Best Business Credit Cards for Startups in 2025
Best business credit cards for startups in 2025. Easy-approval options for limited credit history, including cards with no personal guarantee required.

Best Business Credit Cards for Startups in 2025
Starting a business is hard enough. Finding credit is harder.
Most business credit cards say "business" but require personal credit scores, personal income verification, and personal guarantees. If your business is new, you have no business credit history. If you're a first-time founder, you may have limited personal credit too.
But options exist. Some cards approve based on revenue. Others are designed for new businesses. Here's how to get business credit as a startup.
The Startup Credit Challenge
What You're Up Against
Traditional lenders want:
- 2+ years in business
- Established business revenue
- Strong business credit score
- Personal credit history
What startups often have:
- Months (not years) in business
- Variable or pre-revenue status
- No business credit history
- Founder's personal credit only
The Two Paths
Path 1: Cards using personal credit Easier to get, but requires good personal credit and personal guarantee.
Path 2: Cards using business metrics Harder to qualify, but based on business strength, often no personal guarantee.
Best Startup Cards Using Personal Credit
Chase Ink Business Cards
Best for: Startups with founders who have good personal credit (680+)
| Card | Annual Fee | Signup Bonus | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Business Preferred | $95 | 100K points | 3x on travel, shipping, ads |
| Ink Business Unlimited | $0 | $750 | 1.5x on everything, 0% APR |
| Ink Business Cash | $0 | $750 | 5x office supplies, 0% APR |
Approval factors:
- Personal credit score (680+)
- Personal income
- Basic business information (even sole prop works)
Why good for startups:
- No minimum revenue required
- Sole proprietors can apply
- Strong rewards from day one
- 0% APR options for cash flow
American Express Business Cards
Best for: Startups needing flexible charge limits
| Card | Annual Fee | Signup Bonus | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Business Plus | $0 | Varies | 2x on everything up to $50K |
| Blue Business Cash | $0 | Varies | 2% cash back up to $50K |
| Business Gold | $375 | 70K points | 4x on top 2 categories |
Approval factors:
- Personal credit score
- May require higher income
- Charge cards have no preset limit
Why good for startups:
- No preset spending limit (charge cards)
- Strong expense management tools
- Good category bonuses
Capital One Spark Cards
Best for: Startups wanting simple rewards
| Card | Annual Fee | Signup Bonus | Best Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spark Cash Plus | $150 | $1,200 | 2% unlimited cash back |
| Spark Cash Select | $0 | $500 | 1.5% unlimited cash back |
Approval factors:
- Personal credit score
- Business information
- May require moderate credit history
Cards for Startups with Revenue (No Personal Guarantee)
Brex
Best for: Funded startups, businesses with $100K+ revenue
Key features: | Feature | Details | |---------|---------| | Personal credit check | None | | Personal guarantee | None | | Approval based on | Bank balance, revenue, funding | | Rewards | Up to 8x on rideshare, 4x travel | | Annual fee | $0 |
Requirements:
- US incorporated business
- Business bank account connected
- Some revenue or VC funding
Who qualifies:
- Funded startups (seed+)
- Businesses with $100K+ annual revenue
- Strong bank balance ($50K+ helps)
Ramp
Best for: Growing startups focused on expense management
Key features: | Feature | Details | |---------|---------| | Personal credit check | None | | Personal guarantee | None | | Approval based on | Bank statements, cash flow | | Rewards | 1.5% cash back | | Annual fee | $0 |
Requirements:
- US incorporated business
- $75K+ annual revenue typically
- Business bank account
Added value:
- Expense management software included
- Bill pay features
- Accounting integrations
Divvy (Bill)
Best for: Startups wanting expense controls
Key features: | Feature | Details | |---------|---------| | Personal credit check | Soft pull only | | Personal guarantee | None | | Approval based on | Bank data, business metrics | | Rewards | Up to 7x on select categories | | Annual fee | $0 |
Requirements:
- Business bank account
- Some operating history
- Revenue or cash flow
Startup Card Decision Matrix
By Stage
| Stage | Best Options |
|---|---|
| Pre-revenue | Personal credit cards for business |
| Early revenue (<$50K) | Ink cards, Amex Blue Business |
| Growing revenue ($50K-$100K) | Divvy, consider Ramp |
| Established ($100K+) | Brex, Ramp, plus premium cards |
| Funded startup | Brex, Ramp (even pre-revenue) |
By Founder Credit Score
| Personal Score | Best Options |
|---|---|
| 750+ | Any card, best approval odds |
| 700-749 | Ink cards, Amex, Capital One |
| 650-699 | More limited, start with secured |
| Below 650 | Focus on corporate cards or secured |
By Primary Need
| Need | Best Card |
|---|---|
| Cash flow (0% APR) | Ink Business Unlimited/Cash |
| Rewards (travel) | Ink Preferred, Amex Gold |
| Rewards (cash back) | Spark Cash Plus, Blue Business Cash |
| No personal guarantee | Brex, Ramp, Divvy |
| Expense management | Ramp, Divvy |
Application Strategy for Startups
If You Have Strong Personal Credit (720+)
Strategy:
- Apply for Chase Ink card first (5/24 rule)
- Add Amex card for additional capacity
- Consider Capital One for simplicity
Expected credit access: $10,000-$50,000+
If You Have Moderate Personal Credit (680-720)
Strategy:
- Start with one application
- Build relationship before adding more
- Focus on 0% APR for cash flow flexibility
Expected credit access: $5,000-$20,000
If You Have Limited Personal Credit
Strategy:
- Consider secured business credit card
- Build personal and business credit simultaneously
- Apply for corporate cards once revenue established
Expected credit access: $500-$5,000 initially
If You Have Revenue or Funding
Strategy:
- Apply for Brex or Ramp
- No personal credit impact
- Credit limit based on business strength
Expected credit access: $10,000-$500,000+
Building Toward Better Cards
Year 1 Strategy
Month 1-3:
- Get first business credit card (based on personal credit)
- Use for all business expenses
- Pay on time (or early for business credit building)
Month 4-6:
- Establish Net-30 vendor accounts
- Build business credit profile
- Request credit limit increase
Month 7-12:
- Add second business credit card
- Continue building business credit
- Evaluate for corporate card eligibility
Year 2 and Beyond
- Apply for premium business cards
- Consider corporate cards (no personal guarantee)
- Maximize rewards across card portfolio
- Request credit limit increases annually
Startup Card Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Applying for Too Many Cards at Once
Multiple applications hurt approval odds and credit score.
Fix: Space applications 3+ months apart.
Mistake 2: Ignoring 0% APR Value
0% APR cards are powerful for startup cash flow.
Fix: Prioritize 0% APR offers for early-stage financing.
Mistake 3: Mixing Personal and Business
Using personal cards for business limits business credit building.
Fix: Get business card as soon as possible, even if basic.
Mistake 4: Not Negotiating Limits
Initial limits may be conservative. Increases are often available.
Fix: Request credit limit increases after 6 months of good use.
Mistake 5: Waiting for "Perfect" Revenue
Some founders wait until revenue is high to get business credit.
Fix: Start building credit early. Founder personal credit can bridge the gap.
Startup Card FAQs
Can I get a business card with no revenue?
Yes, many cards approve based on projected revenue and personal credit. Sole proprietors commonly list personal income.
Do business cards affect personal credit?
Applications create hard inquiries on personal credit. Most cards report to personal credit only if you default, but some report monthly.
What credit limit should I expect as a startup?
With good personal credit: $5,000-$30,000 initially. With revenue-based cards: depends on bank balance and revenue.
How many cards should a startup have?
Start with 1-2. Add more as you build history and need capacity.
Should I personally guarantee?
Initially, you may have no choice. As business strengthens, seek cards without personal guarantee.
Quick Picks by Situation
"I need cash flow help now"
Get: Chase Ink Business Unlimited (0% APR for 12 months)
"I want maximum rewards"
Get: Chase Ink Business Preferred (100K point bonus)
"I have VC funding"
Get: Brex (no personal guarantee, funding-based approval)
"I want simplicity"
Get: Capital One Spark Cash Plus (2% on everything)
"I'm just starting out"
Get: Chase Ink Business Cash (5x categories, 0% APR, $0 fee)
Your Startup Card Action Plan
This Week
- Check your personal credit score
- Decide on primary card goal (rewards vs. 0% APR)
- Research 2-3 card options
This Month
- Apply for first business credit card
- Begin using for business expenses
- Set up autopay to avoid late payments
Next Quarter
- Request credit limit increase
- Open Net-30 vendor accounts for business credit
- Evaluate second card options
Within 12 Months
- Apply for second business card if needed
- Consider corporate card if revenue supports
- Build comprehensive business credit profile
Next Steps
Every startup needs credit. The right card depends on your stage, credit profile, and goals.
Start with what you can get. Build credit and revenue. Graduate to better options over time.
The business credit you build in year one pays dividends for years to come.
Need help choosing startup credit cards? Freedom Consulting helps startups access business credit. Book a free consultation to find your best options.
Related: 0% APR Funding Strategy | Business Credit Complete Guide
Disclaimer: Card terms change. Verify current offers before applying. Approval depends on creditworthiness and issuer criteria.
Continue Learning
This article is part of our 0% APR Business Funding: How to Access $50K-$300K Interest-Free guide series.
Related articles in this series:
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