Not all cards are created equally. Before exploring the different options, let’s run down the top things to consider when evaluating credit cards for startups.

Interest rates and fees

Annual fees are just the beginning. When considering a business credit card, it's important to read the fine print for any potential hidden fees. The true cost of credit can significantly impact your bottom line, especially for a startup operating on thin margins.

Pay attention to the interest rates, typically expressed as an Annual Percentage Rate (APR). Interest rates represent the yearly cost of carrying a balance on your card. There’s also Purchase APR — the interest rate you pay on card purchases after making the minimum payment set by your issuer.

There are also balance transfer fees, cash advance fees, late payment fees, and over-limit fees can all add up quickly. Some no-annual-fee cards make up for it with higher interest rates or other hidden costs.

Even if you choose a card with minimal fees, it’s still good financial practice to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges and build business credit. It’s also important to avoid costly cash advances.

Above all, look closely at the card’s foreign transaction (FX) fees. FX fees can be 3% or higher. Those charges will eat into your profits if you do business abroad or plan to go global in the future.

Rewards programs

Most business credit cards offer some type of rewards program, typically in the form of cash back, points, or travel miles. While they all provide varying degrees of value, it's crucial to select a program that aligns with your spending patterns.

For a business that does a lot of travel, a card with travel rewards and multipliers on flights, cars, and hotels might be more beneficial. And startups that use their card for everyday purchases might be drawn to a flat cash back program.

When evaluating rewards programs, look beyond the headline rates. A flat 1% cash back rate keeps things simple, but it doesn't return much value. Consider factors such as earning rates (points per dollar spent), redemption options, and any restrictions or blackout dates that might limit the usefulness of the rewards.

Remember, the best rewards program is one that provides value on your most significant and frequent expenses. A card offering extra points on travel might sound great, but if your startup doesn’t take a lot of business trips, you won't see much benefit.

You’ll also want a program with flexible redemption options, enabling you to redeem your rewards however you want — statement credit, cash back, miles, or unique options like billboard advertising and executive coaching.

Exclusive partner discounts

In addition to rewards, look for exclusive partner discounts when evaluating credit cards for businesses with little or no credit history. These perks can return substantial value with savings on essential business services and products.

For example, some cards offer discounts on software subscriptions, cloud computing services, office supplies, or shipping. These savings can directly impact your bottom line by reducing your overall operational costs.

When evaluating cards, consider the potential value of these partner discounts in tandem with rewards. A card that offers substantial savings on services you already use — or plan to use in the future — could save you hundreds of thousands of dollars over time.

No personal guarantee

Many traditional business credit cards require a personal guarantee. That leaves you, the business owner, personally responsible for any debt accrued on the business card. This can put your personal assets at risk if your startup encounters financial difficulties.

Cards that don't require a personal guarantee offer a layer of protection for entrepreneurs. They separate personal and business finances, shielding personal assets from business liabilities. This can provide peace of mind and reduce financial stress, allowing you to focus on growing your business rather than worrying about personal financial exposure.

For startups, especially those in high-risk or volatile industries, a card without a personal guarantee can be particularly valuable. It allows you to build business credit and access necessary funds without putting your own credit score on the line.

Higher credit limits as you grow

For startups, access to credit is often as crucial as the credit itself. Many credit card issuers will set your limits based on outdated underwriting practices. For example, businesses that have been in operation for less than a year can be given frustratingly low credit limits with no clear path to higher limits. They just don’t have the credit history that typical underwriting models demand.

Low credit limits can hinder your business growth and cash flow management. This is particularly problematic for rapidly growing businesses with high operational costs.

Cards that offer higher credit limits, especially those that increase limits as your business grows, provide the financial flexibility you need to seize opportunities and manage business demands.

High limits can enable you to make large inventory purchases, fund marketing campaigns, or cover unexpected expenses without juggling multiple cards or seeking high-fee bank loans.

A higher credit limit, when used responsibly, can also help improve your credit utilization ratio — a key factor in determining your business credit score. This, in turn, can lead to more favorable financing opportunities in the future.Look for a business credit card provider that offers high initial limits and a track record of increasing limits for responsible cardholders. This scalability can be a valuable asset as your business grows and your financial needs evolve.

Now that you know what to consider when choosing a card, let’s look at the best startup business credit cards that don’t require a credit check, starting with the Brex Business Credit Card.

1. The Brex Business Credit Card

The Brex Business Credit Card is designed specifically for startups and growing businesses. It's part of Brex's comprehensive spend management platform, which includes expense management, bill pay, business banking services, and travel booking and management. This integrated approach sets Brex apart from traditional card issuers, offering a holistic solution for startups and scaling companies.

• 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

Multi-currency support: Brex is a truly global card with card acceptance in over 200 countries and territories. This extensive reach is complemented by the ability to issue physical and virtual business credit cards in more than 20 currencies, helping businesses avoid costly FX fees. Brex also facilitates reimbursements in local bank accounts and currencies. This is essential for companies with international operations (or aspirations) to avoid costly FX fees and simplify expense management across entities.

Founder-friendly rewards program: Brex's rewards program is tailored to the needs of modern businesses. It offers multipliers on key spending categories such as software subscriptions, travel, and dining. What sets Brex apart is the flexibility in redemption options. Points can be redeemed for cash back, travel, statement credit, or even unique options like billboard advertising and team offsites — providing value that goes beyond traditional reward structures.

Exclusive partner discounts: Brex offers partner perks worth up to $180,000 in value. The exclusive partner discounts include substantial credits towards essential business services like AWS, QuickBooks, Slack, UPS, and Zoom. Plus, you can earn 3x rewards points on Apple products like MacBooks, iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. These discounts can significantly reduce your operational costs, providing serious value beyond the card's rewards program.

No personal guarantee: Unlike many business credit cards, Brex does not require a personal guarantee. This means founders don't have to put their personal assets at risk when using the card for business expenses. This separation of personal and business finances provides peace of mind and financial flexibility for entrepreneurs.

Tailored credit limits: Brex takes an innovative approach to determining credit limits. Instead of relying solely on personal credit scores, Brex considers factors like your company's cash balance, revenue streams, and spending patterns to assess the true potential of your business. This can result in limits up to 10-20x higher than other business credit cards, providing the spending power your startup needs to fuel growth.

Automated expense management: Brex's integrated spend platform offers powerful expense management tools and automation. For example, Brex auto-generates receipts for thousands of merchants and auto-populates the details, saving hours on receipt collection and manual entry.

Drawbacks

Brex is not designed for small, local businesses or sole proprietors. Brex is for professionally funded startups and scaling companies who are looking to make every dollar count and gain better control over their spend.

2. OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card

The OpenSky Secured Visa Credit Card offered by Capital Bank is designed for individuals and small businesses who need to build or rebuild credit. It's a secured credit card, so it requires a security deposit that also dictates your credit limit.

• Annual fee: $35

• APR: 25.64% variable

• Foreign transaction fee: 3.3%

• Variable minimum credit score requirement: No credit check required

• Typical spending limit range: $200-$3,000

Key benefits:

• No credit check required

• Can be funded via bank account or money order

• Can help to establish/build business credit

Drawbacks:

• No rewards program

• Cash deposit required

• Line of credit dependent on security deposit

• Annual fee

• High APR

The OpenSky Secured Visa doesn’t have a rewards program, which means you're missing out on potential value from your spending.

The requirement for a cash deposit can also be a significant hurdle for cash-strapped startups. Your credit limit is directly tied to the amount you deposit, which can severely limit your spending power.

The card also comes with an annual fee, albeit a modest one. While $35 might not break the bank, it's an unnecessary expense when there are no-annual-fee options available. And the 25.64% APR can lead to substantial interest charges if you carry a balance.

Lastly, the 3.3% foreign transaction fee makes this card unsuitable for businesses with international expenses. In contrast, cards like Brex offer no foreign transaction fees and multi-currency support to better serve businesses with global operations or ambitions.

3. BILL Divvy Corporate Card

BILL, formerly known as Bill.com, acquired Divvy in an attempt to create an integrated spend management platform. The BILL Divvy Corporate Card is part of this offering and aims to provide businesses with a tool for managing expenses and cash flow.

• Annual fee: $0

• APR: N/A

• Foreign transaction fee: Up to 0.9%

• Variable minimum credit score requirement: 700-850

• Typical spending limit range: Starting at $1,000

Key benefits:

• No annual fee

• No hard credit check

• Physical and virtual credit cards

Drawbacks:

• Low rewards value of ~0.0051 cents/point

• Complicated rewards program

• Rewards are forfeited if you use less than 30% of your credit line

• Foreign transaction fees

The BILL Divvy Corporate Card has no annual fee, but it has several drawbacks, starting with its rewards program.

BILL’s rewards points return as little as 0.0051 cents per point. And you have to meet certain requirements to actually earn and keep your points.

If a business uses less than 30% of its credit line in a given month, all rewards earned during that period are forfeited. This policy could penalize businesses with fluctuating expenses or those that are conservatively managing their credit usage.

BILL’s 0.9% FX fee can add up for businesses with significant international expenses. In contrast, Brex offers true multi-currency support to help eliminate FX fees.

Beyond the card itself, users have been frustrated with BILL's overall platform. From its clunky UX to difficulties with submitting expenses, BILL falls short for businesses seeking a cohesive all-in-one financial management solution.

4. Stripe Corporate Card

Stripe, a well-known name in online payment processing, is now looking to venture into the credit card space with its Stripe Corporate Card. This card is only available to existing Stripe users in the United States.

• Annual fee: $0

• APR: N/A

• Foreign transaction fee: N/A

• Variable minimum credit score requirement: Eligibility based on payment volume and history with Stripe

• Typical spending limit range: Unknown

Key benefits:

• Flat cash back rewards

• No annual fee

• Cards can be branded with company logo

Drawbacks:

• Card is still in beta testing phase

• Invite-only and only available to US-based companies with Stripe accounts

• Limited expense tracking tools

• New product with limited information available

• Basic spend controls with minimal customization

The Stripe Corporate Card is still in its beta testing phase, so it’s not as polished as the other, more established startup business credit cards.

You can’t apply for the card without an invite from Stripe. And Stripe is only extending invites to select US-based companies with Stripe accounts. For startups not already integrated into the Stripe ecosystem, this card is a non-starter.

Stripe offers limited expense tracking tools with basic spend controls. That’s problematic for businesses that need granular control over employee spend or want to set specific limits for different use cases.

It's worth noting that while the Stripe card doesn't charge foreign transaction fees or have an annual fee, Stripe makes its money through transaction costs on its payment processing platform. For retailers who aren’t on Stripe already, any savings from the card could be negated by switching to Stripe and incurring higher processing fees.

Even for retailers already using Stripe, the lack of expense management automation is a significant drawback. Without a full financial stack, Stripe cardholders will need to purchase additional software solutions in order to manage their finances.

5. Emburse Cards

Emburse, a company specializing in expense management solutions, offers prepaid debit cards as part of its financial products suite. These cards are primarily designed for small, newly established businesses with just a handful of employees.

• Annual fee: $0

• APR: 30.74% variable

• Foreign transaction fee: 1% + $.30 per transaction

• Variable minimum credit score requirement: Unknown

• Typical spending limit range: Unknown

Key benefits:

• Physical and virtual prepaid debit cards

• No annual fee

• Fast approvals for qualified applicants

Drawbacks:

• Doesn’t integrate directly with popular accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks Online

• Prepaid debit cards, must re-up balance

• No rewards program

• Unreliable website

• Foreign transaction fees

Emburse tends to approve qualified applicants quickly. However, this prepaid debit card isn’t a great choice for startups.

Emburse doesn’t offer direct integrations with popular ERPs like NetSuite or accounting platforms like Xero or QuickBooks Online. Without a direct, two-way sync of data between your card and your software, you’ll be saddled with lots of manual data entry, which is time-consuming and prone to errors.

And, with prepaid cards, you have to continually top up your balance. These cards also don't help to build business credit in the same way a credit card would.

Unlike other business cards, Emburse does not offer a rewards program. This means companies miss out on potential cash back or points that could provide additional value on their spending.

Users have also reported issues with the platform's user experience, describing it as clunky. This can lead to frustration and wasted time for employees and finance teams. Brex, on the other hand, has been praised for its intuitive UX on both desktop and mobile. The Brex mobile app, which offers full functionality on the go, is rated 4.9 on the Apple App Store.

Startup business credit cards with no credit check can offer many benefits for scaling companies. For starters, they’re usually easier to obtain than business cards from banks and other legacy providers.

Accessibility for all entrepreneurs

One of the primary benefits of no-credit-check business credit cards is their accessibility. These cards level the playing field, providing equal opportunity for all entrepreneurs to access credit, regardless of their personal or business credit history. That’s particularly valuable for first-time business owners and those who may have faced financial challenges in the past.

By removing the barrier of a credit check, these cards enable startups to access essential financial tools from day one. This can be crucial for managing cash flow, making necessary purchases, and establishing a financial foundation for the business.

Building business credit from the ground up

Credit cards for new businesses with no credit history (EIN-only) offer an opportunity for startups to establish and build their business credit profile. By using these cards responsibly — making purchases and paying off the balances on time — businesses can begin to create a positive credit history.

A strong business credit score can open doors to better financing options in the future. As your business grows and your credit improves, you may become eligible for loans with better terms, higher credit limits, and more favorable interest rates.

Also, building business credit separately from personal credit helps create a clear division between personal and business finances. This separation is not only important for legal and tax purposes but can also protect personal credit scores from being impacted by your business’s financial activities.

Managing cash flow and operational costs

Startup business credit cards that don’t require a credit check can provide a financial cushion to cover operational costs, especially in the early stages of a business when revenue may be inconsistent.

From bulk inventory purchases to big-splash marketing expenses, high limit business credit cards can help you bridge the gap when your cash reserves are low. They can effectively serve as 30-day interest-free loans. Of course, it’s best to never overextend yourself and to pay your balance in full every month.

While startup business credit cards with no credit check can be useful financial tools, they're not the only option available to new businesses. Here’s a quick look at other ways to access capital, along with their pros and cons.

Small business loans

Small business loans come in various forms, including SBA (Small Business Administration) loans, term loans, and equipment financing. While many traditional loans do require a credit check, some alternative lenders offer options for businesses with limited credit history.

SBA loans have fairly lenient requirements and favorable terms — the Small Business Administration guarantees a portion of the loan. However, the application process can take up to 90 days.

Term loans provide a lump sum of capital, but they must be repaid in one year or less. These can be useful for large purchases or investments, but they require at least some business history and they come with fixed interest rates.

Equipment financing

Equipment financing allows businesses to purchase necessary equipment while spreading the cost over time. The equipment itself often serves as collateral, which can make these loans easier to qualify for, even with limited credit history.

While loans can provide larger amounts of capital than credit cards, they often come with stricter repayment terms. It's crucial to carefully consider your ability to repay before taking on any loan.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding has emerged as a popular alternative financing method for startups. In fact, crowdfunding has become an integral part of the startup fundraising ecosystem, offering a unique way to raise capital while also validating product ideas and building a customer base. Platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and GoFundMe allow businesses to raise funds directly from consumers or investors.

There are several types of crowdfunding:

• Reward-based crowdfunding offers backers a product or service in exchange for their support.

• Equity crowdfunding allows businesses to sell small amounts of equity to a large number of investors.

• Donation-based crowdfunding is typically used for charitable causes but can sometimes work for businesses with a strong social mission.

Crowdfunding can be an excellent way to validate your product or service while raising funds. It can also help build a customer base and generate buzz around your brand. However, running a successful crowdfunding campaign requires significant effort in marketing and community building.

Keep in mind that crowdfunding platforms often take a percentage of the funds raised. And there may be restrictions on the types of projects that can be funded.

Merchant cash advances

Merchant cash advances (MCAs) provide a lump sum payment in exchange for a portion of future sales. These can be easier to qualify for than traditional loans, as they're based more on business performance than credit history.

MCAs can provide quick access to capital, often with funds available within days of approval. They can be particularly useful for businesses with high-volume credit card sales, such as retail or restaurants.

However, MCAs often come with high fees and can be more expensive than traditional financing options in the long run. The repayment structure — which typically involves daily or weekly deductions from sales — can also strain cash flow.

Business lines of credit

A business line of credit provides flexible access to funds up to a predetermined limit. Unlike a term loan, you only pay interest on the amount you use, making it a versatile option for managing cash flow or covering unexpected expenses.

Lines of credit can be either secured (requiring collateral) or unsecured. Secured lines of credit may be easier to qualify for and often offer lower interest rates, but they put your business assets at risk if you default.

Many lenders offer a business line of credit for startups with limited credit history, basing approval more on factors like revenue and time in business. Some online lenders even offer business credit cards with no credit check that function similarly to a line of credit.

The main advantage of a line of credit is its flexibility — you can draw funds as needed and only pay interest on what you use. This can make it a more cost-effective option than a term loan for businesses with fluctuating capital needs.

However, lines of credit often come with variable interest rates, which can make costs unpredictable. They may also require regular renewals and reviews, which can be time-consuming.

Startup business credit cards with no credit check can be essential tools for new businesses. They provide access to capital, help build credit, and offer rewards on everyday spending. However, not all cards are created equal.

The Brex Business Credit Card stands out in this landscape, offering a comprehensive solution that goes beyond just credit. With its integrated spend management platform, Brex provides expense tracking and bill pay tools as well as startup banking solutions, all designed to help startups optimize their financial operations.

Brex's unique approach to credit limits, which considers factors beyond just credit and business history, can provide startups with the spending power they need to fuel growth. And there’s no credit check or personal guarantee required, so you can get the spending power you need to grow your business without risking your personal assets.

The Brex rewards program, tailored to the needs of modern businesses, ensures that every dollar spent contributes to your bottom line. Plus, the Brex Business Credit Card is a truly global, multi-currency card that eliminates foreign transaction fees.

While other options like secured cards or prepaid debit cards can help small businesses access credit, they often come with limitations that can hinder growth. Brex, on the other hand, offers a full financial stack designed to scale with you.

With Brex, you can start with the $0 user/month Essentials plan, which includes global corporate credit cards, a high-yield-earning banking solution, integrated spend management, and more. Then, when your business is ready, you can step up to premium features like in-app travel management and custom procurement flows.

By choosing a solution like Brex, you're not just getting a credit card — you're gaining a financial partner that can help drive your business forward.

Ready to take your startup to the next level? Sign for a business credit card that works as hard as you do.