What are the Easiest Business Credit Cards to Get? Top Picks and How to Get Yours Approved

What is the easiest business credit card to get, and who should apply for one?

Getting the right business credit card can be a struggle. You might want to earn cash back, simplify expense management, or access a line of credit to help smooth your company’s cash flow. But, between strict credit score requirements, high annual fees, or personal guarantees that put your personal finances at risk, some small-business owners and startups may feel shut out.

Fortunately, there’s good news. Many issuers are simplifying their approval process and now provide easier account opening options for different business types. Even though these cards may be easier to obtain for your business, they can still grant cardholders access to flexible funding, statement credits, or cash rewards.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the different business credit cards and approval methods available today to help you find a card that aligns with your business’s financial profile. We’ll also highlight some of the unique advantages of the Slash Corporate Charge Card, an industry-leading business card that can maximize your business’s finances with advanced accounting integrations and up to 2% cashback on your business’s spending.1

What are the types of business credit cards?

Most business credit cards serve a similar purpose: they provide cardholders access to a line of credit and let them earn rewards like points, statement credits, and cash back. A corporate card can also establish your business credit score, a metric that measures your company’s financial performance and ability to repay debt.

Some business credit cards require a personal guarantee, a legal agreement that states the cardholder is personally responsible for any unpaid balance on the card if your business can’t cover it.

There are two main types of business cards: credit cards and charge cards. A traditional corporate credit card sets a credit limit and allows cardholders to make minimum payments each billing cycle. Any unpaid balance rolls over and accrues interest based on the card’s APR (annual percentage rate). A corporate charge card, on the other hand, requires the balance to be paid in full each billing cycle. This mode of payment can encourage financial responsibility and still benefit cardholders with cash rewards and expense management tools.

Here are some additional breakdowns that can help you compare business cards

Payment requirements: While some business credit cards use a fixed APR, others offer a variable APR, which is an interest rate that changes depending on an underlying benchmark rate, like the prime rate. In comparison, charge cards can safeguard your business from accumulating unnecessary interest charges by stipulating timely, complete payments.
Liability and personal guarantee: Business cards that require a personal guarantee can put your own finances at risk, since you’re personally liable for any unpaid business debt. If your company becomes insolvent, it can negatively affect both your business credit score and personal credit score. However, cards like the Slash Platinum Card don’t require a personal guarantee and instead evaluate your creditworthiness from your company’s financial metrics.
Credit limits v. spending controls: Usually, business credit cards have a preset credit limit determined by your credit history or your business's financial profile. Charge cards without a preset spending limit provide cardholders flexible spending controls for employees instead of assigning cardholders a credit limit.
Balance transfers: Cards that offer a balance transfer upon account opening let new customers transfer an outstanding balance from other credit cards onto a new business credit account. Typically these business cards can offer 0% intro APR, giving you a chance to pay down your balance without generating more interest debt.
Eligibility: Some lenders no longer require a personal guarantee or Social Security Number (SSN) for account opening. One option is applying with just an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which evaluates your company’s financial health instead of relying on a business credit check. Sole proprietors and freelancers without an EIN, however, should look for cards that only require an SSN.

If you’re a business owner with a low credit score or a flawed credit history, there are corporate card options designed to help you build business credit while you earn cash rewards, too. The most common option is applying for a secured card, which requires an up-front security deposit that serves as collateral. This deposit, which is usually equal to your card’s credit limit, reduces the lender’s risk while giving you the chance to prove responsible spending habits. If you manage the card well, your deposit is returned when the account is closed or upgraded to an unsecured business credit card.

Applying for a business credit card: essential factors to improve your odds

Knowing what to look for in a business credit card application can help you choose the option that best fits your company’s financial profile. Certain factors may indicate an easier approval process and a better chance of securing a card that supports your business goals:

Lower credit score requirements: Some business credit cards cater to applicants with fair or limited business credit scores. While these cards may offer fewer rewards, they can be a great way to build business credit responsibly.
Flexible approval requirements: Applications that accept an EIN instead of an SSN can be ideal for businesses with established financial records. Lenders tend to weigh cash flow metrics, revenue stability, and business expense ratios more heavily than credit checks.
Fast online application process: Some lenders, like Slash, offer free online applications that can be completed in minutes.
No annual fee: Premium business cards with higher annual fees will often require excellent business credit for approval. No-fee corporate cards can still deliver useful benefits for small businesses with lower credit check requirements, such as cash back and expense management tools.

How business owners can prepare for a business credit card application

For small businesses or startups looking to improve the chances of obtaining their ideal business card, there are some best practices you should know in order to maximize your odds of approval:

Build business credit first

To build your business credit history, start by registering your business entity, opening a business bank account, and obtaining an EIN and DUNS number (a unique nine-digit identifier for a business’s credit history). Then, find and apply for corporate credit cards that suit your financial profile and company goals. Ensure that your business card regularly reports to a credit bureau. Prioritize paying your bills on time and keeping your utilization low.

Separate business and personal finances

To start managing personal and business expenses separately, it’s good practice to open both a dedicated business bank account and business credit card. Keeping your expenses separate helps limit the risk of discrepancies and makes it easy to report your company’s financial records come tax season. Using Slash makes bookkeeping easier with automated accounting tools that can help business owners track their expenses and take control of their finances.

Check your credit report for errors

Credit reporting errors happen, and even small mistakes can negatively impact your business credit score. By regularly reviewing your credit card statements and credit reports, you can spot issues early and fix them before they cause headaches during a new business credit card application.

Consider a secured card

Secured cards can be a good option to strengthen your financial foundation, as they may offer a lower-risk for both you and the lender. The only money at stake is your refundable security deposit, which acts as your credit limit and protects you during slower periods.

Which business credit cards are the easiest to get?

Below are several corporate card options that could be a great fit for your business:

Slash Platinum Card

Who should apply: Small businesses and startups looking for an industry-leading cashback charge card with advanced accounting tools.
Benefits: Charge card with up to 2% cashback on purchases, integration with QuickBooks and Xero, physical and virtual cards, low foreign transaction fees, and customizable spending controls via the Slash dashboard.
Requirements: An EIN, government-issued ID, articles of incorporation, recent credit card or bank statements, proof of operating activity, and basic business information. No personal guarantee or SSN required.

Capital One Spark Classic for Business

Who should apply: Those looking to build business credit while earning flat-rate rewards
Benefits: No annual fee, 1% cash back on purchases, and employee account management tools.Requirements: At least a fair business credit score, SSN and EIN, personal guarantee, and basic business info.

Chase Ink Business Cash® Card

Who should apply: Sole proprietors and small business owners with good credit seeking a 0% intro APR offer
Benefits: 1% cash back with up to 5% cash back in select categories, 0% APR for first 12 billing cycles, and no annual fee.
Requirements: Good business credit score, EIN or SSN, business information, proof of income, and projected spending.

American Express Blue Business® Plus Card

Who should apply: Business owners who want flexible rewards without paying an annual fee.
Benefits: Point-based rewards (up to 2× points), 0% APR introductory offer, expense management tools, no annual fee.
Requirements: Good business credit score, business details, EIN and SSN, income verification.

Bank of America Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured Card

Who should apply: Small business owners aiming to build or rebuild business credit with a secured card
Benefits: 1.5% cash back, no annual fee, balance transfer, cash flow management tools
Requirements: Limited or low business credit score, EIN, personal financial details, business information, and a minimum security deposit of $1,000

Choosing a business credit card for business owners: key criteria

The right business credit card depends on how your company operates. Startups, small businesses, and sole proprietors may have different levels of access to the documents and qualifications required for a corporate card application. Even if a card aligns with your business structure, its rewards, fees, or expense management tools might not fit your financial goals or spending habits.

Here are key factors to consider when choosing the best card for your business, organized by business type:

Sole proprietors: As a sole proprietor, your business and personal finances are legally the same entity. Because sole proprietorships don’t require an EIN, you may not have one—so look for business credit cards that accept an SSN instead of an EIN to apply.
Office: There are many great business credit card options available that grant statement credits for everyday office supplies, advertising products, shipping fees, or other daily expenses; these benefits may come at an annual fee. If your office or small business doesn't experience predictable expense patterns, consider a flat-rate cashback rewards card.
Delivery or rideshare: Choose a business credit card that offers cash back or rewards on gas, maintenance, and auto-related expenses. Some cards even include roadside protection services or discounts on vehicle repairs.
Traveling business: If your company has frequent travel expenses, look for cards that offer travel rewards or low to no foreign transaction fees. Though some of these cards charge an annual fee, the extra points or miles on flights, hotels, and transportation can offset expenses.
Shops, retail, and e-commerce: Using a business credit card with strong expense management features can simplify financial reconciliation. If your business sells across multiple platforms (like Shopify, Square, or in-person checkout systems) Slash offers multi-entity support and an analytics dashboard to track spending and performance across all sales channels.
Hospitality: Hotels and event venues may want a card with cashback that is categorized for client-related expenses like dining or transportation. Also, consider looking for a business card with access to unlimited virtual cards and customizable spending controls to better manage employee spending.
Food service: Restaurants and caterers should look for business credit cards that reward food-supply purchases. Cards offering statement credits for equipment or variable APR can also help manage cash flow during slow seasons.

Fast, founder-friendly business credit starts with Slash

Finding the right business credit card isn’t always easy, especially if you’re just getting started or still building your credit history.

That’s where Slash can make a real difference. Our corporate charge cards give businesses access to strong cash rewards and practical tools for managing day-to-day finances. You can earn up to 2% cash back on purchases while using a platform that goes beyond a typical corporate card. Slash’s dashboard brings everything together—expense tracking, industry-specific integrations, and real-time payments through RTP and FedNow.

With a Slash corporate card, you’re not just choosing convenience—you’re setting your business up for long-term success. Explore Slash charge card options and pricing today.

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a business credit card?

Approval timelines can vary depending on the card issuer and the type of business credit card you are applying for. Some digital cards can be approved quickly and added to a digital wallet same-day, while physical cards typically take longer to process and ship.

How do business credit cards impact business taxes?

In most cases, you can deduct the interest paid on purchases used to finance business expenses, which helps lower your company’s taxable income each year. While there may be other case-specific tax implications, the most important rule of thumb to remember: keep your business and personal finances separate to make filing your taxes easier.

What are the pros and cons of secured v. EIN-only business credit cards?

Secured cards are often easier to qualify for if you don’t yet have a strong business credit score, but they require a security deposit that is typically equal to your credit limit. Unsecured EIN-only cards don’t require a deposit or personal guarantee and can also suit business owners with lower credit. Instead, approval is based on your company’s cash flow and overall financial performance.