Who qualifies for a business credit card?
Editor's Note
It doesn't matter if you're pet sitting, working as a freelancer or running a retail store with several employees: If you are trying to make a profit by selling goods or services, you have a business.
And since you qualify as a small-business owner, you are eligible for a business credit card.
How do business credit cards work?
Business credit cards can help small-business owners track expenses, manage day-to-day operations and separate their business from their personal spending.
These cards are a form of revolving credit — ideal for new business owners who lack the capital to maintain proper inventory or cover seasonal or unexpected expenses. Most business credit cards can offer employee cards with individual spending limits.
Compared to personal credit cards, business credit cards usually offer higher credit limits and perks tailored to small businesses. For example, they enable small-business owners to build business credit while taking advantage of increased travel and other rewards, which they can use to offset business expenses.
Related: Reasons to get a business credit card
Who can apply for a business credit card?
Whether you operate a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or Limited Liability Company, you can apply for a business credit card. You don't need to have an existing business credit history before you can apply; credit card issuers will look at your personal credit history and credit score.
In case you're still unsure whether you qualify for a business credit card, here's a closer look at some common businesses you might own as a self-employed person.
Related: How many business credit cards should you have?
Self-employed business owners
Being self-employed means that you work for yourself instead of working for an employer. You set your own hours and pay yourself from your business' profits. Self-employed business owners may provide goods and services to the general public or a specific client.
Jobs often performed by self-employed business owners can include:
- Babysitters
- Bloggers
- Consultants
- Farmers
- Home bakers
- Notary publics
- Online sellers
- Vacation rental hosts
- Woodworkers
This list is by no means exhaustive. Virtually any side hustle can qualify, even if you aren't earning a substantial amount of money.
Related: Considerations for your small-business credit card strategy
Freelancers and independent contractors
A freelance worker, or independent contractor, is also a self-employed business owner. You can still set your own hours and decide what projects you work on. But unlike other self-employed business owners, you are often hired on a contractual basis to perform a service or provide goods.
You give up some control over your work, as the person who hires you has some say over how their projects are completed.
Freelancers and independent contractors can include:
- Caterers
- Freelance writers and journalists
- Property managers
- Real estate agents
- Tradespeople (such as builders, plumbers and electricians)
- Transcriptionists
- Web developers
If you received a Form 1099 for your work, chances are you're considered a contractor. If you're uncertain what your classification is, consult a tax professional.
Related: The best credit cards for freelancers
Gig economy workers
Like freelancers and independent contractors, gig workers are self-employed and hired on a contractual basis. What can set gig workers apart from other self-employed business owners is the shorter time they spend providing goods and services for clients.
Most gig workers focus on short-term or one-time projects before moving on to the next assignment. They're also more likely to advertise their services on marketplace platforms or apps.
Gig economy workers can include:
- Accountants
- Construction workers
- Food delivery drivers
- Landscapers
- Odd-job workers
- Personal trainers
- Ride-hailing service drivers
- Web designers
- Website content writers
Gig work often allows you to choose your own hours. So, picking up one of the above jobs could be an easy and efficient way to qualify for a business card if you don't already.
Related: Your guide to the Chase Ink Business credit cards
Types of business credit cards for small-business owners
When choosing a credit card for your business, pay attention to your spending habits.
If you're just starting a business or have minimal monthly expenses, a no-annual-fee business credit card is a good place to start.
You can also find cash-back business cards that pay a flat rate on all your business-related expenses and cards that provide higher reward rates in select spending categories, such as gas, restaurants, office supplies and travel.
As your business grows and your monthly expenses increase, you might want to check out the enhanced features and benefits that come with more premium business cards. Keep in mind that they will likely charge an annual fee.
Many business cards, such as the Capital One Venture X Business, provide impressive welcome offers. Cardholders can earn 150,000 bonus miles after spending $30,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening.
Although not all small businesses have such high expenditures, a premium business card can be very rewarding for those that do. When used responsibly, all of these cards can provide numerous benefits that can justify the annual fee.
Bottom line
As you can see, there are many advantages to having a business credit card. But remember always to pay your bill on time and keep your credit card debt to a minimum. The less you pay in interest charges and other fees, the more you will benefit.
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.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- 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