Do You Need a Business to Get a Business Credit Card? (Spoiler: Not Really)

If you’ve ever googled “do I need a business to get a business credit card?” you’ve probably ended up more confused than when you started. Let’s fix that. The answer is yes. And also no. Super helpful, right?

Here’s the real scoop, minus the corporate jargon and sugar coating.

You Don’t Need a Suit and Tie to Have a Business

You do not need a registered LLC, storefront, or even a website to apply for a business credit card. If you’ve got a side hustle, hobby income, or even an occasional gig that brings in cash, congrats, you’re basically a business owner in the eyes of most credit card issuers.

So, what exactly counts as a business? Way more than you’d think. Here are just a few examples that can qualify you for a business card:

• Dog sitting (solo or through Rover or Wag)
• Reselling stuff on Poshmark, Craigslist, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace
• Babysitting
• Tutoring students
• Giving music lessons
• Freelancing here and there (writing, design, photography, etc.)
• Driving for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, or other gig apps

No storefront, no employees, no formal titles. Just good old-fashioned hustle.

What Credit Card Companies Actually Look At

Before you get too excited, there are still a few grown-up requirements you’ll need to meet:

• Good to excellent credit (usually a FICO score of 690 or higher)
• Some kind of income, whether it’s from your hustle, a day job, or a mix of both

As long as you’ve got decent credit and can prove you make money, even part-time, you’re in the running. And the perks? Oh, they’re juicy. We’re talking:

• Bigger welcome bonuses than most personal cards
• Higher credit limits
• Expense tracking that doesn’t make you want to scream
• Potential tax benefits from separating business and personal expenses

What If You Don’t Have a Business Name or EIN?

You can still apply. Really.

If you haven’t registered a business name or gotten an Employer Identification Number (EIN), don’t panic. Most business credit card applications let you use your Social Security Number (SSN) instead. This is super common for sole proprietors or freelancers flying solo. You’re basically telling the credit card company, “Yes, I run a business, and yes, I do it as a one-person show.”

Here’s how it works:

• When the form asks for your “Business Name,” you can just enter your full name.
• When it asks for a “Tax ID,” pop in your SSN.
• For “Business Type,” choose “Sole Proprietor.”
• If it asks for revenue and you don’t make much yet, it’s okay to estimate conservatively. Zero-dollar businesses apply all the time.

Yes, You’re Still Personally Liable

One thing to remember: even though it’s called a “business” card, you are personally on the hook for the balance. If you rack up charges and ghost the bill, it’s your personal credit that’ll take the hit, not your imaginary CEO alter ego.

Why Bother With a Business Credit Card Anyway?

Glad you asked. Business credit cards come with some pretty sweet advantages, especially if you’re serious about turning your side hustle into something bigger (or just want more points for your next flight).

• Keep your expenses separate: No more trying to figure out if that coffee was for work or because you just needed caffeine to survive.
• Track deductions: Makes tax season slightly less painful.
• Earn more points: Some cards offer bonus categories for things like advertising, office supplies, or rideshare—stuff you might already be spending on.

Our Favorite Business Cards With Bonuses

If you’re ready to dive in, here are a few top-tier business cards that consistently roll out excellent welcome offers:

Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
A favorite for points collectors. It’s got a generous sign-up bonus, high earning categories (especially for travel and online ads), and points that play well with other Chase cards and a low annual fee of $95.

American Express® Business Gold Card
Great for those who spend heavily in a few key areas like restaurants, gas stations, or software subscriptions. Flexible bonus categories and Membership Rewards magic. This card comes with a heavier annual fee of $395 but the benefits outweigh the cost.

American Express Blue Business® Plus Credit Card
This one flies under the radar, but it’s sneaky good. You’ll earn 2x Membership Rewards points on everyday purchases—up to $50,000 per year—then 1x after that. No annual fee, no fuss. It’s perfect for freelancers, side hustlers, or anyone who wants to keep it simple but still rack up valuable points.

Venture X Business by Capital One
If you’re a heavy hitter, this one’s flex-worthy. It’s offering the highest bonus ever for this card, 350,000 miles. Yes, you’ll have to spend a pretty penny to get it, but if your business has high monthly expenses, this offer can pack a serious punch.

Bottom Line

You don’t need an LLC, an EIN, or a briefcase to get a business credit card. If you’ve got a side hustle and decent credit, you’re likely eligible. Just be honest on the application, track your expenses, and remember: the IRS and your credit card issuer are very different beasts but both want you to play it straight.

So, yes, you can get a business credit card without a “real” business. And now that you know, go out there and swipe responsibly.

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All information is accurate as of the date of publication but may change over time.

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