You Probably Qualify for a Business Credit Card (Even if You Think You Don’t)

Even a side hustle like selling on Facebook Marketplace qualifies for a business credit card. Read more to see if a business credit card, which unlocks a lot of travel rewards, is right for you.

Why Business Cards Matter for Credit Card Points

If you’re trying to maximize your credit card points, business credit cards are a game-changer. They often come with higher welcome bonuses and they don’t count toward your personal 5/24 status (more on that later). Yet so many people never apply because they assume they don’t qualify – but they PROBABLY DO QUALIFY!

What Counts as a Business?

You don’t need a storefront, employees, or an LLC to apply for a business card. You might qualify as a sole proprietor (which means you only need your social security number) if you:

• Run a blog, YouTube channel, or Etsy shop
• Sell items on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Poshmark (yes, even your used kids’ clothes and toys count)
• Tutor, babysit, or walk dogs
• Freelance or do contract work
• Resell used books or clothes
• Drive for Uber, DoorDash, etc 
• Referee or are an adjunct professor

When you apply, the credit card company will ask for a business name and industry. If you do not have a business name, you will use your social security number.

(If you do not have a business name, DO NOT MAKE ONE UP. Unless you have an EIN, just use your social security number, apply as a sole proprietor where you will list your name as the business name. This is important, if you don’t have a business name USE YOUR NAME).

Why You Want A Business Credit Card?

Stay Under 5/24: Chase business cards don’t appear on your personal credit report, so they won’t affect your chances of getting other Chase cards – 5/24 means you cannot have more than five personal credit cards in 24 months. Since business credit cards don’t count (with the exception of Capital One), this open a lot more opportunities for earning points.

Big Sign-Up Bonuses: Many business cards offer 75,000+ points after meeting a spending threshold and many of them have NO ANNUAL FEE.

What Banks Look For

• A good personal credit score (typically 680+)
• Reasonable income (personal + business combined – when the application says total gross income, make sure you include both your household and your business)
• Business income (don’t lie, be honest. I know plenty of people who were approved with less than a $500 business income)

You may be asked questions about your business, but for most sole proprietors, it’s simple: explain what you do in plain language. It can be as simple as “I sell used merchandise.” The bank has never asked me this question, and it hasn’t asked anyone I helped apply either, but it is possible.

Tips for Applying for a Business Credit Card:

• Use your name as your business name (if your business does not have a name)
• Choose ‘Sole Proprietor’ as your business type
• Estimate your revenue realistically – it can be as little as $500
• You can use your Social Security number instead of an EIN (but if you have an EIN, I recommend that)

My Favorite Business Credit Cards

Final Thoughts:

If you’re serious about earning points and miles, business credit cards open up a whole new world of opportunities. Whether you’re selling children’s clothes on Facebook marketplace, refereeing youth sporting events, or tutoring part-time, you may already be eligible.