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.
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