How To Get Approved for a Business Credit Card (Even as a New Business)

—

by

Jordan Alvarez
in

If you’re a freelancer, startup founder, or small business owner, you’ve probably wondered: “How can I get a business credit card if my company is brand new?” It’s a fair question.

Many entrepreneurs run into this roadblock because they don’t have established business credit yet.

A young professional woman sits at her office desk by a large window, reviewing financial documents and charts spread out beside her laptop while focusing intently on the screen.

Here’s the good news: you don’t always need years of history to qualify. Banks often look at more than just your business profile, and there are smart strategies you can use to improve your odds.

This article will break it down step by step so you can confidently apply for the best business credit card for your new business.

What is a business credit card and how is it different?

At first glance, a business credit card looks a lot like a personal one. But there are key differences:

  • Purpose: Business cards are meant for expenses like supplies, software, travel, or client dinners—not personal groceries or Netflix subscriptions.
  • Rewards: Many business cards offer perks tailored to companies, such as higher cashback for office supplies, advertising, or shipping.
  • Separation: Using a business card helps you keep personal and business expenses apart, which is essential for bookkeeping and taxes.
  • Credit Impact: While business cards often report to business credit bureaus, some also report to your personal credit if payments are missed.

A business credit card helps you look professional, manage expenses, and build a credit profile for your company.

Using a business credit card not only separates expenses but also helps you build a financial identity for your company.

Penn State’s Small Business Development Center explains why establishing business credit early matters for growth.

What lenders look for when you apply?

Two women sit at a small café table with laptops and coffee cups, discussing work while enjoying a casual business meeting in a relaxed setting.

Even if your business is new, banks don’t only judge you by company history. Here’s what typically matters most:

  • Personal Credit Score: For startups without credit history, your personal score is the biggest factor. If you’ve managed personal credit responsibly, it works in your favor.
  • Income Information: Issuers often ask about your annual business revenue, but they may also consider your personal income if your business is just starting.
  • Business Details: You’ll need to provide your business name, industry, and structure (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.). Don’t worry—freelancers and sole proprietors can still apply using their Social Security Number (SSN).
  • Debt-to-Income Ratio: They want to see that you’re not stretched too thin financially.

Think of it this way: if your new business doesn’t have a track record, the bank will look at your personal finances as a substitute “report card.”

How new businesses can improve their chances of approval?

Being brand new doesn’t mean you’re out of luck. You can take practical steps to strengthen your application:

  • Use Your Personal Credit Wisely: Pay bills on time, keep balances low, and check your credit score before applying. A score above 670 (good range) makes approval much more likely.
  • Start as a Sole Proprietor: If your business isn’t incorporated yet, you can still apply using your SSN. Later, you can transition to using an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
  • Be Honest About Revenue: Don’t inflate your income. Issuers know new businesses may earn modestly in the beginning.
  • Build a Relationship With Your Bank: If you already have a checking account or savings account at a bank, applying there first can improve your odds—they know you.
  • Consider a Secured Business Credit Card: Just like personal secured cards, these require a deposit but help you build business credit over time.

Example: Emily, a freelance designer, applied for a business card using her SSN and personal credit score of 710. Even though her design studio was only 3 months old, she was approved because of her strong personal history.

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, your personal credit history plays a major role in whether you’re approved for a business card—especially as a startup.

What if you’re not approved? Alternatives to consider

A professional woman in a blue dress smiles while holding and explaining a business account application form to another woman across the table in a bright office setting.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, approval doesn’t happen right away.

That’s okay—there are other paths:

  • Secured Business Credit Cards: These work like training wheels. You put down a deposit, and over time, you build a positive business credit history.
  • Personal Credit Cards for Business Use: While not ideal long-term, using a personal card exclusively for business expenses (and paying it off responsibly) can be a temporary solution.
  • Business Line of Credit: Some banks and credit unions offer small lines of credit for new businesses if you have strong personal finances.
  • Vendor Credit Accounts: Many suppliers (office supplies, inventory wholesalers) offer “net 30” accounts where you buy now and pay in 30 days—these can help establish business credit.

Your action plan

Here’s a straightforward path to business credit card approval even if you’re just starting out:

  1. Check your personal credit score—aim for 670+ before applying.
  2. Gather your details—business name, structure, industry, and income estimate.
  3. Start with your current bank—apply where you already have an account.
  4. Apply using your SSN if your business doesn’t yet have an EIN.
  5. If denied, try secured options or build history with vendor credit accounts.
  6. Use the card responsibly—on-time payments and low balances are the key to building strong business credit.
A smiling young businesswoman in a blazer shakes hands with a man across a desk while holding documents, suggesting a successful meeting or agreement in a professional office setting.

Building your business credit future

Getting approved for a business credit card for a new business might feel intimidating, but it’s far from impossible. By leaning on your personal credit, starting small, and using the right strategies, you can get the tools you need to grow your company.

Remember: every big company started somewhere. The card you open today could be the foundation for the financial opportunities you’ll have tomorrow.

A confident young business owner in a modern office café smiles while holding a blue credit card, with a laptop and work items on a wooden desk in front of him and warm industrial décor in the background.

You’ve got this—take the first step with confidence.

WalletAware shares education, not individualized financial advice. Always confirm current terms on the issuer’s site before applying.