Are there any Easy to Get Business Credit Cards? Guide for Small Business Owners

Getting access to credit in a highly competitive market like the United States remains a key concern for many small business owners. It is quite difficult and time consuming to get funding through conventional and federal solutions. However, having access to flexible financing tools is more important than ever due to constantly rising operating costs and unpredictable cash flow.

For many entrepreneurs, interest in easy to get business credit cards continues to grow. This phrase, however, can be misleading. No credit card is ever truly “easy” to obtain. Every issuer is legally required to assess a borrower's ability to repay before granting approval.

In practice, the term easy to get business credit cards usually refers to cards with comparatively fewer barriers than other forms of business financing. These cards may rely more heavily on personal credit, accept thinner credit profiles, or offer lower initial credit limits.

This article does not suggest guaranteed approval. Instead, it explains how certain business credit cards may be easier to qualify for relative to others, particularly for small business owners, startups, and newer businesses. It also explores how approvals work and how small businesses can improve their chances responsibly.

What ‘Easy to Get Business Credit Cards' Really Mean?

The phrase easy to get business credit cards is commonly used, but it does not mean that issuers relax underwriting standards. Federal regulations require lenders to evaluate a borrower's ability to repay before extending credit.

When business owners refer to easy business credit cards to get, they are usually describing cards with relatively more flexible approval criteria, not guaranteed acceptance. These cards often lower the threshold for approval compared to other business financing products, while still applying standard credit assessments.

In many cases, business credit cards that are easy to get generally have the following characteristics:

• Lower minimum personal credit score requirements

• Limited or no business credit history expectations

• Smaller starting credit limit

• A required personal guarantee

• Simplified application process

However, many easy business credit cards rely heavily on personal credit history. This is especially true for new businesses and sole proprietors. Card issuers view the owner's credit profile as a proxy for business risk. Therefore, most small business credit cards may still require a personal guarantee, even when issued under a business name.

How do Business Credit Card Approvals Work?

It is crucial to understand the card approval procedure to know why it may be easy to get business credit cards. This also helps in comparing different cards and finding the one that truly fits the business needs.

However, even when cards are described as easy to get business credit cards, issuers must still conduct a credit check and assess risk. Approval decisions are usually based on documented criteria and not marketing language.

Understanding this distinction is helpful for business owners to apply more strategically and avoid unrealistic expectations.

When you apply for a small business credit card, the issuer typically reviews the following:

• Personal credit score

• Credit history and payment history

• Existing credit reports

• Business structure and industry

• Estimated business spending

• Business credit history (if available)

Most business credit card issuers perform a credit check on the borrower using personal credit bureaus such as Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion. This is a common practice even when applying with an employer identification number (EIN). Personal credit is generally the primary approval factor for newer small businesses.

This is the reason why easy business credit cards to get approved for are usually based on personal credit scores rather than business revenue. Therefore, borrowers are advised to apply if they have a strong personal credit.

Secured vs. Unsecured vs. Corporate Business Credit Cards

Just like small business loans, business credit cards are also of different types. Following are three types of easy to get business credit cards:

Secured Business Credit Cards

Secured cards are often described as some of the easiest small business credit card to get, but this ease is relative. Approval is still subject to credit review, though the required security deposit reduces risk for the issuer. They require a refundable security deposit. This deposit then generally becomes the credit limit.

Following are the key features of easy to get secured business credit cards:

• Usually lower risk for the issuer

• Approval may be possible with limited credit history

• Helps build business credit when payments are reported to credit unions

• Usually no cash advances without restrictions

Secured business credit cards may not offer extensive rewards programs. However, they are often used to build business credit responsibly.

Unsecured Business Credit Cards

Unsecured business credit cards do not require a security deposit. While some are labeled as easy business cards to get, approval still depends on a review of personal credit history, income stability, and existing obligations.

These cards may be more accessible than loans or lines of credit, but they are not automatically approved.

Unsecured business credit cards usually include:

• Variable APR (Annual Percentage Rate)

• Introductory APR (also commonly called intro APR) periods

• Cash back rewards or bonus points

• Employee cards and expense tracking

Approval for unsecured business credit cards also often depends on personal credit score and payment history of the borrower. Late payments can significantly impact eligibility of the borrower.

Corporate Cards

Corporate business credit cards differ from traditional small business credit cards. They are designed for established companies with strong cash flow.

Corporate cards usually require:

• High annual revenue

• Multiple cardholders

• May not require personal guarantee in some cases

Since the requirements are not very flexible, corporate cards are generally not considered easy to get business credit cards for small business owners. However, established businesses may find their approval easier if they have a strong cash flow and high annual revenue/profit.

Popular Easy to Get Business Credit Cards by Credit Level

The following categories do not imply guaranteed approval. They highlight card types that may be easier to qualify for compared to others, based on typical issuer requirements and credit profiles.

How easy it is to get business credit cards depends heavily on the credit score of the borrower. Therefore, it is essential to understand what are the right options based on the credit level of the business owner.

Business Credit Cards For No Credit or Limited Credit

For businesses with limited or no credit history, it is often easy to get the following business credit cards:

• Secured business credit cards

• Entry-level unsecured cards with low spending limits

• Cards tied to personal credit score

Businesses with limited credit are a high-risk option for issuers. Therefore, the above options are widely considered easy business credit cards to get approved for because they reduce issuer risk.

Business Credit Cards For Fair Credit

Credit scores ranging between 580 and 669 generally fall under the category of fair credit score. There are some lenders who may approve card applications from businesses in this range.

Business credit cards for fair credit users generally include:

• Moderate credit limit

• Variable APR

• Few cash rewards

• Possible annual fee

These cards are quite a popular choice for small business owners seeking easy to get business credit cards without large deposits.

Business Credit Cards for Good Credit

A credit score above 670 is considered good. Applicants whose personal credit scores falls under the good category usually find it easy to get business credit cards. Following are some features of business credit cards for good credit users:

• Higher spending limits

• Cash back rewards

• Travel rewards

• Statement credit offers

Since the approval for a business credit card largely depends on the personal credit score, for entrepreneurs with good credit, it is usually quite easy to get business credit cards.

Difference Between Business Credit Cards and Other Business Financing Options

When comparing business credit cards with other forms of financing like lines of credit or loans, it is easy to see that there are many differences between them. The approval time to open an account for a business credit card is usually quicker than many other financing options.

They also have a more flexible billing cycle, and maintain a revolving balance as opposed to having to repay the entire amount in fixed installments. This is why many small business owners rely on easy to get business credit cards for their day-to-day operational costs.

However, they may have higher interest rates than most forms of financing. Therefore, most owners use them to access smaller credit amounts for regular business purchases like office supply, inventory, travel expenses, marketing, and other such low cost business expenses.

Risks and Limitations to Consider with Easy to Get Business Credit Cards

Easy approval does not mean low risk. Business credit cards that offer easy approval may come with their own risks and limitations. A few of these include:

• Higher variable APR

• Lower credit limit at account opening

• Cash advances with fees

• Foreign transaction fees

• Impact on personal credit reports

Additionally, many times a business credit card can lead to personal liability because you have signed a personal guarantee to pay the debt. So, it is important to use business credit cards responsibly in order to protect your long-term business financial health.

How to Increase Approval Chances to Get a Business Credit Card?

It is easy to get business credit cards. However, business owners must still prepare well to increase their chances of getting approved. Following are a few tips to help new business owners:

• Checking your personal credit score and credit history.

• Correcting any inaccuracies on your credit report.

• Keeping your current credit card balances low.

• Applying for cards consistent with your credit profile.

• Using the same name when applying as you used to file taxes.

The IRS explains how to properly obtain and use an EIN as it helps streamline account management and expense tracking.

How to Build Business Credit After Approval?

After receiving approval, business owners must begin establishing their credit profile through responsible use of their business credit cards.

To build business credit, owners should:

• Pay statements on time

• Keep business spending manageable

• Monitor billing cycles

• Avoid late payments

• Separate personal credit card use from business purchases

The borrower's payment history is one of the most important components of their credit score. A long history of responsible and timely payments will increase the potential for being approved for future loans with better terms and conditions

Conclusion

Searching for easy to get business credit cards should always be approached with realistic expectations. No business credit card is guaranteed, and every application is evaluated based on creditworthiness and ability to repay. Through researching eligibility, interest rates and the risks of use, a business owner will be able to make a better informed decision on the best type of business credit card to get.

If used correctly, business credit cards may offer an excellent way to smooth out cash flow, help manage everyday expenses and contribute to establishing credit for your business in the future.