9 min readRunning a business comes with many expenses, from purchasing equipment to managing day-to-day operations. Having a reliable credit card with 0% APR can be a powerful tool for financing large purchases or consolidating high-interest debt without worrying about interest charges during the introductory period. By choosing the right zero interest business credit card, you can provide your business with the financial flexibility it needs to grow.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best 0% APR business credit cards available in 2024 and how you can use them to your advantage.
Understanding Zero Interest Business Credit Cards
A zero interest business credit card offers an introductory period during which you won’t be charged any interest on purchases or balance transfers. This period usually lasts between 9 to 18 months, allowing you to finance large purchases or pay off existing business debt without the added burden of interest.
There are two main types of 0% APR offers:
- 0% APR on purchases: This allows you to make large business purchases and pay them off over time without accruing interest during the introductory period.
- 0% APR on balance transfers: You can transfer high-interest balances from other credit cards to the new card and pay them off interest-free for the duration of the introductory period.
Once the 0% APR period ends, a standard interest rate (APR) applies to any remaining balances. It’s important to have a repayment plan in place to avoid high interest costs once the intro period expires.
Benefits of 0% APR Business Credit Cards
Zero interest business credit cards come with several advantages that can help your business stay financially healthy:
- Financing large business expenses: Whether you're investing in new equipment, inventory, or marketing, 0% APR cards allow you to spread out these costs over time without the immediate hit of interest charges.
- Improving cash flow management: By deferring interest payments, you can maintain better control over your cash flow, ensuring you have enough liquidity for other operational needs.
- Debt consolidation: High-interest debt can stifle business growth. Transferring existing balances to a 0% APR business card can help reduce your interest costs and simplify debt management.
With these benefits, a 0% APR card can be a valuable asset for managing both day-to-day operations and larger business initiatives.
Best Zero Interest Business Credit Cards for 2024
When selecting a business credit card, it’s important to choose one that aligns with your business needs. Below are the top 0% APR business credit cards for 2024, offering a variety of perks and rewards:
1. Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Best for simple rewards on every purchase
Running a small business means lots of purchases, from office supplies to client dinners. With the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card, you can earn 1.5% cash back on every dollar you spend without the hassle of tracking bonus categories. Plus, with no annual fee and a 0% intro APR, it's a smart way to finance business expenses.
Why It’s a Great Pick:
- Unlimited Cash Back: Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, every day. Whether you're buying supplies or booking travel, you'll rack up rewards without thinking twice.
- Big Sign-Up Bonus: Earn $900 bonus cash after spending $6,000 in the first three months—perfect for offsetting some startup costs.
- Employee Cards at No Extra Cost: Need to issue cards to your team? You can do it with no extra charge and even set individual spending limits for each employee.
- 0% Intro APR for 12 Months: You’ll get a full year of 0% APR on purchases, giving you breathing room to manage business expenses (17.99% to 23.99% after the intro period; See Rates & Fees).
Things to Keep in Mind:
- No Bonus Categories: While the flat 1.5% cash back is simple, there are no elevated cash back rates for specific categories like travel or dining.
Real-Life Scenario: If you’re a small business owner looking for a no-fuss card that offers easy rewards on all your purchases without an annual fee, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card is a great fit.
Explore the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
2. Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
Best for maximizing rewards on office expenses
If you’re a small business that spends big on office supplies, internet, or gas, the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is designed to help you earn back on those everyday expenses. With no annual fee and a 0% intro APR, it's a cost-effective way to keep your business running smoothly.
Why It’s a Great Pick:
- Generous Cash Back: Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services every year. Plus, get 2% back at gas stations and restaurants and 1% back on everything else.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn up to $750 when you meet the spending requirements—$350 after you spend $3,000 in the first three months and another $400 after spending $6,000 in six months.
- No Annual Fee: Keep more of your rewards without worrying about an annual fee eating into your savings (See Rates & Fees).
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Spending Caps: The 5% and 2% cash back rates are capped at $25,000 per year, so if your spending exceeds that, you’ll earn 1% after reaching the limit.
Real-Life Scenario: If you’re spending heavily on office supplies, internet, or fuel, this card helps you maximize your cash back while offering a 0% intro APR on purchases to manage your budget effectively.
Explore the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
3. The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Best for straightforward cash back with no annual fee
For businesses that want simple, reliable cash back on every purchase, the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card offers 2% cash back on the first $50,000 you spend each year. And with no annual fee, it’s an easy way to save on day-to-day purchases.
Why It’s a Great Pick:
- Simple Cash Back: Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 annually, then 1% after that. This card keeps rewards simple, so there’s no need to juggle bonus categories.
- 0% Intro APR: Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, giving you time to pay off any large expenses (17.99% to 25.99% variable APR after the intro period; See Rates & Fees).
- Expanded Buying Power: Need more purchasing power? This card lets you go over your limit when necessary, with the amount you can spend adjusting based on your payment history and other factors.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Annual Spending Cap: The 2% cash back rate is limited to $50,000 in purchases each year. After that, it drops to 1%.
Real-Life Scenario: If your business spends across multiple categories and you want a no-fuss card that rewards you equally, the Blue Business Cash™ Card is a great choice, especially for businesses with modest annual spending.
Explore The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
4. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
Best for earning Membership Rewards points
For businesses that want to earn Membership Rewards points on their everyday purchases, the Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express is a fantastic option. With a 0% intro APR and no annual fee, it’s a smart way to manage cash flow and earn rewards at the same time.
Why It’s a Great Pick:
- 2X Membership Rewards: Earn 2X points on all eligible business purchases up to $50,000 per year, then 1X thereafter. Perfect for earning rewards on everything from office supplies to client lunches.
- 0% Intro APR for 12 Months: Pay off purchases over time without interest for the first year (17.99% to 25.99% variable APR after intro period; See Rates & Fees).
- Expanded Buying Power: Spend beyond your limit when needed, with the amount based on factors like payment history and creditworthiness.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Annual Spending Cap: The 2X points are capped at $50,000 annually. After that, you’ll earn 1X points on all purchases.
Real-Life Scenario: If your business can benefit from earning Membership Rewards points and you want flexibility in your spending, this card provides a great mix of rewards and financial flexibility.
Explore The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card
5. Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard®
Best for small business owners with everyday purchases
The Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® offers 1.5% unlimited cash back on every purchase, making it an excellent card for small businesses that want to keep earning rewards without worrying about limits.
Why It’s a Great Pick:
- Unlimited Cash Back: Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase with no spending caps. You can even increase this to 2.62% if you qualify for the Preferred Rewards for Business Platinum Honors tier.
- $300 Online Statement Credit: Get a $300 statement credit when you make at least $3,000 in purchases within the first 90 days.
- 0% Intro APR for 9 Months: Finance purchases with a 0% intro APR for the first 9 months (18.49% to 28.49% variable APR after that; See Rates & Fees).
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Shorter Intro APR Period: The 0% intro APR lasts 9 months, which is shorter than other cards, so you’ll need to pay off balances a bit quicker.
Real-Life Scenario: If you want a business card that offers solid cash back on every purchase and you’re already a Bank of America customer, this card provides additional perks that make it a great fit for small business owners.
Explore the Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard®
How to Choose the Right 0% APR Business Credit Card
Selecting the best zero interest business credit card requires careful consideration of your business’s financial needs. Here’s how to choose the right card:
- Introductory APR Period: Consider how long you need to finance purchases or consolidate debt. If you need more time to pay off a large balance, choose a card with a longer 0% APR period.
- What the APR Applies To: Some cards offer 0% APR only on purchases, while others include balance transfers. Select a card based on how you plan to use it.
- Fees and Costs: Check for annual fees, balance transfer fees, and any other costs that might impact your savings. A card with no annual fee or a low balance transfer fee can offer additional savings.
- Rewards and Benefits: Choose a card that aligns with your business spending habits. If you frequently spend on office supplies or travel, select a card that offers higher rewards in those categories.
- Credit Score Requirements: Be aware of the credit score needed to qualify for certain business credit cards. A good credit score will give you access to better terms and offers.
Tips for Maximizing Zero Interest Offers
To make the most of a 0% APR business credit card, it’s essential to use it strategically. Here are some tips:
- Time Your Purchases: Plan major business expenses early in the introductory period to give yourself more time to pay them off before the interest kicks in.
- Create a Repayment Plan: Before the introductory APR period ends, set up a repayment plan to pay off your balance in full, so you’re not hit with high-interest charges afterward.
- Avoid Minimum Payments: Paying only the minimum each month will leave you with a large balance at the end of the intro period. Pay as much as you can afford to reduce your debt faster.
- Track the End Date: Keep an eye on when your 0% APR period ends. Set reminders to ensure you pay off your balance before interest starts accumulating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with 0% APR Business Cards
While zero interest business cards offer fantastic benefits, there are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
- Failing to Pay Off Balances: Don’t rely on the 0% APR period without a solid repayment plan. If you don’t pay off your balance before the intro period ends, you’ll be faced with high-interest rates.
- Ignoring Balance Transfer Fees: Some cards charge balance transfer fees that can offset the savings from the 0% APR. Always check the terms before transferring a balance.
- Making Late Payments: A single late payment can void your 0% APR offer, so make sure you pay on time every month.
- Over-Reliance on Credit: While 0% APR cards are great for managing short-term expenses, relying too heavily on credit can lead to long-term debt. Use these cards wisely as part of a broader financial strategy.
Bottom line
Zero-interest business credit cards are powerful tools for managing business finances, offering a way to finance large purchases or pay off existing debt without the immediate burden of interest. By choosing the right card, you can enhance your cash flow, streamline expenses, and make room for growth—all while avoiding interest charges during the introductory period.
