Whether it’s an upcoming business trip or a major purchase you need to finance over time, there may be times when you need to get a business credit card quickly.
Applying for any type of small business loan or financing, including credit cards, can seem intimidating though. Will your application be approved? How long will it take?
Here we’ll explain how easy (and fast) it can be to get a business credit card, based on your business needs and qualifications.
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What Makes a Credit Card Easy to Get?
Getting approved for a business credit card can be easier than many new entrepreneurs think. While traditional business loans and financing options often have strict requirements, business credit cards are more accessible—especially for newer businesses.
How business credit cards are approved
Most small business credit card issuers evaluate applications based mainly on the personal credit history of the person applying, along with income from all sources, rather than the business itself.
This means that even if your business is brand new and doesn’t have established credit, you may still qualify for a business credit card. (Compare that to many small business loans that prefer businesses with at least two years in business.)
When you apply, issuers typically look at:
- Credit score: Many business credit cards require a good to excellent personal credit score (typically 670+), but some options exist for those with fair or poor credit. A few corporate cards check business credit, but the typical small business credit card rarely does.
- Income: Lenders often consider total household income, not just business revenue, which can help startups qualify.
- Business details: Information such as your business name, industry, and estimated revenue will be requested, but a lack of business credit history won’t typically disqualify you.
Personal vs. business credit scores
Most small business credit cards are approved based on personal credit scores, not business credit scores. However, once you start using the card, your payment history can impact both.
- Personal credit scores. A personal credit check is common with many small business credit cards. But most card issuers don’t report business card payment history to personal credit. Still, if you fail to make payments, some business cards will report late payments to consumer credit bureaus, affecting your personal credit.
- Business credit scores. Many business credit cards report payment history to at least one of the major business credit bureaus, which can help build business credit when paid on time.
For business owners with no credit or lower scores, secured business credit cards or charge cards that don’t require a credit check can be great alternatives to start building business credit.
We will share top picks in a moment.
Secured vs. Unsecured vs. Corporate Business Credit Cards
Different types of credit cards have different qualification requirements. The main categories include unsecured cards, secured credit cards, and corporate business credit cards, each with distinct approval requirements and benefits.
Secured business credit cards
A secured business credit card requires a refundable security deposit, which typically determines your credit limit. These cards are designed for business owners with poor or limited credit history.
Best for: New businesses, entrepreneurs with bad credit, or those looking to build business credit.
Key features:
- Requires a cash deposit (typically $200–$5,000).
- Helps establish or rebuild business credit if reported to business credit bureaus.
- Lower risk for the lender, making approval easier.
Example: A secured card may require a $500 deposit to get a $500 credit line. Over time, paying on time may help you transition to an unsecured card.
Unsecured business credit cards
This is the most common type of credit card, and the one you’re probably most familiar with.
An unsecured business credit card doesn’t require a security deposit and approval is often based mainly on the business owner’s personal credit score and household income.
Best for: Business owners with fair to excellent credit who want access to rewards, cash back, or flexible financing. Available to startups and sole proprietors as well as established businesses.
Key features:
- No deposit required.
- Can offer high credit limits depending on creditworthiness.
- May provide perks such as cash back, travel rewards, or introductory 0% intro APR offers.
Example: If you have a strong credit score, you may qualify for a business credit card with a $10,000 credit limit and travel rewards.
Corporate business credit cards
A corporate business credit card is designed for established businesses with significant revenue. These cards typically do not require a personal credit check but instead rely on business financials.
Best for: Larger businesses with strong revenue and multiple employees who need expense management tools.
Key features:
- Requires established business credit and high annual revenue.
- Typically does not require a personal guarantee.
- Includes expense tracking tools for employee spending.
Example: A company with $5 million in annual revenue might qualify for a corporate card that allows employee expense tracking and high credit limits without a personal guarantee.
Best Business Credit Cards for Different Credit Levels
If you have good or excellent personal credit, and sufficient income from all sources (not just the business), you’ll have lots of cards to choose from. If you want a card with a good rewards program, whether that’s cash back, travel rewards and perks, or a card with no annual fee, you’ll often have your choice of card options. You’ll likely qualify for generous spending limits as well.
Here are some of the best credit card options based on creditworthiness:
Good to Excellent Credit
Here are three great business credit card offers you may be able to get quickly if you have good to excellent personal credit scores.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
This card has a valuable introductory APR of . There is also a solid welcome offer: $300 online statement credit after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening.. And ongoing rewards earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter), 2% cash back on dining purchases (for the first $50,000 in combined choice category/dining purchases each calendar year, 1% thereafter), and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card
No annual fee and 3% cash back in your category of choice.
Pros
- No annual fee
- Generous rewards structure.
Cons
- Rewards cap on dining
Intro APR
Purchase APR
Annual Fee
Welcome Offer
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
Need to finance a major purchase, or cover startup business expenses? This popular Amex card offers . The cash back rewards rate is solid. Earn 2% cash back on all eligible purchases on up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%. .
And yes, there’s a welcome bonus: Earn a $250 statement credit after you make $3,000 in purchases on your Card in your first 3 months.
The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
American Express is a Nav Partner | Terms, Rates & Fees | Terms apply
One of the highest cash back rates available for small business cards.
Pros
- Attractive intro financing offer
- High rates of cash back for business spending
- No annual fee.
Cons
- No rewards bonus for initial spending
- Foreign transaction fees.
Intro APR
Purchase APR
Annual Fee
Welcome Offer
The from Chase allows your business to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards points based on business spending. Earn 3 points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, Internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year. Earn 1 point per $1 on all other purchases-with no limit to the amount you can earn.
The sign-up bonus is quite generous. New Cardmember Offer! Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
All information about the has been collected independently by Nav. This card is not currently available through Nav. To see what business credit cards are available, please visit Nav’s credit card page.
Poor Credit or No Credit
A secured business credit card can make it easy for small business owners with credit challenges to get their first credit card.
Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard Secured credit card
This secured business credit card from Bank of America requires a minimum deposit of $1000 to open. There is no annual fee, and with this rewards card you can earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on eligible purchases with no cap. Redeem cash rewards as a credit card statement or as a deposit into your Bank of America bank checking or savings account.
There is no annual fee, but there is a foreign transaction fee of 3%. The standard APR is 27.49% variable APR.
Bank of America will automatically review the cardholder’s credit history, and customers who pay on time and meet other qualifications may be able to transition to an unsecured card. Bank of America business credit cards generally report to SBFE.
*All information about the Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard Secured credit card has been collected independently by Nav. This card is not currently available through Nav. To see what business credit cards are available, please visit Nav.
Find the best business secured credit cards here.
All credit types
If you’re looking for a business card that doesn’t require a personal credit check or a security deposit, consider the Nav Prime Card.* It’s a business charge card, not a credit card. Link your business checking account for daily repayment.
Payment history is reported monthly as a tradeline to major business credit bureaus, helping to build business credit. You’ll also get an automatic virtual card number to start making purchases before your card arrives.
The Nav Prime Card is available exclusively to Nav Prime members.
Nav Prime Card
Lowest minimum requirements on the market. Available with Nav Prime.
Pros
- The Nav Prime Card is the only business credit-building charge card with no credit check, no personal guarantee, and no security deposit
- Nav will report your everyday purchases as a tradeline
- Access the Nav Prime Card as part of Nav Prime — the only solution that lets you track your credit progress while simultaneously building your business credit.
Cons
- The Nav Prime Card is the only business credit-building charge card with no credit check, no personal guarantee, and no security deposit
- Nav will report your everyday purchases as a tradeline
- Access the Nav Prime Card as part of Nav Prime — the only solution that lets you track your credit progress while simultaneously building your business credit.
Intro APR
Purchase APR
Annual Fee
Welcome Offer
What Do I Need to Get a Business Credit Card?
For most business credit cards, you’ll need to supply the following information during the application process:
- Personal information: name, address, phone number, Social Security number
- Personal financial information: household income, whether you rent or own your home
- Business information: name of business, address, phone number, industry, type of business structure (sole proprietor, partnership, LLC or corporation), and Employer Identification Number or EIN, if available
- Business financial information: annual revenues
You’ll be asked whether you want employee cards, and if so, you’ll provide additional information.
A personal guarantee will usually be required, just like it would be with a personal credit card. That gives the issuer the ability to try to collect from the applicant’s personal assets if the business doesn’t pay back money it borrows.
There are some business cards that base the decision solely on business revenues, and not household income. Those cards are usually called “corporate cards” and they are available to businesses with strong revenues. Sole proprietorships will not usually qualify.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Business Credit Card?
In many cases, you can get approved instantly for a business credit card, but receiving and using your card may take a few days.
Application processing times by issuer
Most business credit card applications are processed within minutes, especially if you apply online. However, some applications may take longer if the issuer requires additional verification.
- Instant Approval (Same Day): Many issuers provide an immediate decision if your credit and financials meet their criteria.
- Further Review (3–7 Business Days): If your application requires manual review, it may take a few days for the issuer to verify income, business details, or credit history.
- Additional Documentation (Up to 2 Weeks): If requested, submitting extra documents (like tax returns or bank statements) can extend the approval timeline.
If your application is denied, the issuer is required to send an adverse action notice explaining why, usually within 7–10 days.
Virtual vs. physical card delivery times
Once approved, the time it takes to receive your card depends on whether the issuer offers virtual card access or only physical card delivery:
- Virtual Business Credit Cards: Some issuers provide a virtual credit card number immediately after approval, allowing you to make online purchases without waiting for the physical card.
- Physical Business Credit Cards: Traditional credit cards typically arrive within 5–10 business days via standard mail. Some issuers offer expedited shipping (often for a fee), allowing you to receive the card within 1–3 business days.
Fastest ways to get a business credit card
- Apply online for a card with instant approval.
- Choose a virtual business credit card if you need immediate access.
- If a physical card is required, request expedited shipping if available.
By planning ahead, you can get the right business credit card when you need it without unnecessary delays.
How to Increase Your Chances of Approval
Getting approved for a business credit card depends largely on your personal credit score, income, and business details. If you’re worried about qualifying, here are some steps to boost your chances, along with alternative small business funding options if you’re denied.
Tips for improving credit
Many business credit cards require good to excellent credit (typically a FICO score of 670 or higher), but even if your credit isn’t perfect, you can take steps to strengthen your profile:
Check your credit reports: Review your personal and business credit reports for errors. Dispute any incorrect information that may be lowering your score.
Pay bills on time: Payment history makes up around 35% of your FICO score. Set up automatic payments to avoid late payments.
Lower credit utilization: Keep your credit card balances below 30% of your total credit limit. High balances can hurt your credit score.
Avoid new hard inquiries: Credit card applications result in a hard inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points. You may want to space out applications.
Build business credit: Some cards report to business credit bureaus, helping you establish a separate business credit profile.
Alternative small business funding options
If you don’t qualify for a business credit card, there may be other ways to access financing for your business:
Secured business credit cards: Requires a security deposit but can help build credit for future approvals.
Business charge cards: Some charge cards (like the Nav Prime Card) don’t require a personal credit check and help establish business credit.
Merchant cash advances: Short-term financing based on future sales, available to businesses with consistent revenue and good cash flow.
Invoice financing: Allows businesses to get cash upfront by using unpaid invoices as collateral.
Microloans: Small loans from non-profits or community lenders designed for startups and new businesses.
Final Thoughts: Which Business Credit Card Is Right for You?
Choosing the right business credit card depends on your credit score, business needs, and financial goals. Whether you’re looking for rewards, credit-building options, or fast approval, there’s a business credit card that fits your situation.
Summary of top recommendations
- Good to Excellent Credit (670+ FICO Score)
- Best for: Rewards, higher credit limits, and 0% intro APR offers
- Examples: Bank of America® Business Advantage Customized Cash Rewards Mastercard® credit card, The American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card
- Fair Credit (580–669 FICO Score)
- Best for: Business owners improving credit who still want rewards
- Examples: Cards with lower credit limits and basic cashback perks
- Poor or No Credit (<580 FICO Score)
- Best for: Credit-building with low barriers to approval
- Examples: Secured business credit cards requiring a refundable deposit
- No Personal Credit Check Required
- Best for: Business owners who prefer to build business credit without affecting personal scores
- Example: Nav Prime Card (charge card that reports to business credit bureaus)
Next Steps
- Check your eligibility: Use Nav to compare business credit cards tailored to your financial profile.
- Get personalized matches: Nav provides recommendations based on your credit data and business needs.
- Apply online: Choose a card and complete the application process in minutes.
- Start building business credit: Use your new card responsibly to strengthen your financial foundation.
The right business credit card can help manage cash flow, build credit, and unlock rewards. Explore your options with Nav to find the best fit for your business.
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Improve your business credit history through tradeline reporting, know your borrowing power from your credit details, and access the best funding – only at Nav.
*Nav Technologies, Inc. is a financial technology company and not a bank. Banking services provided by Thread Bank, Member FDIC. The Nav Visa Business Debit Card and the Nav Prime Charge Card are issued by Thread Bank pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. and may be used everywhere Visa cards are accepted. See Cardholder Terms for additional details. All other features of the Nav Prime membership are not associated with Thread Bank.
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Gerri Detweiler
Education Consultant, Nav
Gerri Detweiler, a financing and credit expert, has been featured in 4,500+ news stories and answered 10,000+ credit and lending questions online. In addition to Nav, her articles have appeared on Forbes, MarketWatch, and Startup Nation. She is the author or co-author of six books, including Finance Your Own Business, and she has also testified before Congress on consumer credit legislation.