- A business credit card with a 0 percent intro APR offer for purchases can help you finance a large purchase over time and avoid high interest fees.
- Some business credit cards also come with a 0 percent intro APR offer for balance transfers, but these types of cards are less common.
- When choosing a business card with a 0 percent intro APR offer, be sure to review the card's offer terms, regular APR, rewards, benefits and any other fees.
As a business owner, you’ll find plenty of compelling reasons to pursue a 0 percent APR credit card. These products are particularly attractive because you can charge what you need, make at least the minimum payments and the issuer won’t add financing fees to the revolved balance. If you pay off the debt before the regular interest rate begins, all the money you borrow with the card will be free of any financing fees. Depending on how much you spend, that can translate into hundreds or even thousands of dollars in saved interest.
Additionally, many business credit cards with 0 percent intro APRs allow you to rack up valuable rewards as you charge, both during and after the introductory period. Some also offer a welcome bonus, which can help you to earn rewards just by charging a certain amount within a specific timeframe.
Deciding on the right 0 percent interest business credit card can be a challenge since many of them provide different cardholder perks. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the top zero-interest business credit cards on the market today.
The American Express Blue Business Cash Card: Best for flat-rate cash back
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card offers an introductory 0 percent APR on purchases for 12 months, followed by a variable APR of 18.49 percent to 26.49 percent. There is no annual fee, and you’ll earn 2 percent cash back on your first $50,000 in eligible purchases each year (then 1 percent back).
This card comes with Amex’s Expanded Buying Power feature, which lets cardholders exceed the credit limit without being charged an over-limit fee. However, note that purchases are approved on a case-by-case basis. Card benefits also include car rental loss and damage insurance, extended warranty coverage and purchase protection.
Ink Business Cash Credit Card: Best for cash back in business spending categories
The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card gives cardholders an introductory 0 percent APR on purchases for 12 months, followed by a variable APR of 18.49 percent to 24.49 percent. There is no annual fee, and you can earn a welcome bonus of $750 in bonus cash back if you spend $6,000 within three months of account opening.
With this card, you’ll earn 5 percent cash back on up to $25,000 in combined spending at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year (then 1 percent back); 2 percent cash back on up to $25,000 in combined spending at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year (then 1 percent back); and 1 percent cash back on all other purchases. Other benefits include free employee cards, purchase protection, extended warranty coverage and car rental coverage.
The Blue Business Plus Credit Card from American Express: Best for travel rewards
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express offers a 0 percent intro APR on purchases for 12 months, then a variable APR of 18.49 percent to 26.49 percent thereafter. There is no annual fee, and you’ll get perks like free employee cards, car rental loss and damage insurance, purchase protection and extended warranty coverage.
You’ll earn 2X Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 you spend with the card per year (1X points thereafter) and 2X points on prepaid rental cars booked through American Express Travel. Cardholders can redeem points for statement credits, travel through the Amex portal, merchandise, gift cards or the Pay with Points program. You can also transfer your points to over a dozen Amex hotel and airline partners.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Credit Card: Best for an extra-long 0% intro APR
The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Credit Card* provides an exceptionally-long 0 percent intro APR offer for both purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles. Once the introductory period ends, a variable APR of 17.24 percent to 26.24 percent applies. There is also a $0 annual fee for this card.
While the card comes with basic benefits, such as the ability to control the charging activities of employees who are on the account, it does not offer a rewards program. The primary reason to choose this card is if you’re looking for a business card with a 0 percent intro APR offer for balance transfers.
Capital One Spark Cash Select for Good Credit: Best for good credit
The Capital One Spark Cash Select for Good Credit offers an introductory 0 percent APR on purchases for 12 months, followed by a variable APR of 21.24 percent to 29.24 percent. As the card name suggests, this card is available to people with good credit. According to Capital One, good credit is defined as not having declared bankruptcy or defaulted on a loan in the past five years, and not having been more than 30 days late on any loan or credit card payment in the past year.
For rewards, this card offers a flat, unlimited 1.5 percent cash back on all purchases and 5 percent cash back on hotel stays and car rentals booked through Capital One Travel. It does not have an annual fee. Other card perks include free employee cards, extended warranty coverage, roadside assistance and no foreign transaction fees.
Is a 0% interest business credit card right for you?
Choosing a business credit card with a 0 percent intro APR offer for purchases is a good idea if you need to finance a large purchase over time and you don’t want to get stuck with high interest fees. Some business cards offer a 0 percent intro APR period for balance transfers, too. This type of card would be a good choice if you want to transfer a balance and pay off that balance over time interest-free.
However, if you don’t need to pay off debt or a large purchase over time, take a look at some of the top business credit cards on the market to see if there’s another card that better meets your business needs. You may be able to get a card that offers better rewards or a better welcome bonus, among other perks.
How to choose a business credit card with 0% APR
As you search for a business card with a 0 percent intro APR offer, consider the following factors:
- Introductory APR timeline. Decide, in advance, how long you want the 0 percent intro APR offer to last, then weigh that need against the other account benefits. A card with a shorter 0 percent intro APR period may be preferable if the rewards and perks are better.
- Regular APR. After the 0 percent intro APR period ends, the regular interest rate begins. If you plan to revolve balances in the future, look for a card with the lowest interest rates.
- Rewards and benefits. Do you want a cash back card or a travel card that allows you to accumulate points or miles? Flat-rate rewards are simple, but you may earn more with a card that provides a higher rate in certain categories. Also, read over the benefits associated with any card since they should match your business needs and operations. Lastly, consider whether or not you want a card with a welcome bonus as not all business cards offer them.
- Fixed and potential costs. Cards with annual fees typically have more extensive rewards programs. Cards not designed for travel often have foreign transaction fees. There are usually fees for paying late and exceeding a limit, both of which are avoidable with responsible use, but it’s important to know what they would be if problems arise.
FAQs about 0% intro APR business credit cards
You will usually need good to excellent credit to qualify for business credit cards. This typically means having a FICO score of 670 or higher. However, you may have a better chance of approval if your score is at least 740. While you may be able to get a business card with poor credit, your options will be limited.
With a 0 percent intro APR business card, issuers will not include financing fees to balances during the introductory period. To avoid any applied interest, pay off the entire balance before that period ends. When the regular interest rate starts, you can avoid interest by paying the balance in full by the due date every month.
The card issuer may cancel the deal prematurely if you pay late or send less than the minimum requested payment. Consider enrolling in the card issuer’s automatic bill pay system to offset this possibility. That way, you know you’ll send at least the minimum payment on time.
The bottom line
Business credit cards that provide new cardholders with months of interest-free financing are enticing. Not only can they save you a lot of money and provide you with payment flexibility, they often come with other valuable features like cash back rewards, welcome offers and more. By choosing the best card for you and using it wisely, you and your business will come out ahead.
*The information about the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Credit Card has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuer.
