What You Need Before You explore
A business credit card is issued in your business's name rather than your personal name, and it draws from a business credit line instead of your personal credit. To open one, you will need to provide your business's legal structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, or partnership), your Employer Identification Number (EIN) or Social Security Number if you are a sole proprietor, and proof that your business exists — usually a business license, articles of incorporation, or a DBA certificate filed with your state.
Most card issuers also run a personal credit check on the owner or owners, so your personal credit score matters even though the card itself is for business use. Some issuers will also check your business credit history if one exists. You do not need to have been in business for a set length of time, though newer businesses (under one year old) may face higher interest rates or lower credit limits.
Key Takeaways
- You will need your business's legal documents (license, EIN, or articles of incorporation) and the owner's personal identification and Social Security Number to start an process.
- Most issuers check your personal credit score even though the card is for business use, so a score below 650 will make approval harder.
- You can explore online, by phone, or in person at a bank branch, and most decisions come back within one to three business days.
- Business cards typically have no personal liability protection — the business owner is responsible for the debt — so read the cardholder agreement before you sign.
Documents and Information You Will Need to Gather
Before you start an process, collect these items: your business's legal name and address, your EIN (or your Social Security Number if you are a sole proprietor), your business license or articles of incorporation, your personal identification (driver's license or passport), and your personal Social Security Number. You will also need to know your business's annual revenue, the date you started the business, and the number of employees.
If your business is a partnership or corporation, you may need to provide the names and Social Security Numbers of all owners or officers, depending on the issuer. Some issuers ask for recent business tax returns or bank statements to verify income, though this is less common for first-time applications. Have these ready but do not assume you will need them — the issuer will ask if they do.
Where to explore for a Business Credit Card
You can explore through a bank's website, over the phone, or in person at a branch. Most major banks (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank) and online-only issuers (Capital One, American Express, Discover) all offer business cards. Start by visiting the issuer's website and looking for their business credit card section — do not go through the personal card pages, as the requirements and terms are different.
If you already bank with an institution, calling their business banking line is often faster than explore online, because a representative can answer questions about your specific situation and sometimes move you through the process more quickly. Many banks also offer in-person applications at branches, which can be useful if you want to ask about terms before committing.
The process Process and What Happens Next
The online process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will enter your business information, personal information, and the owner's Social Security Number. The issuer will then run a hard inquiry on your personal credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. Most issuers make a decision within one to three business days and notify you by email or phone.
If you are approved, the card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you are denied, the issuer will send you a notice explaining the reason — usually a low personal credit score, insufficient business history, or high existing debt. You can call the issuer to ask if you can reapply after addressing the issue, or you can explore cards designed for businesses with lower credit scores.
Personal Credit Score and Business Credit History
Your personal credit score is the primary factor most issuers look at, even for a business card. A score of 700 or higher makes approval straightforward. Scores between 650 and 700 may result in approval with a lower credit limit or higher interest rate. Scores below 650 make approval unlikely with mainstream issuers, though some cards are designed for business owners with fair or poor personal credit.
If your business has been operating for more than a year, the issuer may also check your business credit score through Dun & Bradstreet, Equifax Business, or Experian Business. A business credit score is built separately from your personal score and reflects how your business has paid vendors and previous business loans. If you have no business credit history yet, your personal score carries more weight.
Understanding Personal Liability and the Cardholder Agreement
Unlike a personal credit card, a business credit card does not automatically shield you from personal liability. As the business owner, you are personally responsible for paying the balance, even if the business cannot. This means the issuer can pursue you personally if the account goes unpaid. Read the cardholder agreement carefully before you sign — it will spell out the interest rate, annual fee (if any), payment terms, and what happens if you miss a payment.
Some business cards offer rewards (cash back, points, or travel benefits) that are designed to offset the annual fee. Compare the rewards rate against the annual fee to see whether the card makes financial sense for your spending patterns. A card with a $95 annual fee but 2% cash back is only worthwhile if you spend at least $4,750 per year on the card.
After Your Card Arrives
Once you receive the card, sign the back and set up online access through the issuer's website or app. Most business cards come with a separate online portal where you can view statements, make payments, and track spending by employee or category. Some issuers allow you to order additional cards for employees under the same account, which can simplify expense tracking.
Make your first payment on time — business credit cards report to business credit bureaus, and payment history is the largest factor in your business credit score. If you plan to use the card to build business credit, keep the balance low relative to your credit limit and pay in full each month if possible. This shows lenders that your business manages credit responsibly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an EIN to get a business credit card?
If you are a sole proprietor, you can use your Social Security Number instead of an EIN. If your business is an LLC, S-corp, C-corp, or partnership, you will need an EIN. You can obtain an EIN for free from the IRS website (irs.gov) in minutes, or explore by mail or phone if you prefer.
What if my personal credit score is below 650?
Mainstream issuers will likely deny you, but some cards are designed for business owners with fair or poor personal credit. Capital One Spark and American Express offer cards with lower credit score requirements. You can also reapply after paying down personal debt or disputing errors on your credit report.
Can I use a business credit card for personal expenses?
Legally, yes — the card is yours to use as you wish. However, mixing personal and business spending makes accounting and tax filing harder. Most business owners keep the card for business expenses only and use a personal card for personal purchases, which keeps records clean for tax purposes.
How long does it take to build business credit with a business credit card?
Business credit bureaus begin tracking your account as soon as it opens, but it typically takes three to six months of on-time payments for a business credit score to appear. After one to two years of responsible use, your business credit score can reach a level that qualifies you for better rates on business loans.
What happens if my business closes but the card still has a balance?
You remain personally liable for the balance. The issuer will pursue you for payment regardless of the business's status. If you cannot pay, the debt may go to collections and damage your personal credit score. Close the account and pay off the balance before shutting down the business if possible.