Best business credit cards for sole proprietors

If you operate as a sole proprietor, freelancer, independent contractor, or self-employed professional, you can apply for many US business credit cards without forming an LLC or corporation.

Best Business Credit Cards for Sole Proprietors in the USA (2026)

Here are my top recommendations, particularly if you prefer no annual fees.

Top 7 business credit cards

Chase Ink Business Unlimited review: A basic cash-back card for small business owners

1. Chase Ink Business Unlimited

Best overall

Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Unlimited 1.5% cashback.
Intro APR: 0% for 12 months on purchases, subject to offer terms.
Best for: General business expenses.

Official website

American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Review

2. Amex Blue Business Cash

Best for cashback

Annual fee: $0
Rewards: 2% on eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%.
Best for: Freelancers with regular business purchases.

Official website

Our Best Cash Rewards Business Credit Card | Signify Business Cash

3. Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash

Best unlimited 2% cashback

Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Unlimited 2% cashback.
Best for: Sole proprietors with varied spending.

Official website

Chase Ink Business Cards Offer $900 Cash Back Intro Bonus | Money

4. Chase Ink Business Cash

Annual fee: $0
Rewards: 5% on eligible office supply and internet, cable and phone purchases within applicable limits.
Best for: Home-based businesses and consultants.

Official website

U.S. Bank Business Triple Cash Rewards — $0 Annual Fee | MaxRewards

5. U.S. Bank Triple Cash Rewards Visa Business

Annual fee: $0
Rewards: 3% in eligible gas, EV charging, office supply, cell phone and restaurant categories.
Best for: Contractors with fuel and operating expenses.

Official website

Best Cash Back Business Credit Cards: The Essential Guide 2026

6. Capital One Spark 1% Classic for Business

Fair-credit option

Annual fee: $0
Rewards: 1% cashback.
Best for: Business owners with fair credit.

Official website

7 Best Secured Business Credit Cards

7. Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured

Annual fee: $0
Rewards: 1.5% cashback.
Security deposit: Starting at $1,000.
Best for: Applicants who need a secured business-card option.

Official website

These selections are based on current 2026 comparisons and issuer information.

CNBC+3

Comparison table

Credit card	Annual fee	Cashback
Chase Ink Unlimited	$0	1.5%
Amex Blue Business Cash	$0	2% up to $50K
Wells Fargo Signify	$0	2%
Chase Ink Cash	$0	Up to 5%
U.S. Bank Triple Cash	$0	Up to 3%
Capital One Spark Classic	$0	1%
BofA Secured Business	$0	1.5%

Can you apply without an LLC or EIN?

Yes. Many issuers accept sole proprietors.

You may be able to apply using:

Your legal name as the business name.
Your SSN instead of an EIN, where permitted.
Your personal address if you have no separate business office.
Your actual business income and business activity.

Most traditional business cards still require a personal guarantee and evaluate your personal creditworthiness.

Chase+2

My recommendation by credit profile

Personal credit score	Cards to investigate
580–629	Secured business card options
630–669	Capital One Spark Classic
670–699	Compare entry-level business cards
700–739	Chase Ink, Amex Blue Business Cash
740+	Compare premium rewards and welcome offers

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