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Finding a business credit card for your startup, when you have no credit history or business history, doesn't have to be a challenge.
Jason has been writing about small business software platforms, services, and financing since 2015. Jason’s expertise has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Time/NextAdvisor, Home Business Magazine, CreditCards.com, GoBankingRates, TheLadders.com, and other publications. He has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from San Diego State University.
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Jason VissersJason has been writing about small business software platforms, services, and financing since 2015. Jason’s expertise has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Time/NextAdvisor, Home Business Magazine, CreditCards.com, GoBankingRates, TheLadders.com, and other publications. He has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from San Diego State University.
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Erica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Erica SeppalaErica has been writing about small business finance and technology since 2008. She joined Merchant Maverick in 2018 and specializes in researching and reviewing business software, financial products, and other topics to help small businesses manage and grow their operations. Her expertise has been cited in MSN, Reader's Digest, Vox, U.S. News & World Report, and Real Simple. She is a Certified ProAdvisor for QuickBooks Online and QuickBooks Payroll, a graduate of Limestone University, and currently resides in Greenville, South Carolina.
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Business credit cards for startups sound like a challenge to find. With no credit history or business history, how can you qualify for a business credit card?
Fortunately, you can find numerous business credit cards suitable for startups, new businesses, and entrepreneurs of all kinds.
A business credit card can smooth out your startup’s cash flow while you get your small business off the ground. A business credit card also can help you build your credit score and earn rewards for your spending.
The best credit cards for startups can come in all shapes and forms. Some may have generous rewards; others may work with entrepreneurs with less-than-perfect credit. We think this list includes a good option for every startup, including:
$0 for the standard package, $15/user/month for Ramp Plus
Business Size
Corporations, LLCs, and LPs with $25K+ in the bank
Pros
Partner perks worth up to $350,000+
No fees
Up to 1.5% cash back
Free digital & physical employee cards
Cons
High cash reserve requirements
Cannot carry a balance
Why We Chose Ramp
Starting a business is expensive. Ramp is that rare business card that can help you cut expenses while you build your business.
Ramp does this in several ways. First, when you sign up for the Ramp corporate card, you become eligible for $350,000+ in partner perks that any startup might find useful. Think 25% off a Slack plan, 50% off WeWork membership fees, 25% off Xero Business edition, and more.
Ramp also promises automatically generated money-saving suggestions that can save companies an average of 5% on their business spend.
Ramps Rewards & Benefits
The Ramp corporate card offers a very straightforward cash-back rewards scheme. You’ll get up to 1.5% cash back on all purchases, an excellent rate for a corporate card. Startups and small businesses with varied spending will benefit from this rewards program.
Beyond the cash back, Ramp offers some generous partner rewards and savings worth $350,000+. Highlights include preferred access to AWS credits and $50,000 in Segment Credits.
Ramp’s most unique benefit is its algorithm-driven savings insights. Ramp digs into your company spending history and determines where you can cut costs and save money. For example, you might see a suggestion for consolidating duplicate software subscriptions purchased by different departments within your company.
Ramp Eligibility
Ramp is aimed at corporations, LLCs, and LPs registered in the US. Nonprofits are included. Sole proprietors and unregistered businesses are not eligible.
Because Ramp is a corporate card rather than a credit card, you won’t be able to carry a balance from month to month. Ramp looks at your company’s cash balance, cash flow, and other health indicators. A minimum bank balance of $25,000 is required.
Ramp Is Best For Startups That...
Can use valuable discounts on software subscriptions and other purchases
It's no secret that it takes money to build a business. If you must carry a balance while you get your business on its feet, the American Express Blue Business Cash card can deliver significant savings with its introductory APR of 0% for 12 months.
That means you'll pay no interest on purchases for the first year you use this card.
Note: After the 12-month introductory period, the APR climbs to 17.49% - 27.49% (variable).
American Express Blue Business Cash Rewards & Benefits
In addition to the intro APR, you’ll also earn ongoing rewards of 2% cash back on the first $50,000 in eligible purchases in travel and shopping categories each year. After that cap, your earnings rate drops to a still-respectable 1%.
However, you won’t find many options for redeeming your rewards; there are no gift cards or travel redemption options. Instead, you’ll receive a statement credit each billing period — so long as you make your minimum payment each billing period. Unredeemed credit will be lost if you cancel your account.
You can request employee cards at no added cost. You’ll also receive some travel perks, including car rental loss and damage insurance. Purchasing perks include double warranty periods and dispute resolution on incorrect charges.
Amex Blue Business Cash Eligibility
American Express Blue Business Cash card is best suited for applicants with good to excellent personal credit. That means a personal credit score of at least 640.
If you don’t know your credit score, check it using one of our favorite free credit score websites.
Rewards are automatically credited to your account. And you’ll pay no annual fees to use this card.
Amex Blue Business Cash Is Best For Startups That...
Want to pay no interest on their credit card balance for 12 months
Want an uncomplicated, solid cash-back rewards program
In a perfect world, every startup would be backed by an entrepreneur with outstanding personal credit. In the real world, it's not always easy to get your business off the ground if your credit score is only fair.
Capital One's Spark Classic is the best business credit card for startups and entrepreneurs trying to meet their goals while dealing with average credit.
Spark Classic Rewards & Benefits
Although the Spark Classic For Business Card doesn’t come with a lot of bells and whistles, there’s a lot to like here, including a $0 annual fee, unlimited 1% cash back on every purchase with no limits or restrictions, and a chance to build and strengthen your business credit rating.
While the rewards rate is not the highest we’ve seen, it’s reasonable and better than you might expect with only a fair credit rating. You can also earn up to 5% cash back on hotels and rental cards booked through Capital One’s travel portal.
Redeem your card rewards in the form of a statement credit or a check. There’s no minimum to redeem, and your points won’t expire as long as your account is active. Keep in mind that this card carries a high APR, currently at 29.74% (variable), so this is not a card you want to use to carry a balance.
Spark Classic cardholders can request free employee cards.
Spark Classic Eligibility
Spark Classic is aimed at those aged 18+ with fair or average credit. That means you’re generally considered eligible for this card even if you’ve defaulted on a loan in the past five years or have a limited credit history (three years or less).
Although Capital One does not require a minimum credit score, you should aim for a personal credit score of around 580 if you plan to apply for this card.
Spark Classic Is Best For Startups That...
Have less-than-perfect credit
Want free employee cards and no annual fee
Want to earn unlimited 1% cash back
Don’t mind the high APR because they don’t intend to carry a balance
We consider Chase Ink Business Cash the best overall business credit card for startups because it offers the best combination of key factors: a generous welcome offer, introductory 0% APR, a generous rewards rate, and no annual fee.
All in all, it's hard to find a card that's better tailored to the needs of startups better than Ink Business Cash.
Chase Ink Business Cash Rewards & Benefits
Startup businesses will benefit from this card’s offer of 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services each year. No other business card offers such high cash back for the spending necessary to build your office.
You’ll also earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants and 1% rewards on everything else. You can redeem your rewards for statement credits, travel, and more via Chase Ultimate Rewards.
A welcome offer of $350 when you spend $3,000 in the first 3 months, and an additional $400 when you spend $6,000 in the first 6 months is also available.
If your startup needs to carry a balance for a time, while you work to bring your business into profitability, you’ll especially appreciate the introductory APR of 0% for 12 months. The rate rises to 17.49% – 25.49% (variable) after the introductory period.
Employee cards are available at no additional cost. Additional benefits include an auto rental damage waiver, travel and emergency services, roadside dispatch, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and account management tools.
Chase Ink Business Cash Eligibility
Chase does not advertise a minimum credit score for this card. However, successful applicants generally have good to excellent credit, so you’ll want a credit score above 640 before you fill out the application.
Chase Ink Business Cash Is Best For Startups That...
Chase Ink Business Preferred is one of the best credit cards for startups because of its high bonus offer of 90,000 points when you spend $8,000 within 3 months of opening your account.
You can also get a 25% value boost on your bonus points by redeeming them through Chase's travel portal, Chase Ultimate Rewards.
In other words, you can grab a bonus of $1,000-$1,250 just by using this credit card. Not bad.
Note that this card does carry a $95 annual fee, so add that number to your calculations when considering this business credit card for your startup.
Chase Ink Business Preferred Rewards & Benefits
In addition to the generous welcome offer, this card comes with additional benefits.
You can receive triple points for purchases in designated categories that include travel, shipping purchases, advertising, and internet and phone services. The bonus earnings apply only to the first $150K in combined purchases each year.
Chase also offers 5x points when you book Lyft rides. All other purchases earn one point for every $1 you spend, with no limit on 1x points earnings. Points never expire.
As mentioned, you can stretch your rewards by redeeming them for travel through Chase’s travel portal. Your points will be worth 25% more there.
The APR for this card is 20.24% – 26.24% (variable).
This card comes with free employee cards, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision damage waiver, cellphone protection, purchase protection, extended warranty protection, and fraud protection.
Chase Ink Business Preferred Eligibility
Chase does not advertise minimum credit score requirements for its business credit cards.
However, we generally recommend that business applicants have good to excellent credit before applying for the Chase Ink Business Preferred card. That means a credit score of 640+.
Chase Ink Business Preferred Is Best For Startups That...
Plan to spend enough to claim the bonus offer
Don’t mind paying an annual fee
Want a card with no foreign transaction fees and travel rewards
Don’t plan to spend more than $150K in the specified categories to earn the top rewards rate available with this card
Balance transfers allowed, with 0% APR during intro period
Cons
No rewards
Why We Chose U.S. Bank Business Platinum Card
U.S. Bank Business Platinum offers an introductory rate of 0% for 12 billing cycles. This applies to purchases and balance transfers, so if you're looking to transfer a balance from another card, this is a great option. After this period, APR will be 16.99% - 25.99%.
While there are no rewards with this card, there are other benefits, including no annual fee and no fees if you use an ExtendPay plan to pay over time. To qualify for no fees, you'll have to open your ExtendPay plan within the first 60 days.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Rewards & Benefits
In addition to the enticing introductory APR, you can use this card with no annual fee. What you can’t expect with this card: cash back or rewards points you can use for statement credit, gift cards, or travel benefits.
However, you can ask to divide certain eligible purchases into equal monthly payments in exchange for a small fixed fee and no interest during the repayment period. There is no fee if you sign up for a plan within the first 60 days of account opening.
Employee cards are available, too.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Eligibility
U.S. Bank’s Business Platinum credit card is available to all types of business structures, from sole proprietorships to corporations. You will need to verify your annual business revenue and share personal information, including Social Security numbers, for all co-owners.
No minimum credit score is disclosed but successful applicants likely will have good to excellent credit.
U.S. Bank Business Platinum Is Best For Startups That...
Want an introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers
Want a card with no fees
Don’t care about earning cash back or reward points
Merchant Maverick has been researching and reviewing credit cards and credit card providers since 2018. Our writers have tested dozens of cards, evaluating rewards and perks, rates and fees, features, eligibility requirements, customer service, and user reviews. Read more about how we rate credit cards.
Weighted Rating Breakdown
Rewards & Perks 40%
Rates & Fees 30%
Features 15%
Eligibility Requirements 5%
Customer Service 5%
User Reviews 5%
When comparing different cards, we consider many data points, including the relative cost of standard or extra fees, the range and value of benefits and perks offered, APR, availability, and credit score requirements. Our lists of the best cards include only those we’ve deemed worthwhile from multiple vantage points, and share qualities such as widespread accessibility, low APR, flexible rewards, and additional perks like employee cards.
We spend an average of 10-15 hours researching and updating each one of our lists, making sure the credit cards included meet our internal standards for quality and reputation.
How Do You Get Business Credit Cards For Startups?
Without a long credit history, you might hesitate to apply for a business credit card. But you don’t necessarily need a lengthy business history and sterling credit. Let’s take a look at what you do need.
What You Need To Apply For A Business Credit Card
Here are some of the things you’ll need to have when you’re ready to apply for a business credit card:
Business Name
Tax Identification Number: If you’re a freelancer or the sole proprietor of your small business, this could be your Social Security number. If your business structure is more complex or developed, you may have an Employer Identification Number (EIN).
Business Type: Is your business a sole proprietorship, a partnership, a corporation, or an LLC? You may need to be prepared to show the legal documents related to your business structure.
Business Type: What are you selling? You’ll most likely be asked to share at least a broad category for your business, such as designing apps, retail clothing sales, or landscaping for example.
Your Role: Are you the owner or a partner? Who else is involved in running the business? Be prepared to show personal identification and prove your status as a decision-maker for the business.
Business Information: You’ll need to provide your business’s physical address and phone number.
Business Size: Be prepared to discuss the number of employees working at your business and your annual business revenue and expenses. Don’t worry if you’re the only employee or if your business is brand new, with $0 in sales so far. Be honest. Your answers may affect how your application is processed and how much credit you’ll be given.
Your Personal Credit Score: If your business doesn’t have an established credit history of its own, your personal credit score may be all that credit card companies have to evaluate your application.
Remember, even though you’re applying for a business credit card: If your business is brand new, your chances of getting approved will depend to a significant degree on your personal credit. Most of the cards on this list will expect your application to include a personal guarantee that makes you legally responsible for the debt your business may incur.
Before Choosing A Business Credit Card
Having a business credit card can help smooth your startup operations. While access to credit can be a bad thing if you rely on it too much or use credit to overextend financially, it can also help your new small business. If you’re careful, a business credit card for startups can help you manage your business expenses and set you up for greater success.
It’s hard to know which business credit card will be the right choice for your startup. If your business doesn’t have a history or credit record of its own, you may want to choose from the best no-credit-check credit cards. If you have a higher score, you’ll have more options, but make sure you compare rates and terms to find the best option for your business.
Don’t overlook the rewards you can gain by using a business credit card. We’ve put together a list of the best rewards business credit cards. From cash back to travel rewards, you stand to gain valuable benefits for your startup when you use one of these cards. If you don’t see a card that looks right for you, you can reset your search by browsing our list of the best overall business credit cards.
Jason has been writing about small business software platforms, services, and financing since 2015. Jason’s expertise has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Time/NextAdvisor, Home Business Magazine, CreditCards.com, GoBankingRates, TheLadders.com, and other publications. He has a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from San Diego State University.
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The vendors that appear on this list were chosen by subject matter experts on the basis of product quality, wide usage and availability, and positive reputation.
Merchant Maverick’s ratings are editorial in nature, and are not aggregated from user reviews. Each staff reviewer at Merchant Maverick is a subject matter expert with experience researching, testing, and evaluating small business software and services. The rating of this company or service is based on the author’s expert opinion and analysis of the product, and assessed and seconded by another subject matter expert on staff before publication. Merchant Maverick’s ratings are not influenced by affiliate partnerships.
Our unbiased reviews and content are supported in part by affiliate partnerships, and we adhere to strict guidelines to preserve editorial integrity. The editorial content on this page is not provided by any of the companies mentioned and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone.
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