If you’re a small business owner who wants more rewards on shipping purchases but doesn’t want a high annual fee, I recommend The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, and the Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card. These business credit cards are low maintenance and easy to use while still providing excellent rewards and benefits.
However, your best option depends on your preferences and spending habits. Let’s explore the pros and cons of the seven best credit cards for shipping.
To select the best credit cards for shipping, we considered different types of business cards that provide additional rewards for shipping expenses or flat rewards for all types of purchases. We selected a range of cards with different earning rates, benefits, and annual fees that could cater to different needs and preferences. We didn’t include all available options.
How we evaluate products
Key takeaways
- All of the recommended cards for shipping offer high flat-rate rewards or have a spending category for increased rewards on shipping.
- The Ink Business Preferred is one of the best for shipping purchases because you can earn 3X on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year.
- If you want low annual fees and simple rewards rates, I recommend the Blue Business Cash ($0 annual fee) for earning cashback rewards or the Blue Business Plus ($0 annual fee) for earning travel rewards.
The 7 best credit cards for shipping
- The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
- Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
- World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
Compare the best credit cards for shipping
Card name | Rewards rate | Annual fee |
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card | 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each year, then 1% after that | $0 |
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express | 2X Membership Rewards points on everyday eligible business purchases up to $50,000 each year, and 1X points on eligible purchases after that | $0 |
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card | 3X points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year; and 1X points per $1 on all other purchases | $95 |
Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card | 6X points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels; 4X points at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, U.S. purchases on shipping, and wireless telephone services purchased from U.S. providers; and 2X points on all other eligible purchases | $125 |
Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card | 2X miles per $1 spent on eligible Delta and restaurant purchases, and on eligible U.S. shipping purchases and eligible U.S. advertising in select media up to $50,000 per category, per year. Plus, 1X miles per $1 on all other eligible purchases | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $150 per year thereafter |
World of Hyatt Business Credit Card | up to 9X total points at Hyatt (4 bonus points per $1 on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels plus up to 5 base points from Hyatt per eligible $1 spent as a World of Hyatt member); 2X points on your top three spend categories each quarter; 2X points on fitness club and gym memberships; and 1X points on all other purchases | $199 |
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express | 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on Amextravel.com; 1.5X points on eligible purchases at U.S. suppliers of construction materials and hardware, U.S. retailers of electronic goods, U.S. providers of shipping, software and cloud systems, and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million per year, then 1X), and 1X points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases (purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus) | $695 |
1. The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
- $0 annual fee
- Achievable welcome bonus
- Intro APR on purchases
- Simple cashback rewards structure
- 2.70% foreign transaction fee
- $50,000 purchase cap for top cashback rate
The Amex Blue Business Cash makes sense as a simple card for earning cash back (in the form of a statement credit).
Why we like it: It has a $0 annual fee and earns 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each year, then 1% after that. New cardholders can also earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months as well as get a 0% introductory APR on purchases for the first 12 months from date of account opening, then 17.74% - 25.74% Variable.
If your shipping expenses are typically under $50,000 per year, there aren’t many other cards that can compete with the Amex Blue Business Cash.
What we don’t like: You have to pay a 2.70% foreign transaction fee on applicable purchases.
- Extended Buying Power feature
- Extended warranty coverage1 and purchase protection2
- Car rental loss and damage insurance3
Read our full Amex Blue Business Cash Card review for more details.
2. The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
- $0 annual fee (terms apply)
- Intro APR on purchases
- Simple travel rewards structure
- 2.70% foreign transaction fee
- $50,000 annual purchase cap for the top rewards rate
The Amex Blue Business Plus is nearly identical to the Amex Blue Business Cash, but it earns Membership Rewards points rather than cash back. It supports flexible redemption options, such as statement credits, travel, online purchases through select retailers, and gift cards.
Why we like it: It has a$0 annual fee and earns 2X Membership Rewards points on everyday eligible business purchases up to $50,000 each year, and 1X points on eligible purchases after that. New cardmembers can earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months of card membership. There’s also a 0% introductory purchase APR for the first 12 months from date of account opening, then 17.74% - 25.74% Variable.
For small businesses that spend under $50,000 per year, there aren’t many better options for earning travel rewards on shipping costs.
What we don’t like: As a travel card, it would make sense that you wouldn’t have to pay foreign transaction fees with the Amex Blue Business Plus. Unfortunately, this card has a 2.70% foreign transaction fee.
- Extended Buying Power feature
- Extended warranty coverage1 and purchase protection2
- Car rental loss and damage insurance3
- Points redeemable for travel and transfers to travel partners
Read our full Amex Blue Business Plus Card review for more details.
3. Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- 3X Chase points on travel and common business spending categories
- Ability to transfer points to travel partners
- No foreign transaction fee
- $95 annual fee
- $150,000 purchase cap for bonus categories
- No introductory APR offer
The Ink Business Preferred is one of my favorites for earning travel rewards because of its high rewards rate and flexible redemption options. It also offers $1,000 in cell phone protection ($100 deductible applies) and several protections for travelers and consumers.
Why we like it: You can earn 3X points on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year; and 1X points per $1 on all other purchases. Through March 2025, you can also get 5X points on Lyft rides.
Plus, you can earn 90,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
The points you earn are Chase Ultimate Rewards, which are some of the most flexible rewards currencies available. You can redeem them for travel, transfer them to travel partners, use them for cash back, and more.
What we don’t like: You have to pay a $95 annual fee as a cardholder. This card also doesn’t offer an introductory APR.
- Points worth 25% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel
- Cell phone protection
- Extended warranty coverage and purchase protection
- Trip interruption and cancellation insurance
- Roadside dispatch
- Auto rental collision damage waiver
- No foreign transaction fees
Read our full Ink Business Preferred review for more details.
4. Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card
- Increased rewards rate on common business expenses
- Get one Free Night Award annually after your card renewal month
- No foreign transaction fees
- $125 annual fee
- No introductory APR offer
- Limited options for non-travel redemption
The Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex Card is an excellent option if you want to earn Marriott Bonvoy points on your business expenses. Besides earning free nights at the brand’s hotels, you immediately get the benefits of Marriott Bonjoy Gold Elite status. You’ll also have the flexibility to use points towards car rentals and flights.
Why we like it: You can earn 6X points at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels; 4X points at restaurants worldwide, U.S. gas stations, U.S. purchases on shipping, and wireless telephone services purchased from U.S. providers; and 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
As a new cardmember, you can earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months (redemption level valued at up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points each for eligible stays); Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
One of the best benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Business Amex is receiving a Free Night Award each year after your card renewal month. You can redeem this Free Night Award for a stay at Marriott Bonvoy hotels with a redemption level up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. You also have opportunities to save 7% on eligible hotel bookings.
What we don’t like: You have to pay a $125 annual fee. Plus, there’s no introductory APR offered, and you’ll encounter more limited options if you want to redeem points for something besides travel.
- 15 Elite Night Credits towards the next level of Marriott Bonvoy Elite status each calendar year
- An additional Free Night Award after you spend $60,000 on your card in a calendar year
- Extended warranty coverage1 and purchase protection2
- Car rental loss and damage insurance3
- Baggage insurance4
- No foreign transaction fees
Read our full Marriott Bonvoy Business review for more details.
5. Delta SkyMiles® Gold Business American Express Card
- Increased rewards rate on common business expenses
- Free first checked bag on eligible flights
- Opportunities to get Delta credits and travel discounts
- No foreign transaction fees
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, $150 per year thereafter
- No introductory APR offer
- Limited options for non-travel redemption
- $50,000 purchase cap for higher rewards on shipping and advertising
The Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Amex Card makes sense if you want to earn SkyMiles on your business expenses and redeem those for future flights, hotels, and vacation packages. It’s also a good choice if you want to save on travel thanks to credits and discounts.
Why we like it: You can earn 2X miles per $1 spent on eligible Delta and restaurant purchases, and on eligible U.S. shipping purchases and eligible U.S. advertising in select media up to $50,000 per category, per year. Plus, 1X miles per $1 on all other eligible purchases. You can also earn 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases in your first 6 months.
If you frequently fly with Delta, having a free first checked bag can quickly rack up savings over time. In fact, this benefit alone could help you offset the annual cost ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, $150 per year thereafter) each year. You also get a $150 annual statement credit for Delta Stays purchases.
What we don’t like: You have to pay an annual fee ($0 intro annual fee for the first year, $150 per year thereafter) as a cardmember. The card also has no introductory APR offer and comes with limited options for non-travel redemptions.
- $200 Delta flight credit after spending $10,000 on your card in a calendar year
- Zone 5 Priority Boarding
- 15% off award travel on Delta flights with the TakeOff 15 benefit
- 20% off select in-flight purchases
- Extended warranty coverage1 and purchase protection2
- Baggage insurance4
- Car rental loss and damage insurance3
- No foreign transaction fees
Read our full Delta SkyMiles Gold Business Card review for more details.
6. World of Hyatt Business Credit Card
- Increased rewards rate on common business expenses
- World of Hyatt Discoverist status for you and up to five employees
- No foreign transaction fees
- $199 annual fee
- No introductory APR offer
- Limited options for non-travel redemption
The World of Hyatt Business Credit Card makes sense if you want to earn World of Hyatt points from your business expenses. You can redeem these for hotel and resort stays, dining, experiences, spa bookings, and more. The card is also useful if you’re seeking status perks.
Why we like it: You can earn up to 9X total points at Hyatt (4 bonus points per $1 on qualified purchases at Hyatt hotels plus up to 5 base points from Hyatt per eligible $1 spent as a World of Hyatt member); 2X points on your top three spend categories each quarter; 2X points on fitness club and gym memberships; and 1X points on all other purchases.
You can also earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
The most beneficial perks of this card are automatically receiving Discoverist status (and being able to gift it to up to five employees) and being able to earn five tier-qualifying night credits toward status for every $10,000 you spend in a calendar year.
What we don’t like: You have to pay a hefty $199 annual fee. The top welcome bonus has a high spending requirement, and there’s no introductory APR offer. Additionally, the card provides limited options for redeeming points for non-travel rewards.
- Up to $100 in Hyatt statement credits each anniversary year
- 10% of redeemed points back (on up to 200,000 points redeemed) for the rest of the year if you spend $50,000 in a calendar year
- Extended warranty coverage and purchase protection
- Trip interruption and cancellation insurance
- Travel and emergency assistance
- Auto rental collision damage waiver
- One-year DoorDash DashPass membership for free (through January 2025) and a $10 quarterly discount on non-restaurant orders
- No foreign transaction fees
Read our full World of Hyatt Business Credit Card review for more details.
7. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
- Increased rewards rate on common business expenses
- Premium travel benefits
- Business-related statement credits
- No foreign transaction fees
- $695 annual fee
- Enrollment required for select benefits
- No introductory APR offer
- Very high spending requirement for welcome offer
The Amex Business Platinum is an excellent card for premium travel benefits in the form of statement credits, airport lounge access, and upgraded statuses. It also helps you save with annual statement credits toward select business-related purchases.
Why we like it: You can earn 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on Amextravel.com; 1.5X points on eligible purchases at U.S. suppliers of construction materials and hardware, U.S. retailers of electronic goods, U.S. providers of shipping, software and cloud systems, and eligible purchases of $5,000 or more (up to $2 million per year, then 1X), and 1X points per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases (purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus).
As a new cardmember, you can earn 150,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $20,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months.
The Amex Business Platinum offers plenty of benefits, including different types of annual credits. However, the standout perk is receiving extensive airport lounge access to more than 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries.
That includes The Centurion Lounge, Escape Lounges - The Centurion Studio Partner, Delta Sky Club when flying Delta, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass Select Lounges, and additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges. Select benefits require enrollment.
What we don’t like: You have to pay a $695 annual fee, and you must remember to enroll to receive some perks, including business-related statement credits. Plus, there’s no introductory APR offer, and you must spend a very high amount to get the welcome offer.
- Up to $200 in airline fee statement credits
- Up to $199 in CLEAR® Plus membership statement credits per calendar year
- Up to $400 (up to $200 semi-annually) in Dell statement credits
- Up to $360 (up to $90 quarterly) in Indeed statement credits annually
- Up to $150 in Adobe statement credits annually
- Up to $120 ($10 per month) in wireless statement credits annually
- Global Entry ($120) or TSA PreCheck (up to $85) application fee statement credit
- Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status (enrollment required)
- Hilton Honors Gold elite status (enrollment required)
- Cell phone protection 5
- Extended warranty coverage1 and purchase protection6
- Trip delay7, trip cancellation and interruption insurance 8
- Premium car rental privileges
- Baggage insurance9
- Car rental loss and damage insurance10
- No foreign transaction fees
- Enrollment required for select benefits
Read our full Amex Business Platinum Card review for more details.
How to choose the best credit cards for shipping
Consider these factors when comparing cards to use for shipping purchases.
- Rewards rate: With the right credit card, you can earn valuable rewards for all your shipping purchases. Some cards offer flat rewards on all purchases while others have specific spending categories, such as shipping, where you can earn increased rewards. Personally, I prefer cards that offer higher rewards on what I spend the most on, even if it means getting familiar with a more complex points system and having spending caps.
- Annual fee: Many cards don’t have annual fees and still provide plenty of value with their rewards and benefits. But if you want premium benefits, such as airport lounge access or elite status with a loyalty program, you’ll most likely have to pay an annual fee. I have a few rewards cards with annual fees of $250 or less, and I make it a habit to weigh the rewards against the fees to make sure the cards are worth it for me.
- Card issuer: The card issuer only really matters for your preferences and whether you already have a relationship with a company, such as Chase or American Express. The card network, such as Visa or Mastercard, could matter if you do any international business. American Express and Discover are less accepted worldwide, so consider the countries where you might go before picking a card.
- Credit requirements: It’s always important to check suggested credit scores and requirements when comparing cards. In general, most rewards cards require at least a good credit score (670 FICO score).
- Perks and benefits: Many cards offer purchase protection and extended warranty benefits. If you want specific travel benefits, such as travel insurance or annual travel credit, you typically have to apply for a travel card. You might also want to look for cards that give you statement credits toward everyday business expenses, like your cell phone service or important online subscriptions.
FAQ
How do you get a small business credit card?
After you find the right option and know you meet the requirements, follow these steps for a business credit card application.
- Provide your Social Security number or EIN – and other key personal and business details – on the card application.
- For your business type, select sole proprietorship if you’re the only employee or choose another option if you have a different business structure.
- Use a conservative estimation for your annual business revenue.
- Provide any necessary business documentation requested.
- Submit your application and see if you’re approved, denied, or under review.
What is the best business card?
Some of the best business credit cards include:
- Ink Business Cash® Credit Card
- The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
- Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
- Ink Business Premier® Credit Card
- Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
- The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
- American Express® Business Gold Card
- The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
What’s the easiest business card to get?
Secured business credit cards, such as the Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard® Secured credit card, could be some of the easiest business cards to get. These cards tend to have less strict credit requirements because you have to put down a security deposit that acts as your credit limit.
Bottom line
I think that the Amex Blue Business Cash ($0 annual fee) and Amex Blue Business Plus ($0 annual fee) are two of the best credit cards for shipping. You can’t go wrong with their no annual costs and simple rewards rates.
But if you want to earn more rewards on shipping costs, consider the Ink Business Preferred. This card has a specific spending category for shipping purchases, and you can earn valuable Chase Ultimate Rewards points with it.
If these cards don’t seem like the right fit, compare credit cards to see what makes the most sense for you.