HOW TO QUALIFY FOR BUSINESS CREDIT CARDS
If you’ve ever thought about applying for a business credit card but weren’t sure if you’d qualify—this guide is for you. Whether you’re selling on Facebook Marketplace, freelancing on the side, or just starting out with a new venture, getting a business credit card is often much easier than people think. And the rewards can be huge.
What are the benefits?
Business credit cards can be a game changer if you're looking to earn more travel rewards. Many come with bigger welcome bonuses than personal cards, which can mean thousands of dollars in nearly free flights or hotel stays. Because business cards are separate from your personal credit profile, they won’t count toward your 5/24 status—making them ideal for alternating between personal and business card applications to maximize your long-term points strategy. If you’re not familiar with the 5/24 rule, check out my full blog post on how it works and why it matters. One of the biggest perks is the ability to stack points across both personal and business cards to reach your travel goals faster. Even with low or no income, you may still be able to get approved.
Who is eligible?
You don’t need to have an LLC or a registered company to get a business credit card. In fact, if you have a side hustle, you may already qualify. Many people apply as sole proprietors using just their name and Social Security number. If you’ve made money—or intend to—from a small business venture, you’re likely eligible.
Here are some examples of what counts as a business:
• Selling on Etsy, eBay, or Facebook Marketplace
• Tutoring or babysitting
• Airbnb or rental income
• Consulting or freelance gigs
• Blogging or content creation
• Uber/Lyft driving
• Photography
• Dog walking
And the list goes on. Even if you aren’t profitable yet, you can still qualify by listing your projected revenue.
How do I apply?
Here’s a breakdown of how to complete the application if you're applying as a sole proprietor:
Legal Business Name: If you don’t have one, use your full legal name. Don’t make up a name.
Business Name on Card: Use your name again, or your business name if you have one.
Doing Business As (DBA): If you haven’t registered a DBA, select “No.”
Business Address: Use your home address if you don’t have a separate business location.
Type of Business: Choose “Sole Proprietor” unless you’ve registered a different entity.
Tax ID Number: Use your Social Security number unless you have an EIN.
Business Category: Select the closest match. For example for Facebook Marketplace sales, you can use Retail > Used Merchandise Stores.
Employees: Enter 0 unless you have employees.
Annual Revenue: Estimate the income you’ve made or expect to make from your business.
Years in Business: You can include when you started, even if you weren’t making money yet.
Gross Annual Income: Include your total household income (including your spouse if applicable).
Recommended business cards
Here are my favorite business credit cards that earn flexible points that transfer to different airline and hotel partners:
Ink Business Preferred®
Ink Business Cash®
Ink Business Unlimited®
For higher business expenses
If your business has significant monthly spending, these cards are worth a look:
American Express® Business Gold Card
American Express® Business Platinum Card
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the word “business” hold you back. If you’re earning money on the side or planning to you likely already qualify for a business credit card. These cards can help you earn more points, access larger welcome bonuses, and set yourself up for long-term success in the world of points and miles. Best of all, they give you more opportunities to travel for less. So if you’ve been on the fence, consider this your sign to apply.