Top 5 Business Credit Cards for Startups with No Credit History

Getting approved for a business credit card with no credit history can be challenging for startups. However, several cards are designed specifically for new business owners with limited or no credit. In this guide, we'll review the best business credit cards for startups, their rewards, and how to qualify—even with a thin credit file.

Why Get a Business Credit Card for Your Startup?

Separate personal and business expenses – Essential for accounting and tax purposes
Build business credit – Establish a credit profile for future financing
Cash flow management – Access a revolving credit line for emergencies
Earn rewards – Get cash back, travel points, or other perks
No personal guarantee required – Some cards don’t require a hard credit check

Top 5 Business Credit Cards for Startups with No Credit History

1. Brex Card

Best for: Tech startups and venture-backed businesses

No credit check 1.5x-7x rewards No personal guarantee

Approval based on cash balance and spending patterns, not credit score
Earn 7x points on rideshares, 4x on travel, and 1x on everything else
No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees

Note: Requires a business bank account with $50,000+ balance for approval.

2. Capital One Spark Classic for Business

Best for: Startups looking to build credit with fair/poor scores

Fair credit OK 1% cash back No annual fee

Designed for businesses with credit scores as low as 580
1% cash back on all purchases with no limits
Reports to business credit bureaus (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian)

3. Divvy Business Credit Card

Best for: Startups needing expense management tools

No credit check 7x points Free cards

Approval based on business revenue rather than credit
Earn 7x points on hotels, rideshares, and restaurants
Comes with powerful spend management software

4. American Express Blue Business Cash™

Best for: Startups with fair credit needing 0% APR

Fair credit OK 2% cash back 0% intro APR

2% cash back on up to $50,000 annually (then 1%)
0% intro APR for 12 months (then 13.24%-19.24% variable)
No annual fee and employee cards at no extra cost

5. Discover it® Business Card

Best for: Cash back with no annual fee

Fair credit OK 5% rotating Cashback Match

Earn 5% cash back in rotating categories (up to $1,500/quarter)
Unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases
Discover will match all cash back earned the first year

How to Get Approved for a Business Credit Card with No Credit

1. Apply as a Sole Proprietor

If your startup isn't registered as an LLC yet, apply using your Social Security Number (SSN) instead of an EIN.

2. Start with Secured Cards

Consider a secured business credit card that requires a cash deposit as collateral.

3. Report Business Revenue

Some issuers (like Brex) approve based on bank balances or monthly revenue.

4. Become an Authorized User

Ask a business partner or spouse to add you to their established business card.

Business Credit Card Comparison

Card	Credit Needed	Rewards	Annual Fee
Brex Card	No credit check	1.5x-7x points	$0
Spark Classic	Fair (580+)	1% cash back	$0
Divvy	No credit check	7x on select	$0
Amex Blue Business	Fair (670+)	2% cash back	$0
Discover it® Business	Fair (660+)	5% rotating	$0

FAQs About Business Credit Cards for Startups

Can I get a business credit card with an EIN only?

Most issuers require a personal guarantee and will check your personal credit score, unless you qualify for cards like Brex or Divvy that don't require it.

Do business credit cards affect personal credit?

Most report to business credit bureaus only, but some may report delinquencies to personal credit. Always check terms.

What's the easiest business credit card to get?

The Capital One Spark Classic and Discover it® Business Card are among the easiest for those with fair credit scores.

Expert Tip:

Before applying, check your personal credit score for free through AnnualCreditReport.com. Even cards that don't require credit checks may review your financial history.