It’s easy to assume that business credit cards are just for CEOs or full-time entrepreneurs.
But here’s the secret: you don’t need an LLC, employees, or a brick-and-mortar store to be eligible for a business credit card. In fact, if you’ve got a side hustle, gig, or any kind of income outside your traditional 9-to-5 job, you might already qualify.
Let’s break down everything you need to know about qualifying for a business credit card — and why this could be one of the easiest ways to supercharge your points and miles game.
What Counts as a Business?
Spoiler: probably more than you think.
The definition of a business is a lot looser than most people realize. If you’re making money from a hobby, gig, or side hustle — even just a few hundred bucks a year — you’re likely considered a sole proprietor in the eyes of credit card issuers.
Examples of Qualifying Businesses
Freelancing (writing, photography, consulting, design, etc.)
Selling items on Etsy, eBay, Poshmark or Facebook Marketplace
Driving for Uber, DoorDash, Lyft, or Instacart
Babysitting, tutoring, or pet-sitting
Running a blog or YouTube channel with ad or affiliate income
It doesn’t have to be big. If you’re making money through any of these channels, then you’re likely eligible to apply for a small business credit card.
Do You Need an LLC or Registered Business?
You don’t need a registered LLC, corporation, employees or even a business tax ID number (EIN) to apply for most business credit cards.
If you’re operating as a sole proprietor (aka running the business in your own name), you can use your Social Security number on the application instead.
What to Include on the Application
Business name: Use your full legal name.
Business type: Sole proprietorship.
Business revenue: Estimate what you earned last year or what you expect to earn this year.
Start date: Use the approximate month and year you began your side hustle.
Don’t worry if the revenue is low or you haven’t turned a profit yet — banks understand that businesses start scrappy.
Why Get a Business Credit Card?
Glad you asked. Business credit cards come with some super-duper awesome perks that personal credit cards don’t always offer, especially if you’re looking to earn rewards and keep your finances organized.
Top Benefits of Business Credit Cards
Large welcome offers to help you rack up miles and points fast
Bonus categories for common business expenses like advertising, shipping, and travel
No impact on your personal credit report (in most cases)
Separate your business and personal spending for easier tracking
Employee cards to help manage purchases, if you grow later on
Plus, having both personal and business cards with the same issuer (like Chase or Amex) can unlock more rewards, pairing opportunities, and overall points-earning potential.
Best Business Credit Cards to Consider
Not sure where to start? Here are some of our favorite business cards for side hustlers, freelancers, and small biz owners alike:
Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card: One of the best Chase business cards in the game, with a massive welcome offer and 3x points on business categories like travel, shipping, and digital advertising. Points can be transferred to popular airline and hotel partners.
Capital One Venture X Business: It earns 2x miles on every purchase, plus a big bonus when you spend enough in the first few months. Miles can be transferred to travel partners or redeemed for travel at a fixed value. Great for businesses with varied expenses.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: This one is more ideal for high-spending businesses. It earns 5x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel, and comes with premium benefits like lounge access, travel credits, and concierge service.
Each of these cards also gives you access to valuable travel protections, purchase insurance, and exclusive partner discounts.
Do Business Credit Cards Affect Your Personal Credit Score?
When you apply for a business credit card, the bank will usually run a hard inquiry on your personal credit report. That might cause a small, temporary dip in your score.
But here’s the upside! Once approved, most business cards don’t report ongoing balances or payment history to your personal credit report (unless you default). That means you can use your business card freely without it affecting your credit utilization.
Bottom Line
You don’t need to wear a suit, have a six-figure income, or hire a team of employees to qualify for a business credit card. If you’ve got a side hustle — whether that’s selling homemade baked goods on weekends or babysitting your neighbor’s kids — you might already be eligible.
Business credit cards are one of the best-kept secrets in the points and miles world. They can help you earn faster, stay organized, and unlock better travel rewards — all while building your business, however big (or small) it is.
Check out our favorite business credit card offers, pick the one that fits your side hustle, and start earning like a boss.
