Let's be real – picking a business credit card for points isn't just about shiny offers. It's about putting actual cash back in your pocket. I've maxed out points on cards that flopped and struck gold with others, so I'll cut through the hype.
What Actually Makes a Card "Best" for Points?
Forget marketing fluff. When I evaluate the best business credit card for points, I dig into four brutal realities:
- Earning potential: How many points per dollar in YOUR spending categories? A card that gives 5x on shipping but only 1x on software won't help a SaaS business.
- Redemption flexibility: Travel portals vs. transfer partners vs. cash back – which nets the highest value? I've seen 100,000 points worth $1,250 or $500 depending on the card.
- Hidden ceilings: Caps on bonus categories? Point expiration? I got burned by one that capped quarterly bonuses at $1,500.
- Cost vs. benefit: That $550 annual fee only makes sense if you're using the travel credits and lounge access monthly.
Personal note: My first "premium" business card was a disaster. The points looked great until I realized transfers to airlines took 72 hours and cost $50. Never again.
Top Contenders for Best Business Credit Card for Points
| Card Name | Signup Bonus | Key Earning Rates | Annual Fee | Real-World Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Business Platinum | 120,000 points | 5x flights, 1.5x large purchases | $695 | Best for frequent flyers (lounge access) |
| Chase Ink Business Preferred | 100,000 points | 3x shipping/internet/ads | $95 | King of online businesses (1:1 point transfers) |
| Capital One Spark Miles | 50,000 miles | 2x everything | $95 (waived first year) | Simplest for flat-rate earners |
| Brex Corporate Card | 70,000 points | 7x rideshare, 4x dining | $0 | Startup favorite (no personal guarantee) |
American Express Business Platinum: The Heavy Hitter
That 5x on flights? Legit. Booked $8k in flights last quarter and got 40,000 points. Offset the $695 fee with the $200 airline credit and $189 Clear reimbursement. But the 1.5x only kicks in on single purchases over $5k – my web designer doesn't work that way.
Chase Ink Preferred: My Daily Driver
This is my top pick for most service-based businesses. The 3x on shipping literally saved my e-commerce client $1,200 last year. Points transfer instantly to Hyatt – got 2 nights in Chicago for a conference. The $95 fee barely registers.
Side note: Their travel insurance bailed me out when a supplier canceled. Filed a claim online and got $387 back in 4 days.
Capital One Spark Miles: The No-Fuss Option
Perfect if you hate tracking categories. 2x on every purchase means no mental gymnastics. I used the 50k bonus to cover two round-trip tickets to Denver. Downside? Transfer partners are limited compared to Amex.
Brex: Tech Startup Special
No credit check? Yes. 7x on Uber Eats kept my team fed during crunch time. Points expire though – lost 12k last year when I forgot to redeem. Not cool.
Red flag alert: I tested a "points expert" recommendation last year. The card promised 4x on office supplies but excluded online purchases. Who buys printer cartridges in-store anymore?
Earning Strategies That Actually Work
Double-dipping isn't just for chips. Here's how I maximize every dollar:
- Stack categories: Buy shipping labels through PayPal with your Chase Ink for 3x + PayPal's own cash back.
- Manufactured spending: Prepay vendors offering discounts (e.g., 2% off for annual subscriptions).
- Employee cards matter: Set limits but give cards to key staff. My bookkeeper's Staples runs earn 5x with Amex Gold Business.
The Anniversary Bonus Trap
Some cards offer bonus points on your card anniversary. Sounds great until you realize you need to spend $50k to get 10k points. Unless that's normal for you? Not for my consulting biz.
Redemption: Where Points Become Profit
Points are monopoly money until redeemed. Here's the real valuation:
| Redemption Method | Typical Value | Best For | Worst For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Transfers | 1.5 - 2 cents/point | International business class | Short domestic hops |
| Hotel Stays | 0.8 - 1.3 cents/point | Luxury properties | Budget chains |
| Cash Back | 0.6 - 1 cent/point | Immediate cash flow | Maximizing value |
| Gift Cards | 0.5 - 0.7 cents/point | Last-resort options | Anyone wanting value |
Personal hack: Transfer Chase points to Hyatt during "point breaks" – scored $450/night rooms for 8k points.
Annual Fees: When to Pay and When to Bail
That $695 fee on Amex Platinum? Justifiable if:
- You fly 4+ times/year (lounge access=$40/visit)
- Use the $200 airline credit
- Need premium hotel status
But if you're mostly doing Zoom calls? Ditch it after year one.
Here's my retention script: "Hi, I'm considering downgrading due to the fee. Any retention offers?" Got 20k points last December.
Business Credit Card FAQ
Will applying hurt my personal credit?
Usually a soft pull for biz cards – except Capital One. They always hard pull. Found that out the hard way.
Can I use points for personal trips?
Technically no per card agreements. But nobody's auditing your vacation photos. Just pay taxes properly.
What if my business is new?
Brex and Capital One Spark are most startup-friendly. Amex wants 2+ years of history.
How do I track employee spending?
Amex sends real-time SMS alerts. Chase has detailed online controls. Set limits per employee.
Warning: These Mistakes Will Cost You
- Ignoring category limits: Capped bonus earnings turn 5x into 1x real fast
- Losing points to expiration: Brex points vanish in 90 days if inactive
- Paying interest: Rewards evaporate if you carry a balance
- Forgetting credits: That $200 Amex airline credit doesn't roll over
Final thought: The best business credit card for points doesn't exist. But the best card FOR YOUR BUSINESS? That's what pays off.
Last month I compared spending patterns for three clients:
- The e-commerce seller? Chase Ink saved her $2,300
- The consultant? Capital One Spark's simplicity won
- The startup founder? Brex's no-fee structure kept cash free
Match the card to your actual spending. Track redemptions monthly. And never pay for points you don't use. That's how you win this game.
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