How to Get a Business Credit Card With an EIN Only

If you own a small business, there’s a good chance you either have an EIN—or are planning to apply for one in the future. An EIN, or Employer Identification Number, is a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). It identifies your business entity. Regardless of the type of business, you can apply for an EIN for free through the IRS.

Credit card companies typically allow you to include your EIN when applying for a business credit card. Including your number can help build up your business credit and separate your business expenses from personal spending. It’s especially rare to find business credit cards that allow you to apply with an EIN only, but they exist and may be a better option depending on your circumstances.

EIN-Only Business Credit Cards

Brex Card

The Brex Card is a corporate credit card geared toward startups with cash flow. It earns bonus rewards on select rideshare, Brex travel, restaurant, and software purchases. You must meet eligibility criteria to earn rewards with the Brex Card.

Brex requires no personal guarantee and doesn't use individual credit scores for underwriting. Instead, eligibility and credit limits are based on a company's cash flow. The application process starts by filling out a contact form online. After that, a Brex representative will contact you to discuss your application and determine if you qualify.

Another unique feature of the Brex Card is that it requires automatic payments debited from a linked company bank account. Payments are monthly or daily, depending on the company types and funding. Startups may need at least $50,000 in cash flow to qualify for the card.

Ramp Business Card

The Ramp Business Card provides an avenue for incorporated small businesses to qualify for credit without a personal guarantee or credit check. The corporate card is part of Ramp's larger all-in-one, financial management platform. It earns cash back on card purchases. The Ramp Business Card has no annual fee, but, depending on the platform plan you choose, Ramp may charge a monthly subscription fee.

The Ramp Business Card does have some drawbacks. It's not available for sole proprietors, and cardholders can't carry a balance. Companies must be located in—or do most of their business—in the U.S. Also, you'll need at least $75,000 in a business bank account to qualify for the card.

FairFigure Capital Card

The FairFigure Capital Card is a business credit-builder card that requires only an EIN to apply. It does not require a personal guarantee or credit check. Approval and funding are based on your business revenue.

FairFigure reports payments to business credit bureaus, allowing you to build business credit with responsible use. As you make on-time payments, you may qualify for additional funding. There's no deposit required with the FairFigure Capital Card, and you can select between

4- or 8-week payback terms. You can also earn cash back on vendor purchases with the FairFigure Capital Card.

To qualify, your business must have existed for at least three months and have at least $2,500 in monthly deposits. The FairFigure Capital Card has no annual fee, but there is a $30 monthly fee for business credit monitoring services.

BILL Divvy Corporate Card

The BILL Divvy Corporate Card requires applicants to provide a Social Security number (SSN). The underwriting process may also include a soft personal credit inquiry, but it does not impact your personal credit score—and the card doesn't require a personal guarantee. Also, the card has no annual fee and earns rewards on all card purchases.

The card comes as part of BILL Spend & Expense, the company's expense-management platform. The service is free to use. Credit lines range from $500 up to $5 million. Qualifying for the BILL Divvy Corporate Card may be challenging for some small businesses. Some of the requirements include having a cash balance over $20,000 and a good to very good credit score.

Why should you apply for a business credit card with an EIN?

Applying for a credit card with an EIN allows business owners to establish a credit history and a credit profile for their business. Card activity and payments are reported to commercial credit bureaus. Responsibly using and paying off your business credit card can build credit for your business, potentially opening the door to other financing opportunities later.

Having an EIN attached to your business credit card also helps to separate business and personal finances. This separation is especially beneficial for tracking business-related expenses and for tax reporting.

Can you apply for a business card with just an EIN?

In rare instances, some credit card issuers may allow you to apply for a business credit card with only your EIN. Generally, issuers also require applications to include their Social Security number. When an application calls for a Social Security number, it's used to perform a hard inquiry of your personal credit profile. Hard credit checks can temporarily cause your credit score to drop several points.

While it would be great to skip this step as a business owner, it could also be helpful—especially if you have no business credit or your personal credit profile exceeds your business credit.

Even if a business credit card application requires a Social Security number, as long as you input your EIN, card activity is reported to commercial credit bureaus.

How to obtain an EIN

You can apply for an EIN through the IRS for free. U.S.-based businesses and those located in U.S. territories can apply for an EIN online, by mail, or by fax. International businesses can contact the IRS directly via mail, fax, or telephone. There is no option to apply online.

Applying online is the quickest option. If approved, you’ll receive an EIN immediately online. The time frame to receive an EIN through other avenues can take several business days (or longer). Here are the steps you need to take to apply for an EIN.

1. Gather your information: You must provide information about yourself and your business during the application process. Required information includes but is not limited to:

   • Full name of the business entity or individual.
   • Physical address.
   • Contact information.
   • Name of the responsible party.
   • Social Security number or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN).
   • Your reason for applying.
   • Business entity type.
   • Employee information.
   • Business activity.

2. Choose your preferred method of applying: Depending on your business's location, you may have the option to apply online. This is the quickest way to obtain an EIN, but you can also apply by mail, fax, or phone.

3. Submit your application: Fill out the application, completely and honestly. Double-check that the information you’ve provided is accurate and submit your application.

4. Receive a determination: The IRS uses the information provided to determine eligibility for an EIN. If applying online, the process occurs immediately, and if you’re approved, you’ll receive your new EIN during the online session. The process can take up to several business days—or longer if you apply through other methods.

Are there safer alternatives for business owners?

Because EIN-only cards are typically corporate cards, they carry specific requirements you may not meet as a small business. Even if you qualify for one of these cards, it may not be the best move for your business.

Other business-financing options are available, often secured with only an EIN. Compare these alternatives to decide which makes the most sense for your specific needs.

Invoice factoring

Businesses may have the opportunity to receive funds through invoice factoring quickly. The service allows businesses to sell their invoices to a third party, often at a discount, in exchange for funding. In addition to increased cash flow, third parties typically take over the collection of outstanding invoices.

Credit through suppliers

If you regularly make business purchases through the same vendors or suppliers, you may qualify for credit through them directly if it’s available. You'll have access to make purchases now and pay later. Terms may vary depending on the supplier but can range from as short as net 10 up to net 180 (or longer).

Merchant cash advances

Some vendors may offer a cash advance for future purchases based on your past purchase history. Terms tend to be shorter than traditional financing.

TIME Stamp: Start establishing business credit now

Building your business credit profile can help you qualify for better rates and access additional funds, providing more capital for your day-to-day operations.

If you’re in the market for a business credit card, consider your needs and the benefits provided as you compare card options. While some unique cards exist that allow you to apply without a Social Security number, you could be missing out on cards better suited to your business spending.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Can a small business owner apply for a credit card with only an EIN?

Some corporate credit cards or secured business cards may require only an EIN to apply. However, card issuers typically require a Social Security number to apply for more traditional business credit cards.

Can you get a business credit card without an SSN?

Most business credit cards require you to include your Social Security number when applying. Some corporate credit cards and secured business cards exist that allow you to apply with just an EIN.

Should you apply for a business card with your SSN?

Generally, you’re required to provide your Social Security number when you apply for a business credit card. While your personal credit score can take a small hit, it’s a good idea to include it if you haven’t established business credit yet.