For most churners the Chase Ink Business Preferred is the best business card, at 3x on travel, shipping, advertising, and internet up to $150,000 a year, earning transferable Chase points, for a $95 fee. The no-fee Ink Unlimited and Ink Cash are strong keepers. The key reason business cards matter for churning: they do not add to your Chase 5/24 count, so they let you keep earning bonuses without using up personal slots. Figures are as of 2026; confirm current terms and welcome offers at the issuer.
The best business cards, compared
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Ink Business Preferred | $95 | 3x travel, shipping, ads, and internet up to $150,000 a year; transferable points | Best for points |
| Chase Ink Business Unlimited | $0 | 1.5% on every purchase | Best no-fee keeper |
| Chase Ink Business Cash | $0 | 5% on office supply, internet, and phone up to $25,000 | Best no-fee categories |
| Amex Business Gold | $375 | 4x on your top two eligible categories up to $150,000 | Flexible high earn |
| Amex Business Platinum | $895 | 5x flights and prepaid hotels via Amex Travel, lounges | Premium business travel |
Top pick: Chase Ink Business Preferred
It earns 3x transferable Chase points in the categories most businesses spend on, for a low $95 fee. Rates and fees are current as of 2026. Confirm the current welcome offer at the issuer before you apply.
Which card fits you
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Get the Ink Business Preferred for transferable points and a low fee. Add the no-fee Ink Unlimited or Ink Cash as permanent keepers that pool points with a Sapphire card. Choose the Amex Business Gold for flexible 4x categories (narrower advertising and wireless merchants from February 17, 2027), or the Amex Business Platinum for premium business travel and lounge access. Whether business credit card rewards are taxable depends on whether you spent money to earn them.
Who it fits and who it does not
A business card fits anyone with any business activity, including a sole proprietor, freelancer, or side gig; you apply with your name and Social Security number and can list your business as a sole proprietorship. It does not fit someone with no business activity at all. Most business cards do not report to your personal credit, which is exactly why churners use them.
Risk and eligibility
The big advantage: most business cards, including the Chase Ink cards, do not add to your 5/24 count, so they let you keep opening cards without using a personal slot. The catch is that Chase still requires you to be under 5/24 to be approved for its business cards. Amex business cards carry the once per lifetime bonus rule. Welcome offers change often and are not stated here.
More best-card guides
- All best cards, by category
- Best travel credit cards
- The Chase trifecta
- The Chase 5/24 rule
- Which card should I get next
- Amex Business Platinum benefits
FAQ
What is the best business credit card in 2026?
For most churners the Chase Ink Business Preferred, at 3x transferable points on travel, shipping, ads, and internet up to $150,000 a year, for a $95 fee. The no-fee Ink Unlimited and Ink Cash are excellent keepers.
Do you need a real business to get a business credit card?
No. A sole proprietorship, freelance work, or a side gig qualifies. You apply with your name and Social Security number and can list yourself as the business.
Do business cards count against Chase 5/24?
Most business cards, including the Chase Ink cards, do not add to your 5/24 count, so they do not use up a personal slot. But Chase still requires you to be under 5/24 to be approved for its business cards.
Do business cards affect your personal credit?
Mostly no. Most business cards do not report to your personal credit as long as the account is in good standing, though you are personally liable and a default would show up.
Last reviewed October 2026. We verify every rule, ratio, and figure against issuer terms and current reporting, and date each one. See our editorial standards for how we research and correct guides.
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