Understanding Business Credit Card Options in 2025: What You Need to Know
While Discover previously offered the Discover it® Business Card with attractive features like cash back rewards and no annual fee, it’s important to note that as of 2025, Discover is no longer accepting applications for business credit cards according to recent information from NerdWallet. However, this doesn’t mean you’re out of options. The good news is that there are several excellent alternatives that provide similar or even better benefits for your business needs.
Business credit cards remain essential financial tools for entrepreneurs, offering dedicated spending accounts, expense tracking, and rewards tailored to business purchases. These cards can help establish business credit separate from your personal finances, provide emergency funding for business operations, and deliver valuable perks that save money over time.
Why Business Credit Cards Matter for Your Company
Business credit cards serve multiple crucial purposes beyond just making purchases. They help establish and build your business credit profile, which can be essential for future financing. Additionally, they simplify expense tracking by separating personal and business expenses, making tax preparation more straightforward.
Many business credit cards offer management tools that allow you to view up-to-the-minute usage reports for each cardholder on the account, enabling better expense control. Some provide integration with accounting software, receipt management features, and customized spending controls for employee cards.
Top Alternatives to Discover Business Credit Cards
Since Discover business cards are no longer available, you’ll want to consider these strong alternatives:
- Cash Back Options: Cards like the Chase Ink Business Cash and Capital One Spark Cash Plus offer competitive cash back rates on business purchases with various benefits.
- Travel Rewards: If your business involves frequent travel, cards like the Chase Ink Business Preferred offer valuable travel points and protections.
- No Annual Fee Cards: Several issuers offer business cards with no annual fee that still provide rewards comparable to what Discover offered.
When selecting a replacement for the Discover business card, look for features like cash back rewards, competitive introductory APRs, and tools to streamline financial management—all features that made the original Discover business card appealing.
Key Features to Look for in Business Credit Cards
When evaluating business credit card options, consider these important factors:
- Reward structure: Does the card offer higher rewards in categories where your business spends most?
- Welcome bonus: Many business cards offer substantial sign-up bonuses after meeting spending requirements.
- Annual fee: Calculate whether the benefits outweigh any annual fees.
- APR and financing options: Some cards offer 0% introductory periods for purchases or balance transfers.
- Additional perks: Look for travel protections, purchase protection, extended warranties, and business-specific benefits.
Understanding Business Credit Card Requirements
Most business credit cards require the following:
- A legitimate business (including sole proprietorships)
- Good to excellent personal credit (typically 670+ FICO score)
- Basic business information including revenue and years in operation
- Personal guarantee (in most cases)
For reference, the previous Discover it® Business Card was aimed at business owners with good to excellent credit, ideally a FICO® score of 670 or higher, and required 100% ownership of a business that was more than one year old.
How to Prepare for Your Business Credit Card Application
Before applying for any business credit card, take these important steps:
- Check your credit score: Know where you stand and address any issues.
- Gather business documentation: Have your EIN or SSN, business formation documents, and financial information ready.
- Calculate your business spending: Understanding your spending patterns helps choose the right card.
- Research card options: Compare several cards based on your specific business needs.
Step-by-Step Application Process
While the exact application process varies by issuer, here’s a general outline:
- Select your preferred card: Based on your research and business needs.
- Complete the online application: Provide required personal and business information.
- Submit supporting documentation: Be prepared to provide additional documentation if requested.
- Track your application: Most issuers provide application status tracking options.
- Activate your card: Once approved, follow instructions to activate your new business credit card.
Maximizing Your Business Credit Card Benefits
Once you’ve obtained your business credit card, implement these strategies to maximize its value:
- Pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges
- Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees
- Take advantage of category bonuses by using the card for specified bonus categories
- Utilize any card-linked offers or shopping portals
- Review statements regularly to track expenses and identify potential fraudulent charges
Expert Tips for Business Credit Card Success
- Focus spending on categories with the highest reward rates, activate bonus categories as required, and ensure you meet minimum spending requirements to qualify for welcome bonuses.
- Consider using multiple business cards strategically if your spending spans different categories.
- Establish clear policies for employee card usage if you distribute cards to team members.
- Regularly review your credit card benefits to stay updated on earning opportunities.
Comparing Top Business Credit Card Options
| Card | Rewards Rate | Annual Fee | Welcome Bonus | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Ink Business Cash | 5% on office supplies/internet/phone (up to $25k), 2% on gas/restaurants (up to $25k), 1% on everything else | $0 | $750 cash back after spending $6,000 in first 3 months | 0% intro APR period, purchase protection |
| Capital One Spark Cash Plus | 2% cash back on all purchases | $150 | Up to $1,000 cash bonus | No preset spending limit, annual $200 cash bonus for spending $200k+ |
| American Express Blue Business Plus | 2x points on all purchases (up to $50k per year) | $0 | Varies | 0% intro APR period, expanded buying power |
| Bank of America Business Advantage | 3% cash back in category of choice, 2% on dining | $0 | $300 statement credit after making $3,000 in purchases | 0% intro APR, no foreign transaction fees |
Common Questions About Business Credit Cards
Q: Can I qualify for a business credit card with my side hustle? A: Yes, many credit card issuers consider side hustles as legitimate businesses. You can be eligible for a business card even if your business is a sole proprietorship or a side hustle.
Q: Will a business credit card affect my personal credit score? A: Most major issuers don’t report business card activity to personal credit bureaus unless you default, but policies vary by issuer.
Q: What’s the typical credit limit for a business credit card? A: Credit limits vary widely based on your credit history, business revenue, and the specific card. For reference, the starting credit limit for the Discover Business credit card was $500, but each business’ credit limit was determined based on various factors.
Q: Are business credit cards worth the annual fee? A: It depends on your spending patterns and needs. Cards with annual fees typically offer more generous rewards and benefits that can outweigh the cost if you use them fully.
Conclusion
While Discover business credit cards are no longer available to new applicants, numerous excellent alternatives exist with competitive rewards, benefits, and features. By understanding your business needs, comparing available options, and following the application steps outlined in this guide, you can secure a business credit card that supports your company’s financial goals and provides valuable rewards on your business spending.
Remember to use your business credit card responsibly by paying on time, monitoring expenses, and maximizing available benefits. With the right business credit card in your financial toolkit, you’ll be well-positioned to manage expenses efficiently while earning valuable rewards on your everyday business purchases.