If you run a UK SME and want a smarter way to manage expenses or smooth out cash flow, choosing the right business credit card can make a real difference.
This guide compares 15 of the leading cards available in 2026, from cashback specialists to flexible repayment tools.
With so many options, it is crucial to weigh rewards, fees, and features against your business’s actual needs, so you can shortlist the best fit quickly and confidently.
Capital on Tap Business
Capital on Tap Pro
Funding Circle FlexiPay
The 15 Best Business Credit Cards at a Glance
Choosing the right business credit card means balancing fees, rewards, and flexibility to suit your company’s spending. Here is a concise comparison of 15 top-rated UK business cards, highlighting key costs and standout features. Always confirm the latest rates and eligibility with the provider before applying.
| Card Name | Rep. APR (variable) | Annual Fee | FX Fee | Cashback/Rewards | Notable Features | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funding Circle Cashback | 34.9% | £0 | 0% | 2% intro (6 months, cap £2,000), then 1% | Up to £250k limit, no FX fees | Visit Site |
| Funding Circle FlexiPay | Not an APR product (fee model) | £0 | Not available | N/A | Pay suppliers now, repay over 1–12 months for a transaction fee | Visit Site |
| Capital on Tap (Free) | Rates as low as 13.86% APR | £0 | 0% | Up to 1% cashback (or points) | No FX fees, spend controls, accounting integrations | Visit Site |
| Capital on Tap Pro | Rates as low as 13.86% APR | £299 | 0% | Up to 1.25% cashback (or points) | Premium plan, enhanced earn rate | Visit Site |
| Moss Corporate Card | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Expense management platform with cards and spend controls | Visit Site |
| American Express Business Gold Card | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Charge card, pay in full monthly (features vary by product terms) | Visit Site |
| Metro Bank Business Credit Card | 18.9% | £0 | Free in Europe, 2.99% elsewhere (plus £1.50 fee) | None | No annual fee, fees differ by region, cash withdrawal fees apply | Visit Site |
| Amazon Business Prime American Express Card | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Amazon-focused rewards and payment terms depend on offer and eligibility | Visit Site |
| Barclaycard Select Cashback | Not available | £0 | Not available | 1% cashback if monthly spend exceeds £2,000 | Spend controls via MyControls | Visit Site |
| British Airways American Express Business Card | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Avios-focused earning depends on product terms | Visit Site |
| Santander Business Cashback | Not available | £30 | 0% | 1% cashback | No foreign transaction fees on purchases | Visit Site |
| RBS Business Plus Credit Card | Not available | £70 per cardholder | 0% | Tiered cashback up to 3%, capped £600 per year | No FX fees for purchases abroad, category-based cashback | Visit Site |
| American Express Business Basic Card | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Charge card simplicity, pay in full monthly | Visit Site |
| HSBC Commercial Credit Card | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available | Commercial card features vary by customer and terms | Visit Site |
| Lloyds Business Credit Card | 15.95% | £0 (first 12 months), then £32 per cardholder (waived if spend ≥ £6,000) | 2.95% | 1% fuel and EV charging, 0.5% other (min spend threshold applies) | Up to 56 days interest-free on purchases if paid in full, subject to terms | Visit Site |
Rates and features were checked in February 2026 but may change. Check with each provider for up-to-date details and eligibility criteria before making your shortlist.
Key Factors for SMEs When Choosing a Business Card
Choosing the right business credit card comes down to how your company spends, pays, and manages cash flow. Start by looking at your average monthly spend: some cards offer better rewards or waive fees if you hit certain thresholds. Next, consider your repayment habits. If you pay off your balance in full each month, you can take advantage of interest-free periods (usually up to 56 days). Carrying a balance means interest costs quickly add up.
Cash-flow flexibility is crucial. Revolving credit cards let you pay down what you can and borrow again as needed, while charge cards require full monthly repayment. Decide whether cash-back or travel rewards fit your business best. Cash-back is straightforward, but points may suit firms with frequent travel.
Employee spending controls are another key factor. Many cards allow you to set individual limits or issue multiple cards, making it easier to manage staff expenses and reduce misuse. If you deal with overseas suppliers, watch for foreign transaction fees. These typically range from 2.95% to 2.99% and can eat into margins if not monitored.
Ultimately, the best card matches your spend pattern, supports your cash flow, and keeps admin simple.
Top Business Credit Cards in 2026 Reviewed
Funding Circle Cashback Credit Card
A Visa card offering 2% cashback for the first six months (up to £2,000), then 1% uncapped cashback on all business spend.
There’s no annual fee and limits range from £1,000 to £250,000.
Suits established SMEs wanting straightforward rewards and fast online approval. Interest-free purchases for up to 42 days if paid in full.
Funding Circle FlexiPay
A revolving line of credit with no interest, just a flat transaction fee starting from 1.99%. Repay suppliers over 1–12 months in fixed instalments.
No annual fee.
Ideal for limited companies or LLPs needing to smooth out large bills or manage cash flow spikes with predictable costs.
Capital on Tap Business Free Credit Card
No annual fee, 1% uncapped cashback or points on all spend, and 0% foreign transaction fees and 0% ATM fees.
Credit limits up to £250,000 and unlimited free employee cards.
Designed for Ltd companies or LLPs with at least £2,000 monthly turnover who want simple rewards and easy accounting integration.
Capital on Tap Pro Credit Card
All the Free card’s benefits plus premium features including airport lounge access.
Annual fee is £299.
Suits businesses that want added travel benefits and premium perks alongside expense management.
Moss Business Credit Cards
A corporate Mastercard platform focused on expense management.
Issue digital cards instantly, set custom limits per project or employee, and integrate with Gmail or Outlook for receipts.
Real-time oversight helps finance teams control spend.
Best for companies needing granular control and automated accounting workflows.
American Express Gold Card
A charge card (pay in full monthly) with an annual fee of £195 (typically £0 in the first year).
Good for growing businesses with regular spending who want to earn points-based rewards.
Amazon Business Prime Amex Card
Tailored for heavy Amazon UK users with rewards optimised for Amazon purchases and potential extended payment terms, depending on the option selected at checkout.
Suits SMEs that buy frequently through Amazon and want to maximise value from Prime membership.
American Express Business Basic Card
A charge card requiring full monthly repayment.
Annual fee is £0.
Suitable if you want a simple Amex option without rewards.
British Airways American Express Business Credit Card
Part of the Amex travel ecosystem; earns Avios and is geared towards businesses that want flight-related rewards.
A good fit if your business spends heavily on travel or wants to collect Avios for flights.
Metro Bank Business Credit Card
No annual fee and 18.9% variable representative APR.
Metro Bank states it does not charge fees for card use in “most European countries” (terms apply), rather than “free usage across SEPA countries” or “0% FX and cash withdrawal fees” as a blanket rule.
Up to nine cardholders per account and interest-free purchases up to 56 days if paid in full.
Barclaycard Business Select Cashback Credit Card
No annual fee, 25.5% variable representative APR, and 1% cashback if you spend over £2,000 per month (credited to your statement).
Free additional cards and strong spending controls via “MyControls”.
Ideal for businesses with consistent monthly spend looking for simple cashback.
Santander Business Cashback Credit Card
£30 annual fee, 23.7% variable representative APR, uncapped 1% cashback paid monthly, plus up to three free additional cards.
Available to Santander business banking customers (eligibility and account requirements apply).
Suits smaller firms wanting easy cashback and straightforward eligibility.
RBS Business Plus Credit Card
£70 per cardholder annually and tiered cashback up to 3% (category-based), with an annual cashback cap of £600.
Requires an RBS business account.
Best for firms with high spend in specific categories seeking tailored rewards.
HSBC Commercial Credit Card
Part of HSBC’s commercial banking suite, designed for business customers needing a credit facility with standard business card functionality (rates, fees, and features are published by HSBC and should be checked before applying).
Lloyds Business Credit Card
15.95% variable representative APR and 14.9% variable annual purchase rate (representative example basis).
No annual fee for the first 12 months; after that, £32 per cardholder unless you spend £6,000+ across all cards each year.
Non-sterling transaction fee is 2.95%.
Cash withdrawals have a 2.5% handling fee (minimum £2.50), and the daily cash withdrawal limit is up to £500.
Use these summaries to match your business needs; whether that’s maximising cashback, controlling team spending or unlocking travel perks. Then shortlist the cards that best fit your priorities before applying.
Cash-back or Points? Balancing Rewards with Actual Value
Choosing between cash-back and points-based rewards depends on how your business spends.
If most of your outgoings are on fuel, trade supplies, or advertising, a cash-back card with a flat percentage return can deliver clear, predictable value, especially for companies wanting to offset everyday costs.
Points or air-miles cards may suit businesses with regular travel, but the benefits quickly diminish if flights and hotels aren’t a core expense. Chasing air miles rarely pays off if your business seldom travels.
Focus on matching the reward type to your real monthly spend, not just headline offers, to avoid missing out on value or paying for perks you won’t use.
Fees, APRs, and Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
When choosing a business credit card, it’s easy to focus on rewards and headline rates, but fees and hidden costs can quickly eat into any benefits if you’re not careful. The main charges to watch are:
- Annual or monthly fees: Some cards are free, while others charge up to £299 per year. These fees may be waived for the first year or if you hit a certain spend threshold.
- Foreign transaction fees: Many cards charge around 2.95% to 2.99% on non-sterling purchases, though some products advertise 0% FX fees (always check the provider’s fee schedule).
- Cash advance charges: Withdrawing cash typically costs around 3% (minimum £3), plus interest from day one (fees vary by provider).
- Representative vs actual APR: The representative APR includes both the interest rate and any mandatory annual fees, but your actual rate may vary based on your business’s credit profile.
If you carry a balance, high variable APRs can quickly outweigh any cashback or points earned. Always match card features to your real spending habits and aim to clear the balance within the interest-free period (usually up to 56 days) to avoid unnecessary costs.
Eligibility and Application Essentials
To qualify for a UK business credit card, you’ll usually need a minimum turnover threshold and enough trading history to satisfy the lender’s underwriting. Many providers require a personal guarantee from a director or owner, meaning you’re personally liable if the business can’t repay. Credit limits are set based on your business’s turnover, trading record, and both company and director credit scores.
Missed payments can harm your business credit rating and may trigger late fees (commonly £12 for late/returned/over-limit fees, but check the card’s tariff). To speed up your application:
- Check your business’s Companies House status and ensure details are up to date.
- Gather recent bank statements and accounts.
- Be ready to provide proof of ID and address for directors.
- Apply online where possible, some cards offer instant or same-day decisions.
Act quickly but never overstate turnover or trading history, as this can lead to declined applications and future eligibility issues.
Pitfalls and Misunderstandings to Avoid
Choosing a business credit card based solely on the lowest APR is a common misstep.
Annual fees, foreign transaction charges, and cash-advance costs can quickly outweigh headline rates if they don’t match your business’s real spending. Foreign spend fees, often around 2.95% per transaction, can erode rewards for companies paying overseas suppliers.
It is also a myth that all business cards offer the same consumer protections as personal cards; Section 75 doesn’t usually apply. While not every card requires a personal guarantee, many do, always check before applying.
Finally, robust travel perks aren’t automatic; some cards focus on cash-back or points with little or no travel benefits.
Quick Checklist for Making a Final Decision
Before you apply, run through this checklist to make sure your chosen business credit card fits your company’s real needs. Picking the wrong card could mean missing out on rewards or paying unnecessary fees.
- What’s your typical monthly business spend? (Some cards require a minimum spend for rewards.)
- Do you prefer straightforward cash-back, points, or travel perks?
- Will you need multiple employee cards and spend controls?
- Are you comfortable with an annual fee, or do you want a fee-free option?
- How important is integration with your accounting software?
- Do you regularly make purchases in foreign currencies?
Tick off each point to narrow your shortlist and avoid costly surprises.
Business Credit Card FAQs
Which card is truly the best for UK SMEs in 2026?
There is no single best card for every SME. Funding Circle Cashback can suit businesses wanting cashback and no annual fee, while Capital on Tap may suit those wanting no FX fees and integrated tools. If travel perks matter, premium rewards cards may suit, but only if the annual fee is justified by your usage.
Is a personal guarantee always required?
A personal guarantee is common but not universal. Many SME business card products require one, especially where the provider relies on director creditworthiness. Always check before applying.
How does cashback compare with travel rewards?
Cashback is predictable and easy to value. Travel rewards can be high value if redeemed well, but they are often less flexible and can be harder to quantify.
What about business credit card tax implications?
Interest and card fees are often treated as business expenses, but treatment depends on your circumstances. Cashback and rewards can also have tax implications. Speak to your accountant for advice specific to your business.
Why might Funding Circle Cashback suit some businesses better than Capital on Tap?
Funding Circle offers a clear cashback structure and states it charges no foreign transaction fees. Capital on Tap may suit businesses wanting no FX fees plus integrations and spend controls. Your choice depends on which benefits you will actually use.
Is an American Express charge card too restrictive versus a credit card?
Charge cards usually require full monthly repayment, which can be restrictive if you need to carry a balance. Credit cards allow revolving balances, but interest costs can be high.
How can startups or smaller businesses qualify?
Some options exist, but eligibility can be tighter, and providers may rely more heavily on the director’s personal credit profile. Check each provider’s requirements before applying.
What if I need flexible payment terms?
Consider instalment-style products like supplier payment tools, or a credit card where you can carry a balance. Compare the true cost of fees versus APR interest based on how long you expect to repay.
Do multiple cards harm my business’s credit profile?
Multiple applications in a short period can trigger multiple credit searches, which may reduce your score temporarily. Apply selectively.
Which charges and fees are often overlooked?
Commonly missed costs include foreign transaction fees, cash withdrawal fees, late payment fees, and annual fees that start after an introductory period.
Deciding Your Next Step
To make your shortlist with confidence, start by reviewing your typical monthly spend and your main purchase categories. Then weigh rewards against fees, interest rates, and extra charges that could reduce the value.
- Confirm your spending patterns and priorities
- Compare rewards versus total costs
- Check eligibility and application requirements
- Pick one or two cards that fit your cash flow needs
Once you have matched the right product to your business, proceed to the provider’s official application page. Avoid applying for several cards at once, as multiple credit checks can affect your business’s credit profile.
