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5 Best Business Cards for Travel Rewards, Winter 2014

Some might argue that the recent announcement by Chase offering a bonus of 70,000 points for signing up for the Ink Plus business card makes it the greatest offer out there. But, don’t be afraid to explore the options, there are currently some great deals floating around that you might want to take advantage of. Here are just a few of the top business cards that we have found.

Ink Plus Business Card

As mentioned, this current offering from Chase gives cardholders a bonus of 70,000 points after they spend $5,000 within the first three months of having the card. Cardholders earn a whopping 5 points per dollar spent on office supplies, cell phone services, internet services, and cable and landline services. Earn 2 points per dollar spent at hotels and gas stations, and one point per dollar elsewhere. All points can be redeemed through the very flexible Chase Ultimate Rewards online portal, for a wide variety of options.

With an annual fee of $95, some may shy away from this card, but the many perks, including complimentary Lounge Club membership for several airlines. Recent news indicates that this offer may be ending soon, so if it interests you, then you had better act fast to take advantage.

Citi Business AAdvantage World MasterCard

This business card offers cardholders a bonus of 50,000 AAdvantage miles after spending $3,000 in the first three months after approval. You can earn 2 AAdvantage points per dollar spent on American Airlines purchases, and also when you spend money on office supplies, car rentals and telecommunications services. There is an annual fee of $95, but it is waived for the first year. With a high sign-up points bonus, this is a great card. When you consider this bonus, plus the first year’s annual fee waived, the Citi Business AAdvantage World MasterCard ranks high among the best business cards available this season.

United MileagePlus Explorer 

The United MileagePlus Explorer Business card not only has a great sign-up bonus of 50,000 after spending $1,000 in the first three months, but you also get a free checked bag when traveling on United flights, which can be up to a $50 savings every time you fly. Earn 2 miles per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants and gas stations, as well as on business supplies at office supply stores. Earn 2 points for every dollar spent on United Airlines purchases.

Get an additional bonus of 10,000 miles when you spend $25,000 in one calendar year. There is an annual fee of $95, but this is waived during the first year. With no foreign transaction fees, this card is great for international travel.

Business Platinum Card from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express offers a great sign-up bonus of 40,000 points after you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months of having the card. There are occasional offers that are even better, sometimes up to 75,000 or 100,000 points for sign-up. With additional perks including Priority Pass membership, Delta SkyClub benefits, a $200 airline rebate, TSA PreCheck application and more, this card is worth considering.

It does have a hefty annual fee of $450, but if you play your cards right (pun intended), then you can make the most of the perks and make it worthwhile. Travel rewards are available at a rate of 1.25 cents per point, so each point has a great value. Tons of extra discounts are also available, including discounts for Hertz, Hyatt, FedEx and Barnes & Noble.

Starwood Preferred Guest 

Amex has a great business version of its popular Starwood Preferred Guest card, the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express Business Card. This great business card offers a 25,000 point sign-up bonus in the form of 10,000 points after cardholders make their first purchase and an additional 15,000 points after cardholders spend $5,000 in the first 6 months that they have the card.

Enjoy two points earned for every dollar spent on Starwood purchases, and one point for every dollar spent elsewhere. One of the great benefits is the ability to earn elite status qualification after 2 stays, and redeem that for 5 nights credit at any Starwood location. Gold Status is achieved when you spend $30,000 in the first year that you have the card. The annual fee is $65, which is not only reasonable, but also waived for the first year. Because Starwood Preferred Guest points are considered to be among the best in the industry right now, and it is easy to earn elite status, this is a card that you might want to seriously consider.

Do You Need a Business Card?

Not everyone needs a business card, but there certainly are many advantages. These advantages may be magnified when a person has a personal and a business version of the same card and can combine points and rewards to really maximize the returns. Often the sign-up bonuses are much larger for business credit cards and can help you build up a large rewards account. You don’t have to own a large company to get a business credit card, most allow you to sign up as a sole proprietor using your own credit history and social security number.

Conclusion

If you have been thinking about exploring the benefits of getting a business credit card, now is a great time with several terrific offers out there for you to check out. Your business credit can be separate from your personal credit, allowing you to build credit for your business, just like you would for yourself. This may ultimately lead to some new business opportunities for you! Check out these offers today!