Can I Get a Business Credit Card?

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Wondering if you qualify for a Business Credit Card? The answer might surprise you. Learn why almost everyone qualifies for a business credit card and why it’s the secret to unlocking more credit card points for almost free travel.

Can I get a Business Credit Card Featured Image

Seeing all of these offers for business credit cards and wishing you could get one? I have good news, you probably can easily qualify for a business card! Most people think they need to have a “real business” to get a business card, but there’s more ways to qualify than you think.

Why You’d Want a Business Credit Card

Here are a couple reasons you want to consider opening a business credit card especially if you are going to use credit card points for almost free travel for a long time.

  • Business Credit Cards do not count against your 5/24 status.
  • You can quickly grow your points when utilizing business cards.
  • Business cards have some of the highest-sign up bonuses.
  • Great ongoing benefits.

Why You’d Want to Pass on a Business Credit Card

There are also a few reasons you might want to pass on a business card.

  • Higher spending requirement to hit sign up bonus earn. If you have a large spend you know is coming up wait to open one until then!
  • Sometimes it’s harder to get approved for and you might need to send additional information in.

Who Qualifies for a Business Credit Card?

Let’s first define what qualifies as a business in the credit card world. A business can be occupation, profession, or trade that earns income. The great news is you don’t need a large business with employees to qualify. Even the smallest side hustle can qualify you.

Examples of What Counts as a Small Business

  • Selling Items on Facebook Marketplace, Ebay etc.
  • Photography
  • Coaching
  • Freelancing
  • Consulting
  • Yoga instructor
  • Babysitting
  • Blogging
  • Tutoring
  • Dog sitting  or walking
  • MLM Sales
  • Social Media Influencer
  • Rental Properties
  • Reselling Items
  • Uber or Lyft Driver

Eligibility for a Small Business Credit Card:

  • Minimal Business Activity Qualifies: You don’t need a full-time business or a large income. Even a side hustle generating a small profit can be considered a business for credit card purposes.
  • Sole Proprietors Welcome: Formal business registration isn’t required. You can apply as a sole proprietor, using your Social Security number on the application for identification.
  • EIN Recommended, Not Mandatory: An Employer Identification Number (EIN) obtained for free from the IRS strengthens your application but isn’t mandatory.

Responsible Use of Business Credit Cards:

  • Terms of Service Caution: While many people use business cards for personal expenses, it’s typically against the card’s terms of service. Most people I know use Business cards for personal use, but beware this is technically against the terms.
  • Consumer Protection Limitations: Business cards may not offer the same consumer protections as personal credit cards.
  • Separate Business Expenses: It’s best to keep business and personal expenses separate for clear accounting and to avoid any issues with the credit card issuer.

How to Apply for Business Credit Cards

Sharing About Your Business on the Application

The initial section of the application asks about your business. This can be simple if you’re already established, but for startups, here’s some guidance:

  • Focus on Sole Proprietorships (No Employees): These examples assume you run a one-person business (sole proprietorship), the most basic business structure. Adjust your answers if this doesn’t apply.
  • Crafting Answers for New Businesses: If you’re just starting out, provide clear and concise information about your business idea, its goals, and how you plan to operate.

Business Information

  • Legal Name of Business:  If you don’t already have a business name, I recommend using your own name as the business name.
  • Business Name on Card: Again, this can be your own name if you don’t have a business name to use.
  • Business Mailing Address: This can be your home address if you don’t have a separate business address.
  • Type of business: Sole Proprietor
  • Tax Identification Number: This can be your SSN, but I you can also create an EIN for your business (found here)
  • Business category/type/subtype: Pick whichever categories are closest to your business
  • Number of Employees: 1 (you)
  • Annual Business Revenue: 0 (or project an amount based on monthly revenue to-date)
  • Years in Business: (number of years you’ve been operating the business with or without revenue)

Personal Information
This part of the application is about you, personally:

  • Authorizing Officer: Owner
  • Gross annual income: Include all of your income, not just business income

The rest should be self explanatory

How to Improve Your Chances of Successfully Getting Approved

  • Use an EIN instead of your SSN when entering your Business Tax ID on the application
  • Do not call if your application goes to pending
  • Call if your application is denied
  • Try a Special Consideration Form if you are denied (and if calling doesn’t help)

BIG TIP!

Do not call if you application goes to pending! When applications go to pending, people frequently find that they get approved without calling. When people do call, they often get tough analysts who deny the application. I have went to pending a lot and I just wait and will get approved!

The approval process goes through up to 3 “gates”:

  1. Instant Approval (this is rare with Ink business cards)
  2. Automatic Approval, sent by mail (may take several weeks)
  3. Analyst Phone Approval

After Applying: Patience and Communication

  • Hold Off on Initial Calls (For Certain Banks): Some banks, like Chase, might use an automated initial screening process. Calling them right away could disrupt this flow and potentially hurt your chances. Be patient and wait for their decision.
  • Respond to Requests for Information: If the bank contacts you for more details about your business or finances, promptly answer their call or reply. Providing this information can help move your application forward.

The Wrap Up

Surprisingly most people will qualify for a business card and it’s a great way to rack up some credit card points for almost free travel. Remember to always pay off your monthly balances on all credit cards or the interest that you will be charge no longer makes for almost free travel.

If you haven’t downloaded the Travel Freely App make sure to do that to organize all your credit cards easily!

Opinions  expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

The comments section below is not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all questions are answered.

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