Top credit cards for freelancers in 2025.


Best Credit Cards for Freelancers

As a freelancer or independent contractor, it’s essential to separate your personal and business expenses. A small business credit card can help you achieve this, while also providing rewards and perks designed for your business needs. CNBC Select analyzed the most popular credit cards to determine the best options for freelancers.

Best for No Annual Fee:

  • Ink Business Unlimited Credit Card: Earn 1.5% cash back on every purchase, with a welcome bonus of $750 cash back after spending $6,000 in the first three months. This card has no annual fee and a 0% introductory APR for 12 months.

Best for Cash Back:

  • American Express Blue Business Cash Card: Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. This card has a welcome bonus of $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in the first three months, and no annual fee.

Best for Travel:

  • Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: Earn 90,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 in the first three months, worth $900 cash back or $1,125 towards travel. This card has a welcome bonus and earns 3 points per dollar on travel and select business categories.

Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: Earn rewards, separate expenses, and enjoy additional benefits like travel protections and roadside assistance.
  • Cons: High interest rates, annual fees, and potential fees for balance transfers and foreign transactions.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Should a freelancer get a business credit card? A freelancer or independent contractor may not need a business card if the business is small, but it can make bookkeeping easier.
  • How can I get a credit card if I’m self-employed? You can apply for a personal or business credit card like you would as a regular employee.
  • Can I get a business card if I don’t have an EIN? As a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security number as your business tax ID.

Methodology:

CNBC Select analyzed over 250 major credit cards to determine the best options for freelancers. We compared features like rewards, annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fees, and foreign transaction fees. We also considered additional perks, cardholder protections, and ease of redemption.

Why Trust CNBC Select:

Our team of expert writers and editors creates comprehensive consumer advice and high-quality service journalism to help you make informed decisions with your money. We earn a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, but create content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties.

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