Quick facts
Time
7-minute read
Cost
$0 to apply; card annual fees range from $0 to $95 for the Chase Ink cards covered here
Potential value
current Chase Ink welcome offers of $750 cash back or 100,000 points
Best for
freelancers, gig workers, resellers, tutors, consultants, and anyone earning money on their own
TL;DR
- Yes, you can. Chase says sole proprietors, independent contractors, freelancers, and gig workers may be eligible for business credit cards, and that you don’t need an LLC or a formal business in most cases.
- No EIN? Use your SSN. Both Chase and American Express say you can use your own Social Security number as the tax ID if you don’t have an Employer Identification Number.
- $0 revenue is allowed. Chase says a new business can enter $0 for annual revenue, and that a lack of revenue won’t automatically get you rejected.
- Your personal credit still matters. Chase says issuers typically look at your personal credit score and history, and the owner is usually personally responsible for the balance.
- Be honest on the application. Chase warns against inflating your information. Never invent a business or revenue to get a card.
Every issuer statement below was checked November 3, 2026 on Chase’s and American Express’s official pages, linked in each section. Card offers were checked the same day on Chase’s card pages. If we couldn’t confirm something on an official page that day, we left it out.
What counts as a “business” for a credit card application
A lot of people assume a business card is only for companies with an office, employees, and an LLC. That’s not how the issuers describe it.
Chase’s guide to who can apply for a business credit card describes sole proprietors as self-employed people who do business activities without registering as any other type of business. Its examples include personal trainers, tutors, bakery owners, online clothing resellers, housekeepers, consultants, hair stylists, nail technicians, and plumbers.
In its article on getting a business credit card without a business, Chase says that if you earn money independently you’re likely eligible, “whether you walk dogs for extra income or have a full-time freelance writing business,” and that most cards are open to you as long as you’re attempting to earn a profit.
American Express says something similar in its piece on whether a business card is right for you: a business account and card could be an important first step for solopreneurs, freelancers, and anyone with a side hustle, and you could qualify if you operate as a sole proprietor.
The key word in all of this is real. Driving for a rideshare app, selling on Etsy, editing videos for clients, or tutoring on weekends all count as earning money independently. Buying a card to “start a business someday” with no actual activity is a different story, and it’s not something we’d recommend.
EIN or SSN: which tax ID to use
This is the question that stops most people. Here’s what the issuers say:
- Chase: “If you don’t have an EIN, use your personal SSN,” per its guide on how to fill out a business credit card application. Its sole proprietor guide adds that some business cards require an EIN, but many let you apply with your SSN.
- American Express: lists the taxpayer ID number as your “Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN), or your own Social Security Number if you don’t have one.”
If you already have an EIN for your business, use it. If you’re a one-person operation that never got one, your SSN is the standard choice on these applications.
How to fill out the application as a sole proprietor
Chase’s application guide lists the details most business card applications ask for. Here’s how each one typically works for a side hustle, using Chase’s own guidance:
| Field | What Chase says to enter |
|---|---|
| Business name | Your own name, if you don’t have a formal business name |
| Business address | Your legal business location, which can be your home address |
| Business type | Usually sole proprietorship, LLC, or corporation; choose sole proprietorship if you haven’t registered another structure |
| Tax ID | Your EIN, or your SSN if you don’t have an EIN |
| Annual business revenue | What the business makes per year; a new business can enter $0 |
| Years in business | How long you’ve been operating |
| Number of employees | If you’re the only employee, enter one |
Chase also says you may need to provide financial statements or proof of income or business ownership, and that inaccurate or incomplete information can lead to a rejection. Amex says you may be asked for documents such as a business license, formation documents, or bank statements, and that some applications go into pending status for further review.
A few practical tips
- Estimate honestly. If your side hustle brought in $4,000 last year, put $4,000. If it’s brand new, $0 is fine according to Chase. Higher numbers you can’t support only create problems if the issuer asks for proof.
- Pick the industry that fits. Chase’s application asks for your industry; choose the one that best describes your actual work.
- Your personal income is separate. Most business applications also ask about you personally, so your regular job income goes in the personal section, not the business revenue field.
- Keep the card for business spending. The whole point is separating business and personal expenses, which also makes bookkeeping and taxes easier.
How your personal credit fits in
A business card is not a way around your personal credit. Chase says issuers typically look at your personal credit score and financial history when you apply, and that some issuers may require a minimum credit score for business cards.
Chase also says that after the initial inquiry of your personal credit, your business credit line becomes separate, so your business card’s utilization and payment history “might not affect your personal credit score.” At the same time, Chase notes the business owner is usually personally responsible for the credit line, meaning you owe any unpaid balance.
Two takeaways. First, check your credit before you apply, just as you would for a personal card. Second, treat the card like any other debt you’re on the hook for: pay it in full every month, because interest wipes out the value of any rewards.
Why a side hustler would want one
Beyond tidier books, business cards often come with bigger welcome offers than personal cards, and they earn extra on categories small businesses actually spend on. Here’s what Chase’s three most popular Ink cards offered when we checked on November 3, 2026:
| Card | Annual fee | Welcome offer | Main earning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ink Business Preferred | $95 | 100,000 points after $8,000 in purchases in the first 3 months | 3X on the first $150,000 a year in combined shipping, social media and search engine ads, travel, and internet, cable, and phone services; 1X elsewhere |
| Ink Business Cash | $0 | $750 cash back after $6,000 in purchases in the first 3 months | 5% on the first $25,000 a year at office supply stores and on internet, cable, and phone services; 2% on the first $25,000 a year at gas stations and restaurants; 1% elsewhere |
| Ink Business Unlimited | $0 | $750 cash back after $6,000 in purchases in the first 3 months | Unlimited 1.5% on every purchase |
Sources: Chase’s Ink Business Preferred, Ink Business Cash, and Ink Business Unlimited pages, checked November 3, 2026. Chase says the bonus may not be available if you’ve ever had that card, and for the two no-fee cards, if you’ve ever had any other Chase for Business card without an annual fee. More on the no-fee pair in our post on Chase’s $750 Ink Cash and Ink Unlimited offers.
The points angle
Chase tracks Ink Cash and Ink Unlimited rewards as points, with each $1 in cash back equal to 100 points. The Ink Business Preferred earns Ultimate Rewards points that can be transferred to Chase’s airline and hotel partners. Chase’s Ink Business Preferred page notes that starting October 1, 2026, Ultimate Rewards points transfer to World of Hyatt at a rate of 4:3, so 1,000 points become 750 Hyatt points. Our Chase Ultimate Rewards transfer partners guide covers the rest.
That’s why many points collectors pair a no-fee Ink card with a card that can transfer points, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred. Check the current rules for combining points in your Chase account before counting on it.
Mistakes to avoid
- Inventing a business or revenue. Chase specifically tells applicants not to inflate information. Apply only if you actually earn, or are actively trying to earn, money on your own.
- Chasing a bonus you can’t reach. $6,000 or $8,000 in 3 months is a lot for a small side hustle. Only go for it if your normal business spending gets you there. Our guide to the best credit card welcome bonuses lists lower-spend options.
- Mixing personal and business purchases. It defeats the bookkeeping benefit and muddies your records at tax time.
- Carrying a balance. You’re personally responsible for the debt, and interest charges cost far more than the rewards earn.
FAQ
Can I get a business credit card without an LLC?
Yes. Chase says you don’t need to set up an LLC or have a formal business in most cases, and that sole proprietors, freelancers, independent contractors, and gig workers may be eligible.
Can I apply for a business credit card with my SSN?
Yes. Chase says to use your SSN if you don’t have an EIN, and American Express lists your own Social Security number as the taxpayer ID if you don’t have an EIN.
Can I get a business credit card with no revenue?
Chase says a new business can enter $0 for annual revenue and that having no revenue yet won’t automatically result in a rejection. Issuers typically lean on your personal credit and finances instead.
Does a business credit card affect my personal credit?
Chase says applying involves an inquiry on your personal credit, and that afterward your business card’s utilization and payment history might not affect your personal score. You’re still usually personally responsible for the balance.
What should I put as my business name if I don’t have one?
Chase says sole proprietors without a formal business name may use their own name as the company name.
Do gig workers qualify for business credit cards?
Chase lists gig workers among the people who may be eligible for a business credit card, along with sole proprietors, independent contractors, and freelancers.
Bottom line
Bottom Line
If you earn money on your own, even part time, you can likely apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor using your SSN, your own name as the business name, and an honest revenue figure, even $0 if you’re just starting. Approval still leans on your personal credit, and you’re personally on the hook for the balance. If your business spending can comfortably reach the minimum, Chase’s Ink cards currently offer $750 cash back or 100,000 points.
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The Points Quest
Points Quest is educational content only, not personalized financial, tax, or legal advice. Issuer statements were checked on Chase’s and American Express’s official education pages, and card offers, fees, and earn rates on Chase’s card pages, on November 3, 2026. They can change at any time; terms apply, and cards are subject to approval. Advertiser Disclosure