Choosing a credit card with a starting interest rate of 0% can be a great move for a small business or even a startup. You can pay for large purchases over time without worrying about interest charges, allowing you to truly invest in your business.
If you have a major business purchase looming ahead that you want to fund, there are plenty of great small business credit cards that offer 0% APR on new purchases for the first few months of card ownership.
As always, your interest rate at the end of the 0% introductory period will be highly dependent on your business credit profile, so it is important to choose a card that will serve you well during and after the introductory period ends. Read on to see our selection of the best 0% APR business credit cards on the market.
Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card: Best for Stationery
Why we chose it: The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card offers one of the longest lead times available on the market – 0% APR for the first 12 months on purchases (from 13.24% to 19.24% APR thereafter). Plus, it has a competitive rate of return, making it an especially good choice for small business owners who need to stock up on office supplies.
The Ink Business Cash Card offers many potential benefits for 5% cash back cardholders online; cable, telephone services and stationery; and 2% cashback on gas and meals.
pros
- No annual fee
- Various cashback methods such as checkout credits, Amazon purchases, direct deposits and more.
- Works great with other Chase Ultimate Rewards cards.
- $750 bonus if you spend $7500 in three months
Minuses
- The 5% and 2% bonus categories respectively have an annual spending limit of $25,000.
- Low cashback rate on regular purchases
Who should applyA: If you spend a lot of money on office supplies or often pay for customer meals with your card, you’ll be happy with all the cash back that the Ink Business Cash credit card accumulates.
Who should missA: Cardholders who are definitely spending more than $25,000 in bonus card categories should look at other cards. Those who don’t normally spend money on office supplies, internet, or food should also avoid this card.
American Express Blue Business Cash Card: Best Fixed Rate Cash Back Card
Why did we choose this: The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card offers an initial 0% annual interest rate on new purchases for the first 12 months after account opening (from 13.24% to 21.24% with variable annual interest thereafter). Unlike Ink Business Cash, it offers the same 2% cashback on all purchases up to $50,000 in a calendar year (1% thereafter). It also comes with a $250 credit statement welcome offer if you spend $3,000 within the first three months.
pros
Minuses
- 2% cashback on purchases of $50,000 per year.
- Relatively small welcome bonus
- Can redeem cash back only as a loan statement
Who should applyA: If you have a wide range of purchases for your business, this flat rate card can give you more rewards than a bonus category card.
Who should missA: Business owners who easily spend over $50,000 should find a card with no spending limit. If you also prefer to redeem your rewards as something other than a credit statement (travel, merchandise, gift cards, etc.), you should consider another card.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card: The Best Card Without Spending Limits
Why did we choose this: In fact, look no further than the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card, which offers the same 12 months of interest-free payment on new purchases (from 13.24% to 19.24% with a variable APR after this) as Ink Business. Cash. But unlike Ink Business Cash, Ink Business Unlimited offers the same flat rate of 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
While this rate is slightly lower than Amex Blue Business Cash, it’s still good for cardholders who don’t tie their spending to one particular category. For a business credit card with no annual fee, this is a pretty generous earning scheme. Also, as we mentioned earlier, there are no limits on what you can earn.
pros
- $750 bonus after you spend $7500 within three months.
- Rewards have no expiration date, no limits, and no blackout dates
- You can transfer points to other Chase Ultimate Rewards cards.
Minuses
- Minimum 2000 points required for redemption
- Lacks perks like travel insurance or access to business tools.
Who should applyA: If you’re spending significantly more than $50,000 a year on your business, a flat rate of 1.5% might make more sense to you.
Who should miss: Cardholders for whom spending limits are not an issue and would like to receive more rewards for every dollar of their purchases.
American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card: Best for Travel
Why did we choose this: If points are more important to you than speed than cashback, the American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card offers the same generous reward rate as Blue Business Cash, but with one key difference. Amex Blue Business Plus cardholders are non-refundable and receive 2 Membership Rewards points per dollar for the first $50,000 spent each year and 1 point per dollar for all subsequent purchases.
In addition, the Blue Business Plus card offers the same long-term initial interest rate on new purchases, making it a top-notch card for financing large purchases in the first year (it ranges from 13.24% to 21.24% after that).
pros
Minuses
Who should apply: Cardholders whose business requires them and their employees to travel extensively. It’s also great for existing American Express enthusiasts.
Who should missA: If you prefer cashback or most of your business expenses go to your office or store, this card is probably not for you.
Business Advantage Credit Card Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard Credit Card: Better Flexibility
Why did we choose thisA: The Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard®* credit card is great for those of you who spend primarily on office supplies and gas, but not all year round. With 3% cash back in a category of your choice (gas, office supplies, travel, TV/telecom and wireless, computer services and business advisory services) and 2% cash back on food, this card provides great rewards for some of the the most popular categories for small businesses.
Plus, it comes with a 0% starting APR on new purchases for nine billing cycles, with floating APRs from 12.24% to 22.24% thereafter. That, plus a $300 credit if you spend $3,000 in the first 90 days, makes the Bank of America Business Advantage card a great deal, especially because it doesn’t charge an annual fee.
pros
- Flexible bonus category 3% – can change up to once per calendar month
- No cashback expiration as long as the account remains open
- Opportunity to earn up to 75% more money back with Preferred Rewards
Minuses
- $50,000 annual limit for 2% and 3% categories
- Refunds can only be made by check, credit statement, or cash deposit into a Bank of America account.
Who should applyA: Cardholders who already have a bank account with Bank of America will benefit greatly if they qualify for the Preferred Rewards tier.
Who should miss: If you spend a lot on different categories, a flat-rate card may be suitable for you.
Comparison of the best business credit cards with 0% APR
It can be hard to choose between all the different cards, especially since they all seem so great. Take a look at the chart below to see how they compete side by side.
How to choose a business credit card 0% per annum
Clearly, the zero interest rate appeals to small business owners, especially if you’re expecting a large purchase like a refrigerator, an industrial printer, or 10,000 T-shirts. However, you also need to make sure that the reward rate on the card exactly matches your spending habits. This will increase your ability to make big card profits even after the introductory APR ends. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you check the following:
- Compensation Structure: Which sounds better: bonus categories or flat rate? This may well depend on the nature of your business. If all your spending is focused on just a few categories, a bonus category business card might be better. For businesses that spend widely across different categories, a flat-rate card will do.
- Cashback or points: More cash flow is always good for any small business. However, if your business requires a lot of travel, points (or miles) may be a better fit for your goals.
- Spending limit: Again – limiting spending can really reduce the value of your business card. Business owners who know they’re spending over $50,000 should avoid spending limit cards to take full advantage of their business card.
- Fringe benefits: Does your business need a QuickBooks connection, roadside assistance, or free employee maps? Business credit cards often offer useful perks to oil the gears and help your business run smoothly, so be sure to choose a card with the perks you need.
bottom line
Business credit cards with a starting interest rate of 0% are a valuable resource because they can improve your cash flow by allowing you to earn rewards on all your business purchases rather than using a personal credit card. By choosing a card with a starting rate of 0% per annum, you can pay off large purchases or debts without interest over time, saving money to reinvest in your business.
In addition, business credit cards with 0% APR periods can help you build business credit with no interest payments, just like you would with other business credit cards.
*All Bank of America Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard credit card information has been collected by an independent creditcards.com and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.
Editorial disclaimer
The editorial content on this page is based solely on the objective judgment of our contributors and is not based on advertising. It was not provided or ordered by credit card issuers. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to our partners’ products.