What name should I put on my business credit card application?
Editor's Note
For many small-business owners, a business credit card is a smart and effective way to help manage business-related expenses.
With the right card, you gain numerous advantages beyond the convenience of having an extended line of credit. With responsible use, you can build your business credit history. You may also be able to earn rewards, receive free employee cards and get access to expense management software.
When you’re ready to apply for a business credit card, the process won’t be the same as applying for a personal credit card. In addition to some personal information, you’ll also need to provide several business-related details. This includes how long you’ve been in business, your annual business revenue and the number of employees.
You’ll also be asked to provide your business name. This can be your personal name or your legal business name if you have one.
Not sure which one to use? Keep reading to learn more and decide what name to put on your business credit card.
Why you might want a business credit card
There are plenty of reasons to apply for a business credit card. The simplest reason is if you have an established business and are looking for a better way to organize your expenses.
Even if you don’t need a business card, you might want one to help separate your work expenses from personal ones. It can also prevent your spending balances from being reported on your personal credit report. This can keep your credit utilization low on your personal credit report and thus help you maintain a higher credit score.
Or, maybe you want to earn some nice welcome bonuses without affecting your eligibility for future personal credit card applications and avoiding restrictions such as Chase’s 5/24 rule.
What name should you apply with for a business credit card?
The specific answer to this question will depend on your business’s structure. Banks allow you to specify whether you are applying as a partnership, a type of corporation or a sole proprietorship, among other options.
Some card issuers will give you an overwhelming number of choices. Larger companies or those registered as corporations, LLCs or partnerships will have an easier time deciding what name to use — they will simply apply with the business’s name.
Things get a little more complicated if you’re a sole proprietor.
If you're not 100% sure of the business structure you should select, speak with a lawyer or tax professional. Many points enthusiasts will be applying as sole proprietors or self-employed for things like:
- DoorDash or Uber driver
- Rover petsitter
- Freelance writer
- Babysitter
Applying as a sole proprietor can be a great option because you don’t need to file any paperwork with your state or federal government to form one; you establish a sole proprietorship simply by doing business. If you go this hassle-free route, you’ll apply for business credit cards using your own name.
Some banks (especially Chase) like to ask for supporting documentation before approving a business card application, including proof of physical address. By using your name as the business name, you can submit rent or utility bills consistent with the information you gave on your application.
Related: Who qualifies for a business credit card?
How to get a credit card in your business name
Branding is half the battle in attracting customers, so maybe you don’t want to call your new consulting firm just by your own name. If your business is operating under a name other than your legal name, you must file a DBA (doing business as) form.
The specific regulations on this (who, where, when and what you need to file) vary by state. Again, you should consult a legal professional before proceeding. This is a necessary step before you can open a bank account or line of credit under your business name.
In many ways, this is a warning about what not to do: Never, under any circumstances, make up a business name for your application without filling out the necessary paperwork first.
Not only will you have no recourse if a card issuer asks you for supporting business documentation, but you’d also be committing fraud by passing yourself off as a business that doesn’t exist. The simple and short answer for most business owners looking to apply for business cards is to use your own name and keep things simple and legal.
Related: The ultimate guide to credit card application restrictions
Bottom line
Business credit cards can be a great way to enjoy even more welcome bonuses, bonus spending categories and other valuable perks. If you qualify for business credit cards, remember that these applications often face slightly more intense scrutiny than personal credit card applications.
Always be prepared to present your business registration certificate or other relevant documents if needed. When in doubt, consult a legal professional, and if you're applying as a sole proprietorship, consider just using your own name as your business name.
Related: Considerations for your small-business credit card strategy
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Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.