Best Business Credit Card in Canada: The Ultimate Selection
Business owners everywhere are continuously looking for ways to maximize earnings and increase their income potential. And that’s what a good business credit card can do for you, your company, and your employees, by providing you with immense value, benefits, and sought-after experiences.
To go deeper inside the world of business credit cards, check out our expert selection of the best business credit card in Canada!
The Best Business Credit Card in Canada: An Overview
Rank | Company | Rating | Features | Annual Fee |
1. | American Express Business Platinum | 10/10 |
Best Overall
|
$499 |
2. | American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve | 9.8/10 |
Best for Rewards
|
$599 |
3. | RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business | 9.5/10 |
Best for Business Travel
|
$120 |
4. | American Express Business Edge | 9.3/10 |
Best Value
|
$99 |
5. | BMO World Elite Business Mastercard | 9/10 |
Best for Small Businesses
|
$149
(first year waived) Visit Site |
6. | American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business | 8.9/10 |
Best for Hotel Stays
|
$150 |
7. | BMO Air Miles World Elite Business Mastercard | 8.5/10 |
Best Air Miles Rewards
|
$149
(first year waived) |
What Is the Best Business Credit Card in Canada?
Before we start, instead of taking this list as gospel, remember that the best business card will depend on you, your business, your employees, and your company’s needs.
With that said, let’s take a look at some of our favourite contenders!
1. American Express Business Platinum – Best Overall
- Reviewlution Rating: 10/10
- Annual fee: $499
- APR: N/A
- Welcome Bonus: up to 110,000 Membership Rewards
- Recommended Credit Score: At least 660
Topping our list of the best business credit cards in Canada is none other than the American Express Business Platinum card. This AmEx card offers incredible payment flexibility, allowing you to choose between paying whichever amount suits you best. Additionally, as the American Express Business Platinum card has no limit, your purchasing power is unmatched.
Aside from the attractive welcome bonus, as a cardholder, you’ll also earn 1.25 times the points on every $1 charged on your card, which you can redeem as statement credits, gift cards, or other rewards.
Regarding insurance, the AmEx Platinum Business Canada card provides employee card misuse protection, comprehensive travel coverage, and purchase coverage. Frequent travellers can benefit from access to premium airport lounge programs, priority passes, the finest hotel collections and other mind-blowing perks.
Pros:
- Airport lounge access
- High earning potential
- Many options for point redemption
Cons:
- High annual fee
- High additional card fees
2. American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve – Best for Rewards
- Reviewlution Rating: 9.8/10
- Annual fee: $599
- APR: 16.99% – 21.99%
- Welcome Bonus: up to 110,000 Aeroplan Points
- Recommended Credit Score: At least 660
Aeroplan is frequently on lists for the ultimate business cards in Canada – and for good reason. With the many earning opportunities (up to 10 points for each $1 spent) on flights, hotels, car rentals, and everyday business expenses and access to world-class service, who wouldn’t want to snatch one of these cards?
Additionally, business owners can also benefit from the abundant expense management tools and resources that come with the AmEx Aeroplan Business Reserve, along with exceptional payment flexibility and business and travel insurance services.
Finally, you also have a full suite of AmEx offers that can help make purchases more rewarding, such as offers for dining, travel, and supplies, all through the handy AmEx App. And for the adrenaline junkies, be ready for Front Of The Line Advance Access, Reserved Tickets, and E-Updates.
Pros:
- Unlimited free access to Maple Leaf Lounges
- Priority check-in and boarding and a free first checked bag on Air Canada
- Flexible point redemption
Cons:
- No travel insurance for members over 65
- High fees for supplementary cards
3. RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business – Best for Business Travel
- Reviewlution Rating: 9.5/10
- Annual fee: $120
- APR: 19.99% – 22.99%
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 55,000 points
- Recommended Credit Score: At least 560
This RBC Business credit card is a step above the rest when it comes to travel perks. In fact, as a member, you can earn Avion points for every $1 spent on travel purchases, which you can redeem on subsequent travel expenses, such as the Avion Collection of Exclusive Experiences.
The RBC Business Visa also offers benefits pertaining to other Visa Infinite cardholders, such as hotel and dining bonuses and the opportunity to be first in line for memorable events. You can rest assured knowing you’re protected, as well, since this card provides extensive insurance coverage for your trip, mobile device, and other eligible purchases.
Even though this Visa is primarily travel-based, cardholders will also receive fuel savings at Petro-Canada, along with Be Well points at Rexall, and discounts at Hertz and DoorDash.
Pros:
- Lower annual fees than competitors
- Credit card lock feature
- Gas savings
Cons:
- Lacks non-travel related rewards
- High minimum income requirement
4. American Express Business Edge – Best Value
- Reviewlution Rating: 9.3/10
- Annual fee: $99
- APR: 19.99% – 21.99%
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 45,000 points
- Recommended Credit Score: At least 725
It’s no surprise that there’s another AmEx addition to our selection, as this card is the gift that keeps on giving. The Edge card earns you points (up to 10) on gas, office supplies, travel, electronics, and other business-related expenses. Aside from that, you’ll gain access to numerous other business benefits, payment flexibility, and free supplementary cards.
Plus, the dedicated AmEx customer support team provides 24/7 service, emergency card replacement, and fraud protection guarantee, along with an exhaustive list of insurance coverage to sweeten the pot.
With such a low annual fee and standard interest rates, this business credit card offers great value for money and is attainable even for business owners who are still laying the building blocks.
Pros:
- No additional card fees
- Points can be redeemed for travel, entertainment, dining, retail purchases, etc.
- High earning rates
Cons:
- High recommended credit score
- Not accepted everywhere
5. BMO World Elite Business Mastercard – Best for Small Businesses
- Reviewlution Rating: 9/10
- Annual fee: $149 (waived in the first year)
- APR: 17.99% – 22.99%
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 50,000 points
- Recommended Credit Score: At least 660
The BMO Business credit card is undoubtedly a strong contender for the best Mastercard in Canada for small business owners. In fact, the card enables you to get rewarded for all purchases and earn extra rewards on common business expenses.
Consequently, you earn 4 points for every $1 spent on gas, phone and internet bill payments, and office supplies and 1.5 points for every $1 spent on other purchases. With an appealing welcome offer and a waived annual fee for the first year, cardholders can enjoy numerous business benefits along with protection, rebates, and extended warranties.
A staple for the BMO Business credit card is the on-demand health care by Maple, which gives members 5 free virtual care visits, and support from licensed practitioners and mental health counsellors.
Pros:
- Virtual health care included
- Stringent protection programs
- Numerous redemption options
Cons:
- Low earn rates
- High required minimal income
6. American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business – Best for Hotel Stays
- Reviewlution Rating: 8.9/10
- Annual fee: $150
- APR: 19.99% – 21.99%
- Welcome Bonus: Up to 75,000 points
- Recommended Credit Score: At least 660
The American Express Bonvoy card is every traveller’s dream. Namely, the card earns you 5 points for every $1 in card purchases for 6 months and an additional 5 points for every $1 on purchases at participating Marriot Bonvoy hotels.
Apart from simply making your business purchases more rewarding, the Marriot AmEx card allows you to receive an annual Free Night Award on your cardmember anniversary, without needing points. Moreover, cardholders can also get 15 annual Elite Night Credits to put towards future upgrades.
Of course, the business benefits you get from other AmEx cards also apply to the Bonvoy card, along with comprehensive business, travel, and purchase insurance. The cherry on top has to be AmEx’s world-class service and unparalleled American Express Experiences. It certainly is the quintessential AmEx card.
Pros:
- Complimentary hotel night once a year
- Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- No airport lounge access
- Limited flexibility for rewards
7. BMO Air Miles World Elite Business Mastercard – Best Air Miles Rewards
- Reviewlution Rating: 8.5/10
- Annual fee: $149 (waived in the first year)
- APR: 19.99% – 22.99%
- Welcome Bonus: 3,000 Air Miles
- Recommended Credit Score: At least 660
The BMO Air Miles World Elite Mastercard for business owners might be last on the list, but it doesn’t mean it has the least to offer. On the contrary, if you’re a fan of Air Miles, there’s no better card out there! Namely, this card gives members 1 Mile for every $12 spent and 4 Miles when using the card at participating partners.
Moreover, it offers all-around protection against employee card abuse and allows you to redeem Miles for office supplies, entertainment, travel, or cash rewards. Additionally, you also gain access to Airport Lounges and automatic rebates of 1% – 25%.
Like the other BMO card on this list, the BMO Air Miles provides access to on-demand health care with Maple and enables you to manage your well-being with 24/7 access to virtual care.
Pros:
- First year annual fee waiver
- Bonus Air Miles on purchases at partners
- 13 types of insurance
Cons:
- High minimum income requirement
- $50 supplementary cards
Business Credit Cards: All You Need to Know
Now that we’ve gone over our choice for the best business credit card in Canada, it’s essential to get all the information regarding business credit cards.
Fortunately, the size of your business doesn’t matter, since these credit cards are available to any business owner and can come with a slew of benefits.
And it’s not hard to get one! In fact, the process is similar to applying for a personal credit card. Most applications can be done online or by visiting a local brick-and-mortar branch, but we’ll talk about that a bit later.
Before diving deep, remember that your business expenses are tax deductible. Consequently, as a business owner, you can deduct the following charges, provided they’re associated with the business:
- Finance charges
- Annual fees
- Monthly fees
- Late fees
However, before reporting these charges during the next tax season, read up on what exactly you can deduct to avoid committing tax fraud.
Related article: How to Pay Less Taxes in Canada: 10 Tax-Saving Tips
Who Can Get a Business Credit Card in Canada?
So, are business credit cards available for all business owners?
Yes!
If you own a business (no matter how small), you can snatch yourself a business credit card. Here’s who else can get one:
- Sole proprietors
- Freelancers
- Small business owners
- Large business owners
- Corporation owners
- Limited liability companies
The only thing you must do is provide proof and supporting documents that your business exists and is legit.
Why Should You Get a Business Credit Card?
To some people, a business credit card seems unnecessary. But we implore you to shift that mindset because the best credit card for a business can come with innumerable benefits for you and your employees, such as:
- Generous welcome bonuses, which are usually much higher than with personal credit cards
- Better earn rates that trump the earning potential of all personal credit cards and are tailored to business expenses
- Higher credit limit than personal credit cards because businesses generally have larger monthly expenses
- Greater purchase protection, since most of your purchases cost more and are usually bought in bulk
As you can see, business credit cards can significantly upscale your business and allow you to file for deductions, all of which you can’t do with a personal credit card.
What to Consider Before Choosing the Best Credit Card for a Business?
Before settling on a credit card, there are some things you should consider, as the card that works well for one business, might not work for yours. Here are the most important factors when deciding:
- Business expenditures – understand how much your business expenses cost and where most of your money goes
- Annual fee – some credit cards have annual fees that might be too steep for a startup or freelancing business, so exercise caution and ensure you won’t fall in debt
- Added benefits and rewards – welcome bonuses, rewards, and additional benefits can significantly ease your financial burden
- Payment terms – you can pay your balance every month or over time, which might include monthly interest and other associated fees
- Business trips – the frequency with which you and your employees go on business trips can dictate whether or not you need a credit card with more travel benefits
After reviewing your spending habits and pinpointing the necessities, you can determine which credit card will fit you to a T.
Application Process
Now, let’s talk about the application process and eligibility criteria.
To qualify for business credit cards in Canada, you’ll need to pay mind to your personal credit score, especially if you’re a new business owner, as most credit cards require good to excellent credit, such as the ones on our list.
Additionally, issuers may also consider your business credit score, annual income, and annual revenue to decide on your interest rates and credit limits.
Once you’ve determined that you’re eligible for a good business credit card and have narrowed down your options, you can move to the application process. As with personal credit cards, you can usually submit an application online, provided you have the following information:
- Legal name of the business
- Business contact information
- Business legal structure
- Industry
- Time in business
- Number of employees
- Annual revenue (or personal income)
- Monthly spend
- Personal name, SIN, and contact information
- Personal credit history
After inputting the details, you’ll need to agree to the terms and conditions and submit your application. Luckily, you won’t have to wait too long for approval, as most applications tell you in a matter of minutes. Then, you’ll need to wait to receive your card in the mail and activate it as soon as possible.
Wrapping Up
There you have it, our pick for the best business credit card in Canada and a helpful guide for those looking to get a card. After checking this selection, ensure you do some research of your own and compare these and other credit cards to pick the best one for you.
Happy spending!
FAQ
The best business credit card in Canada will largely depend on your habits and business needs. Considering the information mentioned above, our pick for the best credit card for business in Canada is the American Express Business Platinum.
According to our research, the best business credit card for travel is the RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business, since it offers the most travel-related rewards and benefits.
If you have a newer business and haven’t done much work yet, credit card issuers will consider your personal credit score before setting the terms of your agreement. If you have a long-standing business, the issuer might focus more on your business’s track record.