Best Credit Cards For Freelancers (2024): Fee, Features, Alternatives

Finding the right credit card for self-employed freelancers or contractors can be a challenge. With so many different cards available, it’s hard to know which one is best suited for your needs. The key is to find a card that offers the most rewards and benefits while also not charging a high fee or interest rate.

Fortunately, there are several great options out there for freelancers who need access to credit when working on projects. In this article, we’ll go over some of the best credit cards for contractors and discuss their features in detail.

In this article, we'll also discuss Wise Business—an alternative business account.

Looking for a reliable international business account with low fees?

Get a Wise Business account >>

Wise Business Card: The hassle-free business debit card that saves you money.
Trustpilot Rating: Great with 190,000+ reviews⁷
Over 300,000 businesses use Wise every quarter

How To Choose Credit Cards For Freelancer, Self-Employ, Or Contractors

No matter who you are, there are several factors to consider when selecting a credit card. For freelancers, finding a balance between rewards and fees is essential. Here are some of the key features to look out for when choosing your contractor credit card:

Key Factors When Choosing

• Low Annual Fee: Freelancers often have limited income, so having a low annual fee is important to maximize savings. Look for cards with no annual fee or those that offer an introductory period with no annual fee before increasing it after a certain time frame.
• Rewards Programs: Many credit cards will offer rewards programs such as cashback or travel points. Look for cards that offer the most rewards and benefits, as these can add up over time.
• Interest Rates: Make sure to look at the interest rates associated with a card before signing up. Credit card companies often charge high interest rates on balances that are not paid off in full each month. Try to find a card with a low or no annual percentage rate (APR).
• Sign-up Bonuses: Some credit cards for contractors offer bonus points or cash back when you first sign up. These can be a great way to get extra rewards, so look for cards that offer these bonuses.
• Balance Transfer Options: If you have existing credit card debt, it may be beneficial to look for a card that offers balance transfer options. This will allow you to move your balances from one card to another, often at a lower interest rate.
• Customer Service: It’s important to find a freelance credit card with good customer service. Make sure the company you choose has representatives available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your account.

Learn More: Best Credit Cards for Startups

Best Credit Cards For Freelancers

Without further ado, let’s get into helping you find the best credit card for contractors like you. We’ve highlighted how they stack up using some of the aforementioned factors to make it easy to compare your options and decide which one is best for you.

Chase

Chase Bank currently offers ten different business credit cards for self employed workers and large companies.¹

1. Ink Business Premier Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $195
• Sign-Up Bonus: $1,000 bonus cash back (after spending $10,000 in first 3 months)
• APR: 19.49-27.49%
• Other Rewards/Features: 2-2.5% cash back; “Pay in Full Card”

2. Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Sign-Up Bonus: $900 bonus cash back (after spending $6,000 in first 3 months)
• APR: 0% for first 12 months; 18.49-24.49% after
• Other Rewards/Features: unlimited 1.5% cash back

3. Ink Business Cash Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Sign-Up Bonus: $900 bonus cash back (after spending $6,000 in first 3 months)
• APR: 0% for first 12 months; 18.49-24.49% after
• Other Rewards/Features: 5% cash back in select categories; purchase rewards

4. Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $95
• Sign-Up Bonus: 100,000 bonus points (after spending $8,000 in first 3 months)
• APR: 21.24-26.24%
• Other Rewards/Features: 3x points on shipping and more; Chase Ultimate Rewards

5. United Business Card

• Annual Fee: $0 for first year; $99 after
• Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 bonus miles (after qualifying purchases)
• APR: 21.99-28.99%
• Other Rewards/Features: 2x miles from qualifying purchases; United travel benefits

6. United Club Business Card

• Annual Fee: $450
• Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 bonus miles (after qualifying purchases)
• APR: 21.99-28.99%
• Other Rewards/Features: United Club membership; 1.5-2x miles from purchases

7. Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $199 (applied to first billing statement)
• Sign-Up Bonus: 80,000 points (after spending $5,000 in first 3 months)
• APR: 21.49-28.49%
• Other Rewards/Features: 2-4x points on select purchases; annual 9,000 bonus points

8. Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $99 (applied to first billing statement)
• Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 bonus points (after spending $3,000 in first 3 months)
• APR: 21.49-28.49%
• Other Rewards/Features: 1-3x points on purchases; annual 6,000 bonus points

9. IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $99
• Sign-Up Bonus: 140,000 bonus points (after spending $3,000 in first 3 months)
• APR: 21.49-28.49%
• Other Rewards/Features: IHG One Rewards points; up to 26x points per $1

10. World of Hyatt Business Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $199
• Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 bonus points (after spending $5,000 in first 3 months)
• APR: 21.49-28.49%
• Other Rewards/Features: 2 bonus points/$1 in top 3 spend categories for 1 year

Bank of America

Bank of America currently offers six different business credit cards for small businesses.²

1. Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Sign-Up Bonus: $300 statement credit bonus (online offer)
• APR: 0% for first 9 billing cycles; 18.49-28.49% after
• Other Rewards/Features: 1-3% cash back; Preferred Business Rewards access

2. Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Sign-Up Bonus: $300 statement credit bonus (online offer)
• APR: 0% for first 9 billing cycles; 18.49-28.49% after
• Other Rewards/Features: unlimited 1.5% cash back; Preferred Business Rewards access

3. Business Advantage Travel Rewards Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Sign-Up Bonus: 30,000 bonus points (online offer)
• APR: 0% for first 9 billing cycles; 18.49-28.49% after
• Other Rewards/Features: no international transaction fees; unlimited 1.5-2.62 points

4. Alaska Airlines Business Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $70 + $25/card
• Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 bonus miles; Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare
• Miles: 1-3 miles for every $1 spent
• Other Rewards/Features: no international transaction fees; free checked bag

5. Platinum Plus Mastercard Business Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Sign-Up Bonus: $300 statement credit bonus (online offer)
• APR: 0% for first 7 billing cycles; 16.49-27.49% after
• Other Rewards/Features: Mastercard Easy Saving Program

6. Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard Secured Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Sign-Up Bonus: match credit line to security deposit once approved
• Cash Back: 1.5%
• Other Rewards/Features: cash rewards; potential to transfer to unsecured card

See the Best Banks for Small Businesses >>

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo currently offers six different credit cards for their customers.³

1. Active Cash Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Sign-Up Bonus: $200 cash rewards bonus (after spending $500 in first 3 months)
• APR: 0% for first 15 months; 20.24, 25.24, or 29.99% after
• Other Rewards/Features: unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

2. Autograph Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Sign-Up Bonus: 30,000 bonus points (after spending $1,500 in first 3 months)
• APR: 0% for first 12 months; 20.24, 25.24, or 29.99% after
• Other Rewards/Features: 1-3x points on all purchases

3. Reflect Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 0% for first 21 months; 18.24, 24.74, or 29.99% after
• Other Rewards/Features: lowest intro APR offer

4. Bilt Mastercard

• Annual Fee: $0
• Other Rewards/Features: 1-3x points on all purchases, including rent; double points on the first of the month

5. Choice Privileges Mastercard Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 bonus points (after spending $1,000 in first 3 months)
• Other Rewards/Features: 1-5x points on all purchases

6. Choice Privileges Select Mastercard Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $0 first year; $95 after
• Sign-Up Bonus: 90,000 bonus points (after spending $3,000 in first 3 months)
• Other Rewards/Features: 1-10x points on all purchases

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International Business Account and Card: Wise Business

Wise is a banking alternative with a flexible, low-cost international business account. Their goal is to help you avoid the hassles that come with traditional banking through transparent pricing and global reach.

Key Features:

• Hold over 40 currencies
• Get local account details when abroad
• Receive money in 9 currencies at no extra cost
• No monthly fees
• No minimum balance

Pricing & Fees ¹

Feature	Cost/Rate
Account Registration	$0
Account Details (Receive Money like Local)	One-time payment: $31
Sending Money	From 0.43%
ATM Fees >$100/month/account	2%
Account Funding Transactions	2%
Wise Debit Card	$5
Converting Money	From 0.43%

Looking to operate your business with less fees?

Get a Wise Business account >>

Wise Business Card: The hassle-free business debit card that saves you money.
Trustpilot Rating: Great with 190,000+ reviews⁷
Over 300,000 businesses use Wise every quarter

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

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American Express

American Express currently offers two different business credit cards.⁴

1. Business Gold Card

• Annual Fee: $295-$375
• Sign-Up Bonus: 100,000 Membership Rewards points (after spending $10,000 in first 3 months)
• APR: 19.49-27.49%
• Other Rewards/Features: 1-4x points

2, The Business Platinum Card

• Annual Fee: $695
• Sign-Up Bonus: 150,000 Membership Rewards points (after spending $15,000 in first 3 months)
• APR: 19.49-27.49%
• Other Rewards/Features: 1-5x points; travel benefits; Pay Over Time feature

U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank currently offers four different business credit cards.⁵

1. Business Altitude Connect World Elite Mastercard

• Annual Fee: $0 first year; $95 after
• Sign-Up Bonus: 60,000 bonus points (after spending $6,000 in first 180 days)
• Points: 1-5x points on all purchases
• Other Rewards/Features: $25 statement credit on rideshares

2. Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Sign-Up Bonus: $500 cash back (after spending $4,500 in first 150 days)
• Cash Back: 3% (on eligible purchases)
• Other Rewards/Features: annual $100 statement credit for software service purchases

3. Business Leverage Visa Signature Card

• Annual Fee: $0 first year; $95 after
• Sign-Up Bonus: $750 in rewards (after spending $7,500 in first 120 days)
• Cash Back: 2% on top two spending categories

4. Business Platinum Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Sign-Up Bonus: low intro APR (see below)
• APR: 0% for first 18 billing cycles; 17.24-26.24% after
• Other Rewards/Features: “purchasing power and business control”

Capital One

Capital One currently offers seven different business credit cards for small businesses.⁶

1. Spark 1% Classic

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 30.74% (variable)
• Other Rewards/Features: unlimited 1-5% cash back

2. Spark 1.5% Cash Select

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 0% for first 12 months; 21.24-29.24% after
• Other Rewards/Features: unlimited 1.5-5% cash back

3. Spark 1.5% Cash Select

• Annual Fee: $0
• Sign-Up Bonus: $750 cash bonus (after spending $6,000 in first 3 months)
• APR: 18.49-24.49%
• Other Rewards/Features: unlimited 1.5-5% cash back

4. Spark 2% Cash Plus

• Annual Fee: $150 (with potential for refund)
• Sign-Up Bonus: $1,200 cash bonus (after spending $30,000 in first 3 months)
• Other Rewards/Features: unlimited 2-5% cash back; pay-in-full card

5. Venture X Business

• Annual Fee: $395
• Sign-Up Bonus: 150,000 bonus miles + annual $300 Capital One Travel credit
• Other Rewards/Features: unlimited 2-10x miles; pay-in-full card

6. Spark 2X Miles

• Annual Fee: $395
• Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 bonus miles (after spending $4,500 in first 3 months)
• APR: 26.24% (variable)
• Other Rewards/Features: unlimited 2-5x miles; pay-in-full card

7. Spark 1.5X Miles Select

• Annual Fee: $0
• Sign-Up Bonus: 50,000 bonus miles (after spending $4,500 in first 3 months)
• APR: 18.49-24.49%
• Other Rewards/Features: unlimited 1.5-5x miles; transfer miles to over 15 travel partners

Ink

Chase offers four Ink business credit cards among their ten business credit card options.¹

1. Ink Business Premier Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $195
• Sign-Up Bonus: $1,000 bonus cash back (after spending $10,000 in first 3 months)
• APR: 19.49-27.49%
• Other Rewards/Features: 2-2.5% cash back; “Pay in Full Card”

2. Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Sign-Up Bonus: $900 bonus cash back (after spending $6,000 in first 3 months)
• APR: 0% for first 12 months; 18.49-24.49% after
• Other Rewards/Features: unlimited 1.5% cash back

3. Ink Business Cash Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $0
• Sign-Up Bonus: $900 bonus cash back (after spending $6,000 in first 3 months)
• APR: 0% for first 12 months; 18.49-24.49% after
• Other Rewards/Features: 5% cash back in select categories; purchase rewards

4. Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

• Annual Fee: $95
• Sign-Up Bonus: 100,000 bonus points (after spending $8,000 in first 3 months)
• APR: 21.24-26.24%
• Other Rewards/Features: 3x points on shipping and more; Chase Ultimate Rewards

Other Options Besides Credit Cards

Credit cards for self employed freelancers and contractors are not the only options available. There are several other payment methods available that may be better for you to make purchases or receive payments.

• Prepaid Cards are a viable option for making purchases or receiving payments if you don't have a bank account. These are essentially like debit cards. But instead of being linked to a bank account, they are preloaded with funds.
• Online Payment Services such as PayPal or Venmo allow you to send and receive money. And you don’t have to use a credit card. This is especially useful if you need to make payments quickly. Or if you don’t want the hassle of using a credit card.
• Debit Cards are linked directly to your checking account. They will allow you to spend money from your funds. With a credit card, you are borrowing those funds from a credit card company or bank. This is an especially good option for those who don’t want the temptation of using too much credit.

While all these options are valid and helpful, debit cards are probably the best option. And the best part of debit cards is that they don’t always need a bank connected to them. As you probably saw through the credit cards listed above, working with a bank can come with a lot of stipulations and limitations.

For example, many of the cards boast an opening or new account bonus. But this bonus is only available to card holders who spend a large amount of money in a short time, usually 3 months. Most freelancers, contractors, and self-employed workers are not going to be spending so much money on their business that quickly.

With a debit card, you can connect your card to a business account or online payment service. That way, you don’t have to deal with hidden fees and restricting guidelines - you can just get to spending.

Wise Business Account for International Businesses

Wise is a banking alternative that is great for businesses looking to increase their global reach. They offer an international business account that offers low fees. Small businesses will find that it is an intuitive digital account with numerous features, such as accounting software integrations and batch payments, that make their daily tasks easier for their team.

Notable Features:

• No account opening fee

• No minimum balance requirement or monthly fees

• Receiving funds in 9+ currencies costs a one-time fee of 31 USD. Fees are charged per transfer with US fees starting as low as 0.43%

• The Wise account offers the mid-market rate—resulting in reduced costs

Send money with Wise >>

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.

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Sources:

1. Chase; Compare Business Credit Cards
2. Bank of America; Small Business Credit Cards from Bank of America
3. Wells Fargo; Credit Cards
4. American Express Business Cards
5. U.S. Bank; Apply & Compare Business Credit Cards
6. Capital One; Spark Small Business Credit Cards
7. Wise Trustpilot