To get a credit card in your business’s name, you must fill in the established legal name of your business on the credit card application. The name should be exactly what is written on your business’s formation document or a name you established through another legal means like a “doing business as” (DBA) form.
Keep in mind that your own name may also appear on the credit card, and getting a credit card with the name of your business on it does not mean you have no personal guarantee. The vast majority of business credit cards require that you personally agree to pay back any debt the business cannot, and they will consider your personal credit and income during the application process as a result.
- Establish your business and create its name: Start by establishing a legal business entity such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or limited liability company (LLC) and choosing its name. Your business’s name could be your own name, which is common for people in sole proprietorships, or something else. For LLCs and corporations, you establish your business name when you register the business. For other business types, you may need to file a “doing business as” form with your local and/or state government.
- Obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN): If your business is not a sole proprietorship, you will likely need an EIN. Visit the official website of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to apply for an EIN. This unique identifier is required for tax purposes for businesses that have employees or meet certain other requirements. If you have one, you must provide it when applying for business credit cards.
- Research credit card options: Different cards offer different benefits and features, such as cashback rewards, travel perks or low interest rates. Consider the needs of your business and compare the terms and benefits of different cards to find the one that best suits your requirements.
- Gather necessary documents: Prepare the documentation required to support your credit card application. This typically includes your business's legal name, address, contact information, EIN, and annual revenue. You will also typically need to provide your personal contact information and financial details.
- Apply for a business credit card: The fastest and easiest way to apply for a card is online. Provide all the required information and submit the application. When the application requests your business name, fill out exactly what appears on your “doing business as” form.
Once you are approved for a card, it will generally take 7 to 10 business days to arrive in the mail. You can learn more about the best business credit cards on WalletHub.
This answer was first published on 06/16/23. For the most current information about a financial product, you should always check and confirm accuracy with the offering financial institution. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company.
