As a Canadian entrepreneur or small business owner, having the right business credit card can make a massive difference in how you manage expenses, track spending, earn rewards, and unlock exclusive benefits tailored for businesses.
Whether you’re a solo freelancer, running a digital agency, or operating a growing startup, having a separate credit card for business expenses is crucial—not just for cleaner accounting, but also for tax purposes and maximizing reward potential.
💬 My Personal Experience With Business Credit Cards in Canada
When I started my first business, I made the rookie mistake of using my personal credit card for everything—ads, office supplies, and even travel. Reconciling my expenses during tax season? A nightmare.
Eventually, I switched to a dedicated business credit card, and everything changed. Tracking expenses became seamless. I started earning targeted rewards—free flights, hotel stays, and cash back—all from purchases I would’ve made anyway. Today, after testing multiple cards over the years, I’ve shortlisted 5 of the best business credit cards in Canada for 2025 based on real value, perks, and flexibility.
✅ Why You Need a Business Credit Card
Before diving into the list, here’s why every serious business owner should get one:
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📊 Separation of personal and business expenses (essential for taxes)
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🎁 Reward points or cash back tailored to your business needs
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✈️ Travel perks like airport lounge access, free checked bags, and hotel upgrades
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💼 Business-friendly features such as higher credit limits, employee cards, and spend tracking tools
🏆 Top 5 Best Business Credit Cards in Canada (2025)
Let’s break down the five best options available this year, with an honest look at their pros, cons, and who they’re best for.
5. BMO World Elite Business Mastercard
💳 Annual Fee: $150
🎁 Welcome Bonus: Up to 70,000 points
🏷️ Rewards:
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4x points on gas, office supplies, internet, and phone bills
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1.5x points on everything else
✈️ Perks: -
2 free airport lounge visits annually
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Each point is worth approx. $0.0067 (0.67 cents)
Best For: Budget-conscious small business owners who want basic perks and solid bonus categories.
Why It’s Great:
This is one of the more affordable cards with competitive returns—up to 3% back on key business categories and airport lounge access for occasional travelers.
4. American Express Marriott Bonvoy Business Card
💳 Annual Fee: $150
🎁 Welcome Bonus: 50,000 Bonvoy points for spending $1,500 in the first 3 months
🏷️ Rewards:
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5x points at Marriott Bonvoy Hotels
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3x points on gas, dining, and travel
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1x point on all other purchases
💡 Point Value: Approx. 0.7 cents per point
Best For: Business owners who frequently stay at Marriott hotels.
Why It’s Great:
Earn 3.5% back on Marriott stays, 2% back on gas and travel, and gain access to AmEx’s robust travel insurance. The low spending threshold for the bonus makes this a highly accessible card.
3. CIBC Aeroplan Visa Business Card
💳 Annual Fee: $180 (Waived in Year 1)
🎁 Welcome Bonus: Up to 60,000 Aeroplan points
🏷️ Rewards:
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2x points on travel
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1.5x on dining, transportation, shipping, internet & phone
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1x on everything else
✈️ Perks: -
Free 1st checked bag with Air Canada
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1 Maple Leaf Lounge pass per $10,000 spend (up to 4 passes/year)
💡 Point Value: ~2 cents per Aeroplan point
Best For: Business owners who travel within Canada and want excellent flight rewards without the hefty annual fee of premium cards.
Why It’s Great:
With strong multipliers and 4% effective return on travel, this card hits the sweet spot between affordability and valuable travel perks.
2. American Express Aeroplan Business Reserve Card
💳 Annual Fee: $599
🎁 Welcome Bonus: Up to 85,000 Aeroplan points
🏷️ Rewards:
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3x points on Air Canada purchases
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2x points on hotels and car rentals
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1x point on everything else
✈️ Perks: -
Unlimited Maple Leaf Lounge access
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Free first checked bag
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Priority check-in & boarding
Best For: Frequent business travelers, especially those flying with Air Canada.
Why It’s Great:
The 6% value back on Air Canada purchases, paired with unlimited lounge access, makes this the ultimate travel card for business. If your business takes you across the country or globe, this premium card pays for itself.
1. (User’s Recommendation Placeholder — You may customize this spot with your #1 pick)
If you have a #1 favorite (for example, the Scotiabank Passport Visa Infinite Business or another card you personally use), I can help insert it here as your top choice.
🔍 How to Choose the Best Business Credit Card in Canada
When choosing a card, consider:
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Spending categories: Where does your business spend most (travel, office supplies, dining)?
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Annual fees: Do the rewards and perks justify the fee?
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Sign-up bonuses: Can you meet the minimum spend requirement?
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Perks: Lounge access, insurance, extended warranties?
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Ease of redemption: How easily can you use the rewards?
🧾 FAQs About Business Credit Cards in Canada
Q: Can a sole proprietor get a business credit card in Canada?
✅ Yes. Even if you’re self-employed or a freelancer, you can still qualify. Most applications ask for your business income and legal name, which can be your personal name.
Q: Does a business credit card affect personal credit?
✅ It can—especially with cards from AmEx and some major banks. Always pay on time to avoid impacting your credit score.
Q: Are business credit card rewards taxable in Canada?
🟡 Generally no—if the rewards come from personal or business spending. However, if they’re tied to cash rebates or business income, consult a tax professional.
🎯 Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Business Credit Card in Canada?
The best business credit card in Canada ultimately depends on your spending habits, travel needs, and how much value you place on perks like airport lounge access or hotel rewards.
If you’re just starting out, the BMO World Elite Business Mastercard offers low fees with reasonable rewards. But if you’re scaling fast and travel often, the AmEx Aeroplan Business Reserve might be worth the investment.
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