Author: Dana Krook

For many Canadian founders, the biggest roadblock to getting a corporate credit card is the personal guarantee. This requirement ties your business credit card directly to personal assets, leaving you exposed if the business can’t cover its balance. That tension has created a demand for business credit cards with no personal guarantee.

SMBs aren’t a small group; in fact, they make up 98% of all businesses in Canada. Many face loan denials unless they pledge personal collateral worth multiple times the loan amount. Even when approved, interest rates are steep, and many companies are forced to turn to high-interest credit cards as a fallback.

Most banks continue to rely on personal guarantees as their safeguard. That’s why Float’s no-personal-guarantee corporate cards stand out. They give business owners access to credit and modern spend management tools without tying their personal finances to company debt.

This guide explores what personal guarantees are and why they’ve been a problem for Canadian business owners. We’ll also walk through the new options available for those who want to protect their personal assets while equipping their teams to spend and grow.

What is a personal guarantee on a business credit card?

A personal guarantee is your personal promise to repay the debt if your business can’t. When you apply for a traditional business credit card, banks often require the founder or an executive to co-sign. If the company defaults, the bank can pursue your personal assets: your home, your savings and your credit score are all on the line.

Until recently, Canadian founders had few alternatives, leaving half of SMBs feeling as though traditional banks just aren’t interested in supporting them. 

Banks lean on this practice to reduce their risk, especially with businesses that may lack a long credit history or large reserves. Many entrepreneurs assume that incorporation fully protects them from liability. If something goes wrong, they expect only the company will take the hit. But a personal guarantee overrides those protections. Even if your business is incorporated, the liability passes back to you as an individual.

Why personal guarantees are a problem for business owners

On paper, a personal guarantee looks like a bank’s safety net. In practice, it’s often a founder’s worst nightmare. If things go wrong, that guarantee means your company’s debt becomes your personal debt.

When businesses hit a cash flow crunch, founders can suddenly find themselves covering balances from their own pockets. Savings are drained, credit scores fall and in the worst cases, personal assets are seized. It’s a sharp reminder that the line between business risk and personal risk disappears once you sign a guarantee.

The impacts are both financial and psychological. Many founders avoid growth moves like hiring or expansion because they can’t stomach the thought of losing their homes if things go sideways. Some avoid credit altogether, limiting opportunities to scale. Others default to personal cards, blending finances in ways that create messy books and even more stress.

At its core, a personal guarantee undermines the very point of incorporation. Creating a separate legal entity is meant to shield your personal assets. A personal guarantee rips down that wall, exposing owners to risks far beyond the business itself. This is exactly why demand for business credit cards with no personal guarantees is growing in Canada.

Traditional business credit cards in Canada and the U.S.

For decades, personal guarantees have defined the business credit card landscape in Canada. Almost every major bank requires founders to co-sign their company’s debt, relying on personal credit histories to determine eligibility and limits. For small and medium-sized businesses, that often means applying with fingers crossed and personal assets hanging in the balance.

The US market tells a different story. While most American banks also rely on personal guarantees, a growing number of fintechs have carved out an alternative. Companies like Brex, Ramp and Divvy built their reputations by offering corporate cards that evaluate businesses on their own fundamentals: cash flow, revenue and operational stability.

In Canada, the choices have been far more limited. Until recently, there were essentially no small business credit cards that didn’t require personal guarantees. Banks treated SMBs more like retail customers than businesses, offering small credit limits, slow approvals and little flexibility. 

Even when entrepreneurs manage to access a bank loan, they’ll likely still carry steep interest rates. That gap forces many business owners to lean heavily on credit cards, which typically come with double-digit interest rates and restrictive guarantees.

The result is a corporate card environment that has historically limited SMB access to scalable credit options.. Instead of empowering Canadian businesses to scale, traditional offerings tie up founders’ personal risk tolerance, saddle them with high costs and complicate financial management. For this reason, small business credit cards with no personal guarantee have become a much-desired option in Canada’s financial ecosystem.

Are there business credit cards with no personal guarantee?

Short answer: yes, but they’re rare. Most issuers see small businesses as risky bets. Without long credit histories or substantial cash reserves, founders are often expected to guarantee repayment personally. 

Again, in the US, companies like Brex and Ramp have proven that it’s possible to change this by underwriting companies differently: looking at a company’s revenue, cash flow, and fundamentals instead of the founder’s personal credit. But even south of the border, these no-personal-guarantee (no-PG) cards remain a minority.

In Canada, the gap has been even wider. Until very recently, there were essentially no corporate cards offering true business-only liability. Some marketing suggested alternatives, but the fine print almost always revealed a personal guarantee clause.

This is what makes Float’s corporate cards stand out. Instead of relying on founders to carry personal liability, Float evaluates businesses on their own performance. For example, under Float Charge, companies can access up to $3 million in working capital (with 15 to 30 day payment terms) without a personal guarantee, based on their revenue and cash flow strength. 

For businesses that prefer to maintain tighter control over cash flow and spend only what’s available, Float’s pre-funded model allows them to deposit funds into their Float account and spend up to that balance, with full visibility and controls built in. It’s an approach that can ease worries when considering how to qualify for no-personal-guarantee credit cards.

The key takeaway for Canadian SMBs: a no-personal-guarantee card isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s a safeguard that lets you separate your personal financial life from your business. And until recently, it wasn’t an option in this market at all.

Float’s approach: No personal guarantee corporate cards in Canada

Unlike traditional business credit cards, Float’s corporate cards separate business and personal liability entirely, reconciling the tension between business credit vs. personal guarantees. That’s a fundamental shift in how SMBs can access and manage credit.

Float is also purpose-built for Canadian businesses, with CAD and USD cards, local support, and compliance with Canadian tax codes.

How Float reduces risk without passing it to founders

Instead of tying liability to a founder’s personal credit, Float evaluates businesses on their fundamentals: revenue, cash flow and operating history. This approach allows growing companies to access the working capital they need without putting the founder’s home or savings at risk.

Float offers two flexible funding models:

1. Float Charge

Float Charge provides up to $3 million in unsecured, interest-free working capital with no personal guarantee, based on the company’s financial performance. Businesses get 15 to 30 days to pay off their balance, giving them breathing room to smooth cash flow.

2. Pre-funded cards

Businesses can deposit funds into their Float account and issue cards against that balance. This creates an automatic spending limit, eliminating the need for credit checks altogether. This model appeals to companies searching for no credit check business credit cards that are quick to set up.

Both options connect directly to company accounts, not personal ones. That separation protects founders, preserves limited liability and keeps business and personal finances where they belong. These features are helpful for business owners without strong personal credit history..

Built-in visibility and controls

One of the reasons banks cling to personal guarantees is risk management. Float addresses that differently: with smart technology and real-time oversight.

• Instant card issuance: Businesses can spin up virtual or physical cards in seconds, in CAD or USD.
• Granular spend controls: Set limits by card, category, project or user so that a “software-only” card can’t suddenly be used at a coffee shop.
• Multi-level approvals: Route spend requests through the right managers automatically, instead of relying on finance to manually approve everything.
• Automated compliance: Receipts, GL codes and expense categories flow directly into accounting software, making month-end faster and audit trails airtight.

The result is a system that prevents misuse before it happens, instead of punishing it after the fact.

Benefits to business owners

For Canadian founders and finance leaders, the payoff is clear.

• Protect personal assets: Keep your home and savings out of business risk.
• Operate with confidence: Spend and scale, knowing liability stops at the business.
• Empower teams: Issue cards broadly while staying in control of budgets.
• Earn high-interest on funds: Float accounts offer up to 4% interest on both CAD and USD funds, a feature most traditional banks can’t match.

Float removes personal guarantees and layers in smart financial tools, helping Canadian SMBs access credit safely while building better systems for visibility, compliance and control.

Comparing options: What to consider before choosing business credit vs. personal guarantee

Not all corporate cards are created equal. For founders weighing their options, it’s easy to get distracted by attractive perks, such as points and cashback. But the real decision criteria go deeper, especially if protecting personal assets is a priority.

Here are six key factors to weigh before signing on the dotted line:

1. Liability structure

The first and most important question: Does the card require a personal guarantee? Limited guarantees may cap liability at a set amount, but unlimited guarantees hold founders responsible for the full balance plus fees and interest. If you’re exploring business credit cards with no personal guarantee for bad credit, be sure to read the fine print to confirm the protection is real.

2. Credit limits and flexibility

Traditional banks often offer small credit lines that don’t scale with your business. Float Charge, by contrast, extends up to $3M in working capital based on business fundamentals. If you’re growing quickly, look for a provider that can scale credit alongside you without dragging personal risk along with it.

3. Spend visibility and controls

A single company credit card may rack up points, but it leaves finance teams chasing receipts, reconciling statements by hand and worrying about overspending. The smarter move is to choose a card system with real-time visibility, instant card freezing and spend controls that prevent problems before they happen.

4. Integration with your financial tools

Month-end doesn’t have to be a slog. Cards that connect directly to your accounting platform, such as QuickBooks, Xero or NetSuite, streamline reconciliation and keep audit trails clean. Float automates GL coding and receipt capture so finance teams can move from “doers” to “reviewers” when closing the books.

5. Multi-currency support

If you’re doing business across borders, foreign exchange fees can quietly erode your margins. Most Canadian banks still charge 3% on every US transaction. Float lets you issue CAD and USD cards instantly, allowing you to move between currencies at rates that are up to 90% cheaper than bank foreign exchange (FX) costs.

6. Fraud prevention and compliance

Look for proactive, not reactive, corporate card security and compliance standards. With Float, cards can be paused, cancelled or limited in seconds. Real-time transaction monitoring, audit-ready reporting and SOC 2 Type 2 certification mean compliance is built in, not bolted on.

Float: Protecting founders while powering growth

For Canadian business owners, the personal guarantee has long been a hidden cost of accessing credit. It puts financial security at risk, undermining the very reason many founders incorporated in the first place.

The good news? There’s finally another way. Float’s business cards with no personal guarantee give companies the working capital they need without tying liability to their founders. 

With instant controls, multi-level approvals and seamless integrations, Float helps finance leaders protect personal assets, keep spending in check and close the books faster.

If you’re ready to scale without betting your personal future, it’s time to explore Float’s corporate cards—the Canadian solution built to give your business flexibility, control and peace of mind.

Access to credit can make or break a small business. However, for many Canadian founders, obtaining a traditional business credit card approval feels like navigating an obstacle course. It often involves lengthy applications, extensive documentation and the looming risk of a personal guarantee. 

Over half of small business owners in Canada are asked to put their own assets at risk just to secure financing, with one in four being rejected outright, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB). That’s not exactly a recipe for growth.

It’s no wonder that curiosity about no-credit-check credit cards has taken off. These cards provide entrepreneurs with a faster and more accessible way to manage company spending. With some providers (including Float), approvals are based on business performance with no personal guarantee or personal credit checks.

This guide breaks down what no-credit-check business credit cards are, why they’re growing in popularity and what Canadian SMBs need to know to make smart decisions.

What no-credit-check credit cards really mean

A no-credit-check business credit card does exactly what it says. It provides businesses with a way to access and manage capital without pulling the owner’s personal credit report. Instead of relying on a founder’s credit score or requiring a personal guarantee, approval is based on business fundamentals, including revenue, cash flow and account balances. Some options are pre-funded, where you load funds and can often start spending within minutes of verification. Others are charge cards that extend interest-free terms (pay-in-full each cycle) for short-term working capital.

Here are the key differences:

Traditional business credit cards often look at both personal and business credit. Banks typically ask for two years of financial statements, tax returns and even collateral like a personal home. Approval can take weeks.

No-credit-check business credit cards skip the personal credit inquiry and heavy documentation. Some options are pre-funded, where you load money and spend against it with approval within minutes once your business identity is verified. Others function as charge cards, offering short-term working capital with repayment due in full at the end of each cycle.

For many entrepreneurs, especially those seeking the easiest business credit cards 2025 has to offer, this shift means fewer hoops to jump through and a lot less waiting around.

Why Canadian businesses are turning to no-credit-check cards

Traditional financing for small businesses is tough to come by. Canadian banks have historically catered to larger organizations, leaving startups and micro-businesses struggling to access capital. 

Between 2012 and 2022, the share of Canadian small businesses seeking financing jumped from 35% to 58%, according to the CFIB. Yet, approval rates haven’t kept up. 

Where does this leave Canadian SMBs? Over half of micro-business owners are forced into personal guarantees, leaving 64% of small businesses dissatisfied with bank service. 

Layer on tightened lending, higher interest rates and sluggish bank processes, and you can see why SMBs are looking for alternatives. Entrepreneurs need financing that matches their pace, not the banks.

No-credit-check credit cards have surged in popularity because they:

• Solve accessibility gaps: They make funding available to businesses with little or no credit history.
• Move at startup speed: Approvals are quick, often within one business day depending on the provider and product type.
• Protect the founders personally: Skipping personal guarantees creates a clear divide between personal and business finances.

This trend is particularly relevant for startup business credit cards, where founders often need a financial tool to get off the ground without also betting their mortgage.

How no-credit-check cards differ from traditional business credit cards

Not all business credit cards work the same way, and the differences matter. Understanding how no-credit-check credit cards diverge from traditional products is key to making an informed choice.

No-credit-check business cards provide access to capital without running a personal credit inquiry. 

Instead, approval is typically based on either:

• Cash flow-based underwriting, which looks at business bank balances, transaction volume and revenue.
• Pre-funded cards, which require loading funds in advance, limiting spending to the available balance.

Key differences vs. traditional business credit cards

Traditional credit cards come with long application timelines, rigid requirements and high interest rates. 

No credit check options change the game by:

• Replacing credit scores with cash flow evaluations
• Cutting approval times from weeks to days
• Removing personal guarantees
• Using repayment models like pre-funded or charge (pay-in-full) rather than revolving credit

For small businesses, this means less paperwork, less personal risk and more time focused on growth. For those with past financial challenges, unsecured business credit cards for bad credit are one of the few tools that provide access without punishing them for their history.

Why no credit check cards matter for Canadian SMBs

For most SMBs, the challenges with traditional credit aren’t hypothetical. They’re daily frustrations. The paperwork burden, the risk of personal liability and the wait times can stall growth before it even begins.

Common challenges with traditional credit

Traditional cards often work against smaller businesses, rather than supporting them. Newer companies are frequently denied because they lack the two years of financial history that banks typically require. Even when they do qualify, many owners are required to sign personal guarantees, putting their homes and savings at risk. 

The approval process itself can be painfully slow, with multiple rounds of documentation and long wait times before a card is even issued. And if you do get approved, you may be rewarded with double-digit interest rates and hefty fees that eat into already thin margins.

Benefits of no-credit-check credit cards

No-credit-check cards flip the script. They’re built to move at the pace of a small business. Approvals can take as little as one business day, with real-time controls and visibility through modern spend management platforms.They also separate personal and business finances, so founders aren’t risking their personal assets every time they need to cover expenses. 

With modern spend management tools, businesses can now track their expenses in real-time, rather than weeks after the fact. And because these cards can provide short-term financing, they smooth out cash flow gaps while companies wait on invoices or manage seasonal swings.

These benefits are especially important for business credit cards with no personal credit check, a category designed to protect entrepreneurs from putting personal assets at risk while still giving them access to critical spending tools.

The main types of no-credit-check card options

No-credit-check business cards aren’t one-size-fits-all. Different structures meet different business needs, so it’s important to understand the landscape before making a choice.

• Revenue-based: Approval is tied to monthly or annual revenue. This is ideal for growing businesses that may lack a long credit history but have a steady stream of sales.
• Cash-flow-based: Evaluates account balances and transaction history to determine eligibility and spending power. Helpful for businesses with fluctuating income but strong liquidity.
• Secured/prepaid: Deposit-backed cards that limit spending to what you’ve preloaded. These work well for very new businesses or those rebuilding financial discipline.
• Industry-specific: Cards designed for sectors like fleet, vendor management or e-commerce, offering perks or controls tailored to those industries.

Think of it like buying shoes: you wouldn’t run a marathon in heels. Picking the wrong card type can hold your business back just as much.

The features that make a no-credit-check card worth it

Not all cards are created equal, and shiny rewards shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. Before applying, SMBs should evaluate what tools and protections each card actually provides.

Expense management features are a must, especially for businesses juggling multiple employees and departments. Real-time spend limits, category restrictions and instant card issuance prevent overspending before it happens. 

Look for integrations with accounting platforms like QuickBooks, Xero or NetSuite (plus CSV/API options) to streamline close. 

Fee structures deserve scrutiny, too. Some providers tuck away transaction fees, foreign exchange surcharges or high annual costs that undercut the card’s usefulness. Transparency here can save thousands annually.

How Canadian businesses can qualify

Applying for a no-credit-check credit card is generally simpler than applying for a traditional bank credit card, but business owners should know what to expect.

Most providers require:

• Business registration (BN or incorporation documents)
• An active bank account to connect for pre-funding or revenue verification
• Basic financials, such as bank statements or proof of recent revenue

Some alternative providers use payment processor data (for example, Shopify or Stripe) or e-commerce sales history as proof of business activity. Others focus on cash reserves and liquidity, evaluating whether a company has $75,000 or more in the bank and at least 12 months of runway.

It’s a refreshing change. Instead of being judged on a founder’s personal credit mistakes from years ago, the decision is based on the business’s real-time health.

Best practices to use no-credit-check cards responsibly

Getting approved is only step one. Using no-credit-check cards effectively is what drives long-term value.

To make the most of them:

• Separate personal and business spending: Mixing the two leads to messy accounting and potential tax headaches.
• Use controls strategically: Assign cards by department or project, set expiry dates and enforce category restrictions to maintain discipline.
• Automate reporting: Modern card platforms let receipts, codes and statements flow directly into your accounting system. Don’t rely on manual uploads.
• Optimize working capital: Look for providers that reward you for keeping funds in the platform. Float, for example, pays up to 4% interest on CAD or USD balances above $50,000 (up to $1M), and 2.25% below $50,000. Float also offers CDIC insurance up to $100,000 CAD and USD combined.
• Stay realistic about limits: Charge cards aren’t revolving credit. They must be paid in full each cycle. Plan your cash flow accordingly.

These practices are especially important for unsecured business credit cards for bad credit, since they help companies avoid misuse and ensure they’re using the cards as intended.

Mistakes to avoid with no-credit-check cards

It’s easy to misuse new financial tools if you don’t know what to watch for. The most common traps with no credit check cards include:

• Assuming they build credit: Reporting practices vary by provider and by bureau (business vs consumer). Check whether—and to whom—your provider reports.
• Treating charge cards like credit cards: Failing to budget for full repayment each cycle can strain cash flow.
• Mixing business and personal spend: This blurs financial records and complicates audits.
• Handing out cards without policies: Without clear rules and approval workflows, misuse is almost guaranteed.
• Overlooking hidden fees: FX charges, membership costs and transaction fees can add up quickly.

Think of it this way: a no-credit-check card isn’t a magic wand. It’s a powerful tool, but only if you use it wisely.

How to choose the right no-credit-check card for your business

With so many providers entering the market, choosing the right no-credit-check business card can feel overwhelming. A thoughtful evaluation process can narrow the field quickly.

1. Start by identifying your business needs

Are you looking for a flexible charge card to manage your cash flow, or a simple prepaid card for tighter spending control? From there, look at the features and integrations. A card that connects directly with your accounting software will save you significant time and headaches.

 2. Cost also matters

Fee transparency can make or break the value of a card, especially if your business frequently transacts in USD or other currencies. Multi-currency support and lower FX fees are critical for Canadian businesses working across borders.

3. Think about scalability

Can the card provider grow with you, from a five-person startup to a 200-person company? The ability to issue cards instantly, set team-based budgets and integrate with larger ERP systems is vital for long-term growth.

For founders considering applications for the easiest business credit cards in 2025, this kind of due diligence ensures the card they choose today won’t create roadblocks tomorrow.

Float: Making business credit more accessible

Canadian businesses deserve better than slow bank approvals and personal guarantees that carry risk. No-credit-check business credit cards offer founders a safer and faster way to access spending tools, without tying their personal assets to the company’s financial  outcomes.

Key points to remember:

• Approval is based on business performance, not personal credit
• Benefits include faster access, separation of finances and stronger cash flow management
• Options range from pre-funded to charge cards with varying features and requirements
• The right choice depends on your business’s size, cash flow and future growth plans

For many entrepreneurs, especially those exploring startup business credit cards or business credit cards with no personal credit check, these products represent freedom: freedom from personal guarantees, from wasted time on paperwork and from month-end headaches.

For many hospitality businesses, cash flow isn’t steady. It spikes with catering events, holiday rushes or patio season. Tools like high-yield accounts and on-demand credit can help teams stay liquid during slower periods and scale up quickly when things get busy. 

That’s where corporate cards for the hospitality industry come in. Having the right system in place offers a faster, more secure way to manage day-to-day spend. In this article, we’ll break down how corporate cards work for hospitality teams, what to look for in a provider and how they can help you stay efficient as you grow.

What are corporate cards and how do they work in hospitality?

Hospitality teams deal with complex expenses every day. From late-night supplier orders to team travel and location-specific purchases, the spending rarely stops.

Corporate cards are designed specifically for business expenses. Unlike personal or small business credit cards, they’re issued to employees directly, come with custom limits, offer real-time spend visibility and don’t require personal credit guarantees. 

They’re especially useful for hospitality businesses like:

• Restaurants: Give each manager or chef a card for shift needs and supply runs
• Hotels: Assign cards to housekeeping, events or facilities teams
• Coffee shops: Track location-level spend and assign budgets per store
• Franchises: Set company-wide guardrails while allowing local flexibility

The right corporate cards are built to match the pace of hospitality. Armed with smart financial tools, a corporate card program lets teams make secure, controlled purchases whether they’re on-site, on the move or ordering online.

Benefits of using corporate cards in hospitality

As hospitality businesses grow, so does the complexity of tracking and controlling spend. Corporate cards offer a scalable, secure solution to stay on top of expenses without slowing your team down.

Streamlined expense tracking

With corporate cards, every transaction is logged automatically. When paired with accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero, reconciliation becomes quicker and less error-prone.

Built-in tracking features also help businesses stay audit-ready and compliant with internal policies.

Some finance teams have reduced month-end close from weeks to just a few days with automated GL coding, real-time receipt capture and accounting integrations that eliminate manual entry.

Reduce out-of-pocket costs for staff

Hospitality employees often need to make fast decisions like covering a last-minute delivery or grabbing supplies between shifts. Corporate cards give teams the freedom to act without dipping into their own wallets.

This can ease the burden for front-of-house staff handling urgent purchases or event teams buying last-minute supplies. 

Setting spending limits per card or team

Unlike shared company cards or petty cash, corporate cards allow for precise control. You can assign limits by person, department or project so every dollar has a purpose. This flexibility makes it easier to empower staff while keeping spending aligned with the business’s goals.

With a corporate card solution, businesses can issue unique virtual or physical cards to each team member, manager or store with spend caps and merchant locks built in. This reduces rogue transactions and makes reconciling location-level budgets much easier.

Real-time oversight to catch overspending quickly

One of the biggest benefits of using corporate cards is visibility. Finance teams can monitor activity as it happens, making it easier to catch issues early.

Businesses can:

• Identify policy violations right away
• Flag unusual vendor activity or duplicate charges
• Keep tabs on location-specific budgets in busy periods

This kind of oversight is especially valuable in fast-moving environments where spend decisions happen daily.

Extra convenience with secure virtual cards

Many corporate card platforms now offer virtual cards, which are unique, digital cards that can be issued instantly and used for one-off or vendor-specific transactions.

Since each card can be tied to a specific budget or auto-expire, they offer added protection against fraud or misuse.

What to look for in a corporate card for hospitality

If you’re managing spend across multiple locations, teams or shifts, choosing the right provider can make all the difference. These are the features to look for if you’re in the hospitality industry.

Spend controls and approval workflows

Your card platform should let you set spending limits and approval rules by team, role or vendor. This gives staff the freedom to buy what they need—within clear boundaries.

Example: A restaurant group gives GMs the ability to cover shift supplies, but anything over $1,000 routes to finance for approval. The team stays fast, and big purchases stay in check.

Integration with popular accounting platforms

Make sure the platform connects with your accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero or NetSuite. This cuts down on manual work and keeps your books accurate.

Example: A boutique hotel automatically syncs daily transactions to QuickBooks, tagging expenses to departments like housekeeping, events or maintenance – no extra data entry needed.

Simple receipt capture and matching

Paper receipts are easy to lose, especially when things get busy. Look for a tool that lets staff upload receipts by photo, email or text so finance can match them right away.

Example: A catering company has drivers snap photos of receipts after the vendor runs. It saves time later when finance reconciles fuel and supply purchases by location.

Multi-user management with custom roles

Not everyone needs full access to card settings. Choose a platform that lets you assign access based on job responsibilities.

Example: A café chain gives store managers access to their location’s spend, while district managers oversee activity across

Built-in security features

Fraud and card sharing can be a genuine concern in high-turnover hospitality environments. Look for a platform that lets you issue virtual cards, limit spend by vendor or category and set automatic expiry dates. If you work with U.S.-based suppliers or manage cross-border spend, CAD and USD cards with competitive FX rates can also help protect margins and avoid unnecessary fees.

Example: An event venue issues vendor-specific virtual cards for temporary contractors and uses USD cards to pay U.S.-based suppliers, reducing fraud risk, keeping project costs tightly controlled and avoiding FX markups that cut into profit.

Looking for corporate card comparisons? Check out this rundown of the best business cards in Canada for more information.

Tips for using corporate cards in hospitality

Corporate cards work best when paired with the right policies and habits. Here’s how to get the most value:

• Set a clear spend policy: Outline what can be spent, by whom and how much
• Train your team: Show them how to upload receipts and request virtual cards
• Review spend regularly: Stay proactive and spot trends before they become issues
• Use virtual cards: Great for contractors, online services, one-off expenses or vendor-specific use cases
• Start small: Pilot with one department and then scale to others

Looking for a guide on how corporate cards work in Canada? Here’s a practical guide to corporate cards in Canada. 

Simplify hospitality spending with Float

With no personal guarantees, flexible onboarding and smart controls, Float is the modern solution for restaurant groups, hotels, franchises and food service teams. There are no personal guarantees, onboarding is fast and everything’s built to handle the pace of hospitality.

Here’s how Float helps simplify hospitality business expense management:

• Instant CAD and USD card issuance for staff, managers or locations
• Merchant locks, spend limits and approval flows that prevent overspending
• Seamless syncing with your accounting system for faster month-end
• Real-time receipt capture and auto-matching for cleaner books
• Competitive FX rates for cross-border purchases and U.S. vendor payments
• High-yield accounts and Float Charge to support seasonal cash flow
• Cashback and up to 4% interest on unused funds

Whether you’re scaling up for patio season or simplifying multi-location spend, Float helps finance teams stay in control without slowing anyone down.

Explore how Float supports smarter corporate cards for the hospitality industry and why more finance teams are making the switch.

Running a retail or e-commerce business in Canada isn’t for the faint of heart. Between inventory costs, shipping fees, ad spend and seasonal swings, your cash flow has a lot of moving parts. 

That’s where the right business credit card comes in. You need a smart tool to manage spend, smooth out the dips and even earn rewards along the way.

While retail and e-commerce are commonly powered by small business owners with big ambitions, the market itself is huge. Retail e-commerce sales are forecast to reach over $130 billion by 2027, and that’s only about 12% of the total retail market. And to get a part of that, retail and e-commerce business owners need a financial solution that grows with them, not slows them down.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best credit cards for retail and e-commerce businesses in Canada. We’ll break down what to look for and which options deliver the most value, whether you’re selling online or stocking shelves in a local shop.

What is a business credit card?

A business credit card is a type of credit card made specifically for business spending—not personal purchases. It’s issued to your business (even if you’re a sole proprietor) and helps keep business and personal finances clearly separated. We’re all for not white-knuckling those tax returns.

What makes a business card different from a regular credit card? Features like higher credit limits, employee cards, categorized expense tracking and rewards are often better suited to how businesses spend. 
Just getting started? Learn how to get a business credit card.

Why is a business credit card important for retail and e-commerce?

Retail and e-commerce businesses have unique sales rhythms that don’t always align with when cash hits your account. Inventory has to be ordered weeks ahead, and ad campaigns need to run before sales roll in. Shipping costs fluctuate. A business credit card can help bridge those timing gaps so you’re not scrambling.

Beyond short-term cash flow support, business credit cards can also help track spending across platforms, team members or locations. This is especially useful if you’re selling both online and in a store. And because business credit builds separately from your personal credit, using your card responsibly can help you unlock better financing options down the road.

What features matter most for retail and e-commerce teams? 

Choosing a credit card for your retail or e-commerce business isn’t just about picking the one with the best rewards. The key is to find a tool that matches the way your business spends, scales and manages cash.

Here’s what to prioritize: 

Smart spend controls

You need to know where your money is going and keep it on track.

• Virtual and physical cards
  Instantly issue virtual cards for ad platforms like Meta, Google or Amazon, and physical cards for store teams and suppliers. Look for cards that support both CAD and USD to simplify multi-currency operations.
• Merchant-specific and campaign-level control
  Set vendor locks, approval flows and temporary or recurring spending limits. This level of control helps reduce fraud, prevents overages and keeps digital campaigns on budget.
• Security and fraud prevention
  While EMV chips, tokenization and 2FA are standard, virtual cards add an extra layer. Authorize them for single use or a specific platform, then cancel or replace instantly if needed. This is especially useful when managing multiple ad accounts or rotating vendors.

Better visibility and faster reconciliation

When spend happens across teams, stores or campaigns, tracking it all in real time is essential.

• Real-time dashboards and reporting
  See who spent what, where and why across every department, campaign or location. This keeps budgets on track and makes audits painless.
• Multi-part tax coding and expense categorization
  Auto-categorize transactions, break out GST/HST/PST and sync directly to your general ledger. It’s the fastest path to closing your books each month.
• Expense management tools
  Integrated tools that capture receipts, match transactions and sync with your accounting software (like QuickBooks or Xero) turn chaos into clarity.

Cash flow and capital flexibility

Retail and e-commerce businesses often spend before they earn, especially during seasonal peaks.

• Same-day funding and high-yield reserves
  Access funds when you need them and earn 4% interest on idle cash in the meantime. This helps you prepare for seasonal demand without draining your main account.
• Generous credit limits
  If you’re scaling fast or stocking up ahead of a major sale, you’ll need a card that can keep up with larger purchase volumes and marketing pushes.
• Float FX with market-leading rates
  If you spend in USD or pay international suppliers, FX fees add up fast. Transparent, low-cost currency conversion helps protect your margins and keeps global payments seamless.

Rewards that match your business model

Not all points are created equal. Pick a card that gives back where you spend most.

• Cashback or points on inventory, shipping and digital ads
  Whether you’re running ad-heavy campaigns or stocking shelves, focus on cards that reward your highest expense categories.
• Employee cards with set limits
  Empower trusted team members while keeping spend in check. Bonus if employee cards are free.
• No foreign transaction fees
  A must-have if you sell to or source from outside Canada.

For more on how cards can support financial operations, explore this article on credit card expense management best practices.

With those capabilities in mind, let’s take a look at the best credit cards on the market for Canadian retailers.

Best credit cards for retail business spending

Here’s a roundup of cards that offer strong value for brick-and-mortar retail businesses, with features built to support inventory purchases, everyday expenses and team-wide spending.

Float Corporate Card 

Float stands out for modern retail operations. With no personal guarantee, real-time expense tracking and unlimited virtual cards, it’s built to streamline how you manage team purchases and recurring expenses. The 1% cashback and CAD/USD options, and FX support make it ideal for multi-location or inventory-heavy retailers.

BMO CashBack® Business Mastercard®

A no-frills, no-fee card that puts money back in your pocket with every purchase. It’s a reliable choice for everyday spending like supplies and utilities, and additional employee cards come at no cost.

TD Business Travel Visa Card

If you’re hitting trade shows, visiting suppliers or doing regional business travel, this card rewards you on every mile. Travel perks, insurance and a welcome bonus help stretch your budget further.

RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business

With flexible rewards and access to an RBC business advisor, this card is a good fit for established retail companies that want support while scaling. Bonus: employee cards and expense management tools are included.

Compare retail business credit cards in Canada

*on all categories after the first $25K of monthly spend

Best credit cards for e-commerce business spending

E-commerce businesses often face high ad spend, cross-border transactions and rapidly scaling operations. These are the cards built to meet those challenges.

Float Corporate Card 

Float corporate cards offer the flexibility and control that e-commerce teams need. Use unlimited virtual cards for ad platforms, automate expense tracking and integrate with your accounting software, with no personal credit check required. New features like Float FX and multi-part tax codes make it easy to manage global vendor payments and stay tax-compliant. Plus, the security benefits of merchant-locked cards help keep your digital advertising campaigns safe and on budget. 

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

For e-commerce businesses with high monthly spend, especially on advertising, SaaS tools or international suppliers, this premium card delivers excellent points value, flexible redemptions and travel perks for founders on the go.

To see how Float stacks up against traditional options, read our comparison: American Express vs. Float.

CIBC bizline® Visa Card

Not all e-commerce growth is smooth. The CIBC bizline works more like a line of credit, offering low interest and no annual fee, perfect for managing inventory buys, returns or unexpected slow periods.

Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Business

Selling to or sourcing from other countries? This card removes foreign transaction fees and gives you travel and insurance perks on top, making it a good pick for e-commerce businesses with cross-border needs.

Compare credit cards for e-commerce spending in Canada

Alternative funding options

A business credit card is a flexible tool for managing everyday expenses, but it’s not the only option. For retail and e-commerce businesses that deal with seasonal swings, bulk inventory buys or rapid growth, it’s worth exploring additional funding sources. 

These can include lines of credit, venture debt and government grants or loans. Pairing a business credit card with other financial tools can give you more breathing room and better control over cash flow. The key is building a mix that matches how your business earns, spends and grows.

Before you decide, you might also want to check out our curated list of the best business credit cards in Canada for a broader comparison.

How to choose the right business credit card

Finding the perfect business credit card is like matchmaking, and it’s all about compatibility. Here’s how to swipe right:

1. Analyze your spending habits

Dive into your expense reports to identify where your money flows. Do you splurge on digital ads, or is travel the heaviest hitter on the books? Align your card’s rewards with your primary spending categories.​

2. Assess your financial position

A stellar personal credit score can open doors to premium business cards. Know where you stand to set realistic expectations.​

3. Compare card options

Don’t settle for the first flashy offer. Scrutinize multiple cards, focusing on rewards you’ll use, fees, interest rates and additional perks.​

4. Consider the card issuer’s reputation

A card is only as good as the company behind it. Opt for issuers known for excellent customer service and robust support because when you need help, you won’t want to be left in the dark.​

5. Evaluate the application process

Some cards offer swift approvals and minimal paperwork, getting you back to business faster.​

Float: Business credit cards designed for retail and e-commerce in Canada

Whether you’re managing a storefront or scaling an online shop, the right credit card can make a big difference in how efficiently (and profitably) you run your business. 

From cash flow management to rewards that give back, today’s options go far beyond basic plastic. And while there are several strong contenders, Float’s flexibility, FX transparency and smart features—like multi-part tax coding and virtual card controls—make it a top choice for modern Canadian businesses.