The 5 best business credit cards with no personal guarantee (December 2024)

A personal guarantee on a business credit card is a legal agreement in which a business owner or key executive is personally responsible for paying off the credit card debt if the business is unable to do so. This guarantee acts as a safety net for the credit card issuer to ensure they get paid one way or another if your business falls short,

It mitigates most risk for the credit card issuer and offers little upside to the founder. Small businesses, especially startups, often lack an established credit history or substantial assets. With a personal guarantee, credit card companies can approve you based on your personal credit score, even if your business is too new or small to qualify by itself.

How it works

When you sign a personal guarantee, you're promising to pay the business credit card debts with your own money if your business can't. If your company misses payments, the credit card company can come after your personal assets — like your savings, investments, house, or car — to get their money back.

It's important to note that a personal guarantee typically remains in effect for the entire duration of the credit card account, regardless of changes in the business's financial situation or the guarantor's role in the company. This is a big deal — make sure you know exactly what you're getting into before you apply for a business credit card because you'll be personally on the hook for any business debt.

While many business credit cards require a personal guarantee that attaches the owner's personal credit to the business's financial obligations, it's not always a requirement. It often depends on factors such as your business's age, revenue, credit history, and the policies of the specific card issuer. Some card issuers offer business credit cards with no personal guarantees, but these typically come with stricter eligibility criteria, such as higher revenue requirements or longer operating history. If you're concerned about providing a personal guarantee, it's worth exploring some of the card providers later in this article.

1. The Brex Business Credit Card

The Brex Business Credit is a no personal guarantee credit card that serves startups to established global enterprises. As one of the standout business credit cards with EIN only, Brex takes into account the company's financial health and growth potential, not the founder's personal credit score. This can mean higher credit limits and more spending power for growing businesses. It's also part of Brex's comprehensive spend management platform, which includes expense management, startup banking, travel, accounting automation, and automated bill pay. This integrated approach offers a holistic solution for startups and scaling companies, which sets Brex apart from traditional card issuers.

• 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:

• No personal guarantee: A personal guarantee is not required for card approval, so founders don’t have to put their personal assets at risk when using Brex cards for business expenses.
• High credit limits: Got a decent cash balance, solid revenue streams, and regular growth? You could access credit lines up to 10-20 times higher than traditional card providers. As your business grows, your credit limit can increase automatically, too.
• Global capabilities: Brex cards are accepted worldwide as part of the Mastercard network. They can be issued in 20+ currencies and support local currency payments in 50+ countries, reducing FX markups and making Brex the best credit card for global businesses.
• Business rewards: With Brex rewards, you can earn up to 7x points when you spend on common business needs like Uber rides, travel, restaurants, and software. You can redeem these points for cash back or travel miles, but Brex also offers some unique options like Times Square ads and team offsites,
• Partner discounts: Brex’s partner discounts available upon signup are worth more than $180,000 and include substantial credits toward your AWS and Freshworks accounts, as well as discounts on UPS services, QuickBooks, Slack, and more.
• Integrations: Brex integrates with popular business accounting software, ERPs, and HR platforms, offering direct, two-way data synchronizations that drive accounting accuracy and improve efficiency. See the list of Brex’s product integrations.

Drawbacks

• Small businesses without consistent cash flow may not get approved
• Less beneficial for businesses with limited card expense activity
• Companies wanting cash back rewards might prefer another card program

The Brex Business Credit Card is a great fit for growing companies looking for high credit limits, earn rewards, and bring their card and expense management under one roof. It’s one of the best business credit cards with EIN only that doesn’t require a personal guarantee, so Brex protects your personal credit and builds your business's credit, all while helping to grow your business.

2. Capital One Spark Cash Plus

Tailored for small businesses with fair credit ratings, Capital One Spark 1% Classic is a good way to build up your business credit score. However, the card's basic 1% cash back delivers only modest financial advantages to its holders.

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: 29.99% variable APR
• Foreign transaction fee: $0
• Typical spending limit range: $300-$6,000

Key benefits

• No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
• 1% cash back on all purchases
• Easy to qualify with average credit

Drawbacks

• High APR
• Credit lines tend to be very low
• Reports to personal credit bureaus
• There are no higher reward tiers outside of Capital One Travel

The Capital One Spark 1% Classic’s modest cash back rate falls short compared to many other business credit cards. Additionally, the card carries an above-average APR for business credit cards, potentially leading to significant interest charges. However, this card is a great tool for building or improving business credit history. While it lacks the high-reward features of other business cards, its accessibility and no annual fee make it a decent option for small businesses.

3. Stripe Corporate Card

Stripe's clients within the United States. While there are few or no fees with the Stripe card, it offers much fewer expense automation features than other corporate cards with no personal guarantee.

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: N/A
• Foreign transaction fee: 0%
• Typical spending limit range: Unknown

Key benefits

• No annual fee
• Flat 1.5% cash back rewards
• Credits and discounts on popular services like Slack and Expensify

Drawbacks

• Must be an existing Stripe user
• Typically low limits for new businesses
• Minimal rewards perks beyond cash back

Access to the Stripe Corporate Card is limited to invited US-based companies already using Stripe's services. While the card offers basic spend controls and expense tracking, it may not provide comprehensive oversight of employee spending. No foreign transaction and annual fees are noteworthy, even existing Stripe users seeking more granular capabilities may find limited use in its expense solutions.

4. Bill Divvy Corporate Card

The rebranded BILL, formerly known as Bill.com, acquired Divvy to create a holistic approach to financial management. At the heart of this integrated solution is the BILL Divvy Corporate Card, tailored to meet the expense tracking and cash flow optimization needs of businesses.

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: N/A
• Foreign transaction fee: Up to 0.9%
• Typical spending limit range: Starting at $1,000

Key benefits

• No annual fee
• No hard credit check
• Unlimited employee cards

Drawbacks

• Reward value of just ~0.0051 cents/point is really low
• Complicated rewards program
• Rewards are forfeited if you use less than 30% of your credit line
• Foreign transaction fees

While the BILL Divvy Corporate Card offers no annual fee, its rewards are subject to specific earning and retention criteria. One requirement is that you must use at least 30% of the credit line monthly to retain your earned rewards. And the card's 0.9% foreign exchange fee could lead to mounting costs for global companies. When considering Bill.com alternatives, it's worth noting that other no personal guarantee cards like Brex offer locally-issued cards in more than 20 countries to potentially mitigate such fees. Some users also report suboptimal user experiences and complications in expense submission processes, which could limit the card's appeal for growing businesses seeking expense automation that can keep up.

5. Ramp Business Credit Card

Ramp specializes in providing financial tools for small and medium-sized businesses. Its business card offers 1.5% back on purchases with no annual fee. Because it comes with built-in expense management capabilities and spend controls, it’s an enticing entry point for many types of organizations that don’t need access to high credit limits or extensive rewards.

• Annual fee: $0
• APR: N/A
• Foreign transaction fee: N/A
• Typical spending limit range: Variable based on business finances, but typically up to $100,000

Key benefits

• 1.5% cash back rewards
• No annual fee or foreign transaction fees
• Unlimited employee cards

Drawbacks

• Must have $50,000 in cash in any US business bank account to qualify
• No 24/7 customer support
• Credit limits can be more conservative compared to other cards

The ramp business credit card hits the sweet spot for small companies — it has decent expense tracking, helpful spend analysis, and cash back rewards. But it's not built for scale, which makes it worth considering ramp alternatives, especially for fast-growing startups or larger businesses that need features like robust ERP integrations, 24/7 support, and access to high credit limits.

No personal guarantee business credit cards can provide significant advantages for entrepreneurs and business owners. Let's explore five key benefits of these financial tools.

1. Separation of personal and business finances

One of the most significant advantages of no personal guarantee business credit cards is their clear separation of personal and business finances. This distinction helps simplify accounting and tax preparation processes, maintain the corporate veil (which is essential for limiting personal liability in business matters), and provide a clearer picture of business expenses and cash flow, aiding in financial decision-making. Business owners who use a card without a personal guarantee can ensure their company's financials remain separate from their personal finances, which is better for financial and legal reasons.

2. Protection of personal credit scores

Traditional business credit cards often impact the owner's personal credit score since the individual is personally liable for the debt. No personal guarantee cards, however, typically don't report to personal credit bureaus. They report to business credit bureaus. This means that business credit activities won't affect the owner's personal credit score, large business expenses or temporary cash flow issues won't jeopardize personal creditworthiness, and owners can maintain strong personal credit scores. This separation also allows business owners to build their company's credit profile independently, without risking their personal credit standing.

3. Higher credit limits based on business performance

No personal guarantee cards often base their credit limits on the business's financial health and performance rather than the owner's personal credit history. This approach can lead to higher credit limits that align with the business's actual needs and cash flow, the potential for credit limit increases as the business grows, and access to more capital without the constraints of personal credit limits or income. For rapidly growing businesses or those with significant operating expenses, this can provide much-needed financial flexibility and support expansion efforts.

4. Reduced personal financial risk

The most obvious benefit of no personal guarantee cards is the reduction in personal financial risk. In case of business failure or bankruptcy, the owner's personal assets are not at risk because of the company’s credit card debt. Business owners can also focus on growth without worrying about personal financial repercussions, which can be especially beneficial for businesses in high-risk industries or early-stage startups that are still finding their footing. This reduced risk can encourage entrepreneurship and allow founders to make bolder strategic decisions without fear of personal financial ruin.

Bottom line? No personal guarantee business credit cards can help you grow. They keep your business and personal finances separate, open up access to higher spending limits, and protect your personal assets. Just remember to read the fine print and pick a card that makes sense for your business. When you're not worried about your personal finances being at risk, you can put all your energy into what really matters: successfully your business and helping it grow.

Higher credit limits

High limit business credit cards offer certain advantages, like the ability to make large inventory purchases confidently or finance major projects without relying on unfavorable bank loans. However, conventional card providers often base their decisions heavily on personal credit scores, which may not reflect your business's true capacity or potential. This can lead to low credit limits that don't match your company's actual revenue or growth trajectory.

Fortunately, more cards are accommodating today’s founders and business operators. The Brex Business Card, for example, uses an innovative underwriting approach to offer credit limits that can be 10-20 times higher than traditional cards. Instead of focusing on personal credit scores, Brex evaluates your company's cash reserves and revenue to help inform your limit, which can benefit rapidly expanding startups or businesses with healthy cash flows but limited credit history.

Rewards programs

Some corporate business credit cards limit their rewards to cash back or statement credits. These programs often provide minimal returns on your business spending and often compare to personal credit card cash back offers.

Other business cards offer miles as rewards. However, these may not be ideal if your company doesn't travel often or isn't loyal to a particular airline.

To evaluate different rewards programs effectively:

1. Identify your major expense categories (e.g., advertising, travel, software).
2. Focus on cards offering bonus rewards or multipliers in these areas.
3. Compare earning rates and redemption options across various cards to determine which program offers the most value for your specific business.

The optimal rewards program for your company should provide substantial multipliers on your primary spending categories and offer versatile redemption options. The Brex Business Card allows you to convert your reward points into cash back, miles, statement credit, or even billboards for brand promotion, providing flexibility to suit your business needs.

Fees

The fees associated with business credit cards can add up fast, extending beyond just annual charges. While no annual fee business credit cards are available, it's important to consider all potential costs when choosing a business credit card, including those that may be less obvious.

When selecting a business credit card, evaluate all possible fees, even those that might be hidden. For companies operating internationally, foreign transaction fees can significantly impact profits, with some cards charging up to 3% per transaction. Late payment penalties can also be substantial, with some issuers imposing APRs as high as 29.99%.

Further, certain providers charge for each additional user, which can become a considerable expense for expanding businesses, particularly those with decentralized teams or a long list of vendors.

As your business grows, you may require dozens or even hundreds of company credit cards for employees and vendors across various departments and locations. Ideally, you shouldn't have to pay a fee each time you issue a physical or virtual business credit card. Additionally, you shouldn't need to circumvent these fees by sharing cards, as this complicates expense tracking and increases the risk of unauthorized use.

Seek out a card that functions in multiple currencies to avoid FX fees and doesn't charge for extra employee or vendor cards. This approach will enable you to expand your operations without incurring additional expenses.

Great customer service and support

Imagine you’re on a business trip for a client meeting when your card is suddenly declined. You might find yourself wasting hours waiting on hold, only to finally reach an agent who can assist. Worse yet, you could be instructed to call back during regular business hours.

Certain credit card companies limit their customer support to weekday business hours. Others depend on sluggish ticketing systems or email support, potentially leaving you without a resolution to urgent matters for days. This can be particularly problematic for businesses with teams spread across various time zones.

For this reason, round-the-clock customer service is essential. Seek out a provider that offers expert support through multiple channels — phone, live chat, and email — available at any time you might need assistance. This ensures that regardless of when or where an issue arises, you'll have access to immediate help, minimizing disruptions to your business operations and potentially embarrassing situations.

Exclusive partner discounts

When evaluating business credit cards, consider not only the rewards program but also the available discounts that can take the edge off operational expenses and support growth.

While many business credit cards promote partner discounts as a key feature, the actual value of these offers can vary. Some cards provide discounts with limited practical application for most businesses. For instance, a card might offer an annual credit of $100 restricted to personal streaming services like Spotify or Apple TV — a pleasant extra, but hardly impactful on your company's financial performance.

The most beneficial partner discounts provide substantial savings on business essentials such as software subscriptions, cloud services, shipping, office supplies, and digital advertising. These discounts can save thousands of dollars annually, directly affecting your operational costs and profitability.

Evaluate how these discounts align with your current and anticipated business needs. A significant discount on a service you currently use or plan to adopt can deliver immediate value. Moreover, partner offers can serve as an excellent opportunity to explore new tools or services that could enhance your business operations without committing to full-price subscriptions.

Some card providers, like Brex, offer partner perks valued at up to $180,000. These include credits for crucial business services such as AWS, UPS, Zoom, Slack, and QuickBooks. When choosing a business credit card, prioritize those offering discounts that align closely with your specific business requirements.

The days of entrepreneurs betting their personal assets on every business move are fading into the rearview mirror. No personal guarantee business credit cards are a new era in business finance.

The Brex card is leading this charge, redefining what's possible in business credit. It's not just about avoiding personal guarantees — it's about aligning credit with your business's true potential, not your personal credit history.

But let's be clear: this isn't just about getting another credit card. It's about fundamentally changing how you approach growth, risk, and opportunity in your business. It's about sleeping better at night, knowing your personal finances aren't on the line with every business decision. It's about dreaming bigger and reaching further.

As you consider your next steps, think about where your business is headed. Are you poised for rapid growth? Are you breaking into new markets? Are you finally ready to make that big move you've been planning?

However, no financial tool is one-size-fits-all. While Brex is pioneering this space, do your due diligence. Consider your business's unique needs, growth trajectory, and financial habits. The right choice isn't just about features and rewards — it's about finding a financial partner that aligns with your vision and supports your journey.

The financial barriers that held back countless entrepreneurs are crumbling, replaced by opportunities limited only by your ambition and creativity. The future of your business is in your hands. With the right tools and mindset, there's no telling how far you can go.

Ready to chart your course in this new world of business credit? Sign up for a Brex card today and go full steam ahead.