Starting or growing a business often requires access to credit. But many entrepreneurs hesitate to apply for business credit cards because they don’t want to use their Social Security Number (SSN) or risk their personal credit. If that sounds like you, there’s good news: business credit cards with ein only do exist.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll explain how to apply for a business credit card using just your Employer Identification Number (EIN)—no SSN or personal credit check required. You’ll learn what these cards are, how they work, and which issuers may offer them.
What Are Business Credit Cards with EIN Only?
A business credit card with EIN only is a card that allows you to apply using your business’s EIN instead of your personal SSN. This means your application is evaluated based on your business’s creditworthiness—not your personal credit history.
These cards are particularly appealing if you:
- Want to separate personal and business finances
- Have poor or limited personal credit
- Value privacy and want to avoid a personal credit check
- Operate an LLC or corporation with growing revenue
Benefits of EIN-Only Business Credit Cards
- No personal liability: Your personal assets aren’t at risk if the business defaults
- Protects your credit score: No hard inquiry on your personal credit report
- Helps build business credit: Most EIN-only cards report to business credit bureaus
- Professionalism: Using a business card with your business name shows legitimacy
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Business Credit Cards with EIN Only
Here’s what you need to do to prepare and apply for an EIN-only business credit card:
Step 1: Set Up a Legitimate Business Structure
To be eligible for EIN-only cards, you’ll need a registered business entity. This could be:
- LLC
- Corporation (C-Corp or S-Corp)
- Partnership
Sole proprietors may have a harder time qualifying since many EIN-only issuers require formal business structures.
Pro Tip: Register your business with your state and get a business license if required.
Step 2: Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
An EIN is like a Social Security Number for your business. It’s free to obtain from the IRS and required to open most business bank accounts or credit cards.
- Apply online via the IRS EIN Assistant
- Takes just a few minutes
- You’ll receive your EIN immediately
Step 3: Open a Business Bank Account
Most EIN-only card issuers want to see a business bank account. It helps establish your business’s financial history and cash flow.
Make sure your business bank account:
- Matches your registered business name
- Uses your EIN (not your SSN)
- Shows consistent revenue if possible
Step 4: Build Initial Business Credit
Although not always required, it helps to establish a baseline credit profile by:
- Opening Net-30 vendor accounts that report to business credit bureaus
- Paying bills on time
- Keeping business debt low
Use services like Nav or CreditSignal to monitor your business credit score with Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, or Equifax Small Business.
Step 5: Choose the Right EIN-Only Business Credit Card
Here are some top options that may allow you to apply with EIN only or minimal personal info:
Brex Card
- No personal guarantee or SSN required for qualified businesses
- Requires a registered business and connected bank account
- Reports to Dun & Bradstreet and Experian
- Ideal for startups and VC-funded businesses
Ramp Corporate Card
- No personal credit check
- Based on cash flow, not credit score
- Offers spend controls and expense management tools
- Reports to business credit bureaus
Divvy Business Card
- Requires EIN and business banking info
- May request SSN for identity but no hard credit pull
- Integrated budget and expense tracking
Tillful Secured Business Card
- Reports to Experian Business
- Accepts EIN but may ask for SSN for identity only
- Ideal for building early business credit
Step 6: Complete the Application
Prepare to submit:
- Business name, address, and contact info
- Business type and structure
- Industry and years in business
- EIN
- Business revenue and expenses
- Business bank account details
- Possibly a personal identifier (such as SSN), but many fintechs do not perform a credit check
Final Thoughts
Applying for business credit cards with EIN only is a smart move for founders who value privacy, want to protect their personal credit, or are building business credit from scratch. While traditional banks still rely heavily on personal credit, fintech platforms are making EIN-only access more common and more business-friendly.
By following the steps in this guide, you’ll set your business up for credit success—without tying your personal finances to your company’s early-stage risks.
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