That first step into business always brings a mix of nerves and excitement. Every decision matters, even the small ones.

When it comes to business finances, the right business credit card can make things easier (and rewarding, too).

I still remember helping a friend set up a system for vendor payments and seeing how much better expense management got once they used a business credit card.

These cards are not just for payments. It helps you track expenses, earn reward points, and start building your business credit from day one.

How to Choose a Business Credit Card? 

Picking the right business credit card doesn’t need to be confusing. Think of it like choosing a tool that fits your business needs.

Here’s what matters most before applying.

Business vs Personal Card: What’s the Difference?

• A business credit card is made for business spends like ads, vendor payments, or software purchases.
• A personal card is for daily or personal finances and doesn’t help your business credit.
• Using a corporate card early helps build credit history for your business. 

Annual Fee, Rewards & Business-Spend Perks for Startups

• Some cards charge small annual fees but give valuable rewards in return.
• Look for cashback or reward points on business related expenses like fuel, travel, or software purchases.
• The right perks can save small business owners money and simplify expense management.

Eligibility, Turnover and Credit Line for First-Time Owners

• Most banks check your annual spends, income, or business turnover before approval.
• If you’re new, you can use your personal good credit score to apply for a business credit card.

Quick Comparison Table

5 Best Business Credit Cards for First-Time Business Owners

HDFC Bank BizFirst Credit Card

• Issued by: HDFC Bank
• Annual / Joining fee: ₹500 + GST; renewal fee waiver on ₹50,000 annual spends in previous calendar year
• Card Network: Visa/Mastercard (varies, as issued by bank)
• Category: Business starter / rewards
• Eligibility: Self-employed, age 21–65; ITR ≥ ₹6 lakh

The HDFC BizFirst business credit card gives up to 55 interest-free days. You earn 3% reward points on EMI transactions and 2% points on utilities, electronics, and PayZapp (caps at ₹500)

Regular business spends like office supplies or UPI payments earn 1% point per ₹150. Spend ₹75,000 in a quarter to unlock 2,000 bonus reward points worth ₹500.

Its low annual fee and easy waiver make it one of the best business credit cards for small business owners starting to build business credit and expense management habits.

Why this card for business first-timers?

• Low fee + easy fee waiver.
• Rewards points aligned to business-related expenses.
• Clear and beginner-friendly eligibility criteria for self-employed individuals.

Axis Bank Business Supreme (Visa) Credit Card

• Issued by: Axis Bank
• Annual / Joining fee: ₹0 (Life-time free card)
• Card Network: Visa
• Category: Business rewards / advertising & travel
• Eligibility: Available for registered businesses, startups, or self-employed professionals with a stable income and business banking relationship at Axis Bank (usually issued through a relationship manager).

The Axis Bank Business Supreme Credit Card is lifetime free, making it perfect for startup founders and small business owners.

4 reward points per ₹200 on business spends like advertising, travel bookings, and flight tickets. 3 Reward points on every ₹200 International spend. You get 1 point per ₹200 on other regular business expenses.

It supports global ATM access, EMI conversion, and smooth online transactions. With no annual fee, it’s ideal for new business credit card users who want expense management and cashback benefits without upfront cost.

Why this card for business?

• Lifetime free (LTF) card with zero maintenance cost.
• Reward points on business-related expenses like ads and travel.
• Great for startup founders wanting corporate-grade control and expense tracking.

ICICI Bank Business Advantage Black Credit Card

• Issued by: ICICI Bank
• Annual / Joining fee: ₹1,500 joining, ₹1,000 annual; waiver on spends (₹75k/60 days join; ₹7.5L/yr renewal)
• Card Network: Visa
• Category: Cashback on business categories
• Eligibility: Eligibility criteria are required but not publicly detailed; As per ICICI business card onboarding (SME/self-employed)

This ICICI business credit card gives up to 1% cashback on both domestic and international business spends, credited directly to your statement.

It includes two complimentary lounge visits per quarter and a ₹75 lakh air accident cover. The joining fee is ₹1,500 and annual fee ₹1,000, both waived after milestone business spends.

Ideal for startup founders and small business owners, it supports expense management and offers real cashback on business related expenses. It also helps reduce the forex markup fee impact for entrepreneurs who travel for work.

Why this card for business?

• Cashback tied to monthly business spends and expense tracking.
• Lounge access for founders or clients on work trips.
• Insurance cover adds safety and travel confidence.

HDFC Bank Business Regalia Credit Card

• Issued by: HDFC Bank
• Annual / Joining fee: ₹2,500 + taxes
• Card Network: As issued by bank (Visa/Mastercard; varies)
• Category: Premium business rewards / travel
• Eligibility: Self-employed, ITR ≥ ₹12 lakh (21–65 yrs)

The HDFC Business Regalia Credit Card offers 4 reward points per ₹150 spent and complimentary airport lounge access. It includes travel insurance, priority services, and global acceptance.

With an annual fee of ₹2,500 + taxes, it’s designed for frequent business travellers and startup founders scaling their operations.

Users can leverage airline and hotel benefits, along with expense management tools for business travel spends.

Why this card for business?

• Ideal if your ITR is already higher.
• Easy upgrade path from HDFC BizFirst as business spends grow.
• Strong travel and rewards mix for entrepreneurs and frequent flyers.

SBI Signature Corporate Credit Card

• Issued by: SBI Card
• Annual / Joining fee: Not publicly listed (Check via corporate onboarding/ your local RM) 
• Card Network: Visa
• Category: Corporate travel & entertainment
• Eligibility: Applicant must be Indian citizen (business entity) aged between 21 yrs to 70 yrs, and have a business with stable income; Corporate/SME issuance as per SBI Corporate Credit Card program

This SBI corporate business credit card provides priority servicing, a dedicated concierge, and detailed expense management dashboards. It lets companies control employee cards, set credit limits, and track business transactions easily.

The card supports Travel & Entertainment reporting, global Visa acceptance, and corporate travel insurance. Fees are customized based on company size and profile.

Built for growing businesses, it ensures expense tracking, smoother reimbursements, and stronger business credit history.

Why this card for business?

• Great for registered SMEs needing policy-based controls.
• Useful for travel governance and audit compliance.
• Fits companies needing team-level expense tracking and approvals.

Confused? Pick These Corporate Credit Cards… 

• HDFC BizFirst Credit Card → Best for startups managing early business spends.
• Axis Bank Business Supreme (Visa) → Ideal for small business owners with travel needs.
• ICICI Business Advantage Black → Perfect for cashback on business expenses.
• HDFC Business Regalia Credit Card → Suited for frequent business travel and rewards.
• SBI Signature Corporate Credit Card → Great for corporate teams tracking business spends.

Smart Habits for Business Credit Card Users

Owning a business credit card isn’t enough; how you use it matters. 

• Always separate personal finances from business expenses to protect your business credit.
• Set spending limits for teams to maintain greater control and track business spends easily. 
• Pay full dues monthly to avoid high interest rates and improve your credit limit over time.
• Check your expense management dashboard often and redeem reward points for business travel or software purchases. 

These habits help small business owners build a good credit score, strengthen financial flexibility, and use a corporate card like a true business tool.

FAQs

Q1. Can new business owners apply for a business credit card?Yes, banks provide a business credit card even for first-time entrepreneurs.

Q2. Is there an interest-free period on business credit cards?Yes, most business credit cards offer up to 45–55 days of interest-free period.

Q3. What kind of rewards do business owners earn?You earn points or cashback on business spends and annual spends.

Q4. Do business credit cards offer complimentary insurance benefits?Yes, several cards provide complimentary insurance and travel benefits for businesses.

Q5. How do small business owners use reward points effectively?Redeem reward points for travel, bill payments, or online purchases to save money.

Q6. What are the key features of a business credit card?They offer higher rewards, travel perks, and smart expense management.

Q7. How do interest rates work on business credit cards?Interest rates apply only after the interest-free period ends.

Q8. Can I earn air miles with a business credit card?Yes, many small business credit cards reward you with air miles.

Q9. What documents are required to apply for a business credit card?You’ll need an application form, business proof, and ITR documents.

10. Do business cards support international spends or hotel stays?Yes, most business credit cards allow secure international spends and hotel bookings.

Q11. Can I use a business credit card for personal ones?It’s best to keep personal ones separate from business use.

Q12. Do business credit cards offer travel related perks?Yes, most premium cards provide air miles, hotel stays, and airport lounge benefits.

Q13. Are documents required when applying for a small business card?Yes, basic KYC and proof of business registration are needed.

Q14. What are retail spends in a business credit card?They include everyday purchases like fuel, office items, and travel tickets.