Business credit cards for limited companies: liability, controls and rewards
FLD is not a lender or a credit broker and does not arrange credit. This is general information, not advice to borrow. Any representative APR shown is an example, not a personal quote: the rate you are offered depends on your circumstances and may be higher.
Important: This guide provides general information, not personalised financial advice. Financial products, rates and eligibility rules can change, so check the provider’s current terms before applying. You can check a firm’s details on the FCA Register.
Quick answer
Limited companies have the widest choice of business cards, including some that are only for companies. The trade-offs are personal guarantees, the loss of most consumer protections and the need to manage employee spending.
Our pick for a limited company wanting no-fee cashback and free employee cards: Capital on Tap (1% cashback, unlimited free employee cards, no FX or ATM fees). Our pick for points and travel perks: American Express Business Gold (£0 in year one, then £195).
Company card options compared
| Card | Annual fee | Rewards | Other features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital on Tap | Free card: £0. Pro: £299 a year | 1% cashback on card spending (Pro: 1.25% on preloaded spend) | No FX or ATM fees; up to 42 days interest-free; limits up to £250,000 |
| American Express Business Gold | £0 in the first year, then £195 a year | Membership Rewards points | Up to 54 days to pay in full |
| Barclaycard Select Cashback | £0 annual fee | 1% uncapped cashback in statement months you spend £2,000 or more | Cash fee 3% (minimum £3); statement copies £2 |
| NatWest Business Credit Card | £30 a card; waived in year one, and from year two if you spend £6,000+ a year | 1% cashback at eligible fuel and EV charging | Up to 56 days interest-free; minimum limit £500 |
Figures as of 3 October 2026, taken from each provider’s own website. Rates, fees and eligibility change and depend on your circumstances — check the provider before applying.
Who it’s for
- Directors putting company spending on a card
- Companies issuing cards to staff with limits
- Companies paying suppliers abroad
- Directors who want card spending to feed accounting software
Who should skip it
These are general points to weigh up, not advice. You may want to look elsewhere if:
- You don’t want to give a personal guarantee
- The company’s cashflow is tight and a balance may roll over
- You need consumer protections like Section 75 — they often don’t apply to companies
- You want borrowing advice — speak to an adviser
Full explanation
Company liability and personal guarantees
With company liability, the company owes the debt. A personal guarantee means a director can be asked to repay if the company doesn’t. Read who is liable for employee card spending, too.
Employee cards and controls
If staff will spend, look for per-card limits, category controls and receipt capture. Capital on Tap offers unlimited free employee cards with spending controls. Fewer, better-controlled cards are easier to reconcile.
Protection when things go wrong
Without Section 75, disputes with suppliers rely on chargeback through the card scheme and your contract with the supplier. For larger purchases, check the supplier carefully.
Related: Business accounts for limited companies, Business credit cards with rewards and Limited company banking FAQs.
The catch
Section 75 usually doesn’t apply. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act often doesn’t apply to business cards, especially for limited companies.
Sole traders and small partnerships may be covered on a regulated card, for single items priced between £100 and £30,000. Card scheme chargeback may still be available.
Personal guarantees. American Express says new Business Gold cards carry company liability supported by a business personal guarantee.
Rates are set individually. Capital on Tap advertises rates from 13.86% APR (variable), but your rate depends on your personal and business credit history.
Check a card’s current terms for companies:
These go straight to each provider’s own website. They aren’t referral links and we don’t earn from them.
FAQs
Do limited companies get Section 75 protection?
Usually not. Section 75 often doesn’t apply to business cards, especially for limited companies.
Will I have to give a personal guarantee?
Often. American Express says new Business Gold cards are backed by a business personal guarantee. Check each card’s terms.
Can I issue cards to employees?
Yes, many company cards allow this. Capital on Tap offers unlimited free employee cards with controls.
Does a company card build business credit?
Some providers report to business credit agencies. Capital on Tap says its card can help build your business credit score.
Can a new company apply?
Capital on Tap says there’s no minimum trading history if the company is active at Companies House.
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