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Our take: The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is an excellent option for small business owners who need extra time to pay off their balances. You’ll get 18 months of interest-free financing on purchases and balance transfers without paying an annual fee on owner or employee cards. It’s rare to find a balance transfer offer on a business card, making this one of just a few offering this perk.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
Intro Bonus
Extended 0% introductory APR period for purchases and balance transfers.0% balance transfer term | 18 months |
Balance transfer fee | 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater |
Annual Fee | $0 |
Regular APR | 17.24%–26.24% variable |
- Exceptionally long 18 month 0% introductory APR period for purchases and balance transfers.
- Other perks: Pay over time with a U.S. Bank ExtendPay® Plan
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%
Pros
- Exceptionally long 0% APR period
- No annual fee
Cons
- Foreign transaction fee
- No rewards
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card Overview
The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is a no-frills small business credit card whose main benefit is its 0% intro APR offer on both purchases and balance transfers. It does not offer a welcome bonus, nor will you earn rewards on your purchases. There are no annual fees, but the card charges a 3% fee when making purchases outside the U.S.
While most business credit card promotional offers are less than one year, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum card comes with 18 billing cycles of interest-free financing. All purchases made during the promotional period enjoy a 0% APR for the duration of the period. Balance transfers made within 30 days of opening your account also avoid interest throughout the 18 months. Although it charges a 3% fee (minimum $5) on the balance transferred, the savings on interest typically will outweigh that fee. After the promotional period is over, you can pay new charges over time through U.S. Bank’s ExtendPay Plan. This program does not charge interest, but there is a fixed monthly fee.
Employee cards can be added at no additional cost. Business owners can control each card individually to restrict where, when and how much each employee can spend. The card also comes with expense reporting tools that can provide insights into your company’s spending.better.
Who is the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card good for?
This card is best for small business owners who want more time to pay off their balances, whether it’s on a new purchase or from an existing debt. With this card’s offer you can get the supplies, materials or other goods you need to run your business now while you work to collect the revenue later.
Additionally, if you have existing business debt, the balance transfer offer takes the pressure off your business’ cash flow. You’ll eliminate interest payments to save money. Plus, you can spread payments on the existing debt over the next year and a half. For example, someone with $27,000 in debt (including balance transfer fees), they’d be able to pay it off by making monthly payments of $1,500 for 18 months.
Who shouldn’t get the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card?
Business owners seeking to earn rewards on their purchases should not get the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card. Not only does it not earn rewards, but this card does not offer a welcome bonus either.
This card is also not a good card for businesses that travel internationally or spend overseas. When you make purchases outside of the U.S., you’re charged a 3% foreign transaction fee on the amount spent. This hidden fee increases the cost of every international purchase.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card rates and fees
- Annual fee: $0
- Foreign transaction fee: 3%
- Intro APR: 0% introductory APR for the first 18 billing cycles (after that 17.24%–26.24% variable)
- Purchase APR: 17.24%–26.24% variable, based on creditworthiness
- 0% Balance transfer: 0% introductory APR for the first 18 billing cycles for balances transferred within 30 days from account opening (after that,17.24%–26.24% variable). Either 3% of the amount of each transfer or $5 minimum, whichever is greater
Additional benefits
- Free employee cards. Business owners can simplify expense reimbursement and tracking by giving employees their own credit cards.
- Individual spending limits and controls. The business can control employee spending by customizing limits, restrictions and other factors for each employee card. This can prevent purchases at unwanted merchants and limit how much each person can spend.
- Mobile payments. Credit cards can be linked with mobile devices for quick and convenient purchases with Apple Pay, Google Pay or Samsung Pay.
Credit cards similar to U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
While the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card offers a long intro APR, it isn’t the right card for every business. Compare these alternatives to see which one matches your needs the best.
To view rates and fees of the American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card, see this page
Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card vs. U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
The Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card and U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card are both no-annual-fee business credit cards, but they cater to different needs. The Ink Business Unlimited® is a rewards powerhouse, offering a flat unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase. It also comes with a substantial welcome bonus: $750 Bonus Cash Back after you spend $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months after account opening. For businesses with varied expenses, this straightforward earning structure can be a real boon.
On the flip side, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card doesn’t offer any rewards program. Instead, its main draw is the lengthy 0% introductory APR for the first 18 billing cycles (after that 17.24%–26.24% variable) on both purchases and balance transfers. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses looking to finance large purchases or transfer existing balances without accruing interest. The Ink Business Unlimited® does offer a 0% intro APR, but only for 12 months. So, if you need more time to pay off a big expense, the U.S. Bank card might be the better pick, but for long-term value, the Ink Business Unlimited’s® ongoing rewards make it hard to beat.
American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Card vs. U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card and U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card are both no-annual-fee business credit cards, but they cater to different needs. The Amex Blue Business Cash offers a straightforward cash back rewards structure, earning 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% cash back thereafter. New cardholders can also earn a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 in purchases on the card in the first 3 months of card membership.
On the other hand, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card doesn’t offer any rewards program. Its main draw is the lengthy 0% introductory APR for the first 18 billing cycles (after that 17.24%–26.24% variable) on both purchases and balance transfers on both purchases and balance transfers. This makes it an excellent choice for businesses looking to finance large purchases or transfer existing balances without accruing interest. The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card does offer a 0% intro APR, but only for 12 months on purchases. So, if you need more time to pay off a big expense, the U.S. Bank card might be the better pick. However, for long-term value and everyday spending, the Amex Blue Business Cash’s ongoing rewards make it hard to beat for businesses that spend less than $50,000 annually on the card.
Is the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card right for you?
The U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is the ideal credit card for small businesses that need to carry a balance but want to avoid paying interest charges for as long as possible. It offers an unparalleled 18 months of interest-free financing for purchases and balance transfers, with a reasonable 3% balance transfer fee. Although it doesn’t earn rewards, there are no annual fees, so it can be an affordable way to gain some interest-free financing.
Business owners who want to earn rewards or make international purchases should look elsewhere as the card doesn’t earn rewards on purchases and it charges a 3% foreign transaction fee. Beyond that, this card lacks benefits, like travel and purchase protections, that other business credit cards provide.
Frequently asked questions
Is the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card worth it?
Yes, the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card is worth it for people who need to carry a balance. Its intro APR offer provides up to 18 months of interest-free financing that allows customers to repay their debt over time. Plus, there are no annual fees, so you can keep the card open to continue building credit for your business.
Can anyone get a Business Platinum card?
Yes, anyone with a U.S.-based business can apply for the U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card. Whether you’re just starting out or have an established business, getting a business credit card is a wise move. This card is available for your business whether you’re a sole proprietor, LLC, S-Corp, C-Corp or other type of business entity. But, if none of these apply and you’re just seeking a card for personal use, look to a consumer credit card instead.
How hard is it to get approved for a U.S. Bank business credit card?
Getting approved for a credit card depends on numerous factors, including your credit score, income, monthly obligations and business details. If you have a good credit score and a profitable business, you’ll have stronger approval odds for a business credit card.
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