Credit Cards for Your Small Business – Best Cards for Shipping Expenses

Credit Cards for Your Small Business: Conquering Shipping Costs

Every small business owner understands the role shipping plays. But managing those costs can significantly impact your bottom line, eating into profits and affecting cash flow. Thankfully, several business credit cards offer generous rewards specifically for shipping expenses, helping you earn points, cash back, or miles while you spend.

Top Contenders for Shipping Rewards: top credit cards ideal for small businesses, specifically focusing on those that offer excellent rewards and benefits for shipping expenses.

• High Spenders:
  • Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: Earn 3x points on the first $150,000 spent annually in combined travel, shipping, internet, cable, and phone & internet advertising (then 1x). It also comes with valuable perks such as cell phone protection, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and extended warranty protection, providing comprehensive coverage beyond shipping expenses. This card offers a well-rounded approach for businesses with diverse spending habits.
  • American Express® Business Gold Card: Earn 4x Membership Rewards points on the two top spending categories you choose each month (up to the first $150,000 in combined purchases), including shipping. This flexibility allows you to maximize rewards specifically on shipping if it’s your primary expense. Additionally, it provides access to a suite of business management tools and expense management solutions, helping you keep track of your shipping expenses efficiently. No pre-set spending limit either!
• Cash Back Champions:
  • The Blue Business® Cash™ Card from American Express: This card offers a flat 3% cash back on the first $6,000 spent in a calendar year on eligible purchases at U.S. shipping suppliers (then 1%). Straightforward and easy to understand, ideal for businesses with consistent shipping needs.
  • SimplyCash® Plus Business Credit Card from American Express: For businesses seeking simplicity and cashback rewards, the SimplyCash Plus Business Credit Card from American Express is an excellent option. Cardholders can earn 5% cashback on purchases at U.S. office supply stores and wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, as well as 3% cashback on the category of your choice from a list of select categories, including U.S. shipping purchases.This card is particularly beneficial for small businesses with moderate shipping needs, offering straightforward cashback rewards without an annual fee.

Additional Options:

• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn a whopping 6 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent on U.S. shipping services (capped at $500,000 per year). This card caters to businesses that value travel rewards and have high shipping volume.
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on all business purchases, including shipping. This card provides a no-frills approach, offering steady cash back on every expense.
• CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: If your small business frequently ships internationally or relies on air freight services, the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard is worth considering. Cardholders earn 2 AAdvantage miles per $1 spent on eligible American Airlines purchases, including shipping expenses. Additionally, this card provides benefits such as preferred boarding, free checked bags, and in-flight discounts, making it a valuable tool for businesses with travel and shipping requirements.

Choosing the Right Card:

The “best” card depends on your specific needs. Consider:

• Spending Habits: Analyze your monthly shipping costs. High spenders might benefit from cards with tiered rewards like the Chase Ink Business Preferred or Amex Business Gold.
• Reward Preference: Do you prioritize cash back for immediate use (Blue Business Cash) or points/miles for travel (Marriott Bonvoy Business)?
• Annual Fees: Some cards, like the Amex Business Gold, have higher fees but offer richer rewards. Weigh the potential rewards against the annual cost.

Beyond Rewards:

Remember, rewards aren’t everything. Look for cards with additional benefits that complement your business, such as:

• Purchase Protection: Protects against damage or theft during shipping.
• Extended Warranty: Extends the manufacturer’s warranty on certain purchases.
• Travel Insurance: Provides coverage for business trips.