The 5 best EIN only business credit cards you should know about

Higher credit limits

A high credit limit is essential for a business, especially one experiencing rapid growth or managing substantial expenses. Traditional credit cards and underwriting models cannot provide sufficient credit lines and only constrain operations and hinder expansion. Business credit cards, however, can offer significantly higher limits, especially those not requiring a personal guarantee.

Ample credit supports various business needs: from large inventory purchases to covering operational costs during cash crunches. High limit business credit cards can help companies seize growth opportunities without delay, whether they’re investing in new equipment or funding a big marketing campaign. Higher limits also provide a buffer against unexpected expenses.

Further, cards with higher limits can improve your company's credit utilization ratio and potentially boost its business credit score, which can help you land better terms on future financing.

Rewards programs

Who doesn’t love to earn rewards? Rewards programs are a key feature of corporate business credit cards and offer meaningful incentives for using your company card. These typically come in three forms: cash back, points, or travel miles. Cash back provides returns directly in your bank account or as a statement credit, points offer flexibility in redemption, and travel miles cater to businesses with frequent travel needs.

When looking for EIN-only business credit cards, be sure to align the rewards program with your business expenses and needs. For example, if your company spends a lot on software or advertising, look for cards offering multipliers in these categories. For businesses with significant travel expenses, cards with generous mileage-earning potential might be more beneficial. Brex’s rewards program offers 2x multipliers on software and 4x on every dollar spent using Brex travel, allowing you to accelerate your points accumulation.

When comparing cards, examine both earning rates and redemption options. Consider the points or cash back earned per dollar spent in different categories. You’ll also want to look into redemption flexibility. Some programs offer better value when redeeming for specific items or services. Brex, for example, offers unique business-building redemption options like billboards, executive coaching, and team offsite planning. Remember, the best rewards program is one that maximizes returns in your top spending categories but also benefits your business in meaningful ways.

Fees

No annual fee business credit cards can potentially save you hundreds of dollars every year. However, be sure to consider other potential hidden costs. Foreign transaction fees can hit businesses with international dealings pretty hard, while balance transfer fees may impact those consolidating debt. Late payment fees, though avoidable, should also be factored into your decision.

To compare business credit card fees effectively, carefully review each card's terms and conditions. Look for a comprehensive fee schedule, typically found in the card's pricing and information document. Pay special attention to the fee structures — some cards may waive fees for the first year or offer fee reductions based on spending thresholds.

A card with an annual fee might still offer better overall value if its benefits, rewards, and lower fees in other areas outweigh the annual cost.

No personal guarantee

Many traditional business credit cards often require a personal guarantee, which makes the business owner personally liable for the company's debt. This means your own personal assets could be at risk if the business struggles to repay the card balance, potentially jeopardizing your own financial stability. While personal guarantees can get you a faster approval, they’re actually a huge deterrent for entrepreneurs who aren’t comfortable with such personal risk.

The best corporate credit cards, however, offer no personal guarantee options. They can do this with modern underwriting models that take into account revenue, growth potential, and more instead of your personal financial history. This approach not only safeguards your personal finances but also allows your business to establish its own business credit score, potentially opening doors to better financing options in the future.

When you don’t have to personally guarantee the debt, your personal credit score and assets remain protected, even if the business faces financial challenges. This provides peace of mind for founders and business owners because it effectively separates personal and business finances.

Great customer service and support

For businesses relying on credit cards for daily operations, you’ll want to know you can easily get support when you need it. Responsive and knowledgeable customer service can quickly address concerns, resolve issues, and provide guidance on card features, potentially saving you time and money.

Look for card issuers offering 24/7 omnichannel support, including phone, email, and live chat. Personalized assistance, such as dedicated business support lines or relationship managers, can be invaluable for complex queries or time-sensitive matters.

Strong customer support builds trust and loyalty. Founders can rest assured they’ll have a smooth experience during critical financial moments because they’ll have immediate access to dispute resolution, emergency card replacement, or navigating rewards programs efficiently.

When evaluating any business credit card, including EIN-only cards, consider user reviews and ratings that specifically mention the quality of their customer service. Some issuers even offer concierge services for travel arrangements or business-related requests for extra value.

Exclusive partner discounts

Another business credit card perk to keep in mind is access to exclusive partner discounts, which can extend value beyond traditional rewards programs. These partnerships can yield substantial cost savings on everyday business expenses and directly impact your bottom line.

So what are some partner discounts offered by corporate card programs? Typically, they’ll offer deals on productivity software subscriptions, travel services, office supplies, shipping, or digital marketing tools. Brex’s card program, for example, comes with discounts on Slack subscriptions and UPS shipping, thousands of dollars in AWS and Freshworks credits, and even 3x back on Apple purchases.

When evaluating cards, consider which discounts best align with your business expenses. A card offering substantial discounts on services you frequently use, like Gusto or Zoom, can increase your overall savings and profitability. Remember, such offers are often in addition to the card's standard rewards program, which can multiply and accelerate your overall benefits.

1. The Brex Business Credit Card

The Brex Business Credit Card caters to companies at every stage of growth, from startups to enterprises. Brex created the first credit card specifically designed for startups and revolutionized the market by allowing founders to use an EIN instead of a personal SSN to apply for credit. This approach shifted the credit underwriting focus from the founder's personal credit score to the company's future potential, making it easier for promising startups to access credit.

Brex goes beyond just business credit cards and offers a complete financial platform with solutions for expense management, bill pay, travel, banking, and more. This versatility allows businesses to begin with a credit card and gradually incorporate more services as they expand, providing a flexible system that adapts to evolving business requirements.

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: N/A (Charge card — balance due in full each month.)
• Foreign transaction fee: $0
• Minimum credit score requirement: No personal credit check required
• Typical spending limit range: Up to 10-20x higher than traditional cards, based on cash balance and revenue.

Key benefits

• 10-20x higher credit limits: Brex's underwriting model considers a company's cash balance, revenue streams, and spending patterns to determine credit limits and results in 10-20 times higher limits than legacy card providers. As your business grows, your credit limit can increase automatically, too.
• No personal guarantee: Brex does not require a personal guarantee for card approval, so founders never have to risk their personal assets when using Brex cards for business expenses.
• Business-building rewards: Brex’s rewards program offers up to 7x multipliers on popular spending categories, such as rideshare, travel, restaurants, and software subscriptions. The cool thing about Brex is its flexibility in reward redemption. Redeem your points for cash back, miles, statement credit, gift cards, and unique options like billboard ads or company offsites.
• Significant partner perks: Brex’s partner discounts are worth more than $180,000 and include substantial credits toward your AWS, Experian, and Freshworks bills, as well as significant discounts on Gusto, QuickBooks, Slack, UPS, Zoom, and other services.
• Multi-currency support: Brex cards are accepted in more than 210 countries, can be issued in more than 20 currencies, and support local currency payments in 50+ countries, making it the best credit card for global businesses.
• Thousands of integrations: Brex integrates with thousands of popular business tools, including accounting software, ERPs, and HR platforms. These direct, two-way data synchronizations drive accounting accuracy and efficiency.

Drawbacks

• Brex’s card program, while ideal for startups, is less suitable for small businesses with limited card activity and expenses, or for companies looking for a second credit card.

The Brex Business Credit Card is ideal for growing companies of all sizes looking to leverage higher limits, consolidate card programs, and optimize their financial operations. With no foreign transaction fees and support for dozens of currencies, the Brex card is also the best card for companies with global operations.

2. Stripe Corporate Card

The Stripe Corporate Card is an invite-only business credit card designed for companies already using Stripe's payment processing services. It's tailored to help businesses manage expenses and earn rewards for their spending.

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: N/A (Charge card — balance due in full each month.)
• Foreign transaction fee: 0%
• Variable minimum credit score requirement: N/A (Approval is based on your business's Stripe account history and financial health rather than personal credit scores.)
• Typical spending limit range: Default spending limit for new cards is $500 per day but this is configurable.

Key benefits:

• 1.5% cash back on every purchase
• Integrated expense management within the Stripe Dashboard
• Unlimited virtual cards for employees or vendors
• No personal guarantee required
• Seamlessly works with other Stripe products and services

Drawbacks:

• Only available to businesses already using Stripe for payment processing
• Potentially lower limits, especially for newer businesses
• Lacks some of the rewards pers like travel benefits and insurance coverages offered by other credit cards

The Stripe Corporate Card integrates seamlessly with the Stripe ecosystem and is ideal for businesses already using Stripe's payment processing services. It’s also good for companies looking for straightforward cash back rewards without complex bonus categories.

3. FairFigure Capital Card

The FairFigure Capital Card is a business credit card designed to help build business credit and provide financing for small and medium-sized organizations. It offers a blend of a traditional credit card and a revolving line of credit, with a focus on helping businesses manage their cash flow and expenses.

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: Variable, typically ranging from 12.99% to 29.99% based on creditworthiness
• Foreign transaction fee: 0%
• Variable minimum credit score requirement: Generally 600+
• Typical spending limit range: $10,000 to $500,000+, based on business revenue and financial health

Key benefits:

• Approval and access to funds often within 24 hours
• Ability to extend payment terms up to 90 days on qualifying purchases
• No personal guarantee required for established businesses
• Integrated expense management tools

Drawbacks:

• Potentially higher APR compared to traditional business credit cards
• May require a personal guarantee for newer or smaller businesses
• Limited rewards program

The FairFigure Capital Card is well-suited for small to medium-sized businesses with substantial revenue, companies needing quick access to credit, and those that prioritize cash flow management over rewards.

4. Nav Prime Card

The Nav Prime Card is a corporate charge card designed to help small business owners build their business credit while enjoying cash back rewards. The card is offered through a partnership between Nav and First Electronic Bank, aimed at providing accessible credit to a wide range of businesses.

• Annual fee: $49/month (includes Nav Prime membership)
• APR: N/A (Charge card — balance due in full each month.)
• Foreign transaction fee: 0%
• Variable minimum credit score requirement: No strict minimum; approval based on overall business health and Nav internal score
• Typical spending limit range: $1,000 to $10,000 initially, with potential increases based on usage and payment history

Key benefits:

• Designed to build business credit
• Nav Prime membership benefits, including business credit monitoring and funding matchmaking
• No personal guarantee required for some established businesses

Drawbacks:

• Monthly fee vs. annual fee, which can be higher than most annual fees
• Relatively low initial credit limits compared to other business cards
• Does not offer rewards

The Nav Prime Card is great for new or small businesses looking to establish or build their business credit and companies that value simplicity in rewards. It’s also a potential fit for entrepreneurs looking to use Nav's credit monitoring and funding matchmaking services.

5. Capital on Tap Business Credit Card

The Capital on Tap Business Credit Card is designed for small businesses and some medium-size businesses, offering a blend of cash back rewards, no annual fee, and relatively high credit limits. It aims to provide flexible financing options and valuable rewards for business spending.

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: Variable, typically 15.2%-29.99%
• Foreign transaction fee: 0%
• Variable minimum credit score requirement: Generally 660+, but considers overall business health
• Typical spending limit range: $1,000 to $50,000, with potential for higher limits based on business performance

Key benefits:

• Unlimited 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• Potential for high credit limits
• Free additional employee cards with spend controls

Drawbacks:

• Potentially high APR compared to other business credit cards
• May require a personal guarantee
• Limited additional perks compared to premium business card programs; business rewards plan costs an additional €99/year

The Capital on Tap Business Credit Card may benefit small and medium-sized businesses with good credit. It’s also a good fit for companies looking for straightforward cash back rewards without category restrictions and those who may need higher credit limits.

1. Separation of personal and business credit

Using an EIN for your business credit card is the best way to clearly distinguish between personal and business finances. When you use an EIN instead of your SSN, your business credit card activity is reported to business credit bureaus, building credit for your company separate from your personal credit. This separation shields your personal score from potential negative impacts from your business’s financial activities. For example, if your business experiences cash flow issues or high credit utilization, these won't directly affect your personal credit score.

In the event of a business closure or bankruptcy, having these separate credit identities can insulate your personal finances. It can also be beneficial when seeking personal loans or mortgages, as business debts won't be factored into your personal debt-to-income ratio.

2. Access to higher credit limits and better rates

You’ll unlock access to higher credit limits and more favorable rates when using an EIN to establish a business credit profile. As your business credit history strengthens, lenders will view your business as less risky and will be more willing to extend larger credit lines.

Higher credit limits offer the financial flexibility required for your business to handle unexpected expenses, seize growth opportunities, or manage seasonal fluctuations in cash flow. A retailer, for example, might leverage its higher limit to stock up on inventory before a busy season.

Additionally, a solid business credit profile can invite better interest rates and terms. This can result in significant cost savings over time, especially for businesses that occasionally carry balances or need to finance large purchases. Lower rates mean you can invest more of your revenue in growth rather than servicing debt.

3. Improved business credit score

Using an EIN for your business credit card will help you build up your business credit score faster, and that score can impact your long-term financial success and growth. Your EIN card activity will be reported to business credit bureaus like Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business, which helps establish and improve your business credit score over time and reflects your company's creditworthiness.

A strong business credit score is important for a number of reasons. It can:

• Facilitate easier access to loans and credit lines, often with more favorable terms and lower rates.
• Improve access to capital for expansion, managing cash flow, or weathering economic downturns.
• Enhance your company's credibility with suppliers and business partners, potentially leading to better terms and opportunities.

4. Access to exclusive offers and rewards

Using your EIN-only cards to build your business credit score can unlock access to exclusive offers and premium rewards programs. These perks can provide substantial benefits to the company.

Many business credit cards offer robust rewards programs, including cash back on everyday purchases, travel miles for business trips, or points that can be redeemed for a variety of business expenses. For instance, some cards offer up to 5% cashback on office supplies or 3x points on travel bookings. Brex offers up to 7x points on rideshares.

Additionally, businesses may be eligible for exclusive sign-up bonuses, such as 100,000 points after meeting a spending threshold. Other perks might include airport lounge access, travel insurance, or extended warranties on business purchases.

These rewards and offers can partially offset operational costs, enhance employee experiences, and provide potentially new revenue streams, ultimately contributing to your bottom line.

No, an EIN-only credit card does not typically impact your personal credit. By using an EIN to apply for a business credit card instead of your personal SSN, you’ve created a separate credit identity for your business, which is distinct from your personal credit profile.

Further, business credit reporting is a whole separate market from personal credit reporting. Business credit bureaus such as Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business maintain those credit reports and scores. When evaluating creditworthiness for EIN-only cards, lenders tend to focus on the business's financial health, including factors like revenue, time in business, and business credit history.

However, some card issuers may still require a personal guarantee or perform a soft inquiry on your personal credit, even for EIN-only cards. While infrequent, these inquiries might be visible on your personal credit report but they won’t affect your credit score.

Yes, your EIN can have a credit score. The aforementioned business credit bureaus — Dun & Bradstreet, Experian Business, and Equifax Business — track and report this information and create business credit scores tied to your EIN. These scores are calculated based on factors similar to personal credit factors, including:

1. Payment history with vendors and creditors
2. Credit utilization ratio
3. Length of credit history
4. Types of credit in use (cards, loans, etc.)
5. Recent credit inquiries
6. Public records (e.g., liens, judgments, bankruptcies)

Your business credit score helps lenders, suppliers, and potential partners evaluate your company's creditworthiness.

There are several ways to establish credit with an EIN. The first of which would be to apply for a business credit card using that EIN and not your SSN. Other strategies for establishing credit include:

• Obtain a small business loan or line of credit
• Set up trade credit with suppliers and vendors
• Lease equipment or property in your business's name
• Ensure all bills and payments are made on time
• Register your business with business credit bureaus
• Maintain a low credit utilization ratio
• Keep your business information current and accurate

Building a positive credit history for your business can lead to better loan terms, higher credit limits, and improved relationships with suppliers. Having that additional business credit profile also separates your personal and business finances, which could help protect any of your personal assets if your business faces financial challenges.

1. Responsible usage

As with any credit card, responsible usage is crucial for avoiding negative consequences. The best way to show card issuers you’re a responsible user is by making timely payments every time. Consistently paying your bills on or before the due date not only helps avoid late fees and interest charges but also positively impacts your business credit score.

You should also strive to maintain a low credit utilization ratio, ideally less than 30% of your credit limit. This demonstrates to creditors that you can manage credit effectively without overreliance on someone else’s money.

It’s also best practice to use the card for legitimate business expenses only, keeping detailed records of all transactions and regularly reviewing statements for accuracy. Getting into this habit now will create a clear financial trail that can be beneficial for tax purposes, audits, and financial planning.

2. Monitoring your account

You’ll want to be diligent about monitoring all of your business credit charge charges, especially if employees have card access. Effective ways to track expenses, bills, and activity on your business credit card account include:

1. Use online banking and mobile apps for real-time transaction updates
2. Setting up automatic alerts for large purchases, due dates, and balance thresholds
3. Regularly reconciling card statements with your business's financial records
4. Using expense management software to categorize and track spending

That’s why smart corporate card programs backed by software are so beneficial. Platforms like Brex, with built-in expense management and accounting tools, can flag suspicious or out-of-policy-card transactions and automate accounting on the back end.

Consistent monitoring may seem like a burden, but spending a few minutes each day checking your transactions will only benefit you. For example, you’ll be able to quickly identify unauthorized charges or fraudulent activity, enabling prompt action to protect your business. Frequent monitoring also helps in catching and disputing billing errors promptly.

Regular monitoring can also provide insights into your company's spending patterns, helping to identify areas where costs can be cut or where rewards can be maximized. It ensures that you're always aware of your current balance and available credit, preventing overspending and helping maintain a low credit utilization ratio.

And finally, diligent monitoring facilitates accurate financial reporting and simplifies tax preparation by keeping all business expenses organized and easily accessible.

3. Avoiding common credit card mistakes

A business credit card comes with a fair amount of responsibility, and you can quickly undermine its benefits if it’s not carefully managed. Overspending is a frequent issue, so be sure to establish a clear budget and regularly review expenses against it. The best cards will come with customizable spend limits and controls to prevent overspending.

Late payments are another way to damage your business credit score. Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to ensure timely payments. Many card issuers also provide alerts for upcoming due dates.

Another huge opportunity that businesses often miss out on — not using rewards effectively. You’re leaving money on the table if you’re not getting the best rewards for your business spend. Familiarize yourself with your card's reward structure and strategically use your card to maximize benefits. For instance, you can use your card as a corporate purchasing card to pay for recurring software subscriptions. These bills can be thousands of dollars a month, and cards like Brex offer 2x points back on software spend, which can accelerate your way to valuable rewards.

Other credit card mistakes to avoid include:

• Mixing personal and business expenses
• Neglecting to keep receipts for tax purposes
• Carrying high balances month-to-month

By being vigilant about these common pitfalls, you can maintain a healthy credit history and maximize the value of your business credit card.

With solutions for EIN-only business credit cards, startup banking, bill pay, travel, expense management, and accounting automation, Brex’s is the modern, full-stack financial platform designed to scale with your business from startup to enterprise.

Brex cards feature higher credit limits, no personal guarantees, and valuable rewards that make Brex the best business credit card for growing companies. Additionally, automated receipt matching and expense categorization, direct ERP integration, and virtual business credit card options will grant you unprecedented visibility and control over all your business spend.

And if you’re a non-US founder still waiting on your EIN from the IRS, you can now apply for a Brex business account immediately after incorporating through Stripe Atlas while that processes. That means you can deposit and use cash in minutes instead of weeks and get your business off the ground faster.

Ready to make every dollar count with a business credit card that works for your company? Visit Brex and apply for a business credit card today.