The 5 best high limit business credit cards of November 2024
The 5 best high limit business credit cards of November 2024
Effortless expenses start here.
Introduction
Imagine your business is booming, orders are pouring in, and you're ready to take things to the next level. But every time you swipe your business credit card, you get declined for exceeding the limit. That’s why a high credit limit is crucial for any growing business. You need to easily cover large expenses, build business credit history, and improve your cash flow.
So, what's considered a “high limit” when it comes to business credit cards? While there's no universal definition, business cards can offer limits ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 or more for qualified applicants. However, some cards can provide even higher limits based on factors like your company's revenue streams, spending patterns, and growth trajectory.
In this article, we'll explore the top five high limit business credit cards, including the founder-friendly Brex Business Card, as well as Chase Ink Business Preferred®, Capital One Spark Cash Plus, Business Edition® Secured Mastercard®, and American Express Business Platinum.
First, let’s dive into the key factors you should consider when choosing a high limit business credit card.
Key factors to consider when choosing a business card
When it comes to selecting the best high limit business credit card for your company, it's important to consider more than just the maximum credit limit.
High credit limits
Higher limits can enable you to bulk-purchase inventory with confidence or fund major projects without resorting to bank loans with unfavorable terms. Still, traditional card issuers can rely heavily on personal credit scores, overlooking your business' true potential. This outdated approach can result in frustratingly low credit limits that don't align with your company's actual revenue or growth trajectory.
Fortunately, there are cards that are more founder-friendly. For instance, the Brex Business Card takes an innovative approach by offering limits up to 10-20 times higher than traditional cards. Rather than relying on personal credit scores, Brex considers your company's cash balance and revenue to determine your limit. This can be particularly advantageous for fast-growing startups — or businesses with strong cash positions but limited credit history.
Rewards programs
Start by identifying your primary business expenses. Are you investing heavily in digital advertising? Do you have significant travel costs? Or are you spending more on inventory and shipping?
Now, look for a card that offers rewards tailored to those categories. If you’re spending a lot on travel, a card that provides bonus points on flights and hotels could return substantial value. On the other hand, if your spending is more diverse, a card offering flat-rate cash back across all purchases might be the better choice. (Hint: The best high limit business credit cards offer credit card rewards for travel, cash back, statement credit, and more.)
A high credit limit is great, but pairing that with a lucrative rewards program can significantly boost your bottom line. When evaluating rewards, consider both the earning potential and the redemption options.
Integrations with accounting software
A high limit business credit card that seamlessly integrates with your accounting software can save you serious time. More importantly, those automations can reduce the risk of human error, ensuring accuracy in your financial reporting.
Integrations with popular accounting platforms like NetSuite, QuickBooks, or Xero can help you automatically categorize expenses, reconcile transactions, and generate detailed reports.
Some business credit cards offer integrations, but not all integrations are created equally. Look for cards that can directly integrate with your existing software and apps to truly maximize automation and give you time back to focus on big-picture strategy.
Global capabilities
Look for a card that supports your business’ international ambitions — even if your company isn’t quite there yet. The best options offer spending in multiple currencies, seamless international transfers, and the ability to issue cards in local currencies. This can significantly simplify operations for companies with a global footprint or those planning to expand internationally.
A truly global card isn’t just nice-to-have — it’s a must-have with the rise of distributed teams and remote employees. You want a card that can support employees and overseas vendors in virtually any country, allowing them to make purchases and manage expenses in their local currencies, without hefty foreign transaction (FX) fees for your company. The ideal card will also enable you to spin up virtual cards for vendors and enable secure one-time payments.
What credit cards have a $100,000 limit?
When it comes to business credit cards that can potentially offer high limits of $100,000 or more, the Brex Business Card stands out. However, with any card, it's important to note that credit limits of this size are not guaranteed and depend on various factors specific to your business.
The Brex Business Card takes a unique approach to determining credit limits. Instead of relying primarily on personal credit scores or business credit history, Brex uses a proprietary underwriting model that considers your company's cash balance, spending patterns, and revenue. This innovative method allows Brex to offer limits that are typically 10-20 times higher than traditional business credit cards, potentially reaching or exceeding $100,000 for qualified businesses.
“Brex is a true partner for us,” said Lindsay Bodeman, VP of Finance and Accounting at Dude Wipes. “Brex gave us the higher limits we needed and even out-of-home marketing expertise to amplify our brand.”Brex can help you access higher limits as you demonstrate:
Strong cash positions: Maintaining a healthy cash balance in your Brex business account can positively influence your credit limit.
Consistent revenue streams: Demonstrating steady or growing revenue streams can increase your chances of a higher limit.
Responsible spending patterns: Consistently paying your balance in full and on time can lead to limit increases over time.
The Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is another option that can potentially offer high limits for well-established businesses with strong financials. However, while Brex qualifies you based on your business potential, Chase is less welcoming to newer or smaller businesses and typically considers factors such as:
Personal credit score: A high personal credit score (typically 720 or above) is often required in order to access higher limits with major banks like Chase. This can be a significant barrier for founders who may have excellent business acumen but a less-than-perfect personal credit history. It also fails to consider the unique financial circumstances and potential of many startups and rapidly growing businesses.
Length of business history: Well-established businesses may be more likely to receive higher limits. Some financial institutions have a strict one-year minimum operation requirement, leaving newer businesses out in the cold.
Business revenue and profitability: Higher annual revenue and consistent profitability can lead to higher credit limits. Chase applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their fiscal health with extensive documentation, including profit/loss statements (dating back to a year or more), business tax returns, debt schedules, and inventory reports, if your business carries inventory.
Existing relationship with Chase: Chase Private Client customers will probably have an easier time securing approval and higher limits than regular Chase customers and non-Chase customers. Having other Chase business accounts in good standing can also potentially boost your limit.
Businesses that cannot secure the high credit limits they need from a single card can, in theory, take a patchwork approach with multiple low-limit credit cards. However, this practice can quickly become an accounting and reporting headache.
In an ideal scenario, you’ll have one high-limit card to cover every aspect of your business. The Brex Business Card’s criteria could enable you to secure the $100,000+ limit you’re after.
Still, when pursuing a high limit business credit card, it's important to focus on more than just the maximum potential limit. Ultimately, you want a card that offers a robust rewards program, built-in expense management, and features to support your continued growth.
The top 5 high limit business credit cards
1. The Brex Business Credit Card
The Brex Business Credit Card can offer high limits of $100,000+ as well as built-in expense management and global capabilities to help your growing business. From fledgling startups to Fortune 500 companies, Brex’s scalable solution helps businesses maximize their spending power, cut through red tape, and accelerate growth with real-time financial insights.
Annual fee: $0
APR: N/A (Charge card — balance due in full each month.)
Minimum credit score requirement: No personal credit check required
Typical spending limit range: Up to 10-20x higher than traditional cards, based on cash balance and revenue.
Key benefits:
Tailored credit limits: Brex leverages real-time business data like your company's cash balance, revenue streams, and spending patterns, to determine a credit limit that truly reflects your business' financial health and potential. By doing so, Brex can offer limits that are typically 10-20x higher than traditional business credit cards.
This data-driven approach is particularly beneficial for fast-growing scale-ups. As your business grows and your cash position strengthens, your credit limit can increase, providing the spending power you need to fuel expansion without the need for constant limit increase requests.
Physical and virtual cards: Brex offers the flexibility of both physical and virtual cards. With Brex, you can instantly spin up as many virtual cards as you need, each with its own unique number and customizable spending controls. This feature is invaluable for managing online subscriptions, controlling departmental spending, or issuing temporary cards for specific projects.
Virtual cards also provide an added layer of protection — they can be easily frozen or deleted if compromised, without affecting your main account.
Automated expense management: Brex's automated expense management tools are designed to eliminate the tedious, time-consuming aspects of expense tracking and reconciliation. The AI-powered system automatically categorizes expenses as they occur, significantly cutting down on manual data entry and minimizing human error.
Brex also offers features like receipt matching, where digital receipts are automatically attached to the corresponding transaction. This streamlines the expense reconciliation process and ensures you're always audit-ready. By automating these routine tasks, Brex frees up valuable time for your finance team, allowing them to focus on more strategic activities that drive business growth.
Rewards program: The Brex rewards program offers multipliers on key categories like software subscriptions, rideshares, and travel. Unlike traditional corporate credit card programs that often focus solely on travel rewards, Brex's program is designed to provide value across a diverse range of business spending.
What sets Brex apart is the flexibility in how you can use these rewards. Points can be redeemed for cash back, miles, statement credit, gift cards, billboards, offsite planning, and more — with many options that are even more valuable than cash. Plus, with Brex, you get discounts on essential services like AWS, QuickBooks, and Slack. All together, their rewards program maximizes returns on your everyday business spending, making every dollar go further.
Integration with business tools: Brex seamlessly integrates with all of the most popular business and accounting platforms. These integrations go beyond basic data syncing, offering deep, two-way connections that can significantly streamline your financial operations.
For starters, Brex's integration with accounting platforms like QuickBooks and NetSuite allows for automatic expense categorization and real-time transaction syncing, dramatically reducing the time and effort required for monthly reconciliations. Brex also integrates with other essential business tools like Slack for instant expense notifications, or Okta for enhanced security. This interconnected ecosystem turns Brex from a simple high-limit business credit card into a central hub for your business.
No personal guarantee: In a departure from traditional business credit cards, Brex does not require a personal guarantee or personal credit check. This means that your personal assets are not at risk, and your personal credit score won't be impacted when you apply for or use a Brex card.
No annual fee: There’s no annual fee with the Brex Business Card, which is unique for high-limit business credit cards. Additionally, Brex does not charge interest because the card is designed to be paid in full each statement period. This introductory period provides valuable flexibility for new businesses and companies looking to make significant investments in their growth.
2. Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
The Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is a high limit business credit card with a rewards program and travel benefits.
Annual fee: $95
APR: 21.24%-26.24% Variable
Minimum credit score requirement: Generally 700+
Typical spending limit range: $5,000-$25,000
Key benefits:
Points-based rewards program
Purchase protection for eligible items
Integration with Chase online banking
High limits for preferred Chase customers (i.e. Chase Private Client)
Basic travel insurance benefits
The Chase Ink Business Preferred® card may offer higher credit limits to businesses that meet the bank’s strict criteria. If your business has been in operation for many years and holds millions of dollars in Chase accounts, you’ll likely have access to higher spending limits. Chase may require a personal guarantee as well, which can put your personal assets at risk.
Chase offers a points-based rewards system, with bonus points in certain spending categories. Points can be used for travel through the Ultimate Rewards portal, where they can be redeemed for a greater value when put towards a select group of Chase airline and hotel partners.
While the Chase Ink Business Preferred® doesn't offer the same level of integrated expense management tools as some competitors like Brex, it does provide basic online expense tracking and reporting features.
3. Capital One Spark Cash Plus
The Capital One Spark Cash Plus is a charge card that offers a straightforward cash back rewards structure.
Annual fee: $150
APR: N/A (Pay-in-full charge card)
Minimum credit score requirement: Generally 700+
Typical spending limit range: $1,000-$5,000
Key benefits:
Cash back rewards on purchases
Basic expense tracking tools
Downloadable purchase records for bookkeeping
Integrations with select software providers
Capital One Spark Cash Plus provides a flat rate cash back on all purchases, which may be suitable for smaller businesses. However, it lacks the tailored rewards and comprehensive financial toolkit offered by more advanced solutions like Brex.
While the card advertises "no preset spending limit," this doesn't guarantee high limits for all users. Your purchasing power can vary month to month based on factors like payment history and spending patterns, which may create uncertainty for businesses with fluctuating expenses.
4. Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card
The Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card is a secured credit card option for businesses with limited or poor credit history.
Annual fee: $39
APR: Variable 25.99% on purchases and balance transfers
Minimum credit score requirement: Unknown
Typical spending limit range: Up to $10,000
Key benefits:
Credit limit based on security deposit
Basic Mastercard benefits
Reports to major business credit bureaus
Online account management
Purchase protection for eligible items
This secured card requires a cash deposit to establish your credit line, which ties up your business capital. While it can potentially offer high limits, these are directly tied to the amount you're able to deposit. The card lacks rewards and the advanced expense management features found in more modern business credit solutions like Brex.
5. American Express Business Platinum Card
The American Express Business Platinum Card is a premium travel rewards card with a high annual fee.
Annual fee: $695
APR: Variable 19.49% - 28.49%
Variable Minimum credit score requirement: Generally 700+
Typical spending limit range: $1,000-$6,000
Key benefits:
Travel-focused rewards and benefits
No preset spending limit
Basic expense management tools
The Amex Business Platinum Card is often listed as one of the best high limit business credit cards for its travel-related perks, but its high annual fee may be prohibitive for many businesses. The rewards structure is heavily skewed towards travel expenses, which may not be ideal for businesses with diverse spending needs.
The "no preset spending limit" of the card leaves a lot of open questions for prospective applicants. It’s also worth noting that the card's expense management tools are basic compared to the comprehensive financial platform offered by Brex, which provides AI-powered bill pay to automate invoice entry, approvals, payments, and reconciliation.
“Brex makes paying and receiving money super simple,” said one former Amex business card customer on G2. “As a founder it reduces a ton of stress I had in the past from using Amex for my business.”
How to manage a high-limit business credit card effectively
Securing a high limit business credit card is just the first step. To truly leverage all the benefits and avoid potential pitfalls, you should:
Understand your card and spending habits
Before diving in, take the time to thoroughly familiarize yourself with your card's features, benefits, and limitations. This includes understanding:
Your credit limit and any flexibility in that limit.
The rewards program structure, including earning rates and redemption options.
All fees associated with the card, including annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and any charges for additional employee cards.
Interest rates and payment terms.
Equally important is analyzing your business's spending patterns. Review your past expenses to identify recurring costs and major spend categories. This will help you determine if your chosen card aligns well with your business needs and optimize your rewards earning.
Build a strategic spending plan
To maximize the value of your high-limit business credit card, developing a well-planned spending strategy is essential. Start by thoroughly analyzing your company's expenditures, identifying key spending categories such as office supplies, travel, marketing, and technology investments. This breakdown will offer valuable insights into your financial patterns and priorities.
After mapping out your spending landscape, establish realistic budgets for each category. These budgets should align with your overall financial goals and consider the rewards structure of your card. For example, if your card offers higher cashback on travel expenses, you might allocate more of your budget to this category to optimize returns.
Put in place effective methods to track expenses in real-time. Many modern business credit cards provide sophisticated digital tools for monitoring transactions, categorizing expenses, and generating reports. Take advantage of these features to maintain a clear overview of your spending and ensure you're staying within your predetermined limits.
Regularly review and adjust your strategy. As your business evolves, so too should your spending plan. Conduct monthly or quarterly assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of your approach, identify areas for improvement, and make necessary adjustments. This ongoing refinement will help you maintain financial discipline while fully capitalizing on the benefits of your high-limit business credit card.
Optimizing your card’s perks and rewards
Maximizing the rewards and benefits of your high-limit business credit card is key to turning everyday expenses into valuable assets for your company's growth. Start by consolidating your business spending onto this card, allowing you to accumulate points or cashback faster. Pay attention to bonus categories where you earn extra rewards, and prioritize these purchases. Don't overlook partner offers and exclusive discounts, such as credits for software subscriptions or savings on office equipment, as these can significantly boost your card's value. Explore various redemption options to find the best fit for your business, whether it's cashback, travel bookings, or statement credits.
For cards specializing in travel rewards, use them for all travel-related expenses to maximize earnings on flights, hotels, and car rentals. Consider how to reinvest these rewards into your business, perhaps funding business trips or acquiring growth-oriented services. Some cards even offer unique redemption opportunities like custom advertising placements, potentially increasing your business visibility. As your company evolves, regularly reassess whether your card's rewards structure still aligns with your spending patterns.
Prioritize timely payments
Maintaining a stellar payment record is fundamental to effectively managing your high-limit business credit card. Consistently paying your balance in full and on time each month offers multiple advantages. First, it helps you sidestep potentially hefty interest charges, which can quickly erode any rewards you've earned and inflate your expenses unnecessarily. Many high-limit cards come with substantial APRs, making timely payments even more critical.
Moreover, your payment history significantly influences your business credit score. By consistently meeting payment deadlines, you're not only maintaining but potentially improving your credit standing. This disciplined approach can lead to several benefits: preserving your current credit limit, qualifying for future limit increases, and maintaining the trust of your card issuer. Consider setting up automatic payments to ensure you never miss a due date, but always make sure your linked account has sufficient funds to cover the payment. By prioritizing timely payments, you're setting a solid foundation for your business's financial health and making the most of your high-limit card's advantages.
Optimize cash flow management
Effective cash flow management is essential for maximizing the benefits of your high-limit business credit card while maintaining financial stability. Start by leveraging your card's grace period, which typically ranges from 20 to 25 days. This window allows you to make purchases without incurring interest, effectively giving you an interest-free short-term loan. Use this time strategically to align your card payments with your accounts receivable cycle, optimizing your working capital.
Consider using your high-limit card for large, planned expenses that align with your cash inflows. This approach can help smooth out cash flow fluctuations and provide a buffer during leaner periods. However, be cautious not to overextend your business. Regularly monitor your card usage in relation to your cash flow projections to ensure you can comfortably meet payment obligations. Some card issuers offer tools to help track spending and set alerts, which can be invaluable for maintaining a healthy cash flow balance. By thoughtfully integrating your high-limit card into your overall cash flow strategy, you can enhance your financial flexibility and support your business's growth objectives.
Why growing business choose Brex
Growing businesses are increasingly choosing Brex for their high limit business credit card needs, attracted by its unique advantages and comprehensive features. At the core of Brex's appeal is its innovative underwriting model, which often results in credit limits 10-20x higher than traditional cards. This substantial spending power, further enhanced when paired with a Brex business account, provides the financial flexibility essential for rapid expansion.
Brex stands out by not requiring a personal guarantee, a significant benefit for founders seeking to separate personal and business finances. Its rewards program is tailored for modern businesses, offering bonus points on key categories like software subscriptions, rideshares, and travel. These points can be redeemed for a variety of business-boosting options, including cash back, billboard advertising, statement credits, or travel miles.
Beyond credit, Brex offers an integrated spend management platform that simplifies financial operations. Features like automated receipt capture, intelligent expense categorization, and customizable approval workflows save time and improve accuracy in financial reporting. For businesses with international aspirations, Brex provides global capabilities, supporting card issuance in local currencies, setting localized spend limits, and facilitating consolidated bookkeeping across multiple entities.
Brex's scalability is another key advantage. As businesses grow, the platform evolves with them, automatically increasing credit limits and offering features that adapt to changing needs. This scalability is complemented by cost-effectiveness: Brex charges no annual fees, no foreign transaction fees, and offers unlimited employee cards at no additional cost.
Integration capabilities are a strong suit for Brex, with seamless connections to popular accounting software and ERPs, including a highly-regarded direct NetSuite integration. These integrations provide real-time visibility into spending, enhancing financial control and decision-making.
The user experience is prioritized with a top-rated mobile app (rated 4.9 on the Apple App Store), ensuring full functionality and ease of use on the go. While Brex's intuitive design means customers rarely need support, 24/7 assistance is available via live chat or phone when required.
In essence, Brex offers more than just a high limit credit card; it provides a comprehensive financial toolkit designed to support and accelerate business growth at every stage. For businesses seeking a smart, high limit credit card solution that offers more than just spending power, the Brex Business Credit Card stands out as the clear winner.
Make every dollar count for your business
Choosing the right high limit business credit card is a decision that can significantly impact your company's financial operations and growth potential. As we've explored in this article, there are several contenders in the market, each with its own strengths and ideal use cases.
The Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card features a solid rewards program and travel benefits. The Capital One Spark Cash Plus offers cash back. The Business Edition® Secured Mastercard® Credit Card can help small businesses build credit. The American Express Business Platinum Card has some travel perks, but it also comes with excessive fees.
The Brex Business Credit Card stands as the very best high limit business card for its unrivaled combination of spending power and comprehensive expense automation. Between its innovative approach to credit limits, founder-friendly rewards, global capabilities, and scalable features, it's the clear choice for companies at any stage of growth.
Ready to improve your financial operations and make every dollar count for your business? Sign up for the Brex Business Credit Card today.
See what Brex can do for you.
Learn how our spend platform can increase the strategic impact of your finance team and future-proof your company.
See what Brex can do for you.
Learn how our spend platform can increase the strategic impact of your finance team and future-proof your company.