, bonus points, or waived fees in the first year.

• Expense management: Check if the card includes tracking tools or integration with accounting software.

• International usage: If you need to spend while working abroad, a card with no or low foreign transaction fees can help cut down costs.

• APR (Annual Percentage Rate)

APR is the total cost of borrowing over a year, including interest and any standard fees. For business credit cards, APR helps you compare the true cost of different card options.

• Rewards and perks

Some cards offer cashback, travel points, or other rewards. If you regularly make business purchases, a rewards card can help you earn back a percentage of your spending.

• Credit limits

A higher credit limit provides more room for larger purchases and can help you manage cash flow. However, choose a card with a limit that aligns with your current business spending to avoid unnecessary debt or overspending.

• Interest-free period

Many providers offer an interest-free period of up to 42 days, with some beyond that. There are also introductory 0% APR deals for a fixed period, which typically range from 6-18 months, but check what the rate changes to once the promotion ends.

• Extras

Some cards offer additional features, including multiple cards for employees, expense tracking, and accounting software integrations. Decide if these may be useful depending on your business needs.

APRs and offers are subject to change. Always verify current rates and terms directly with the provider before applying.

Business credit cards often come with rewards that help your company get more value from everyday spending. Popular rewards include:

• Cashback

• Air miles

• Travel points

• Shopping vouchers

Some cards offer higher rewards in specific business categories, such as fuel or software subscriptions. Other providers even offer bonus points for hitting a minimum spend within the first few months.

For businesses that travel frequently, cards offering air miles or hotel points can provide significant value.

Many providers also allow you to pool rewards across multiple employee cards, helping your business accumulate points faster.

Before applying for your business credit card, it’s important to think about:

• Annual fees – make sure the value of the rewards outweighs any fees.

• Interest rates – carrying a balance can quickly negate your rewards.

• Reward terms – check for expiry dates, restrictions, or tax implications.

By managing your card responsibly, your company can turn everyday expenses into meaningful rewards, helping to boost cash flow, save on travel, and unlock valuable perks.

Here are the five most effective ways to boost your chances of getting approved:

• Use your business bank account: Use your account regularly to prove your turnover over a sustained period of time.

• Better cashflow visibility:

• Simplify tax reporting:

• Stick to the terms of your accounts:

• Build business credit history: