Do I need a business to get a business credit card?
Editor's Note
There are all sorts of travel credit cards (like hotel and airline cards), and most fall into one of two categories — personal or business. Nearly anyone can apply for a personal credit card, but we often get one question: Do you need to own a business to get a business credit card?
A business credit card opens up a new set of possible welcome bonuses and category bonuses. It's also a great way to separate your business and personal expenses and give your small enterprise the spending power it needs to grow.
Here's how you can qualify for one of your own.
Related: Business cards vs. personal cards
Do I need a business to get a business credit card?
To answer the question: Yes, you need a business to open a business credit card. But it's important to define what exactly is a "business." The qualifications for what qualifies as a business may differ from what you might expect.
Do you sell items on Amazon, eBay or Craigslist? Do you teach music or sports? Ever act as a freelance writer or photographer? If you sell any goods or services, that could qualify you as a business owner.
But if you're in one of these businesses, how do you explain that on a credit card application? You don't have to have a registered business like an LLC or a corporation to apply. When applying for a business credit card, a section will ask what kind of business you own and request your business tax identification number. If you're just in business on your own, you can choose to answer that you're a sole proprietor, and in most cases, you can enter your Social Security number as your tax ID number.
Banks sometimes ask for supporting documentation to prove that you have a small business or earn income outside of an employer. So, you must tell the truth when applying for a business card.
Applying for a business card will also result in a hard pull on your credit report, and banks will look at your personal credit score when considering you for a business card. But once you have a business card, that line of credit will be separate from your personal one, so actions on a business account generally won't affect your personal score (unless you default on payments, of course).
Related: What is a business credit card?
Bottom line
While you need a business to open a business credit card, something as simple as a side gig can qualify you for one. If you're considering applying for a business credit card, look at our list of the best business credit cards. As always, it's important to consider several factors when applying for cards. Do your due diligence and research before applying for a credit card.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
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- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees