Once you know how to get a business card, the next step is choosing the right one based on your business needs and goals. Keep these factors in mind to make the best decision:

• Pick relevant earning categories: To maximize the value of your business card, choose one that earns rewards in your top business spending categories. Or if you’d rather keep things simple, choose a flat-rate business rewards card that offers at least 1.5X points or miles for all purchases. 
• Pay attention to redemption value: The value of your rewards can vary based on how you redeem them. Make sure the card you choose offers at least one cent per point or mile for your favorite redemption option. 
• Compare additional features: Two cards may offer the same rewards, but one might offer additional features that save you money, such as intro APR offers, discounts on tech or travel protections.
• Mind the fees: Make sure the value you get from the card exceeds any fees you might pay, such as an annual fee or balance transfer fee. Other costs to consider include late fees and penalty APRs.
• Pair cards with the same issuer: Using multiple business cards allows you to earn rewards at a high rate in multiple categories and enjoy a wider variety of perks.
  

A business credit score applies to businesses rather than individuals, while a personal credit score applies to a business owner’s personal credit history. Business credit scores range from 1 to 100, depending on the credit bureau. Business scores are also public and attached to an Employer Identification Number (EIN) rather than a Social Security number.

Building your business credit can be as easy as establishing credit with vendors and suppliers. However, not all lenders report accounts to business credit bureaus, so double-check that yours does. You can check your business credit score at the reporting agencies Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax and Experian. You may have to pay to see your score or look up other businesses.

Contributors on public forums like Reddit and myFICO®regularly recommended a few specific issuers with top business cards: 

• When it comes to Amex cards, favorites include The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and American Express® Business Gold Card. 
• The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is considered a great “catch-all card.”  
• Chase Ink Business cards earned praise for their solid cash back rates. 

It’s important to assess your business needs and how you plan to use any rewards you earn. One member of the Reddit r/smallbusiness community noted that deciding on the best card for you, “depends on what you spend money on and what you value (cash back, free travel, or other perks).” 

On the myFICO® Forums, one user noted that Amex cards can be great business tools because “the no pre-set spending limit** offers flexibility.” In addition to the travel benefits, one user chose the Amex Business Platinum for its extended purchase warranty perk. 

For example, Amex business cards that earn Membership Rewards are useful for travel because American Express has a solid network of transfer partners, including top airlines and hotels. Elevated rewards rates on business expenses like advertising can translate into great travel redemptions, a sentiment shared by a handful of commentators. 

*The quotes and citations included on this page have been verified by our editorial team and are accurate as of the posting date. Be sure to check the issuer's website/terms and conditions for all up to date content. Outlinked content may contain views and opinions that do not reflect the views and opinions of Bankrate.

**No Preset Spending Limit means your spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history.

Bankrate writer Ryan Flanigan explains his approach to choosing business cards and how he uses them in this overall credit card strategy.

I like business cards because they can do the heavy lifting for me. When I have significant business spending, I know my personal credit won't take a hit, and I'll earn solid rewards. I've been able to keep my credit score in a good place even when I have a large balance on my business cards. It's also very helpful for keeping everything separate and organized once tax season rolls around.

When I'm looking for business cards, I want to see how they work together with other cards I have. For instance, the Amex Business Platinum, Business Gold and Blue Business Plus cards make an amazing team, covering almost every need I have. Also, the Chase business cards can all pool points together, which can make for an excellent points-generating machine. Every card does its job by covering something different. Like in business, when cards work together for me, it makes a great partnership.

— Ryan Flanigan, Writer, Bankrate Credit Cards

*For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.
The information about the Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.

How we assess the best business credit cards

We analyzed over 50 of the most popular business credit cards and scored each based on its rewards rate, estimated annual earnings, welcome bonus value, APR, fees, perks and more to determine whether it belonged in this month’s roundup.

Here are some of the key factors that we considered: