The Best Corporate Cards in the UK for 2025

Finding the right business credit card can tidy up day-to-day spending, make travel simpler, and strengthen your business credit over time. The right choice can also help manage cash flow, track business expenses more accurately, and offer rewards that reduce costs. This guide covers the best corporate cards 2025, explains how they work, and shows where they can fit into your company’s spending routine so you can choose a card that matches your needs and priorities.

What are the top corporate cards in 2025?

Below are some of the top corporate card options available to UK businesses in 2025. Each offers its own mix of rewards, credit limits, and features, so it’s worth looking at how they compare before deciding which one fits your company’s spending habits and overall needs.

Capital on Tap Free Business Rewards Card

Capital on Tap stands out with its no‑frills approach – great for small businesses that want useful benefits without fuss. The Free Rewards card offers uncapped 1 % cashback on all business spends, redeemable as cash or converted into Avios, and it charges no annual fee, no foreign transaction or ATM fees, and allows up to £250,000 in credit, depending on your credit score and trading history.

It provides up to 42 days interest‑free on purchases when you pay the full balance, and you get up to 10 free employee cards, each with flexible spending limits. Representative APR for the free version starts around 36.19 % variable, though offers begin as low as 14.40 %, depending on your creditworthiness. 

The American Express Business Gold Card

The American Express Business Gold Card suits companies with significant spending on categories such as advertising, software, and travel. Membership Rewards points are earned on every purchase, with higher rates on selected categories, and can be transferred to airline and hotel partners or redeemed for a range of business-related expenses. The card is free for the first 12 months, after which an annual fee of £195 applies. It offers access to airport lounges through the Lounge Club programme, travel and purchase protection insurance, and various partner discounts. 

American Express is widely accepted, though some smaller merchants still prefer other payment networks. The card is typically offered to businesses with an established trading history and directors with a strong personal credit score, and it can come with a higher credit limit for suitable applicants. Employee cards are available at no extra charge, with all spending visible in real time through the account portal.

British Airways American Express Accelerating Business Card

The British Airways American Express Accelerating Business Card suits businesses with regular travel needs, especially those using British Airways. It earns 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent and 2.5 Avios for every £1 spent directly with British Airways. The annual fee is £250, and the card offers up to 56 days interest-free on purchases when the balance is paid in full. Foreign exchange fees are 2.99% on transactions made outside the UK. Benefits include travel accident insurance, refund protection, and purchase protection. 

Cardholders can also earn a companion voucher each year after meeting the minimum spend threshold. The card works best for companies whose spending patterns include frequent flights and high travel expenditure, as the accumulated Avios can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel rewards.

Lloyds/Bank of Scotland Business Credit Card

The Lloyds/Bank of Scotland Business Credit Card suits companies that want to keep their banking and card services in one place. It can be linked to a business current account, making reconciliation and cash flow tracking more straightforward. The card offers up to 45 days interest-free on purchases when the balance is cleared in full. The annual fee is £32 per card, and approval is based on both the business credit profile and the personal credit history of the directors. 

Employee cards are available, allowing departments or project teams to manage their own spending while keeping it under the same account. The representative APR is 22.4% variable, and balance transfer facilities are available with terms confirmed at the time of approval.

Santander Business Cashback Credit Card

The Santander Business Cashback Credit Card offers a flat 1% cashback on all eligible business spending with no cap. The annual fee is £30 per card, so it works well for businesses with consistent monthly outgoings. Up to three employee cards can be added under the same account, each with its own spending limit. Statements can be linked directly to a Santander business bank account, simplifying account management. Purchases are interest-free for up to 56 days when the balance is cleared in full. The representative APR is 23.7% variable, with the exact APR variable depending on the applicant’s profile. There is no additional fee for the first three cardholders, so smaller teams can issue multiple cards without extra cost.

American Express Basic Business Card

The American Express Basic Business Card gives companies access to the AMEX network without the higher costs of premium cards. It has no annual fee and earns Membership Rewards points on all purchases, though at a lower rate than the Business Gold Card. Many businesses use it to establish a strong payment record before moving to a card with a higher credit limit and additional benefits. Employee cards can be added at no extra charge, with all spending tracked in real time. 

The card includes purchase protection, refund protection, and fraud monitoring, helping keep business expenses under control. Purchases are interest-free for up to 56 days when the balance is cleared in full, avoiding any interest charges.

Funding Circle FlexiPay

Funding Circle FlexiPay is not a standard business credit card but works well alongside one for companies that need short-term working capital. It provides an approved credit line that can be used to spread the cost of larger business-related expenses, helping manage cash flow during seasonal fluctuations. Instead of an annual percentage rate, there is a fixed fee based on the amount borrowed and the repayment term. Repayments are made monthly over terms of up to three months, with the option to repay early without penalty. 

FlexiPay sits between a business loan and a revolving credit facility, offering flexibility when a card limit is not the best option. Many businesses use cards for regular purchases such as subscriptions and travel, while reserving FlexiPay for high-value invoices that could otherwise tie up card capacity.

Metro Bank Business Credit Card

The Metro Bank Business Credit Card is popular with companies that prefer in-branch service and quick application decisions. It offers up to 56 days interest-free on purchases when the balance is cleared in full and has no foreign transaction fees. The annual fee is £30 per card, and additional employee cards can be issued to help manage spending across teams or projects. Transactions can be integrated with accounting software, and statements are set out clearly for easy reconciliation. 

The representative APR is 14.9% variable, with the exact APR variable and credit limit determined by your business profile. Credit limits can be increased over time if your trading history and account conduct meet the bank’s criteria.

Barclaycard Select Cashback Business Credit Card

The Barclaycard Select Cashback Business Credit Card offers 1% cashback on all eligible purchases, with no cap on the amount you can earn. Purchases are interest-free for up to 56 days when the balance is paid in full. The representative APR is 27.1% variable, with the exact APR variable and credit limit based on the applicant’s profile. Employee cards can be issued with individual spending limits, giving greater control over team expenses. 

Cashback is credited monthly, keeping rewards aligned with spending and supporting regular cost management. The online account portal provides clear, detailed transaction data, which helps with tracking business expenses and preparing VAT returns. With no annual fee, it works well for companies that want consistent cashback without additional charges.

RBS Business Plus Credit Card

The RBS Business Plus Credit Card is aimed at companies that spend heavily on fuel and utilities. It offers higher rewards on these categories, with standard rates applying to other purchases. The card provides up to 56 days interest-free on purchases when the balance is paid in full. For existing RBS business current account holders, transactions can be viewed alongside account activity, giving a combined picture of outgoings. 

Employee cards are available, and spending limits and transaction alerts can be set for each one. The representative APR is 24.3% variable, with the exact APR variable and credit limit determined by the applicant’s business and personal credit profile.

Overview: the best corporate cards

The best business credit card for your company will depend on spending patterns, the type of rewards you value, and whether you prefer maximum benefits or minimal costs. Below is a quick comparison to help narrow the options.

• High, simple cashback: Capital on Tap, Santander Business Cashback Credit Card, Barclaycard Select Cashback Business Credit Card.
• Travel and points: American Express Business Gold Card, British Airways American Express Accelerating Business Card, American Express Basic Business Card for an entry-level option.
• Traditional bank connection: Lloyds/Bank of Scotland Business Credit Card, RBS Business Plus Credit Card, Metro Bank Business Credit Card.
• Flexible funding line: Funding Circle FlexiPay for situations where a business loan-style arrangement is more suitable than a card.

For straightforward cashback without high annual fees, Capital on Tap and Santander are strong contenders. If your spending includes regular flights and hotels, American Express and British Airways options provide greater value through Membership Rewards and Avios. Businesses wanting their card linked directly to a business current account may prefer Lloyds, RBS, or Metro Bank for the convenience of managing everything in one place.

What are corporate cards?

Corporate cards are business credit cards issued specifically for company use rather than personal spending. They operate on a business credit facility, can include multiple employee cards, and allow central control over limits, merchant categories, and daily spending caps. Using a corporate card keeps business expenses separate from personal transactions, which simplifies audits and tax preparation. They also help build a business credit profile, with consistent on-time payments improving the business credit score over time. Many corporate cards come with expense management tools or integrate with accounting software, allowing employees to submit receipts efficiently and enabling finance teams to reconcile accounts without delays.

Further Reading: The Complete Guide to Virtual Cards for Business

How does a corporate card work?

A company applies and the issuer reviews trading history, the business credit score, and, if needed, the directors’ personal credit. On approval, the provider sets the credit limit, purchase rate, Representative APR, and fees, then opens a main account. Physical and virtual employee cards can be issued, with per-card limits, merchant category rules, and daily or monthly caps. Admins can enable receipt capture, real-time alerts, and exports to accounting software.

Purchases post to the account during the billing cycle and appear on the monthly statement. Most products offer an interest-free period on purchases of up to 56 days, depending on when the transaction falls. If the balance is paid in full by the due date, no interest is charged. If any amount is carried, the purchase rate at the APR variable for the account applies from that point. Cash advances usually carry a separate fee and do not have an interest-free period. Some issuers also provide balance transfer options to move existing card balances.

Ongoing management happens in the online portal. You can add or remove employee cards, adjust limits, and request a higher credit limit as trading history improves. Repayments are collected by Direct Debit from the business current account. Disputes and refunds follow the issuer’s process, and security tools let you freeze or replace cards quickly when needed.

What is the best corporate card for my company?

The right corporate card depends on how your business spends and what you want to get back from that spending. If your costs are spread across software, fuel, client entertainment, and travel, a cashback structure can be easier to track and often provides better overall value than points. Businesses with frequent travel needs may benefit more from a travel-focused product that offers Membership Rewards or Avios, as bonus points in key categories can build up quickly. If you prefer to keep all accounts in one place, a bank-issued business credit card linked directly to your business current account can simplify reconciliation.

Newer companies with limited trading history might start with a card that has lower annual fees and a moderate credit limit, then move to a higher-tier product over time. Established firms with strong business credit scores and good personal credit often qualify for higher credit limits and more generous rewards.

Key factors to consider:

• Annual fees, including any introductory fee for the first year, compared to the value of rewards or benefits.
• Representative APR and APR variable on purchases if you expect to carry a balance, as interest charges affect the true cost.
• Length of the interest-free period, with up to 56 days offering more flexibility for managing cash flow.
• Availability of employee cards, spending controls, and alerts that suit how your teams handle business-related expenses.
• Quality of accounting integrations and whether the card can link to your business current account for a combined view.

Further Reading: Virtual Cards vs. Physical Cards: What’s Better for Business?

Best corporate cards for your business: how to apply

Applying for a corporate card is usually a simple process. You will need to provide company details, director information, and recent financial accounts or bank statements. The issuer will review your business credit profile, your personal credit score if a director guarantee is required, and your trading history to assess the application. Proof of a permanent UK home address for directors is a standard part of KYC checks.

If approved, the provider will confirm the credit limit, the Representative APR, and any introductory terms such as reduced rates for the first three months on selected categories. Holding a business current account with the same bank can speed up approval, and the limit offered may reflect your account history with them.

Documents to prepare:

• Company registration documents and VAT number, if applicable
• Recent financial statements and bank statements for your business current account
• Evidence of trading history, such as invoices or signed contracts
• Director identification and proof of a permanent UK home address for KYC verification
• Details of any existing business credit, including other business credit card offers currently in use

Further Reading: How to Implement Virtual Cards in Your Company

What types of corporate cards are available for businesses?

Corporate cards come in several forms, and the most suitable option will match the way your business spends and the benefits you want to receive.

• Standard business credit card – Suitable for general day-to-day purchases, usually offering a clear interest-free period and a basic rewards structure.
• Cashback business credit card – Returns a percentage of eligible spending as cash, easy to track, and well-suited to broad spending patterns.
• Travel rewards card – Focused on flights and hotels, often with Membership Rewards or Avios that can be transferred to airline and hotel partners, ideal for frequent travellers.
• Premium business gold card – Offers higher potential credit limits, enhanced rewards, wider insurance cover, and higher annual fees.
• Charge card – In some cases has no preset spending limit, but requires the balance to be cleared each month, removing the option to carry interest-bearing debt.
• Credit line alternatives – Facilities such as FlexiPay, which operate more like a short-term business loan with fixed repayment schedules.

Some businesses prefer one versatile card to cover all spending, while others use a combination for different purposes. For example, a cashback card can handle software and office purchases, while a travel card is reserved for flights and accommodation. Always review how each card treats foreign exchange fees and transaction fees, as these costs can have a significant impact on value for international payments.

What are the Pros and Cons of corporate cards?

Advantages

• Interest-free periods of up to 56 days on many products can help smooth cash flow.
• Keeping business transactions separate from personal spending supports accurate tax reporting and simplifies audits.
• Rewards programmes return value to the company, either as cashback or as points redeemable for travel and other perks.
• Regular, timely payments build your business credit profile, improving access to future financing.
• Employee cards with set limits cut down on reimbursements and keep spending within agreed boundaries.
• Most issuers include strong fraud prevention measures and chargeback protection, increasing payment security.

Drawbacks

• Carrying a balance can be costly, as the representative APR and variable purchase rate are typically high; paying in full each month avoids these charges.
• Annual fees can become significant if you hold several cards, so confirm that the rewards outweigh the cost.
• Some cards require a personal guarantee from a director, which links the individual’s credit to the business account.
• Fee structures and category rules can be complex, so clear internal policies are essential.
• Using multiple cards without central oversight can scatter spend and make reporting unnecessarily complicated.

Are corporate cards widely used?

Yes. Business cards are common across the UK, from sole traders to large organisations. Their use has grown as more suppliers accept card payments and as companies adopt subscription-based software for essential tools. A business credit card provides a single, consolidated view of payment activity, helping finance teams categorise spend, monitor supplier costs, and plan cash flow. Many organisations favour a central programme with employee cards, as it reduces out-of-pocket claims and accelerates month-end reconciliation. With more merchants moving to card and digital payments at checkout, corporate cards have become a standard payment method. The shift is towards programmes offering stronger controls, cleaner accounting exports, and better visibility of company-wide spend.

Alternatives to corporate cards

Cards offer flexibility, but they are not always the most suitable choice. Large purchases that you prefer not to carry on a revolving balance may be better suited to a business loan with fixed repayments over a defined term. An overdraft can bridge short cash gaps, though rates are often higher and setup or renewal fees may apply. Invoice finance can free up cash locked in receivables and may cost less than holding a card balance. Asset finance spreads the cost of equipment, preserving card limits for travel, software, and smaller operational expenses. 

At the more flexible end, peer-to-peer lending and merchant cash advances can provide quick access to funds, but it’s important to review the total cost and repayment schedule. For many companies, the most effective mix is a business credit card for day-to-day purchases alongside a term facility for larger, one-off investments.

How to manage your corporate cards with Wallester

Wallester Business is a free corporate card and expense management solution that fits UK firms, from startups to SMEs, delivering powerful tools at no cost.

• You can instantly issue both physical and virtual Visa cards with zero fees. The free plan includes up to 300 virtual cards, unlimited physical cards, and unlimited users. This is especially useful for teams managing multiple projects, clients, or departments.
• Set individual spending limits, merchant group restrictions, and daily or monthly card caps easily. Admins can freeze and unfreeze cards instantly through the portal or mobile app.
• Real‑time expense control comes from instant transaction tracking, automatic categorisation, expense reminders, and smart receipt capture, all integrated with tools like Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, or Excel exports.
• Multiple currency support and mobile wallet integrations (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) make it a fit for international teams and cross-border suppliers – while retaining strong security via 3D Secure 2.0 and PCI DSS compliance.
• Wallester scores highly with users: it holds a 4.9/5 rating on multiple review sites, praised for its ease of use, security, and expense control features.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what Wallester offers:

Ready to simplify your expense processes the smart way? Start with Wallester Business now and set up your account in under 24 hours – with no fees, KYC steps, or minimum balances required.