Best Credit Card for E-commerce and Retail Companies in Canada

Running a retail or ecommerce 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. 

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. 

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.

Key considerations when choosing a business credit card

Selecting the best business credit card for your Canadian company means finding a financial sidekick that aligns with your business’ unique rhythm. 

Here’s what to keep an eye on:

Rewards structure

Universal perks like cashback on office supplies, fuel and telecommunications benefit most business models.​ Retailers, you might also look for cards that offer cashback or points on inventory purchases, in-store equipment and utilities.​ Running an online empire? Prioritize cards that won’t limit rewards for digital advertising spend or shipping costs.​

Interest rates and fees

Check annual fees and weigh the card’s annual cost against its benefits. Sometimes, a higher fee unlocks perks that you may not use. Be sure to also compare interest rates. If carrying a balance is in your forecast, hunt for cards with competitive interest rates to keep costs in check.​

Credit limits

If you’re in retail, seasonal stock-ups require ample credit. Ensure your card can handle bulk inventory purchases without breaking a sweat.​ For e-commerce owners, consider how fast you want to scale. A card with a generous limit supports growth spurts and big marketing pushes.​

Security and fraud prevention

Security features like EMV chip technology, tokenization, two-factor authentication (2FA) and other fraud detection measures are pretty standard across credit card providers these days. But one feature some businesses overlook in this area? Virtual cards.

Virtual cards enhance security and fraud prevention because they can be authorized for single use, a specific vendor type and spending limit. Plus, they can be instantly cancelled or frozen. These features are especially advantageous for e-commerce and retail businesses investing in digital advertising because they allow you to issue platform- or even campaign-specific cards without exposing the main corporate card. This reduces the risk of fraud, enables precise control over spending—even down to individual campaigns—and ensures that if a card needs to be cancelled or replaced, the rest of your campaigns can continue running without disruption.

Additional features

Review each card carefully and compare different rewards to your overall business objectives. Do the perks offered feel more like nice-to-have bonuses, or do they move you closer to your goals? 

Here are a few examples:

• Employee cards: Simplify expense tracking by issuing cards to trusted team members, ideally with customizable spending limits.​
• Expense management tools: Features like real-time tracking and accounting software integration can turn financial chaos into clarity.​
• Foreign transaction fees: A card that skips foreign transaction fees is a must if your business ventures beyond borders.

Best credit cards for retail business spending

Okay, let’s have a look at what’s out there for business credit cards that are a good fit for retailers in Canada.

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 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.

Comparison table for retail business spending in Canada

Card name	Provider	Annual fee	Rewards	Key benefits
Float Corporate Card	Float	$0	1% cash back on every dollar of spend.*Average savings of 7% on spend.	Real-time expense trackingVirtual + physical cardsNo personal guarantee4% interest on depositsCAD and USD card options
BMO CashBack® Business Mastercard®	BMO	$0	Earn cash back on specific gas, office, and phone expenses.	Cash back on some purchasesAdditional employee cardsExtended warrantyPurchase protection
TD Business Travel Visa Card	TD	$149 (Additional cards $49 each annually)	Earn TD Rewards Points on business purchases.	Welcome bonusTravel insuranceEmployee cardsExpense tracking toolsPoints never expire
RBC Avion Visa Infinite Business	RBC	$175 (Additional cards $75 each annually)	Earn RBC Rewards points on purchases.	Flexible rewardsTravel insuranceBusiness advisor accessExpense tracking toolsEmployee cards

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

Best credit cards for e-commerce business spending

Next up, let’s look at business credit cards to bolster an e-commerce business model.

Float Corporate Card 

Tailor-made for online businesses, Float offers 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. Plus, the security benefits of virtual cards help keep your digital advertising campaigns running—and on budget. This solution is efficient, fast and scales with your business.

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.

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. A good pick for e-commerce businesses with cross-border needs.

Comparison table for credit cards for e-commerce spending in Canada

Card name	Provider	Annual fee	Rewards	Key benefits
Float Corporate Card	Float	$0	1% cash back on every dollar of spend.Average savings of 7% on spend.	Real-time expense trackingVirtual + physical cardsNo personal guarantee4% interest on depositsCAD and USD card options
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express	American Express	$499 (Additional cards $199 each annually)	Earn Membership Rewards points on purchases.	Travel insuranceAirport lounge accessFlexible rewardsExpense management tools Employee cards
CIBC bizline® Visa Card	CIBC	$0	No traditional rewards; focuses on low interest rates.	No annual feeLow interest rateLine of creditExpense tracking toolsEmployee cards
Scotiabank Passport® Visa Infinite Business	Scotiabank	$199 (First supplementary card free, each additional card $50 each annually)	Earn Scene+ points on business purchases.	No foreign transaction feesAirport lounge accessTravel insuranceEmployee cardsFlexible points redemption

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.

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:

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.​

Assess your financial position

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

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.​

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.​

Evaluate the application process

There’s an adage that says time is money, and to a small business owner, it really can be. 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, ease of use and smart features built for modern businesses might just be your best bet.

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