How to maximise rewards from your business credit cards

If you use a business credit card, you may already know it can help manage expenses. By using it the right way, you could save hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds in rewards each year.

From cashback and points to travel perks, the best business rewards credit cards give you something back on every pound you spend. They're great for short-term spending, while a term loan might be a better fit for bigger, long-term investments like new equipment or a business expansion.

Here’s how to make the most of your business credit card and get the best value from every purchase.

How to get a business rewards credit card

Before you apply, make sure you’re ready:

• Check your credit score: You’ll need a strong business credit score in order to be approved and access the best interest rates. Make sure to check your credit score first, to ensure you’re in a good standing. You can do this for free with a Capitalise account.

• Have your details ready: You’ll likely need your company name, registration number, and trading address.

• Know your numbers: Have your annual turnover and business bank details handy as this may need to be checked as part of your application.

A strong credit score can help you qualify for top-tier cards with lower interest rates and better perks. If your business is just starting out or has limited credit history, don’t worry, as you may still be approved for a card. Using your card responsibly can help you build business credit over time and access better options in the future.

Choose the right card for your spending

To maximise rewards, start by choosing a card that matches how your business spends money. Different cards reward different spending patterns, so pick one aligned with your expenses:

• Frequent travel? Choose a card that offers airline miles, hotel points, or perks like free airport lounge access. For example, some UK business cards let you earn Avios points (air miles) that you can redeem for flights and travel upgrades. If you often travel abroad, also consider a card with no foreign transaction fees and travel insurance perks.

• Heavy on fuel, tech, or supplies? Select a card with cashback in those categories. Many business cards offer tiered cashback – say 0.5%–1% on general spending, but higher (sometimes 2–3%) on specific categories like petrol or office supplies. If a large share of your budget goes to fuel or equipment, a specialised cash back card can return a noticeable amount to your business.

• Big purchases coming? Look for a card with a strong sign-up bonus. Many business rewards cards dangle welcome offers (e.g. 20,000 points or £200 cashback if you spend a certain amount in the first 3 months). If you have a major expense coming up (new equipment, bulk inventory, etc.), timing it to hit that bonus threshold can earn you a hefty reward. Just be careful not to buy things you don’t need purely to qualify for a bonus – more on that below.

• Preferred vendors or services? Some business credit cards partner with specific suppliers and services to offer exclusive discounts or points. For instance, certain cards might give you money off at companies like Amazon, Dropbox, or Slack. If your business consistently uses particular vendors or software, a co-branded rewards card or one with relevant partner deals could add extra value.

Tip: The best business rewards credit card for your company depends on your unique spending profile. Take a look at your past 3–6 months of expenses and identify where you spend the most. Then find a card that rewards those purchases with cashback or points. Every business is different – one might benefit from travel points, while another gains more from straight cashback. The key is to choose a card that effectively rewards your largest routine expenses, so you maximise the return on every pound. (You can compare the top options in our guide to the best business rewards credit cards.)

Hit the sign-up bonus (But don’t overspend)

Most business rewards cards offer a welcome bonus, for example, 20,000 points, or £200 cashback,  if you spend a certain amount in the first 3 months.

This is one of the easiest ways to get extra value, but it pays to be smart about how you hit this bonus:

• Plan ahead for big purchases (like equipment or stock orders) around the bonus period

• Don’t buy things you don’t need just to meet the spending target

If you already have expenses planned, use them to unlock that bonus, but don't overspend for the sake of it.

Use your card for everyday business expenses

Once you have a rewards credit card, put as many of your regular business costs on it as possible (while staying within budget). The more everyday spending you channel through the card, the more rewards you’ll earn, all without increasing your expenses. Think about all the routine outgoings that can be paid by card, for example:

• Software subscriptions – e.g. accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks, Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, etc. If you’re paying these monthly fees from your bank account, switch the payment to your rewards card and earn points or cashback on each bill.

• Digital advertising: expenses for Google Ads, Facebook/Instagram ads, LinkedIn marketing, and other online advertising can add up quickly. Paying them with a cash back card essentially gives you a small rebate on your marketing spend.

• Office supplies and inventory: everyday supplies, raw materials, or merchandise stock orders can usually go on a card. This is money you’d be spending regardless – by using the card, you’re “clawing back” some of that spend in rewards

• Business travel and accommodation: flights, train tickets, hotels for work trips, client meals, etc., should all go on the card whenever possible. Travel tends to be a significant cost, but also earns significant rewards (especially if you have a travel-oriented card). For example, airfare and hotel bills can earn you a large chunk of points that you could later redeem for future trips.

• Fuel and vehicle costs: if your company has vehicles or if employees drive for business, pay for petrol or diesel with the rewards card. Many business cards give bonus cash back on fuel spending. Likewise, vehicle maintenance or repairs can go on the card if the garage accepts card payments.

In short, charge all normal business expenses to the card instead of using a debit card or bank transfer, as long as there’s no surcharge for using a credit card. Over time, those small percentages back on each purchase add up significantly. Do check that the vendor doesn’t add a card fee; if they do, weigh if the rewards are still worth that fee.

Note: There are a few things you shouldn’t use your card for. Most cards won’t give rewards on certain transactions like fees, balance transfers, cash advances, or buying foreign currency. And of course, don't use a business card for personal expenses, keep it strictly to legitimate business costs.

Redeem rewards the smart way

Earning points or cashback is only half the game, redeeming those rewards wisely will help you maximise the real value you get from these rewards.

Make it a habit to cash in your rewards regularly for something beneficial to your business. Here are some smart redemption strategies:

• Cashback as cash or statement credit: The simplest option is often the best. Redeem your rewards for cash back into your business bank account, or as a statement credit that reduces your next credit card bill. This effectively lowers your expenses. Check whether your card issues cashback automatically (some do it annually) or if you need to manually redeem through the online portal.

• Travel rewards: If you or your team travel for work, using points for flights, hotels, or car hire can save your company money. Booking business travel with points earned from business spend is a classic way to reinvest the rewards back into the business. Just be sure to book through the card’s rewards platform or transfer points to airline or hotel partners as needed. Keep an eye on any limitations (for example, rewards might not cover taxes or fees on flights).

• Gift cards and vouchers: Many cards let you convert points into gift cards or e-codes for popular retailers. This can be handy for rewarding your staff or purchasing office needs. For instance, you might redeem points for an Amazon or John Lewis gift card and use it to buy office supplies or as an employee incentive. Just ensure the gift cards offered give good value for your points (sometimes a £50 gift card might cost fewer points than an equivalent £50 in travel, depending on the program).

• Reinvest in the business: Think about what your business needs. Some rewards portals allow you to redeem for specific business-related items or services. For example, you might use points for new office equipment, software subscriptions, or professional training courses if those options exist. By redeeming in a way that improves your business, you essentially get those items “for free” using your rewards.

• Compare value per point: Not all redemptions are equal. Check your card’s rewards portal to see the different options and their effective value per point. Often, travel redemptions can yield higher value (e.g. using points for a flight might give you more pound per point than taking cash back or gift cards). Some card issuers even run promotions where your points are worth extra (like 2 times the value for certain travel bookings or products). You’ll want to redeem in whichever way gives you the most for your points. If you’re unsure, do a quick calculation or search for advice on maximising point value for your specific card’s program.

Finally, set reminders to redeem periodically and at least once a year. Points and cash back don’t earn interest sitting there and in some programs, points can expire after a certain period of inactivity or at year-end.

Avoid interest, pay in full each month

Rewards are only worth it if you don’t pay interest. Make it a rule to pay your balance off in full every month. Otherwise, interest charges will eat away at your cashback or points and can cost more than the rewards are worth.

Tips to help with this:

• Set up a direct debit for the full statement balance. Automating your payment will ensure you never miss a due date. It also protects your business credit rating by preventing late payments.

• Align the bill with cash flow: If possible, schedule your credit card due date for just after your typical cash inflows (for instance, right after the end of the month or after you receive monthly client payments) so you’ll have sufficient funds to pay it off. Most card providers will let you adjust your payment date.

• Monitor your balance regularly: Don’t wait until the end of the month to be surprised. Use your card’s online dashboard or mobile app to keep an eye on your running balance.

Track your spending and monitor reward categories

To get maximum value, you need to stay on top of how and where you’re earning rewards. Many rewards cards have bonus categories or changing reward structures, and it’s easy to leave money on the table if you’re not aware of them. Here’s how to stay organised:

• Know your bonus categories: Your card might offer, for example, 2% cashback on fuel or 3× points on travel. These can change periodically (some cards rotate bonus categories each quarter, while others may adjust their perks annually). Make sure you read updates from your card issuer about any reward program changes. If your card has monthly or yearly caps on certain rewards (e.g. cashback capped at £50 a month), be aware of those limits so you don’t expect rewards beyond the cap.

• Review your statements: Categorise your spending and see where your money is going. Many card issuers provide an annual or quarterly summary of spending by category. Use that to identify which categories are your biggest. Are you hitting the cap on a certain reward category each month? Are you missing out on a category bonus because you’re using the wrong card for a particular expense?

• Adjust or switch cards if needed: The best business rewards credit card for you now might not be the best in a year. If your business spending patterns change (for example, you stop traveling and start spending more on equipment, or vice versa), re-evaluate your card. It might make sense to switch to a different card that better aligns with your new habits. Similarly, if your current card devalues its rewards or introduces new fees, compare alternatives. Loyalty to one card is less important than finding the most efficient tool for your business. Don’t be afraid to change cards (or get a second card) if it means earning more rewards, just be sure to manage them responsibly.

• Track multiple cards smartly: some seasoned business owners use multiple cards to maximise rewards. For instance, one card that’s great for travel spend and another that’s superior for everyday cashback. If you choose this strategy, keep clear records of which card to use for which type of expense, and stay on top of payment due dates for each. This “stacking” strategy can boost your total rewards, but it requires discipline to avoid confusion or missed payments.

In short, treat your rewards program with the same attention you give other business metrics.

Add employee cards (If it makes sense)

If you have a team and they have business spending of their own (like travel, client meals, or purchases related to their role), consider adding employee business credit cards under your main account. Many business credit cards allow you to issue authorised user cards for employees, which funnel their spending into your main account’s rewards pool. This can significantly increase the rewards earned without any extra spending overall. Here’s how to manage it:

• Set clear policies and limits: Make sure each employee card is used for business expenses only. You can usually set individual spending limits for each employee card, appropriate to their individual needs. For example, you might give a salesperson a higher limit for travel and entertaining clients. Most issuers let you adjust these limits easily.

• Track spending by employee: Your credit card statements or online account should break down spending by card or user. This makes expense tracking easier. You’ll see who spent what, and you can reconcile receipts or expense reports accordingly. It also helps in spotting any unauthorised or non-business charges.

• Leverage rewards from all cards: All the spending on employee cards will earn rewards just like your own card does. Some business cards even offer free additional cardholders (no extra fee for employee cards), so you can boost reward earnings at no cost.

• Train your team: Ensure employees understand how the card should be used. They should follow your credit card policy (e.g., what types of expenses are allowed, spending limits, receipt submission protocols, etc.). When everyone uses the card program responsibly, the business benefits from rewards and smoother expense management.

Adding employee cards isn’t right for every business For a growing small business, it can be a smart way to earn more rewards and simplify spending.

Use tools that work with your card

Take advantage of technology to simplify managing your business credit card and its rewards. Many UK business credit cards integrate with financial tools or offer apps that can save you time. Here are a few ways to leverage them:

• Accounting software integration: A lot of business cards can connect directly with accounting platforms like Xero, QuickBooks, FreeAgent, or Sage. This means transactions on the card automatically feed into your books, categorising expenses and simplifying reconciliation. By using these integrations, you reduce manual data entry and ensure you don’t miss any expense in your accounts. Check if your card issuer supports direct feeds or downloads into your accounting software. Most major banks and card providers do.

• Expense tracking apps: If you have multiple employees using cards, consider an expense management app or your card issuer’s expense tracking tools. These often allow employees to share photographed receipts and match them to transactions on the fly. Some apps will even alert you in real-time when a card is used, prompting the user to snap a receipt immediately. This keeps everyone accountable and makes month-end bookkeeping much easier.

• Mobile banking app alerts: Download the mobile app for your credit card and enable notifications. Real-time alerts for each transaction can help you quickly spot any unauthorised charges or mistakes. You can also typically check your balance, due date, and rewards balance from the app. Many apps let you freeze a card instantly if it’s lost or if you notice suspicious activity, a useful security feature. Recommend your employees owning a business card downloading the app.

• Budgeting and spend controls: Some cards come with dashboards that let you set budgets by category or limits per card. Use these tools to prevent overspending. For example, you might set a monthly travel budget and get alerts if you approach it. This ensures you maximise rewards within the boundaries of your business budget.

By incorporating these digital tools, you’ll have better visibility into spending, ensure timely payments, and keep your rewards strategy on track, all with less manual effort.

Common mistakes to avoid

Even the best business rewards credit card won’t benefit you if used incorrectly. Watch out for these common pitfalls that can undermine your rewards strategy:

• Spending just to earn rewards: This is the number-one trap. Only buy what your business truly needs. As mentioned earlier, never “chase” rewards at the cost of your business financial health. Rewards should be a bonus for planned spending, not a reason to spend more.

• Missing payments or paying late: A missed payment not only incurs hefty late fees and interest, but some cards may also forfeit any rewards earned that period if your account isn’t in good standing. Plus, late payments will hurt your credit score. Set reminders or automatic payments so you never miss a due date. The fees and credit damage from missed payments will easily outweigh any rewards earned.

• Carrying a balance and incurring interest: As discussed, carrying a balance month-to-month means paying interest, which can quickly cancel out the value of your rewards. If you find you can’t pay the balance in full, you might be spending too much on the card. Consider scaling back or switching to a 0% interest business card temporarily to avoid finance charges. Ideally, treat your rewards card like a debit card.

• Not reading the fine print: understand your card’s terms and conditions for rewards. Some cards have caps on how much cash back you can earn in a year, or points that expire if you don’t use them in time. Others might require you to opt in to quarterly bonus categories or special offers (for example, some card issuers run promotions with partner retailers that you must activate in your account). Failing to read the rules means you might miss out on rewards you could have earned, or you might be surprised by restrictions. Take a few minutes to review your card’s rewards program terms so you know how to play the game effectively.

• Ignoring fees: Business rewards cards sometimes come with annual fees. An annual fee isn’t necessarily a deal-breaker if the rewards you earn outweigh the cost. But do not ignore the fee and do the math each year: are we getting value exceeding the £ amount fee we pay? If not, consider downgrading or switching to a no-fee card. Also be mindful of any other fees (foreign transaction fees, fees for additional cards, etc.) and factor those in when evaluating the card’s worth to your business.

By avoiding these missteps, you ensure that the rewards you accumulate truly benefit your business rather than lead to unexpected costs or financial problems.

Final tips to get more from every pound you spend

To get the most from your business rewards credit card, keep these key points in mind:

• Choose a card that rewards your actual business spending. Match the card to your expenditures (travel vs. fuel vs. general spending) so you earn the highest rewards possible in your top spend categories. Don’t just pick a card because it’s popular, pick the one that fits your business.

• Use the card for everyday purchases you’re already making. From bills to supplies, put it all on the card (where feasible) to turn regular expenses into cash back or points. You’ll accumulate rewards fastest by making the card your go-to payment method for the business.

• Take advantage of sign-up bonuses carefully. Plan to meet that initial spending target with necessary expenses and enjoy the big boost in rewards, but never buy stuff your business doesn’t need. Essentially, get the bonus for “free” by aligning it with planned spending.

• Always pay the balance in full each month. This keeps your rewards as pure profit (no interest costs) and keeps your business credit healthy. Setting up automatic full-payment is the easiest way to stay on track.

• Redeem rewards regularly and wisely. Don’t hold on points indefinitely. Use them for cash statement credits, reinvest in business travel, or other high-value redemptions. Choose redemption options that give the best value per point, and be aware of any expiration dates or promo opportunities for extra value.

• Review your strategy periodically. Every few months, check if your spending pattern or the card’s terms have changed. Make sure you’re still on the optimal card and earning at the best rate. If not, be ready to adjust. The goal is to maximise returns for your business continuously.

When used correctly, the best business rewards credit card isn’t just a way to pay, it can save your business money, gives back value, and supports business growth. If you’re looking for a business credit card, you can apply and compare your options today with Capitalise.