How to get a business credit card without an LLC

Yes, you can get a business credit card in the United States without forming an LLC. You can apply as a sole proprietor, freelancer, independent contractor, consultant, or self-employed individual.

How to Get a Business Credit Card Without an LLC in the USA (2026)

Most major credit card issuers offer business credit cards to eligible sole proprietors. You do not necessarily need employees, a registered corporation, or an EIN.

1. Apply as a sole proprietor

A sole proprietorship is a common business structure for individuals who earn money independently.

You may qualify if you:

Work as a freelancer or consultant.
Sell products online.
Operate a small home-based business.
Provide delivery, transportation, or other gig services.
Earn income through independent contracting.
Run a one-person service business.

You can generally use your legal personal name as your business name.

2. Documents and information you need

Prepare the following information before applying:

Requirement	What to provide
Business structure	Sole proprietor
Business name	Your legal name or trade name
Tax ID	SSN, or EIN if available
Business address	Home or business address
Business revenue	Actual annual business revenue
Business industry	Freelancing, consulting, retail, etc.
Employees	0 or 1, according to the issuer's instructions
Personal income	Accurate income information requested by the issuer

You may be able to apply without business revenue if you are starting a business, but approval depends on the issuer.

Chase+1

3. Choose a business credit card

Here are some popular options for sole proprietors:

Signify Business Cash service mark Card by Wells Fargo | Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo Signify Business Cash

$0 annual fee
Unlimited 2% cash rewards
Good for everyday business expenses

Official website

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

Chase Ink Business Unlimited

$0 annual fee
Unlimited 1.5% cashback
Suitable for freelancers and consultants

Official website

American Express Blue Business Cash™ Card Review

American Express Blue Business Cash

$0 annual fee
2% cashback on eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1%
Suitable for small businesses

Official website

4. Complete the application

The typical application process is:

Visit the credit card issuer's official website.
Select a business credit card.
Choose Sole Proprietorship as your business structure.
Enter your legal name or registered trade name.
Enter your SSN or EIN, depending on the application.
Provide accurate annual revenue and personal income.
Review the terms and submit your application.

Chase explains the application process in its business credit card application guide.

Chase

5. Important things to understand

Personal guarantee: Many small-business cards require you to personally repay the debt.
Credit check: Issuers commonly check your personal credit.
Business credit: Not every issuer reports positive payment activity to business credit bureaus.
SSN vs. EIN: An EIN does not automatically eliminate personal liability or personal credit checks.

Chase+1

6. Special note for non-U.S. applicants

If you live outside the United States, the process is different. A U.S. business address alone does not establish eligibility. Banks may require U.S. identity and tax documentation, an eligible U.S. address, and other requirements. Some issuers accept an ITIN in place of an SSN, subject to their policies.

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