Business credit cards in Australia by numbers: There are just over 491,000 active business credit card accounts in Australia and around 1.99 million individual cards on issue, meaning the average business has four cardholders. The average business puts around $20,000 in spending on credit cards each month.
How to get the best deal on a business credit card
Maximise interest-free/cashflow days
Interest-free days help improve your business cash flow by giving you extra time to pay off your balance without being charged interest. Up to 55 is the highest available, Money.com.au analysis shows.
Compare interest rates
If you'll have a revolving balance on your card from month to month, opting for the lowest interest rate you can find will save your business money. Be wary of expensive cash advance rates too.
Avoid hefty card fees
Including the annual fee, extra cardholder fees, foreign transaction fees, cash advance fees and any other costs associated with the card.
Compare rewards points per $1 spent
How many points will your spending earn you? Pay attention to the fine print, as not all spending may be eligible for a card’s top earn rate.
Choose rewards your business will use
Pick a card that offers rewards that align with your business expenses and needs. E.g. if your business operation involves zero travel, a frequent flyer card probably won’t make sense for you.
Find the right credit limit
A higher credit limit can provide your business with more flexibility, but it may also require careful management and could impact your borrowing capacity elsewhere.
Access additional cards
If you have employees who make purchases for the business, consider a card provider that offers additional cards. This can simplify expense tracking and maximise rewards. Avoid high fees for extra cards.
Choose a top rewards program
If you want a credit card that will give your business something back in rewards, it’s important to choose a card attached to a quality rewards program. The Amex and Qantas rewards programs are generally amongst the best for business customers, but it’s well worth shopping around.
Top business cards for earning points
| Card | Points per $1 (everyday spend) | Card fee | Purchase rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Express Platinum Business Card | Up to 2.25 | $1,750 per year | - |
| ANZ Business Black Credit Card | Up to 1.5 | $300 per year | 20.24% |
| American Express® Business Gold Plus Card | Up to 1.5 | $395 per year | - |
| NAB Rewards Business Signature Credit Card | Up to 1.25 | $175 per year | 18.50% |
| American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card | Up to 1.25 | $450 per year | - |
| Hume Bank Business Visa Credit Card - Residentially Secured | Up to 1 | $60 per year | 10.10% |
| Hume Bank Business Visa Credit Card - Commercially Secured | Up to 1 | $60 per year | 10.60% |
| Hume Bank Business Visa Credit Card - Unsecured | Up to 1 | $60 per year | 13.60% |
| Bank of Melbourne Amplify Business Credit Card | Up to 1 | $0 for 12 months then $89 per year | 19.49% |
| BankSA Amplify Business Credit Card | Up to 1 | $0 for 12 months then $89 per year | 19.49% |
Top business cards for adding employee cardholders
Card | American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card |
|---|---|
Primary cardholder/account fee | $450 per year |
Fee per employee card | $0 |
Number of additional cards with no extra fee | 99 |
Card | American Express Business Gold Plus Card |
Primary cardholder/account fee | $395 per year |
Fee per employee card | $0 |
Number of additional cards with no extra fee | 99 |
Card | American Express Platinum Business Card |
Primary cardholder/account fee | $1,750 per year |
Fee per employee card | $0 |
Number of additional cards with no extra fee | 99 |
Card | Unity Bank Low Rate Business Credit Card |
Primary cardholder/account fee | $50 per year |
Fee per employee card | $0 |
Number of additional cards with no extra fee | 5 |
Card | G&C Mutual Bank Low Rate Business Credit Card |
Primary cardholder/account fee | $50 per year |
Fee per employee card | $0 |
Number of additional cards with no extra fee | 5 |
Card | Westpac Altitude Business Platinum Mastercard |
Primary cardholder/account fee | $200 per year |
Fee per employee card | $0 |
Number of additional cards with no extra fee | 2 |
Card | Westpac Altitude Business Gold Mastercard |
Primary cardholder/account fee | $0 for first year, then $150 per year |
Fee per employee card | $0 |
Number of additional cards with no extra fee | 1 |
Card | CommBank Business Low Rate Credit Card |
Primary cardholder/account fee | $0 |
Fee per employee card | $0 |
Number of additional cards with no extra fee | No max specified |
Card | Queensland Country Bank Business Visa My Rewards Credit Card |
Primary cardholder/account fee | $85 per year |
Fee per employee card | $0 |
Number of additional cards with no extra fee | No max specified |
Card | ANNA Money Business Credit Card |
Primary cardholder/account fee | $39.99 per month ($479.88 per year) |
Fee per employee card | $0 |
Number of additional cards with no extra fee | No max specified |
| Card | Primary cardholder/account fee | Fee per employee card | Number of additional cards with no extra fee |
|---|---|---|---|
American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card | $450 per year | $0 | 99 |
American Express Business Gold Plus Card | $395 per year | $0 | 99 |
American Express Platinum Business Card | $1,750 per year | $0 | 99 |
Unity Bank Low Rate Business Credit Card | $50 per year | $0 | 5 |
G&C Mutual Bank Low Rate Business Credit Card | $50 per year | $0 | 5 |
Westpac Altitude Business Platinum Mastercard | $200 per year | $0 | 2 |
Westpac Altitude Business Gold Mastercard | $0 for first year, then $150 per year | $0 | 1 |
CommBank Business Low Rate Credit Card | $0 | $0 | No max specified |
Queensland Country Bank Business Visa My Rewards Credit Card | $85 per year | $0 | No max specified |
ANNA Money Business Credit Card | $39.99 per month ($479.88 per year) | $0 | No max specified |
Expert's view on the best business credit cards
Brad Kelly, Credit Card Expert
In my view, AMEX leads the pack with the best options for frequent flyer as well as charge cards. The banks are still behind with business card products for SMEs, with clunky and stubborn credit approval processes. If you have an ABN (and $75K turnover) AMEX charge cards are worth a look. Charge cards have to be paid in full each month BUT are not classified as liabilities on your balance sheet – rather they are expense lines which frees up working capital.
Brad Kelly, Credit Card Expert
Business credit card features explained
Interest-free days
Interest-free days are a core part of how credit cards work. This is the period of time after the start of the card's statement period before interest is charged on purchases. Interest-free periods on business credit cards typically range from 0-55 days.
Balance transfer
A facility that allows you to transfer the balance of an existing credit card to a new one. There is usually a limited-time discounted interest rate on the new card that applies to the transferred balance. This can be a good way to pay down a credit card debt while the lower interest rate applies.
Cash advance
A credit card cash advance simply means withdrawing cash using your business card. Some cash-like transactions are also considered to be a cash advance (e.g. buying foreign currency).
There is usually a fee for making a cash advance and a higher interest rate generally applies (compared to making a purchase using the card). Interest is also usually charged immediately on cash advances, whereas there are interest-free days for purchases.
Introductory rate
Some business credit cards offer an enticing introductory interest rate that’s lower than the card’s standard variable rate. These low credit card rates can be deceptive as they make the card seem artificially cheap. Always look at the ongoing interest rate when comparing cards.
Likewise, some business credit card providers waive the annual card fee for the first year but charge a fee in every subsequent year.
Individual limits and spend tracking
If you have multiple credit cards (e.g. cards issued to senior staff) it’s usually possible to set a specific credit limit per card to keep a lid on spending. It’s usually also simple to track spending and expenses across all cards centrally.
Accounting software integration
Virtually all business credit cards will integrate into the most commonly used accounting software packages (Xero, MYOB etc.). With some cards integration is automatic, but others require statements to be uploaded.
Opting for a card that integrates with your business's accounting software could make your life a lot easier (and save you money) by simplifying expense tracking, budgeting, and financial reporting.
Fraud/unauthorised use protection
Most cards offer a level of fraud protection. Put simply, this is monitoring provided by the credit card company that responds if there is suspicious activity on the card. Depending on the card, you may also be covered for unauthorised use of your account.
Business credit card rewards explained
Rewards points
Some business credit cards allow you to earn rewards points every time you use your card. You'll earn points for each dollar you spend (or there may be a monthly or annual cap), and then you can swap these points for the likes of travel, gifts, or even cash back to your credit card.
Pay attention to what rewards scheme the card you’re considering is part of and whether the included rewards will actually be useful to your business.
Bonus points
This is essentially a sign-up bonus when you first get your card. Credit card deals like these are usually dependent on you spending a certain amount using the card within a set amount of time.
The bonus points will either be part of the card provider's own program, or for one of the major frequent flyer programs in Australia, i.e. Qantas frequent flyer points or Velocity credit card points.
Complimentary insurance
With some more premium business credit cards, you might get insurance included for free. Common examples are:
- Travel insurance: Often available on travel credit cards, this provides cover for a range of risks for domestic and international trips. Bear in mind, with credit card travel insurance you usually need to book the trip using the card for the insurance to apply.
- Purchase protection: Provides cover for a period of time after you make a purchase using your card if the item is damaged, stolen, or even if you change your mind.
- Extended warranties: This provides an extension on the manufacturer's standard warranty for items purchased using your card.
- Price protection: If you buy an item using your card and the price drops within a specified period after the purchase, price protection cover could mean you get a refund for the price difference.
Concierge service
Available with more premium business credit cards, a concierge service will help you with booking trips, shopping, business gifts, dining and hospitality.
Lounge access
Business credit cards with frequent flyer perks sometimes include free passes to certain airport lounges. There is usually a limit on the number of lounge passes available with credit cards, but on very premium (expensive) cards, access may be unlimited – e.g. certain American Express credit cards.
Other travel perks
These can include travel vouchers, extra checked bags, priority boarding, or discounts on hotels and car rentals. If you travel frequently, you may be able to minimise costs by opting for a credit card with no international fees.
Other business perks
Depending on the card, you could have access to the likes of discounts on office supplies, free software subscriptions, or extra points when you spend with certain retailers.
How to maximise credit cards rewards for your business
Put as much of your business expenses as possible on your card
This is the most obvious but most effective way to maximise your rewards. Generally the most you spend the more points you earn. For example, if you have a tax bill, check if your credit card allows you to earn points on spending with the ATO (not all do). Just be mindful that a very large credit card limit will limit your borrowing capacity elsewhere. If there are card transaction fees, these will erode the value you get from your points so spend carefully.
Check what spending is eligible to earn points
Not all spending on your credit card will earn your business points. Some common examples of point-less transactions are cash withdrawals at an ATM, fees and interest charged on your credit card account and any other cash-like transactions (such as buying foreign currency).
Watch your points cap
If you really want to maximise the points you can earn with a business credit card, consider a card with uncapped points. Remember, though, that some cards with uncapped points overall still cap the number you can earn at the highest earn rate. For example, you might earn 1 point per $1 spend up to the first $10k per month and then a lower rate after.
Spend within your business cashflow
In other words, do not spend in a way that means you will be charged interest. A credit card can be a very expensive way to borrow, versus other business finance options, the cost will likely far exceed the benefit of the points you earned on the spending. Clearing the balance in full within the card’s interest-free (cashflow) period is sensible whenever possible.
Use your rewards points well
Using your points well is just as important as maximising how many you earn. By far the most effective way to use points is to put them towards business costs you would be incurring anyway – for example upgrading computers, purchasing office supplies or paying for business-related travel (either directly or by transferring them to an airline rewards program if your credit card allows that).
Converting points to gift cards or cash generally offers a worse conversion rate (versus the dollar equivalent of paying for a flight with points, for example), but is a handy option if you are out of other ideas. You’ll generally get a better conversion rate with a gift card versus cash.
Another popular option is to bank up points until the end of the financial or calendar year and put the points towards staff gifts.
Am I eligible for a business credit card?
Not all businesses will qualify for a business credit card. Bear in mind too that eligibility can come down to aspects of your business and you as a business owner.
Generally speaking, you must:
- Be aged 18 years or over
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Be a Director or Controller of the business
- Have a valid ABN registered for GST (minimum trading requirement may apply)
- Have a good credit history with no payment defaults
- Meet the lender’s requirement for minimum business turnover (e.g. $75k per year)
- Some providers may exclude applicants that have outstanding ATO repayments
How to apply for a business credit card
You can usually apply for a business credit card online in minutes. You’ll need to have a few key pieces of information handy:
- Information about your personal income, and your business revenue and expenses
- Details of your assets and liabilities
- Your driver licence or other ID
- Details about the ownership of your business as it appears on ASIC (for the Director and/or Beneficial Owner)
- Depending on the lender you might also need to provide contact details for your accountant or the company’s financial secretary.
Pros and cons of using a business credit card
Pros
- Useful cash flow tool: particularly cards offering a high number of interest-free days
- Rewards and perks: In some cases the rewards earned will be greater than the card fees. Travel perks in particular can be valuable for businesses.
- Expense tracking: Using a business credit card for spending can be a good way to separate your business and personal expenses.
- Employee cards: Business credit cards often allow for additional cards that can be issued to employees who regularly incur business expenses.
Cons
- High interest and fees: Compared to a business loan, a business credit card can be an expensive way to borrow money
- Rewards can be hit and mis: If you don’t maximise the rewards available (many businesses don’t) your card will likely be a net cost.
- Impacts borrowing capacity: Even if you don’t use the card, the limit will be viewed as a liability for future loan applications.
- Can be harder to qualify for: Some credit cards require your business to have a relatively high turnover and good credit to qualify.
Accessing funds for day-to-day capital is the most common reason businesses come to Money.com.au looking for a credit solution, accounting for 31.3% of all enquiries in 2025.
Is a credit card better than a business line of credit?
Depending on what you need the funds for, a business line of credit could be another business finance option that offers ongoing access to cash flow. The features are similar to how credit cards work, albeit you won't have a physical card with a business line of credit.
The table below summarises the other key differences.
| Business credit card | Business credit card | |
|---|---|---|
Purpose | Access to an ongoing credit facility, usually for day-to-day spending | Access to an ongoing credit facility to plug cashflow gaps |
Limit | Relatively low (usually the max is $50,0000 - $100,000) | Higher limits up to $2 million with some lenders |
Interest rates | Can be quite high (up to 25% p.a.) | Usually around 10-20% p.a. depending on creditworthiness |
Fees | Annual card fees, foreign exchange fees, additional cardholder fees, cash advance fees, late payment fees | Establishment fee, ongoing line fee, late payment fees |
Interest-free / cashflow days | Up to 55 | Usually none |
Rewards and perks | Yes | No |
Business credit card vs charge card: Which is better?
There are two main types of business cards that offer a line of credit: credit cards and charge cards. Unlike personal cards where charge cards are not widely available, there is a greater selection of charge cards for businesses, although they are primarily offered by American Express.
Here are some of the key features of each to help you decide whether a credit card or charge card will be best for your business.
Business credit card
- Fixed credit limit
- Interest charged on card balance after the interest-free period
- Rewards and perks available
Business charge card
- No fixed credit limit
- No interest charged but the balance must be repaid in full each statement period
- Rewards and perks available
