The Best Business Credit Card

5 best business credit cards for new businesses

 

Essential Business Credit Cards for New Ventures: A Comprehensive Guide

 

Starting a new business is an exhilarating, yet challenging, endeavor. Entrepreneurs frequently grapple with unpredictable cash flow, unexpected expenses, the intricate process of building vendor relationships, and the demanding task of scaling operations. A significant hurdle for many new founders is limited access to financing, particularly when they lack a robust credit history or a proven track record of revenue.

This is where business credit cards emerge as a vital tool. By providing essential access to credit, the right card empowers new businesses to invest in critical areas like inventory, equipment, marketing, and other growth opportunities without depleting precious cash reserves. Whether it’s covering day-to-day operational expenses or seizing time-sensitive business opportunities, credit offers startups the much-needed financial flexibility.

However, navigating the landscape of business credit cards for new businesses can be daunting. Each card presents a unique blend of reward structures, credit requirements, fees, and features that may or may not align with your specific needs. Some cards are tailored for established businesses with strong credit profiles, while others are explicitly designed to support the growth of startups and newer ventures.

While access to credit is a powerful catalyst for growth, uncontrolled spending can quickly lead to financial distress. New business owners who accumulate debt without a clear repayment strategy risk ending up in a worse financial position than when they started. Therefore, it’s paramount to find business cards that not only provide the necessary funding but also offer robust features to control spending.

The best credit cards for new businesses strike this crucial balance, granting access to the capital required for growth while simultaneously providing tools to maintain rigorous cash flow management. This guide will walk you through six top options that can empower your new business to thrive without sacrificing financial control.

 

Can New Businesses Qualify for the Best Business Credit Cards?

 

Yes, new businesses can qualify for business credit cards, although the process is generally more challenging than for established enterprises with proven track records. Eligibility criteria vary significantly among providers, as different financial institutions employ diverse evaluation methods and risk assessment models.

Traditional credit card providers often rely heavily on personal credit scores and typically demand personal guarantees from business owners. While this approach can help secure approval, it can create an undesirable financial entanglement between personal and business finances. When you provide a personal guarantee, you become personally liable for any debt your business cannot repay, potentially jeopardizing personal assets and your individual credit score.

However, modern business credit card providers are increasingly making credit accessible to new businesses without such stringent requirements. Some innovative providers now offer business credit cards for new businesses that do not require personal credit checks or personal guarantees, allowing businesses to apply solely with their Employer Identification Number (EIN).

EIN-only business credit card applications establish a clear separation between your personal finances and business operations. This protects your personal credit profile while enabling your company to build its own distinct credit history. Providers evaluate applicants based on factors such as monthly revenue, cash reserves, business bank account activity, and operational history, allowing startups to secure credit based on their business performance rather than the founder’s personal financial standing.

By choosing a business credit card with no personal guarantee requirements, you can access vital capital while maintaining the financial separation that safeguards both your personal assets and supports long-term business credit development. This strategic approach empowers your business to build its own credit profile from the ground up, fostering valuable financial independence as your company grows.

 

Top Business Credit Card Categories for New Businesses

 

New businesses may have a more limited selection of business credit cards, but several types are available that can be better suited to different business models and needs.

  • Secured Cards: These cards are designed for businesses with limited or no established credit history. They require an upfront security deposit which typically determines your available credit limit (e.g., a $5,000 deposit yields a $5,000 credit limit). This deposit-based structure makes secured cards ideal for new businesses with no credit, as approval is not dependent on extensive financial history or revenue. The security deposit acts as collateral, enabling card issuers to extend credit to businesses that might not qualify for traditional unsecured cards. Beyond immediate credit access, secured business credit cards serve as powerful credit-building tools. Regular usage and timely payments are reported to business credit bureaus, helping to establish your company’s credit profile from the ground up. Many secured cardholders can eventually qualify to upgrade to unsecured cards as their business credit strengthens, often with their security deposit returned.
  • Corporate Cards: Intended for fast-growing startups and enterprises, corporate cards offer extensive financial management capabilities beyond basic credit access. These cards provide centralised expense control, allowing businesses to issue multiple employee cards while maintaining oversight through customizable spending limits and real-time monitoring. The core strength of modern corporate cards lies in their upfront spend controls and integrated expense management solutions. Companies can set spending controls at both the organisational and individual card levels, enforce policy compliance automatically, and track expenses as they occur rather than waiting for monthly statements. Automated receipts, smart approvals, and real-time categorisation accelerate key finance and accounting workflows. Most corporate cards integrate directly with accounting and ERP platforms, eliminating manual data entry and reducing reconciliation time. Some corporate card providers even allow businesses to issue virtual cards for specific expenses and offer custom payment terms, extending to Net-30 or Net-60 arrangements, along with other advanced features for spend monitoring and control.
  • Charge Cards: Business charge cards operate differently from traditional credit cards by requiring the full balance to be paid each billing cycle. However, they compensate with flexible spending power that often lacks preset limits. Your purchasing capacity adjusts monthly based on your business’s financial performance, providing access to credit that can scale with your needs. These cards typically offer competitive rewards programs across multiple spending categories, along with welcome bonuses for new cardholders. Beyond rewards, charge cards can include comprehensive expense management tools, purchase protection, and premium travel benefits such as airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and travel insurance coverage. Most charge cards provide robust expense management software and integrate with popular accounting platforms. While the standard requirement involves paying balances in full monthly, some cards offer flexible payment programs for large purchases, providing limited financing options when needed.

 

The Best Business Credit Cards for New Businesses

 

For new businesses seeking a business credit card, consider the following options to find the best fit for your venture:

 

Brex Corporate Card

 

The Brex card is a global corporate credit card designed to offer startups and enterprise businesses high credit limits and AI-powered spend controls. With the Brex corporate card, new businesses can access the credit needed for critical purchases while ensuring corporate spend remains within budget and policy.

Key Details:

  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Minimum Credit Score Requirement: N/A (no personal credit check)
  • Variable APR: Charge card with no APR (balance due in full each month)
  • Typical Spending Limit Range: Up to 10-20x higher than traditional business credit cards, based on company cash balance and revenue.

Key Benefits:

  • Apply with EIN-Only: Brex allows new businesses to apply using only their EIN, eliminating the need for a personal credit check or personal guarantee. This is ideal for founders who want to protect their personal assets while building business credit.
  • Higher Credit Limits: Brex evaluates applicants based on business performance, enabling businesses to qualify for credit limits significantly higher than traditional credit cards. These limits support strategic investments like bulk inventory purchases or equipment acquisitions. Brex also increases limits as your business expands.
  • Spend Controls: Businesses can embed custom expense policies into the Brex card, allowing spending to be limited by employee, department, vendor, category, and transaction amount. This granular control ensures employees have purchasing power while maintaining oversight.
  • Real-time Visibility: Founders and accounting teams can track spending as it happens, providing proactive financial control and flagging potential overspending before it impacts cash flow.
  • Automated Expense Reports: Brex AI matches receipts to expenses, categorises, and reviews transactions. In-policy spending is automatically approved, streamlining reporting, while unusual activity is flagged for manual review.
  • Accounting Automation: Brex automates expense reconciliation and coding by syncing transaction data directly with platforms like QuickBooks, NetSuite, and Xero, reducing manual data entry and improving efficiency.
  • Business Rewards: The Brex rewards program is tailored to modern business spending, offering up to 7x points on categories like rideshares, travel, restaurants, and software subscriptions, with flexible redemption options including cashback, travel, statement credit, and unique choices like billboards.

Who This Card Is Best Suited For:

The Brex corporate credit card is best for businesses that need high credit limits without personal guarantees or an extensive established credit history. It particularly fits growing businesses requiring sophisticated expense management for cash flow control, real-time budget tracking, automated expense reporting, and seamless accounting integration.

 

Valley Bank Visa Secured Business Credit Card

 

The Valley Bank Visa Secured Business Credit Card caters to small business owners looking to establish or rebuild business credit while managing routine operational expenses. This secured card requires a cash deposit to set your credit limit, offering a pathway to credit access for new businesses with limited credit history.

Key Details:

  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Minimum Credit Score Requirement: Not disclosed
  • Variable APR: 15.20% to 26.50%
  • Typical Spending Limit Range: Up to $25,000 (determined by deposit)

Key Benefits:

  • 0% introductory APR
  • 1% cashback rewards
  • Emergency card replacement service
  • Fraud protection

Who This Card Is Best Suited For:

This card is best for businesses that need to establish business credit and can provide the required security deposit upfront. It’s well-suited for new businesses with limited credit history aiming to separate personal and business finances while building creditworthiness through consistent usage and timely payments.

 

BILL Divvy Card

 

The BILL Divvy Card is a charge card that seamlessly integrates into the BILL expense management platform. Business owners can apply for the BILL Divvy card without a personal guarantee and can access credit limits up to $5 million.

Key Details:

  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Minimum Credit Score Requirement: 670+ (personal)
  • Variable APR: Charge card with no APR (balance due in full each month)
  • Typical Spending Limit Range: $1,000 to $5M

Key Benefits:

  • Integrated expense management
  • No annual fee
  • Physical and virtual cards

Who This Card Is Best Suited For:

The BILL Divvy card is best for small to mid-sized organisations seeking a charge card with integrated expense management features. Businesses requiring advanced expense management tools should be aware that monthly subscription fees may apply for premium features.

 

FairFigure Capital Card

 

The FairFigure Capital Card is designed for new and growing businesses focused on establishing strong business credit scores. The FairFigure card allows businesses to apply using their EIN-only, facilitating the separation of personal and business finances.

Key Details:

  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Minimum Credit Score Requirement: No requirement
  • Variable APR: None (charge card)
  • Typical Spending Limit Range: Variable (based on business performance)

Key Benefits:

  • Reports to major business credit bureaus
  • Four- or eight-week repayment terms
  • No personal guarantee required for established businesses (conditions apply for new businesses)
  • Low revenue requirements

Who This Card Is Best Suited For:

The FairFigure Capital Card is best for small to mid-sized businesses that want to separate personal and business finances while actively building business credit.

 

First National Bank Business Edition Secured Visa Card

 

The First National Bank Business Edition Secured Visa Card helps business owners establish or rebuild business credit. Credit limits are determined by a refundable security deposit, ranging from $2,000 to $10,000.

Key Details:

  • Annual Fee: $39
  • Minimum Credit Score Requirement: 300+ (personal)
  • Variable APR: 24.99%
  • Typical Spending Limit Range: $2,000 to $10,000 (determined by deposit)

Key Benefits:

  • Earn interest on security deposit
  • Payments reported to business credit bureaus
  • Online account management
  • Purchase protection

Who This Card Is Best Suited For:

This card is best for businesses needing to build credit, though approval requires both a personal credit check and a minimum deposit of $2,000. It’s suitable for business owners with a decent personal credit score who are willing to pay an annual fee for basic features and credit building.

 

Why a New Business Can Benefit from a Business Credit Card

 

For new businesses, a business credit card is more than just a payment tool; it’s a strategic asset that can significantly contribute to growth and stability. Here are some of the key benefits of adding a business card to your financial stack:

  • Separate Personal and Business Finances: Maintaining a clear distinction between personal and business finances is paramount for new businesses, offering both legal protection and financial clarity. Business credit cards establish this necessary boundary by providing dedicated accounts for all company expenses. This separation simplifies tax preparation, as business expenses are clearly documented and categorised through card statements, rather than being commingled with personal transactions. Furthermore, separating accounts safeguards personal assets from business liabilities and helps solidify your company’s status as a distinct legal entity. For new businesses seeking EIN-only business credit cards, this separation becomes even more valuable as it allows for credit building based purely on business performance, rather than personal financial history.
  • Get Access to Credit: New businesses often face cash flow challenges and unexpected expenses that can derail operations without immediate access to funds. Business credit cards provide a crucial financial safety net, allowing companies to cover urgent expenses that cannot wait until payment is received for outstanding invoices. This access to credit is particularly valuable during seasonal fluctuations or when equipment failures necessitate immediate replacement. Unlike traditional business loans, which often require extensive documentation and lengthy approval processes, business credit cards offer more immediate access to funds when opportunities or necessities arise. Business credit cards for new businesses with no credit often provide this access even when traditional financing options are unavailable, giving startups the flexibility needed to navigate early-stage challenges and capitalise on growth opportunities.
  • Establish Payment History: Building strong business credit requires consistent on-time payments and responsible credit usage. Business credit cards offer new companies an accessible way to establish this payment history, as monthly card payments are typically reported to business credit bureaus and contribute directly to your company’s credit profile development. A robust business credit history opens doors to better financing options, more favourable terms from lenders and vendors, and enhances your credibility among customers and partners. Starting this credit-building process early through responsible business credit card usage positions your company for improved financial opportunities in the future, making it easier to secure the capital needed for significant growth phases.
  • Earn Rewards: Business credit cards transform necessary spending into valuable returns through robust rewards programs. Whether it’s earning cashback on office supplies, travel points for client meetings, or category bonuses on advertising expenses, these rewards provide tangible value that personal cards used for business expenses simply cannot match. Many business credit cards offer reward multipliers on common business categories like software, shipping, and office supplies, along with generous welcome bonuses that can provide immediate value for new cardholders. Corporate card rewards can be strategically reinvested into operations, or used for other business-related benefits, such as company offsites or marketing. For businesses with significant monthly spending, reward earnings can accumulate quickly, providing meaningful financial benefits that help offset operational costs while simultaneously building credit and maintaining expense separation.

 

Which Card Is Best for Your New Business?

 

The best business credit card for your new business depends on several factors, including the card your business can qualify for, what your business specifically needs, and how your business plans to utilise a credit card. For some businesses, a secured card might be the most suitable option, while for others, a traditional unsecured business credit card or a corporate card will better align with their needs.

Overall, the Brex corporate card stands out as the best option for many new businesses. Beyond its high limits and the absence of personal guarantees, the Brex card and its integrated spend management software are designed to scale seamlessly with your business, ensuring that future growth doesn’t necessitate a switch to a different card solution. Unlike many traditional corporate cards, Brex truly grows alongside your business.

As Alexandr Wang, founder and CEO of Scale AI, a startup accelerating the development of artificial intelligence, aptly puts it: “As we scaled, we wanted to be able to enable employees to move fast and make decisions and not be blocked by length approval chains. We’ve been with Brex since our early startup days. They’ve helped us grow, and have grown with us.” This sentiment underscores Brex’s capability to support and adapt to the evolving needs of burgeoning enterprises.