Best Business Credit Cards for Startups

Capital on Tap Business Credit Card

Best for: Fast approval and flexible credit limits

• Annual fee: £0–£299 (plan dependent, two available)
• Representative APR: 34.65%–110.33% variable (plan dependent)
• Interest-free period: Up to 42 days
• Typical credit limit: £1,000 – £250,000
• Rewards: Unlimited 1% cashback on all card spend and redeem reward points for cash, Avios, gift cards, or against your balance
• Foreign transaction fees: None
• Late payment fees: Not stated
• Cash withdrawal fees: None

Capital on Tap is one of the most popular options for UK startups, particularly those with some early revenue. The application process is quick, with decisions normally given in minutes, and credit limits can scale as your business grows. There’s no annual fee, and you can earn cashback on eligible spending, making it a strong all-rounder for managing day-to-day expenses.

Barclaycard Business Credit Cards

Best for: Simple cashback with no annual fee option

• Annual fee: £0–£150 (two cards available)
• Representative APR: 25.5%–54.3% variable (card dependent)
• Interest-free period: Up to 56 days
• Typical credit limit range: £1,000 – £50,000+
• Rewards: 1% uncapped when you spend a minimum of £2,000 each month or 0.5% cashback on spend up to £400 (depending on card)
• Foreign transaction fees: 0.99%–2.99% (varies by product)
• Late payment fees: £12
• Cash withdrawal fees: 3% (minimum £3)

Barclaycard offers a straightforward business credit card with no annual fee and cashback on eligible purchases. It’s a good fit for startups that want a traditional provider with predictable costs. As part of a major bank, it may require a stronger credit profile than some fintech alternatives.

See more on the Barclaycard website

Metro Bank Business Credit Card

Best for: Newer or smaller businesses

• Annual fee: £0
• Representative APR: 18.9% variable
• Interest-free period: Up to 56 days
• Typical credit limit range: £500 – £25,000
• Rewards: None
• Foreign transaction fees: None in Europe, 2.99% outside Europe
• Late payment fees: £12
• Cash withdrawal fees: None in Europe, 2.99% + £1.50 outside Europe

Metro Bank provides a more accessible option for startups that may not yet qualify for larger providers. With no annual fee and a straightforward application process, it’s a practical entry-level business credit card. While it doesn’t offer extensive rewards, it covers the basics well.

See more on the Metro Bank website

HSBC Commercial Card

Best for: lower interest rates and established startups

• Annual fee: £32 per card, free for the first year
• Representative APR: 22.0% variable
• Interest-free period: Up to 56 days
• Typical credit limit range: £5,000 – £100,000+ (subject to status)
• Rewards: None
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.99%
• Late payment fees: £12
• Cash withdrawal fees: 2.99%

HSBC’s business credit card is better suited to startups that have moved beyond the very early stage and want access to a lower APR from a traditional bank. It offers reliability and potentially lower borrowing costs, although approval criteria can be stricter.

See more on the HSBC website

Virgin Money Business Credit Card

Best for: Cashback and foreign transactions

• Annual fee: £28 per card (free for the first year)
• Representative APR: 27.7% variable
• Interest-free period: Up to 59 days
• Typical credit limit range: £500 – £25,000 (subject to status)
• Rewards: 1% cashback on business spending, T&Cs and exclusions apply
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.95% (no charge for Euro, Swedish Kronor or Romanian Lei if the payment takes place in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA))
• Late payment fees: £12
• Cash withdrawal fees: 3%

The Virgin Money Business Credit Card is a strong option for startups looking to earn cashback while managing day-to-day expenses. There’s no annual fee for the first year, making it accessible for early-stage businesses, and it offers a simple rewards structure with 1% cashback on eligible spending.

See more on the Virgin Money website

NatWest Business Credit Cards

Best for: Existing NatWest business customers

• Annual fee: £30 per card holder (free for the first year and each spend exceeds £6,000) or £70 per card holder (two credit cards available)
• Representative APR: 24.3%–29% variable (depending on card)
• Interest-free period: Up to 56 days
• Typical credit limit range: £500 – £50,000+
• Rewards: 1–3% cashback at eligible fuel and EV charging stations, terms and conditions apply
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.95%
• Late payment fees: £12
• Cash withdrawal fees: 3%

NatWest offers a straightforward business credit card designed for small businesses and startups already banking with them. With no annual fees for the first year and integration with your NatWest business account, it’s a convenient option for managing expenses in one place. Approval is typically easier if you already have a relationship with NatWest, making it a practical choice for early-stage businesses.

See more on the NatWest website

Royal Bank of Scotland Business Credit Cards

Best for: Scotland-based startups and RBS customers

• Annual fee: £30 per card holder (free for the first year and each spend exceeds £6,000) or £70 per card holder (two credit cards available)
• Representative APR: 24.3%–29% variable (depending on card)
• Interest-free period: Up to 56 days
• Typical credit limit range: £500 – £50,000+
• Rewards: 1%–3% cashback at eligible fuel and EV charging stations, terms and conditions apply
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.95%
• Late payment fees: £12
• Cash withdrawal fees: 3%

The RBS business credit card is very similar to NatWest’s offering, providing a no annual fee option for the first year with simple functionality for managing business spending. It’s particularly relevant for startups based in Scotland or those already banking with RBS, offering a familiar and integrated experience.

See more on the Royal Bank of Scotland website

Lloyds Bank Business Credit Card

Best for: Established startups looking for a trusted provider

• Annual fee: £32 per card holder, free for the first year and ongoing if you spend £6,000 or more each year
• Representative APR: 15.95% variable
• Interest-free period: Up to 56 days
• Typical credit limit range: £1,000 – £50,000
• Rewards: 1% cashback on fuel and charging and 0.5% on other spend, minimum payment thresholds apply
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.95%
• Late payment fees: £12
• Cash withdrawal fees: 2.5% (minimum £2.50)

Lloyds Bank offers a business credit card with no annual fee, designed for businesses that want a simple and dependable way to manage spending. It’s generally better suited to startups that have some trading history or an existing relationship with Lloyds, as eligibility criteria can be more stringent.

See more on the Lloyds Bank website

Bank of Scotland Business Credit Card

Best for: Startups banking within the Lloyds Banking Group in Scotland

• Annual fee: £32 per card holder, free for the first year and ongoing if you spend £6,000 or more each year
• Representative APR: 15.95% variable
• Interest-free period: Up to 56 days
• Typical credit limit range: £1,000 – £50,000
• Rewards: 1% cashback on fuel and charging and 0.5% on other spend, minimum payment thresholds apply
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.95%
• Late payment fees: £12
• Cash withdrawal fees: 2.5% (minimum £2.50)

Bank of Scotland’s business credit card mirrors the Lloyds offering, providing a no annual fee card with basic functionality for managing expenses. It’s most relevant for startups already using Bank of Scotland for their business banking, offering a seamless experience across accounts.

See more on the Bank of Scotland website

Zempler Bank Business Credit Card

Best for: Digital-first startups and modern expense management

• Annual fee: £0
• Representative APR: 29.9% variable
• Interest-free period: Up to 56 days
• Typical credit limit range: £300 – £5,000
• Rewards: 1% cashback on business spend, subject to terms and conditions
• Foreign transaction fees: 2.99%
• Late payment fees: £12
• Cash withdrawal fees: 3%

Zempler Bank (formerly known for supporting small businesses and digital banking solutions) offers a more modern approach to business credit, focusing on ease of use and accessibility. It’s designed for startups that want a digital-first experience, with faster onboarding and tools to manage spending efficiently.

See more on the Zempler Bank website