It’s easy to assume that business credit cards are just for CEOs or full-time entrepreneurs.
But here’s the secret:
You do not need to own a registered business with employees earning millions of dollars a year to open a business credit card.
In fact, many of you probably have what banks would consider to be a business and don’t even realize it.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about qualifying for a business credit card — and why this could be one of the easiest ways to supercharge your points and miles game.
What Counts as a Business?
Spoiler: probably more than you think.
The definition of a business is a lot looser than most people realize. If you’re making money from a hobby or side gig — even just a few hundred bucks a year — you’re likely considered a sole proprietor in the eyes of credit card issuers.
Examples of Qualifying Businesses
Freelancing (writing, photography, consulting, design, etc.)
Selling items on Etsy, eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace
Driving for Uber, DoorDash, Lyft, or Instacart
Babysitting, tutoring, or pet-sitting
Running a blog or YouTube channel with ad or affiliate income
It doesn’t have to be big. If you’re making money through any of these channels, then you’re likely eligible to apply for a small business credit card.
To put it more plainly…
If you make ANY side or freelance income, you have a business.
If you have plans to make any side or freelance income, you have a business.
If you have ever sold an item on eBay, you have a business.
If you want to one day sell an item on eBay, you have a business.
If you walk your neighbors’ dogs for $10, you have a business.
If you sell homemade woven baskets on Etsy, you have a business.
If you have a single homemade woven basket for sale on Etsy and have never sold one, you still have a business.
Do You Need an LLC or Registered Business?
You don’t need a registered LLC, corporation, employees, or even a business tax ID number (EIN) to apply for most business credit cards.
Instead, you can simply become a Sole Proprietor.
A Sole Proprietorship is basically just a person making a side income. It doesn’t need to be registered, you don’t need to have revenue coming in, and you don’t need an EIN (Employer Identification Number).
Instead, the business is simply attached to your personal Social Security Number.
This means that when tax time comes, you don’t need to do any complicated business taxes either. You simply file taxes for yourself, and any business income is marked as self-employment income.
When filling out an application for a business credit card, you simply use your own name as the name of the business.
Honestly, that’s all there really is to it. It’s way simpler than you may have initially thought!
What to Include on the Application
Business name: Use your full legal name.
Business type: Sole proprietorship.
Business revenue: Estimate what you earned last year or what you expect to earn this year.
Start date: Use the approximate month and year you began your business
Don’t worry if the revenue is low or you haven’t turned a profit yet — banks understand that businesses start scrappy.
Why Get a Business Credit Card?
Glad you asked. Business credit cards come with some super-duper awesome perks that personal credit cards don’t always offer, especially if you’re looking to earn rewards and keep your finances organized.
Top Benefits of Business Credit Cards
Large welcome offers to help you rack up miles and points fast
Bonus categories for common business expenses like advertising, shipping, and travel
No impact on your personal credit report (in most cases)
Separate your business and personal spending for easier tracking
Employee cards to help manage purchases, if you grow later on
Plus, having both personal and business cards with the same issuer (like Chase or Amex) can unlock more rewards, pairing opportunities, and overall points-earning potential.
Best Business Credit Cards to Consider
Not sure where to start? Here are some of our favorite business cards for freelancers and small biz owners alike:
Capital One Venture X Business: It earns 2x miles on every purchase, plus a big bonus when you spend enough in the first few months. Miles can be transferred to travel partners or redeemed for travel at a fixed value. Great for businesses with varied expenses.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: This one is more ideal for high-spending businesses. It earns 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked at AmexTravel.com, as well as 2x points on key business categories. It also comes with premium benefits like lounge access, travel credits, and concierge service.
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: One of the best Chase business cards in the game, with a massive welcome offer and 3x points on business categories like travel, shipping, and digital advertising (on the first $150,000 spent on total purchases for these categories each year, then 1x). Points can be transferred to popular airline and hotel partners.
Ink Business Cash® Credit Card: Another top-tier Chase business card that offers a strong welcome offer, competitive rewards, and a $0 annual fee. You can earn up to 5% cash back or 5x points on major business categories (on the first $25,000 spent in combined purchases) with this card.
Each of these cards also gives you access to valuable travel protections, purchase insurance, and exclusive partner discounts.
Do Business Credit Cards Affect Your Personal Credit Score?
When you apply for a business credit card, the bank will usually run a hard inquiry on your personal credit report. That might cause a small, temporary dip in your score.
But here’s the upside! Once approved, most business cards don’t report ongoing balances or payment history to your personal credit report (unless you default). That means you can use your business card freely without it affecting your credit utilization.
Bottom Line
You don’t need to wear a suit, have a six-figure income, or hire a team of employees to qualify for a business credit card. If you’re earning money somehow — whether that’s selling homemade baked goods on weekends or babysitting your neighbor’s kids — you might already be eligible.
Business credit cards are one of the best-kept secrets in the points and miles world. They can help you earn faster, stay organized, and unlock better travel rewards — all while building your business, however big (or small) it is.
Check out our favorite business credit card offers, pick the one that fits your needs, and start earning like a boss.
