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.

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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.

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Best Startup Cards Using Personal Credit

Chase Ink Business Cards

Best for: Startups with founders who have good personal credit (680+)

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

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

Approval factors:

• Personal credit score
• Business information
• May require moderate credit history

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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

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Startup Card Decision Matrix

By Stage

By Founder Credit Score

By Primary Need

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Application Strategy for Startups

If You Have Strong Personal Credit (720+)

Strategy:

1. Apply for Chase Ink card first (5/24 rule)
2. Add Amex card for additional capacity
3. Consider Capital One for simplicity

Expected credit access: $10,000-$50,000+

If You Have Moderate Personal Credit (680-720)

Strategy:

1. Start with one application
2. Build relationship before adding more
3. Focus on 0% APR for cash flow flexibility

Expected credit access: $5,000-$20,000

If You Have Limited Personal Credit

Strategy:

1. Consider secured business credit card
2. Build personal and business credit simultaneously
3. Apply for corporate cards once revenue established

Expected credit access: $500-$5,000 initially

If You Have Revenue or Funding

Strategy:

1. Apply for Brex or Ramp
2. No personal credit impact
3. Credit limit based on business strength

Expected credit access: $10,000-$500,000+

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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

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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

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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.

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Need help choosing startup credit cards? Freedom Consulting helps startups access business credit. Book a free consultation to find your best options.

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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.

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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:

• Best 0% APR Business Credit Cards 2025: Complete List
• Credit Card Stacking: How to Get $100K+ in Business Credit
• Balance Transfer Strategy: Move Debt to 0% APR and Save Thousands