1. Introduction
Starting a business often requires capital—but what if you don’t have any incoming revenue yet? Surprisingly, you can still get a business credit card. Whether you’re a freelancer, side hustler, or startup founder in the early stages, this guide explains how to get a business credit card without revenue—safely, legally, and effectively.
2. What Is a Business Credit Card?
A business credit card is a financial tool designed to separate your business expenses from personal ones. While it functions much like a personal card, it includes features like:
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Higher credit limits
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Business-specific rewards
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Expense tracking tools
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Access to employee cards
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Business-only perks and protections
3. Why Get a Business Credit Card Without Revenue?
Even if your business hasn’t made money yet, a business credit card offers numerous benefits:
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Separate Finances: Keeps your accounting clean.
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Build Business Credit: Lays the groundwork for future funding.
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Startup Flexibility: Helps cover early expenses.
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Rewards & Cash Back: Earn while spending.
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Professionalism: A business card adds legitimacy.
4. Common Myths About Business Credit Cards
Myth 1: You Need to Be Incorporated
Fact: Sole proprietors can qualify using their Social Security number.
Myth 2: You Must Have Revenue
Fact: Banks consider other factors, like personal credit and potential.
Myth 3: Your Business Must Be Years Old
Fact: Even brand-new businesses can apply successfully.
5. Can You Qualify Without Revenue?
Yes. Many applicants get approved by:
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Using their personal income as a substitute
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Applying as a sole proprietor or freelancer
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Having a strong personal credit score
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Offering a personal guarantee
6. Key Requirements for Business Credit Card Applications
Here’s what banks typically look for:
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Business Name (can be your own name for sole proprietors)
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Business Structure (LLC, sole proprietor, etc.)
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Estimated Revenue (can be $0 or projected)
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Years in Business (can be “just started”)
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Industry (select honestly)
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Tax ID or SSN
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Personal Credit Score
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Personal Guarantee
7. Step-by-Step Process to Get a Business Credit Card With No Revenue
Step 1: Set Up a Legal Business (Optional but Helpful)
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Choose a name
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Register as sole proprietor or LLC
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Get an EIN from the IRS (free)
Step 2: Check Your Personal Credit Score
A score of 680 or higher boosts approval chances.
Step 3: Choose the Right Business Card
Look for cards that allow new or small businesses to apply.
Step 4: Fill Out the Application Honestly
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Revenue: $0 or estimated future revenue
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Industry: Accurately describe your niche
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Employees: Likely “1” if solo
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Use your SSN if no EIN
Step 5: Wait for Approval
Many decisions are instant. Others take 7–10 days.
8. Best Business Credit Cards for New Businesses
Here are some beginner-friendly options:
| Card Name | Annual Fee | Credit Score Needed | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chase Ink Business Unlimited® | $0 | 680+ | 1.5% cash back, great for startups |
| American Express Blue Business® Plus | $0 | 680+ | 2X points, flexible limits |
| Capital One Spark Classic | $0 | 600+ | Good for fair credit |
| Brex Card (for startups) | $0 | No personal credit check | For tech/startups with bank balance |
9. How to Fill Out the Application Without Revenue
Here’s a breakdown for each field:
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Business Name: Use your name if no DBA
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Business Type: Sole proprietor is common
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Tax ID: Use SSN unless you have an EIN
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Revenue: $0 or projected (e.g., $500/month)
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Years in Business: “0–1 years” is fine
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Business Industry: Choose closest match
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Employees: Just you? Enter “1”
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Monthly Spend Estimate: Enter realistic number
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Personal Info: Use your SSN and personal income
10. Personal Guarantee and Personal Credit Score
Most business cards require a personal guarantee—meaning if your business fails, you’re personally responsible for the debt.
Therefore:
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Keep spending low
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Make payments on time
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Monitor your personal credit report
A strong personal credit score (680+) can often compensate for zero business revenue.
11. Alternatives to Business Credit Cards
If you’re not approved, consider these options:
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Secured Business Credit Cards
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Personal Credit Cards for Business Use
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PayPal Business Line of Credit
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Business Loans or Grants
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Startup Accelerators
12. Building Business Credit From Scratch
Getting a card is just the start. Build credit by:
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Registering with business credit bureaus (Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business)
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Getting a D-U-N-S number
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Opening Net-30 vendor accounts (e.g., Uline, Grainger)
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Paying all bills on time
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Keeping debt low
13. Managing Your Card Responsibly
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Don’t max it out
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Set autopay
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Track expenses monthly
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Use rewards
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Review statements
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Keep personal and business expenses separate
14. Using Business Credit to Fund Growth
Once approved:
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Buy inventory
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Launch ads
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Subscribe to tools
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Hire freelancers
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Improve cash flow
Avoid using it for non-essential purchases in the early stage.
15. Legal and Financial Considerations
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Keep detailed records for tax season
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Consult a CPA about write-offs
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Monitor interest rates and APRs
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Avoid cash advances
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Watch out for hidden fees
16. Case Studies of Founders Who Did It
Case 1: Jane the Etsy Seller
Started with $0 revenue and a Chase Ink card. Scaled to $50K/year.
Case 2: Carlos the Digital Marketer
Used Amex Blue Business card to run Facebook ads. Now earns $8K/month.
Case 3: A Tech Startup
Brex gave early funding with no personal guarantee—used Stripe balance as proof of business activity.
17. Pitfalls to Avoid When Applying
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Lying about income (fraud)
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Applying for too many cards at once
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Not reading terms and APR
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Mixing personal/business expenses
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Missing payments (hurts credit)
18. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a personal card for business?
Yes, but it’s better to separate expenses.
Q: Will applying affect my credit score?
Yes, it results in a hard inquiry.
Q: Do I need an LLC to get a business card?
No, sole proprietors qualify.
Q: Can I get approved with bad credit?
Possibly—with secured cards or low-limit cards.
Q: Is it legal to apply without revenue?
Yes, as long as all other info is truthful.
19. Final Thoughts
Getting a business credit card with no revenue is possible—and often a smart step toward building your business. By relying on your personal credit, starting small, and using the card wisely, you can unlock a world of financial tools and rewards tailored for entrepreneurs. Always use credit responsibly, pay in full, and grow your business one transaction at a time.
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