Do You Qualify for a Business Credit Card? (It’s Easier Than You Think)

When people hear business credit card, they often quickly assume they wouldn't be able to get one. But here’s the secret: you don’t need an LLC, a storefront, or even a fancy logo to qualify.

If you’ve ever made money outside of a W-2 job (even a few hundred dollars!), you might already be running a business in the eyes of the banks.

That opens the door to an entire category of cards with huge welcome bonuses, better rewards, and benefits you can’t get with personal cards alone.

What Counts as a “Business”?

This is where most people overthink it. A “business” doesn’t have to mean a corporation, formal LLC, or a full-time gig. If you’ve ever:

• Sold clothes on Poshmark, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace

• Driven for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or Instacart

• Freelanced as a writer, designer, or consultant

• Offered tutoring, babysitting, or pet-sitting

• Rented out a room on Airbnb

• Taken photos, baked cakes, built websites, or managed social media for pay

…you’re operating a business.

Even if you haven’t earned money yet but you intend to, you can still qualify. The key is that you’re providing a good or service with the goal of making money.

What You’ll Need for the Application

Filling out a business credit card application is not that different from a personal card application.

Most of it is straightforward. As a "sole proprietor," you’ll usually just use your own name and Social Security number. Here’s what you can expect to provide:

• Business name: For sole proprietors, that’s just your full name.

• Business address and phone: Usually your home address and personal phone.

• Type of business: Select “sole proprietor” if it’s just you.

• Industry: Pick the category that best matches what you do (selling, tutoring, consulting, etc.).

• Tax ID: Either your SSN or an EIN (which you can get for free online, but you don’t need one to apply).

• Years in business: Be honest, even “0 years” is valid.

• Revenue and expenses: This can be projected if you’re brand new. Remember, you'll be asked separately about both your business income AND your combined annual income. They'll take both into account.

And remember: issuers almost always check your personal credit score for approval, not your business credit. That means if you’ve been responsible with personal cards, you’ve already done the hard part.

Why You’d Want a Business Card

Business credit cards come with some big advantages:

• Bigger bonuses: Business cards often have the largest welcome offers on the market.

• More earning potential: Many cards offer bonus categories designed for business owners (like shipping, online advertising, or office supplies).

• Keeps your 5/24 slots open: Most business cards don’t appear on your personal credit report, which means they don’t count toward Chase’s 5/24 rule.

• Separate finances: Having a dedicated card for your side hustle keeps your bookkeeping (and tax season) easier.

Can You Use a Business Card for Personal Spending?

There isn’t a law that says you can’t use a business credit card for personal charge, just like you could put business expenses on a personal card. The difference is that most business cards spell out in their terms that they’re intended to be used for business purchases.

That said, in practice, issuers aren’t cross-checking your swipes with the IRS. What really matters is keeping clean records so tax time doesn’t turn into a headache. I keep a detailed log of my business expenses, and anything that’s personal gets left out when I’m tallying up deductions.

What are the Best Business Cards?

I keep this blog post updated with the best business cards on the market.

Bottom Line: Qualifying for a Business Credit Card

Qualifying for a business credit card is far easier than most people think. If you’ve ever made money outside of a traditional job, you likely already qualify. These cards unlock higher bonuses, better rewards, and a chance to grow your points balances.

So, if you’ve been holding back because you thought you didn’t have a “real” business, this is your sign: you probably do. And that business deserves its own credit card.