The best business credit cards for travel combine all of the standard functionality you’d expect, with the ability to earn air miles and other travel-related rewards as you spend.
Some providers also allow you to issue employee cards with a preset limit, meaning your team can earn rewards during business trips without risk to the company.
I’ve spent time researching all the top travel-focussed cards available in the UK market, comparing interest rates, exchange fees, annual fees, and other metrics to ensure you get the best deal.
Read on to find my top picks.
What is a Business Travel Credit Card?
A Business Travel Credit Card is a specialized type of credit card tailored for businesses with frequent travel requirements.
Here are some key features and benefits:
- Reward Points or Air Miles: Cardholders earn points or miles for every pound spent, which can be redeemed for airline tickets, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Many business travel cards waive foreign transaction fees, making international spending more cost-effective.
- Travel Insurance: These cards often include complimentary insurance coverage for events like trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies during travel.
- Airport Lounge Access: Cardholders might get free or discounted access to airport lounges, providing a comfortable space to work or relax during layovers.
- Expense Management Tools: Business travel cards often come with tools or software integrations that help track, categorize, and report travel expenses, making accounting and reimbursements easier.
- Special Offers: These might include discounts with partner hotels, airlines, or car rental agencies, or even bonuses for spending in certain categories.
How to Choose the Right Business Credit Card for Travel?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:
1. Assess Your Business’s Travel Profile
- How often do your employees travel domestically and internationally?
- What are the primary travel-related expenses? Are they primarily flights, hotels, car rentals, or a mix?
- Do you have preferred vendors, or are you open to any that offer the best deal?
2. Understand Reward Structures
- How many points or miles are earned per pound spent?
- How much is each point or mile worth when redeemed for travel rewards?
- Some cards offer bonus points for specific categories, such as dining or office supplies. Ensure these align with your spending patterns.
3. Look at Fees and Interest Rates
- While many business travel cards have annual fees, the benefits often outweigh the costs. However, ensuring that the rewards and perks justify the fee is essential.
- If international travel is frequent, opt for a card that waives these fees.
- While paying off the balance in full each month is best, knowing the interest rate can be essential if carrying a balance is possible.
4. Examine Travel-Specific Perks
- Check for comprehensive coverage, including trip cancellations, lost luggage, and medical emergencies.
- Determine if the card offers complimentary or discounted lounge access and its network’s size.
- Ensure the card’s rewards program doesn’t have blackout dates, restricting when you can redeem travel rewards.
5. Consider Additional Card Features
- Some cards offer integrated tools or software to help track and categorize expenses.
- If multiple employees need access, check if the card offers free or discounted additional cards.
- Some cards provide features like extended payment terms, which can be beneficial for managing cash flow.
6. Review Security and Customer Service
- Ensure the card offers robust fraud protection measures.
- When travelling, issues can arise at any time. Reliable customer service can be invaluable.
- If a card is lost or stolen, how quickly can it be replaced, especially while abroad?
7. Check for Signup Bonuses
- Many cards offer introductory bonuses if a certain amount is spent within the first few months. This can be a significant boost to your reward points balance.
Lastly, remember that credit card offers and features can change. It’s a good idea to periodically reassess your business’s travel credit card choice to ensure it continues to meet your needs.
What’s the Best UK business credit card for travel?
American Express® Business Platinum Card:
- Rewards: Welcome bonus of 40,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending £6,000 in the first three months.
- Travel Benefits: Airport lounge access, travel insurance, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Not specified.
- Annual Fee: £625.
- Other Features: Given the high annual fee, this card is best suited for businesses that travel frequently and can make the most of the extensive benefits.
- Link: American Express® Business Platinum Card
| Fees | |
|---|---|
| Annual Percentage Rate (APR) | Not applicable – all card spending must be paid off in full every month |
| Interest Rates | Not applicable – all card spending must be paid off in full every month |
| Withdrawal Fees | Not specified |
| Currency Exchange Rates | American Express rates apply + 2.99% non-sterling transaction fee |
| Cashback or Rewards | 1 point per £ spent |
Barclays Premium Plus Business Credit Card
- Rewards: Welcome bonus of 20,000 Avios points after spending £3,000 in the first three months.
- Travel Benefits: Airport lounge access and travel insurance.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: Not specified.
- Annual Fee: £195.
- Other Features: A balanced card offering both travel benefits and rewards at a moderate annual fee.
- Link: Barclays Premium Plus Business Credit Card
| Type of Fee | How much does it cost? |
|---|---|
| Annual percentage rate (APR) | 49.4% (variable) |
| Interest rates | 0% for 6 months (introductory rate), 14.9% annual interest rate |
| Withdrawals fees | 27.9% annual interest rate, 3% non-sterling cash fee + 0.99% non-sterling transaction fee apply to overseas withdrawals |
| Currency exchange rates | 27.9% annual interest rate, 3% non-sterling cash fee + 0.99% non-sterling transaction fee applies to overseas withdrawals |
| Cashback or rewards | Cashback and discounts on selected business and travel spending |
Capital On Tap Business Rewards Credit Card:
- Rewards: 1% cashback on all purchases.
- Travel Benefits: Not as extensive as other cards but focuses on straightforward cashback rewards.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Annual Fee: £99 (waived for the first year).
- Other Features: A solid option for businesses that prioritize cashback on travel spending without foreign transaction fees.
- Link: Capital On Tap Business Rewards Credit Card
| Type of Fee | How much Does it Cost |
|---|---|
| Annual percentage rate (APR) | 15.2-34.3% (variable) |
| Interest rates | Starts from 1.19% per month |
| Withdrawals fees | Depends on the ATM operator |
| Currency exchange rates | No fee on purchases made abroad |
| Cashback or rewards | 1% uncapped cashback on all card spend |
Santander Business Cashback Credit Card:
- Rewards: 1% cashback on all purchases.
- Travel Benefits: Not specified but focuses on cashback rewards.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: None.
- Annual Fee: £0.
- Other Features: An attractive option for businesses looking for straightforward cashback benefits without an annual fee.
- Link: Santander Business Cashback Credit Card
| Fees | How Much Does it Cost? |
|---|---|
| Annual percentage rate (APR) | 23.7% (variable) |
| Interest rates | 18.9% annual interest rate |
| Withdrawals fees | 27.9% annual interest rate <br> 3% foreign cash fee for overseas withdrawals³ |
| Currency exchange rates | No foreign transaction fees when spending abroad in the local currency |
| Cashback or rewards | 1% on business spend |
Which business credit cards are best for airport lounge access?
| Feature | American Express® Business Gold Card | American Express® Business Platinum Card | Barclaycard Premium Plus Business Credit Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome bonus | 40,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend £3,000 in the first three months | 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend £5,000 in the first three months | 20,000 Avios points after you spend £3,000 in the first three months |
| Points earning rate | 2 Membership Rewards® points per £1 spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on flights or prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, and 1 Membership Rewards® point per £1 spent on all other purchases | 5 Membership Rewards® points per £1 spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on flights or prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, 1 Membership Rewards® point per £1 spent on flights booked with select partners, and 1 Membership Rewards® point per £1 spent on all other purchases | 2 Avios points per £1 spent on flights booked with British Airways or Iberia, and 1 Avios point per £1 spent on other purchases |
| Airport lounge access | Complimentary access to over 1,200 airport lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection. You’ll also get two free visits per year to Priority Pass lounges, and you can purchase additional visits at a discounted rate. | Complimentary access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide through the American Express Global Lounge Collection. You’ll also get two free visits per year to Priority Pass lounges, and you can purchase additional visits at a discounted rate. | Two free visits per year to Priority Pass lounges, and you can purchase additional visits at a discounted rate. |
| Annual fee | £195 | £625 | £195 |
The Best Business Credit Card for Business Travellers using Hilton Hotels
Using the Amex Platinum card entitles you to enrol for the Hilton Honors Elite Gold status.
This unlocks valuable perks for frequent business travellers staying at Hilton properties, including:
- 80% Bonus Points on Hilton stays – Gold status gives you an 80% extra points bonus on top of base points earned. Great for accelerating rewards.
- Room upgrades – Receive complimentary space-available room upgrades to enhance your comfort and experience.
- Free breakfast – Daily breakfast for you and a guest to start your day. At some hotels you’ll get executive lounge access with breakfast & refreshments.
- 5th night free – Book a 5+ night stay and get the 5th night free, effectively a 20% discount.
- Late checkout – Enjoy late checkout, based on availability, to work or relax longer.
