How to Apply For a Business Credit Card Without an LLC (And Why You Should Consider Adding Business Credit Cards to Your Wallet!)
When I first started travel with points and miles, I was hesitant to apply for business credit cards because I did not have a full time business or an LLC. I didn’t know at the time that even a small side hustle would qualify me for a business credit card!
Once I added business credit cards to my wallet it was a GAME CHANGER! Here’s why:
Big Bonuses!
Business credit card sign-up bonuses are often higher than personal credit card sign-up bonuses. For example, two of my very favorite business credit cards (the Ink Business Cash® Credit Card and Ink Business Unlimited® Credit Card have no annual fees and their sign up bonuses are amazing! More points equals more free travel!)
The Chase Ink Preferred® Credit Card is also a great option with a high welcome offer. It has $95 annual fee and will earn 3x on travel, shipping, internet, cable, phone, and advertising with social media sites (up to $150K spend per year). This card allows you to transfer you Chase Ultimate Reward points to transfer partners!
To take a break from personal credit card applications.
Chase has the 5/24 rule, which means if you have opened 5 or more personal credit cards (from any issuer) in the past 24 months, you will not be eligible for a new credit card from Chase. However, business credit cards do not count! (But you do need to be under 5/24 to be eligible for Chase business credit cards.)
More details on the 5/24 rule HERE!
Travel Perks!
Many business credit cards come with travel perks such as lounge access, travel insurance, baggage fee waivers, and priority boarding, which can make your travel experience more comfortable and stress free.
Credit Score
Business credit cards do not generally report to your personal credit report beyond the initial hard inquiry (with the exception of negative payment history) So if you cancel these cards after a year, your credit score will not be affected in the same way as it would be if you canceled a personal credit card.
Are you like I used to be and don’t think you qualify for a business credit card? You probably do! Any small side hustle will qualify you, even something as small as selling things on Facebook Marketplace.
Here is how to fill out a business credit card application without an LLC for best chances of approval:
Legal Name of Business: Use your full name as the business name
Business Name on Card: Your Name
Business Mailing Address: Your home if you don’t have a separate business address.
Type of Business: Sole Proprietor
Tax Identification Number: This can be your SSN or EIN number
Business Category: Choose whatever is closest to your business
Number of Employees: none
Annual Business Revenue: Project an amount based on monthly revenue to date or future revenue
Business Category: Number of years in business
Authorizing Officer: Owner
Gross Annual Income: All of your household income, not just from your business.
If you are not immediately approved for a business credit card, don’t sweat it! It is fairly normal for a credit card to go into “pending” before approval.
Is it okay to use business cards for personal expenses?
Almost every points & miles hobby-ist I know uses business credit cards for some personal expenses. That being said, only use the credit card for personal expenses if you are comfortable doing so.
Looking for a good business credit card to rack up points for FREE travel?
The Chase Ink Business Cash, Chase Ink Business Unlimited earn my favorite type of points (Chase Ultimate Rewards points), they have NO ANNUAL FEES and have great sign up bonuses! The Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card is also a great option! For more check out the Ultimate Guide to Chase Ink Business Credit Cards!
*Note that in order to get the most value out of these points by transferring to transfer partners, you will need a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve®, or the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card.. Then you can combine your points together and transfer to transfer partners!
FREE Beginner’s Guide to Points and Miles
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If you decide to apply for any of the credit cards listed above, I appreciate it so much when you use my affiliate links that are linked in the post.
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