Best business credit cards with no personal credit check of 2023
Key takeaways
Business credit cards with no personal credit check use other factors like your business's credit score to determine your creditworthiness
Opening a business card with no personal credit check keeps your business and personal finances separate, while also helping you avoid a hard inquiry on your personal credit profile
However, when business card issuers don't have the assurance of a high personal credit score, they may take additional steps to minimize their risk
This may take the form of issuing cards as charge cards or requiring minimum bank balances, both of which can make their cards less desirable than traditional business credit cards that involve a personal credit check
Business credit cards are valuable tools that help entrepreneurs and business owners manage cash flow and cover large expenses. Many business credit cards rely on personal credit checks or personal guarantees to ensure that you’ll make payments; however, if you’re hesitant about the impact of a credit check on your personal credit score, there are a few business credit cards you can access without personal credit checks.
Just be aware that, without the degree of confidence a personal credit check provides, business card lenders may put additional restrictions in place to limit their risk. For example, business cards with no personal credit check often come in the form of charge cards. Because charge cards must be paid off in full each month, you won’t be able to carry a balance from month to month. This limits risk to the issuer, but may make the card less desirable to you as a business owner.
With that in mind, here are some of the best business credit cards with no personal credit check to consider.
Brex 30 Card: Best for earning rewards
Why we picked it: The Brex 30 Card offers a long list of benefits many business owners need. Not only do you get both virtual and physical cards you can use worldwide, but if you have employees in other countries, you can also issue them a Brex card that operates in their currency. Plus, you can earn up to 7X points on rideshares, up to 4X points on Brex travel rewards, up to 3X points at restaurants and on certain Apple purchases, up to 2X points on recurring software payments and up to 1X points on all other purchases.
Pros:
A large variety of rewards ranging up to 7X points
24/7 customer support via chat through WhatsApp, Slack, text message, email and phone
Personalized card limits based on factors like your business’s revenue or funds raised
High level of security through PIN, chips, fraud protection and zero liability protection
Cons:
Cannot carry a balance, as Brex withdraws the total amount from your linked bank account each month
Brex requires a $25,000 minimum monthly balance to keep your account open
Brex’s complex rewards structure can make it difficult for some businesses to earn a substantial amount of rewards
Who should apply?
Brex sounds like a flashy card in many respects, but only a certain type of business owner will be able to access its value. Businesses that earn a significant amount each year and can pay off their total balance each month are a good fit. Additionally, businesses with a lot of ridesharing and dining expenses may be able to take advantage of two of the card’s highest rewards tiers.
Who should skip?
For small businesses who need to carry a balance each month and don’t spend in Brex’s rewards categories, the Brex 30 Card likely isn’t the right fit. While there’s no annual fee to worry about, if you can’t pay off your bill in full every month or maintain a high cash balance in a linked business bank account, avoid this card.
Ramp Visa Corporate Card: Best for business management tools
Why we picked it: The Ramp Visa® Corporate Card* offers standout features that can be a good choice for business owners looking to organize their spending. With this card, you can issue an unlimited number of employee cards, automate the collection of receipts and set spending limits. Ramp is a high-limit credit card option for many borrowers and the company’s slick mobile app makes it easy to see all of your business’s spending in one place.
Pros:
No annual fee
1.5 percent cash back on all of your spending
No personal guarantee or credit check required
Ramp’s AI insights help you track duplicate spending and payments, giving you advice on how to save
Credit limit is based on your company’s cash accounts (when connected to Ramp)
Cons:
Sole proprietors can’t apply; you must have a registered LLC, C-Corp or S-Corp to be eligible
You can’t carry a balance from month to month as Ramp is a charge card
Who should apply?
With no annual fees or revenue requirements, most business owners qualify for Ramp. Business owners with employees or who want a straightforward cash back amount — as well as those that don’t want to give a personal guarantee or have a personal credit check run — are likely to appreciate Ramp.
Who should skip?
Although Ramp’s requirements aren’t as rigid as other business card issuers, not every business owner will qualify for the card. Sole proprietors can’t apply for the card; additionally, while the rewards rate is straightforward, it’s by no means high. Business owners looking for high rewards won’t find what they’re looking for, nor will those who need to maintain a monthly balance, as Ramp doesn’t allow for that.
Stripe Corporate Card: Best for Stripe customers
Why we picked it: If you have a Stripe account already, you can simply log in and apply for a Stripe Corporate Card*. Your Stripe payment history and bank account activity will determine your credit limit. Further, there’s no annual fee, and you earn 1.5 percent cash back on every one of your business purchases.
Pros:
Access to a large network of major retail partners that offer significant discounts
Set spending limits for all your Stripe cards
You and your employees can text or upload receipts that are automatically categorized in your Stripe account
Integrates with popular finance software like Quickbooks and Expensify
Cons:
Relatively low rewards rate compared to other business credit cards
Currently only for U.S. use
The Stripe Corporate Card may be available by invitation only
Who should apply?
Those who use Stripe as their payment processor should consider applying for the company’s corporate card. It’s easy to apply for and has no annual fee. Plus, the 1.5 percent cash back is perfect for businesses that want an easy-to-maximize rewards structure.
Who should skip?
The Stripe Corporate Card has potential, but it’s relatively new and is still only available by invitation. Business owners who aren’t Stripe customers may want to find alternative cards with stronger rewards.
Emburse Cards: Best for a large variety of card options
Why we picked it: Emburse has Emburse Cards*, which offer options for nearly every business need. From employee cards with spending limit capabilities to employee meal cards specifically designed to help workers budget their food expenses, there’s a lot that’s unique about Emburse. All of the company’s cards have virtual or physical options and for those who use Emburse’s financial management software, Emburse cards are free add-ons.
Pros:
The Emburse Spend card does not require personal guarantees or personal credit checks
Some Emburse cards may offer unlimited 1 percent cash back on all purchases
No fees for businesses that use other Emburse products
Emburse cards can be prepaid and preloaded with spending rules, minimizing the effort associated with employee reimbursements
Cons:
Must use Emburse expenses management software to qualify for a free card
Must be a business registered in the U.S. to use Emburse
Some Emburse cards can not be used at ATMs
Who should apply?
Emburse members that use any of the company’s business management software should consider taking advantage of Emburse cards. These flexible, customizable cards make managing every aspect of your business easy, especially at the enterprise level where new cards need to be spun up quickly for different purposes.
Who should skip?
If you want a high cash back card, skip these options and opt for higher rewards cards. Additionally, if you use other software to run your business, Emburse cards won’t work the best for you.
Can you get a business credit card with no credit check?
Getting a credit card of any kind, business included, is difficult if you’re not willing to agree to a credit check. Most lenders use credit checks to ensure you’re responsible enough to manage the line of credit and pay them back. So it’s rare to find lenders willing to let you avoid a credit check (although some business credit cards won’t run your personal credit, just your business credit).
If credit checks are a concern, there are also certain credit products designed with poor-credit borrowers in mind, namely secured business credit cards. Just like personal secured cards, in lieu of a strong credit profile, you submit a deposit that’s used as collateral if you stop making payments. This deposit often acts as your credit line as well.
Additionally, prepaid business credit cards exist. Your credit line is simply the amount you preload onto the card. These cards help you stick to a budget more easily and help you avoid debt, while also enabling you to enjoy some of the benefits of business credit cards.
Is a business credit card with no personal credit check right for you?
Business credit cards with no personal credit checks are very specific credit products meant for certain cardholders. This type of card may be right if:
You have a strong business credit profile: Some credit card companies only run your business credit; if you have a good score you’re likely to qualify for these cards.
You don’t want a hard pull on your personal credit: Having too many hard credit checks on your personal credit profile can cause your score to decline temporarily. If you don’t want to risk a decline — or if your personal credit score is low — you may be better served with a card that doesn’t run your personal credit.
You want a card fast: Certain cards (like the Emburse Cards, for example) give you access to credit almost instantly so you can start using them to earn rewards and give your employees spending power.
How to choose a business credit card
Compared to other types of credit cards, business credit cards with no personal credit check aren’t as common, so you’re choosing from a more limited pool. That said, you still need to research your options thoroughly. When choosing a business card:
Think about your business’s needs: Why do you want a business credit card? Is it just to help you separate business and personal expenses? If so, a prepaid card may be the way to go. Or are you looking for rewards in certain business categories? If so, focus on rewards business cards.
Consider your business credit score: Both you and your business have a credit score. If your personal score isn’t great but your business’s score is, you may have more options available.
Evaluate fees and interest rates: Some business credit cards come with significant annual fees. Before selecting an annual fee card, determine whether the benefits outweigh the fee. The same goes for interest rates. If you plan on ever carrying a balance, look at the interest rate you’re likely to qualify for to understand the full financial impact of opening the card.
Consider the credit limit offered by the card: If you anticipate making large purchases, you’ll want a card with a higher credit limit. Look at each issuer’s limits and credit requirements and pick the one that’s most likely to work for your needs.
Look at additional benefits: Some business credit cards offer perks like free employee cards, expense tracking tools and reporting features to help manage business expenses efficiently. If you’ll use these perks, make sure the card you choose includes them.
The bottom line
Business credit cards that have no personal credit checks aren’t extremely common, but there are enough options with varying features that most businesses can find one that works for them. You may have to settle for less-than-stellar rewards and the inability to carry a balance, but if you can, there are many other perks that come along with these cards.
*The information about the Ramp Visa® Corporate Card, Stripe Corporate Card and Emburse Cards have been collected independently by Bankrate. The card details have not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.
