Best business credit cards for veterans

Veterans own 9.1% of American businesses, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. If you’re a veteran and a business owner, you have access to certain credit cards and credit card benefits that aren’t available to the general public.

If you can, it’s important to take advantage of these options when they suit your business’ needs. As we compared top business credit cards on the market today, we came up with three that would be particularly beneficial to veteran business owners.

1. The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides active-duty members of the military with financial relief while they’re serving the U.S. at home or abroad.

American Express has a liberal interpretation of the law, which includes waiving the annual fees on all of its credit cards. Yes, that includes the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express with its $895 annual fee.

To qualify for SCRA benefits with American Express, including a waived annual fee, you must meet one of the following requirements:

• Be a member of the U.S. armed forces serving on active duty, a member of a reserve component called to active duty, or a National Guard member under a call or order to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days.
• Be a Commissioned Officer for the Public Health Service or NOAA.
• Be a U.S. citizen serving with the forces of a nation with which the U.S. is allied in war or military action.
• Be the spouse of active duty, where credit is extended to a servicemember and spouse jointly.

You get a quality earning opportunity with this card. 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 card also offers a suite of travel benefits, including:

• $200 annual airline incidental fee credit.
• Fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application every four years.
• Complimentary access to more than 1,200 airport lounges worldwide.
• Elite status with Hilton Honors and Starwood Preferred Guest.
• 35% of your points back every time you redeem them for an eligible flight.
• Complimentary membership with premium rental car programs that provide special discounts and upgrades.
• 10 complimentary single-flight Gogo in-flight Wi-Fi passes each year.
• Foreign transaction fee: None
  

If you’re an active-duty servicemember and own a business, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is hard to beat.

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The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

American Express is a Nav Partner | Terms, Rates & Fees | Terms apply

Earn elite status membership and premium perks for business travel.

Pros

• Access to multiple airport business lounges, $200 annual airline fee credits, elite status with hotel and rental car programs, and strong purchase protection policies
• This card also earns points in Amex’s excellent Membership Rewards program.

Cons

• This card has a steep annual fee.

Intro APR

N/A

Purchase APR

17.74% - 28.49% Variable

Annual Fee

$895

Welcome Offer

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.

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2. Navy Federal Credit Union Visa® Business Card

Sometimes it’s worth giving up flashy bonuses and rewards to work with a financial institution that truly understands your needs.

You may be able to get that with the Navy Federal Credit Union Visa® Business Card. The credit union serves over eight million members, primarily in the military community.

The card features no annual fee, no foreign transaction fees, and 1 point per dollar spent. You can also save up to 15% on qualifying business purchases when you sign up for Visa SavingsEdge.

While your annual percentage rate can vary based on your creditworthiness, rates start at 5.90% plus the prime rate, which, as of October 2025, is 7.0%.

*All information about the Navy Federal Credit Union Visa® Business Card credit card has been collected independently by Nav. This card is not currently available through Nav. To see what business credit cards are available, please visit the Nav Credit Card Marketplace.

3. USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card

While the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card isn’t a business card, you can still use it for your everyday business expenses. Plus, you’ll get the benefit of working with a military-minded institution.  

The card offers 1.5% cash back on every purchase you make, plus no annual fee or foreign transaction fees. You can also get a military affiliate card design to show support for your branch of the military.

The card doesn’t come with a lot of frills, but if that’s what you’re looking for, it’ll do just fine.

*All information about the USAA Preferred Cash Rewards Visa Signature® Card credit card has been collected independently by Nav. This card is not currently available through Nav. To see what business credit cards are available, please visit the Nav Credit Card Marketplace.

How to pick the right credit card for your business

There’s no single best business credit card out there for veteran business owners, so it’s important that you know your business’ spending habits and your personal preferences.

While these credit cards are among the best available for business owners, take time to compare them with other top business credit cards to make sure you find the right one. Also, consider looking into other ways to start or fund your business, including business grants and loans and other programs.

As you take the time to research financing options that will reward you for your service, you’ll have an easier time taking your business to where you want it to be.