5 Best Credit Cards For Freelance

Credit Cards, Explained

Before we get into the fun stuff, it’s important we take a second to understand how credit card companies make money.

Credit cards profit from three areas:

• Interest
• Annual fees
• Transaction fees paid by merchants that accept credit cards

Assuming you pay your credit card every month on time (as you should), and understand how to get an ROI on your annual fees (more on that in a second), the third bullet point should be the bulk of your focus. Transaction fees.

Put it simply: every single time you swipe, they earn. They charge merchants a transaction fee that can range anywhere between 1 and 3% of your total purchase. Given the average credit card transaction in the US is around $91, those fees can quickly add up! (Hence a lot of “cash only” businesses!)

This is how credit card companies can afford to tempt you with offers, cash back, miles, and everything in between in exchange for you using their card and swiping it left and right. Think of it as rev-sharing, except they keep the lion’s share!

Thankfully, now that you understand how credit card companies work, your job is to get and use a credit card stack that benefits you more than it benefits them.

‍

5 Best Freelance Credit Cards You Should Have In Your Wallet

When used correctly, credit cards can be an extremely powerful tool. Besides the obvious cash flow benefits, they can help you increase your credit score, cash back on transactions, and more importantly, help you rack up points to redeem free flights and hotels among others.

The credit cards below are based on my personal experience running a freelance marketing business for the last 7 years, and while they’re a great fit for my personal situation, you should always do your own research and figure out what are the best options for you and your freelancer taxes prerequisites.

In this article, I will review the following five cards:

• American Express Blue Cash Everyday
• American Express Gold
• American Express Platinum
• Apple Credit Card
• BILT Rewards Card

1.  American Express Blue Cash Everyday

Annual fee: $0

Current bonus: $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 within your first 6 months.

Use for: Gas, groceries and online shopping.

Main benefits: Cash Back Rewards

The American Express Blue Business Cash is an excellent choice for a first credit card. It’s an “entry-level” credit card with $0 annual fee that is fairly easy to get approved for for anyone with a credit score 690 and above. They’re also an excellent way to get a foot in the door with AMEX and start building a relationship with them.

The main benefit is its Cash Back Rewards program. Unlike most credit cards that accrue points, the AMEX Blue gives you direct cashback on purchases. The % cash back varies depending on the type of purchase:

Every calendar year, you’re eligible for 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. online retail purchases. All three categories are capped at $6,000 annually which means this card can be worth up to $540 annually just in those three categories alone. ($6,000 * 0.03 * 3). After you exceed the $6,000 in spend per category, the cash back rate lowers to 1%.

‍
Depending on how much you drive your car and how many people you buy groceries for, this card can quickly rack up cash back.

2. American Express Business Gold

Annual fee: $195

Current bonus: $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 within your first 6 months.

Use for: Meals

Main benefits: Cash Back Rewards

👉 Apply here

3. American Express Platinum

Annual fee:

Use for: Travel

The American Express Platinum

👉 Apply here

4. Apple Credit Card

Annual fee: $0

Use for: Apple Products

👉 Apply here

5. BILT Rewards Card

Annual fee: $0

Use for: Rent

👉 Apply here

To summarize, credit cards can be a powerful tool for freelance marketers virtually worth thousands of dollars a year. If you’re still using a debit card for most purchases, you’re missing out.To summarize, credit cards can be a powerful tool for freelance marketers and sometimes even an emergency fund, worth thousands of dollars a year. If you’re still using a debit card for most purchases, you’re missing out.

‍

Best No-Annual-Fee Cards for Freelancers

Not every freelancer wants (or needs) premium travel cards with $400–$700 annual fees. Some of the best ROI comes from no-annual-fee cards that quietly put money back in your pocket. Top picks freelancers should consider:

• AMEX Blue Cash Everyday

Is great for everyday spending, groceries, gas

• Apple Card

0% Apple financing + strong cash-back ecosystem

• BILT Rewards Card

The only card that rewards you for paying rent

• Chase Freedom Unlimited

Solid cash-back categories and rotating bonuses

• Capital One SavorOne

Great for food delivery, entertainment, dining

‍

FAQs

Can I get a credit card as a freelancer?

Yes. Freelancers can qualify for personal credit cards just like anyone else. Your approval depends on income, credit score, and overall creditworthiness — not whether you’re W2 or self-employed.

Can a freelancer get a business credit card?

Absolutely. You don’t need employees or a storefront to get a business card.
If you have:

• freelance income
• a sole proprietorship
• an LLC.

Do banks check your personal credit when you apply for a business credit card?

Yes. Almost all business card applications require a personal credit check. The business card will be in your business name, but you are personally guaranteeing it.

Can I put my business expenses on my personal credit card?

Technically yes, but you shouldn't. Mixing expenses creates chaos during tax season and increases your audit risk. Use a business credit card for business expenses, your future self will thank you.