Hey there, real estate agents! Are you looking to manage your business expenses smarter with the best credit cards for realtors? As a fellow professional, I know running a real estate business means juggling costs like gas, ads, and client dinners. The right credit card can help you save money and earn rewards to grow your business. In this guide, we’ll explore the best credit cards for realtors in 2025, tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re a solo agent or leading a brokerage, these credit cards for real estate agents can make your financial life easier and more rewarding.
Why Realtors Need the Right Credit Card
Running a real estate business isn’t cheap. From driving to showings to marketing your listings, expenses add up fast. Choosing one of the best credit cards for realtors can turn those costs into savings or rewards, giving you more cash to reinvest in your business or even take a well-deserved vacation.
Common Expenses in Real Estate Business
Real estate agents have unique spending patterns. Here’s what you’re likely dealing with:
- Gas and travel: Driving to showings, open houses, and client meetings.
- Advertising: Facebook, Google Ads, or print marketing to promote listings.
- Client entertainment: Coffee meetups, dinners, or small gifts to build relationships.
- Office supplies: Business cards, signage, or software subscriptions.
- Staging and photography: Making properties look their best for listings.
How Credit Cards Can Help Realtors Save Money or Earn Rewards
Using business credit cards for self-employed realtors can simplify your finances. They help you track expenses for tax season, separate personal and business spending, and earn rewards like cashback or travel points. For example, cards for advertising and gas can give you 3–5% back on those big costs. Plus, some cards offer signup bonuses worth hundreds of dollars, which can cover new equipment or a weekend getaway.
Best Credit Cards for Realtors in 2025
Here are five top picks for realtor credit card benefits, each designed to match your spending habits and business goals.
Chase Ink Business Preferred®
Why it’s great for realtors: The Chase Ink Business Preferred is one of the best credit cards for realtors because it rewards big spending on advertising and travel. If you’re pouring money into Google or Facebook Ads, this card gives you 3 points per dollar spent, which can add up fast.
Rewards structure:
- 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent annually on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone services, and advertising (then 1 point per $1).
- 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
- Points are worth 1.25 cents each when redeemed through Chase Travel℠.
Annual fee: $95.
Bonus/intro offer: Earn 90,000 bonus points ($900 cash back or $1,125 toward travel) after spending $8,000 in the first 3 months.
American Express® Business Gold Card
Why it’s great for realtors: This card is perfect for realtors who spend heavily on ads or client dinners. It automatically gives you 4 points per dollar on your top two spending categories each month, making it one of the best credit cards for realtors.
Rewards structure:
- 4 points per $1 on the top two categories (up to $150,000 annually), including advertising, gas, dining, tech, and more.
- 3 points per $1 on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmexTravel.com.
- 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Annual fee: $375.
Bonus/intro offer: Earn 70,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $10,000 in the first 3 months.
Capital One Spark Cash Plus
Why it’s great for realtors: If you prefer cashback over points, this card offers unlimited 2% cashback on all purchases, making it ideal for rewards cards for realtors who want simplicity. It’s great for staging, gas, or office supplies.
Rewards structure:
- Unlimited 2% cashback on every purchase.
- 5% cashback on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Annual fee: $150 (waived if you spend $150,000 annually).
Bonus/intro offer: Earn $1,500 cash back after spending $15,000 within 3 months.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card
Why it’s great for realtors: For realtors who shop at Costco for office supplies or gas, this card offers high cashback rates. It’s a solid pick for cards for advertising and gas, especially if you’re already a Costco member.
Rewards structure:
- 5% cashback on gas at Costco and 4% on other eligible gas/EV charging (up to $7,000 annually, then 1%).
- 3% cashback on restaurants and travel.
- 2% cashback at Costco and Costco.com.
- 1% cashback on other purchases.
Annual fee: $0 (requires a paid Costco membership).
Bonus/intro offer: $200 bonus after spending $500 in the first 3 months.
The Blue Business® Plus Card by Amex
Why it’s great for realtors: This no-annual-fee card is perfect for new or budget-conscious agents. It earns 2 points per dollar on everyday spending, making it one of the best credit cards for realtors starting out.
Rewards structure:
- 2 points per $1 on the first $50,000 in purchases annually, then 1 point per $1.
- 1 point per $1 on other purchases.
Annual fee: $0.
Bonus/intro offer: Earn 15,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months.
How to Choose the Right Credit Card as a Realtor
Picking the right card depends on your business. Ask yourself:
- Do you drive a lot? Look for cards for advertising and gas like the Costco Anywhere Visa.
- Spend on Facebook/Google Ads? The Chase Ink Business Preferred or Amex Business Gold offers high rewards here.
- Host client dinners? The Amex Business Gold earns 4 points per dollar on dining.
- Need travel rewards? Chase Ink or Amex Business Gold points can be redeemed for flights or hotels.
- Want no annual fee? The Blue Business Plus or Costco Anywhere Visa are great options.
Real-Life Scenarios
Example 1: Solo Agent Earning Free Flights
Sarah, a solo realtor, uses the Chase Ink Business Preferred to pay for client gifts and Google Ads. She earns 3 points per dollar on her $50,000 annual ad spend, racking up 150,000 points. By transferring points to an airline partner, she books a $1,500 round-trip flight for a family vacation, all for free.
Example 2: Broker Saving on Staging and Gas
Mike, a broker, uses the Capital One Spark Cash Plus for staging and gas, spending $80,000 yearly. With 2% cashback, he earns $1,600 back, which he reinvests into new signage and professional photography, boosting his listings’ appeal.
Example 3: First-Year Agent Growing Fast
Lisa, a new agent, gets the Blue Business Plus Card with 0% APR for 12 months. She spends $10,000 on Facebook Ads to build her brand without paying interest. The 15,000-point signup bonus covers a new laptop, helping her stay organized and grow her client base.
Tips for Realtors Using Business Credit Cards
- Always separate business from personal: Keep expenses distinct for easier tax filing.
- Don’t carry a balance: Interest charges can cancel out your rewards.
- Leverage signup bonuses strategically: Time big purchases to hit bonus requirements.
- Track expenses for tax season: Use card tools to categorize spending for deductions.
FAQs
Can realtors apply for business credit cards if they’re self-employed?
Yes! As a self-employed realtor, you can apply for business credit cards for self-employed using your EIN or Social Security number. Most issuers accept sole proprietors, and your personal credit score is usually the main factor.
Do credit card rewards count as taxable income?
Generally, no. Cashback or points earned from spending are considered rebates, not income. However, signup bonuses may sometimes be taxable. Check with a tax advisor to be sure.
What’s better for realtors: cashback or points?
Cashback is simpler and great for reinvesting in your business. Points offer higher value for travel but require planning. Choose based on whether you prefer flexibility or travel perks.
Conclusion
Choosing one of the best credit cards for realtors can transform how you manage your business expenses. From earning cashback on gas and ads to racking up points for free flights, these rewards cards for realtors offer real benefits. Assess your spending habits—do you drive a lot, host client dinners, or invest in marketing? Pick a card that matches your needs, like the Chase Ink Business Preferred for ad spend or the Blue Business Plus for no-fee rewards. For the best financial strategy, talk to a tax advisor to maximize deductions and use credit wisely. Start saving and earning today with the right card!