How do I get a business credit card?
To get a business credit card, you typically need an EIN (or SSN for a sole proprietorship), estimated annual business revenue, your business's legal name and structure, and a personal credit check — most issuers evaluate the owner's personal credit for new or small businesses, since business credit history alone is often too thin to underwrite.
Applying for a business credit card is similar to a personal card application, with a few business-specific fields added. Most issuers ask for your business's legal name, structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation), industry, estimated annual revenue, and an EIN — though a sole proprietor without an EIN can typically use their Social Security number instead.
What issuers look at
- Personal credit score: Because most small businesses have thin or no independent business credit history, issuers rely on the owner's personal credit score (often 670+ for the best approval odds and rates) and typically require a personal guarantee.
- Estimated business revenue: A realistic, honest estimate of annual revenue — issuers use this alongside personal credit to set your credit limit.
- Business structure and EIN: Sole proprietors can apply with an SSN; LLCs and corporations generally provide an EIN, though the owner's personal credit is usually still checked.
- Time in business: Newer businesses aren't disqualified, but very new businesses may see lower starting limits until the account builds a payment history.
Why personal credit matters on a business card
Most business credit cards require a personal guarantee, meaning the owner is personally liable for the balance if the business can't pay. This is standard industry practice for small-business cards, especially for businesses without an established business credit file — and it's why a personal credit check remains part of the application even though the account is titled to the business.
Key facts on business credit card applications
- A sole proprietor applying for a business credit card can generally use a Social Security number in place of an EIN, since the business and owner aren't legally separate. — IRS — Do You Need an EIN?
- The FTC advises small-business owners to review how a business credit card reports activity — some report only to business credit bureaus, others also report to personal credit bureaus. — Federal Trade Commission
Key takeaways
- You'll need your business's legal name, structure, estimated revenue, and an EIN (or SSN if a sole proprietor).
- Most issuers check the owner's personal credit and require a personal guarantee.
- New businesses can qualify — expect a more conservative starting credit limit.
- Confirm whether the card reports to personal credit bureaus, business bureaus, or both before applying.
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