7 Best Credit Cards For Real Estate Investors In 2024

Real estate investing is undeniably profitable but has substantial financial commitments. 

From the initial property acquisition expenses and ongoing property management costs to outlays with selling and even travel, investing in real estate will easily run your pockets dry. 

Therefore, having a good credit card at your disposal can make a world of difference before your investments start yielding returns. But in a market flooded with numerous credit card options, identifying the ideal one takes time and effort. 

We’ve meticulously curated a comprehensive guide showcasing the best credit cards for real estate investors in 2024:

• Why Do Real Estate Investors Need Credit Cards?
• How Should Real Estate Investors Choose A Credit Card?
• 7 Best Credit Cards For Real Estate Investors
• Do Real Estate Investors Need a Business Credit Card?
• Final Thoughts

Ready to take your real estate investing to the next level? Learning best credit cards for real estate investors is just the beginning. Schedule a FREE Strategy Session with us to learn how our Ultimate Investor Program can unlock even more opportunities and strategies in the Virginia market. We'll also help you tailor an investment strategy that's right for you. Don't miss out—take the next step toward maximizing your investment potential today!

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*Before we begin reviewing the best credit cards for real estate investors, we invite you to view our video on How To Get Into Real Estate With No Money! Host and CEO of Real Estate Skills, Alex Martinez, provides the perfect guide for beginners to invest in real estate using no capital of their own!

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Why Do Real Estate Investors Need Credit Cards?

How Should Real Estate Investors Choose A Credit Card?

Credit cards nowadays come in nearly all variations imaginable. Options abound, from cash rewards, and balance transfers, to secured and travel credit cards. Here’s what to prioritize to ensure you choose the best real estate credit card: 

• Credit Card Limit 
• Low Or Zero Introductory APR
• Transaction Costs
• Bonuses & Rewards

 

Credit Card Limit

Whether flipping houses, wholesaling properties, or renting them out, you’ll need some serious cash upfront. That said, if you’re searching for the best business credit card for real estate investors, prioritize options with a generous or unlimited credit limit. It will enhance your spending power, allowing you to cover all necessary operational costs without losing sleep over cash flow concerns.

 

Low Or Zero Introductory APR

Real estate investments are typically capital-intensive, and it may take a while to see those returns rolling in. If you intend to use your credit card to handle investment costs, such as rehabbing and marketing in-house flipping, you may carry balances for a while.

Here’s where a credit card with low or even zero intro APR is handy. It allows you the financial boost you need for your investment and simultaneously minimizes the burden of credit card interest as you await the investment to start paying off. 

Simply put, a card with low or zero APR on balance transfers creates a win-win situation by keeping those credit card interest expenses low to boost your overall investment returns. 

Besides balance transfers, you also want a card with an intro APR offer for purchases. This feature lets you complete purchases on your card interest-free. Most credit card issuers typically offer a zero APR balance transfer offer alongside a zero APR on purchases. The period varies from one issuer to another, but most providers usually offer up to 15 months.

 

Transaction Costs

Besides APR, here are a few more costs to consider regarding business credit cards. First up, we've got the annual fee. It's like a membership fee to have that card in your wallet, and depending on the credit card issuers, it ranges anywhere from under $100 to $500. 

Additionally, some providers may hit you with a late penalty fee if you miss a payment, and others could charge a fee if you ever need to do a cash advance or balance transfer. While these costs may seem insignificant, they can sneak up on you and leave you with a hefty credit card balance, which means taking a bite out of your investment returns. So, while a zero APR is undoubtedly enticing, look out for additional transaction costs when in the market for the best business credit cards for real estate agents.

 

Bonus Points & Reward Opportunities

Many business credit cards come with user bonuses and rewards. Some cards offer exclusive discounts on services or products you use regularly, while others roll out a handsome signup bonus when you hit a certain spending threshold. Other credit card issuers offer nifty rewards like expense management tools and annual airline-free credits. 

Such bonuses may not seem like a big deal, but in real estate investing, every money-saving opportunity can make a significant difference in your overall returns. For example, if you’re a regular travelling wholesaler, a business credit card with airline credits will save a lot of your transportation costs. This reduces your operational costs and, ultimately, increases your returns. 

To ensure you get the best business credit card for real estate investors, review your operational costs to identify one with bonuses and rewards that serve your needs.

Read Also: How To Invest In Real Estate With No Money: 11 Best Strategies

 

7 Best Credit Cards For Real Estate Investors

Now that you know what to look out for, read on for a detailed review of the best credit cards for real estate investments:

• Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
• American Express Business Gold Card
• Citi Simplicity® Card
• Lowe’s Advantage Card
• Home Depot® Credit Card

Read Also: 9 Best Hard Money Lenders For Beginners & First-Time Investors

 

Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a relatively new kid on the business credit block but well worth the hype. This cash-back business credit, introduced in 2021, offers you a solid 2% cash-back reward on your purchases, and here’s the kicker: it’s cash back with no limits! But wait, there’s more to excite you—if you spend $500 within the first three months, you snag a cool $200 cash bonus. 

In simpler terms, with the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, you save money on every eligible purchase and eventually get $200 back, rewards that can come in handy for covering your daily operational costs as a real estate investor. Redemption options range from cash back, gift cards, cash withdrawals, or direct deposits into your Wells Fargo account. You may even redeem your rewards by depositing them as a gift to a real estate partner or a vendor to whom you owe money. 

Moreover, the card has no annual fee to worry about, and for the first 15 months, you’ll enjoy a 0% intro APR on purchases and any balance transfers you make. This long breather from interest is a lifesaver if you’re working on a significant real estate project, as it allows you some financial flexibility without piling on too much debt. 

However, to enjoy that 0% intro offer on balance transfers, you’ve to request a transfer within 120 days of becoming a cardholder. After the welcome phase, the regular APR rate ranges from 20.24% to 29.99% variable APR. Oh, and note the card is contactless, so you can make payments using your phone, which is way more convenient than lugging around a card.

Additional perks of this credit card for real estate include zero liability protection at no extra cost, Visa concierge services, and cellphone protection. If your phone takes a tumble or, unfortunately, gets swiped, you can claim up to $600 when making your monthly cellphone bill with the card. But note you're limited to two claims per year, and that $600 is subject to a $25 deductible.

So, what’s the not-so-great stuff about the Wells Fargo active cash card? If you’re trotting the globe, you might want to carry some cash because this card charges a 3% fee for foreign fee conversions. Also, it has limited travel rewards and bonus points categories. 

 

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

The Business Platinum Card from American Express is a small business credit card with a $695 annual fee. Before you scream, “Whoaa, that’s steep,” this card serves some seriously awesome travel rewards and statement credits that’ll put the annual fee back in your pocket.

As a new cardholder, if you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases within the first ninety days, you’ll get 120,000 membership reward points. That might sound like a huge minimum spending requirement, but with each point worth 1 cent a piece, you’ll technically get a $1200 cash reward as your sign-up bonus. 

For the long haul, you’ll earn five membership reward points for every dollar you drop on flights booked or stays prepaid through American Express Travel. When you redeem these points for flights with select airlines on Amex Travel, you’ll get 35% of your points back. Consequently, you save money and keep some of your points. Think these are awesome jet-setting perks? You’re in for an even better surprise; Amex platinum cardholders earn free access to all international American Express lounges and over 1,000 other airport lounges, including renowned names like Delta Sky. That means you can kick back and relax between your real estate travel layovers. 

The Amex business platinum is also the best credit card for rental property investors. When they shop at US construction material retailers and hardware suppliers, they earn 1.5 points for every eligible purchase. This reward feature extends to US-based electronics goods retailers and software providers. 

Additionally, American Express partners with Dell Technologies, allowing platinum cardholders up to $ 1,000 in annual statement credits for business purchases. These rewards and statement credit opportunities could add to some serious savings if well-leveraged. 

Now for the fine print: this card has limited bonus credit spending categories, and some credits are only redeemable in increments. But besides that, the business platinum card from AMEX can also be considered the best credit card for real estate agents, wholesalers, business owners, and other REI professionals who are always on the road and not afraid to splash the cash. 

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*For in-depth training on real estate investing and financing, Real Estate Skills offers extensive courses to get you ready to make your first investment! Attend our FREE training and gain insider knowledge, expert strategies, and essential skills to make the most of every real estate opportunity that comes your way!

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Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card

The Ink Business Unlimited® Card is the best credit card for realtors and REI investors looking to skip the annual fee. Yes, you read that right; this credit card has no annual fee! 

But that’s not all! New cardholders pocket $900 in cash-back rewards for the $6,000 they spend within the first three months. What about in the long run? You earn a flat 1.5% cash back for every dollar you spend on your real estate business purchases, regardless of categories. In other words, whether buying equipment or scooping up construction materials for your rehabbing projects, you get that 1.5% cash back. 

You can turn these credit card offers into gift cards, use them for Amazon purchases, or even get statement credits. Do you have a real estate bill to pay? You may cash in these points for a direct deposit into your or a vendor’s bank account. You may even transfer them to other Chase cards, such as the Ink Business Preferred card, for travel rewards, and they’ll even be worth more that way. 

For investors with teams, Ink Business Unlimited makes the best credit card for real estate agents because you can get them employee cards at no extra cost, and guess what? You still earn that 1.5% cash back on everything they purchase on their employee cards. Plus, Chase keeps an eagle eye on transactions and will give you a heads-up if they spot any unusual purchases.

Other perks of the Ink Business Unlimited card include: 

• 0% intro APR on purchases for the first year. After that, the rate varies between 18.49% and 24.49%
• Primary insurance coverage for rental cars, so no need to worry when you’re on the road
• Protection for purchases for up to 120 days
• You'll enjoy extended coverage if you're grabbing something with a standard 3-year warranty.

Here’s the scoop on the drawbacks; while that 1.5% flat cash-back rate is awesome because it applies to everything, it might not be the best if you spend big in specific business categories. You might also want to keep an eye on the 3% foreign transaction fee charged when you travel overseas.

But all in all, the Ink Business Unlimited® card can be a trusty sidekick for real estate investors looking for a credit card offering simple and steady rewards minus the annual fee fuss.

 

American Express Business Gold Card

Available in gold and rose gold, the American Express Business Gold Card is one of the best credit cards for realtors, investors and business owners always moving between overseas and the U.S. With no foreign transaction fees, this card makes payments in foreign countries a breeze.

As with most business credit cards, newly registered cardholders earn 70,000 membership rewards points for the $10,000 spent on eligible purchases within the first three months. 

Does your real estate business have certain spending hotspots? If they fall into two of the six bonus categories offered on the Amex gold card, you’ll earn four membership points for every dollar you spend on the first $150,000 you splash on those categories yearly. The best part? You don’t have to choose these two categories yourself; Amex does it for you based on where your business spent the most money. Spending on the four remaining categories earns a single point per dollar.

The six bonus categories on Amex gold are:

• Airfare procured directly from airlines
• US-based Gas stations
• Dining
• Advertising in select media
• Electronics & Wireless
• US-based purchases for shipping

So, what can you do with all those points? You may cash them for travel or gift cards or transfer them to other Amex loyalty programs. 

In addition to the above rewards, Amex gold card holders get up to $240 in statement credits for eligible purchases made at GrubHub, FedEx and major US office supply stores. If you’re a Walmart + member, you’ll score $12.95 back every month you renew your membership. 

For the globe trotters, prepaying flights and hotels on AmexTravel.com comes with 3x membership points. And when you book your stay with any of the accommodations in Amex Travel’s hotel collection, you’ll snag a $100 experience credits to use on qualifying activities offered. Moreover, depending on the room you book, you might get a room upgrade upon check-in (if available). 

But here’s the real perk for real estate investors—the card has no preset spending limit. Consequently, you may spend as much as you need on your real estate projects as long as your credit, purchase, and payment history are in good shape. And if you need a little more time to pay off eligible purchases, you’ll be glad to know Amex Gold offers a pay overtime option with interest rates applicable.

Other notable features of the Amex Gold Card include:

• Car rental loss and damage insurance
• Trip delay insurance
• Cell phone protection (claim up to $800 up to 2 times per year. Subject to a $50 deductible)
• Purchase protection for up to 90 days(coverage is limited to $ 1,000 per occurrence and $50,000 per card member account)
• Baggage insurance plan 
• 19.49 -27.49 APR variable based on creditworthiness

So, what’s the catch, you ask? Well, the Amex gold card does come with an annual fee of $295, set to increase to $375 after 2/1/24. Also, it has no introductory APR offer, and unlike the platinum version, Amex Gold offers no airport lounge access. But either way, it’s a card with a pretty awesome rewards system. 

 

Citi Simplicity® Card

Looking to tackle that high-interest real estate debt you have on another card? The Citi Simplicity® Card might just be the card for you.

You earn rewards starting with a generous 0% introductory APR on balance transfers for a whopping 21 months! That translates to hitting the pause button on interest while you work on paying off that debt. But there are a couple of things to keep in mind. They charge you $5 for each balance transfer, and you need to make all your transfer requests within the first four months. That said, it’s a pretty good offer, considering it allows you to clear off your debt minus interest. 

In addition to interest-free balance transfer, you get a nice 0% introductory APR offer for any eligible purchase within the first 12 months. After that, the regular APR rate varies, but it's between 19.24% and 29.9%. 

Besides APR offers, what else is the Citi Simplicity® credit card goodie bag? First off, there are no annual fees to worry about. And here’s a sweet deal: they won’t hit you with late fees (but you’ll continue to incur interest on outstanding balances after the introductory APR period). That allows you to set your due dates to match up with how your real estate investments are rolling in.

Oh, and there are no penalty fees, either. Moreover, the card supports contactless pay, significantly simplifying payments. Also, users have zero liability for unauthorized charges. 

Squinting your eyes suspiciously, wondering what’s the catch? Here it is: in exchange for these awesome features, the Citi Simplicity® Card sacrifices reward programs. It’s the best credit card for house flippers, agents and investors looking to clear high-interest credit card debt. But if your goal is cash back and rewards, you’d have to review other options. 

 

Lowe’s Advantage Card

The Lowe’s Advantage Card is hands down the best credit card for house flippers, wholesalers, and other real estate investors involved with renovation projects. It was tailor-made to help Lowe clientele finance their renovation and home rehabbing projects and features some pretty awesome offers, allowing you to complete your rehabbing projects quickly. 

So what’s its selling point? It has no annual fee. As a result, it won’t cost you a dime to keep this card in your wallet. Beyond the annual fee, you’ve got three reward options when shopping for renovation supplies at Lowe’s: 

• 5% discount: The Lowe Advantage Card allows users an immediate 5% discount offer on all eligible purchases they make at the store or on Lowe’s website. Think of this as money off your bill every time you shop for supplies. It could result in significant savings if well-leveraged, especially if you’re bulk shopping or are a regular at Lowe’s.
• Special financing: Do you need house flipping supplies but working on a tight budget? The Lowe Advantage card offers a six-month special financing deal for purchases worth $299 and above. 
• 84-month offer: If the six-month financing offer isn’t your jam, check out the card’s 84-month offer. With this one, you get up to 84 months to pay for purchases worth $2000 or more in fixed monthly installments and at a lower APR of 9.99%. It’s like spreading out your payments for the long haul. 

The offers are great, but there are a few things to remember. First, you cannot mix and match these offers. That means if you snag the 5% immediate discount, you cannot maximize on the six-month special financing offer or the 84-month fixed installment offer.

Also, with the special financing, and 84-month offers, the interest rates are deferred. In other words, you start accruing interest costs if you don’t pay your dues within the required period. And one more thing—the Lowe’s Advantage Card is a store card, so it’s specifically for use at Lowe’s stores or on their website. Additionally, the card’s welcome offer was only valid until January 2023. 

So, who’s the card best for? This credit card is for any real estate investor looking to cut down on construction costs and someone who’s got a solid payment plan in mind. While it has drawbacks, the Lowe’s Advantage Card could be a valuable tool in your real estate renovation arsenal. 

Read Also: 10 House Flipping Tips To Maximize Your ROI

 

Home Depot® Credit Card

If you’re more of a Home Depot shopper, check out the Home Depot Credit Card. It’s also the best credit card for landlords, house flippers, and business owners in REI, with an average credit score. Plus, you won’t have to stress about annual or maintenance fees because this card doesn’t charge any. 

So, what else does it have in store for you? If you are deep in the world of house flipping, the Home Depot® Credit Card, welcome offer will help you save on supplies. New cardholders often get a discount between $25 and $100 depending on their spending. While it may seem insignificant, that discount can make a big difference when bulk shopping your home renovation supplies. 

Beyond the welcome offer, cardholders also get an introductory 0% APR for 6 to 24 months on purchases worth $299 or more. Thereafter, the regular APR rate is variable between 17.995 and 26.99%. This little break from interest gives you plenty of time to chip away at those minimum balances for renovation supplies or any other purchases you make at Home Depot. But the catch is that the interest is deferred like the Lowe’s card. So, if you don’t pay up within the preset period, you’ll have a heap of interest added to your minimums!

Another notable feature of the Home Depot credit card is that you can get special financing for your purchases for up to two years. This allows you enough wiggle room to clear your payments, but there’s a twist: the offer only runs during special promotions. 

Overall, the Home Depot card is just like most store credit cards. It comes with rewards, which, with some strategic planning, can help you save on home renovation costs. Whether you’re a DIY-er or a pro-house-flipping expert, this card could be a handy tool for tackling property projects, but you cannot rely on it entirely. You’d need to stack it with other bank-based credit cards.

Read Also: Real Estate Financing: The 6 Best Funding Options For Investors

 

Do Real Estate Investors Need a Business Credit Card?

While not mandatory, real estate investors do need a business credit card for several benefits such as:

• Increases Your Spending Power
• Separates Business and Personal Expenses
• Simplifies Expense Management
• Cost Savings
• Offer Tax Savings Opportunities
• Enhance Cash Flow Flexibility

Read Also: Private Money Lending: How It Works & How To Become A Lender

  

It Increases Your Spending Power

As noted, real estate investing is a game of numbers, and if you rely on savings and profits alone, your reserves may run dry before your investments yield returns. A business credit card can serve as a financial safety net, providing quick access to funds and promoting cash flow as needed. 

 

It Separates Business and Personal Expenses

Keeping your personal finance and business expenses separate allows financial clarity and makes things easier during tax season. By getting a business credit card, you can separate your real estate investment expenses from personal credit, making tracking and reporting your business-related costs easier. 

Additionally, getting a best business credit card for realtors and your real estate business lets you build a separate credit profile for your venture and can lead to better relationships with lenders and financial institutions. This profile could be useful when you need financing for future real estate projects, while your positive credit history earns you opportunities for favorable financing terms when pursuing larger real estate projects. 

 

It Simplifies Expense Management

Since they’re designed for business, most business credit cards often feature tools to help users manage expenses. For example, some cards feature bookkeeping tools and allow users to export credit data to external accounting software seamlessly. Such features simplify expense tracking management since you can categorize transactions, set spending limits, and generate detailed expense reports whenever necessary.

 

Cost Savings 

As noted, many business credit cards offer rewards and bonuses such as cashback, discounts, and travel miles. These benefits allow cost savings and can be a real boon for your real estate investment activities. For instance, a credit card with purchase protection can offer valuable insurance safeguarding for essential equipment in your real business, such as computers and iPads.

 

A Business Credit Card Offers Tax Savings Opportunities

Interests and fees on business credit cards used for legitimate business expenses are often tax deductible, providing potential tax benefits for your real estate investment endeavors.

 

Enhanced Cash Flow Flexibility

Real estate investments involve not just substantial costs but may, at times, include unexpected opportunities. A credit card with a low APR offers the cash flow flexibility to maximize these opportunities at a lower cost without carrying high-interest debts.

 

Final Thoughts

Navigating the sea of credit card options in the market can be daunting, but the secret key is finding one that best suits your unique needs as a real estate investor. 

Our guide explores various options tailored to be the best business credit cards for real estate investors. From the active cash-back-card by Wells Fargo to the awesome travel benefits that come with the AMEX business platinum card and the renovation-friendly options like the Lowe’s Advantage and Home Depot cards, our list proves there’s a business credit card for real estate ventures of all forms. 

However, ensure you weigh the pros and cons carefully. While some come with generous credit card offers, specific terms apply, which may be drawbacks such as limited bonus points and high-interest rates when you defer. 

Ready to take your real estate investing to the next level? Learning best credit cards for real estate investors is just the beginning. Schedule a FREE Strategy Session with us to learn how our Ultimate Investor Program can unlock even more opportunities and strategies in the Virginia market. We'll also help you tailor an investment strategy that's right for you. Don't miss out—take the next step toward maximizing your investment potential today!

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*Disclosure: Real Estate Skills is not a law firm, and the information contained here does not constitute legal advice. You should consult with an attorney before making any legal conclusions. The information presented here is educational in nature. All investments involve risks, and the past performance of an investment, industry, sector, and/or market does not guarantee future returns or results. Investors are responsible for any investment decision they make. Such decisions should be based on an evaluation of their financial situation, investment objectives, risk tolerance, and liquidity needs.