Business Credit Cards for Bad Credit: Best Options and Smart Alternatives
Running a business with poor personal credit can feel overwhelming—especially when you need access to financing. While most traditional business credit cards require good to excellent credit, having a low FICO score does not automatically disqualify you from getting a business card.
In fact, business owners with credit scores below 630 still have several realistic options. These include secured business credit cards, corporate cards, and credit-building services, along with alternative financing solutions.
This guide explains which business credit cards work with bad credit, how they function, and how to choose the best option for your situation.
Can You Get a Business Credit Card with Bad Credit?
Yes. Business owners with poor personal credit generally fall into one of two categories:
- Secured Business Credit Cards
- Corporate (Charge) Cards
For most small businesses and startups, secured business credit cards are the best and most accessible option. Corporate cards, on the other hand, are designed for businesses with strong revenue and healthy cash reserves.
Let’s explore both.
Secured Business Credit Cards (Best for Most Small Businesses)
A secured business credit card requires you to provide a cash security deposit, which typically becomes your credit limit. Because the issuer holds collateral, approval is much easier—even with very low credit scores.
Why Secured Cards Are a Smart Choice
- Easier approval with bad or limited credit
- Helps build business credit history
- Responsible use can lead to an upgrade to an unsecured card
- Often report payment history to business credit bureaus
If your goal is long-term financial growth, on-time payments and low utilization are critical.
Best Secured Business Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Bank of America® Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Secured
- Best overall secured business card
- No annual fee
- Earns 1.5% cash back on all purchases
- Minimum deposit: $1,000 (equals credit limit)
- Automatic account reviews for possible upgrade
This card is widely available across the U.S. and is ideal for building business credit responsibly.
Valley Bank Visa® Secured Business Credit Card
- Available in select states (including CA, FL, NY, NJ)
- Earns 1% cash back
- Offers a 0% introductory APR for six months
A strong option for businesses located within Valley Bank’s service area.
Visions Federal Credit Union Secured Business Card
- Available in parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey
- 1% cash back, credited automatically
- Offers both secured and unsecured versions
Great for small businesses that prefer working with a credit union.
Suncoast Credit Union Business Secured Visa
- Florida-based businesses only
- Minimum credit score requirement: around 560
- Earns reward points redeemable for travel and merchandise
FNBO Business Edition Secured Mastercard®
- Limited geographic availability
- $39 annual fee
- Consider this only if other secured options aren’t accessible
Business Credit-Building Services
Some companies combine secured cards with subscription-based credit-building tools. These services help establish both personal and business credit, but they tend to be more expensive.
How Credit-Building Services Work
- Monthly subscription fees
- Reports payment history to credit bureaus
- Often include financial tracking and education tools
Popular Business Credit Builders
Lili BusinessBuild Credit Card
- Available to Lili business banking customers
- Monthly fee starts at $18, increases to $30
- Designed for startups focused on credit-building
Nav Prime Card
- Builds both personal and business credit
- Monthly cost ranges from $39.99 to $49.99
- One of the few services reporting to both credit systems
While effective, these options are best suited for business owners who need structured credit guidance and are comfortable paying monthly fees.
Corporate Cards (For Businesses with Strong Revenue)
Corporate cards typically do not require a personal credit check, but they come with strict financial requirements.
Corporate Card Requirements
- Steady business revenue
- Minimum bank balance of $20,000–$25,000
- Usually require LLC or corporation status
- Balances must be paid in full monthly
Top Corporate Card Options
Ramp Corporate Card
- No annual fee
- Advanced expense tracking tools
- Variable cash back rewards
- Requires at least $25,000 in the bank
BILL Divvy Corporate Card
- Available to sole proprietors
- Minimum bank balance: $20,000
- Earns high rewards on restaurants and hotels
- Weekly payments required for top-tier rewards
Corporate cards are best for established businesses, not startups or side hustles.
Business Credit Cards for Fair or Average Credit
If your FICO score is 630–689, you may qualify for unsecured cards with limited perks.
Options Include:
- Capital One® Spark® Classic for Business – 1% cash back, high APR, no signup bonus
- Capital on Tap Business Credit Card – 1.5% cash back, no annual fee (not for sole proprietors)
These cards offer more flexibility but still carry higher interest rates.
Alternative Financing Options for Bad Credit
If a credit card doesn’t provide enough funding, consider these alternatives:
Business Lines of Credit
- Example: Fundbox (up to $250,000)
- Minimum credit score around 600
- Requires at least six months in business
Personal Loans for Business Use
- Can provide short-term capital
- Helps rebuild personal credit
- Not ideal, but sometimes necessary
Invoice Financing & Merchant Cash Advances
- Secured by future receivables
- Easier approval
- Higher costs compared to traditional loans
These options work best for businesses with consistent sales or outstanding invoices.
How to Apply for a Business Credit Card with Bad Credit
Follow these steps to improve approval odds:
- Check your personal credit score
- Define your goals (business credit, personal credit, or both)
- Talk to your bank or credit union
- Compare fees carefully
- Apply only when confident you meet requirements
- Prepare your security deposit or financial documents
Avoid applying for multiple cards at once—it can further damage your credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a business credit card with a 500 credit score?
Yes. Secured business credit cards are often available even with scores below 500.
What credit score is needed for most business credit cards?
Most unsecured business cards require a score of 690 or higher.
Do business credit cards check personal credit?
Yes. Almost all business credit cards—including secured cards—require a personal credit check.
Final Thoughts
Bad credit doesn’t have to stop you from running or growing a business. With the right secured business credit card, responsible usage, and smart financing choices, you can rebuild credit and unlock better options over time.
The key is patience, discipline, and choosing products that align with your long-term financial goals.
