When you launch a new business, your to-do list is a mile long.
Between developing your product, finding customers, and managing daily operations, a concept like “business credit” can feel abstract and low on the priority list.
But here’s the secret: building a strong business credit profile from day one is one of the most powerful moves you can make for your company’s future.
Think of business credit as a financial report card for your company. It shows lenders, suppliers, and partners that your business is a reliable and trustworthy entity, completely separate from your personal finances.
A strong business credit history unlocks better loan terms, higher credit limits, and more favorable leasing agreements down the road. And the easiest, most effective way to start building it is with the right starter credit card.
Our Top Starter Cards to Build Business Credit (September 2025)
As a new entrepreneur, you’ll be leveraging your personal credit score to get your first business card. The cards below are excellent starting points because they have no annual fee, offer great rewards, and most importantly, report your responsible usage to the major business credit bureaus.
(Offers are current as of September 2025. Please visit the issuer’s website for the most up-to-date terms and conditions.)
Capital One Spark 1% Classic
Best for entrepreneurs with fair or average personal credit.
Why It’s a Great Starter Card: This card is one of the most accessible business cards on the market. While many cards require good-to-excellent personal credit, the Spark Classic is specifically designed for business owners who are still building or repairing their credit profile, making it a fantastic and realistic first step for many.
- Built for Accessibility: Its primary purpose is to give business owners a chance to build credit when other doors might be closed.
- Simple Rewards: Earn unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase, with no categories to track.
- No Annual Fee: You can build your business credit history without any cost to keep the card open.
- Credit Reporting: Capital One reports to business credit bureaus, so every on-time payment helps strengthen your business’s financial reputation.
The American Express Blue Business® Cash Card
Best for straightforward rewards and flexible spending.
Why It’s a Great Starter Card: For new entrepreneurs with good personal credit, this card offers an unbeatable combination of high flat-rate rewards and business-friendly features, all with no annual fee.
- Excellent Rewards: Earn a simple 2% cash back on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per year (then 1%), which is perfect for reinvesting back into your new venture.
- 0% Intro APR: Often comes with a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 12 months, allowing you to fund initial startup costs interest-free.
- Sole Proprietor Friendly: American Express has a long history of being welcoming to freelancers and new businesses.
- Builds Business Credit: Amex reports to the business credit bureaus, making it a powerful tool for your credit-building journey.
Chase Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card
Best for entering a powerful and flexible rewards ecosystem.
Why It’s a Great Starter Card: This card is another top-tier choice for entrepreneurs with good personal credit. It offers simple rewards and a path to one of the most valuable rewards programs available, all for no annual fee.
- Great Welcome Offer: Typically features a generous cash back bonus after meeting an initial spending requirement.
- Solid Flat-Rate Rewards: Earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every single business purchase.
- Future Flexibility: The rewards are earned as Chase Ultimate Rewards® points. As your business grows, you can add a premium Ink card and combine your points for high-value travel redemptions.
- 0% Intro APR: Frequently includes a 12-month 0% intro APR period on new purchases.
Your 3-Step Plan to Start Building Business Credit
- Get Your Ducks in a Row. Before applying, have your information ready. You can apply as a sole proprietor using your Social Security Number (SSN). If you have one, you can also use your Employer Identification Number (EIN). Be prepared to provide your personal income and an honest estimate of your business revenue.
- Apply and Use the Card Responsibly. Once approved, use the card for all of your business expenses—no matter how small. The most critical factor for building credit is to pay your bill on time, every time. Paying in full is ideal, but at least making the minimum payment is non-negotiable.
- Monitor Your Progress. After about 6-12 months of responsible use, your business should have the beginning of a credit file. You can then start to monitor your business credit reports from bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business.
Building your business credit is a marathon, not a sprint. By choosing one of these simple, effective starter cards and using it wisely, you’re laying the foundation for a financially powerful and successful future for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need an LLC to get a business credit card? No. You can and should apply as a sole proprietorship if that’s your business structure. You can use your own name as the business name and your SSN as the tax ID.
What if my business has no revenue yet? This is common for startups. On the application, you can often include your total personal income from all sources and provide a realistic, good-faith projection of your expected business revenue.
How long does it take to build business credit? It can take at least 6-9 months of consistent, on-time payments being reported by an issuer for a solid credit file to be established with the major business bureaus.
WalletAware shares education, not individualized financial advice. Always confirm current terms on the issuer’s site before applying.