3 Best Business Credit Cards for Airbnb Hosts

Are you an Airbnb host looking for a way to maximize rewards and savings on your vacation rental business expenses? One way to do this is by using a business credit card that is specifically tailored to your needs as an Airbnb host. You may be leaving money on the table if you're not using one that offers benefits for the money you spend on your Airbnb business.

In this article, we'll explore the top business credit cards for Airbnb hosts that can help you reduce your overhead on spending and give you rewards as you set up and maintain your vacation rental business. We'll discuss the key features and benefits of each card to help you find the perfect credit card fit for your business needs.

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How We Selected the Best Business Credit Cards for Airbnb Hosts

As a reputable Airbnb management company, we know how important it is to save money and earn rewards for your vacation rental business. That's why we've done the research and picked out the best business credit cards for Airbnb hosts. But before we reveal our top choices, let's take a look at the criteria we used to make our selections.

• Rewards Program: We searched for credit cards with rewards programs that would likely match the spending habits of Airbnb hosts and provide rewards that would benefit them most.
• Signup Bonus: We picked credit cards that offer generous signup bonuses, which provide a good return on initial spending.
• Annual Fee: We looked for credit cards that do not have annual fees to make sure that the cost doesn't eat up the rewards earned by the cardholder.
• APR: We analyzed the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) charged on the credit card, ensuring that the interest rate is reasonable and competitive in the market.
• Card Acceptance: We considered the acceptance of the credit card, ensuring that it's widely accepted both domestically and internationally.
• Additional Benefits: We evaluated credit cards based on additional benefits such as purchase protection, expanded buying power, and extended warranty protection.
• Compatibility with Accounting Tools: We evaluated credit cards based on their compatibility with accounting tools, making sure that they can seamlessly integrate with software such as QuickBooks.

Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card: Best Overall Choice

The Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card allows Airbnb hosts to earn generous cash back on purchases with no annual fee. It offers 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually on office supplies, phone, cable, and internet services; 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at gas stations and restaurants; and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

The card comes with a sign-up bonus of $750 cash back after spending $6,000 on qualified purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. It also offers an introductory 0% APR for 12 months on balance transfers and purchases. Furthermore, the card offers really useful benefits to business owners, such as free employee cards, purchase protection, extended warranty, and personalized account alerts.

The major downside of the Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card that we see is its cap on the amount of cash back rewards that can be earned in certain categories. But overall, the Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card is an excellent choice for Airbnb hosts who want to earn cash back rewards while also receiving valuable benefits to help manage their business expenses.

Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card Costs

The Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card offers a competitive rewards program with no annual fee. However, like all credit cards, it comes with some costs that cardholders should be aware of. Here is an outline of the costs associated with this card:

• Annual fee: $0
• Purchase APR: 17.99% - 23.99% variable APR
• Foreign transaction fee: 3%
• Late payment fee: Up to $39
• Returned payment: $39

It's worth noting that the purchase APR is based on creditworthiness and can vary between 17.99% and 23.99% variable APR after the 0% intro APR for the first 12 months.

Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card Rewards

The Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card rewards program is one of the card's major benefits. It offers both ongoing and immediate rewards for qualifying purchases. Here are some details:

Immediate Rewards:

• $750 cash bonus after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• 0% introductory APR on both purchases and balance transfers for 12 months

Ongoing Rewards:

• 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services combined
• 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent annually at gas stations and restaurants combined
• 1% cash back on all other purchases

To qualify for these rewards, cardholders must simply use their Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card for the corresponding categories. Rewards are tracked as points, with every dollar earned in cash back rewards equaling 100 points. These points can then be redeemed for cash, gift cards, travel rewards, or select products and services.

One of the most significant benefits of the Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card is its access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards program. This program allows cardholders to redeem their rewards for a variety of options, including travel, at a value of up to 2 cents per point.

Additionally, pooling rewards earned on this card with those earned on a personal Chase credit card can boost their value by up to 50% when redeemed for travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal.

Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card Requirements

To qualify for the Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card, applicants must meet certain requirements, including:

• Business entity: Applicants must have a legitimate business entity, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC.
• Credit score: Generally, applicants with a good to excellent credit score of 690 or higher have a higher chance of approval. However, Chase does not disclose a specific credit score requirement.
• Income: Applicants must have a steady flow of income to support their business expenses and pay off their credit card bills. There is no disclosed minimum income requirement, but a higher income can increase the chances of approval.
• Minimum spending: There is no disclosed minimum spending requirement to apply for the card, but to earn the welcome bonus, applicants must spend $6,000 within the first 3 months of account opening.

Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card Pros and Cons

The Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card has several advantages and disadvantages that Airbnb hosts should consider before applying for it. Here's an overview of the pros and cons of the card:

Pros

• No annual fee: This card comes with no annual fee, making it an affordable option for small business owners, including Airbnb hosts.
• High rewards rate: With a 5% cash back rate on office supplies, internet, cable, and phone services, and a 2% cash back rate on gas stations and restaurants, this card offers a generous rewards program that can help Airbnb hosts save on their expenses, help offset costs, and earn rewards from their business.
• Large sign-up bonus: The current sign-up bonus of $750 cash back when you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first three months is one of the largest bonuses available for a no-annual-fee small business credit card.
• 0% Introductory APR: This offer that’s valid for the first 12 months can help small businesses get off the ground quicker and improve cash flow.
• Flexible rewards redemption options: This is a unique feature when compared to other small-business credit cards.

Cons

• Limited bonus categories: While the bonus categories on this card are generous, they are limited to specific expenses. This can be a drawback for Airbnb hosts who have expenses in other categories.
• Foreign transaction fees: This card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it less than ideal for international Airbnb hosts who have to pay fees for using their card abroad.

Overall, the Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card rewards program is an excellent option for Airbnb hosts looking to earn substantial cash back on their expenses. The rewards structure is simple to understand, and the ability to redeem rewards for travel and other benefits through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program makes it even more valuable.

Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card: Best for Everyday Use

For Airbnb hosts who want a straightforward and flexible rewards program, the American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card is an excellent choice. It has no annual fee, and the card offers 2x membership rewards points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year, and 1x points on all other purchases, with no category restrictions – so it is best for everyday usage. 

Additionally, it offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months, which can be helpful for managing cash flow during the early stages of your business.

You can also take advantage of a generous welcome offer of up to 15,000 membership rewards points when you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases in the first three months of account opening.

One of the biggest advantages of the Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card rewards program is the lack of category restrictions. This makes it easy for cardholders to earn points on all of their business expenses, without having to keep track of which purchases are eligible for rewards.

One potential drawback of the Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card is that it does not offer any specific bonus categories for earning rewards. While the card offers a solid rewards rate on all purchases, some other business credit cards provide bonus rewards in specific categories, such as travel or dining, which may be more beneficial for certain businesses or Airbnb hosts.

On the whole, the Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card is an excellent choice for Airbnb hosts who want a simple and flexible rewards program that doesn't have category restrictions. The card's welcome offer is also very generous, making it a great option for businesses that have a lot of expenses to put on the card. 

Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card Costs

The American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card has no annual fee, making it an affordable option for small business owners. However, like all credit cards, it comes with some costs that cardholders should be aware of. Here's an overview of the costs associated with this card:

• Annual fee: $0
• Purchase APR: 18.24% - 26.24% variable APR
• Foreign transaction fee: 2.7%
• Late payment fee: Up to $39
• Returned payment: $39

It's important to note that the purchase APR is variable and will depend on your creditworthiness at the time of application. Additionally, the card offers an introductory 0% APR on purchases for the first 12 months, which can be helpful for businesses looking to make large purchases and pay them off over time.

Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card Rewards

The Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card rewards program is one of the most flexible and easy to understand. 

‍Immediate Rewards:

• 15,000 membership rewards points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership
• 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months of card membership

Ongoing Rewards:

• 2X membership rewards points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year, then 1X point thereafter
• No annual fee means every point earned goes straight to your bottom line

The American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card offers a solid rewards program, with both immediate and ongoing rewards that can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including travel, gift cards, merchandise, and more. Plus, cardholders can transfer points to Amex's airline and hotel partners to potentially get even more value out of their rewards. 

Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card Requirements

To qualify for the American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card, applicants must meet certain requirements, including:

• Business entity: Applicants must have a legitimate business entity, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or LLC.
• Credit score: American Express does not disclose a specific credit score requirement. Generally, applicants with a good to excellent credit score of 690 or higher have a higher chance of approval, although it is not a guarantee.
• Income: Applicants must have a steady flow of income to support their business expenses and pay off their credit card bills. There is no disclosed minimum income requirement, but a higher income can increase the chances of approval.
• Minimum spending: There is no disclosed minimum spending requirement to apply for the card.

Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card Pros and Cons

The Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card offers several benefits that Airbnb hosts can consider. However, there are also some drawbacks to keep in mind. Here are the pros and cons of the card:

Pros

• No annual fee: The Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card offers a $0 annual fee, making it a great option for Airbnb hosts who want to save on costs.
• High rewards rate: The card offers 2x membership rewards points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year, which is a good earning rate for Airbnb hosts who spend that much on business expenses. Plus, the rewards program allows for flexible redemption options.
• Large sign-up bonus: The card currently has a welcome bonus of 15,000 membership rewards points after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of account opening.
• Employee cards: Airbnb hosts can add employee cards at no additional cost and earn membership rewards points on their purchases. This is a great way to earn rewards on multiple accounts and can be especially useful for businesses with multiple employees.
• Connect to QuickBooks: The Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card allows you to connect your account to QuickBooks, which can save you time by automatically categorizing expenses. This can be a huge time-saver for busy Airbnb hosts who need to manage their finances efficiently.
• Buy above your credit limit with Expanded Buying Power: With the Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card's Expanded Buying Power feature, Airbnb hosts can enjoy the flexibility of spending beyond their credit limit when their business needs it. While the amount that can be spent above the credit limit is not unlimited, it adjusts with the cardholder's use of the card, credit record, payment history, and other factors.

Cons

• No bonus categories: The card doesn't offer bonus rewards categories, so Airbnb hosts won't earn extra points on specific purchases like gas or cleaning supplies. However, the high earning rate on all purchases makes up for this limitation.
• Foreign transaction fees: The card charges a 2.7% foreign transaction fee, which is not very ideal for international Airbnb hosts who use the card for business transactions abroad.
• No travel perks: The card doesn't offer travel perks like airline or hotel credits or lounge access, which may not be a dealbreaker for Airbnb hosts who don't travel frequently, but could be a downside for those who do.

The American Express Blue Business Plus Credit Card offers a great rewards program for small business owners, including Airbnb hosts, who want a simple and flexible rewards program with no annual fee and no category restrictions. With a 2x rewards rate on the first $50,000 in purchases each year and a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months, the card is an excellent choice for everyday usage. 

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card: Best for 0% Intro APR

Looking for a credit card with a long intro APR period to help you save on interest? Look no further than the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card. With an intro 0% APR of up to 15 months, this card stands out from other options in the market, which typically offer only 12 months. Whether you're planning a big purchase or looking to consolidate debt, this business credit card can give you the breathing room you need to pay off your balance without accruing additional interest charges.

With no annual fee, the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card offers 5% cash back on prepaid hotels or car rentals booked directly on U.S. Bank’s Rewards Center; 3% cash back on eligible purchases made at restaurants/restaurant delivery, gas stations, electric vehicle charging stations, office supply stores, and cell phone service providers, which can be common expenses for Airbnb hosts; and 1% cash back for all other expenses.

The card also has a generous welcome bonus of $500 cash back after spending $4,500 in the first 150 days of account opening.

Possibly the major downside of the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card is its variable APR after the introductory period, which can become as high as 18.99% to 27.99%. Compared to other credit cards reviewed in this article, this card's variable APR is higher, which can make it less attractive for those who are looking to save on interest charges. However, if you are confident that you can pay off your balance each month or use the card strategically, this shouldn’t be a cause for concern.

Overall, the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card is a great choice for Airbnb hosts who are looking for a credit card that has a longer 0% intro APR period and offers generous rewards on business-related purchases. 

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card Costs

Here's an overview of the costs associated with this card:

• Annual fee: $0
• Purchase APR: 18.99% - 27.99% variable APR
• Balance transfer fee: 3% or $5, whichever is higher
• Foreign transaction fee: 3%
• Max late fee: $40
• Max overlimit fee: $40
• Max penalty APR: 29.99%

It's important to note that the purchase APR is variable and will depend on your creditworthiness at the time of application.

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card Rewards

The U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card offers a straightforward cash back rewards program that is easy to understand.

Immediate Rewards:

• Earn a $500 cash bonus when you spend $4,500 on eligible net purchases within the first 150 days of account opening.

Ongoing Rewards:

• Earn 5% cash back on prepaid hotels or car rentals booked directly on U.S. Bank’s Rewards Center.
• Earn 3% cash back on eligible net purchases made at office supply stores and on gas.
• Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
• Earn a yearly statement credit of $100 for software subscriptions (i.e. QuickBooks or FreshBooks) that are renewed automatically.

There's no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn, and your rewards won't expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. The card also provides a host of other benefits, including rental car insurance, purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, free employee cards, online account management tools, and more.

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card Requirements

In order to be eligible for the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card, there are a few requirements that applicants must meet. These include:

• Business entity: Applicants must have a valid business entity such as a partnership, sole proprietorship, corporation, or LLC. Information such as your business structure, legal business name, country of formation, year of establishment, annual revenue, among others, may be required.
• Credit score: While U.S. Bank doesn't disclose a specific credit score requirement, having a good to excellent credit score can improve your chances of being approved.
• Income: Applicants are required to have a consistent income to support their business expenses and pay off their credit card balance. There is no minimum income requirement, but having a higher income can improve the likelihood of approval.
• Minimum spending: There is no disclosed minimum spending requirement to apply for the card.

U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card Pros and Cons

The U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card has several advantages and disadvantages you need to consider before applying.

Pros

• Competitive rewards rate: Cardholders can earn 1% to 5% cash back on eligible purchases.
• Welcome bonus: You can earn $500 in cash back by spending $4,500 on the Account Owner's card in the first 150 days of opening the account.
• Long introductory APR period: The card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 billing cycles.
• U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan: One benefits of this card is the flexibility to pay over time with the U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan. Cardholders can split eligible purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly payments with no interest (just a small monthly fee).
• No limit on cash back earned: Cardmembers can earn as much cash back as they want without worrying about any caps or limits.
• Rewards never expire: Cash back rewards do not expire, ensuring that cardholders can redeem them whenever they choose.
• ​​No membership fees: Cardholders can enjoy the benefits of this card without having to pay any annual fees or membership charges.
• Statement credit: Cardholders can earn an annual $100 statement credit for recurring software subscription expenses such as FreshBooks or QuickBooks.

Cons

• Balance transfer fee: There is a 3% balance transfer fee, with a minimum of $5, that can add up quickly for those looking to transfer large balances.
• High regular APR: After the introductory period ends, the variable APR can range from 18.99% to 27.99%, which is higher than some other business credit cards.
• Foreign transaction fee: Cardholders will be charged a fee for any foreign transactions, making it a less desirable option for businesses that frequently make purchases outside the US

For Airbnb hosts in search of a business credit card that helps them save on expenses, the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards card could be an excellent choice. The card provides a $500 welcome bonus, up to 5% cash back, and a 15-month 0% intro APR – one of the longest available in the market now. This can be helpful for Airbnb hosts who need to make large purchases and want to pay them off over time without accruing interest. Additionally, the card does not have an annual fee, making it a no-brainer option to carry. If the bonus categories align with your business expenses, the U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards card is definitely worth considering.

Takeaway

After considering various factors, we found the Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card to be the best option for Airbnb hosts who want to maximize rewards and savings for their vacation rental business. With its generous welcome offer, high cash back rates on popular business spending categories, and flexible rewards redemption, this card stands out as the top choice.

However, if you prefer a card with no category restrictions, the Amex Blue Business Plus Credit Card is a solid alternative. The U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card is also worth considering for its 15-month 0% intro APR, unlimited cash back earning potential, and unique benefits such as the U.S. Bank ExtendPay™ Plan. 

Hosts should consider their spending habits, business needs, and financial goals when choosing a business credit card. Ultimately, any of these three options can be a valuable tool for managing your vacation rental business finances.