10 things to look for in a business travel credit card

Quick insights

Business travel credit cards combine the features of a travel credit card with those that might appeal to business owners. Choosing the right business travel credit card may be more than just a financial decision. It can be a strategic move that helps enhance your travels and streamline your business finances.

In this article, we’ll discuss 10 ways to evaluate business travel credit cards when trying to decide which one suits your business.

Ways to evaluate business travel credit cards

There are many different kinds of business travel cards. Some offer various travel benefits while others reward cardmembers for loyalty to a hotel or airline. Here are 10 card features to consider when picking a credit card for your business travel needs:

1. Rewards system

Rewards programs tend to be major features of business travel credit cards. Cardmembers can earn rewards on most purchases with higher rewards for spending on travel, dining and other business-related categories. Depending on the card, rewards may be accumulated as points or miles.

Choosing a card that aligns with your business's spending habits may help you make the most of your reward earning potential. For instance, a card that offers 3x points on travel-related purchases might be beneficial for a business that spends heavily on travel.

2. Redemption options

Business owners may want to consider business travel cards that provide flexible options for redeeming rewards. Depending on the card, cardmembers may be able to redeem their rewards for statement credits, cash back or travel.

With a business travel credit card, redeeming rewards for travel can be an attractive option. Sometimes credit card issuers are affiliated with hotel chain or airlines and may allow eligible cardmembers to transfer their credit card points to these partners. The transfer ratio can vary by card and is listed in the card’s terms.  In addition, some card issuers have a travel portal where cardmembers can typically pay with points, their card or a combination of both.

3. Travel insurance and protection benefits

Credit card travel protection benefits may give cardmembers peace of mind when they travel domestically or internationally. If a business credit card offers these benefits, cardmembers typically get coverage when they charge eligible expenses to their card. For instance, they may get reimbursed for eligible purchases if a trip gets cancelled, delayed or interrupted. These benefits may also include auto rental coverage and roadside assistance.

Because different cards have different travel benefits, you may want to read the card's Guide to Benefits to understand coverage levels.

4. Annual fees

Business travel credit card annual fees can differ based on the benefits they offer. While some cards have high annual fees, the benefits—like statement credits and complimentary airport lounge access—may help offset the cost. Assessing whether your spending and travel habits align with the card’s rewards and benefits may help you determine if the card’s annual fee is worth it.

5. Foreign transaction fees

A foreign transaction fee is a charge on transactions made in any currency other than U.S. dollars (USD). This includes making purchases while abroad or sometimes buying things from a foreign company online. Foreign transaction fees vary by card issuer.

6. Airport lounge access

Some travel business credit cards include complimentary access to airport lounges. Access can be tied to specific lounges affiliated with the card, or there are cards that provide a membership to a network of lounges. Lounges often provide quiet, comfortable seating areas to get work done as well as complimentary Wi-Fi, snacks and drinks.

7. Welcome bonus offers

Many cards provide welcome bonus offers to new cardmembers. Introductory offers often include opportunities to earn additional points or temporary lower introductory annual percentage rate (APR) periods.

Many of these offers include spending requirements that the cardmember needs to meet within a specific timeframe. For example, a card issuer may stipulate that you need to spend $3,000 in the first three months of having the card to earn the 50,000 additional points.

8. Travel-specific features

Travel features will depend on the card. Some cards may provide:

Comparing these features across cards may help you determine which one best suits your business needs.

9. Customer service

Some travel credit cards provide 24/7 access to customer service or even a dedicated customer service specialist. Customer support may be able to help you secure replacement cards quickly, minimize disruption to your travel plans and provide general assistance with your account.

10. Business benefits

Business travel credit cards at their core are designed for businesses. These cards can include features that help streamline business expenses and simplify financial reporting, such as integration with your accounting software. Complimentary employee cards may help with expense tracking. They can also include discounts or accelerated rewards on business-related expenses.

In summary

Selecting the right business travel credit card may involve careful consideration of how each card's features align with your business needs and spending patterns. By evaluating the rewards, business and travel features, fees and more, you may be able to find a card that not only earns rewards but also helps to make business travel more comfortable. Cards that do this while also fitting seamlessly into your business operations can help make business trips a little easier to manage—and more rewarding.