Best Credit Cards for Construction Businesses (2024)

Introduction

In the competitive world of construction, financial management is as essential as your blueprints.

The right credit card isn’t just a way to pay for supplies – it’s a strategic tool to optimize spending, streamline your business operations, and unlock valuable rewards.

This comprehensive guide is designed specifically for construction business owners.

We’ll break down the best credit card options available, examining the features that matter most to your industry.

By the end, you’ll be equipped to choose a card that works as hard as you do.

Key Factors for Choosing a Construction Credit Card

Before diving into specific recommendations, let’s outline the crucial factors to consider when selecting a business credit card for construction:

• Rewards: Does the card offer cash back, points, or miles that align with your major spending categories? Materials, fuel, and travel are likely high on your list.
• Fees: Low or no annual fees are ideal. Pay attention to foreign transaction fees if you source materials internationally.
• Fees: Low or no annual fees are ideal. Pay attention to foreign transaction fees if you source materials internationally.
• Intro APR: A 0% introductory APR period can be invaluable for financing large equipment purchases, managing seasonal cash flow fluctuations, or consolidating existing debt.
• Credit Limits: Ensure the credit limit aligns with the typical scale of your construction projects.
• Business Credit Building: Choosing a card that reports to business credit bureaus and using it responsibly will help you build a strong business credit score. This can unlock better financing options and lower interest rates in the future.

Top Credit Card Recommendations

Choosing the right credit card for your construction business can feel overwhelming.

To help you narrow it down, we’ve categorized some of the top contenders based on the benefits they offer.

Ink Business Cash® Credit Card

This card excels by offering strong cash back rewards on everyday business expenses, making it a smart choice for construction professionals.

Here’s the breakdown of the rewards structure:

• 5% cash back: On the first $25,000 spent annually at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services.
• 2% cash back: On the first $25,000 spent annually at gas stations and restaurants.
• 1% cash back: On all other eligible purchases.

Latest Perks

• Welcome Bonus: Earn a substantial welcome bonus after meeting spending requirements (bonus amounts can change, so please check the current offer).
• No Annual Fee: Enjoy these great rewards without the cost of an annual fee.
• Additional Benefits: May include purchase protection, travel insurance, and the ability to transfer rewards points if you have an eligible Chase personal card.

Why it’s Great for Construction: The 5% cash back categories align well with many administrative expenses for a construction business. Plus, earning cash back at gas stations can be a significant perk with frequent travel to job sites.

Capital One Spark Cash Plus

This card stands out for its simplicity and generous cash back program, making it appealing for busy construction business owners.

• Flat 2% Cash Back: Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, with no categories to track or caps on how much you can earn.

Latest Perks

• Welcome Bonus: Earn a significant welcome bonus after meeting spending requirements (bonus amounts can vary, so check the current offer).
• $150 Annual Fee Refund: Have your annual fee automatically refunded when you spend over $150,000 annually on the card.
• Travel Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
• Additional Benefits: May include extended warranty protection, purchase protection, and employee cards at no additional cost.

Why it’s Great for Construction: The unlimited 2% cash back across all spending is a major plus. For businesses with large operating budgets, the potential to have the annual fee refunded is very attractive.

Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

• This card is a solid choice for construction businesses looking for a great introductory APR offer along with straightforward cash back rewards.
  • 1.5% Cash Back: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase made for your business.

Latest Perks

• Welcome Bonus: Earn a substantial welcome bonus after meeting spending requirements (bonus amounts can change, so please check the current offer).
• Introductory APR: Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases for a generous introductory period, allowing for interest-free financing of equipment or managing cash flow.
• No Annual Fee: Enjoy these rewards and perks without an annual fee.
• Additional Benefits: May include purchase protection, travel insurance, and the ability to transfer rewards points if you have an eligible Chase personal card.

Why it’s Great for Construction: The lengthy introductory 0% APR period can be highly beneficial when making major equipment purchases or during times of fluctuating cash flow.

The cash back rewards are easy to understand and can add up quickly on general business expenses.

U.S. Bank Business Leverage® Visa Signature® Card

This card offers a good blend of flexible rewards and a valuable introductory APR period, making it worth considering for construction business owners.

• Rewards Structure:
  • 2% Cash Back: Earn 2% on the top two categories where your business spends the most each month, chosen from a list of options (which may include gas, cell phone providers, office supplies, and more).
  • 1% Cash Back: Earn 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

Latest Perks

• Welcome Bonus: Earn a significant welcome bonus after meeting spending requirements (bonus amounts can change, so check the latest offer).
• Intro APR: Enjoy a long introductory 0% APR period (up to 15 billing cycles) on purchases and balance transfers, giving you room to finance larger expenses or consolidate debt.
• Cell phone protection: Offers coverage against damage or theft (up to a certain amount) when you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your card.

Why it’s Great for Construction: The flexibility to choose your highest spending categories for 2% cash back is beneficial.

The long intro 0% APR period offers financial flexibility, similar to the Chase Ink Business Unlimited.

American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card

This card balances a great intro APR offer with straightforward cash back rewards.

• Rewards Structure:
  • 2% Cash Back: Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. Cash back is automatically credited to your statement.

Latest Perks

• Welcome Bonus: Earn a welcome bonus after meeting spending requirements (bonus amounts can change, so check the current offer).
• Intro APR: Enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases for a generous introductory period, followed by a variable rate. This provides financial flexibility for large equipment purchases or managing seasonal fluctuations.
• Expanded Buying Power: Gives you the ability to spend over your credit limit without incurring over-the-limit fees.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal if you source materials internationally.

Why it’s Great for Construction: The intro APR period can be crucial for major expenses at the start of a project.

The simple 2% cash back on a wide range of purchases is straightforward and beneficial for various business needs.

Best for Flexible Rewards

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

While it doesn’t have construction-specific rewards categories, it offers strong earning potential for general business spending.

• Rewards: Earn 2x Membership Rewards® points on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1x points.
• Flexibility: Membership Rewards points offer a variety of redemption options, including travel, gift cards, statement credits, and the ability to transfer to airline partners for even more travel possibilities.

• Capital One Spark Miles for Business: Designed for those who value travel perks.
  • Rewards: Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase.
  • Flexibility: Miles can be used to book travel through Capital One, or transferred to a variety of airline loyalty programs, expanding your travel possibilities.

Why they’re great for construction: If sourcing unique materials or attending industry events requires travel, the flexibility of these rewards programs can offset expenses significantly.

Lowe’s Advantage Card

For construction businesses that rely heavily on Lowe’s, this card is a must-have. Here’s why:

• Key Benefit: The primary draw is the 5% off on all eligible purchases at Lowe’s. This can amount to significant savings on large projects and frequent material purchases.
• Project Financing: Lowe’s often offers special financing options for Advantage Card holders. This can include 6 months of deferred interest on large purchases, or longer-term financing plans for major projects.
• Additional Perks: May include exclusive discounts, special offers, and access to project financing tools.

Why it’s Great for Construction: The combination of everyday savings and potential financing options makes this card very appealing if Lowe’s is your go-to source for building supplies.

The Home Depot Commercial Revolving Charge

This card is the Home Depot equivalent of the Lowe’s Advantage Card, providing valuable perks for construction businesses who frequent the store.

• Key Benefits:
  • Project Financing: Offers special financing options, such as net payment terms and deferred interest periods, tailored for large project needs.
  • Itemized Billing: Receive detailed invoices that help simplify tracking and managing project-specific expenses.
  • Volume Pricing: May unlock special volume-based discounts and exclusive promotions for cardholders.
• Additional Perks: Potentially includes online order management tools, fuel discounts (linked to the separate The Home Depot Pro Xtra loyalty program), and dedicated customer service for commercial account holders.

Why it’s Great for Construction: If Home Depot is your primary supply source, the project financing options alone make this card a strong contender.

The ability to track project expenses and potentially access discounts is a significant advantage.

Fuel Rewards® Mastercard®

This card is designed to save you money at the pump, making it a smart choice for construction businesses with fleets of vehicles or reliance on fuel-powered equipment.

• Key Benefits:
  • Fuel Savings: Earn fuel discounts at participating Shell and other gas stations. Discount amounts can vary.
  • Non-Fuel Rewards: May offer cash back or rewards on a small range of other everyday purchases.
• Additional Perks:
  • Potential Intro Offers: May come with introductory bonus fuel rewards.
  • Stacking Discounts: Often allows you to combine your Fuel Rewards savings with other loyalty programs or promotions.

Why it’s Great for Construction: If you spend a significant portion of your budget on fuel, the savings from this card can add up quickly, making it a valuable tool for cost management.

Brex 30 Card

This card is designed for scaling businesses and offers features tailored to meet the evolving needs of growing companies.

Key Benefits:

• Higher Credit Limits: Brex often provides higher credit limits than traditional business credit cards, supporting larger projects and purchases.
• Construction-Focused Rewards: Rewards categories include spending on construction software subscriptions, travel, and other common business expenses.
• Expense Management Tools: Includes features to streamline expense tracking, manage employee spending, and simplify accounting processes.
• No Personal Guarantee: Business owners don’t need to provide a personal guarantee, reducing financial risk.

Additional Perks:

• Partner Perks: May offer exclusive deals and discounts with software providers and other businesses relevant to the construction industry.
• Potential Welcome Bonus: Might come with a welcome bonus after meeting spending requirements.

Why it’s Great for Construction: The combination of higher credit limits, tailored rewards, and no personal guarantee make this card an attractive option for businesses looking to grow and streamline financial operations.

Net 30 Vendors

This isn’t a specific credit card, but rather a type of supplier credit offered by various vendors. Here’s how it works:

• Extended Payment Terms: Net 30 vendors will supply goods or services to your construction business and allow you 30 days to pay the invoice in full.
• Credit Building: Vendors that report payment history to business credit bureaus can help you build your business credit score.
• Cash Flow Management: Net 30 terms give you breathing room between receiving supplies and having to pay for them, freeing up cash flow for other immediate project needs.

• Finding Net 30 Vendors:
  • Industry Associations: Construction-related trade associations often partner with Net 30 vendors to offer this benefit to members.
  • Online Marketplaces: Websites like Nav (https://www.nav.com/) specialize in connecting businesses with Net 30 vendors across various industries.
  • Direct Inquiry: Ask your existing suppliers if they offer Net 30 terms or are willing to negotiate payment terms.

Why it’s Great for Construction: Net 30 terms provide flexibility for managing cash flow, vital in an industry where project timelines and payments can be unpredictable. It also simultaneously helps build your business credit profile.

Divvy Business Card

Divvy combines free expense management software with a business card, streamlining spending and tracking for construction businesses.

Key Benefits:

• Real-Time Visibility: Expense management software gives business owners a clear, real-time view of all company spending.
• Enforceable Budgets: Easily create and set budgets across different spending categories or even for individual projects.
• Employee Cards: Issue physical and virtual cards to employees with customizable spending limits to control expenses.
• Automated Expense Reports: The software pulls in and categorizes transactions, reducing the burden of expense reporting.
• Rewards: Earn points on card spend that can be redeemed for travel, cash back, or other benefits.

Additional Perks:

• Bill Pay Feature: Simplifies the process of paying your company’s bills digitally.
• Integrations: Connects with popular accounting software for seamless data flow.

Why it’s Great for Construction: Divvy helps keep a tight rein on project budgets, simplifies expense tracking for job costing, and can improve communication between on-site teams and the office. This all leads to enhanced financial control and streamlined operations.

Wells Fargo Business Secured Credit Card

This card offers a path to building or rebuilding business credit while potentially earning rewards. Here’s how it works:

• Security Deposit: You provide a refundable security deposit, which typically becomes your credit limit.
• Responsible Use Builds Credit: By making on-time payments and managing your balance responsibly, you demonstrate creditworthiness to credit bureaus.
• Potential Rewards: The card may offer cash back or points on eligible purchases, providing an added benefit.

Why it’s an Option for Construction: If your construction business has limited or damaged credit history, a secured card can help you qualify for a credit line and start rebuilding a positive credit profile.

The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

This card prioritizes flexibility for construction businesses that want the freedom to choose how they utilize their rewards.

Key Benefits

• Earning Potential: Earn 2x Membership Rewards® points on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases each calendar year, then 1x points.
• Flexible Redemption: Membership Rewards points offer a variety of options:
  • Travel: Book flights, hotels, and car rentals through American Express Travel.
  • Transfer to Partners: Convert points to miles with numerous airline loyalty programs.
  • Other Options: Redeem for gift cards, statement credits, merchandise, and more.

Additional Perks

• Welcome Bonus: Earn a welcome bonus after meeting spending requirements (bonus amounts can change, so check the latest offer).
• No Foreign Transaction Fees: Useful for businesses that source materials internationally.

Why it’s Great for Construction: If your business travel needs fluctuate or you want the option to use rewards beyond travel, the flexibility of Membership Rewards points is a major advantage.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Designed for construction businesses that value travel-related rewards, this card offers straightforward earning and redemption options.

Key Benefits

• Unlimited Miles: Earn unlimited 2x miles on every purchase made for your business.
• Flexible Travel Redemption: Use your miles to book flights, hotels, rental cars, vacation packages and more through Capital One Travel. You can also transfer miles to select airline loyalty programs.
• Welcome Bonus: Earn a welcome bonus after meeting spending requirements (bonus amounts can change, so check the current offer).

Additional Perks

• $0 Intro Annual Fee: Enjoy the benefits and rewards of the card without an annual fee for the first year.
• Travel Perks: May include benefits like travel accident insurance and rental car coverage.

Why it’s Great for Construction: If attending industry events, sourcing materials, or visiting unique job sites requires travel, the miles earned with this card can significantly offset those expenses.

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

This card is a compelling option for construction businesses that frequently use Marriott Hotels for their project stays or travel needs.

Key Benefits

• Marriott Bonvoy Points: Earn a generous amount of Marriott Bonvoy points on eligible purchases at Marriott properties, along with points on everyday business spending.
• Hotel Perks: Comes with automatic Silver Elite status, which includes benefits like priority late checkout, a points bonus, and complimentary Wi-Fi at Marriott hotels. Ability to earn higher tiers of status with spending.
• Welcome Bonus: Earn a welcome bonus after meeting spending requirements (bonus amounts can change, so check the current offer).

Additional Perks

• Annual Free Night Award: Receive a free night award (up to a certain point value) each year after your account anniversary, offsetting the cost of hotel stays.
• Travel Protections: May include trip cancellation/interruption insurance and baggage insurance.

Why it’s Great for Construction: If Marriott Hotels are a frequent choice for your business, the points you earn, the free night awards, and elite status perks can offer significant value and improve your travel experience.

Hilton Honors Business® from American Express

Similar to the Marriott card, this option is best suited for construction businesses that regularly stay at Hilton Hotels.

Key Benefits

• Hilton Honors Points: Earn Hilton Honors points on eligible Hilton purchases and everyday business spending.
• Hotel Perks: Receive automatic Hilton Honors Gold status, providing benefits like late checkout, complimentary upgrades (when available), bonus points on stays, and free breakfast at select brands.
• Welcome Bonus: Earn a welcome bonus after meeting spending requirements (bonus amounts can change, so check the current offer).

Additional Perks

• Weekend Night Reward: Earn a free Weekend Night Reward after spending a certain amount on the card each year.
• Travel Protections: May offer benefits like car rental insurance and baggage insurance.

Why it’s Great for Construction: If Hilton properties are your preferred choice, the points accumulation, status benefits, and free night rewards can provide significant value.

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

Despite its high annual fee, this card offers a wealth of benefits and perks, potentially justifying the cost for some construction businesses.

Key Benefits

• Airport Lounge Access: Enjoy access to the extensive American Express Global Lounge Collection® including Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and various partner lounges.
• Travel Credits: Receive annual statement credits for airline incidental fees with a selected qualifying airline and for Dell purchases (on up to specific amounts, enrollment required).
• Premium Travel Perks: May include benefits like hotel elite status, credits for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fees, and access to Fine Hotels & Resorts.
• Rewards: Earn Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases, offering redemption flexibility for travel, gift cards, and more.
• Welcome Bonus: Earn a welcome bonus after meeting spending requirements (bonus amounts can change, so check the latest offer).

Why it Might Be Great for Construction: If your business involves frequent travel, the lounge access, travel credits, and premium perks can provide comfort, convenience, and save money.

SimplyCash® Plus Business Credit Card from Wells Fargo

This card emphasizes generous cash back rewards across a variety of spending categories, making it versatile for construction businesses.

Key Benefits

• Cash Back Rewards: Earn 3% cash back on purchases within a range of eligible categories for the first $50,000 of spending per year, then 1% thereafter. Eligible categories often include gas, internet/phone services, office supplies, and more.
• Welcome Bonus: Earn a welcome bonus after meeting spending requirements (bonus amounts can change, so check the current offer).
• Intro APR: May offer a 0% intro APR on purchases for a set period.
• Flexibility: Rewards are earned as cash back, which can be redeemed as a statement credit, applied toward your Wells Fargo business bank account, or received as a check.

Why it’s Great for Construction: The high 3% cash back rate on a broad set of common business expenses can lead to significant savings over time.

Additional Tips

Separate Expenses

• Diligently separate business and personal spending. This simplifies accounting, streamlines tax preparation, and protects your personal liability in case of an audit. Consider using dedicated business checking accounts and credit cards exclusively for your construction company.

Responsible Use

• Build a strong business credit score foundation. Pay your credit card balances on time, every time. Aim to keep your credit utilization (the percentage of available credit you’re using) below 30% to optimize your score.

Consider Niche Options

• Many construction-related trade associations offer co-branded credit cards. These cards may have exclusive perks tailored to the industry, such as discounts on building materials or specialized insurance benefits. Do your research to find potential offers.

Conclusion

Choosing the right credit card for your construction business isn’t just about convenience — it’s a strategic decision. A well-selected credit card can be a powerful tool to streamline your finances, optimize spending, and earn valuable rewards.

Take the time to carefully consider your business’s specific needs and spending patterns. By comparing offers and choosing a card that aligns with your goals, you’ll unlock its full potential to save you money and give your construction business a competitive edge.