Business Travel Cards: Maximize Your Rewards and Benefits

Business travel can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right business travel card, you can earn valuable rewards and benefits that can save you money on flights, hotels, and other travel expenses.

There are many different business travel cards available, so it’s important to choose one that’s right for you. Consider your travel habits and spending patterns when making your decision. If you travel frequently, you’ll want to choose a card with generous rewards and benefits. If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to choose a card with a low annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

What to look for in a business travel card:

When choosing a business travel card, consider the following factors:

Rewards: What kind of rewards are you interested in? Some business travel cards offer points or miles that can be redeemed for travel expenses, while others offer cash back or statement credits.
Benefits: Many business travel cards offer additional benefits, such as travel insurance, airport lounge access, and free checked bags. Consider which benefits are important to you when making your decision.
Annual fee: Some business travel cards have an annual fee, while others don’t. If you’re on a budget, you may want to choose a card with no annual fee.
Foreign transaction fees: If you travel internationally frequently, you’ll want to choose a card with no foreign transaction fees.

Types of business travel cards:

There are two main types of business travel cards: general-purpose cards and co-branded cards.

General-purpose cards: General-purpose business travel cards offer rewards and benefits that can be redeemed with any travel supplier. These cards are a good option if you travel frequently and want to have flexibility in how you redeem your rewards.
Co-branded cards: Co-branded business travel cards are affiliated with a specific airline or hotel chain. These cards offer bonus rewards on purchases made with the airline or hotel chain, as well as other benefits such as free checked bags and priority check-in.

How to use a business travel card wisely:

Once you’ve chosen a business travel card, it’s important to use it wisely to maximize your rewards and benefits. Here are a few tips:

Use your card for all of your business travel expenses: This includes flights, hotels, rental cars, and meals. The more you use your card, the more rewards you’ll earn.
Take advantage of bonus rewards categories: Many business travel cards offer bonus rewards on certain types of purchases, such as travel, dining, and gas. If you can, try to use your card for purchases in these bonus rewards categories to maximize your earnings.
Redeem your rewards wisely: Once you’ve earned rewards, be sure to redeem them for the best value. For example, if you’re planning a trip, you can redeem your rewards for flights or hotels. If you need a new laptop for work, you can redeem your rewards for statement credits to offset the cost of the purchase.

Tips for saving money on business travel:

Here are a few tips for saving money on business travel:

Book your flights and hotels in advance: The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find good deals.
Be flexible with your travel dates: If you can, avoid traveling during peak times. You’re more likely to find good deals on flights and hotels if you travel during the off-season.
Consider staying in a vacation rental instead of a hotel: Vacation rentals can be a more affordable option than hotels, especially if you’re traveling with a group.
Take advantage of free meals and activities: Many hotels and businesses offer free meals and activities to guests. Be sure to ask about these options when you’re making your travel arrangements.

top 10 best business travel cards

Here is a list of the top 10 best business travel cards:

Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: This card offers 3 points per dollar on travel, 2 points per dollar on select business services, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. It also has a $95 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Capital One® Spark Miles Select for Business: This card offers 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, and it has no annual fee. It also offers a 50% bonus on miles redeemed for travel, up to 50,000 miles per year.
American Express® Business Gold Card: This card offers 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide (including takeout and delivery), 4 points per dollar on eligible flights purchased directly from airlines, 3 points per dollar on U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point per dollar), and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases. It also has a $295 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express: This card offers 2 points per dollar on all eligible purchases, and it has no annual fee. It also offers a 30% bonus on points redeemed for travel through American Express Travel, up to 100,000 points per year.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: This card offers 5 points per dollar on eligible flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar), 5 points per dollar on prepaid hotels booked through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar), 3.5 points per dollar on eligible purchases at U.S. merchants on up to $1 million per calendar year in eligible purchases, then 1 point per dollar, and 1 point per dollar on all other eligible purchases. It also has a $695 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card: This card offers 3 points per dollar on Southwest purchases, 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting (including rideshare, taxis, parking, tolls, trains, and buses), and 2 points per dollar on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming. It also has a $99 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card: This card offers 3 points per dollar on Alaska Airlines purchases, 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, and a companion fare from $99 (plus taxes and fees) each way when you redeem 75,000 miles. It also has a $75 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: This card offers 1.5 points per dollar on all purchases, and it has no annual fee. It also offers a 50% bonus on points redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, up to 50,000 points per year.
Hilton Honors American Express Business Card: This card offers 6 points per dollar at Hilton properties worldwide, 5 points per dollar on select U.S. wireless phone providers, and 5 points per dollar on U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 per month in combined purchases, then 3 points per dollar). It also has a $95 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Marriott Bonvoy Business American Express Card: This card offers 6 points per dollar at Marriott Bonvoy® hotels, 2 points per dollar on all other purchases made directly with airlines, and 2 points per dollar on U.S. transit and commuting (including rideshare, taxis, parking, tolls, trains, and buses). It also has a $95 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

Tips for business travelers:

Use a travel expense management tool: A travel expense management tool can help you keep track of your business travel expenses and submit them for reimbursement quickly and easily.
Sign up for loyalty programs: Many airlines, hotels, and rental car companies offer loyalty programs that can save you money on your travel expenses. Be sure to sign up for these programs and take advantage of the benefits they offer.
Be aware of your travel insurance coverage: Make sure you have adequate travel insurance coverage before you leave on your trip. This will protect you in case of unexpected events, such as lost luggage or medical emergencies.

best travel credit cards for small businesses

Here is a list of the top 10 best travel credit cards for small businesses in 2023:

Capital One Spark Miles for Business: This card offers 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, which is a great rate for a business travel card. It also has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: This card offers 3 points per dollar on travel, including airfare, hotels, rental cars, and cruises. It also offers 3 points per dollar on shipping purchases and at select office supply stores. The card has a $95 annual fee, but it’s waived for the first year.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card offers 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. It also has a $95 annual fee, but it’s waived for the first year.
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: This card offers 2 miles per dollar on all purchases, and it has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. You can redeem your miles for travel, cash back, or gift cards.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard® credit card: This card offers 3 points per dollar on travel, including airfare, hotels, rental cars, and cruises. It also offers 2 points per dollar on gas, dining, and office supply stores. The card has a $95 annual fee, but it’s waived for the first year.
American Express® Business Gold Card: This card offers 4 points per dollar at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1 point per dollar), and 3 points per dollar on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. The card has a $295 annual fee.
Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card: This card offers 3 points per dollar on travel, dining, and gas stations. It also offers 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. The card has no annual fee.
Citi® Business Select Card: This card offers 2 points per dollar on travel and dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. It also has no annual fee.
Discover® it® Business Cash Card: This card offers 5% cash back on rotating quarterly categories, up to the quarterly maximum each time you activate. Plus, you’ll earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. It also has no annual fee.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: This card offers 5% cash back on office supply stores and on cellular phone, landline, internet and cable TV services. It also offers 2% cash back on gas and at restaurants. The card has no annual fee.

When choosing a business travel card, it’s important to consider your travel habits and spending patterns. If you travel frequently, you’ll want to choose a card with generous rewards and benefits. If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to choose a card with a low annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.