Choosing a dedicated business credit card in 2025 can be a turning point for UK company directors and owners seeking smoother cash flow control, clarity in expense tracking, and meaningful perks. Yet with so many options, it is easy to worry about hidden fees, restrictive eligibility criteria, or confusing technical terms.
Here, we compare 15 leading cards side by side, all through a friendly, fact-based lens. You will see each card’s core benefits, whether straightforward cashback, rich travel rewards, or integrated expense management. We also highlight any pitfalls to watch out for, such as personal guarantee obligations, high foreign transaction fees, or strict spending thresholds.
We aim to help you feel confident in selecting a card that supports your unique business goals and day-to-day demands. By the end, you will understand how these cards differ and recognise which features, rates, or rewards truly matter for your situation, empowering you to make a calm, well-informed decision.
Capital on Tap Business
Capital on Tap Pro
Funding Circle FlexiPay
Understanding Why Business Credit Matters
Business credit cards offer much more than simply separating personal and professional expenses. They can help preserve working capital, streamline spending oversight, and reinforce trust with business partners, suppliers, and employees. Still, many directors feel uneasy about interest rates, hidden fees, or the risk of overspending.
Grounding yourself in the basics before diving into detailed comparisons is crucial. Think about how you will use a card—managing day-to-day purchases, paying for travel, or investing in big-ticket items. Then decide if building rewards or minimising interest ranks higher on your list. Reflecting on your cash flow rhythms, existing obligations, and the kind of expenses you anticipate helps you focus on cards that complement your goals rather than weigh you down. This clarity keeps you from feeling overwhelmed by numerous offers so you can confidently review each product.
Key Decision Factors: Rates, Perks, and Personal Guarantees
Choosing the right business credit card hinges on understanding key factors like representative APR, annual fees, and personal guarantees. For many business leaders, these elements are top priorities if they plan on carrying a balance. Cards with lower interest rates or no foreign transaction fees can ease financial worries. Still, you should always read the fine print on any personal guarantee requirement, as it converts company debt into a personal liability.
If your spending is substantial, the perks side of the equation—cashback, airline miles, or membership points—may offset fees and become genuine cost savers. Ultimately, the best card aligns with what you buy, where, and how quickly you clear the balance. Focusing on these features and obligations helps you filter through the noise and avoid buyer’s remorse.
The 15 Best Business Credit Cards at a Glance
When pressed for time, a quick snapshot can help. Here are 15 business credit cards for UK SMEs in 2025, highlighting annual fees, representative APRs, and standout benefits:
| Business Credit Card | Annual Fee | Representative APR | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funding Circle Cashback Card | £0 | From 14.9% (after 42-day grace) | Startups or small firms wanting simple 1% cashback with no annual fee | Visit Site |
| Funding Circle FlexiPay | £0 | 0% interest (flat fee from 1.99%) | SMEs needing predictable short-term financing or to spread large purchases. | Visit Site |
| Capital on Tap Business Credit Card (Free) | Free | 34.65% | Growing SMEs seeking low APR, no fees, and 0% FX for global use. | Visit Site |
| Capital on Tap Pro Credit Card | £299 | 110.33% | High-spending or travel-heavy firms wanting premium perks and Avios rewards. | Visit Site |
| Moss Credit Cards | Variable | Variable | Fast-scaling or multi-department companies needing automated expense control. | Visit Site |
| American Express Business Gold Card | Free first year, then £195 | N/A (Charge Card) | Established firms with large, varied spend and regular business travel. | Visit Site |
| Metro Bank Business Credit Card | £0 | 18.9% variable | Domestic or EU-focused firms wanting no annual fee and free SEPA transactions. | Visit Site |
| Amazon Business Prime Amex Card | £0 annual fee with Prime | 37.9% variable | eCommerce or Amazon-reliant businesses maximising 3–5% cashback on Amazon spend. | Visit Site |
| Barclaycard Business Select Cashback Credit Card | £0 | 25.8% APR | UK SMEs with consistent monthly spend over £2,000 seeking simple cashback. | Visit Site |
| British Airways American Express Business Card | £0 | 29.4% rep APR | Small or new businesses wanting simple Amex access with no annual fee. | Visit Site |
| Santander Business Cashback Credit Card | £30 | 23.7% variable | Existing Santander customers wanting 1% uncapped cashback and 0% FX fees. | Visit Site |
| RBS Business Plus Credit Card | £70 per cardholder | 29% variable | High-spend firms on fuel or trade supplies using RBS business banking. | Visit Site |
| American Express Business Basic Card | £0 | N/A (Charge Card) | Small or new businesses wanting simple Amex access with no annual fee. | Visit Site |
| HSBC Commercial Card | £32 annual fee (waived first year) | 22% APR | Established or international businesses needing secure, high-limit credit. | Visit Site |
| Lloyds Business Credit Card | £32 annual fee (waived if >£6k spend) | 15.95% APR | Cost-conscious SMEs carrying balances. | Visit Site |
Use this table to rule out cards that fail your key requirements quickly. Then, for more depth, continue to the mini summaries below.
Top Business Credit Cards in 2025 Reviewed
Funding Circle Cashback Credit Card
The Funding Circle Cashback Card suits smaller businesses attracted to simplicity and straightforward rewards. It delivers a flat 1% cashback on purchases (2% for the first 6 months up to £2,000), avoiding the complexity of tiered reward programs. This makes it appealing if you prefer a no-fuss approach to business credit.
- Verdict: Ideal for startups and small businesses wanting a fuss-free card with straightforward rewards and no hidden costs. Best suited to firms prioritising simplicity over premium features.
- Key Features: Offers 1% cashback on all spending, with no annual fee and no foreign exchange charges. It provides instant approval and seamless integration for existing Funding Circle users.
- Pros: Simple 1% uncapped cashback, no annual or FX fees, and easy eligibility for smaller firms.
- Cons: Limited additional perks and less competitive for high-spend or travel-focused businesses.
- Pricing/Costs: No annual fee; cashback paid on all eligible spend. APR not publicly disclosed in the sourced data but positioned as a low-fee, entry-level product.
Funding Circle FlexiPay
FlexiPay functions more like a flexible credit line, using flat fees instead of compound interest. It is designed to help businesses spread large costs, offering predictable terms. This is particularly valuable if your outlays include equipment or major inventory.
- Verdict: Best for SMEs that need short-term, fixed-cost financing for large purchases or cash flow gaps, offering cost certainty without the complexity of traditional credit cards.
- Key Features: Provides up to £250,000 in credit with repayment terms from 1 to 12 months, no interest charges, and a single flat transaction fee per purchase. Early repayment is fee-free, offering full cost transparency.
- Pros: 0% interest, flexible repayment periods, no annual or setup fees, and clear, upfront pricing.
- Cons: No cashback or rewards, and limited benefit for businesses seeking ongoing credit facilities.
- Pricing/Costs: Charges a flat transaction fee starting from 1.99%, depending on the chosen repayment term. No annual or early repayment fees apply.
Capital on Tap Business Free Credit Card
A strong choice if you want minimal costs and clear rewards. Its digital interface is handy for busy managers. The 1% uncapped cashback plus zero annual fee sets it apart, and no foreign transaction fees help you save even more.
- Verdict: A solid choice for UK-registered limited companies seeking a low-cost, easy-to-manage business credit card with decent rewards and global usability—provided you pay off balances in full or can tolerate higher interest if you carry a balance.
- Key Features: You earn 1 % cashback on all purchases (or Avios equivalent), unlimited free employee cards, integration with accounting tools (like Xero/QuickBooks), and zero foreign transaction fees
- Pros: No annual fee, no FX fees abroad, high credit limits, and strong customer service.
- Cons: Cashback rate is modest, interest rates for revolving credit can be high, and the card is only available to Ltd/LLP companies (not sole traders).
- Pricing/Costs: No annual fee. Representative APR can be high and depends on business credit profile (for example up to about 34.65 % variable has been quoted).
Capital on Tap Pro Credit Card
The Pro version is designed for higher spenders and builds upon the standard card’s features with superior perks. Frequent business travellers will appreciate lounge access, higher cashback, and boosted Avios conversions.
- Verdict: For businesses with high card spend, regular overseas travel and appetite for Avios rewards, this Pro version delivers strong value, but for firms with modest spend or limited travel the standard “Free” version may offer a better return.
- Key Features: Includes a welcome bonus of 10,000 points after £5,000 spend in three months, unlimited airport-lounge access via Priority Pass, VIP status with the Radisson hotel chain, and an earning rate of 1 point per £1 spent convertible 1:1 to Avios.
- Pros: Great value for frequent travellers with high business spending, strong Avios miles earning, no foreign transaction fee.
- Cons: The £299 annual fee may not be justifiable for lower-spend businesses or those not using travel perks; restricted to UK limited companies/LLPs rather than all business types.
- Pricing/Costs: Annual fee of £299; variable interest rate from about 13.86% (though actual APR depends on credit profile) and 0 % foreign transaction fee (you still pay standard exchange rate mark-up).
Moss Business Credit Cards
Rather than focusing on rewards, Moss integrates automated expense management. To streamline bookkeeping, you get unlimited cards, real-time dashboards, and AI-powered receipt capture. While it lacks traditional perks, the efficiency gains can be significant.
- Verdict: Ideal for mid-sized or fast-growing businesses that value visibility over typical rewards.
- Key Features: It includes unlimited virtual cards, high monthly credit limits (up to circa £2.5 million depending on status), expense tracking and approvals embedded in the platform, and accounting integrations (e.g., Xero/ERP sync).
- Pros: Firms praise the intuitive interface, fast card issuance and improved spend visibility across teams.
- Cons: The fee structure is less transparent (subscription-based rather than fixed rate), and customer support and FX charges have garnered some criticism.
- Pricing/Costs: Pricing varies depending on plan and company size; there isn’t a simple flat APR like typical credit cards, and in practice, users report needing the application to view full cost details.
American Express Gold Card
This charge card requires monthly balance payments, so no traditional APR applies. Instead, cardholders benefit from earning Membership Rewards points that can offset business travel or be turned into various perks.
- Verdict: This card is well-suited to businesses with substantial monthly spending and a focus on loyalty-programme value (especially travel), but for firms with more modest spend or significant foreign currency transactions, the cost and FX fee may outweigh the rewards.
- Key Features: It offers one Membership Rewards® point for every £1 spent, a generous welcome bonus (e.g., up to 20,000 points for £3,000 of spend) and the ability to earn additional bonus points by spending £20,000 in a quarter; it also provides up to 54 days interest-free credit and supports up to 20 supplementary cards.
- Pros: Strong sign-on bonus, reward points convert to travel programmes (such as Avios), and plenty of perks for frequent spenders.
- Cons: After the first year, there is a £195 annual fee, and a non-sterling (foreign currency) transaction fee of 2.99% applies.
- Pricing/Costs: The card has no fee in the first year, then a £195 annual fee from year two, and charges 2.99% on purchases made in a foreign currency; as a charge card it doesn’t have a standard APR but the balance must be cleared in full each month.
Amazon Business Prime Amex Card
If your company is heavily invested in Amazon, this card offers high returns on Amazon purchases. Prime members can earn up to 5% back on Amazon spending, quickly adding up for frequent buyers.
- Verdict: If your business spends heavily on Amazon or Amazon Business and you value the option of extended payment terms, this card is highly suitable; but for businesses with diverse purchasing across many vendors the rewards may not justify any underlying membership cost or limited benefits.
- Key Features: You earn 2% Amazon Rewards (or select 90-day payment terms) on eligible Amazon.co.uk, Amazon Business UK and Whole Foods Market UK purchases (up to £120,000 per year) and 0.5% rewards on other spend.
- Pros: Strong rewards for Amazon-heavy spending and the flexibility to choose extended payment terms instead of rewards for better cash flow.
Cons: The higher rewards are only on Amazon/Whole Foods-related spend, so if your business purchases elsewhere this card offers modest return; also you must have a Business Prime membership to unlock full benefits. - Pricing/Costs: No separate annual fee for the card itself is stated (though a Business Prime membership is required); the terms show standard foreign-currency transactions and typical interest arrangements apply when revolving balances.
American Express Business Basic Card
An entry-level Amex charge card that lets smaller enterprises or consultancies tap into Membership Rewards points without an annual fee. You must, however, settle balances monthly.
- Verdict: A practical choice for businesses that prefer simplicity and minimal cost over rewards or perks, but less appealing if you’re aiming to leverage card-based benefits or build significant value from spending.
- Key Features: It requires your balance to be paid in full each month (as a “charge card”), has no preset spending limit and gives access to Amex’s base-business support and card-member services.
- Pros: No annual fee and clean, uncomplicated usage suited for basic business spending.
- Cons: Lacks rewards, cashback, travel or premium perks – so limited value if you spend a lot or want more from your card.
- Pricing/Costs: There is no annual fee; as a charge card you must pay the full balance each statement period, so there’s no ongoing interest if you clear it in full.
British Airways American Express Business Credit Card
This card is a boon for frequent flyers. It transforms expenses into Avios points, and companion vouchers enhance the value of flight redemptions. However, due to a high representative APR, clearing the balance monthly is vital.
- Verdict: For businesses that spend tens of thousands of pounds per year on card purchases and also frequently fly or use British Airways, this card can deliver excellent value through Avios rewards — but if your spend is modest or your FX exposure is large, the fees may outweigh the benefits.
- Key Features: Notable features include a welcome bonus of 30,000 Avios when you spend £5,000 in the first three months, an ongoing earning rate of 1.5 Avios per £1 spent, and additional bonus Avios for every £20,000 of annual spend.
- Pros: Excellent Avios rewards for heavy spenders, especially if you already fly with British Airways or its partners.
- Cons: The high APR of 29.4% and a 2.99% foreign transaction fee limit its value for companies with significant non-sterling spending.
- Pricing/Costs: The card charges a 2.99% fee on non-sterling transactions; the representative APR is much higher, so balances should be paid off in full.
Metro Bank Business Credit Card
Straightforward and reliable, Metro Bank’s card is especially convenient if you already bank there. It typically has no annual fee and zero foreign charges within SEPA countries, which can help if you mainly travel in Europe.
- Verdict: This is a stress-free option if you prefer a high-street bank relationship and mostly stay within Europe.
- Key Features: It features a single representative APR of 18.9% (variable), up to 56 days interest-free on purchases if the balance is paid in full, and no foreign transaction fees for purchases in most European (SEPA) countries.
- Pros: No annual fee, low APR compared with many business cards, and great value for firms spending in Europe without FX fees.
- Cons: Doesn’t offer rewards or cashback, requires a Metro Bank business current account for eligibility and may impose foreign currency fees (c. 2.99%) outside Europe.
- Pricing/Costs: There is £0 annual fee, a standard APR of 18.9% variable, and while there are no fees for transactions in most European countries, non-sterling transactions outside Europe may attract additional charges (e.g., ~2.99%).
Barclaycard Business Select Cashback Credit Card
A familiar high-street name, Barclaycard’s Select Cashback rewards you with 1% cashback once you exceed £2,000 monthly spend. It costs nothing in annual fees, yet the APR can be higher, so carrying a balance is expensive.
- Verdict: A strong choice for UK-based businesses with sufficiently high monthly card spend (≥ £2,000) that want value from cashback without paying fees—but if your spend is light or you frequently purchase in foreign currency, you may find the benefits less compelling.
- Key Features: You earn 1% cashback on all eligible business spend when you spend at least £2,000 in that statement month, you get up to 56 days interest-free credit if you pay your balance in full, and there’s no annual fee.
- Pros: Great value with no annual fee and straightforward rewards if you spend consistently.
- Cons: You must meet the £2,000 monthly spend to trigger cashback, and there is a 2.99% non-Sterling (foreign currency) transaction fee, so it’s less suitable for overseas spend.
- Pricing/Costs: £0 annual fee. The representative APR for purchases is around 25.8% variable, and foreign currency transactions carry a 2.99% fee.
Santander Business Cashback Credit Card
Santander’s offering provides 1% cashback on all purchases without an upper limit, plus no foreign transaction fees. There is a £30 annual fee, but any company with significant international spending can quickly offset that cost.
- Verdict: This card is a solid fit for UK-based small businesses and sole traders who carry significant card spend each year and want simple cashback rewards — but if your spend is modest or you don’t bank with Santander already, you may find better value elsewhere.
- Key Features: You earn 1% uncapped cashback on all business purchases, receive up to 56 days interest-free if you pay in full each month, and make no foreign transaction fee for purchases abroad in the local currency; the annual card fee is £30.
- Pros: Simple and straightforward cashback structure (1% on all spend) and free additional employee cards.
- Cons: The £30 annual fee may not be justified unless your card spend is high enough to offset it, and you must already hold a Santander business current account to apply.
- Pricing/Costs: Representative APR is 23.7% (Variable), with a purchase rate around 18.9% for those carrying a balance; there is a £30 annual account fee and no non-sterling transaction fee when paying in local currency overseas.
RBS Business Plus Credit Card
Designed to complement existing Royal Bank accounts, this card offers tiered cashback on specific categories but imposes a strict annual cap. Though there are no foreign transaction fees, the APR is relatively high.
- Verdict: This card is best suited to UK businesses that already bank with RBS and have substantial and regular card spend—especially on fuel, travel or supplies—where the tiered cashback can quickly offset the fee; for companies with modest spend the benefits may not justify the cost.
- Key Features: It offers up to 3% cashback on fuel and electric-vehicle charging, 2% on eligible trade/business supplies, 1% on travel and accommodation and 0.5% on all other spending, with no foreign-transaction charges on purchases abroad and up to 56 days interest-free credit for purchases.
- Pros: Great value for businesses with high-volume spend via the higher tier rewards and no foreign usage fees.
- Cons: The low base cashback rate of 0.5% on general purchases and the £70 annual fee may make it less appealing for lower-spend firms.
- Pricing/Costs: The card has an annual fee of £70 per cardholder and a representative APR of 29% (variable), with a standard purchase rate of about 13.9% p.a. (variable) before fees.
HSBC Commercial Credit Card
The HSBC Commercial Card combines global banking infrastructure with robust fraud protection and zero liability for unauthorised purchases. This is reassuring for businesses prioritising stability. The trade-off is higher foreign transaction fees
- Verdict: This card is a solid pick for UK firms that already bank with HSBC UK Bank PLC and want a flexible, straightforward business credit with interest-free periods. However, it’s less compelling for businesses carrying large balances or those seeking rich rewards or travel benefits.
- Key Features: Features include an adjustable credit limit tailored to your business, up to 56 days of interest-free credit if balances are paid in full each billing cycle, and a transparent representative APR of 22% (variable).
- Pros: Strong cash-flow support for SMEs with interest-free credit and straightforward pricing.
- Cons: The annual fee (£32 after the first year) and relatively high ongoing APR make it less attractive if you regularly carry a balance.
- Pricing/Costs: The card has a £32 annual fee after the first year (the first year is free), a representative variable APR of 22% for purchases, and a purchase rate of approximately 15.9% variable for those who pay in full and meet the interest-free terms.
Lloyds Business Credit Card
This traditional arrangement has a relatively low representative APR, appealing to directors who occasionally carry a balance. Spending enough to waive the annual fee becomes quite cost-effective, though overseas charges can add up.
- Verdict: A solid choice for UK SMEs with moderate to substantial card spend, especially those already banking with Lloyds and regularly spending on fuel/EV charging; however, if your non-fuel spend is high or you spend significantly overseas, the value is less compelling.
- Key Features: There is no annual fee for the first 12 months, then a £32 annual fee per cardholder unless you spend £6,000+ across all cards each year; the representative APR is 15.95% (variable), and cashback rewards are 1% on fuel/EV charging and 0.5% on other purchases.
- Pros: Low APR compared with many business cards, cashback on fuel/EV helps travel-heavy firms.
- Cons: Requires a Lloyds business account to apply, cashback is modest on non-fuel spend, non-sterling transaction fee of 2.95% applies.
- Pricing/Costs: There is no annual fee in year one; thereafter, there is a £32 per cardholder fee unless the £6,000 spend threshold is met. The purchase rate is 14.9% variable, and the representative APR is 15.95% variable. Foreign (non-Sterling) transactions attract a 2.95% fee.
Making Your Final Choice: Balancing Cost and Control
After reviewing each card’s highlights, feeling informed and overwhelmed is normal. Start by pinning down your must-haves. Do you value a lower APR more than foreign fee savings? Are advanced analytics important, or is reliable cashback enough? Next, check your typical monthly spend and how often you pay in full. If you regularly carry a balance, low interest might matter most. If you clear your statements and travel frequently, a premium rewards system or frictionless expense management could outperform the lower APR offers.
By aligning your spending patterns with each card’s strengths, you narrow down these 15 to the one or two that truly fit your needs. This balanced approach ensures you focus on concrete functional benefits, not marketing hype, leading to a more satisfying long-term choice.
Business Credit Card FAQs
Do I always need a personal guarantee for a business credit card?
In many UK cases, yes, but some lenders may offer alternative structures. Always check the terms to avoid personal liability.
Which card works best if I have seasonal revenue swings?
Cards with low or no annual fees and flexible limits help reduce off-season stress. Also consider how APR may affect short-term financing needs.
Will applying for multiple cards affect my credit profile?
Each application appears on your credit file, so applying selectively is wiser and helps maintain a healthy credit score.
Can I get rewards or cashback if my monthly spending is modest?
Absolutely. Some cards have no thresholds, though others require minimum spend or usage, so always read the conditions.
Are there hidden fees beyond APR and FX charges?
Look out for late payment fees, cash handling costs, and charges for extra services like employee cards.
Is it worth paying a high annual fee for premium perks?
Only if you truly leverage them. Frequent travel can quickly offset annual fees, but smaller spenders may not benefit enough.
How can I make sure my data feeds into my accounting software?
Many cards now offer direct integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage. Otherwise, you can download statements in a compatible format.
Should I switch cards as my business grows?
Yes, reassessing your choice annually or biannually can confirm whether changing needs call for new benefits or lower fees.