Best Credit Card for Landlords [2024 Review]

Are you searching for the best credit card for landlords? As a credit card expert, I’ve meticulously evaluated various cards to determine which offer the most benefits for rental property owners. This article will guide you through the top credit card options for landlords, highlighting key features such as rewards, cash back on purchases, and other benefits that can enhance your property management experience.

Our Top Credit Card for Landlords Reviews

As a seasoned expert in credit cards, I recognize the distinct financial challenges landlords face, from cash flow management to maximizing rewards on daily expenses. In this guide, we’ll explore the top cards designed specifically for landlords, providing vital benefits for property management. Let’s uncover the ideal financial tools to simplify your rental business operations.

Quick summary of our top picks:

• Best Overall: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Best Cash Flow Management: Ink Business Unlimited® 
• Best Rewards Flexibility: The Blue Business® Plus from American Express

Best Credit Card for Landlords: The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is ideal for landlords, offering 70,000 Membership Rewards® points as a welcome bonus after $10,000 spent in the first three months. It enables earning 4X points in two select categories, up to $150,000 annually, covering diverse expenses like repairs and advertising.

The card’s annual fee of $695 is offset by a suite of benefits, including up to $20 in statement credits monthly for select U.S. purchases, making it a powerful tool for expense management. Additionally, the flexibility to earn 3X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through amextravel.com enhances its value for landlords who travel between properties.

One potential drawback of The Business Platinum Card® is its high annual fee. However, when compared to the Ink Business Unlimited®, which has no annual fee, The Business Platinum Card® offers a broader range of benefits and rewards that can justify the cost for active landlords who can take full advantage of its features.

Pros

• Generous welcome offer of 70,000 Membership Rewards® points.
• Earn 4X points in two select categories, maximizing rewards on frequent expenses.
• Up to $20 in statement credits monthly for select U.S. purchases, offering significant savings.
• Comprehensive travel benefits, including 3X points on flights and hotels booked through amextravel.com.

Cons:

• High annual fee of $695, which might be steep for some landlords.
• Rewards structure may be complex for those preferring straightforward cash back.

Best Cash Flow Management Credit Card for Landlords: Ink Business Unlimited® 

The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card shines for landlords focused on cash flow management. Its no-annual-fee structure and unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase provide a simple yet effective way to manage expenses and earn rewards. The standout feature is the $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 in the first three months, offering an immediate enhancement to your bottom line.

This card’s 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months is a game-changer for landlords planning major renovations or facing unexpected repairs, providing breathing room to pay off large expenses over time without accruing interest.

A drawback of the Ink Business Unlimited® is its more generic rewards rate, which might not match the higher rewards potential of The Blue Business® Plus from American Express in specific spending categories. For landlords who spend heavily in areas where The Blue Business® Plus offers 2X points, that card might provide better general value.

Pros

• $750 bonus cash back after spending $6,000 in the first three months.
• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase, simplifying rewards earning.
• No annual fee, making it cost-effective for all landlords.
• 0% introductory APR for 12 months on purchases, aiding in cash flow management.

Cons

• Cash back rewards may not be as lucrative for landlords with high spending in specific categories.
• Lacks the premium travel benefits found in some other business cards.

Best Rewards Flexibility: The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express

For landlords who prioritize earning rewards on their everyday business spending, The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express offers unmatched flexibility. With 2X Membership Rewards® points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year and no annual fee, this card is a powerhouse for maximizing rewards on routine expenses.

The introductory offer of 15,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months adds immediate value, while the 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months provides additional financial flexibility. The ability to spend beyond your credit limit, adjusted based on your card use and financial profile, is particularly beneficial for landlords managing variable expenses.

While The Blue Business® Plus Card excels in rewards flexibility, its drawback is the reduced rewards rate after the first $50,000 spent annually. In contrast, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, despite its higher annual fee, continues to offer high rewards rates and additional benefits beyond this spending threshold, making it a better fit for landlords with higher annual expenses.

Pros

• 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, enhancing its value proposition.
• 0% intro APR on purchases for 12 months, offering financial flexibility.

Cons

• After the first $50,000, the rewards rate drops to 1X point per dollar, which may limit reward potential for high spenders.
• Lacks some of the luxury travel perks associated with premium cards.

Cards	Annual Fee	Welcome Bonus	Rewards on Spending	Notable Benefits
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express	$695	70,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $10,000 in the first 3 months	4X points in two select categories up to $150,000 annually; 3X on flights booked through amextravel.com	Up to $200 in airline fee credits, access to over 1,300 airport lounges, comprehensive travel benefits
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card	$0	$750 cash back after spending $6,000 in the first 3 months	Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase	Easy cash flow management with no annual fee, simple rewards structure
The Blue Business® Plus Credit Card from American Express	$0	15,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months	2X Membership Rewards® points on the first $50,000 in purchases each year, then 1X	Flexibility with no annual fee, ability to spend above your credit limit

Features to Consider for the Best Cards for Landlords

Choosing the right credit card is key for landlords, as it can greatly influence cash flow, rewards on everyday spending, and general financial management. It’s important to select a card that offers benefits like cash back on maintenance and renovations, flexible payment options, and rewards that align with the expenses of property management.

Cash Flow Management

Good cash flow management is important for landlords. Cards like the Ink Business Unlimited®, with its 0% intro APR for 12 months, allow for managing unexpected expenses without financial stress. This kind of flexibility is significant for maintaining the smooth operation of your rental business, especially when dealing with unexpected costs.

Rewards on Everyday Spending

For landlords, everyday expenses add up quickly. Cards that reward these expenses, like The Blue Business® Plus Card from American Express with its 2X points on everyday purchases, can turn routine costs into future savings or travel opportunities, making every dollar spent work harder for your business.

Bonus Categories Aligned with Landlord Expenses

Choosing a card that offers extra rewards in areas where landlords spend most, such as renovations or advertising, is wise. The Platinum Card® from American Express, for example, earns 4X points in two select spending categories each month, enhancing the value of every dollar spent on your properties.

Purchase Protection and Insurance

Investing in appliances and equipment is part and parcel of managing rental properties. Credit cards offering purchase protection and insurance can protect these investments, ensuring you’re covered against unforeseen losses or damages, thus supporting the long-term success of your rental business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

In summary, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express is the premier choice for landlords, delivering exceptional rewards on significant spending categories, alongside perks that streamline property management tasks. Its comprehensive benefits package makes it an indispensable tool for enhancing the profitability and efficiency of rental property operations.