Credit cards · Business

Best business credit cards in Canada

A business card separates company spending from personal, simplifies bookkeeping at tax time, and earns rewards on expenses you’re already paying. In Canada you don’t need to be incorporated — sole proprietors and the self-employed qualify for most of these.

Verified at the issuer · June 14, 2026

The right business card depends on how you pay. If you clear the balance in full every month, an Amex charge card (no preset limit, no revolving interest) maximizes rewards. If you sometimes carry a balance or want simple cash back, a no-fee Mastercard or a low-interest card fits better.

Watch the structure: the Amex Business Gold and Business Platinum are charge cards — the full balance is due each month, so there’s no revolving purchase APR. The credit cards (BMO, Scotia, CIBC) work the usual way, with an APR if you carry a balance.

The Amex Business Gold and Business Platinum are charge cards (balance due in full monthly, no revolving APR). The American Express Business Edge card was closed to new applicants in 2024, so it isn’t included. Welcome offers on business cards fluctuate — confirm the current amount at the issuer.

The picks

American Express Business Gold Rewards Card

American Express

$199 (charge card)

A charge card — no preset spending limit, balance paid in full each month.

Earns

1 Membership Rewards point/$1 on all purchases
+10,000 bonus points each quarter you spend $20,000 (up to 40,000/yr)

Welcome offer Up to 70,000 points (spend conditions) — confirm current offer at Amex

Income / eligibility No incorporation required — sole proprietors eligible

Rates Charge card — balance due in full, no revolving purchase APR

FX 2.5%

Best for Sole proprietors who pay in full and want flexible transferable points

Verified at the source · 2026-06-14

American Express Business Platinum Card

American Express

$799 (charge card)

A premium charge card with airport lounge access and travel benefits.

Earns

1.25 Membership Rewards points/$1 on all purchases (no cap)

Welcome offer A large welcome offer that fluctuates — confirm the current amount at Amex

Income / eligibility No incorporation required

Rates Charge card — no revolving purchase APR

FX 2.5%

Best for Heavy-spending businesses that value lounge access and travel perks

Verified at the source · 2026-06-14

BMO CashBack Business Mastercard

BMO

BMO’s no-fee business cash-back card.

Earns

1.5% on gas, office supplies and cell/internet bills
0.75% on everything else

Rates Purchase 20.99% · Cash advance 23.99%

FX 2.5%

Best for A no-fee everyday card for ordinary business spending

Verified at the source · 2026-06-14

Scotiabank Momentum for Business Visa

Scotiabank

$79/yr (supplementary $29/yr)

Strong category cash back for small businesses.

Earns

3% on gas, EV, restaurants, office supplies & recurring bills
2% on shipping & accounting/bookkeeping
1% on everything else (accelerated categories share a $40,000/yr cap)

Rates Purchase 20.99% · Cash advance 22.99%

Best for Businesses with heavy gas, dining and office-supply spend

Verified at the source · 2026-06-14

CIBC bizline Visa Card for Business

CIBC

A low-interest, no-rewards card built for carrying a balance.

Income / eligibility From $15,000 individual income

Rates Prime + 1.5% on purchases and cash advances (rising to Prime + 2.5% in August 2026)

Best for New or cash-flow-tight businesses that may carry a balance

Watch out: No rewards program; the rate increases to Prime + 2.5% in August 2026.

Verified at the source · 2026-06-14

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Frequently asked questions

Can I get a business credit card as a sole proprietor?

Yes. Most Canadian business cards, including the Amex Business Gold and Platinum and the BMO CashBack Business Mastercard, do not require an incorporated company — sole proprietors and the self-employed qualify using their own name and credit. You generally apply with your business name (which can be your own) and personal credit history.

Are Amex Business Gold and Platinum credit cards?

No — they’re charge cards. The balance is due in full each month, so there’s no revolving purchase APR and no preset spending limit. That structure rewards businesses that pay in full; it’s not designed for carrying a balance. If you need to carry one, a credit card like the BMO CashBack Business or CIBC bizline is the better fit.

What happened to the Amex Business Edge card?

American Express closed the Business Edge card to new applicants in 2024, so it isn’t an option for new sign-ups. Existing cardholders keep their cards, but a 2026 comparison can’t honestly present it as applyable — which is why it’s left off this list.

Should a small business use a cash-back or points card?

It depends on spending and travel. If you pay in full and travel for work, the Amex charge cards’ transferable points and perks can be worth more. If you want simple, predictable value or sometimes carry a balance, a no-fee cash-back card like the BMO CashBack Business or category-rich Scotia Momentum for Business is usually the safer pick.

Educational comparison, not credit advice. Every figure verified against the issuer’s page or reputable Canadian sources on June 14, 2026; welcome offers and intro promos are time-sensitive and change without notice — confirm current terms at the issuer before you apply.