Startup Business Credit Cards with No Credit: Best Options and Requirements
In 2025, startups can finally access business credit without perfect personal credit. New fintech and secured options make it possible to separate personal and business finances, build credit, and manage expenses, even with zero credit history. The best card will depend on your cash flow, funding, and structure (LLC, corporation, or sole proprietor).
- No Credit Check Cards: Modern fintech options like Ramp and Brex analyze business revenue instead of FICO scores. Ramp generally requires $25K+ in a U.S. account; Brex requires ~$50K in funded capital. Both skip personal guarantees.
- Secured Business Cards: Ideal for early-stage or sole proprietors. Cards like Bank of America Business Advantage Secured and FNBO Secured Mastercard require refundable deposits ($500–$2,000+), report to business credit bureaus, and may graduate to unsecured after 6–12 months.
- Platform-Based Cards: Stripe Corporate Card and similar invite-only fintech products evaluate connected sales (Stripe, Shopify, Amazon) rather than personal credit. Approval hinges on revenue consistency, not credit files.
- Funding Alternatives: If you don’t qualify yet, consider SBA Microloans, vendor credit (Net-30 terms), or revenue-based business lines of credit. These build business credit profiles over time.
- Key 2025 Tip: Always verify whether the card reports to Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, or Equifax Business as this step directly affects how fast your company can establish formal credit.
Starting a business is tough. Starting one without an established credit history can feel like an impossible challenge. Traditionally, most business credit cards have relied heavily on personal credit scores for approval, making it difficult for new entrepreneurs to access financial tools.
But the landscape is changing. Today, startups have more options than ever before. From secured cards that help you build business credit to modern fintech corporate cards that evaluate revenue instead of credit scores, the playing field is broader, and more accessible.
Why Traditional Business Credit Cards Are Hard to Get
Most major issuers still depend on personal creditworthiness when evaluating applications. That typically means needing a FICO score of at least 670–700, along with a personal guarantee. Even if you’re applying in your business’s name, the issuer almost always checks your personal credit file.
This creates the frustrating credit catch-22: you need credit to get credit. For startups without a borrowing history, traditional business credit cards are often out of reach or come with extremely low limits.
Three Main Types of Cards for Startups with No Credit
1. No Credit Check Business Cards
A newer category of business cards has opened the door for startups that don’t have a strong credit history. Instead of relying on personal or business credit scores, these cards evaluate real-time business performance such as revenue, bank balances, and sales history.
You typically apply using your EIN and connect your business bank account or sales platforms like Stripe, Shopify, or Amazon. The issuer doesn’t run a hard personal credit check. Instead, they assess your business’s financial health by reviewing account balances, cash flow, or transaction volume.
How They Work: Many providers offer quick approval decisions once you link accounts. Some issuers set minimum thresholds, often requiring a steady sales history or a business bank balance in the range of several thousand dollars, to determine eligibility and set spending limits.
Important Caveat: Most of these products function as charge cards, not traditional revolving credit cards. That means you’ll need to repay your balance in full on a regular schedule, usually monthly, though some cards require more frequent repayment.
2. Secured Business Credit Cards
Secured business credit cards require a refundable security deposit that generally matches your credit limit. For instance, if you deposit $2,000, your spending limit is typically set at $2,000. Some issuers may require slightly more, with deposits ranging from 100% to 110% of the credit line.
These cards are easier to qualify for since the deposit lowers the lender’s risk. Minimum deposits often start around $500 to $1,000, though some issuers may go as low as $200 or require several thousand dollars depending on the product.
Key Benefit: Many secured business credit cards report payment activity to business credit bureaus, helping you build or improve your company’s credit profile with responsible use. In some cases, issuers may also report to personal credit bureaus, but reporting policies vary, so it’s important to confirm how a specific card reports before applying.
3. Corporate Cards for Well-Funded Startups
If your startup has raised capital or maintains substantial cash reserves, corporate cards offer another path. These cards skip personal credit checks but have different requirements.
Brex doesn’t require personal guarantees or personal credit checks, instead analyzing your company’s financial health and growth trajectory. However, a minimum bank balance of $50,000 from professional investors may be required to qualify.
Ramp requires at least $25,000 in cash in a U.S. business bank account to qualify. Both offer credit limits that can be 10-20x higher than traditional cards.
Best Cards for Startups with No Credit
Top No Credit Check Options
| Card | Personal Credit / Guarantee Required? | Eligibility / Application Criteria | Rewards & Benefits | Key Limitations / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ramp Business Card | No personal guarantee; no personal credit check required | Must be a U.S. entity (corporation, LLC, or LP) Often requires $25,000+ in a U.S. business bank account for approval | Up to 1.5% cashback on purchases No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees Expense management tools, unlimited employee cards | It’s a charge card (must be paid in full monthly) Sole proprietors typically not eligible Reward rates vary by business profile |
| Brex Business Card | No personal guarantee; no personal credit check | Must be a U.S. incorporated business with EIN and U.S. operations Some applicants may need ~$50,000+ in cash balance | Up to 7× on rideshare, 4× on Brex Travel, 3× on restaurants, 2× on software, 1× on other purchases No annual fee; no foreign transaction fees Perks valued at $350,000+ with AWS, Slack, QuickBooks | Must pay in full (charge card model) Strict underwriting; not all startups qualify Credit limits tied to cash balance and metrics |
| Stripe Corporate Card | No personal guarantee; no personal credit check (invite-only) | Must be an active Stripe user; access often by invitation | Flat 1.5% cashback on all purchases No annual fee; no foreign transaction fees Integrates with Stripe dashboard | Invitation-only; limited availability Perks less extensive than Brex or Ramp Charge-card model (must settle balances quickly) |
Best Secured Options
| Feature / Term | Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured | FNBO Business Edition Secured Mastercard | Valley Bank Visa Secured Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum / Refundable Security Deposit | $1,000–$10,000 (deposit equals credit line) | $2,000–$10,000 (in $100 increments, deposit equals line) | 110% of requested credit limit (up to $25,000) |
| Credit Limit Range | Up to $10,000 | Up to $10,000 | $1,000–$25,000 |
| Earned on Security Deposit | None | Yes, deposit earns interest | Not specified |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $39 | $0 |
| Rewards / Cash Back | 1.5% unlimited cash back on purchases | None (no rewards program) | 1% unlimited cash back |
| Intro APR / Promo | None | None | 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for first 6 billing cycles |
| Ongoing APR | ~27.49% variable | ~24.99% variable | 15.70%–27.25% variable (after intro) |
| Security Deposit as % of Credit Line | 100% | 100% | 110% |
| Reports to Business Credit Bureaus | Yes | Yes (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian, Equifax) | Yes |
| Other Notes | May upgrade to unsecured after review | Requires personal guarantee; helps build business credit | Personal guarantee required; strong 0% intro APR option |
What You’ll Need to Qualify
Requirements vary significantly by card type. Here’s what different options typically require:
For No Credit Check / Corporate-Style Cards:
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EIN (Employer Identification Number) or business registration
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Business bank account with verifiable balances or statements
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Proof of revenue, recurring cash flow, or linked sales platform accounts (e.g., Stripe, Shopify, Amazon)
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Often limited to incorporated entities such as LLCs, corporations, or partnerships (sole proprietors may not qualify)
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May not require a personal credit check, but many issuers still verify identity and may require a personal guarantee depending on risk
For Secured Business Credit Cards:
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Cash deposit, usually equal to 100% of the desired credit limit (some issuers require 110%)
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Minimum deposits typically start around $200, though some issuers set higher minimums (up to $2,000 or more)
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Basic business and personal information (EIN or SSN)
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Some issuers check personal credit, but requirements are generally more flexible than with unsecured cards
For Traditional Unsecured Business Cards (If You Have Some Credit):
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Personal FICO score typically in the “good” range or higher (around 670–700+, though requirements vary by issuer)
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Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN for a personal credit check
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Proof of sufficient income, personal and/or business, to show ability to repay debt
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Personal guarantee, making you personally liable if the business cannot repay
How These Cards Help Build Business Credit
One of the biggest benefits of getting a business credit card early is building your business credit profile. Not all cards report to business credit bureaus, so this is an important factor when choosing.
Cards that report to business credit bureaus such as Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, or Equifax Business allow you to establish a positive history with each on-time payment. This track record can strengthen your business credit profile in just a few months, making it easier to qualify for better financing terms later.
Most business credit cards require a personal guarantee, meaning you are personally liable if the business fails to repay. While on-time payments typically don’t affect your personal credit, missed payments or defaults can be reported to consumer credit bureaus and damage your personal score. Applying may also trigger a personal credit check (hard inquiry), which can temporarily lower your personal score.
Important Note: Before applying, confirm whether the card reports to major business credit bureaus and clarify how the issuer handles personal credit reporting. Not all business cards do this, especially some fintech options that avoid personal credit checks but also may not build business credit.
Key Benefits Beyond Credit Access
Separating Personal and Business Finances
Keeping personal and business expenses separate is essential for transparency, accuracy, and professionalism. A dedicated business credit card makes it easier to track company expenses, simplifies bookkeeping, and streamlines tax preparation. If you operate as an LLC or corporation, commingling expenses can also put your liability protections at risk. However, most business credit cards still require a personal guarantee, meaning you remain personally responsible for the debt even if accounts are kept separate.
Managing Cash Flow
Business credit cards provide a revolving line of credit that helps manage daily expenses and smooth over cash flow gaps. This flexibility allows you to cover short-term costs and pursue growth opportunities without immediately draining your bank account. That said, credit limits for new businesses may be smaller, and carrying a balance can result in high interest charges, so responsible use is key.
Rewards and Perks
Many business credit cards, including some designed for startups, offer rewards such as cashback, travel points, or discounts on business services. Even no-credit-check or cash-flow–based cards may provide limited perks. However, rewards programs vary significantly, and the most generous options are typically available to businesses with established credit profiles.
Important Limitations to Understand
Charge Cards vs. Credit Cards
Many no-credit-check options are charge cards, requiring full repayment each cycle. This avoids interest but offers less flexibility than revolving credit.
Limited Credit Lines Initially
New businesses usually start with smaller limits. Timely payments may lead to increases, but it depends on issuer policy.
Security Deposit Ties Up Cash
Secured cards lock up your deposit for the account’s duration. Responsible use can qualify you for an upgrade to unsecured within 6–12 months.
Structure Requirements
Most no-credit-check corporate cards are for corporations, LLCs, or partnerships. Sole proprietors often must use secured or personal-credit-based options.
Tips for Getting Approved
Build Your Business Bank Balance: If you’re targeting no-credit-check cards, start building your business bank account balance before applying. Having substantial cash reserves opens up more options with higher credit limits.
Connect Payment Platforms: Cards that evaluate Stripe, Shopify, or Amazon sales can approve you based on that revenue history. If you’re using these platforms, make sure you have at least a few months of consistent sales data before applying.
Start with Secured if Necessary: Secured business credit cards are generally the easiest to obtain because your security deposit reduces the lender’s risk. This can be your foot in the door while you build business credit.
Avoid Multiple Applications: Don’t apply for multiple credit cards at once. It may be more beneficial to apply for one card you’re most likely to qualify for rather than scattering applications.
Understand Personal Liability: Even cards that don’t check personal credit may still require personal guarantees, meaning you’re personally liable if the business can’t repay. Make sure you understand what you’re signing up for.
Alternative Options If You Don’t Qualify
If you can’t get approved for any business credit card yet, you have other paths:
Vendor Credit: Vendor credit (trade credit) lets you purchase now and pay later, usually within 30, 60, or 90 days. Many vendors, including office supply companies, offer Net-30 terms, but while some accounts may not require a hard credit check, others often ask for trade references or basic business verification before approval.
Business Lines of Credit: Many online lenders offer business lines of credit based on revenue instead of credit score. They evaluate your monthly deposits and average balance to decide your limit.
Microloans: Small business loans typically ranging from $500 to $50,000, offered mainly by nonprofit lenders and CDFIs. In the U.S., the SBA Microloan Program provides funds through nonprofit intermediaries to help startups and underserved businesses. Organizations like Accion Opportunity Fund and Kiva also provide microloans, often targeting early-stage entrepreneurs.
The Bottom Line
Getting a startup business credit card with no credit is easier today than ever, as long as you choose the right option for your situation. Well-funded startups can look to Ramp or Brex for high limits without personal checks, while Stripe and Shopify users may qualify for the Stripe Corporate Card based on platform revenue.
If cash is limited, secured cards from Bank of America or FNBO help build credit through a deposit, and sole proprietors may need secured options or face personal checks. The goal is the same: separate personal and business finances, build credit, and access working capital. Start with what you can qualify for now, use it responsibly, and you’ll unlock better financing as your business grows.
Related: This article is part of Mooloo’s Loans & Credit Hub, and Business & Entrepreneurship Hub, covering how businesses are started, financed, scaled, and protected over time.covering credit scores, loans, mortgages, credit cards, and smart borrowing decisions:
