Business credit cards for UK SMEs

A business credit card is one of the simplest ways to manage short-term cashflow, separate company spending from personal money, and earn rewards on everyday costs. Used well, it smooths out the gap between paying suppliers and getting paid — without taking on a formal loan.

Types of business card

• Credit cards: a revolving limit you repay monthly; interest applies if you carry a balance.
• Charge cards: no preset limit but the balance is cleared in full each month — useful for higher spenders.
• Rewards / cashback cards: earn points, air miles or cashback on routine business spend.
• 0% purchase cards: an interest-free window on new spending to spread the cost of larger purchases.

How to choose

Match the card to how you actually spend. If you clear the balance monthly, prioritise rewards and a fee that’s worth it; if you need breathing room, look at the interest rate and any 0% period. Watch for annual fees, FX charges on overseas spend, and per-card costs if you issue cards to staff. If you need a larger or longer facility, a card may not be the right tool — compare it against unsecured business loans or wider commercial finance.