What are business current accounts, and do I need one?
Consider your business needs and find the right business bank account to manager your business transactions
Our cards with the lowest annual fees
Capital on Tap
Business Credit Card
Rewards:
Earn 1 point for every £1 spent
Redeem points against balance, for cash, Avios or for gift cards
Exclusive offers with partner brands
Great for
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Uncapped 1% cashback on all card spending
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Unlimited, free employee cards
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No foreign exchange, ATM or platform fees
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Auto-sync transactions with accounting software
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24/7 customer support
But be aware that
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Representative 34.96% APR variable
American Express®
Business Gold Card
Rewards:
Earn 1x Membership Rewards® points for every eligible £1 spent.
2x Membership Rewards points for every eligible £1 spent on American Express Travel.
Welcome offer of 20,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £3,000 in the first three months of Cardmembership.
Earn 10,000 extra Membership Rewards points on purchases when you spend £20,000 or more per quarter, up to an additional 40,000 points in a year.
To apply for the Gold Business Card, you should be able to say yes to the following:
The business has a current UK bank or building society account
I am aged 18 or over
I have a permanent UK home address
I earn at least £20,000 per year
I will pay the annual fee of £195 after my first year of Cardmembership
Great for
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Up to 54 days to pay
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No pre-set spending limit
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Complimentary Employee Cards with spend tracking
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Expense management tools compatible with QuickBooks and Xero
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Over £200/year in partner discounts via Amex Offers
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£100 annual Dell Technologies credit
What is a business credit card?
A business credit card is a credit card designed specifically for a company to use.
Whether you're a sole trader or run a limited company, you could find a business credit card useful to help manage your finances.
Depending on the card you choose, you could receive high credit limits, cashback and rewards for your everyday spending, or low foreign exchange fees when using abroad.
How do business credit cards differ to other credit cards?
Business credit cards are tailored for business expenses and come with features such as employee cards, expense tracking, and rewards such as cashback or air miles. They often boast higher credit limits to accommodate significant business expenditure and may require a business credit history for approval.
On the other hand, personal credit cards are designed for individual use, with rewards that focus on personal spending habits. They typically have lower credit limits and are approved based on an individual's personal credit history.
How does a business credit card work?
Business credit cards operate in a similar way to personal credit cards.
Apply for the card: Gather business details and documents such as bank statements and apply for a card online, in a branch, or over the phone.
Use the business card: For eligible purchases like office supplies, fuel, and business-related subscriptions.
Repay each month: Pay in full to avoid interest or pay the minimum balance to steer clear of any charges.
Track and manage spending: Utilise accounting tools to track spending and apply spending limits and card controls for employees.
Build your business credit score: Paying your balance each month will help improve your credit history and improves future financing options.
What can I use my business credit card for?
A business credit card can be used for a variety of purposes, including:
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Timely payment of bills and invoices
Keep your cash flow smooth by covering essential outgoings when income is delayed.
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Earning cashback, vouchers and air miles
Make everyday business spending work harder by unlocking valuable rewards and perks for your company.
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Purchases of office supplies and equipment
Easily manage day-to-day costs like stationery, tech, and software subscriptions.
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Larger business equipment purchases
Benefit from purchase protection and extended warranties on high-value investments.
Is my company eligible for a business credit card in the UK?
To get a business credit card, your company will need to meet some basic criteria. While exact requirements vary by provider, you’ll generally need:
Registered business status: You must be a sole trader, partnership, or limited company based in the UK
Minimum trading age: Many providers ask that your business has been operating for at least 6 months.
Good credit history: Both the business and (often) the director’s personal credit record are checked.
Proof of income: You may need to show recent accounts, turnover or bank statements.
UK residency: The business owner or director applying usually needs to be a UK resident.
Age requirement: The applicant must typically be 18 or over.
Meeting these criteria doesn’t guarantee approval, but it puts you in a stronger position to get accepted.
Pros and cons of business credit cards
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Advantages
You can establish a credit history for your business
Streamline expense tracking and reduce administration
Manage cash flow effectively through business fluctuations
Access higher credit limits based on business income
Keep personal and business finances separate
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Disadvantages
Risk of accumulating debt if not managed properly
Possible negative impact on credit score due to missed payments
Annual fees may not always be justified by the benefits
Lack of Section 75 protection, though some cards offer fraud and misuse insurance
Can I get a company credit card for my start-up business?
For growing firms, obtaining a business credit card is feasible, provided they meet the issuer's criteria. The potential credit card issuer may also want information on your personal finances and check your personal credit rating before making a final decision.
In some cases, a start-up loan might be a more appropriate financial solution than a business credit card, especially if the start-up is in its nascent stages and looking to establish a solid financial foundation.
What credit limit can I get on my business credit card?
Some high street banks, such as Lloyds and Co-Operative, advertise credit limits of up to £25,000, but it will depend on the provider’s assessment of your company’s financial status.
While you may be able to apply for a given credit limit, it will only be confirmed once your company card has been approved.
What are the alternatives to a business credit card?
If you don’t want to apply for a business credit card there are other options for your company. These include:
Business overdraft
Flexible short-term borrowing linked to your current account
Business loan
Borrow a lump sum with fixed repayments over an agreed term
Peer-to-peer business loan
Funding sourced from investors rather than borrowing money from a bank
Commercial mortgage
A loan that funds the purchase of non-residential properties, such as business premises
Invoice financing
Unlock cash tied up in unpaid invoices to improve cash flow
Asset finance
Spread the cost of equipment or vehicles over instalments
Business prepaid card
Load with funds in advance to manage and control spending without borrowing
Personal credit card
An option for sole traders, though mixing business and personal spending can get messy
Our expert says…
Business credit cards can allow you to separate your work and personal spending, reduce the amount of admin your company has to complete and you can often be paid extra perks such as cashback, rewards, or fee-free spending abroad.
"But as with any type of credit, they only work if you’re using them correctly and responsibly. Used in the wrong way and you could build up expensive debts, wipe out any benefits offered and damage your own credit score
Rebecca Goodman Personal Finance & Insurance Expert
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MoneySuperMarket has won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.
Learn more about business finance
Can I use a personal credit card for business?
You can use a personal credit card for business expenses, but it may be better to use a dedicated company credit card to reduce the risk that you’ll be held personally liable – rather than the company – for any debts.
If an employee is entering expenses on your behalf from a personal credit card, they’ll also be able to view your other, personal expenditure, which you may prefer to keep private.
In addition, having a business credit card allows you to start to build up a credit rating for the company – useful if you want credit, such as a business loan, in the future.
What costs and fees are associated with business credit cards?
The main costs of a business credit card are potentially an annual usage fee and the interest charges on your borrowing. There will be higher rates for any cash withdrawals and overseas use.
There may also be charges if you miss a card repayment and sometimes providers can charge a dormancy or inactivity fee if you don’t use the card for a time. Always read the small print of your card and contract terms before signing up to ensure you won’t be hit with any nasty surprise charges.
What will the APR be on a business credit card?
The APR on a business card is the annual cost in interest, expressed as a percentage, if you don’t clear your debt on time and in full. The exact APR offered will depend on your business finances and the view of the card provider. Typically, the better your credit rating and the more confident the card issuer is in your ability to make repayments, the lower the APR offered.
Can getting a business credit card increase my credit score?
Getting a business credit card can positively impact your company’s credit score provided you use it responsibly. This includes making monthly payments on time and keeping balances relatively low to show your firm’s finances aren’t stretched. Regularly monitoring your company’s credit report helps ensure accuracy and identify potential issues.
Credit card deals comparison
If you’re applying for a credit card, you might be able to find a better deal if you look through offers from different providers before taking one out. With MoneySuperMarket you’ll be able to search through multiple credit card deals and compare them by a range of factors, including their interest rates and any benefits and rewards they come with.
All you need to do is answer a few questions about yourself and your financial situation, and our Eligibility Checker will show your chances of being accepted for different credit cards. This won’t affect your credit score, so you can run a check without any worries.
Once you know which card you want, you can normally apply by phone, online, or in person if the provider has a high street branch. However, when you do apply, the provider will usually run a hard credit check – which will show up on your credit report – to confirm whether they’ll give you the card. If you’re accepted they’ll tell you your credit limit and interest rate, and soon you’ll be ready to start using your credit card.
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Reviewed on 11 Dec 2025 by
