10 things to look for in a business travel credit card

Quick insights

Business travel credit cards combine the features and perks of a travel credit card with those that 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 company's spending habits may help you maximize 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 the flexibility of redeeming credit card rewards. Depending on the card, cardmembers may be able to redeem their rewards for statement credits, cash back or travel. 

Some cards also allow businesses to transfer their points at a 1:1 rate to affiliated partners like hotel chains or airlines. In addition, card issuers may have a travel portal which allows cardmembers to redeem their rewards for travel booked through the portal. 

3. Travel insurance and protections

Credit card travel benefits provide protection for travelers, both domestic and international. Depending on the coverage, travel benefits can reimburse cardmembers if their trip gets cancelled, delayed or interrupted. These benefits may also include auto rental coverage and roadside assistance.

Typically, credit card travel benefits only cover the expenses charged to that specific card. And because different cards have different travel benefits, you may want to read the card's terms and conditions 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—can offset the cost. For instance, a card with a $795 annual fee might include a $300 annual travel credit plus lounge access, providing value to the cardmember.

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 typically range from 1 to 3 percent of the purchase. However, there are business travel credit cards that do not charge foreign transaction fees. If a business routinely makes international purchases, a card without these fees may be useful.

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 offers

Many cards provide welcome offers to new cardmembers. Introductory offers often include opportunities to earn additional points or temporary lower introductory APR periods. 

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

8. Travel-specific perks

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

Comparing travel perks may help you determine which card may best suit 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 (or your employees) 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 and manage business expenses. They can also include discounts or accelerated rewards on business-related expenses. 

Perks like expense management tools and complimentary employee cards may help with expense tracking. Integrating a card’s expense reporting features with your accounting software can help to automate expense categorization and simplify financial reporting.

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 a cards’ rewards, fees, business features, travel perks and more, you may be able to find a card that not only earns rewards but provides valuable perks. Cards that do this while also fitting seamlessly into your business operations may make business trips a little easier to manage—and more rewarding.