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The 6 Best Cards for Buying a Car [2025]

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Stephen Au
Edited by: Jessica Merritt
& Michael Y. Park
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Purchasing a car is an important decision that many people inevitably face, and how they pay for the car is likely a primary concern. Most people finance with a loan or pay cash, but one payment option might be a credit card.

When it comes to a large transaction like buying a car, using the right credit card could mean getting hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars back in rewards.

This guide will show you the best credit cards for purchasing a car.

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Best Cards for Buying a Car: Summary

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Card

Welcome offer and annual fee

Earning rates

Platinum Card® from American Express
  • + NEW BENEFITSAs High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.Platinum Card® from American ExpressYou may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
1x-5x pointsPlatinum Card® from American Express
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year
  • Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® Point on other purchases
Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
  • 75,000 milesCapital One Venture Rewards Credit CardEarn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
  • Annual fee of $95 (rates & fees)
2x-5x milesCapital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
  • $200Chase Freedom Unlimited®Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
  • Annual fee of $0
1.5%-5% cash-backChase Freedom Unlimited®
  • 5% cash-back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠.
  • 3% cash-back on drugstore purchases.
  • 3% cash-back on dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery services.
  • 1.5% unlimited cash back on all other purchases.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

  • ELEVATED WELCOME OFFER200,000 pointsThe Business Platinum Card® from American ExpressEarn 150,000 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
1x-5x pointsThe Business Platinum Card® from American Express
  • Earn 5x Membership Rewards® points on eligible travel purchases like flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid short-term rentals booked through Amex Travel
  • Earn 2x points (up to $2 million per calendar year) on each eligible purchase at:
    • U.S. construction material
    • Hardware suppliers
    • Electronic goods retailers
    • Software & cloud system providers
    • Shipping providers
    • Purchases of $5,000 or more
  • Earn 1x points on other eligible purchases

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

  • $900Ink Business Unlimited® Credit CardEarn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Annual fee of $0
1.5% cash-backInk Business Unlimited® Credit Card
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

  • 15,000 pointsThe Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American ExpressEarn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
1x-2x pointsThe Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point on other purchases.
  • Terms Apply.

Why Purchase a Car With a Credit Card?

The big reason to purchase a car with a credit card is to earn rewards. If you like getting a solid return of 2% to 4% back on your car purchase in the form of rewards, then you’re in the right place!

Most people purchase cars outright with cash or take out a loan. Some dealerships offer 0% APR financing on new car loans. You could buy a car with a 0% interest credit card, but most credit cards don’t offer 0% APR for longer than 21 months.

Aside from potential interest savings, the best incentive to purchase a car with a credit card is to get a nice chunk of points. If you apply for a new card with a welcome bonus offer, your car purchase can make it easy to snag that bonus and meet minimum spending requirements.

How Do You Purchase a Car With a Credit Card?

Car dealers often impose fees and limits on credit card acceptance. A common practice is that the dealer only lets you charge the down payment to a credit card, though some may not accept cards at all. Some may charge a fee, usually around 3% of the purchase price or a flat fee.

Your mileage may vary, but you should always try to negotiate using a credit card as part of the purchase after fully negotiating the car’s price.

Best Personal Cards

Which cards are good for purchasing a car?

Mainstream credit cards from major banks, including American Express, Chase, and Capital One, don’t offer bonus categories for car dealerships, so you can’t optimize there.

However, what you do need to optimize for is:

  • Great earnings for nonbonus spending
  • A solid welcome bonus offer
  • High spending or credit limits

You can earn up to 2 points per $1 with the right cards. You may also make 5-figure or even 6-figure purchases with a single swipe without your card being declined or your credit line maxing out.

These are the best personal cards to use for purchasing a car. They offer good nonbonus or welcome offer rewards and typically high credit limits.

Hot Tip: See our helpful guides to the credit cards that offer a high credit limit or are perfect to reward high spending and large purchases

Amex Platinum Card (Best for No Preset Spending Limit*)

+ NEW BENEFITS
Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.
You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.
As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.
Up to $3,850
$895
See Pay Over Time APR
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
  • 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
  • 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
Cons
  • $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
Card Highlights
  • You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
  • More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
  • More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
  • More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
  • More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
  • More Value! $209 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
  • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
  • Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
  • New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
  • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
  • $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
  • Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
  • $895 annual fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: See Pay Over Time APR
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Apply and find out if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of as high as 175,000 points with the Amex Platinum. Welcome offers may vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

Our absolute favorite personal card for buying a car is the Amex Platinum card.

The Amex Platinum card has a generous welcome bonus offer and the ability to earn up to 5 points per $1 spent on flights purchased directly from the airline or at AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year) and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com.

Though your car purchase only earns 1x Membership Rewards points, the Amex Platinum card is most likely to have a high enough spending limit to purchase a car.

Normal cards have credit limits you can’t exceed, but the Amex Platinum card has no preset spending limit. Amex changes your spending limit regularly if it believes you can pay back your bills in full.

Indeed, the Amex Platinum card is famous for its ability to accommodate huge purchases, such as yachts and paintings.

Also, you’ll be spoiled with luxury travel and shopping perks (some require enrollment), including an up-to-$200 annual airline fee credit, up to $200 in annual Uber Cash, up to $100 in annual Saks Fifth Avenue credits, a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit, up to $199 in annual CLEAR Plus credit, up to $300 in annual Equinox credits, up to $300 in digital entertainment credits, up to $600 prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays (up to $300 semi-annually), up to $155 in Walmart+ credits, and up to $300 in SoulCycle bike credits.

The Amex Platinum card offers the best airport lounge access of any card, including Centurion Lounges, 10 visits a year to Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta the same day, plus the ability to unlock unlimited visits), Escape Lounges — The Centurion Studio Partner, Plaza Premium Lounges, and Priority Pass lounges upon enrollment.

You also get complimentary Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status upon enrollment, access to Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, and no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees).

Why We Like Earning Amex Membership Rewards Points

The points you earn when making purchases on the Amex Platinum card are called Membership Rewards points. They are the most valuable points, according to our valuations, and they maximize the value you get from purchasing a car.

Our favorite way to redeem Amex points is through the Amex transfer partners for luxury travel in business or first class or 5-star hotels.

You can also redeem Amex points for cash-back or statement credits, travel bookings through AmexTravel.com, gift cards, charity, and more. However, the best way to achieve maximum value with your Amex points is to use transfer partners to book travel.

According to our valuations, a $30,000 car purchase on the Amex Platinum card would earn 30,000 points, which are worth around $660.

Bottom Line: The Amex Platinum card is an incredible ultrapremium card jam-packed with value. It doesn’t have a preset spending limit, which makes it an excellent choice for a car purchase. This is in addition to offering 1x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on car purchases.

Capital One Venture Card (Best for Earning Miles)

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

Apply Now(at Capital One's secure site)
Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!
Earn 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.
75,000 miles
$1,350
$95
Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent Credit (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
  • Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
Cons
  • $95 annual fee
  • Limited elite benefits
Card Highlights
  • Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
  • Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
  • Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
  • Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
  • Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
  • Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
  • Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
  • Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: Purchases: 19.99% - 29.24% (Variable)
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

Capital One Miles

The Capital One Venture card is recommended for those looking for solid travel benefits and great rewards without worrying about bonus categories.

This is one of the most well-rounded credit cards you can have. It boasts a low annual fee, no foreign transaction fees (rates & fees), and the ability to earn 2x miles on every purchase.

Additionally, it earns 5x miles on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

You also get a fantastic welcome bonus offer, an application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, a $50 experience credit, and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection, and access to the Capital One transfer partners.

This card comes with MasterRental insurance, extended warranty protection, zero fraud liability protection on unauthorized charges, and many other perks.

Why We Like Earning Capital One Miles

We like Capital One miles because you can redeem them for numerous options, including gift cards, donations, PayPal, and our personal favorite, transferring miles to travel partners and redeeming them for business and first class travel.

If you make a $30,000 car purchase on the Capital One Venture card, you earn 60,000 Capital One miles, which are worth around $1,080, according to our points and miles valuations.

Freedom Unlimited Card (Best for Cash-Back and Intro APR)

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!
Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
$200
$0
0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
  • 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
  • 1.5% back on all other purchases
Cons
    • 3% foreign transaction fee
Card Highlights
  • Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
  • Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
  • No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
  • Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
  • No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

The third-best personal credit card you should consider using to purchase a car is the Freedom Unlimited card, and it’s our only $0-annual-fee personal card on this list.

The Freedom Unlimited card earns 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 3% on dining and at drugstores, and 1.5% cash-back on all other purchases. It also offers a 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.

In addition, the Freedom Unlimited card provides purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, zero liability protection, secondary auto rental coverage, and fraud alerts.

Most importantly, if you have an Ultimate Rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, you can convert your cash-back to Ultimate Rewards points at 1% to 1x points.

Why We Like Earning Chase Ultimate Rewards Points

Chase Ultimate Rewards is one of our absolute favorite reward currencies.

The best way to use Ultimate Rewards points is to transfer them to Chase transfer partners for incredible flights like Singapore Airlines First Class Suites!

You can also use your Ultimate Rewards points for cash-back, Amazon purchases, gift cards, and travel booked through the Chase Travel portal.

Without a doubt, the highest-value redemption (and the reason we value Chase points so much) is the ability to transfer points to partners for luxury travel.

If you purchase a $30,000 car using the Freedom Unlimited card, you would earn 45,000 Ultimate Rewards points, worth around $900, according to our valuations.

Best Business Cards

If you’re purchasing a car for business purposes, ensure the transaction is separate from your personal expenses.

That’s where business cards come in! Let’s look at our favorite business cards for purchasing a car.

Amex Business Platinum Card (Best Business Card for No Preset Spending Limit*)

ELEVATED WELCOME OFFER
The Business Platinum Card® from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
This card is ideal for business travelers who enjoy luxury travel and are looking for a card loaded with benefits!
Earn 150,000 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
200,000 points
Up to $4,400
$895
18.24% - 28.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is a premium travel rewards card tailored toward business owners who are frequent travelers with a high number of annual expenses.

When you factor in the large number of perks that the card offers like the best airport lounge access at over 1,550 lounges, along with tons of annual credits, it’s easy to see why this card can is a top option for frequent traveling business owners.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Earn 5x Membership Rewards points per $1 on eligible travel purchases like flights, prepaid hotels, and prepaid short-term rentals booked through AmexTravel.com
  • Access to over 1,550 worldwide airport lounges as part of the American Express Global Lounge Collection
  • Earn 2x Membership Rewards points on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on purchases of $5,000 or more (on up to $2 million per calendar year)
Cons
  • High annual fee of $895 (rates & fees)
  • Airline fee credit does not cover airfare, only incidentals like checked bags
Card Highlights
  • Elevated Welcome Offer: Earn 200,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $20,000 in eligible purchases on the Business Platinum Card® within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • The American Express Global Lounge Collection® can provide an escape at the airport. With complimentary access to more than 1,550 airport lounges across 140 countries and counting, you have more airport lounge options than any other credit card company on the market as of 07/2025.
  • See how you can unlock over $3,500 in business and travel value annually after meeting qualifying spend thresholds on the Business Platinum Card. Terms apply.
  • New! Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using the Business Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
  • No Preset Spending Limit: The spending limit on the Business Platinum Card is flexible, so unlike a traditional credit card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment and credit history.
  • Make the Business Platinum Card® work even harder for you. Hilton For Business members get up to $200 back per calendar year when you make an eligible purchase at Hilton properties across the globe. Benefit enrollment required.
  • Fly like a pro with a $200 Airline Fee Credit. Select one qualifying airline to receive up to $200 back per year on baggage fees and other incidentals.
  • Use the Business Platinum Card and get up to $209 back per calendar year on your CLEAR® Plus Membership (subject to auto-renewal).
  • Maximize your time away with Fine Hotels + Resorts through Amex Travel™.
  • New! Enroll and get up to $150 in statement credits on U.S purchases directly with Dell Technologies on the Business Platinum Card and an additional $1,000 statement credit after you spend $5,000 or more on that same Card per calendar year.
  • New! Enroll and get a $250 statement credit after you spend $600 or more on U.S. purchases directly with Adobe per calendar year on the Business Platinum Card.
  • Get up to $90 in statement credits quarterly for purchases with Indeed on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $360 back per year. Enrollment required.
  • Get up to $10 in statement credits per month for wireless telephone service purchases made directly with a wireless provider in the U.S. on the Business Platinum Card. That’s up to $120 back per year. Enrollment required.
  • Enhanced! 2X points on purchases at U.S. construction material & hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers and software & cloud system providers, and shipping providers, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more, up to $2 million of these purchases per calendar year. Purchases eligible for multiple additional point bonuses will only receive the highest eligible bonus.
  • 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels on AmexTravel.com
  • 1X points on other eligible purchases
  • $895 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 18.24% - 28.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 250,000 points with the Amex Business Platinum card. The current public offer is 200,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

Our top business card to purchase a car is the Amex Business Platinum card. It’s similar to the Amex Platinum card, but a key benefit makes this version the better card for purchasing a car.

The Amex Business Platinum card earns 2x points on eligible purchases in key business categories and on purchases of $5,000 or more everywhere else (on up to $2 million in purchases per calendar year). With this card, you earn elevated rewards if you charge $5,000 or more for your car purchase. A $30,000 car purchase on the Amex Business Platinum card would deliver 45,000 points, which we value at around $990.

This card doesn’t have a preset spending limit*, just like the Amex Platinum card, so you should have no problem getting a large transaction approved.

You also earn 5x points on flights, prepaid hotels, and short-term rentals booked at AmexTravel.com. The card also offers access to the American Express Global Lounge Collection.

Cardholders get access to Fine Hotels & Resorts and Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors Gold status, as well as statement credits every year of up to $1,150 with Dell Technologies (up to $150 in credits annually and an additional $1,000 when you spend $5,000 or more on U.S. Dell purchases), up to $360 with Indeed, up to $200 Hilton statement credit, $250 with Adobe (when you spend $600 or more on U.S. Adobe purchases), up to $120 on wireless telephone purchases, up to $209 for CLEAR Plus, up to $200 in airline incidental fee credits, and a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit. Some benefits might require enrollment.

Other ancillary perks include purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, return protection, travel insurance, and QuickBooks integrations.

Ink Business Unlimited Card (Best Business Card for Cash-Back and Intro APR)

Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.

The Ink Business Unlimited card is a stellar option for business owners looking for a no-fuss uncapped 1.5% cash-back card without an annual fee.
Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
$900
$900
$0
0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 23.49% thereafter
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Why We Like This Card

As a business owner, you likely keep pretty busy and probably prefer a credit card that just keeps things simple.

If so, the Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card might be just the card for you. From zero annual fee to a flat cash-back rate, the card is a no-frills option that you don’t have to think twice about.

Don’t forget too, 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 23.49% thereafter

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 1.5% cash-back on all purchases
  • No annual fee
  • 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 23.49% thereafter
Cons
    • 3% foreign transaction fee
Card Highlights
  • Earn $900 bonus cash back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
  • Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business
  • No Annual Fee
  • Redeem rewards for cash back, gift cards, travel and more through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  • Earn rewards faster with employee cards at no additional cost. Set individual spending limits for greater control.
  • Round-the-clock monitoring for unusual credit card purchases
  • With Zero Liability you won't be held responsible for unauthorized charges made with your card or account information.
  • 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases
  • Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 23.49% thereafter
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars
Rewards Center

The Ink Business Unlimited card is essentially the business version of the Freedom Unlimited card. This card excels in offering unfussy rewards on all your purchases, including car purchases.

You start by earning a hefty welcome bonus offer when you apply for the card and meet the spending requirements. Then, you earn a flat 1.5% cash-back on all purchases with no caps. If you were to purchase a $30,000 car with your Ink Business Unlimited card, you’d receive $450 in cash-back.

This card offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months; variable 17.49% - 23.49% thereafter. This benefit can help you pay off your balances gradually without accruing interest. Of course, to avoid hefty interest charges, pay off the full balance before that 0% interest period expires.

If you have an Ultimate Rewards credit card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, 1.5% cash-back can be converted to 1.5x Chase Ultimate Rewards points, effectively doubling your return on spend to 3%. That $30,000 car purchase could deliver 45,000 points worth around $900.

Other important benefits of the Ink Business Unlimited card are employee cards for no additional fee, primary auto rental coverage, zero liability fraud coverage, purchase protection, and extended warranty protection.

Amex Blue Business Plus Card (Best Business Card for Points and Intro APR)

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American ExpressTerms Apply / Rates & Fees
Star rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating iconStar rating icon
U.P. Rating 
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)
Earn Membership Rewards for your business spending the easy way: get 2x points for the first $50,000 in purchases per year.
Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
15,000 points
Up to $330
No annual fee
17.24% - 27.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent
Why We Like This Card

As a business owner, getting a credit card that maximizes each dollar you spend does not have to be complicated or expensive. Especially when you opt for The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express.

With the Amex Blue Business Plus card, you’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday business purchases throughout the year (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter) and receive purchase protections and no-additional-charge employee cards all for no annual fee (see rates and fees).

The simple and straightforward earning structure makes it a great fit for those looking to earn flexible rewards, without having to fixate on which purchases earn the most points.

Let’s take look at all that the Amex Blue Business Plus card has to offer.

Pros & Cons
Pros
  • 2x Membership Rewards points per $1 on everyday business purchases (up to $50,000; 1x thereafter)
  • Purchase protection and extended warranty protection
  • No annual fee and employee cards at no additional cost
Cons
  • No unique bonus categories and 2x earnings are capped at $50,000 in annual spend
  • No elite travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
Card Highlights
  • Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on the Card within your first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.24% - 27.24%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors at account opening. APR will not exceed 29.99%
  • Earn 2X points on everyday business purchases such as office supplies or client dinners. 2X applies to the first $50,000 in purchases per year, 1 point per dollar thereafter. Terms and limitations apply.
  • You’ve got the power to spend beyond your credit limit* with Expanded Buying Power. *The amount you can spend above your credit limit is flexible, so it adapts with your use of the Card, your payment history, credit record, financial resources known to us, and other factors. Just remember, the amount you can spend with Expanded Buying Power is not unlimited.
  • No Annual Fee
  • Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
  • APR: 17.24% - 27.24% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months from date of account opening
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: 2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Rewards Center

American Express Membership Rewards

The Amex Blue Business Plus card is a fantastic business credit card to consider putting your car purchase on. Here’s why: You earn a straightforward 2x Amex Membership Rewards points on the first $50,000 on everyday business purchases annually and 1x points after that. There’s no need to pay attention to bonus categories with this card.

This credit card offers a 0.0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months from the date of account opening, then a variable rate, 17.24% - 27.24%. (rates & fees), which can be used to avoid interest payments. It also has no preset spending limit*.

Standard benefits like purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and employee cards for no annual fee are available (rates & fees); you can even access Amex Offers with this card.

As long as your car purchase is $50,000 or less, you can easily maximize the 2x categories on the Amex Blue Business Plus card, netting you a return of around 4.4% back!

For example, if you spend $30,000 with this card, you’d earn 60,000 Amex Membership Rewards points, which, according to our valuations, are worth around $1,320.

Final Thoughts

When buying a car, ensure that the card you use has a sufficient credit or spending limit.

In addition, the best rewards you earn are those that offer the most valuable points, such as Amex Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Capital One Miles.

Lastly, you should make sure that you use a consumer card if you’re purchasing a car for personal use and a business card if you’re purchasing a car for business use.

*No Preset Spending Limit on an American Express card means your spending limit is flexible. Unlike a traditional card with a set limit, the amount you can spend adapts based on factors such as your purchase, payment, and credit history.

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefit of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the return protection benefit of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details.

For the purchase protection benefit of the [card name], eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty and purchase protection benefit of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the purchase protection benefit of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by Card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the extended warranty benefit of The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express, eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy a car with a credit card?

In many cases, you can buy a car with a credit card. It depends on the dealership, but some car dealers accept cards.

You should be able to use a credit card to pay the down payment and potentially the full purchase price.

Can you use a credit card for a car down payment?

Yes! Many dealerships allow you to pay for the down payment using a credit card. You can potentially pay for the entire car with a credit card, but it varies from location to location.

Do car dealers accept credit cards?

In most situations, yes. You can definitely negotiate this into your car purchase, but remember to do it after you’ve totally finished negotiating on price.

Is it a good idea to buy a car on a credit card?

It is if you can pay it off in a timely manner. If you have the cash to pay off the bill immediately, then you can earn a pile of extra points by purchasing a car with a credit card.

What forms of payment do car dealerships accept?

They should always accept checks and loans. In most situations, they also accept credit cards for a portion of the purchase, including the down payment.

You might be able to pay with cash, but you’ll be asked to get a cashier’s check, most likely.

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About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

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