How to Apply for and Get a Business Credit Card in 3 Steps

Getting a business credit card is a straightforward process — provided you know which card you want and whether you’re likely to qualify for it. Figuring that out is your first step.

Next, you’ll identify your needs and choose the best business credit card for you. After that, applying takes just a few minutes. Here's how to do it.

Approval for small-business cards is based largely on your personal credit score. Most cards require good or excellent credit — typically a personal FICO score of 690 or higher.

If your credit score falls into the fair or bad range (a FICO score of 689 or below), consider a secured business credit card, which can help you build your business credit. And try to build your personal credit to increase the options available to you in the future.

Getting a business credit card for a startup or new business follows largely the same process as getting one for an established company. While you’ll have to provide information about your business, credit card issuers generally don’t make approval decisions based on revenue or time in business.

If you have bad personal credit but strong business financials, you may be a good candidate for a corporate card like Ramp or BILL Divvy. Those cards base approval on your business’s finances, not your personal credit score.

» MORE: How to get a business credit card using just your EIN

Narrow your options to the type of small-business card that best fits your business needs. Then, compare features, perks, rates, fees and reward options to choose the best card for your small business.

If your credit score is in the “bad” or “fair” ranges: There aren’t many business credit cards available to entrepreneurs whose credit scores fall below the “good” range (a FICO score of 690-719). You may want to start by taking out a secured card to help build your peronsal credit, then applying for a business credit card down the road once you have more options.

If you need to finance a large purchase or consolidate existing debt: Consider a business card with a 0% introductory APR on new purchases and balance transfers. A card that offers ongoing rewards along with an intro APR period is a better long-term bet than one with just a 0% offer.

For instance, the U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa® Business Card offers 0% intro APR on Purchases for 12 billing cycles, and then the ongoing APR of 17.99%-26.99% Variable APR. Cardholders also have the opportunity to score a sign-up bonus: Earn $750 in cash back. Just spend $6,000 on the Account Owner's card in the first 180 days of opening your account.

If you want a simple, versatile card: Cash-back business credit cards are among the most versatile because your rewards can typically be redeemed as a statement credit or deposited into a connected bank account. Flat-rate cards earn the same rewards rate for all purchases and are a good bet if you don’t spend heavily in one specific category. For example, the Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash℠ Card offers 2% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee.

If you want to maximize rewards in the areas you spend most: Cash-back business cards with bonus categories deliver great value when they align with your spending habits. The Ink Business Cash® Credit Card is a good example: Earn 5% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at office supply stores and on internet, cable and phone services each account anniversary year, Earn 2% cash back on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases at gas stations and restaurants each account anniversary year, Earn 1% cash back on all other card purchases with no limit to the amount you can earn.

If you spend a lot of time on the road (or in the air) for business travel: A business travel card that earns extra points on travel-related expenses can offer added value via traveler-friendly perks like lounge access and airline credits. Similar to cash-back cards, you’ll find travel cards either offer flat-rate rewards or tiered rewards with certain categories earning a higher rate.

For instance, the U.S. Bank Business Altitude® Connect Visa Signature® Card offers bonus categories: Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels and car rentals booked directly in the Rewards Center. Earn 4X points on travel, gas and EV charging stations* on the first $150,000 in combined annual spend (*excludes discount stores/supercenters and wholesale clubs). Earn 2X points on dining, takeout, restaurant delivery and cell service providers. Earn 1X points on all other eligible spend. There's also a solid welcome offer and no annual fee for the first year ($95 after that).

»MORE: Are there instant approval business credit cards?

Applying for a small-business card is relatively straightforward. You’ll provide much of the same information as you would for a personal credit card, along with additional details about your business (industry, revenue, etc.).

Here's what you need to apply for a business credit card:

• Business name, address and phone number.

• Annual revenue, number of employees and years in business.

• Type of business, industry and legal structure.

• Estimated monthly spending.

• Employer identification number (EIN) if you have one.

You’ll also need to provide personal information, including:

• Name, date of birth and Social Security number.

• Home address, phone number and email address.

• Personal credit score.