16 Best Business Credit Cards in Canada for March 2025
Choosing the right business credit card can mean earning valuable rewards, simplifying your bookkeeping, and potentially saving on overall operating costs. We analyzed dozens of Canadian business credit cards to find the best for a variety of businesses, whether you’re a frequent flyer, a solo freelancer, or running a growing start-up.
Best Credit Cards from Our Partners
4.2/5 Scotiabank Passport™ Visa Infinite Business* Card | ||
Rewards rate 0.08x-0.33x Miles | Rewards rate 1.25x-3x Points | Rewards rate 1.5x Points |
Annual fee $149 Waived first year | Annual fee $599 | Annual fee $199 |
Recommended credit score 660-900 | Recommended credit score 660-724 | Recommended credit score N/A |
Compare the best business credit cards in Canada
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Methodology
BACK TO TOPWhat to know about business credit cards in Canada
Business credit cards can help simplify accounting, earn bigger rewards, and offer higher credit limits than many personal cards. As with other types of credit cards, they do come with unique rules, plus different perks, benefits, and features to consider.
Business cards vs. personal cards
Compared to personal cards, business credit cards generally have:
Higher credit limits to cover bigger business purchases.
Tailored rewards on office supplies, internet services, cell phone bills and other business essentials.
Potential for multiple employee cards with liability protection.
Who can get a business credit card?
Sole proprietors, freelancers, side-hustlers.
Small-to-medium businesses.
Larger corporations with high revenues.
A formal business structure isn’t always required. Usually, you just need to prove you have a legitimate income-generating activity. That means if you just started a small business and it is not yet turning a profit, a business credit card should still be within reach.
Reasons to use a business credit card
To separate expenses and simplify accounting. A clear line between personal and business spending makes tax deductions (like credit card interest and most fees) much simpler.
To earn valuable perks. A business credit card can also give you access to benefits — like expense tracking tools, higher earn rates on business-related purchases, and discounts on essentials like gas — that are not not commonly offered on personal cards.
To build business credit. Establishing a business credit history could help your business access future loans and higher levels of financing. Even if you have low or no income, certain secured or no-fee cards can jump-start your business credit.
Types of business credit cards
- Small business credit cards
Operate like personal cards but with business-oriented rewards and features.
Sole proprietors and small business owners may rely on personal credit scores to qualify.
Ideal for sole proprietors, small or mid-sized business owners with multiple employees, or brand-new ventures in Canada.
Small business credit card options with no annual fees or lower interest rates can help reduce a new company’s credit burden.
- Corporate cards
Generally charge cards for larger companies with significant revenues. (American Express, for example, recommends its corporate credit cards to Canadian businesses with annual revenues of $10 million or more).
May be distributed to employees.
Fees and charges are the responsibility of the corporation, not individuals.
Pros and cons of business credit cards
Pros
Simplifies accounting and budgets by separating personal and business expenses.
Earns rewards, often at higher rates than most personal cards.
Perks like travel insurance, airport lounge access, expense tracking, and other offerings that provide tangible business benefits.
Can help build business credit for future financing, when used responsibly.
Tax deductions on fees and interest.
Cons
Personal creditworthiness can be negatively impacted if you fail to manage your credit card’s balance.
Higher interest rates than traditional loans or lines of credit.
Annual fees can add up, especially if a business uses multiple cards.
Risk of misuse if multiple people have cards.
How to get a business credit card
Compare your options
When shopping around, look at:
Interest rates on purchases, balance transfers and cash advances.
Annual fees for primary and additional cards.
Credit limit offered.
Rewards programs — cash back and travel points are common — and earn rates.
Welcome offers and enrollment bonuses (if you can meet spending thresholds).
Perks like travel insurance, access to exclusive deals and business discounts.
Expense management and tracking tools.
Make sure you qualify
Qualifying means convincing credit card providers that they should do business with you. Typically, they assess:
Personal credit score. A “good” credit score — 660+ — is often required, especially if your business has limited credit history.
Income and revenue. Some business cards require a minimum annual revenue or personal income level.
Proof of business. Even freelancers and side-hustlers can qualify, but you may need to show documentation that proves your business generates income.
Submit your application
Applying for a business credit card is similar to applying for a personal card, but you’ll need to provide business documentation in addition to your personal information. Most applications can be completed online or in person.
- What you may need to apply:
Personal identification — such as a valid driver’s license, passport or other form of government-issued ID.
Proof of business — for example, a Master Business License, Articles of Incorporation, or a trade name registration certificate — may be required.
Financial statements — like, a personal Notice of Assessment, business activity statements, or recent bank statements — could be requested.
New businesses — those less than two years old — are commonly subject to additional criteria and may need to provide a business plan, balance sheet, or cash flow statement to show financial viability.
Once you submit your application, approval times vary. Some credit card companies provide instant decisions, while others may take a few days to verify your documents.
If you’re building or repairing credit and fall short of income requirements — or you've been outright rejected — consider a secured business credit card. This option is generally easier to qualify for, and can help your business establish a positive credit profile over time.
How to get the most out of your business credit card
There are several ways you can maximize the value of your business credit card.
Pick relevant rewards. Earn in categories tailored to your business’s actual spending.
Use multiple cards to earn different kinds of rewards — one for airport perks, another for cash back, for example — but only if you can handle the payments
Plan around promotional offers:
Time your welcome bonuses and apply before heavy spending periods to hit spending thresholds.
Use 0% intro APR periods strategically to save money on big purchases — so long as you pay the balances off before the offer expires.
Pay more than the minimum each month to limit interest charges.
Take advantage of discounts on gas, car rentals and other business-related expenses.
Track costs — your spending, interest and fees paid — for potential tax deductions.
Frequently asked questions
What if my personal credit score isn’t high enough to qualify?
What if my personal credit score isn’t high enough to qualify?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Having more than one credit card can provide extra lines of credit and help you earn different types of rewards. However, keep the following risks in mind:
Applying for too many cards at once can lower your credit score.
Juggling multiple balances can lead to higher interest costs that may offset any rewards.
Before committing, make sure you can effectively handle multiple payments and fees without hurting your bottom line.
Can I use my personal credit card for business expenses?
Can I use my personal credit card for business expenses?
Generally, yes. Interest and most fees related to business purchases may be tax-deductible, but always consult a tax professional for guidance.
Is interest on a business credit card tax-deductible?
Is interest on a business credit card tax-deductible?
You may qualify for a secured or lower-limit business credit card. Use it responsibly — pay on time and keep balances low — to improve your personal and business credit profiles.
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